Juan Vargas

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Voices for Children for their outstanding commitment and dedication to foster youth in San Diego. This year, Voices for Children will celebrate its 35th year of operation since its founding in San Diego County. There are 5,100 children and youth living in the San Diego County foster care system. Voices for Children is fighting to ensure those children are placed in a safe and permanent home. Voices for Children recruits, trains, and supervises 1,400 Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers (CASAs) each year. CASAs are exemplary role models and volunteer mentors for the abused, neglected, and abandoned children and youth in San Diego's foster care system. These volunteers advocate for the best interests of foster children, provide vital information to judges in Juvenile Court and speak up for San Diego's foster youth in courts, schools, and the community. I commend Voices for Children for their contributions and ongoing dedication to providing safe and permanent homes for every child in foster care, as well as, their commitment to changing the lives of thousands of abused, neglected, or abandoned children in foster care.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter Chacon for a lifetime of selfless service and leadership to our nation and our community. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during World War II and in the California State legislature for over 20 years. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Chacon was raised in a home of modest means with three older sisters and three younger brothers. As a teenager, he would shine shoes and park cars in downtown Phoenix to help support his family. His father, Petronilo Chacon, served as a commander in Mexico to Pancho Villa's revolutionary Army and taught Mr. Chacon to fight for what he believed in with passion and determination, while defending the rights of those who could not do the same. In 1943, at the age of 18 and in the midst of World War II, Mr. Chacon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably for two years of wartime service as a Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. During his service, he flew 35 successful missions over Germany. On one such mission, his plane was shot down and forced to crash land on a small island off the Italian coast where he and the rest of the crew were later rescued. After the war, Mr. Chacon returned home as a hero and enrolled in San Diego City College and later San Diego State University where he received a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in school administration. He began a career as a teacher, where he discovered injustices facing Spanish speaking children in schools. In 1968, with the help of two friends, Mr. Chacon founded the Chicano Federation in an effort to unite the Latino voice in the San Diego community. One of the first accomplishments of the Chicano Federation was the creation of the historic Chicano Park in the Barrio Logan community. Chicano Park has come to be an important symbol of the Chicano Movement. In 1969, Mr. Chacon decided to run for the California State Assembly in an effort the change the education system from within. Mr. Chacon was elected in 1970 to represent California's 79th assembly district, where he served for 22 years. He is best known for authoring legislation to create the California Housing Finance Agency, the Rural Housing Development Program, and the landmark Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program for the more than 230,000 limited English speaking students in the state. Mr. Chacon was an inspirational leader in the San Diego community and his contributions will not be forgotten. He is survived by his four sons, Chris, Paul, Ralph and Jeff.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Article VI: ``All debts contracted and engagements entered into, before the adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.''

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. In closing, Mr. Speaker, as was said, this bill authorizes a transfer of naval vessels to Taiwan and Mexico, two good friends and partners of the United States. It also makes changes to regulating armed transfers and strengthens congressional oversight of the system. I would once again like to thank Chairman Royce for working with us in a bipartisan manner on this important legislation. I would also like to say that as a freshman Member who may not be serving again on the committee that it was a real honor to serve under the chairman. He in fact acts very bipartisan. He is a real leader in this country, and I am very proud that he is a Californian. It has been an honor, sir, to serve with you. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1683, the Naval Vessel Transfer Act. This bill includes many of the provisions in H.R. 3470, which the House passed on April 7 and sent to the other body. I would like to thank Chairman Royce for the bipartisan manner in which the original House bill was drafted, considered by the committee, and passed by the House. With today's action on S. 1683, we finish our work on this important legislation. In the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States made a commitment to support Taiwan's defensive capability. To that end, this bill authorizes the President to transfer up to four surplus U.S. naval vessels to Taiwan. In light of China's increasingly aggressive actions in the Pacific region, it is more important than ever to bolster Taiwan's security. This bill also authorizes a transfer of two surplus naval vessels to Mexico, a critical defense partner of the United States. These vessels will strengthen Mexico's ability to function effectively with the U.S. Navy in joint operations. Finally, the bill strengthens congressional review of the licensing and shipment of U.S. defense exports. These provisions are necessary in light of the significant regulatory changes now being implemented by the Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense. The President's Export Control Reform initiative will modernize our system of regulating trade and defense and dual-use items, and appropriate congressional review must continue to be an integral part of the system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for S. 1683 so we can send this legislation to the President for signature into law. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2142, the Venezuelan Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014, and yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Congresswoman Ros- Lehtinen--thank you for your leadership on this--and also Senator Menendez for his leadership on this legislation. I also want to thank, once again, Chairman Royce, who has approached this issue in a bipartisan way, as he always does. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen's bill passed the House unanimously in May, and I am pleased that we are now ready to send this bill to the President's desk. The world has watched closely over the last year as Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has stifled the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. Peaceful protesters seeking basic rights and dignity have been met with violence. Forty-two people were tragically killed and 800 were injured on both sides of the conflict. We mourn all of their losses. At the same time, the Maduro government has arrested political opponents and stood in the way of a free press. Nearly 10 minutes after his arrest, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez remains in jail on trumped-up charges. The U.N. Committee Against Torture, seven former Latin American Presidents, and the leaders around the world have called for Leopoldo's release. Last week, Venezuelan opposition leader and former National Assembly Deputy Maria Corina Machado was charged for conspiring to assassinate President Maduro, another desperate move by a desperate government. Maduro's government even considers the U.S. Ambassador to Colombia in on this bizarre conspiracy. It would be humorous if it wasn't so sad and dangerous. The legislation that we are considering today makes it clear that Congress will not turn a blind eye to the human rights violations in Venezuela. By stripping human rights violators of their visas, we are saying that those responsible for abuses in Venezuela are not welcome in the United States. By freezing their assets, we are making it clear that those who violate human rights in Venezuela won't have access to financial institutions in the United States. Venezuela's leaders will say this bill is going to hurt the average Venezuelan citizen. That is nonsense. These sanctions won't touch the oil sector or other vital parts of the Venezuelan economy. They only affect those complicit in the recent crackdowns. Finally, I will note that this bill gives President Obama needed flexibility to respond to events on the ground in Venezuela. Each and every sanction in this bill can be waived by the President at any time. Let's stand with the people of Venezuela and support the immediate passage of S. 2142. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, I would like to emphasize, once again, that today's legislation is consistent with our treatment of human rights violators throughout the world. Will this legislation all of a sudden turn President Maduro and his government into great respecters of human rights? None of us are naive enough to believe this, but what it will do is it will send a message to human rights violators in Venezuela and throughout the world that your visas and your assets in U.S. financial institutions are in peril if you abuse individuals' human rights. I once again urge my colleagues to support the immediate passage of S. 2142. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5656, the Global Food Security Act of 2014. I would like to begin by thanking Congressman Chris Smith and Congresswoman Betty McCollum for authoring this important legislation, which authorizes USAID's Feed the Future Initiative. I would also like to thank Chairman Royce for working with us in a bipartisan manner to take this bill up in committee and bring it to the floor. Around the world, 800 million people suffer from chronic hunger. Malnutrition causes the deaths of 3.1 million children under the age of 5 every year. This is a global crisis. President Obama has made global food security a top priority, and USAID Administrator Raj Shah has done tremendous work in carrying out that policy. The Feed the Future Initiative focuses on reducing global poverty and hunger in developing countries through agricultural development. This program is only a few years old, but it has already made a real difference in fighting hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. In 2013, Feed the Future helped nearly 7 million farmers and food producers use new technologies. This initiative has secured more than $10 billion in private sector commitments to African agriculture, the majority of which has been made by African businesses. It has helped bring 3.5 million hectares of land under improved cultivation and management practices. Last year, the initiative reached more than 12.5 million children with nutritional assistance. The success of this initiative stems, in part, from the collaboration and partnership of more than 10 U.S. Government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and American universities. By working together, they have helped to advance real solutions to global hunger, poverty, and malnutrition. Most importantly, Feed the Future has generated strong buy-in from partner governments in 19 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa. Each host country is required to put forward a country investment plan and contribute a portion of its own GDP to agricultural development. This model ensures that Feed the Future programs are sustainable and can eventually be transferred fully to the host country. Despite the gains we have made, there is still a lot of work that has to be done. We need continued American leadership in global food security. We need proven programs like Feed the Future to continue its highly effective work in alleviating global hunger and poverty. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota, Representative Betty McCollum, the coauthor of this bill.

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts, Representative Jim McGovern, the cochair of the Anti- Hunger Caucus, who is a real champion for food security not only here domestically but also internationally.

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, the Feed the Future Initiative has been successful in alleviating food insecurity over the last 4 years. This important bill authorizes this proven approach to food security. It is a moral, economic, and security imperative that we continue the fight against hunger and malnutrition. I think we all need to be thankful for the heart that has gone in here from our colleagues. Certainly we want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey, Chris Smith, and the gentlewoman from Minnesota, Betty McCollum. Their hearts have been in this and fighting for this. They brought us all together. We appreciate that. And with that, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge President Obama to take executive action on immigration. I would have loved to have been here today to celebrate the passage of comprehensive immigration reform in this House, but this House has refused to hold a single vote. Fifteen months ago, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill in a bipartisan manner. This bill would have addressed many of the practices with our immigration policies that are simply unsustainable and contrary to our values. By the end of today, about 1,000 people will have been removed from this country and from their families. Because of this, I call on President Obama to take bold and meaningful action on immigration. This action will inevitably provide a boost to our national and local economies while helping to promote strong communities and family unity. The President can act within his legal authority--just like President Ronald Reagan did exactly on this issue--to ensure that thousands of mothers and fathers are no longer separated from their children. The President must act and act boldly now.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anne J. Mallory who began her career in education in 1978. During her 36-year career, Anne served in many roles, including teaching assignments ranging from first grade to middle school language arts, Title VI resource teacher, principal, district superintendent and several positions at the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE). Anne began at ICOE in 2001, where she served in increasingly more responsible roles and was appointed as the Imperial County Superintendent of Schools in July 2009 after the retirement of her predecessor. In 2010, Anne J. Mallory ran unopposed in her re-election for County Superintendent. Throughout her educational career and tenure at ICOE, Anne received many awards and accolades recognizing her excellence in education as a teacher and administrator. I would like to commend Anne J. Mallory for her 36-years of dedication to ICOE's staff, faculty, and students and commitment to expanding and improving educational services in Imperial County as County Superintendent for the last five years.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Stephen H. Elmore who was posthumously selected as the 2014 Farmer of the Year by the Imperial County Farm Bureau and will be presented with the Tenth Annual Jim Kuhn Memorial Farmer of the Year Award as a tribute to his exemplary record of agricultural and community leadership. Before passing away in 1999, Mr. Elmore was a distinguished agriculturalist who had half a century of experience in agriculture with The Elmore Company, Stephen H. Elmore Company, Desert Sky Farms and Echo II. Under his leadership, they grew numerous amounts of crops of all shapes and sizes such as sweet corn, sugar beets, tomatoes, wheat, onions, melons, potatoes and many more. Throughout his life, Mr. Elmore was highly respected by his community, employees and family. He was known for his innovative water management practices and active participation with well-regarded organizations such as Imperial County Farm Bureau, Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, and the Western Growers Association, among others. Furthermore, Mr. Elmore never hesitated to support local youth activities such as Brawley and Westmorland Little League, Brawley Parks and Recreation Youth Sports, and the Boys and Girls Club of Brawley. He will always be remembered by all those that were lucky enough to experience his goodwill.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief Benny G. Benavidez for his outstanding and invaluable service to the Imperial County community and to congratulate him on his retirement. Throughout his 37-year public service career, Chief Benavidez exhibited dedication to the Imperial County Probation Department's staff and clients, while keeping a steadfast commitment to improving services in Imperial County. Chief Benavidez began his career in Imperial County Probation as a Juvenile Hall Officer in the 1970s. During his career, he served in many capacities for the Imperial County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In his leadership position at the Imperial County Probation Department, Chief Benavidez practiced and preached ethical conduct, professionalism, knowledge, loyalty and evidence-based practices. He also created a new mission statement that embodies the driving force and tempo for all officers, enhanced officer training, established the Day Reporting Center, a one stop shop for services and referrals, improved Juvenile Hall Medical Services and brought a wealth of resources to the area through his collaborative efforts. Chief Benavidez was heavily involved in the community he served. He routinely attended Imperial County Board of Supervisors meetings, Law Enforcement Coordination Council meetings, Community Corrections Partnership meetings and local events designed to bring awareness to the resources available in the community to reduce recidivism, motivate behavioral change and advocate for victims. With a degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, Chief Benavidez continues to be a valuable asset to the Imperial Valley College faculty as a Correctional Science instructor.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Erik Franzen for his outstanding and invaluable service to his community and the United States of America, as he embarks on a new mission at his next command, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Commander Erik Franzen began his naval career in 1991 after graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and was commissioned through the NROTC program. In 2010, Commander Erik Franzen reported onboard the Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro as the Executive Officer. He later assumed command of the installation on July 1, 2013 and spearheaded several infrastructure improvements to NAF El Centro. These enhancements included a complete remodel of the Naval Exchange Building and the Take 5 coffee shop, an overhaul of the sports complex, installation of artificial turf on the sports field and sundry improvements to workspaces throughout the base. As a result of Commander Erik Franzen's guidance and leadership, NAF El Centro has increased in mission capability, improved customer service to visiting detachments and seen a tremendous boost to the overall morale of the base. I applaud Commander Erik Franzen for his distinguished service to NAF El Centro, the Imperial Valley, and the nation.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank DeClerq for the outstanding commitment and dedication he has demonstrated to the community of San Diego throughout his 35 years of service in the Fire Department. Throughout his career, Frank DeClerq has been an advocate for the San Diego City Firefighters and their families. He earned the rank of Fire Captain in the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. As a fearless leader he has worked with the Fire Department Management, elected officials, and industry experts to advocate for the enhancement of firefighter health and safety. Frank DeClerq believes that a firefighter's sworn duty to serve their community extends to their off duty time as well. He has consistently demonstrated this belief by supporting numerous charities such as: the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the San Diego Burn Institute, San Diego Firefighter Aid, San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, San Diego Youth Sports, and Local 145 Holiday Giving Programs for Low Income Families, among others. Frank DeClerq has not only influenced the welfare of firefighters of Local 145 as their leader, but also promoted the welfare of our residents throughout San Diego and the region.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the religious and faith-based communities in our Nation that have come forward to demand that we treat the children coming to our country with love and respect and not deny them their due process rights. Here are some of the words of the faith-based community themselves. This is from the Evangelical Immigration Table, which includes the National Association of Evangelicals, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and many, many more. ``The antitrafficking law is working according to its design,'' the religious leaders said. ``It should not be changed to address the current temporary situation.'' We hear from Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas. ``The question for us is: How do we want to be remembered, as yelling and screaming to go back or as using the teachings of our traditions to have compassion and love and grace for the lives of God's children?'' Lastly, Pope Francis writes, ``A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone.'' I hope to have that. I thank President Bush for signing the law and standing by it in this hysterical moment.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Oberg for his outstanding commitment and dedication of 29 years of service to law enforcement, specifically the California Highway Patrol, the community, and his service to the United States of America. Scott Oberg began his law enforcement career as an officer when he joined the California Highway Patrol El Centro Area Office on May 23, 1985 after graduating from the academy. Soon after, Scott Oberg served as a Field Training Officer from 1988 until 2002; during this time he trained seventeen officers, served on the Critical Incident Investigations Team from 2009 until 2012, as Court Officer from 2011 to 2013, and currently serves as a Front Desk Officer. Additionally, from 1992 to 1996, Scott Oberg served on the elite Imperial County Narcotics Task Force, where he participated in 24 undercover investigations and assisted in many seizures and arrests. Furthermore, Scott Oberg has an exemplary record of approximately 21,000 citations issued, 1,000,000 patrol miles, 12,000 motorist services, 900 collisions investigations, 425 DUI arrests and 95 felony arrests. I applaud Scott Oberg for his distinguished service to California, the Imperial Valley community, and California's 51st Congressional District.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David R. Green for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community, his service to the United States of America, and congratulate him on his retirement. David R. Green began his healthcare administration services career in 1974. During his 40-year career he served as chief executive officer at seven Southern California hospitals and was an administrator of five different skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, David R. Green served on a number of healthcare boards, including but not limited to, the California Hospital Association Board and CHA Rural Hospitals Board. During David R. Green's tenure at the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC), which began in 2003, officials completed construction of a two-story, 60-bed addition consisting of a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit. He also expanded the emergency department, surgical suites and outpatient services with the acquisition of the Oncology/Hematology of Imperial Valley clinic and the Imperial Valley Wound Healing Center, and the hospital's laboratory underwent an extensive renovation. David R. Green has exhibited dedication to ECRMC's patients and staff and commitment to expanding and improving healthcare services in Imperial County the last eleven years. I applaud David R. Green for his distinguished service to California, the Imperial Valley community, California's 51st Congressional District, and the nation.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest amateur racing traditions in the United States, the All- American Soap Box Derby. The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that has run in the United States since 1934. Cars competing in the Soap Box Derby are unpowered and rely completely on gravity to accelerate. During its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, when automobile manufacturers were national sponsors and famous television and cinema stars made special guest appearances at these races, as many as 70,000 people throughout the United States gathered each August to cheer on hundreds of young participants. San Diego's first Soap Box Derby took place in 1939. In 1946, San Diegan Gilbert Klecan became the first West Coast participant to win the All-American World Championship, which is held every July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. In those years, it was not uncommon to have as many as 300 cars racing along 6th Avenue downhill from Laurel Street. In the early 1970s, after automobile manufacturers pulled their sponsorship, the derby gradually faded in many cities. However, in the early 1990s the Kiwanis Club of San Diego Harbor and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego revived the derby and held races throughout the city. Then in 2002, Ben Hueso, now a California State Senator, and community advocate James Justus began organizing Soap Box Derby races in Sherman Heights, where it is now held annually. Every year, San Diego holds two races attracting hundreds of people from throughout the County. These races are held within the 51st Congressional district. A Rally Race is held late April in Encanto, and in late May, the San Diego Soap Box Derby Championship is held in Logan Heights. There are three racing divisions in both the San Diego and the All-American competition where boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, compete. Though many things have changed since the first San Diego Soap Box Derby in 1939, the goals of the program have not: to teach youngsters basic workmanship skills, the spirit of competition and the commitment to finish a project once it is started.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego on its 125th anniversary and to recognize its long service to the African American community. Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego was one of the first African American Baptist churches in San Diego to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the African American community. Throughout the years, Calvary Baptist Church has honored its history through faith, forgiveness, fellowship, friendship, and family and community union. As it did 125 years ago, Calvary Baptist Church continues to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the African American communities throughout San Diego. Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego has prospered, reaching new heights physically, financially, and spiritually. I would like to commend Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego on their 125th anniversary and thank them for their enormous contributions to our community.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the great democratic Jewish State of Israel, one of our strongest partners for peace and stability, for its 66 years of independence. Since its founding on May 14, 1948, Israel has been a beacon of democracy and prosperity and America's stalwart ally in the often tumultuous Middle East. As the historic home of the Jewish people, Israel has stood for hope in the face of persecution, freedom from oppression, and opportunity for its diverse population. We were the first nation to recognize Israel's independence, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building stronger bonds between the United States and Israel. I am fully committed to our special relationship, which is based upon our shared values and common interests. Mr. Speaker, on this joyous day, I am honored to congratulate Israel on its 66th Independence Day.

Mr. VARGAS

Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we returned from our district work period, or spring recess, although really what it was for most of us was the opportunity to be back during Passover and the week leading up to Easter. And for those of us like myself that love celebrating our faith, we go to our synagogues and churches to hear more about the things we believe. This time, what I heard most from religious leaders was how we were letting down the teachings of the Holy Scriptures by not doing what was commanded in Leviticus 19: You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you. Or, what we hear Jesus teaching in Matthew 25: For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Let's heed what our religious leaders are pleading with us to do and pass comprehensive immigration reform.