Greg Walden

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1580) to affirm the policy of the United States regarding Internet governance.

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Oregon's Second District to offer my deepest sympathies to the families and the victims of this senseless act of terrorism in Boston. Scripture tells us: blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Our prayers go to those who lost loved ones and to the injured as they recover so that they may be comforted. Our thanks go to the first responders and Good Samaritans who selflessly assisted the victims yesterday. That's what Americans do; they help their fellow men and women in time of need. That's a common bond that unites us. Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution, the cradle of liberty for our Nation. That spirit of freedom and brotherhood lives on in us as Americans and brings us closer together in our grief. As Americans, we will care for the victims and their families; we will ensure that justice is done for those behind these cowardly attacks; and we will emerge as a Nation, stronger than ever before.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 21 World War II veterans from Oregon who will be visiting their memorial this Friday in Washington, D.C. through Honor Flight of Oregon. On behalf of a grateful state and country, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital. The veterans on this flight from Oregon are as follows: James Chase, U.S. Army; Irene L. Christopherson, U.S. Army; Duane F. Goodman, U.S. Army; Charles V. Heaney, U.S. Army; John J. Kime, U.S. Army; Robert O. Phariss, U.S. Army/U.S. Air Force; Donald M. Rickard, U.S. Army; Donald S. Shilling, U.S. Army; Velma L. Sundet, U.S. Army; Ross A. Turkle, U.S. Army; Warren C. Gilfillan, U.S. Army Air Forces; Floyd E. Goldbloom, U.S. Army Air Forces; Elliot Lovelace, U.S. Army Air Forces; Leslie L. Lawrence, U.S. Coast Guard; Raymond H. Prescott, U.S. Marine Corps; Arthur Nelson Cauble, U.S. Merchant Marines; Arthur H. Cusson, U.S. Navy; Earl Garrett, U.S. Navy; Richard E. Mould, U.S. Navy; Charles A. Potter, U.S. Navy; Wayne W. Stram, U.S. Navy. These 21 heroes join more than 98,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have journeyed from their home states to Washington, D.C. to reflect at the memorials built in honor of our nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, each of us is humbled by the courage of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today. My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country. I especially want to recognize and thank Gail Yakopatz for her tireless work as president of Honor Flight of Oregon.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express gratitude to August D. Singler, former Sheriff of Jackson County, Oregon. Sheriff August David Singler was killed in the line of duty on April 23, 1913, the first law enforcement officer and only Sheriff in Jackson County to die in this tragic way. He lived with his family in Jacksonville, Oregon, in the ``Wilson House'' located directly behind the old Jackson County Courthouse/Jail when Jacksonville was the county seat. He was a very special individual who during his short tenure in law enforcement gave his life in service for the citizens of Jackson County and the State of Oregon. His place in history is recognized because of his selfless service to his community and respect for the rule of law. August was born on May 28, 1876, in Millersburg, Indiana, and was one of 13 children of John and Susan Singler. At a later date the Singler family moved to South Bend, Indiana, where August met his future wife Rose Probst. They eventually married November 15, 1898 and made their home in South Bend, Indiana, where their first child was born. August watched the midwife during the birth of their first child and delivered the remainder of his eight children by himself. As the family and quest to support them grew, August decided to head west. As the adventurous soul that he was, he hitchhiked to Southern Oregon twice before he wired for his wife and three children who then came to Oregon by train. Shortly after arriving, August and Rose's fourth child was born. August performed various small jobs including selling Singer sewing machines and patented medicines for the ``Electric Medical Company.'' August was considered a ``jack-of-all-trades,'' who would go to great lengths to feed and clothe his family. In late 1906, August purchased a small piece of land in Medford on Lozier Lane. Although he knew very little about building houses, he proceeded to erect a two story home for his family. August was involved in many civic organizations including the Moose Lodge, Redmens, Woodsman of the World, Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of the Elks Lodge. Because of his extensive involvement he was known as a spirited man who gave much of himself and his time to the community. In 1909 August was appointed Constable of the Medford District and served four years in this position. Upon his appointment, Singler's reputation as keeper of the peace surfaced quickly. His exploits were known from Sacramento to Portland. Singler tracked criminals by horseback, railroad handcar, car, and buckboard--always seeming to capture the offenders. He was called a ``Super Sleuth,'' nervy, imaginative, tough and yet a gentle soul. The citizenry jokingly called him Sherlock Holmes. Throughout the years, people have heard about Lawmen of the West, yet none surpassed Singler in courage, innovation, and determination. Ironically most of his achievements were accomplished during his tenure as Constable of the Medford District in Jackson County. August was responsible for introducing the art of fingerprinting to Jackson County and was the first lawman to use bloodhounds in this area. In 1912, August Singler decided to run for Sheriff of Jackson County Oregon to support the needs of his growing family. His campaign slogan read ``Party I am Working For'' and featured August, his wife Rose, and their eight children. An interesting sideline to the campaign came when August's friends sent a campaign card east to former President Theodore Roosevelt. According to the Medford Mail Tribune's January 15, 1912, edition, President Roosevelt acknowledged receipt of the card with best wishes for August's success. He was successful in the primary election against a tough opponent, Mr. Emmitt Beesen, a descendent of a local pioneer family. In the general election, August defeated popular incumbent Sheriff Wilber Jones. August's term as sheriff began in January 1913. His term was relatively routine until April 22, 1913, when he was advised of the return of a 19-year-old desperado Lester Jones. His promising career as Sheriff was cut short that day as the result of the shootout with the fugitive Jones while the Sheriff was attempting to serve him with an arrest warrant. In a classic scene out of the old West, August walked slowly toward the two room cabin in the hills southeast of Jacksonville. The young desperado suddenly opened fire. One bullet ploughed through both of the Sheriffs lungs and another through his right hand. As August fell to the ground he opened fired, emptying his weapon. Each of the six bullets hit the fugitive, and he died instantly. Sheriff August Singler passed the next morning April 23, 1913, leaving behind his beloved wife Rose and their 8 children all under the age of 13 years old. He was the first law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in Jackson County and the only elected Sheriff. On April 25, 1913, with businesses in the City of Medford closed and flags lowered to half-mast, the last tribute was paid to Sheriff August Singler. The funeral procession was 12 blocks long and so great were the crowds at the church that only half could be seated with hundreds standing along the funeral procession route. It was said to be the largest outpouring of public grief in Jackson County history. It should be recognized that Sheriff Singler deserves a place in history. His pride for his community, concern for his neighbors, and leadership are still reflected in those who understand what it takes to preserve the peace. He was said to be a gentleman in every way, and carried himself in a way that demanded respect. May his name not be forgotten, but let him be placed among other recognized lawmen of the past. April 23, 2013, represents 100 years since his tragic and untimely death.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of a great Oregonian whose contribution to my State and our nation bears recognition. Joan Margaret (Kathan) Zerzan was born in Grants Pass, Oregon on June 26, 1927. A child of the Great Depression, she grew up in a house up Evans Creek Road in Rogue River, Oregon that was for a good part of her youth not wired with electricity. And yet, as she was fond of saying, if her family was poor she didn't know it at the time. A descendent of pioneers and frontiersmen, throughout her life Joan Zerzan demonstrated the indomitable spirit of her forebears. During World War II she served as a civilian spotter of air traffic while working on her sister's ranch. A musical prodigy, she attended Willamette University at the age of 17 on musical scholarship, having been born with the unique ability to play almost any instrument seemingly just by looking at it. It was while at Willamette that Joan met the great love of her life and husband of 60 years, Charles Zerzan. Almost exactly 5 years ago I memorialized Charles Zerzan's life on this floor, and recounted his many accomplishments. There is no question that these would not have been possible without his beloved wife Joan. In Joan Zerzan's life she served in many roles--patron of the arts, poll worker on election day, volunteer at school and church. Yet for all her many endeavors, there was no field in which she excelled so much as in being a mother. Joan Zerzan gave birth to 12 children, 8 sons and 4 daughters, and provided each one with the love and succor that only a mother can provide. As the Psalmist wrote, so Joan Zerzan truly believed, ``Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.'' In not only raising fine children, but in teaching them her core values of faith and hard work, she richly contributed to the ongoing success of our nation in the irreplaceable way upon which all of civilization ultimately rests. She provided an example of the matchless power of these two values throughout her life through her words and her actions--beliefs she instilled not only in her own children but in her 32 grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. Though we mourn the loss of Joan Zerzan, we also celebrate the life of a woman whose contributions to this country leave an enduring legacy and inspiration to others. Joan Zerzan believed nothing was impossible and taught her children and grandchildren that, when faced with uncertainty or given a choice between hope and despair, the only reasonable choice was hope. As recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, ``Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.'' The woman who built her own life on solid ground, who grew up in a humble dwelling in southern Oregon, now retires to the mansion that has been promised her. On this solemn but ultimately joyful occasion I know this whole body will join with me in giving thanks for the life of Joan Zerzan.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Umatilla County Sheriff John Trumbo. Sheriff Trumbo retired on January 1, 2013 after a career in law enforcement that dates back to 1973. Since he moved to Pendleton, Oregon in 1977, Sheriff Trumbo has dedicated over thirty-five years of service to the citizens of Umatilla County. Born and raised in Oregon's Willamette Valley, John learned how to work hard in the family business and later as a crane ``high flyer''. His love for police service began in 1972 when he joined the Benton County Sheriff's office ``Ride Along'' program. A year later John became a reserve officer, serving Benton County, Oregon for nearly four years. During this time he joined his colleagues in Benton County who traveled to Pendleton, Oregon and lent a hand with security for the world famous Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Pageantry Show. Because of these connections and his work, John was offered a job by the Umatilla County Sheriff. John took the Sheriff up on this invitation and in 1977 moved to Pendleton, an eastern Oregon wheat ranch and rodeo community which he and his wife Carol never left. His wife Carol, an accomplished school teacher in her own right, was there helping John raise their two sons Nick and Michael who now have blessed them with two loving grandchildren, Presley and Cade. Recently Cade was asked to write about a hero in school and chose his ``good grandpa the Sheriff'' who would be there ``just in case anyone is a criminal.'' For nearly twenty years John served in various roles in the Umatilla County Sheriff's office, officer in the jail, having the first K-9 unit, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Under-Sheriff. In 1997, John was sworn in and began his first of sixteen years of service as Umatilla County Sheriff. Always known for his honest and straightforward approach, Sheriff Trumbo was requested and volunteered to participate in many local and state boards, task forces, and councils, including the Governor's Methamphetamine Task Force and the advisory board for Blue Mountain Community College's criminal justice program. He also served as President of the Oregon State Sheriffs Association. Sheriff Trumbo also implemented programs to aid the citizen of Umatilla County and the region. He organized the nationally recognized Umatilla County Neighborhood Watch and Rural Crime Prevention Program that now has 19 units and over 800 active members. Recognizing the rural nature of Umatilla County and the challenges that are posed, especially in the winter, John implemented an all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile patrol program, for search, rescue, and patrols. Whether it was creating a program to take meth off the streets or sending a bill to a foreign county for the care and feeding of their citizens, Sheriff Trumbo has always looked for simple, straight-forward solutions to solving problems. Although John has retired as Sheriff, I know he won't be ending his service to Pendleton or Umatilla County. In fact, John remains an active volunteer with the Pendleton Round-Up, serving as the Board of Director who heads up security during the world famous rodeo. In this role he spearheads efforts to provide protection and safety of thousands of people attending the performances and visiting the community, including helping those wayward individuals leaving the ``Let'er Buck'' room stay out of trouble! I also know he will be spending plenty of well-earned time on those things he loves, whether it is traveling horseback across the county with his grandchildren, woodworking, or camping with his family. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sheriff John Trumbo the best in his retirement. Sheriff, thanks for all your service to Umatilla County, the region, and our fine State of Oregon. You may be able to turn that cell phone off from time to time now!

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, following is the letter I referred to earlier today. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, August 17, 2012. Hon. Hilda L. Solis, Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Secretary: In the last two weeks, we have received reports about Department of Labor (DOL) activities on Oregon farms which raise significant questions. Specifically, we have been made aware of three issuances of ``hot goods'' orders (HGO) by DOL to sanction violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) since August 2nd. Depending on the case, these HGOs can prevent perishable farm products from being shipped off-farm, and effectively shut down harvest activity while the order is in place. We absolutely do not condone violations of the FLSA. However, in a phone call with Congressman Kurt Schrader and DOL representatives on Monday, August 13th, 2012, the DOL asserted that a HGO could only be considered after thorough investigation, due process opportunities for response by the employer, and a finding that the violations were willful, egregious, and/or repeated. Indeed, DOL's website states that restraining the shipment of goods is to be used after a thorough process: ``When all the fact-finding steps have been completed, the employer and/or the employer's representative will be told whether violations have occurred and, if so, what the violations are and how to correct them. If back wages are owed, the employer will be asked to pay the back wages and the employer may be asked to compute the amounts due. . . . In the absence of an employer voluntarily correcting the violations, the Wage and Hour Division may seek to restrain the shipment of the goods.'' We are concerned that Oregon farmers have presented us with a narrative and supporting documentation that indicates that DOL may have abandoned the normal due process mechanisms and remedies in favor of a significant sanction. In one case, a farmer was told that the HGO would only be lifted after a large sum was paid to DOL and after he signed a consent judgment. The consent judgment included a waiver of any recourse if findings of fact or law later exonerated him. It required a waiver of the right to contest the finding. All this took place before the farmer was ever informed in writing what the alleged violations were. We are not asking you to address these specific cases and cannot verify their credibility, but rather, we are writing to ask you for additional clarification of DOL procedures and practices for issuing HGOs on agricultural enterprises and enforcing the FLSA, including: Is it the policy of the DOL to not disclose alleged violations to employers before issuing hot goods orders? What test or standard is the DOL using to determine the need for a hot goods order? Why does the DOL ask employers to waive rights for future findings of fact or law in its consent judgments? What opportunity is there for an employer to respond without having his/her perishable crop under threat? On farms and elsewhere throughout the economy, DOL serves a vital function in communicating and enforcing rules and laws to protect all working people. Statutes and rules give the Department the tools necessary to apply remedies commensurate with the severity and/or frequency of violations of the law. It is our hope that the fairness and due process provided by law is available to all employers and employees alike. Please consider this request consistent with all applicable laws and regulations. We thank you for your consideration and look forward to your response. Sincerely, Kurt Schrader. Peter DeFazio. Ron Wyden. Greg Walden. Jeff Merkley. Suzanne Bonamici.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to Hood River County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jerry Brown. Chief Deputy Brown joins Sheriff Joe Wampler in retirement from the Hood River County Sheriff's Office on January 1, 2013, capping a career in law enforcement and public service going back to the 1970's. Chief Deputy Brown has dedicated his life to duty, honor, and service to the citizens and visitors of Hood River County, Oregon. Jerry Brown has served his country and his community for decades. He is not only a long time veteran of law enforcement, but also he is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served our country in Vietnam. In 1978 he took the reins of ``The Next Door,'' a non-profit organization in Hood River that provides care and support for children and families in the area. During his time with The Next Door, Jerry coordinated week-long hikes and camping trips for youth, diligently fundraised, and secured accreditation through the Youth Care Association. His efforts helped form the program into a model for other areas to follow that endures to this day. The pull to serve and protect citizens of my home town, Hood River, Oregon, drew Jerry to his full-time career in law enforcement. He started as a patrolman with Hood River Police Department and spent 20 years working to ensuring the community's safety. During his career with Hood River Police Department, Jerry also served as a detective, sergeant, and attained the rank of lieutenant before joining the sheriffs office in 2006. For the past six years, Jerry has served as Sheriff Wampler's chief deputy, lending his knowledge and experience to the position. The positive impact Chief Deputy Brown has made on the sheriff's office, and his community, will continue to inspire others to serve their nation, state, and community long into the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing Jerry Brown. He has earned the thanks of a grateful nation for his service and the thanks of our community for his unwavering commitment. Please join me in wishing Chief Deputy Sheriff Jerry Brown a very long and happy retirement.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay special tribute to Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler. My long time friend, Sheriff Wampler is retiring on January 1, 2013, capping a career in law enforcement that dates back to 1973 when he began working for Hood River County at the age of 19 as a seasonal Marine Deputy. Sheriff Wampler has dedicated nearly four decades to duty, honor and service to the citizens and visitors of Hood River County, Oregon. Joe began his full-time career in law enforcement in my home town of Hood River as a patrolman with Hood River Police Department, steadily rising through the ranks to that of captain. He was elected sheriff and took office in 1993. At that time, the entire patrol division had four vehicles to share, prompting Sheriff Wampler to institute a vehicle replacement program that endures today. Every deputy on his watch now has their own dedicated vehicle, improving response time and reducing vehicle maintenance. During Sheriff Wampler's five terms in office, the agency acquired much needed, specialized equipment to assist with rural law enforcement and search and rescue needs. Today, the office has three airplanes, a snow cat, snow machines, ATV's, a mobile command vehicle and a mobile command trailer just to name a few. This equipment has aided the sheriff's office in numerous search and rescue operations, including a December 2006 mission that gained national attention. Sheriff Wampler led the search effort for three missing climbers on Mt. Hood, personally piloting the department's Piper Cub airplane to look into one final tip before making the difficult decision, after two weeks of searching, to focus on recovery of the climber's remains. His personal passion for the residents and visitors of Hood River County is an inspiration. Additionally, Sheriff Wampler was one of the founding members of Northern Oregon Regional Corrections (NORCOR), the regional jail facility in The Dalles. NORCOR, which opened in 1999, replaced Hood River and Wasco Counties' aging jail facilities and gave Sherman and Gilliam Counties a dedicated jail. NORCOR gave Hood River County over 40% more jail space with minimal financial impact. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in recognizing Sheriff Joe Wampler. He has earned the thanks of a grateful nation not only for his dedication to service, but also for his unwavering commitment to his community. Please join me in wishing him a very long and happy retirement.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, over 2 weeks ago, I came to this floor to ask for answers from the Department of Labor on behalf of Oregon farmers. Well, yesterday, I did get a letter from the Secretary, which I appreciated, but it was not answering our questions from the delegation. It was congratulating me on my reelection. 122 days ago, nearly every member of the Oregon delegation, Republicans and Democrats, wrote the Labor Secretary after hearing reports of so-called ``hot goods'' enforcement tactics that stopped shipments of highly perishable berries with little opportunity for appeal. One farmer was told verbally that a shipment was on hold because the inspector determined it was impossible for an individual picker to pick as much as records showed. But to lift the hold, the farm was directed to pay an undetermined amount in fines and back wages and sign a consent judgment requiring the farm to ``waive further findings of fact''--without even getting an explanation of alleged violations. The farm was left with the choice of paying the fine and signing the consent judgment or allowing a few hundred thousand dollars of perishable produce to spoil. In the end, the farm felt it had little choice but to pay the $170,000 and sign the consent judgment so that the fruit could be shipped. In light of these and other complaints, our delegation asked the Department for detail on its policies and procedures for making these decisions; 122 days later, we've yet to get an answer. That's not right.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. I thank my colleague and friend for the time. I rise today in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 50, which, as you've heard, opposes international regulation of the Internet. It is virtually identical to the language that our friend and colleague Representative Mary Bono Mack put forward in H. Con. Res. 127, which was introduced earlier this year and passed by my subcommittee and in the full Energy and Commerce Committee and went on to pass this House without opposition. With this vote, we unify that language and we send a strong bipartisan, bicameral signal about America's commitment to an unregulated Internet. I want to thank Representative Bono Mack for championing this important legislation to keep the Internet free from government regulation. I also wish to thank FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, who has tirelessly sounded the call, not only about the peril we face if we stand idly by as countries like Russia and China seek to exert control over the Internet, but also about how FCC's own actions adopting network neutrality rules regulating the Internet undermine America's case abroad. I also fear that recent talks of cybersecurity executive orders here at home may be cited back to us by some foreign nations with them accusing us of telling them to do as we say but not as we do. The historical hands-off regulatory policy has allowed the Internet to become the greatest vehicle for global, social, and economic liberty since the printing press. And despite the current economic climate, it continues to grow at an astonishing pace. FCC Commissioner McDowell and Chairman Genachowski are in Dubai this week as U.S. delegates to the World Conference on International Telecommunications. Our committee has also sent representatives from both parties to keep an eye on the proceedings. There, the 193 member countries of the United Nations are considering whether to apply to the Internet a regulatory regime that the International Telecommunications Union created in the 1980s for old-fashioned telephone service, as well as whether to swallow the Internet's nongovernmental organizational structure whole and make it part of the United Nations. Neither of these are acceptable outcomes and must be strongly opposed by our delegation. Among those supportive of such regulation is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke positively about the idea of ``establishing international control over the Internet,'' to use his own words. Some countries have even proposed regulations that would allow them to read citizens' email in the name of security, require citizens to register their email addresses for tracking purposes, and to charge for Internet access to their countries on a per-click basis. This resolution rejects these proposals by taking the radical position that if the most revolutionary advance in technology, commerce, and social discourse of the last century is not broken, as you've heard others say, there's no reason to ``fix'' it. The ability of the Internet to grow at this staggering pace is due largely to the flexibility of the multistakeholder model that governs the Internet so successfully today. Nongovernmental institutions now manage the Internet's core functions with input from private and public sector participants, and this structure prevents governmental or nongovernmental actors from controlling the design of the network or the content that it carries. Without one entity in control, the Internet has become a driver of jobs, information, business expansion, investment, and innovation. Moving away from the multistakeholder model would harm these abilities, preventing the Internet from spreading prosperity and the cause of freedom. As the United States delegation continues its work at the WCIT, this resolution is an excellent bipartisan demonstration of our Nation's commitment to preserve the multistakeholder governance model and keep the Internet free from international regulation. I encourage my colleagues to support passage of this measure.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask Labor Secretary Hilda Solis a simple question on behalf of the farmers of Oregon: When will we get answers about the Department's heavy-handed enforcement tactics? In August, my colleagues and I from the Oregon delegation-- Republicans and Democrats alike--wrote to the Secretary about reports that the Department of Labor had been discarding rights of due process and appeal in using ``hot goods'' orders to enforce labor laws on farms in the Pacific Northwest. So far, we are still waiting for a written response 108 days later. We know the Department can move with great speed when it wants to-- when it's trying to shut down a farm with little due process or appeal. So why does it take so long to get answers for Oregon farmers? Again, I ask the Secretary to clarify in writing the Department of Labor's procedures for due process after a farm inspection. Certainly, no one is advocating for unfair labor practices, but our farmers deserve due process and a clear understanding of what to expect from an investigation. Only the Department of Labor can provide these answers to Oregon's congressional delegation and to the citizens we represent. 108 days later, we and they still do not have those written answers, and that is simply unacceptable.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, now that we have returned to our districts before the election, I'd like to highlight a valuable staff member of mine who recently left my office. I rise today to pay tribute and say thanks to Sarah Demaree, a member of my staff who dedicated herself to the people of Oregon's Second Congressional District for nearly three years in my Washington, DC, Office. Sarah is a talented young woman who filled many different roles in my office, and was up to the challenge for each one. First joining the office as an intern after graduating from Colgate University, Sarah quickly stepped into the role of staff assistant and has continued to take on more responsibility as a legislative correspondent and legislative assistant handling education issues. Whatever she was asked to do--even if she wasn't asked directly to do it--Sarah was up to the challenge. When she was staff assistant, she went above and beyond to make all Oregonians who visited feel welcome. Each and every one came a long way, and she gave them some of the best Capitol tours on the Hill. As legislative correspondent, she helped me keep in close touch with all corners of the Second District. Sarah adeptly handled complex policy issues as my education advisor. In that role, Sarah kept in close touch with teachers throughout Oregon and maintained a close relationship to teacher groups and education administrators. Sarah also organized several visits from a group of special men and women, World War II veterans from Oregon as part of Honor Flight of Oregon and Honor Flight of Eastern Oregon. Each time a group travelled to Washington, Sarah would plan their visits for weeks to make sure each and every one of these heroes had a perfect trip to the nation's capital. She was known to rise early on Saturday mornings to go to the World War II Memorial to greet these veterans, and present them with flags flown over the Capitol. The organizers of these visits, Gail Yakopatz and Dick Tobiason, always singled out Sarah for her help, praising her dedication and Tenacity. While not a native Oregonian, Sarah has deep ties to the state, whether through her annual family camping trip to Howard Prairie Lake outside of Ashland or her extended family in Portland. These deep connections to the state allowed her to connect with Oregonians from around the Second District. While Sarah has dedicated herself to public service here in our nation's capital, she has headed back to her native Washington State to enter a new and exciting phase of her life. Sarah has given up the ``maroon and white'' of her alma mater, Colgate University, for the ``purple and gold'' of her home state University of Washington where she began law school this fall. I'm sure that law school has been keeping Sarah plenty busy, but with her industrious work ethic, and desire to make the world a better place, I can imagine Sarah will soon be putting her energy into public service in Washington State. She's also closer to her mom and dad, Walt and Liz, and to her beloved Seattle Seahawks. I speak for all members of Team Walden when I say Sarah's dedication and talent have been missed, but we wish her best of luck as she begins her new life in ``the other'' Washington. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Sarah the best of luck as she returns West and pursues new personal and professional endeavors. Sarah, thanks for exemplary service to the Congress and citizens of Oregon.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, now that we have returned to our districts before the election, I'd like to highlight a valuable staff member of mine who recently left my office. I rise today to honor an outstanding golfer, a barbecue master, and an intensely devoted San Francisco 49ers fan who ably and professionally served for many years as my press secretary, Andrew Whelan. Andrew and his fantastic wife Paige recently moved back to their home state of California, and I've greatly missed his keen advice and genuine friendship. Andrew started the Capitol Hill chapter of his career nearly seven years ago, working on the House Committee on Resources, eventually rising to deputy press secretary. In December 2006, I hired him as my press secretary, where he has successfully served the people of Oregon ever since. Mr. Speaker, there may be no more challenging job on Capitol Hill than being a press secretary to a Member of Congress who was a press secretary to a Member of Congress. But Andrew went above and beyond by facing this demanding role with unflinching resolve and dedication--all while making it look nearly effortless and easy. Before pursuing federal public service in Washington, Andrew worked for a state assemblyman in California, and edited his alma mater's campus newspaper, the California Aggie at University of California, Davis. A Member of Congress relies on his or her staff to be his eyes and ears across the district--especially when the district covers 70,000 square miles, like Oregon's Second. Andrew has always been a highly effective representative of me whether it be when speaking to a national news outlet, the local hometown newspaper reporter, or an eager young student angling for an inside scoop for a school project on Congress. Andrew made it a point to maintain a genuine connection to constituents he came into contact with in all corners of the district-- those who agree with my policy positions and those who do not. He listened sincerely to their points of view and, even if they challenged him with extreme emotion, his responses were always civil and respectful and his demeanor was patient. Andrew made it his highest goal to keep in touch with the citizens of the Second District. He believes, as do I, that we are here to do the people's business, and the people have the right to know what their government is doing. It was Andrew's job to help communicate what we as Members are doing back to the people we serve. Andrew played a leading role in a number of public affairs efforts that made a real difference in our country. From helping to uncover negligence in federal agencies, to spotlighting an unfair and misleading National Guard bonus program for new recruits, to restoring housing rights for homeless veterans, to developing many other communications strategies that forced the government to better help the people they are supposed to serve, Andrew accomplished much for his fellow citizens during his time in Washington. As a press secretary, Andrew had to have a handle on a wide range of policy issues--and often had to know the issues as well as or better than the policy staff. He had to figure out how to explain complicated issues to people, often on a very tight deadline. To better keep in touch with people, he helped me expand the use of social media to more effectively reach Oregonians on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. On a personal level, Andrew's love of golf is only overshadowed by his love for his wife, Paige. According to his mother, he was seen swinging a golf club even in diapers and won his first tournament at eight years old. He's even played in the qualifier for the U.S. Open twice. Also according to his mother, the only time he's looked happier than his time on the golf course was the day he married Paige. While living in Washington, DC, Andrew became an uncle, and he enjoyed being able to visit his brothers Don and Rob and his four nieces and nephews who live here on the East Coast. But now Andrew and Paige have moved back home to California. While Team Walden was very sorry to see him go, I know his parents Bill and Lindy are happy to be close to their son once again. I speak for all my current and former staff when I say we have missed Andrew very much. I should also add that I know the folks at Potbelly's around Washington have also been very sad to see him go, but delighted at the prospects of him opening the first Potbelly's franchise in the Bay Area which will be necessary to satisfy his cravings. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Andrew and Paige the best of luck as they return West and pursue new personal and professional endeavors. Andrew, thanks for exemplary service to the Congress and citizens of Oregon.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 10 World War II veterans from Oregon who will be visiting their memorial this Saturday in Washington, DC, through Honor Flight of Oregon. On behalf of a grateful state and country, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital. The veterans on this flight from Oregon are: Harold ``Dayt'' Elston, U.S. Army; Walter Mullen, U.S. Army; Ellis Hallman, U.S. Army Air Forces; Daniel Lawler, U.S. Army Air Forces; Robert Mahr, U.S. Army Air Forces; Garner Pool, U.S. Navy; Kenneth Purcell, U.S. Navy; Albert Randow, U.S. Navy; Theodore Tannich, U.S. Navy; Arthur Wallace, U.S. Navy. These 10 heroes join more than 100,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have journeyed from their home states to Washington, DC, to reflect at the memorials built in honor of our nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, each of us is humbled by the courage of these soldiers, sailors, and airmen who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today. My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country. I especially want to recognize and thank Gail Yakopatz for her tireless work as president of Honor Flight of Oregon.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 48 World War II veterans from Oregon who will be visiting their memorial tomorrow in Washington, DC through Honor Flight of Oregon. On behalf of a grateful state and country, we welcome these heroes to the nation's capital. The veterans on this flight from Oregon are: Harry Barber, U.S. Army; Clarence Carnahan, U.S. Army; Elmer Hendricks, U.S. Army; Burl Jarrell, U.S. Army; Melvin McCoy, U.S. Army; Lowell Miller, U.S. Army; Walter Orum, U.S. Army; Wilburt Rathke, U.S. Army; Fred Riggs, U.S. Army; Willard Runion, U.S. Army; Dennison Thomas, U.S. Army; Frank Vaughan, U.S. Army; Harley Hess, U.S. Army Air Forces; Marion Kirkham, U.S. Army Air Forces; Urban Kluthe, U.S. Army Air Forces; Robert Mitchell, U.S. Army Air Forces; Roland Stewart, U.S. Army Air Forces; Francis Ellmers, U.S. Air Force; Jack Keeler, U.S. Air Force; Milton Kelm, U.S. Air Force; John O'Brien, U.S. Air Force; Robert Stubblefield, U.S. Air Force; Walter Lowblad, U.S. Coast Guard; Billie Tracy, U.S. Coast Guard; Harvard Lewis, U.S. Marine Corps; William Sexton, U.S. Marine Corps, Muriel Yandle, U.S. Marine Corps; Douglas Smith, U.S. Merchant Marine; Adam Bachmann, U.S. Navy; James Bratton, U.S. Navy; Richard Davis, U.S. Navy; Joseph Doyon, U.S. Navy; James Dunn, U.S. Navy; Teddy Freeman, U.S. Navy; Thomas Gibbons, U.S. Navy; William Jordan, U.S. Navy; James Kohl, U.S. Navy; James Lancaster, Sr., U.S. Navy; William Matthias, U.S. Navy; Warren McCoy, U.S. Navy; Jerald Muck, U.S. Navy; Franklin Nolan, U.S. Navy; Leonard Premselaar, U.S. Navy; Vance Strunk, U.S. Navy; Leonard Swanzy, U.S. Navy; Walter Thompson, U.S. Navy; Frank Spiegel Jr., U.S. Navy; Richard Watson, U.S. Navy. These 48 heroes join more than 100,000 veterans from across the country who, since 2005, have journeyed from their home states to Washington, DC, to reflect at the memorials built in their honor. Mr. Speaker, each of us is humbled by the courage of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who put themselves in harm's way for our country and way of life. As a nation, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to them for their honor, commitment, and sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we have today. My colleagues, please join me in thanking these veterans and the volunteers of Honor Flight of Oregon for their exemplary dedication and service to this great country. I especially want to recognize and thank Dick and Erik Tobiason and Michael and Cindy Jensen for their tireless work with Honor Flight of Oregon.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 100th year of the Lake County Railroad, a 55-mile stretch of track connecting the neighboring communities of Alturas, California and Lakeview, Oregon. Since its completion in January 1912 as part of the Nevada- California-Oregon Railway, this rail line has been a vital economic lifeline to the region, transporting Lake County's abundant agricultural and natural resources to markets around this great nation and the world. The arrival of the NCO Railway was heralded at the time as ``the most important epoch in the history of Lakeview and Lake County.'' Despite the limitations of its narrow-gauged tracks, the railroad spurred the growth of the livestock, mineral, and timber industries, brought in scores of new settlers, and turned a dusty frontier town into a vibrant community. Along with a passenger depot which still stands today, the railroad ushered in a building boom that saw the construction of a new opera house, high school, and even a sewer system. In 1927, the line was sold to Southern Pacific, which quickly converted it to standard-gauge operations. As a result, Lakeview changed from a commercial center to an industrial hub containing up to ten lumber mills and remanufacturing plants. For nearly 60 years, rail- related trade in the region thrived as millions of board feet of ponderosa pine were carried to market via railcar. With the beginning of the demise of the timber industry in the Northwest in the early 1980s, Southern Pacific announced plans to abandon the line. Recognizing the economic impact abandonment of the line would have on communities served by the railroad and appreciating its historic significance, Lake County purchased the line in 1986. In 1996, the county took over direct operations and established the Lake County Railroad. Today, timber shipments have largely been replaced by loads of perlite, but the importance of the line has never been more pronounced. Reliable transportation brings industry and jobs, especially in rural Oregon. While it has not been an easy task, the business and government leaders of Lake County have maintained and strengthened the Lake County Railroad with a tenacity and dedication that rivals those who first established the railroad. I am proud to have personally supported, advocated for, and been deeply involved in their many efforts to fuel this economic engine. And I will continue to do so. On October 6, Lake County, Oregon, and the Town of Lakeview will celebrate the Centennial of the Lake County Railroad. Ten years ago, I had the pleasure of being on hand, with my son, to share in the community's previous celebration of the line. While unfortunately I cannot be there again to mark this momentous occasion, this record honors those efforts of my good friends in preserving the history of and building a future for railroads in America. My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating the Lake County Railroad on 100 years of excellent service.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. WALDEN. I appreciate the gentleman's comments, and I welcome and thank you for them.

Mr. WALDEN. I thank the chairman, and I thank my good friend from California for his terrific work on this bipartisan piece of legislation which is very important to the citizens of this country. I also want to thank you for this colloquy. I plan to support your bill, obviously. I think it's a good bill. I just want to clarify because I'm concerned that the language in section 102 of the bill could be construed as authorizing the imposition of requirements on the communications sector. Can you assure me that this is not the effect of this language?

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow Oregonian and good friend, Lieutenant Colonel Pete Derouin of the Oregon Army National Guard, as he departs the National Guard Bureau's Office of Legislative Liaison in Washington, DC to return to Oregon. While Pete has served around the world over the past decade, he has always kept a very special place for Oregon in his heart. Pete was born and raised in my great state and joined the Army by earning his commission through the University of Oregon's ROTC program. He served for many years as a part-time soldier in Oregon as an officer in the Oregon National Guard. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pete felt the call of service and decided to leave the comforts of home and make military service his full time career. Over the last decade, he has served his country in different corners of the globe, including Iraq, Bosnia, and Kosovo. For the last four years, Pete has worked here on Capitol Hill as an outstanding advocate for the National Guard. I've worked closely with him during his time as a legislative liaison for the Guard, and have found his dedication and effectiveness to be exceptional. We worked together on obtaining approval for the new Readiness Center in The Dalles and on allowing the Oregon National Guard to retain parts of the Umatilla Chemical Depot. Pete was also instrumental in efforts to make sure that National Guard soldiers were not unfairly denied promised bonus payments due to paperwork errors by the Guard. Now the time has come for Pete to return home to Oregon. He has been selected to lead the 2nd of the 641st Theatre Aviation Battalion, which controls all of Oregon's Army National Guard aviation assets. I have no doubt that he will serve our state and nation well in this new role. I would like to thank Pete and his wife Andrea for tolerating the frantic pace which comes with working here in Washington, D.C., and wish them happiness and success as they continue their service to our nation back in Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join me in saying thank you to Lieutenant Colonel Pete Derouin for his dedication to our country.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a long time community leader in the heart of Southern Oregon, Gordon Ensley. On June 30th, after a career in health care spanning 38 years, Gordon retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Health District in the great town of Lakeview, Oregon. In 1996, after 11 years at another small town hospital in Gold Beach, Oregon, Gordon and his wife Pauline moved to Lakeview so he could serve as the Lake Health District Chief Financial Officer. Then in 2003, Gordon took the helm as Chief Executive Officer, and under his leadership the health district's local hospital, long term care facility, and home care and hospice programs, have experienced tremendous growth and improvement. Most of Lakeview's 3,000 residents, whether they have encountered Gordon as an employee, patient, colleague, or friend, are likely to agree about the positive impact he has made on their community. This included one of Gordon's crowning achievements, a 10-year project to expand and upgrade the hospital. Gordon and his board knew this project wouldn't be without its obstacles, but nevertheless began work on a plan to find additional finances, which included a plea to the community to support an $8 million bond. In 2008, voters agreed that improving overall patient care and access was a worthy investment, and approved the ballot measure to help finalize a 33,000 square foot expansion and upgrade to the hospital. Mr. Speaker, even with this achievement, Gordon still understood the struggles associated with providing health care to rural patients. Most areas within Oregon's Second Congressional District are as rural as you can get, and access to a health provider can be difficult. Lakeview is no exception, but fortunately for this community and its surrounding areas, Gordon embodies the dedication and vision that is necessary to provide quality care and improved access. All this, however, and Gordon will be the first to say that while working in the rural health care field offers its challenges, it presents even greater rewards. And as we develop policies in Washington, D.C., it is crucial for Congress to do so only after seeking the advice of on-the-ground experts like Gordon and those like him. Fortunately, he has always been more than willing to take time out of his otherwise busy days to offer his valuable expertise, and he has never been afraid to get in touch with me to express his concerns. Whether discussing pending legislation, burdensome federal regulations--on which Gordon has certainly made his position known--or even sometimes non-health related issues, I have greatly appreciated his expert guidance and useful counsel over the years. So as Charlie Tveit, the Lake Health District's new CEO, takes over, he begins on the solid foundation laid under Gordon's strong leadership. And while I know Gordon had reservations about leaving his post after so many dedicated years of doing what he knows best, I think all of those who know him, most notably his wife Pauline and their family, would agree that he has earned a well-deserved break. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gordon's many years of service to his community as we wish him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. WALDEN

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the Record on H. Con. Res. 127.

Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution that opposes international regulation of the Internet. The resolution was introduced by Mrs. Bono Mack in May and passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce with bipartisan support from more than 60 Members, including Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Waxman, and my colleague on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Ranking Member Eshoo. I, too, am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this important resolution. Nations from across the globe will meet in December for the World Conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai. There, the 193 member countries of the United Nations will consider whether to apply to the Internet a regulatory regime that the International Telecommunications Union created for old-fashioned telephone service, as well as whether to swallow the Internet's nongovernmental organization's structure whole and make it part of the United Nations. Neither of these are acceptable outcomes. Now, among those that are supportive of such regulation is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who spoke positively about the idea of ``establishing international control over the Internet.'' Some countries have even proposed regulations that would allow them to read citizens' email in the name of security. H. Con. Res. 127 rejects these proposals by taking the radical position that if the most revolutionary advance in technology, commerce, and social discourse of the last century isn't broken, well, we shouldn't be trying to fix it. The Internet is the greatest vehicle for global progress and improvement since the printing press; and despite the current economic climate, the Internet continues to grow at an astonishing pace. Cisco estimates that by 2016 roughly 45 percent of the world's population will be Internet users, there will be more than 18.9 billion network connections, and the average speed of mobile broadband will be four times faster than it is today. The ability of the Internet to grow at this staggering pace is due largely to the flexibility of the multi-stakeholder approach that governs the Internet today. Nongovernmental institutions now manage the Internet's core functions, with input from private and public sector participants. This structure prevents governmental or nongovernmental actors from controlling the design of the network or the content that it carries. Without one entity in control, the Internet has become a driver of jobs and information, business expansion, investment and, indeed, innovation. Now, moving away from that multistakeholder model, Mr. Speaker, would harm these abilities and would prevent the Internet from spreading prosperity and freedom. In May, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology invited a panel of witnesses, including Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell, to discuss the effects an international regulatory regime would have on the Internet. All agreed that such a regime would not only endanger the Internet, but would endanger global development on a much larger scale. House Concurrent Resolution 127 expresses the commitment of Congress to do all that it can to keep the Internet free from an international regulatory regime. I'm pleased to report that earlier today, Ambassador Kramer, the leader of the U.S. delegation to the WCIT, gave a speech outlining the position of the United States that seems to be embracing the very principles contained in this resolution. Now, my hope is that the administration stays on this very course. As the U.S. delegation continues to work in advance of the WCIT, House Concurrent Resolution 127 is an excellent bipartisan demonstration of our Nation's commitment to preserve the multistakeholder governance model and to keep the Internet free from international regulation. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce strongly supports House Concurrent Resolution 127, and I urge the rest of my colleagues in the House to join us. I reserve the balance of my time.