David Valadao

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Jay Tamsi for his dedicated community service and to congratulate him for being selected as the Grand Marshal of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Delano, California. Mr. Tamsi was born August 17, 1978 in Bakersfield, California to his parents, Olivia and Jimmy Tamsi. Mr. Tamsi has strong Kern County roots, having attended Cecil Avenue Middle School in Delano, Delano High School, and later the California State University, Bakersfield, where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Marketing. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a successful business owner of his own company, Tamsi Consulting Services, Jay has been generous in giving back to his local community. A strong man of God, Jay serves as a member at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Delano and was responsible for organizing the induction of rites celebration for Father Loji Pilones as the new priest of St. Mary's. Jay was an organizer for the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Community Feed, where he helped provide meals for less fortunate families during the holidays. His community service extends past his parish; Mr. Tamsi works as the Director on several community boards including the Greater Area Delano Youth Foundation and the Philippine Weekend Executive Committee. He is also a Lifetime Member of Delano Harvest Holidays. Mr. Tamsi's love of service and community involvement extended into his creation of the only Filipino Hall in the State of California, which works to promote Filipinos' needs in the community. Mr. Tamsi is being honored as the Grand Marshal of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta of his home city of Delano, California, which holds one of the largest and oldest celebrations in the United States. This high honor is being bestowed upon a great man who has spent countless hours helping his community and neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mr. Jay Tamsi for his years of community service and congratulating him on being the Grand Marshal of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Delano.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Melany Reis-Abernathy, who sadly passed away on March 18, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Mrs. Melany Reis-Abernathy was born in Modesto, California on March 27, 1973. Growing up, Melany was the daughter of a dairyman and a District 5 Dairy Princess. She attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she graduated in 1996, and went on to work in the agriculture industry with the Farm Credit system and later at Rabobank North America Wholesale as a financial analyst. An avid adventure seeker, Melany met her husband, Kevin Abernathy, while in a martial arts class in 1999. The two became quick friends due to their active lifestyles and similar upbringings in the dairy community and began dating soon after meeting. Melany and Kevin got married on June 17, 2003 in Kauai, Hawaii at Ship Wreck Beach and made their home in Delhi, California. Kevin and Melany enjoyed water skiing, boating, hiking, running, and snow skiing together. Although the two never had children of their own, Melany was known and loved by her nieces and nephews as the ``cool aunt''. Known for her dedicated service, Melany and Kevin began working with disadvantaged children through Aspiring Children for Tomorrow, an organization of which her husband serves as general manager. The goal of the organization is to assist struggling young people through training and competition in the fighting arts. Mrs. Reis-Abernathy became a yoga instructor while battling cancer, showing her strength and resolve even in the face of adversity. Melany had the strength to continue fighting this disease and living her life with love and joy, as she always had. She truly lived every moment to the fullest. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Melany Reis- Abernathy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Ms. Allison Louise Rosa for her service to my office and the people of California's 21st Congressional District. Ms. Rosa was born May 14, 1994 in Hanford, California where she grew up on her family's dairy farm with her parents, Roland and Karen, her sister Emily, and her brother Jack. Growing up, Allison was very active in the dairy community; she was even crowned the First Alternate Dairy Princess for Kings County, California in 2012. After graduating from Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, California, Ms. Rosa went on to attend College of the Sequoias and Holy Names University. She graduated in 2016 from Fresno Pacific University with a degree in Communications. While in college, Allison was an avid tennis player and an NCAA division II athlete. Allison joined my team as Scheduler in my Washington, D.C. office in May 2016. As Scheduler, she was instrumental to my team through managing my daily schedule and helping her coworkers with daily tasks to make the office run more smoothly. While on my team, Allison was greatly respected by her peers for her professionalism, dedication to her work, and sense of humor. Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with her friends and talking to her family back in California. She is currently looking forward to moving back home to California to be closer to her family and the coast. Ms. Rosa's time with my office will come to a close April 7, 2017 when she leaves to begin a new career at Epoch Estate Wines in Templeton, California. Knowing Ms. Rosa, her character, and her work ethic, I have no doubt that she will achieve many great things in her future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Ms. Allison Louise Rosa for her public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fresno County Farm Bureau in celebration of its 100 year anniversary of advocating for agriculture on behalf of the Central Valley. The Fresno County Farm Bureau has been dedicated to bringing farmers and ranchers together to promote agriculture in the Central Valley since 1917. The organization was started by George Feaver, J.A. Poytress, Sam Heisinger, H.W. Wrightson, Charles Parlier, and Leroy Smith. Leroy Smith was the first Extension Service farm advisor assigned to Fresno County, which spurred his desire to initiate the Fresno County Branch. The Fresno County Farm Bureau is one of fifty-three county Farm Bureaus, and represents over four thousand members. The members include farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers who put food on Americans' dinner table every night. As a voice for agriculture, the organization has a goal of preserving California's fresh, local, and diverse agrarian culture for generations to come. It also leads the industry in addressing issues that result in long-term viability for agriculture through political action, community outreach, and public education. The Farm Bureau achieves their goal of advocating for the Central Valley by promoting economic vitality of the region through the work of its members. The Fresno County Farm Bureau has been known to encourage all citizens to be supportive and appreciative of the incredible contribution farmers, ranchers, and farm workers make daily to the Central Valley community and economy. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fresno County Farm Bureau on 100 years of contributions to our country and our Valley's agriculture industry. We commemorate the service of all the members of this organization who have worked collectively to improve, protect, and promote agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley, which has now become one of the breadbaskets of our nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the incredible contribution our farmers and ranchers make to the Central Valley community and our nation's economy.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of the Honorable John Gilcrest O'Rourke, a former judge and active member of the community in Hanford, California, who sadly passed away on March 9, 2017 at the age of 82. Mr. O'Rourke was born January 11, 1935 in Hanford, California. After graduating from Lemoore High School, he went on to attend the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. While a student at Notre Dame, Mr. O'Rourke met his wife, Joan, and the couple married January 3, 1959. The couple had five children, Peggy, John, Katie, Ellen, and Thomas. In 1956, after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Mr. O'Rourke was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. While in the U.S. Navy, he served as a Fuel Quality Control Officer in Guam, sailed on a destroyer in the Pacific during Eniwetok atomic testing, and conducted patrol operations in the Strait of Formosa in Taiwan. After twenty- seven dedicated years of service, Mr. O'Rourke retired from the U.S. Navy as Captain, U.S. Navy Reserves. John's successful legal career began at the University of California Hastings College of Law, San Francisco in 1960. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1965 and began his law practice as an attorney with Clawson and Jennings in Hanford and Lemoore. He was appointed and elected District Attorney, County of Kings in 1966, and served until 1979. Mr. O'Rourke left his judgeship to serve in private practice until 1985, when he was later sworn in as a Judge of the Municipal Court for the County of Kings. He was later sworn in as a judge in the Superior Court in 2001 for the county and state. While serving as a Judge, Mr. O'Rourke was known for his strong belief in the law, the Constitution and personal responsibility. In 2003, he retired the only way he knew how, and immediately began participating in the California Retired Judge Program, having last sat on the bench in December of 2016. John was truly a staple of the community and was known for his visibility and activity in Hanford. He felt his status as a judge gave him a greater obligation to give back to his community, and he was often seen scrubbing pots, making pancakes, and cleaning up at events and fundraisers. John held leadership positions across the community, where he was a Minister and lector for St. Brigid's Parish, a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a Rotarian, school parent volunteer for McCarthy School, Hanford High volunteer, and a member of the YMCA Board, among many others. Despite his many great achievements and long list of volunteer work, above all Mr. O'Rourke was known for being humble. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and achievements of Mr. John Gilcrest O'Rourke. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 20, 2017, I missed votes due to unavoidable flight delays. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on roll call votes no. 173, 174 and 175.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, I missed votes due to unavoidable flight delays. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on roll call votes no. 127 and 128.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and am joined by Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Costa of California, to commend The Wonderful Company for receiving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2016 Corporate Citizenship Award for Best Community Improvement Program. The Best Community Improvement Program Award honors businesses for the many ways they influence and enhance local communities. Companies from around the world compete for this award, making it an extraordinary acknowledgment of outstanding corporate social responsibility. The Wonderful Company was presented with the esteemed 2016 U.S. Chamber Foundation Corporate Citizenship Award for Best Community Improvement Program. Since 1979, The Wonderful Company has quickly grown and become known worldwide for its almonds, bottled water, citrus fruits, flower bouquets, pistachios, pomegranates, and wines. However, its legacy does not stop there. Investing nearly $200 million in education, environmental technologies and sustainability research, and health and wellness programs, The Wonderful Company has an extensive history of philanthropy and community involvement. The Seventeenth Annual Chamber of Commerce Corporate Citizenship Awards recognized The Wonderful Company for its work in Lost Hills, California, home of the company's largest pistachio plant, which serves as the economic backbone of the local community. In fact, more than fifty percent of households in Lost Hills have family members who work at the Wonderful Pistachio plant. Always committed to the wellbeing of the local community, The Wonderful Company has made significant investments in Lost Hills, investing more than $15 million in transportation and infrastructure projects, such as roads and sidewalks, bus shelters, storm drains, and streetlights. It has also rejuvenated the community park with two community centers, two soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, and a broad range of community activities and events. The Wonderful Company has also helped build affordable housing, assisted with financing and construction of the town's first sit-down restaurant, and recently received approval from the Kern County Board of Education to open a charter school in the community next fall. This prestigious honor recognizes the hard work and significant investment made by Mr. and Mrs. Stewart and Lynda Resnick, owners of The Wonderful Company. They have dedicated their lives not only to growing a successful and sustainable business, but to improving the lives of so many across the globe, especially those in the communities The Wonderful Company calls home. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join us in congratulating The Wonderful Company for receiving the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2016 Corporate Citizenship Award for Best Community Improvement Program. The Wonderful Company's altruistic leadership provides an exceptional example of corporate responsibility and we look forward to their future initiatives that continue to make the world a better place, one community at a time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Jacob Bennett Mizner for his service to my office and California's Central Valley. Mr. Mizner was born on July 16, 1994 in Tulare, California to Kevin and Sharon Mizner. After graduating from Tulare Western High School in Tulare, California in 2012, Mr. Mizner graduated from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California in 2016. While attending Fresno Pacific University, Mr. Mizner, a lover of music, was involved in Fresno Pacific Concert Choir. Mr. Mizner has been a Field Representative in Kings and Tulare County, California from June 1, 2016 to January 5, 2017. As Field Representative, Mr. Mizner was known for his friendly, optimistic personality throughout both counties. He is a hard, dedicated worker who was highly respected by his peers and was able to create and foster connections with constituents, business leaders, and public officials, all of which are integral skills of congressional staffers. Outside of work, Mr. Mizner enjoys music; he is an avid saxophone player and enjoys singing in choir, as well. Mr. Mizner is a member of California Baptist University Choir and Orchestra. Mr. Mizner's time with my office came to a close on January 5, 2017 when he left to pursue an eleven-month mission trip with The World Race to serve needy groups in eleven countries in Central America, Asia, and Africa. Knowing Mr. Mizner, his character, and his work ethic, I have no doubt that he will achieve many great things in his future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Jacob Mizner for his public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mrs. Erica Sargent for her service to my office and the people of California's 21st Congressional District. Mrs. Sargent was born on May 30, 1990 in Los Banos, California, where she grew up on her family's dairy farm with her parents, Joey and Charlotte Mello, her sister Trisha, and her brother Michael. As a child, Erica took part in Future Farmers of America, where she showed dairy cows, Holsteins, Jerseys, and swine. After graduating from Los Banos High School, Mrs. Sargent went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Business at California State University, Fresno in 2013. While in college, Erica was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and worked as a nanny part-time. On September 3, 2016, Erica married her husband Brandon Sargent. Mrs. Sargent has held several positions with my office, in both Washington, D.C. and California over the past 4 years. She first joined my team as Staff Assistant in my Washington, D.C. office in July 2013. As Staff Assistant, she was instrumental in supporting others in daily tasks and helping the office run smoothly. In December 2013, she was promoted to Scheduler. Mrs. Sargent relocated from Washington, D.C. back to California's Central Valley, where she remained on my team as a Field Representative in Fresno County. Mrs. Sargent was known for her hard work and excellent community outreach. She was respected by her peers and was able to create and foster connections with constituents, business leaders, and public officials, all of which are integral skills of congressional staffers. Outside of work, Erica enjoys spending time with her family, especially her husband, sister, and niece, Sofia. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree from National University and hopes to become a school counselor. Mrs. Sargent's time with my office will come to a close today, January 5, 2017, when she leaves to begin an internship in Laton, California, as a school counselor. Knowing Mrs. Sargent, her character, and her work ethic, I have no doubt that she will achieve many great things in her future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in commending Mrs. Erica Sargent for her public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I first want to start off with a big thank- you to Chairman Bishop for all his hard work these past 4 years--it has been with his leadership and his support that we have been able to get to this point--Chairman Shuster as well, and, obviously, from California, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has been a big supporter. This piece of legislation is a small step in the right direction. In no way, shape, or form are we celebrating as if we have reached the finish line. What this does is it helps us give a little more flexibility so we can help those poor people in my communities, and others south of me and even just a little bit north of me, who need this help desperately. I have got people in my communities living in shantytowns, people who have lost their jobs, schools struggling, infrastructure struggling, law enforcement on the verge of bankruptcy. I have got police chiefs resigning now because there are just not enough resources in these communities, all because of bad legislation that was passed. We have had 20 years of restrictions on water. It has not helped one single species. The species are on the verge of extinction, and these policies have been place. Why not try something different? Why not try some common sense? This legislation delivers that. It does not affect the Endangered Species Act. It does not affect the biological opinions. All the protections are still there. It just offers a little more flexibility to our agencies so we can help these communities that desperately need it. If you care about the people of California, you will look at the big picture, you will pay attention, and you might actually even take some time and read the actual legislation. There are no handouts. This is something that actually provides jobs with new dollars for infrastructure, with new dollars for recycling and other resources that are very important, even things that I know my friends across the aisle are supportive of, things like desalinization. I think this legislation makes a lot of sense. I would love to see some more support. I am thankful for all the support I do have across the aisle, but I am hopeful for more. I look forward to this.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. William ``Bill'' Kenneth Lazzerini, Jr. for receiving the 2016 Kern County Person of the Year award. This year, Mr. Lazzerini was honored as the 2016 Kern County Person of the Year at the Kern County Fair in Bakersfield, California. This award is given to members of the community who have done outstanding community work. As a husband, father, grandfather, and successful business owner, Mr. Lazzerini exemplifies the values, beliefs, and kindness Kern County stands for by consistently giving back to the community. Throughout his life, he has supported local charities and causes such as the Ronald McDonald House, California State University Bakersfield Foundation, and the Bakersfield College Helmet Club. Mr. Lazzerini was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley where he attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California. Mr. Lazzerini later attended the University of Southern California where he excelled as a collegiate athlete, winning multiple College World Series while playing baseball. After graduating college, Mr. Lazzerini became a jewelry runner in the jewelry district in downtown Los Angeles. In 1971 his father purchased a beer distributor in Bakersfield, and a year later he was asked to help run Advance Beverage Company, which is continuously recognized as one of the premier Anheuser-Busch distributors in the Nation. Since Advance Beverage Company was created in 1971, it has gone from thirteen employees to over one-hundred-fifty and sales have increased from 450,000 cases per year to over five million cases per year. After forty-five years of successful ownership of the largest beer wholesaler in Kern County, Mr. Lazzerini and his company have become staples in our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. William ``Bill'' Kenneth Lazzerini, Jr. on being named the 2016 Kern County Person of the Year.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the late Officer Keith Melvin Giles for his dedicated service to his community as a California Highway Patrol Officer. Officer Giles was born on July 21, 1940 in Tulare, California and later moved with his family to Corcoran where he graduated from Corcoran High School in 1957, and later College of the Sequoias. He attended Fresno State University and served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1965. Officer Giles married his wife Wilma, with whom he had three children. In recognition of his dedication to enforcing our laws, preventing crimes, and keeping his community safe, the Assembly of California State Legislature passed a resolution designating the interchange at State Routes 43 and 198 in Kings County as the CHP Officer Keith M. Giles Memorial Interchange. Prior to becoming a California Highway Patrol Officer, Officer Giles was an active member of his community and a farmer. Officer Giles graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy and served the Santa Fe Springs Area for four years before he was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 25, 1974 during a routine traffic stop. Officer Giles was an exemplary and dedicated officer who was known for his love of law enforcement and his job, as well as his devotion to his loving family. His sacrifice in serving the California Highway Patrol and the citizens of California left a lasting impact on his community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending the late Officer Keith Melvin Giles on his dedicated service as a California Highway Patrol Officer.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the American Cancer Society of Hanford, California on its twentieth successful Relay For Life event and for raising over $1,065,000 to date to fight cancer. More than 5,000 Relay For Life events take place across the world every year. However, Relay For Life has been a staple in Hanford for the past two decades. The twenty-four hour event aims to raise funds to improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their caretakers. While events vary by community, Hanford's Relay For Life consists of food, games, and family-friendly activities as well as several meaningful celebrations. The event begins with the Survivors Lap, which honors cancer survivors and celebrates their victory over cancer. During the Luminaria Ceremony, participants remember those lost who lost their battle with cancer as well as those who are still fighting. The final ceremony is the Fight Back Ceremony, which inspires participants to take action in the fight against cancer. Hanford Relay For Life is completely organized and executed by nearly two hundred volunteers from the local community who, on average, raise over $120,000 each year. The dedication and compassion each volunteer exhibits is admirable and truly makes the Central Valley a remarkable community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending the American Cancer Society of Hanford and all the volunteers who work to make the Relay For Life event successful each and every year

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3779, the Social Security Fraud Prevention Act. This commonsense piece of legislation will help mitigate rising instances of identity theft, which have become a significant problem across our country. What is worse, these crimes tend to affect the populations that need protection the most, including the elderly, children, and veterans. Recovering from having your identity being stolen is a burdensome and expensive process. One way to reduce occurrences of this crime is to prevent the Federal Government from mailing documents that contain the full Social Security number of an American citizen, unless it is absolutely necessary. I realized the need for this legislation after I was approached by a constituent in my district who showed me a letter she received from the Social Security Administration that had her full Social Security number printed on it, as well as her full name and address. Upon further investigation, we found that the Social Security Administration was also printing full Social Security numbers visible on the outside of postcards. This is simply unacceptable. Social Security was established to provide older Americans financial security during their retirement years, not jeopardize their security by handling someone's personal information poorly. Even more concerning is that the problem is not exclusive to the Social Security Administration but has become a government-wide problem. My bill, H.R. 3779, would prevent the Federal Government from mailing documents that contain full Social Security numbers, unless absolutely necessary, and require the Federal agencies to partially redact Social Security numbers on documents, whenever possible. Additionally, the bill prevents Social Security numbers from ever being visible on the outside of a piece of mail. Please join me in supporting this commonsense piece of legislation that will help Americans avoid falling victim to one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Gary Esajian on being honored as the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce 2016 Agriculturalist of the Year. Mr. Gary Esajian's family has lived in the Central Valley since the 1920's, and as a third generation Kings County farmer, he has greatly contributed to the community throughout his life. Mr. Esajian has shown dedication to his hometown of Lemoore and the Central Valley for decades through both his community work and success as a farmer. As a farmer, Mr. Esajian grows many different crops including almonds, pistachios, garlic, tomatoes, wine grapes, walnuts, and onions. Mr. Esajian has further shown his service to the community by serving as the Westlands Water District Board of Directors for fourteen years, as a Board member of the San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board, and as the Director of a Suncrest Bank in Visalia. In regards to California's current drought issue, Mr. Esajian conducted a study on water in California, specifically the impacts to Kings and Fresno Counties, which has benefited his peers greatly. Known for being unassuming and humble, upon receiving his award Mr. Esajian credited his family's long agricultural history and not his own success. He is also known for being a hardworking and organized man, who successfully achieves whatever he puts his mind to. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Gary Esajian on his dedicated service to the Central Valley and on being honored as the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce 2016 Agriculturalist of the Year.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the late Tony William DeGroot for receiving the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Commitment to Kings County Agriculture Award. Raised in Bennekom, Netherlands, Mr. DeGroot was the youngest of eleven children. During World War II, Mr. DeGroot's family was heavily involved in the Dutch Resistance, which led to his admiration of the bravery of the American soldiers and later his emigration to the United States at the age of twenty-one. On May 15, 1957, Mr. DeGroot and his wife, Betty, were married in Hollandale, Minnesota. They later moved to Southern California in 1959, and five years later they began their successful dairy farm operation in the Central Valley. In 1965, Mr. DeGroot became a founding member of the Visalia Christian Reformed Church where he worshiped, sang in the choir, and led song service. He was also a youth group leader and hosted Bible studies with his wife. Having been a dairy farmer, Mr. DeGroot was significantly involved in the dairy community of the Central Valley for many years. He was passionate about involving future generations in the industry and supported participants in FFA and 4-H. He served on the board for Rabobank and Alltech, among others. Mr. DeGroot was also one of the developers of DG Bar Ranch, which he started for his wife. In September of 2015, Mr. DeGroot passed at the age of eighty in a plane accident while on a fishing trip in Alaska, doing what he loved. He had a great sense for adventure, loved agriculture, and cared deeply for his family. He was a remarkable man who was hospitable to all who entered his life. Mr. DeGroot is survived by his loving wife, Betty, daughter, Rochelle, son, Tony, and grandson Jason. Mr. DeGroot was unanimously selected by the Kings County Agriculture Selection Committee as the honoree for this award due to his important contributions to the agriculture industry in the Central Valley. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending the late Tony William DeGroot for receiving the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Commitment to Kings County Agriculture Award.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Golden State Farm Credit for receiving the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Ag Supporter of the Year award at the 2016 Kings County Salute to Ag Banquet. Golden State Farm Credit has been dedicated to lending to farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness for ninety years, despite difficult economic climate. It is the largest financial service provider in California's Central Valley. Golden State Farm Credit is a strong supporter of the agriculture industry and has helped Central Valley Farmers purchase real estate, develop property, and expand dairy facilities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing and congratulating Golden State Farm Credit for its service to Kings County and for receiving the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Ag Supporter of the Year award at the 2016 Kings County Salute to Ag Banquet.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 481 I missed the vote because my meeting with constituents about very important transportation, agriculture, air quality, and grant issues went longer than scheduled. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tim Ray on his graduation from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program and to thank him for his many years of service to the City of Kingsburg, California. Mr. Ray was born in Madera, California and at the age of three his family relocated to Kingsburg, California where his father worked at what was then the Kingsburg Volunteer Fire Department. After his graduation from Kingsburg High School, Mr. Ray went on to receive his Bachelors of Science in Building Construction from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arizona. In 1986, Mr. Ray moved back to Kingsburg and, like his father, joined the Kingsburg Fire Department as a Volunteer Firefighter. During this time, Mr. Ray also served the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) through the Tulare County Fire Department. Mr. Ray's dedication to emergency services did not stop there as he also served as a paramedic for the Sequoia Safety Council and the Mobile Life Support Ambulance in Visalia, California. As further testament to his work ethic and strength of character, in 2011, Mr. Ray was promoted to Fire Chief of the City of Kingsburg, making him one of only two out of the eighteen fire chiefs in the history of Kingsburg to have gone from a Volunteer Firefighter to Fire Chief. Mr. Tim Ray will have served the Kingsburg Fire Department and the community with dedication for thirty years on August 1, 2016. Coinciding with his thirty year work anniversary, Mr. Ray also celebrated another incredible achievement of his career. On August 5, 2016, Mr. Ray graduated from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, proving that the Fire Chief of a small town like Kingsburg is equal to those of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Today, Mr. Ray resides in Kings County, California with his wife of twenty-seven years, Penny. Together they have two children, Kyle and Kaiti. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join with me in recognizing Mr. Tim Ray for his many accomplishments and to thank him for his thirty years of faithful service to the City of Kingsburg. The Central Valley is better off as a result of his dedication, strength of will, and commitment to emergency services.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. William Lynch for his service to the Kings County Fire Department and to congratulate him on his retirement after thirty one years of dedicated service. Mr. Lynch was born on August 26, 1959 in Hanford, California. After attending local schools, Mr. Lynch would go on to graduate from Hanford High School and later the College of the Sequoias with an Associates of Arts Degree. His commitment to higher education did not stop there, as Mr. Lynch is currently attending Columbia Southern University. Mr. Lynch's career in emergency services began in 1984 when he served as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Kings County Fire Department. In 1987, he was hired as a full-time Firefighter by the Hanford Fire Department where his hard work and dedication to emergency services would soon pay off. Due to his strong work ethic and strength of character, Mr. Lynch was promoted to Captain in 1995, Fire Marshal in 2004, and Deputy Chief in 2008. In 2011, Mr. Lynch's career culminated when he was named the Kings County Fire Chief. During his tenure as Fire Chief, Mr. Lynch has oversaw a reorganization of the department management staff, successfully implemented an automatic aid agreement with the Hanford Fire Department, and renewed the mutual aid agreement with the Lemoore Fire Department. These accomplishments will allow the Kings County Fire Department to continue efficiently serving our community for years to come. In his personal time, Mr. Lynch enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathleen, and their children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. William Lynch for his dedicated service to the Kings County Fire Department and to wish him well as he begins his retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Hanford, California and honor the one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary of its founding. The city's humble beginnings began in 1877 when the Southern Pacific Railway began construction of a rail line which passed through what is now the City of Hanford. Within a short time, and with the railway's support, Hanford grew from a small settlement to a prominent trading center in the area. Hanford, California was officially incorporated in August of 1891. Over the course of the past century, Hanford has seen many changes and has faced its fair share of challenges, including fires in 1887 and 1891 which destroyed most of the downtown area. However, because of the determination of its citizens, Hanford would go on to rebuild and thrive. Today, the city boasts over fifty thousand residents, a revitalized and prospering downtown area, and a vibrant and diverse economy. As a resident of Hanford, I have seen firsthand the sense of community and the willingness to help each other that makes our town a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I am proud to call Hanford my home. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the City of Hanford's one hundred and twenty fifth Anniversary and to wish the community all the best in the future.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Sebastian Silveira for his service to my office and California's Central Valley. Mr. Silveira was born on September 23, 1990 in Hanford, California to David and Mary Lou Silveira. After attending St. Rose McCarthy Catholic School in Hanford, California, Mr. Silveira went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Business with a minor in Water Law and Policy from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. As a young adult, Mr. Silveira first showed an interest in public service as an intern for Congressman Devin Nunes where he worked diligently and earned the respect of many of his peers. After working for Congressman Nunes, Mr. Silveira was hired in January of 2014 as a Field Representative in my Hanford, California Congressional Office. His hard work was apparent early on and he was soon promoted to Senior Field Representative, a position in which he has excelled. Mr. Silveira's strong work ethic has grown during his tenure, which is evident by his commitment to constituent events and his passion for water policy. As one of the most important issues in the Twenty-First Congressional District, Mr. Silveira has worked to become a trusted advisor on water related issues. Outside of work, Mr. Silveria is a pillar in our local community. He volunteers his time at the local food bank and helps to serve meals to those in need at a local soup kitchen once a week. Mr. Silveira is an active member in both the Kings County Young Republicans and the Kings County Republican Party Central Committee. In addition, Mr. Silveira enjoys spending time and helping his family on their vineyard, which has contributed immensely to his knowledge and interest in wine making. Mr. Silveira's time with my office came to a close on July 29, 2016 when he left to attend the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California. Knowing Mr. Silveira, his character, and his work ethic, I have no doubt that he will achieve many great things in his future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Sebastian Silveira for his public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sanger Police Officer, Mr. Rodney Jones who tragically passed away on June 17, 2016. Mr. Jones was born in Lompoc, California to Lela and Richard Ira Jones. After attending local schools in Clovis, California, Mr. Jones completed his education in 1978. After being introduced to the law enforcement profession by his brother-in-law, Mr. Jones went on to receive his Peace Officer Basic Training (POST) certification from the College of the Sequoias in 1996. That same year, he began his career with the Sanger Police Department as a patrolman. Mr. Jones would go on to serve the department diligently in many roles, including Detective, Drug Recognition Expert, and Field Training Officer. The Sanger Police Department is left better off because of his service. In his personal time, Mr. Jones enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. As an outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Jones was passionate about off-road vehicles, hunting, fishing, and camping, and he loved to share those experiences with family and friends. Additionally, Mr. Jones was a founder and Vice-President of the Sanger Badlands Posse Jeep Club, comprised of fellow police officers, the group would organize rock crawling trips. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and achievements of Mr. Rodney Jones. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, 380 million gallons a day; that is a number that should have been quoted. When you hear about 380 million gallons a day of sewage being dumped in this estuary that they talk about, this environment they are trying to protect, when you think about that much sewage being dumped into the delta on a daily basis, you hear the same people talking about trying to protect it. There are things going on in that delta. And they have been restricting our water for the last 20 years, and it has not saved that species. There are provisions in these bills that actually help. We attacked the invasive species that is attacking the delta smelt, the striped bass. We have offered that provision many times. We are offering many solutions. Like the author mentioned earlier, we have had language in probably five different pieces of legislation going through the House over to the Senate. We have begged for an open and transparent process where we can debate this and have some commonsense ideas brought forward and voted and signed into law so that we can help both our communities. If you truly care about the delta, stop polluting it. If you truly care about the people of California and what it costs to feed your families, if you truly care about farm workers, if you truly care about these small communities, you would care about water and doing this right and having an honest debate. Now, I have been approached off camera a million times now to have another off-camera conversation about this, and we have said all along: No more conversation like that. Everything on the floor. This is an open, transparent process. Five pieces of legislation have this language in it. And we are going to continue to push until we can get some support so we can fix this problem. So those little communities in my district that people claim to care about could actually turn on a faucet and fill a pot of water so they can make themselves some food to eat and some dinner, maybe bathe their children, because that is where we are today. We have houses that, when they turn on a faucet, they no longer have water. And I get the whole junior water rights concern, but if they were truly concerned about the environment, they would give up some of their water. But you look at Hetch Hetchy, that has had 100 percent of their water and continues to deliver that water via pipeline all the way to San Francisco without one conversation about that water being able to help some of these rivers and some of these species, but they are not willing to give up any of their water. They are willing to take other people's water. It is the same thing we hear about on so many different issues; take someone else's product, or someone else's water and try to solve another problem with it. And the problem has to be solved the right way: language that we have offered, that has been offered into these amendments, into these bills, and that we have pushed over to the Senate, and the conversation has to be had in an open, transparent process like our Senators have told us they wanted. So we are here. We are ready for that conversation. We want an honest debate, and we want to talk about the way we actually fix these problems. We are not going to try to accommodate communities dumping their sewage in the delta, but we want to help those species, and there is language in there to do that, even language in there to help capture some of the water. Use some of the infrastructure we have paid for as taxpayers and allow it to be used to its full capacity so we can continue to store water that we do have and not waste it. This is an honest piece of language that could actually help solve California's problems, and I think we need to continue to have an honest debate.