David Valadao

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, again, I have to rise in opposition to this. I think we have to have an open dialogue on water legislation going forward, and it obviously needs to be transparent and open for the world to see. We have tried working quietly with some folks and, obviously, that didn't produce anything. This is the next best option: having that option to have an open dialogue with all options on the table. We already have the option that is being performed today, where my district is suffering, unemployment is through the roof, and people are truly suffering, and that needs to be fixed. We are asking for a simple solution to this. Legislation has been introduced. It has been part of a couple pieces of legislation now. I think it is a very reasonable request, and I strongly recommend a ``no'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I really wish on this floor that there was a requirement that we had to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that is being offered here, there is a huge exaggeration that is going on now. There were periods this past year alone, just in the last few months, that there were 150,000 cubic feet per second flowing through that delta. Now, these tunnels, I do not believe are the ultimate solution for the delta and for the valley, but I do believe that taking more options off the table and an option that, actually, the Governor of California--a close friend of the person that offered this amendment-- does support, and making sure that we have an honest debate as we go forward to solve the problems of the delta, that we have to have all options on the table. I have looked for every opportunity to have an honest dialogue across the aisle. We have had those conversations. Those who were in the room with us walked away and told the press they never existed or were never a part of them. Now they are coming back and asking for those same private conversations again, and we are not going to play that game anymore. We want to make sure we have an honest dialogue. In conference, as this bill moves forward and as long as language is there, we have the opportunity to have that dialogue and keep those options on the table that the Governor of California actually supports. Anybody who supports this amendment is actually closing more opportunities for us to have that open dialogue, so I rise in opposition to this. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I always enjoy listening to my friends on the other side of the aisle say that this is theft, that we are stealing water. This graph has been used a few times. This is the amount of water going through the delta in 2015, and this is when it was exported; in 2016, the amount of water going out into the ocean. This is not stealing from one person's well in their community to another community. This is water that is going out into the ocean that they are advocating that we go and spend more taxpayer money and desalinate so that we can bring it right back. When it comes to protecting the delta, which we all want to do, I would actually recommend that the communities around the delta stop dumping their sewage in it. With over 300 million gallons of sewage being dumped in the delta on a daily basis, you would think that would have a bigger impact on the delta species and everything else that is going on there than a little bit of water being pumped. There were periods this past winter alone where there was 150,000 cubic feet of water per second going through that delta. We are asking for 5,000, and at those high periods maybe 7,500. Think about that. 150,000 cubic feet per second, and we are asking for 7,500, as if we are going to pump a delta dry and have a huge impact. I would still argue that dumping your sewage in the delta would have a bigger impact on those species than anything else. If you are truly concerned with protecting those species, you would think you would take some of the legislation that we have in there that has to do with the invasive species, the predator species, the striped bass that is actually consuming baby salmon and is also consuming the delta smelt. We know that it is happening. I have seen studies that point to as much as 98 percent of delta smelt being consumed by this striped bass. Why don't we take a look at the legislation that is in this bill now and actually adopt it and have a real impact and save these species for our future generations. It is time top stop playing games and hurting other communities. We are looking to capture a little bit of water that goes to the delta. Obviously, a lot was wasted this year. We are not trying to steal from anybody else. It is a fair and very equitable ask. It has little impact on the delta. If there are those who really want to protect the delta, let's look at every part of it, including the sewage, including the invasive species. I think there is a lot of room to compromise, and I would appreciate the opportunity.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on both committees of jurisdiction here, Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources. The language that they allowed to be put into this energy bill from my water bill is something that truly makes a difference for the constituents of the Central Valley. We have been suffering over these last few years, and what it has done is devastated our communities. We have unemployment numbers reaching as high as 30 and 40 percent. We see numbers even in some smaller communities as high as 50 percent. To see these things happen in our communities is a total tragedy, and it doesn't have to happen. All we need is some commonsense legislation. We have tried reaching out. We have passed legislation out of the House a few different times. We have negotiated and tried to get somewhere, but we weren't able to do it. So finding another way to get this onto our Senators' desks so that they can actually take some action and get it to the President's desk is of the utmost importance. I appreciate all the leadership and all the help from both committees to help this move forward.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Justin Mendes for his service to my office and California's Central Valley. Mr. Mendes was born on September 17, 1986 in Fresno, California to Tom Mendes and Karen Carreiro. After attending Riverdale High School in Riverdale, California, Mr. Mendes went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Upon his graduation in 2008, Mr. Mendes worked in the banking industry, specifically in agricultural lending. In 2010, Mr. Mendes began his career in public service with my office in Hanford, while I was then serving in the California State Assembly. Upon my election to the United States House of Representatives in 2012, he continued his service as my District Director, a position he held until March, 2016. During his time as District Director in my office, Mr. Mendes demonstrated himself to be a person of outstanding character and work ethic. His knowledge of the Twenty-First Congressional District of California was immensely beneficial to my office and my constituents. Throughout his career, Mr. Mendes has been an invaluable asset to Team Valadao and the people of California's Central Valley. Without his advice and friendship, I would not be where I am at today. In March of 2014, Mr. Mendes and his fiancee Melissa celebrated the birth of their first child, Alexander. Their family currently resides in Hanford, California. Mr. Mendes again demonstrated his dedication to public service when he was elected Mayor of Hanford in December of 2015. I have no doubt his work ethic, combined with his knowledge of public policy and his community, will be immensely valuable to the citizens of Hanford. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Justin Mendes for his public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing him well in this next chapter of his life.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chairman, one of the most interesting things we always hear is water is a finite resource and we shouldn't waste it. It always blows my mind because this simple graph right here is a very strong example of what happened from one year to the next. Right here is what came into the delta in 2015, and right here is what happened in 2016--the amount of water that came in and the amount of water that was exported to the south of the delta--and this is the amount of water going through the delta this year. So the amount of water that went through the delta and out into the ocean and completely wasted, right here in this graph, and this is how much we are able to capture. That is a huge difference and a huge waste of water. Communities in my district have been suffering because of a lack of action in this House. This is not a State issue. This is policy that was implemented years ago; and as we watch and see the delta continue to go and continue to decline and the species continue to disappear, doing this has actually not helped the species, has done nothing. There is language in this bill that actually helps protect the species, the predator species. We have the ability in this bill to start a program that could actually help eliminate the striped bass. We have seen studies. As much as 60 to 90 percent of delta smelt are consumed by striped bass. Why don't we allow that language to move forward? There was a motion today to strike some of that language, as well, in another bill as there is in this one. This is a problem. As communities continue to struggle, this is what we end up with. I think this is the most important picture. This is in my district. This is not in a Third World country. This is in the United States of America. This is right here in California, and this is something that is happening in these communities because of this water being wasted. We are putting people out of work, and we now see shanty towns. These shanty towns are not just regular folks--these are families. You see a stroller here, and you see some children's toys. Is this what we want to support? Anybody who supports this amendment is supporting this in the United States of America, and I can't imagine why we would want to do that. Again, this is commonsense language that helps to address the problem that we have. We try to bring some common sense to the protection of the delta, and we look at it from all different angles. If Members want to continue this debate elsewhere, I am happy to do it. We have passed legislation. It sits in the Senate. The Senate hasn't acted. We are going to keep pushing and looking for a way to bring this to the forefront so we can offer a solution. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the majority leader.

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jim Carpenter on his retirement after forty-one years of dedicated service to St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School in Hanford, California. For over four decades, Mr. Carpenter has been a dedicated educator and administrator at St. Rose-McCarthy School, working to shape the minds of countless children in our community. As a 1966 graduate of the school himself, St. Rose-McCarthy has played a significant role in Mr. Carpenter's life. Upon his college graduation, Mr. Carpenter returned to St. Rose- McCarthy to teach in 1975. During his long career with the school, Mr. Carpenter served in various positions, and taught third, fourth, and sixth grade students. For seven years, Mr. Carpenter even served as the Principal of St. Rose McCarthy before his return to teaching in 2010. As both a student and an educator, Mr. Carpenter spent over fifty years at St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School, which accounts for almost half of the institution's entire history. I myself had the honor of being a student in Mr. Carpenter's class, as he was my third grade teacher and basketball coach. Additionally, I had the honor of working with Mr. Carpenter as his United States Representative in 2014 and 2015, as he was instrumental in organizing many class trips to Washington, D.C. and introducing students to the legislative process, helping students to understand how our government works at an early age. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Jim Carpenter for his decades of dedicated service and congratulating him on his recent retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Fresno County Deputy Sheriff, Mike Trevino Jr. who sadly passed away on March 21, 2016. Mr. Trevino was born in Fowler, California on November 29, 1964 to Mike Trevino and Amanda Sarabia. After his graduation from Selma High School in 1982, Mike enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a combat engineer. After he was honorable discharged, Mr. Trevino began work at the Auto Warehouse and the Fresno County Office of Education. In 1995, he enrolled in the Fresno City Community College Police Academy while also working full time. Following in his father's footsteps, Mike began work at the Fresno County Sheriff's Department in July 1996 as a deputy sheriff. During his time with the sheriff's department, Mr. Trevino worked in the Field Services Division and later went on to serve in the Narcotics Unit. Deputy Sheriff Trevino is remembered with respect by his colleagues and all those who knew him, especially for his ability to break barriers and establish trust with the locals. Words of support and sympathy for his family have even come from individuals he previously arrested, yet still hold him in high regard. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and achievements of Deputy Sheriff Mike Trevino Jr. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his children and grandchildren, Breanna, Fabian, Micah, and Damian during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Stratford Portuguese Hall Association on its 100th anniversary of service to our community. The Stratford Portuguese Hall Association was founded in December 1915, when a group of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores Islands assembled to join the Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit in the community of Stratford, California. In 2010, several Portuguese fraternal organizations, including the Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit, consolidated to form the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America. Stratford Portuguese Hall brought the ``Festa'' weekend traditions of serving sopas, dancing, and parades to Stratford for the first time in 1916. The celebrations can be traced back to medieval Portugal when Queen Isabel made offerings of food and festival to the people in 1296. Since 1916, these Portuguese traditions have been shared with the community of Stratford. The goal of the ``Festa'' is to honor the past, celebrate the present, and encourage the future, while celebrating the Portuguese culture. To reach a 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement, and Stratford Portuguese Hall Association has had to overcome many challenges to reach this point, including a devastating fire that destroyed the Hall in 2003. However, the Hall was able to meet the challenges it was presented with, and continues to serve our community today. As the son of Portuguese immigrants, I am proud of this incredible achievement. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Stratford Portuguese Hall on their 100th anniversary and wishing them a happy ``Festa'' this year.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Greg Keithly on his retirement from the United States Navy after thirty five years of dedicated service. Captain Keithly enlisted in the Navy in July of 1981 and began his long career of loyal service to our nation. After his completion of U.S. Hull Maintenance Technician School at Treasure Island, California and later Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he would go on to serve as a Hull Technician on the USS McKee and the USS Fletcher which was deployed to the Western Pacific. Captain Keithly later attended the University of San Diego under the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Upon his graduation in 1989, Captain Keithly continued his career with the United States Navy as a commissioned officer. Captain Keithly subsequently began his first fleet tour, during which he served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in support of Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, as well as Operation Southern Watch in Iraq. Additionally, he completed a second tour duty in the Western Pacific. His faithful service continued in 1997 with his assignment as the squadron Training Officer and Operations Officer to the ``Black Knights'' of Atsugi, Japan. In December 2000, Captain Keithly moved on to serve as the Operations Officer for the Navy's first Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron in Lemoore, California. In July 2002, Captain Keithly furthered his education at the United States Naval War College located in Newport, Rhode Island where he received a master's degree. He simultaneously completed the Naval Operations Planners Course and was designated a Naval Operational Planner. After his graduation from the Naval War College, Captain Keithly reported to the ``Black Aces'' where he diligently served as the Commanding Officer until July 2008. During his time with the ``Black Aces,'' he was deployed twice onboard the USS Nimitz where he lead his squadron during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Captain Keithly reported to the Third Fleet in August of 2008 and served in various roles including Chief of Plans, N5 Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Policy, and Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for the N5/N7. In 2012, Captain Keithly was promoted to Deputy-Commander of the Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Lemoore, California and he would soon thereafter assume full command of the largest type wing in the U.S. Navy. He would serve in this position until December 2014. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Captain Greg Keithly for his years of dedicated and unwavering service to the United States Navy.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Don Warkentin, former President of West Hills College Lemoore, who sadly passed away on February 1, 2016. Mr. Warkentin was born in Reedley, California on November 15, 1946 to Vern and Doris Warkentin. After his graduation from Reedley High School, he went on to study at Reedley College and later California State University, Chico. At the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Mr. Warkentin enlisted as a Lieutenant in the United States Army and eventually rose to the rank of Captain, receiving two Purple Hearts in the process. After his service to our country, he married the love of his life Betty. Together, they had two children, Brooke and Steven. Mr. Warkentin's long career in education began in 1973 when he accepted a position as a biology teacher for Lemoore High School. Mr. Warkentin also served as a football and baseball coach, athletic director, and principal of the continuation school for adults wishing to complete their education. In 1986, he began work as an Associate Dean at West Hills College Kings County Center, known today as West Hills College Lemoore, and his commitment to the institution continued until his retirement, just months prior to his passing. Under his stewardship, West Hills College Lemoore moved to its own campus in 2002 and saw student enrollment grow from 700 to more than 4,500 students. Additionally, Mr. Warkentin was responsible for several expansion projects including the new student center and the Golden Eagle Arena. In 2004, Mr. Warkentin's career culminated with his promotion to President of West Hills College Lemoore, a position which he held until December 2015. Mr. Warkentin's dedication to the field of education was without question and West Hills College Lemoore stands today as a memorial to his strength of character and work ethic. Mr. Warkentin's commitment to our community was not exclusive to West Hills College Lemoore, but included his active membership in the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and the Kings County Economic Development Corporation. With his passing our community has lost a great leader and his dedication to the Central Valley deserves our recognition and gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and achievements of President Emeritus Don Warkentin. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Betty and their two children, Brooke and Steven during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Representative Devin Nunes, to recognize the people of Nagorno- Karabakh. Over the course of the past century, the Armenian people have been subject to some of the worst treatment in modern history. From the Armenian genocide and the repressive years under Soviet rule, to the pogroms committed against Armenians in the cities of Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku, the tragic plight of the Armenian people in their search for freedom cannot be overstated. As a nation built on the concept of freedom, the United States must support those who put their safety on the line in the pursuit of that most basic human right. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh have suffered enough under Azerbaijan's aggressive policies, and it is time for the international community to recognize their right to self-determination. Today, I rise to recognize the Armenian people, especially the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, who struggle for the same things the United States fought for over 200 years ago: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall no. 46, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Sue Bauch on her retirement after twenty eight years of dedicated service to the City of Kingsburg. Mrs. Bauch was born in Auberry, California. During her childhood, she attended local schools and later graduated from Sierra Union High School. Mrs. Bauch and her husband Guy have four children, Shannon, DJ, Chad, and Michelle. On January 28, 1988, Mrs. Bauch began working as a part-time Utilities Clerk for the City of Kingsburg. Exactly one year later she was hired on as full time and has since served in multiple positions, including Business License Clerk, Building Secretary, Planning Secretary, and Deputy City Clerk. In 1998, she was promoted to City Clerk and has held that position ever since. In 2013, Mrs. Bauch also served as the Acting City Manager of Kingsburg. Mrs. Bauch's hard work and dedication to the City of Kingsburg is without question. She is known in the community for her knowledge of all things Kingsburg and for her invaluable guidance to fellow co- workers and residents. After twenty eight years with the City of Kingsburg, Mrs. Bauch retired on January 6, 2016. During her time with the City of Kingsburg Mrs. Bauch was known as the ``face'' of city hall. There is no doubt that the city has benefited from her guidance throughout her years of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Sue Bauch for her years of dedicated public service and wishing her well as she begins her retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Stucky on his retirement after twenty seven years of dedicated service to the City of Kingsburg. Mr. Stucky was born on January 3, 1954 in Reedly, California. Growing up in the Central Valley, Mr. Stucky attended local schools and graduated from Reedly High School in 1972. Bob and his wife Donna have two children, Tim and Lisa. On August 15, 1988, Mr. Stucky began working as a Maintenance Worker with the City of Kingsburg Public Works Department. Throughout his career, Mr. Stucky has worked in several capacities including Water Specialist and Water Operator. Mr. Stucky has served the citizens of Kingsburg loyally and with dedication. His insight and efforts have kept the city's water supply clean, safe, and reliable for all those in the community. After twenty seven years with the City of Kingsburg, Mr. Stucky retired on January 6, 2016. The City of Kingsburg has been extremely lucky to have such a diligent and hardworking individual protect their water supply. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Robert Stucky for his decades of dedicated public service and congratulating him on his recent retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 15, I missed votes due to being unavoidably detained as a result of weather-related flight delays. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of roll call vote Number 694.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wasco Union High School District in honor of its centennial. In 1915, people from the Cleveland, Maple, Poplar, Wildwood, and Semitropic, and Wasco Elementary School Districts voted to form the Wasco Union High School District in their community. Wasco High School operated out of a rented auditorium-like building known as Wasco Hall and enrolled twenty-eight students during its first year. In December 2015, the district purchased a fifteen acre school site at Trogdon's Corner. Construction began at this site in August 1916 and was completed in March 1917. Since the construction of the ``Main Building'' several new buildings have been added to the campus and the student body has grown tremendously. Wasco Union High School District is now one of the largest high school districts in Kern County and covers approximately seven hundred and fifty square miles. The curriculum is heavily focused on vocational and agricultural skills and boasts a one hundred and ten acre school farm where students can take classes in welding, agriculture mechanics, plant science, and animal care. Over the past century, the Wasco Union High School District has helped Central Valley children reach their full potential and become active and prosperous members of their communities. The city of Wasco and Kern County as a whole are fortunate to have such a committed and successful academic institution at their disposal. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Wasco Union High School District's centennial.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rotary Club of Hanford in honor of its Seventy-Fifth Anniversary. The Rotary Club of Hanford (RCH) was charter on October 6, 1940 in order to serve the community of Hanford, California. Since its establishment, the RCH has been a pillar in its community and spearheaded many events. Specifically, the Chapter has helped acquire playground equipment for multiple parks, rebuilt the Babe Ruth Baseball Field, sponsored numerous Little League teams, assisted with highway cleanup, conducted holiday food drives, sponsored foreign exchange students, and administered a Job Shadow Program. The RCH has also been active internationally and helped to establish two orphanages in Mexico, schools, health clinics, and clean water projects in Guatemala, and build Hope High School in Kenya. Over the past seventy-five years, the RCH has helped Hanford and its residents thrive. We are fortunate to have such a committed Rotary Club in our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Rotary Club of Hanford's Seventy-Fifth Anniversary.