Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. I rise in opposition to this and any amendment that proposes to lift the moratorium on oil and gas leasing off our coast. The moratorium has been a bipartisan, multi-State, bicoastal agreement for over 25 years, and as mentioned has been renewed annually since the 1980s. The north coast of California along my district, and I want to point out that my district has the longest run of coastline, the most miles of coastline of any district in the lower 48 States, I want you to know that people don't want this moratorium lifted. And the businesses that operate up there can't afford to have this moratorium lifted. An oil or a gas spill off my district's coast could devastate one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the world, as well as the economy that depends upon it. My north coast district is part of an upwelling zone found along the west coast. It's one of only four of these upwelling zones in the entire world. These upwelling zones bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, and they support an incredibly abundant and productive marine life, including fish. The ecosystem also supports some of the largest and the most economic fishing industries in the world. A spill in this area would be absolutely devastating. The north coast of California also supports a large tourism industry, and that industry is vital to our local economy, our State economy, and it contributes mightily to our national economy. It's dependent upon pristine coves, pristine beaches and spectacular views, all of which would be threatened if this moratorium were to be lifted. In addition, given the rural and rugged nature of my congressional district, an oil or a gas spill would be disastrous to an even greater extent because of the limited accessibility to get in and clean that up, as well as the limited resources that would be readily available for cleaning up a disaster of this magnitude. Mr. Chairman, the north coast waters provide economic and biological benefits to our entire country, and they must be protected. Lifting this moratorium, as pointed out by previous speakers, does nothing to lessen our dependency on oil and gas. And more important, it does nothing to increase the research and use of alternative energy sources. This amendment, and all of the other amendments that are proposing to lift this moratorium, need to be rejected.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Virginia Hinshaw during her time as Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor at the University of California, Davis. In this role, Dr. Hinshaw has provided superb guidance to the ongoing development and refinement of the University's academic program while overseeing many aspects of campus financial and operational planning. Dr. Hinshaw has made significant contributions to the UC Davis Community and she will be missed as she continues her career as Chancellor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Hinshaw received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Auburn in 1966 and 1967, before working as a clinical microbiologist at the Medical College of Virginia. She returned to Auburn and received her Ph.D. in microbiology in 1973. She spent the next decade studying influenza viruses in humans, other mammals, and particularly migratory birds. She has studied the markers of transmission for individual viruses, and conducted early research on identifying markers of interspecies transmission of these viruses. In 1985 Dr. Hinshaw was hired as an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she was recognized with a number of awards honoring her unusually vibrant teaching and participation in the larger community of Madison. After promotion to professor in 1988, she served first as an Associate Dean for Research before being appointed Associate Vice-Chancellor in 1994. In 1995 she was promoted to Vice Chancellor for Research, and she was in charge of research and graduate education, overseeing thousands of students. Dr. Hinshaw arrived at UC Davis in 2001, and has directed a wide variety of programs and departments during her time there. As sole member of the governing body of the UC Davis health system, she has helped direct the continued development of programs at the UC Davis Medical Center while also ensuring that it has remained financially sound. In addition, the medical school has opened a number of new facilities during her tenure. Her work on campus has been visible through the replacement of temporary classroom buildings with more permanent facilities, including increasing the number of teaching labs for undergraduates. In addition to her accomplishments as an administrator, Dr. Hinshaw is well known around the university for providing a personal touch to the administration. Many people have commented on her empathy and interest in working with individuals to help resolve their problems, and each year she took the additional step of teaching a freshman seminar where she could engage younger students. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Dr. Virginia Hinshaw for her leadership and vision during her time as Provost and Vice-Chancellor at UC Davis. Her work has led the development of the university in many different areas, and even as she moves on, her work will continue to yield great rewards for the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleague Rep. Lynn Woolsey with great pleasure to honor Helga Lemke on her 18 years of service with Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County. Since 1989, when she was hired as the agency's Executive Director, Helga has shown a steadfast commitment to increasing opportunities for low income residents of Sonoma County to gain self-sufficiency and contribute to their communities. We have found Helga to be fiercely focused on fighting poverty, wonderfully competent in running this large, multi-program agency, and yet very down-to-earth and authentic. Helga has spent her entire career helping others, from her internship with the National Community Action Foundation nearly 40 years ago through her work at the United Nations to the present. One of the tenets she holds to dearly, says colleague John Way, is making a difference. He notes, ``I have heard her often say that one of the most enriching things about her work is having someone tell her, `What you've done has changed my life.' '' Helga's well-earned appointment to Director of Programs for the California Department of Community Services reminds us how much she has accomplished for our community. For one, she transformed a struggling nonprofit into one of the largest and most respected agencies in the county. She also initiated an award-winning staff diversity training program and a community-acclaimed annual conference on poverty, at the same time leading a staff of 225 at more than 20 sites with an annual budget of more than $11 million. Despite all this, Helga has still made time for public service. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors appointed her to the Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council; the Santa Rosa City Mayor has appointed her to the Mayor's Task Force on Gangs; and she has also served on numerous boards, including Roseland University Prep School. She has also testified before Congress on Head Start issues, where her expertise was valued. Madam Speaker, we have appreciated working with Director Lemke on the many issues faced by the Sonoma community and thank her for her dedicated service. Her passion and energy are an inspiration to all of us who work with families. Congratulations on your appointment, Helga.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Davie Pina who is being honored by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers as their Grower of the Year on Friday, June 1, 2007. Mr. Pina is being recognized for his outstanding contribution both to the wine grape industry, and to the larger community of the Napa Valley. Mr. Pina is a sixth generation farmer in the Napa Valley, where he was born and raised. After attending California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, he took over and has substantially expanded the vineyard management business begun by his father, John Pina, Sr., over 40 years ago. Today he operates the thriving vineyard management group and is a partner running Pina Napa Valley winery as well as involving himself in numerous groups in the community. Pina Vineyard Management has been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices in the Napa Valley for many years, incorporating ecologically friendly agricultural techniques with sophisticated technology to help clients ensure the long-term quality of their vineyards. Mr. Pina's environmental consciousness extends beyond his work in the vineyards, as he has cochaired a local environmental project referred to as the Rutherford Dust River Restoration Team that is working to restore the watershed of the Napa River as it passes through the Rutherford area. He is part of an excellent leadership team that has brought about significant and ongoing changes to the quality of the habitat along the river. Mr. Pina has also served as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department for the past 18 years. During this time he has taken on numerous responsibilities, including storing the department's fire engine on his own property while spearheading the project for a permanent Silverado Fire Station that opened in 2006. As a professional vineyard manager, he was keenly attuned to problems in the industry, and last year he helped organize local farm managers, and ultimately facilitated the Vineyard Managers Facilities Ordinance. This important work has allowed the legalization of vineyard management operations, and will help ensure regulation and quality in Napa Valley agriculture. Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Mr. Davie Pina for the hard work he has done on behalf of the Napa Valley. As a respected manager and now winemaker, he has advanced the reputation of Napa Valley grapes and wine, and he has also been a model citizen and superb steward of the land he lives on.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker and Members, this is a very important bill. There are almost 3,000 physicians that are serving our country in the Reserves and the National Guard. And, as has been pointed out, when these folks are deployed and they leave, just like every other person in the Guard and Reserves that is deployed, they leave their families, they leave their businesses at home, and they go over and they serve their country. But there is just one thing different with these doctors; when they are deployed, they also leave behind their patients. And these are patients who depend upon the medical care they get from that great American who is now serving his or her country, and these patients can't go without a doctor. The way the rules are now, the physician has to line up someone to take their patients in their absence, and they can only do this for 60 days. This doesn't work. It is bad for the doctors and it is bad for the patients. What we are trying to do is to waive that 60-day requirement so the physicians can line up one doctor to take their Medicare patients while they are serving our country in Afghanistan or in Iraq. And it's a temporary measure. It's only good through this year. So we can, in fact, establish a permanent fix. And this bill has been vetted all through the different committees, and the Ways and Means Committee, both the chairman and the ranking member are very aware of this bill. And my good friend and committee colleague and war hero Sam Johnson has signed up on this as a coauthor, recognizing the plight of both the physicians who are serving, and their patients and their practices at home. And it's important that we fix this now and then continue to work on the permanent fix so we can make sure that no doctors and no patients who are caught in this vise go without medical care, or doctors, while serving their country, lose their practices. And I just want to say a special thank you to Dr. Bradley Clair of Lakeport, California, my constituent, who brought this to my attention. And he's ready to be deployed on his third tour. He'll be going to Iraq. So we need to fix it for him, for the other doctors, and patients who are exposed because of this problem. We need to fix it permanently. And this is the first step in doing so. Sam, thank you for your help and your friendship on this and other important issues.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding and both him and the ranking member from California for accepting this amendment. This is an important amendment that is a first step in solving a very serious problem on our military bases both here in the States and abroad; and it is a problem that, unfortunately, spills over into our communities. And this is the issue of members of criminal street gangs joining the military and getting the training that they get in the military and now, unfortunately, on the battlefield, and then bringing that back into the community and deploying those tactics on the streets in our neighborhoods. This is a serious problem. It is documented. The FBI has a report. This is a problem that we need to get ahead of and stop before we have more serious problems than we do already. I thank the chairman and ranking member for accepting this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Arkansas, and I thank the gentleman from Arkansas and I appreciate your leadership on this issue. I don't come to the floor often on Special Orders, but I think today this issue is so critically important not only for the American taxpayers but for the men and women who are serving so bravely in Iraq, and this is such a long overdue issue, as the gentleman mentioned, I helped write this bill but this came about after two Congresses of my own bill, the Iraq War Funding Accountability Act, that in the last Congress, as you know, was a Blue Dog-endorsed measure. That was an attempt to bring about accountability in Iraq in regard to the moneys that are spent by contractors in the reconstruction areas taking place in Iraq. Unfortunately, we were not allowed under the last Congress or the last majority to bring this measure forward so we could debate it, so we could discuss it, so we could vote on it. But fortunately, with the new leadership in Congress, this has become an issue that has not only been discussed and debated but an issue that is going to be included in the bill that we have before us this week. And it's just so long overdue on the part of the American taxpayers and the men and women who are serving who, because this money is misspent, misdirected, sometimes lost, are going without the equipment that they need. Every Member in this House has heard from family members and friends about their loved ones serving in Iraq who require supplies purchased by family members and friends and sent to them, everything from boots to protective gear, to the proper sunglasses, to supplies. It's absolutely inappropriate, and as long as we continue to misappropriate money and allow this to fall into the area of waste, fraud and abuse, and in sometimes criminal neglect or criminal negligence, this issue is only going to be exacerbated and the stories are just far too numerous. We've heard the little stories that, in fact, some of these contractors are selling soda pop at $45 a case to the men and women who are serving in Iraq to the same contractors who are charging $100 to do a 15-pound bag of laundry, to the bigger issue, such as trucks, trucks that are burned in place because there's minor repair problems needed, to even bigger issues such as pallets of money, I think it was $12 billion that just disappeared in Iraq. And we have been trying to get a handle on this for a long time, and every effort that we have made has been short-stopped in this Congress, and finally, we are going to be able to get it out. Mr. Speaker, I have here a Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Report. This is a report that's issued quarterly to Congress. It tells us very, very little about what's happening. It will tell us by contractor name how much we are obligated to them. It will tell us by contractor name how much they have expended. It will tell us by contractor name the percentage of increase in these expenditures, but it doesn't tell us how the contract was let, why the contract was necessary, and, if, in fact, the work being done was, in fact, completed. This report represents a snapshot from 30,000 feet, no attempt at all to drill down and find the answers that the taxpayers and the servicemembers deserve. I have another report here about the construction by a contractor of the Baghdad police academy, obviously built in Baghdad. These pictures are worth 1,000 words. They show the fact that the work was done, shoddy workmanship. They show, in fact, that the supplies that were used by these contractors were inappropriate supplies, faulty, substandard supplies. This isn't pointed out in the quarterly report. These are the things that we need to know, and I am just proud to be a member of the Blue Dogs who exist for one reason and one reason only, the one common thread that runs through the entire Blue Dog organization, and that's fiscal responsibility. It's fiscally irresponsible to continue to ignore these very real problems. It's fiscally improper to adopt this measure, to insist on accountability by those who are being paid just gross sums of money to do, in some instances, inappropriate, ineffective, substandard work. I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for yielding, and I appreciate your leadership in helping get this measure signed into law and bringing accountability to these outrageous incidents that are taking place in Iraq today.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today together with my colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to honor Dr. Leonard Klay and recognize his contributions to medicine in Sonoma County and the State of California. The Sonoma County Medical Association is taking this opportunity to recognize Dr. Klay's ongoing commitment to organized, high-quality medical service for the community of Sonoma County. Dr. Klay grew up and completed high school in southern California before receiving his bachelor's degree with distinction from Stanford University in 1959. He continued at Stanford, graduating from medical school in 1962 and going on to complete his internship and residency in southern California. He served as a major in the U.S. Army from 1967- 1970 during which time he served overseas. After beginning his practice with the Permanente Group in 1970 as an OB/GYN, Dr. Klay moved to private practice in 1971 where he remained for 29 years, finally moving to the Sutter OB/GYN Medical Group in 2000. He retired in 2004, but continues to assist part-time as an obstetric surgeon. For the last 35 years he has generously given his time to assist at the Sonoma County Family Planning Clinic, and he remains there as a valued volunteer. In 1999 he joined the staff at the Santa Rosa Community Hospital as a Clinical Professor where he helps train a new generation of doctors. Dr. Klay has made numerous contributions to the medical profession as an outspoken leader in Sonoma County and around the State. He has twice been elected president of the Sonoma County Medical Association, and has served on a wide variety of committees within that body. Active in the California Medical Association for 36 years, he has served as a delegate and Tenth District Chair. He has served on a number of county commissions focused on perinatal substance abuse, and has worked to stabilize healthcare in Sonoma County through participation as a trustee or director on numerous boards. Dr. Klay has been particularly active in his community in fighting to implement public smoking bans, and reduce tobacco use by raising the smoking age. His endeavors in this direction were successful when the city of Healdsburg passed that ban. He continues to advocate against smoking in other forums and is on the county's Tobacco Coalition. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Dr. Leonard Klay for his many years of service on behalf of the people of Sonoma County. He has worked tirelessly to improve health care and the medical profession, and he deserves our thanks.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Volker Eisele who is being presented the Earl Thollander Award from the Napa Sierra Club. This award is given annually to acknowledge the work of an individual on behalf of the environment. Mr. Eisele was born in Muenster, Germany, and followed family tradition by attending high school at the Gymnasium Paulinum, founded over 1,200 years ago. He came to the United States to attend graduate school at UC Berkeley for sociology and history. It was at Berkeley that he met his wife Lisele, and they married in 1968. From the planting of his first cabernet vines in 1975, Mr. Eisele has maintained an entirely organic vineyard, making him the first vintner to do so in the Napa Valley. He has been a leader in encouraging sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, including the maintenance and restoration of riparian corridors and stream-side habitats. In 1991 he joined the growing movement to forever protect beautiful and vital areas of the Napa Valley by donating an open space easement to the Napa County Land Trust. Mr. Eisele has had a long and successful career as a political activist campaigning on behalf of greater environmental protections for the Napa Valley and its agricultural heritage. He was among the leaders who helped pass Measure A limiting growth and development in unincorporated areas of Napa County. He was also instrumental in passing Measure J which has promoted further protections for agricultural lands around the county. In addition to his political leadership, Mr. Eisele has been a leader in the local community through his service on numerous boards and committees. He served as President of the Napa County Farm Bureau, the Napa Valley Grape Growers, and the Greenbelt Alliance, which has promoted the extension of environmental protections around the Bay Area. He also was honored by his peers when he was elected to serve as director and Vice Chair of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers. These positions have allowed Mr. Eisele to express his love of grapes and winemaking while working for the benefit of not just the wine industry, but the greater community. Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Volker Eisele for his decades of leadership and environmental stewardship and as a superb spokesman for the wine industry. He is well-deserving of the honor being bestowed on him by the Napa Sierra Club, and we thank him for his service.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Acme Rigging & Supply Company in Ukiah, California, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Acme has been locally owned and operated for the past 50 years, and for the last 18 years has transitioned into a wholly employee-owned business while continuing to expand its operations and the markets it serves. Acme Rigging started out in 1957 as the vision of Pete Dunnebeck, when five rigging shops went out of business on the northern California coast. Initially, as the sole employee, he took orders, performed the assembly, and then delivered the final product to customers. Thirty-two years later Mr. Dunnebeck was getting ready to phase out of the business when he learned about Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP). In 1989, Mr. Dunnebeck sold forty-nine percent of the business to his employees. By 1997, the employees had fulfilled the payoff on their shares and approached the Savings Bank of Mendocino County to borrow money to purchase the remaining 51 percent. This was the first loan of its kind for the local bank, and they put the deal together and agreed on a ten-year payback. The employees met that obligation in nine years, one year earlier than expected. Upon the retirement of Mr. Dunnebeck, John Peaslee took the reins of the company and has guided an impressive expansion. In 1997, Acme Rigging had less than three million dollars in sales. By 2006 that number had tripled. The company grew from eight employees to a total of 29 today. A second location was opened in Sacramento in 2000. Acme Sacramento started with four employees and now has 10. Madam Speaker and colleagues, there are more than 10,000 ESOP companies employing nine to ten million employee/owners in our country. Acme Rigging & Supply Company is a superb example of how well employee stock ownership plans can work. It is appropriate that we honor the successful transformation and expansion of this local, employee-owned business on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chairman, again, I just want to reiterate the fact that we all share the same goal, and that's to get these folks out from behind the desk and into the field. I have tremendous respect for my colleague and friend, Mr. Rogers. He actually has real time in the field doing this work. He knows how important that is to have folks out in the field. As he and my other good friend and colleague, Mr. Hastings, has said, we all have the same goal, it's just, how do we get there? We believe that by putting this freeze in place, requiring this information be provided to the committee, will allow us to best analyze this, know where these folks are and force the DNI to put them in the right spots. The only other thing I would like to add is that it's important to note that the majority of this growth consists of transferring personnel who already work or should work for the DNI on to their books for better management and oversight. I ask for your support of this amendment. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. This Congress created the Director of National Intelligence so he and a core staff could manage the activities of the different intelligence agencies. Congress did not intend to create a new bureaucracy. Nevertheless, the office has expanded in size. Many members of the Intelligence Committee, myself included, as well as other colleagues in the House, are concerned that this growth will complicate, rather than streamline, the activities of the intelligence communities. Some Members have proposed limiting the number of people who can work for the DNI in order to stem this growth. But I believe that such a measure, while satisfying on the surface, would have harmful consequences. It would eliminate a large number of analysts and planners, the experts who actually perform the core intelligence functions, not middle managers and bureaucrats. The harshest impact would fall on DNI elements like the National Counterterrorism Center, which analyzes terrorism information and plans counterterrorism operations. This would happen because there are plans in play to shift personnel to this specific task. If this other amendment were to pass, it would truncate these very important efforts. These are the people who play critical roles in our efforts to combat terrorism, and our operators around the world cannot do their jobs without this critical backstopping. Preventing the DNI from adding staff to these missions would gut key counterterrorism capabilities. The real issue, though, is not simply the number of people who appear on the DNI's balance sheet, the challenge is to have fewer people sitting behind desks in Washington and to place more intelligence officers in the field. This is a goal that I think we all share, even those with a competing amendment. They need to be in the field where they can collect needed intelligence and where they can catch terrorists. The Intelligence Authorization Act will fund increases in the number of intelligence collectors at many agencies, but there is still not enough. To push the Intelligence Committee to get its staff out of the office and into the field, the amendment that I am offering would freeze the number of people working for the DNI at the level specified in the fiscal year 2007 Intelligence Authorization Act that was passed by this House. The freeze wouldn't be lifted until the Director of National Intelligence provides the committee, the Intelligence Committees, one, a report on the number of analysts and collectors in each element of the Intelligence Community, and two, a plan to maximize the number of collectors across the community. This plan must be provided within 120 days of enactment. With this information, the Intelligence Committee will be able to work with the DNI to ensure that he has the right mix of collectors, analysts, technical experts and other staff, and we will be able to press the DNI and the individual intelligence agencies to accelerate the recruitment, the training and the deployment of core collectors. This amendment will enhance congressional oversight of intelligence activities and result in improvements to the Intelligence Community's ability to collect critical intelligence. I am willing to work with, and we have worked with my colleague and friend from the committee on this issue. I believe that this amendment is the one that will allow us to best collect the information so we can, in fact, put together the best policy for America. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Chairman, I am pleased to stand in strong support of this authorization bill tonight. I believe that this bill strengthens our capabilities to recognize and counter threats to the United States, both terrorist threats from groups like al Qaeda and the strategic challenges present in regions all over the world, including the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. This bill ensures that U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue to receive the intelligence support they need to conduct their missions. The bill authorizes the largest intelligence budget ever. It also provides full funding for the intelligence programs related to Afghanistan and for U.S. efforts to counter terrorist threats. Madam Chairman, terrorism and the war in Iraq are critical issues, and they have required intelligence agencies to divert resources away from other strategic challenges. This bill funds initiatives to collect better intelligence on those that pose threats to our country. It also adds funds to enhance coverage of other challenges, such as emerging threats in Africa and Latin America, and to ensure that America is not caught by surprise in the future. The bill makes significant investments to improve the quality of intelligence analysts. It provides resources to send more analysts overseas so they can gain the real world experiences in the countries that they study. It provides funds for expanded foreign language training that we all agree is needed, and the development of advanced technical tools so both analysts and collectors can better do their jobs. The bill makes us safer by adding resources for counterintelligence investigations, and these provisions will help mitigate efforts by our adversaries to steal classified information and advanced technologies, keeping the U.S. policy options open and preserving our military edge. Despite these additions, the bill promotes efficiency and accountability by cutting programs that lack clear objectives and measurable results. It also requires the CIA Inspector General to audit covert action programs, ensuring regular oversight. Madam Chair, this legislation helps us fight terrorists; it supports our troops; and it enhances U.S. intelligence capabilities throughout the world. I support this bill, and I strongly recommend that our colleagues do as well.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker and Members, this bill contains emergency disaster funding that is needed because of a commercial fishing disaster that happened last year and was not dealt with last year. It has devastated fishing families and related businesses up and down the California and the Oregon coast. Moreover, this disaster was the result of this administration's failed and illegal water policy. This water policy caused a virtual shutdown of the entire commercial fishing, salmon fishing season last year. And their water policy has been unanimously ruled arbitrary and capricious and a violation of the Endangered Species Act by not one, not two, but three different courts. Sadly, fishing families throughout my district and other parts of the coast have lost their boats. They have lost their homes. And they can't wait, as the ranking member suggested, for the 2008 funding cycle. The ones who still have their boats can't afford to buy fuel to go fishing if they do get a fishing season this year. Marinas throughout my district have gone out of business. The few that are left open have had to lay off up to 80 percent of their employees. Fishing lodges throughout the coastal area are near bankruptcy. And all of this because of a failed water policy and the previous majority's failure to deal with this disaster declaration last year, a disaster declaration that was made by the Secretary of Commerce. These folks can't wait. Also, as previously mentioned, this important bill contains rural school funding that is critical to school districts throughout rural America. And they are entitled to this funding because the Federal Government owns the property that would otherwise generate taxes that would fund these schools. This funding goes for schools and for the road maintenance in these areas. I have one county that has 80 percent federally owned property. And to talk about rubbing salt on a wound, not only do they get their school funding and their road maintenance funding taken away, but they are still required to maintain the roads throughout this federally owned property. This is an incredibly important bill that needs to be passed and should not be vetoed by this administration. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Zuhair Munir, the 2007 recipient of the UC Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly Achievement. This prize has been awarded annually since 1986 to recognize scholars who are successful not just in their research, but convey their excitement and love of scholarship to students at the university. Dr. Munir has been a leader in the field of materials science for many years, conducting research in areas which have yielded remarkable technological advances, but his hallmark at UC Davis has always been as a professor who cares deeply for students throughout their studies. Dr. Munir was born in Baghdad, Iraq and immigrated to the United States as a teenager. He earned 3 degrees from the University of California, Berkeley: his bachelor's degree in 1956, a masters in 1958 and then his doctorate in 1963. He joined the professorial staff at UC Davis in 1972, and has worked there ever since. In 2000 he was appointed Dean of the College of Engineering and he served there until 2002. In 2003, he was promoted to Distinguished Professor in the College. Throughout his career, Dr. Munir has worked on the cutting edge of materials science, working to understand the properties of various materials and the ways they can interact and transform under the right conditions. This has included work studying the effects of electrical fields on crystals, and as an innovator in the field of combustion synthesis. His proficiency as a professor and mentor have long distinguished Dr. Munir, and evaluations submitted by students consistently rave that he is among the best and most engaging of their professors. Throughout his career, he has made a point of encouraging students to venture beyond his lectures and come work in the laboratory so that they can gain a better perspective on the practice of science. By encouraging students to explore problems for themselves rather than simply providing the answers, Dr. Munir has inspired generations of students to pursue in- depth study of materials science and chemical engineering, and pursue work in related fields. Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Dr. Munir for his years of exemplary work as a scholar and educator, and congratulate him on receiving this award. His commitment to educating young students has been unwavering, and he deserves our thanks.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Children's Health Initiative of Napa County for the excellent work it has done to expand health insurance coverage to all of Napa County's children. By trying to ensure that every child in Napa County has some form of health insurance, the Children's Health Initiative is working to improve the quality of life for all children and families in Napa County. The Children's Health Initiative was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing insurance coverage for every child in Napa County, either directly or by working with families to obtain coverage through other programs they might qualify for. Often families qualify for health insurance but are intimidated by the paperwork or relatively minor costs associated with many insurance programs. A twin approach of helping families make those enrollments where qualified while providing a comprehensive health insurance program to those who do not has been the foundation of this program's success. Since the start of programmatic work in December 2005, Children's Health Initiative has gained health insurance for 2,100 children in Napa County. Approximately 30 percent of these were through the initiative's own Healthy Kids insurance, while the remainder have successfully enrolled in the partnership programs MediCal, Healthy Families, and Kaiser Permanente's Child Health Plan. The program has done very well, reaching into communities that have traditionally lacked information about health care resources. Around 95 percent of the children served by the initiative's own Healthy Kids insurance program are Spanish speaking by birth, and many live in households with incomes not far above the federal poverty line. It is extraordinarily important that children in any community be given access to a comprehensive health care. Not only is it good for the individual child's health and development, but it also has numerous positive effects throughout the community. By ensuring regular access to preventative care and examinations, as well as immunizations, children are healthier and pose less risk of transmitting diseases to others, and require fewer expensive visits to the emergency room. Parents benefit as well, as they take fewer sick days and so are more stable in their jobs. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank the Children's Health Initiative of Napa County for the remarkable strides this program has taken in just 2 years. Only through the hard work and generous contributions of countless members of our community has this program gotten such a strong start, and I know that we will see much more progress in the years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 90th Anniversary of the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Since President Woodrow Wilson signed its charter on May 17, 1917, the organization has trained thousands of volunteers that have responded to numerous disasters in Humboldt County, California. The lives of the citizens of Humboldt County have been greatly improved by the presence and benevolence of this organization. Whether disaster struck a single family or the entire community, the Red Cross has provided disaster relief focused on meeting basic human needs of shelter, food, and health services. In its 90-year history, the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross has responded to hundreds of disasters; playing a critical role after the earthquake, tsunami, and flooding of 1964, four earthquakes that struck during the early 1990s and the New Years Eve storm of 2006. They provided assistance and sent volunteers to help after the attacks of September 11, the Indonesian tsunami of 2004 and Hurricane Katrina. Leaders of the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross have trained thousands of community volunteers in first-aid, health and safety services and disaster preparedness. They are committed to strengthening the ability of Humboldt County and its communities to prevent, respond and recover from unexpected emergencies and disasters and have led the local effort of a broader campaign of national preparedness. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the commitment, dedication and inspiration of the many individuals who make up the Humboldt County Chapter of the American Red Cross and extend our hearty congratulations on the celebration of its 90th anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to observe the death of Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams of Santa Rosa, California. Jesse was a fine man and a fine soldier, and he leaves behind a loving family bowed but not broken by the loss of a father, husband, and son. Sgt. Williams was serving his second tour with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division at the time of his death during combat operations in Baqubah, in eastern Iraq. Before and during his tours in Iraq, Sgt. Williams had served in the army with distinction, earning numerous accolades and awards. During his first tour in Iraq from 2003-2004 he earned a Purple Heart after being injured in an explosive attack. Then, just three weeks before his death, Sgt. Williams proved his uncommon character and valor when he jumped in to rescue two fellow soldiers who were trapped in a flaming vehicle ignited by an insurgent attack. For his heroism he is currently being considered for a Bronze Star. Sgt. Williams was known to friends and family for his sense of humor and love of life. As a younger man, he found discipline and his calling when he joined the Boy Scouts. In less than 2 years he had completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout, indicating the highest level of achievement. During a leave from the Army, he returned to Santa Rosa and spoke to the City Council in favor of establishing a memorial for Sonoma County's Iraq veterans. At the time, he made a strong impression with his words; now his name will be one of those featured on the memorial. Sgt. Williams leaves behind his wife Sonya, and an 11-month old daughter Amaya. Amaya was 5 weeks old when Sgt. Williams was deployed to Iraq for his second tour of duty. His father, Herb Williams, resides in Santa Rosa as well. On Monday the community of Santa Rosa paused to acknowledge their fallen soldier as hundreds of policemen, firefighters and members of the community took to bridges and overpasses with signs and flags while his casket was brought back into the city. Yesterday, almost one thousand people gathered for a memorial service paying tribute to his life. Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that my colleagues join me in rising to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams, who gave his life for his country. I know that his family is immensely proud of his service, and we are all in his debt.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ukiah Main Street Program which has provided outstanding and distinguished service to the town of Ukiah, California, and its citizens for 20 years. Since its founding by Mayor Colleen Henderson in 1987, the Ukiah Main Street Program has given merchants and residents tools to improve neighborhoods and advance redevelopment of the commercial district. Through numerous workshops and consultations with business owners the UMSP has helped make Historic Downtown Ukiah a safe and friendly business district. Six years later, in 1993, Ukiah was named the number one place to live in California and the sixth best place to live in the United States by Norman Crampton in his book The 100 Best Small Towns in America. The recognition brought lots of publicity, and Ukiah was featured in publications around the country. The UMSP Economic Restructuring Committee has facilitated the openings of dozens of new businesses in the downtown including the Ukiah Brewing Company, the first organic brewpub in California. UMSP produces a map of the historic downtown and directory of businesses that is useful to tourists as well as locals. The UMSP Design Committee is responsible for beautification projects in the historic downtown. Landscaped planter triangles and painted crosswalks throughout the downtown corridor have helped create a safer and more clearly defined pedestrian area. Trees were planted and are maintained in the adjacent Alex Thomas Plaza, a place for many events and community gatherings. UMSP installed decorative lighting in the trees to enhance the ambiance and walkability of downtown at night. The Ukiah Main Street Program began many popular community events including the Annual Country Pumpkin Fest, Winter Wonderland, Taste of Downtown, Thursday Night Farmers Market, Fabulous Flashback Car Show, Cinco de Mayo Festival, North Coast Express Bike Race, Home for the Holidays, Moonlight Movie Madness, Downtown Halloween, Deep Valley Brew Tasting, Comedy Alley and First Night Ukiah. These events attract locals and visitors alike who enjoy the amenities of small town life and neighborliness. UMSP created a mini-park in the parking lot adjacent to the post office and started the Standley Street demonstration block facade improvement program that spurred refurbishment and facade improvement on 38 downtown properties with an investment of roughly $713,441 in public and private funds. In addition nearly 2 million dollars have been raised by the UMSP, which is organized as a nonprofit with a dedicated volunteer board of directors composed of the community's business leaders. Madam Speaker, I am proud to enter my remarks honoring the Ukiah Main Street Program for two decades of exemplary successes, making it a model of public and private partnership.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the retirement of Bruce Gourley, who has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 30 years, During this time, he has served the group in a number of capacities, and has brought the voice of Local 180 to a variety of forums throughout the State. Mr. Gourley was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, but completed high school in Denver before joining the Navy. He served until 1970, and when he left the service he decided to remain in the Vallejo area with his family. He received his business degree from Solano Community College in 1973. Mr. Gourley joined the IBEW Local 180 in 1978 while he was working as a construction electrician. Even as he continued to work, he pursued a teaching credential from the University of California at Berkeley. He became credentialed in 1983, and has taught classes through an apprenticeship program for many years. In 1988, Mr. Gourley was elected to the executive board of Local 180, and has since served 3 terms while taking on a variety of other responsibilities on behalf of numerous local and State labor interests. Within Local 180, he has served 3 terms as the Business Manager Financial Secretary, helping to guide the financial activity of the group. Mr. Gourley has also served with numerous other organizations, including the California Electricians Public Relations Committee, the Vallejo Unified School District, and beginning in 2001 he was tapped to use his teaching experience with the California Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. He has also been extensively involved with the committees of the Northern California Sound and Communication workers. In 2003 he was appointed to assist and lead the very important work of the Council on Industrial Relations. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Bruce Gourley for his many years of service to the labor community. His extensive efforts to educate future generations of electrical workers, and his determination to foster a productive negotiating environment in northern California have been extremely valuable.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sarie Toste, a distinguished educator in Humboldt County, California, and a recognized leader in educating young children on the importance of learning to save money. Sarie spearheads a program in elementary schools across Northern California that helps child learn the fundamentals of financial literacy. Sarie initiated the first ``Learn to Earn'' program 11 years ago as the superintendent at Pacific Union Elementary School, when she realized that the children did not understand that they could save their money, watch it grow and help realize future dreams. ``Learn to Earn'' is a collaborative effort with a regional financial institution, Umpqua Bank, which provides weekly on-campus banking. The children sign up, deposit $1 and receive a passbook. Every week a bank representative visits the school and accepts student deposits. The children set savings goals, calculate interest earned and watch their account grow. With over seventy schools throughout Northern California, the nearly 6,000 young savers have banked $1.5 million making ``Learn to Earn'' the largest, most successful school savings program in California. The curriculum that has been developed helps teachers introduce the basic concepts of sound money management. This is in sharp contrast to the savings habits of our nation's adults. Today, America's savings rate is negative, the lowest rate since the Great Depression. Even more alarming is the dramatic increase in personal debt, which has grown over the past decade by approximately 300 percent. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that today, on ``National Teach Children to Save Day'' we recognize the outstanding commitment of Sarie Toste for her foresight and dedication to the future of our children and teaching them how to ``Learn to Earn.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 95th anniversary of St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Napa, California. This school, and the associated Catholic Church, has been a prominent fixture in the community for many years, and many students have benefited from the excellent education and outstanding guidance it has offered. In the fall of 1911 Father Joseph Byrne took the first steps to open a Catholic school in Napa when he invited the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael to staff a new school to be founded in Napa. When the school was opened the next spring, it served 120 students from the location on Franklin Street. Today that same building is used by the Napa Community Thrifts Project. That building remained in use for 15 years until the school moved to the current location on Main and Napa Streets in January, 1927. It has remained in its current location for more than 80 years. St. John the Baptist School currently enrolls almost 300 students, and is well served by its current pastor Father Gordon Kalil, and Principal Nancy Jordan. The school now enrolls students from pre- kindergarten through 8th grade, and this has allowed the school to develop programs for children of many different ages. The school has also taken the important step of involving parents in children's education, and indeed has made this one of the core missions. By making parents into educators and encouraging children to reach out and participate in their greater community, St. John's and Father Kalil have reinforced that civic-mindedness is one of the key characteristics of a well-rounded young person. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in acknowledging the 95th anniversary of St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Napa, California. St. John's has been an important fixture in the education of young men and women in Napa, and has laid an important intellectual and spiritual foundation for generations of young people. In the years to come, this excellent tradition will continue to be of the greatest benefit to the Napa community and a credit to the parish of the St. John's Catholic Church.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today together with my colleague Ms. Woolsey to honor the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District located in Northern California. On March 3, the agency received the prestigious County Leadership in Conservation Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Trust for Public Land (TPL). This award is given annually to counties that showcase the best practices in innovative conservation work. As one of the first public agencies in the nation funded by a sales tax to protect agriculture, the Open Space District has continued to distinguish itself nationally. It has protected almost 70,000 acres, including farms, greenbelts, natural open spaces, and recreational areas. The District was formed as a result of public concern over urbanization in Sonoma County as subdivisions, malls and parking lots threatened to overwhelm land the famed botanist Luther Burbank once called ``God's chosen spot.'' Responding to the very real threat of sprawl, farmers, environmentalists and community leaders joined together in 1990 to pass a sales tax to fund preservation and open space acquisition. So successful is the District that the tax was renewed with a 75-percent approval vote in 2006. Today the tax provides approximately $13 million a year for the District's land conservation and acquisition programs. The County Open Space Authority is responsible for levying and distributing the funding, while the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors acts as the Board of Directors. The Supervisors appoint a 17-member Open Space Advisory Committee, representing various stakeholders and interest groups, to recommend acquisitions. Manager Andrea Mackenzie works with all of these groups and other local organizations in identifying and purchasing suitable properties (or conservation easements) and determining the best use for them, from agriculture to resource conservation to public access or recreation. Madam Speaker, Sonoma County has a beautiful and diverse environment ranging from oak savannah to bay wetlands to coastal redwood forests. Its farmlands are among the richest on the planet and grow grapes for world-class wines, crispy Gravenstein apples and luscious Crane melons and many specialty crops. Its pastures and rangelands support both dairy and meat production. The District ensures that our children's children will always have woodland and hillside trails to hike and homegrown food to enjoy. These open spaces keep Sonoma County's agricultural economy healthy, provide recreation for visitors and residents, and preserve the very character of the county. I congratulate the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District upon the receipt of the well- deserved County Leadership in Conservation Award and look forward to continuing to work with the District to preserve Sonoma County's natural beauty and agricultural bounty.