Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 346, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, President Obama's call to action on climate change is another reminder of the large and growing threat posed by the warming of our atmosphere. Yet instead of taking a leading role to address the problem, Congress has been held hostage by those who would deny the science altogether. Every day that we delay, we are losing ground in the race to develop new sources of energy that can protect the planet and break the grip of our dependence on fossil fuels.

This past year was one of the most extreme years for our Nation's weather. It was the warmest year on record for the U.S.; and droughts, wildfires, and floods were far more frequent and far more intense. In fact, nine of the 10 hottest years since 1880 have been in the past decade.

In 2012, 9.3 million acres of land across the country burned in wildfires, more than double the annual average, and the second highest ever. Rainfall was far below the average, and it was one of the driest years in memory. Droughts, heat waves, and wildfires are now the norm rather than the exception.

The extreme weather was also a significant drag on our economy: Superstorm Sandy cost $65 billion; western wildfires cost over $1 billion; and losses from drought cost $30 billion. Greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activity are the biggest drivers of climate change. That is a fact that is accepted by virtually every scientist around the world.

We're only beginning to understand the impact of a global temperature rise on a nation's long-term environmental health and the health of the world; but with each new report by NASA, by the U.N., by universities here and overseas, we see that the threat grows and the possibility that we can avoid catastrophe and catastrophic consequences in the future recedes.

Some in this body have questioned the science, noting that droughts, floods, and climatic variations have been observed for centuries, often recalling Noah and his ark; but the speed and magnitude of the changes we are witnessing are consistent with scientific modeling of the effects of human activity on the climate. We must act now.

First, we have to diversify our energy sources. Instead of tax breaks for Big Oil, we should be investing in the development of new and renewable energy sources.

Second, we must work to reduce our emissions. Power plants are the single largest source of emissions in the U.S., accounting for roughly 40 percent of all domestic greenhouse gases, and the EPA must put in place Federal standards that will regulate both new and existing power plants.

Third, we must build a 21st-century transportation infrastructure and system that will support a growing economy and population. This means we need to invest in mass transit systems, and car makers must continue to improve fuel economy standards.

And fourth, we need to work with the international community, not against it, as many in this body have tried to do. America must take a leadership role. We need the cooperation of China and India, but we should not let their foot-dragging prevent us from taking actions that will protect our future.

President Obama took an important step in exerting American leadership on climate change when he called for action at the Federal level to curb carbon pollution, just as we limit our toxic chemicals, like mercury, sulfur, and arsenic. The President also wants to allow wind and solar energy companies to use government-owned land to generate more power.

These are good ideas, but a major effort on climate change depends on congressional action, and so far we have

allowed this important issue, one that will affect our children and grandchildren, to become a partisan wedge issue.

This country did not become great by ignoring problems or wishing them away. We did not become great by mocking scientists and those who would rely on cold, hard facts or, in this case, long, hot, endless summers. And we did not become great by ceding leadership in new technologies and new markets to our competitors, like China.

The time to address climate change is now.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I offer this amendment, along with my colleague, Representative Woodall of Georgia, and my colleague, Representative Polis of Colorado. It would increase funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, otherwise known as ARPA-E.

The bill provides only $50 million for ARPA-E, a reduction of $215 million, or 81 percent, from fiscal year 2013. Moreover, the bill would reduce ARPA-E by 87 percent compared to the 2014 budget request.

This amendment would increase the funding by $20 million, with the increase offset by a reduction in the Department Administration account. This is a very modest investment for an agency whose work has the potential to remake our economy.

While the amendment would leave us a long way short of where the funding for this program should be, as well as where it is in the Senate bill and in the President's budget, passing it would send a strong signal that there's bipartisan support for this kind of research.

In 2011, I offered a similar amendment to restore funding to ARPA-E, which was adopted by a bipartisan majority in the House.

Started in 2009, ARPA-E is a revolutionary program that advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private sector investment. This is an innovative agency modeled on DARPA, which has spearheaded incredible breakthroughs in the Defense Department, with both military and civilian applications.

ARPA-E was created to bring that same kind of innovative thinking to the energy sector. That includes a focus on high-risk, high-reward R&D and a quick-moving culture made up of experts who stay for just a few years to ensure that new ideas are continually being brought forward. Its philosophy, much like a tech startup, is to hire the best technical staff and then hire the managers and leadership that can get the most out of them.

As the committee report notes, ARPA-E works on ``developing energy technologies whose development and commercialization are too risky to attract significant private sector investment but are capable of significantly changing the energy sector to address our critical economic and energy security challenges.''

That's a great description of ARPA-E, and I'd ask the House to consider whether it sounds like something we should be cutting by 81 percent.

Mr. Chair, there are cuts I can support in this bill, but a cut to our investment in new generations of energy technology is shortsighted in the extreme.

As we cut spending to return the budget to balance, we must not cut those programs that are vital to our economic future and our national security. ARPA-E is just such an agency. Even if we cannot make the investment the President called for in his budget, let's at least not destroy an agency that is pointing the way toward a more energy-secure future.

Cutting programs like ARPA-E so severely is akin to shutting them down completely. No agency can absorb an 81 percent cut to its budget in a single year, but even less so an agency that relies on attracting elite scientists and engineers.

Energy is a national security issue, it's an economic imperative, it's a health issue, and it's an environmental issue. And to invest in the kind of cutting-edge research that's going on at ARPA-E is exactly the direction we need to go.

We want to lead the energy revolution. We don't want to see that leadership go to China, India or any other nation. But if we're serious about it, we need to invest in cutting edge research, and that means

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 295, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Flores

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 161, 162, 163, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Burbank Fire Department upon its 100th Anniversary. For a century, the Burbank Fire Department has been an integral part of the community, keeping the residents of Burbank safe and well informed about fire prevention.

The Burbank Fire Department started as a small group of volunteers defending the population of 500 from the devastating effects of fire in the community. After multiple fires caused damage to the area, the Burbank Board of Trustees established the Burbank Fire Department in 1913.

Over the years, the Burbank Fire Department has expanded their services to fit the various needs of the community. In 1974 the department started a paramedic program and has been an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider ever since. Burbank Fire Paramedics established field treatment protocols in 1993 and these protocols are now used across Los Angeles County as the EMS standard for clinically effective and safe field care. The department's EMS program has been recognized as one of the best in the State of California.

As a part of the Verdugo Fire Communications Center, established in 1979 by the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena, the Burbank Fire Department makes optimum use of fire services available in the area and increases the effectiveness of the cities' fire defense system. The Verdugo Fire Communications Center is still owned by the three original cities, but it also provides services as needed to the Bob Hope Airport, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, and South Pasadena.

Today, the Burbank Fire Department is a full service fire agency with six fire stations, a training center, and seven divisions: Fire Prevention Bureau, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, Fire Apparatus & Equipment, Training & Safety, and Administration. The department responds to 9200 incidents a year and serves approximately 108,000 people over a 17.14 square mile area. I am honored to recognize the men and women of the Burbank Fire Department for their commitment to keeping our community safe and ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Burbank Fire Department upon its 100th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Joseph Lucian Wyatt, Jr. of Pasadena, California, who was an influential force in Southern California legal circles as well as an exceptional community activist.

Joe was born in Chicago, Illinois, the only son of Joseph and Cecile Wyatt. From 1942 to 1945, Joe served in the United States Air Force as a First Sergeant in the USAAF Troop Carrier Command in England, France, and Germany. After returning home, Joseph received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in 1947 and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1949. He then moved to California to practice law and soon met Marge Simmons at a California Federation of Young Democrats Convention. They married in 1954.

Mr. Wyatt practiced trust and estate law for three law firms, specializing in trust and estate planning, fiduciary and tax practice, and trial and appellate litigation on behalf of individual and institutional clients. Most recently, Mr. Wyatt served as Senior of Counsel to Morrison/Foerster LLP. He authored an impressive four-volume treatise on Trust Administration and Taxation, and since 1962 he has been a prominent lecturer in his field. He was also an active member of many professional organizations. Mr. Wyatt was known as a people's lawyer and will be fondly remembered as a bow tie aficionado, rarely being seen in public without a bow tie.

Joe served his community as a board member of the Pacific Oaks College and Children's School, the California State Personnel Board, the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees Retirement System, and anti-poverty agencies of Pasadena and Los Angeles. In addition, he also supported many non-profit organizations that specialized in education and children's services. Joe was the counsel to the California delegation at six Democratic National Conventions, prior to which he was a delegate to four conventions. He was very active at state and local Democratic Party events, often serving as a skillful parliamentarian.

Joe Wyatt was a very accomplished man, an admirable lawyer, and a great husband and father. He was principled, intelligent, humble, and humorous. He will be greatly missed not only by his wife Marge and their four children Daniel, Linn, Jonathan, and Lawrence, but by the entire community. I ask all Members to join me in remembering Joseph Lucian Wyatt, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Richard J. Mouw, as he retires after 20 years as President of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Mouw has been a strong institutional leader, fruitful author, interfaith bridge builder, and advocate for public civility.

Dr. Mouw was educated at Houghton College, the University of Alberta, Canada, and the University of Chicago, where he received a Ph.D. in Philosophy. He taught at Calvin College before joining Fuller Seminary as a professor of Christian philosophy and ethics in 1985. He soon moved to the role of Provost, and in 1993 was appointed the fourth President of Fuller Seminary.

During Richard's presidency, Fuller Seminary has grown into an internationally recognized center for learning about faith and its contributions to society. His leadership has helped Fuller to extend its reach by becoming a network of seven campuses, offering online study options, establishing Korean-language programs, expanding the Hispanic Center, and forging a number of study partnerships with international institutions that have increased the seminary's global influence.

Richard is known and admired for his commitment to interfaith and ecumenical dialogue. He regularly takes part in formal dialogues between religious communities and as such has formed lasting friendships with individuals of other faiths and Christian traditions. Richard's actions have been an inspiration for others to reach out across faith divides. Several interfaith forums have taken place on Fuller's campus and he has turned Fuller Seminary into a ``convening place'' where many diverse peoples can respectfully share beliefs and opinions.

Dr. Mouw is a renowned Christian spokesperson and influential voice in the community, country, and the world. Often called upon by institutions across the globe, Richard delivers lectures and sermons on issues of faith. His longtime academic focus on philosophy and ethics has resulted in extensive writing on social justice. He is known for suggesting new approaches for Christian engagement with culture and his innovative thinking often opens fresh perspectives for many of his readers. Dr. Mouw has authored 19 books throughout his prolific writing career.

Dr. Mouw and his wife, Phyllis, have been married for fifty years, and have one son and two grandchildren.

It is with great appreciation and respect that I ask all Members to join me in thanking Dr. Richard J. Mouw for his exceptional leadership of Fuller Theological Seminary over the last two decades.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resident of Los Angeles, California, and a 105-year-old survivor of the Armenian Genocide--Rose Garjian.

Rose Garjian, then Rose Dedeian, was born on May 1, 1908, in the city of Kilis, located in south-central Turkey. Her father, Zakar Dedeian, worked as a shoemaker and cobbler, and her mother, Maritsa Dedeian, worked as a teacher. When the government of the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign of fear, destruction and death in the Spring of 1915, Ms. Garjian was only six-years-old. Her father hurriedly took his family to a small neighboring village to go into hiding from the Turks.

Ms. Garjian remembered the episode last year in an interview recalling that her father did not tell them why they had to go, only that they should hurry. ``We left our home, and went to the desert,'' said Garjian. ``My father took us to hide, he tried to take us away from the Turks.''

While the Dedeian family was in hiding, the Ottoman government committed genocide against the Armenian people through wholesale massacre, forced marches through blistering deserts across the villages and cities of eastern Anatolia.

When the killings ended eight years later, more than a million and a half Armenian men, women and children were dead, and the world's oldest Christian nation had been shattered--with its survivors scattered around the world.

The Dedeian family moved to Lebanon, where Ms. Garjian attended Catholic School, learning French and Arabic. There, she met her husband Robert Garjian, a successful cobbler, who had come from the United States to marry her.

Once in the United States, Ms. Garjian gave birth to two daughters, Ellen and Mary. She is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, with six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. One family member spoke of her caring nature, saying ``her home was always open to family members visiting or immigrating to the United States.''

After her husband passed away in 1986, Ms. Garjian continued to dedicate herself to her family and community. She served as a volunteer for the Valley Guild of the Arat Home--where she now lives--and was active in the Armenian community where she was a member of the Massis Church in Los Angeles, treasurer for the Marash Women's Group, member of the United Armenian Congregational Church, and is one of the founding members of Aleppo College.

After her husband passed away in 1986, Ms. Garjian continued to dedicate herself to her family and community.

Garjian served as a volunteer for the Valley Guild of the Arat Home-- where she now lives--and was active in the Armenian community where she was a member of the Massis Church in Los Angeles, treasurer for the Marash Women's Group, member of the United Armenian Congregational Church, and is one of the founding members of Aleppo College.

I ask that all Members join me in honoring a wonderful woman, Rose Garjian, for her remarkable story, dedication to family and exceptional service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to say the following in Armenian to my Armenian friends:

Sireli hai paragamneres, hos yev ashkharee chors goghmereh. Aysor, Haiots Tseghasbahnootian inisoonoot erort darelitseen oreh, khoskes googhem tsezi Neriguyatsusichneroo Don ambiyonen, tser medzhaireh loon lezvov.

Lezoo muh vorov anonk gardahaideyeen irents hooysereh, gyankeh, yeraznereh, yev sereh hazar inuh hairoor dasnuhinkee naxortogh darineroon.

Osmanyan Guysrutian daradzkin, dasnyag hazaravorner chartehvetsan.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh ayn yerexaneroon voronk aganadess yeghan irents hayreru spanootyan.

Hazaravor geener pernaparvetsan.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh anonts toosdreroon, voronk koot gugherseyeen toork vosdiganneren.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh ayn yerekhaneroon, voronk gateel muh choor gugherseyeen.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh ayn myreroon, voronk mahatsahn irents noradzeenneruh irents keergeroon mech.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh ayn verabroghneroon, voronk Amereega yegan azadootyooneth vaylelu yev nor gyank muh usguseloo hamar.

Kuhreteh meg tareh eever, toorkia goorana tsaghasbanootyooneh. Toorkiah goozeh, vor ashkharuh morna ays maseen.

Tsezi guh khoseem lezvovuh anonts, voronk ayleves chegan. Anonk mezmeh guh khentren heeshell zeerenk. Anonts tsaynereh dagaveen guh lesveen.

Yes ays nahadagneren voyeveh megoon hednortuh chem, sagayn tsezi guh khoseem irents keghetseeg lezvov, vorovhedev aysor, polores hai enk!

Tsezi guh khoseem ays vayren, Nerguyatsutsichneroo Don ambiyonen vorovhedev Amerigatsi joghovurteh meeshd jagaden yez kachootyamp nayadz eh polor sarsapneroon oo zanonk gochadz eh irents poon anoonov.

Guh sbasem ayn orvan, yerp ir ghegavarnereh yeves nooynuh beedee unnen. Vorovhedev yes vuhsdah em, vor ayt oruh beedee kah. Guh sbasem vor chooshanah, vorbesi verabroghneruh luhsen anor tsentseech tsignuh.

Asdvadz mer tsignuh luhseh.

(English translation of the above statement is as follows:)

To my Armenian friends: Today, on the 98th anniversary of the genocide day, I speak to you in the language of your grandparents and your great grandparents--the language they used to speak of their hopes, their dreams, their loves in the years before 1915.

By the time it was over in 1923, more than 1.5 million Armenians-- men, women and children--were dead. It was the first genocide of the 20th Century.

I speak to you in the language of the mothers who died with their babies in their arms.

Throughout the Ottoman Empire, tens of thousands were killed outright. Others were force marched through desert heat as the Ottoman government sought to destroy a people.

I speak to you in the language of the children begging for a drop of water.

Women were raped by the thousands.

I speak to you in the language of the girls begging the gendarmes for mercy.

A nation was scattered around the world. To the Middle East, to Europe and to America.

I speak to you in the language of the survivors who came to America for freedom and made a new life.

For almost a century, Turkey has denied the genocide. In the face of overwhelming evidence--much of it from American diplomats and journalists--Ankara has denied that the genocide ever happened. They want the world to forget.

I speak to you in the language of those who were lost. Their voices drift across the decades--begging us to not forget them, no matter how hard some people try.

I am not Armenian, but I speak to you in your language because on this day we are all Armenian. For many years I have sat with you and listened--to the stories of those who were lost in the genocide and those who survived.

I speak to you in their language and yours to thank you for sharing your history with me and to pledge again that I will not stop fighting until the United States lives up to its principles by honoring and commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

And because I know that day will come. May it come soon, so the last of the survivors may hear its awesome sound.

May God hear our voices.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District.

Today, I proudly recognize the outstanding work and contributions of Stephanie Vendig of Silver Lake, California. Although retired, Stephanie continuously directs her efforts towards giving back to her community through her advocacy and exceptional leadership.

Ms. Vendig attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a B.A. in 1959. In addition to credentials to teach the disabled and elementary school students, she continued her education and received a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the California State University, Northridge. Stephanie started her teaching career in San Francisco, and began teaching the disabled when she moved to Los Angeles. In addition, Stephanie became involved with the Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Special Education as a consultant, where she trained special education teachers and developed programs serving young children with special needs. In 1980, Stephanie joined the Youth and Family Center which provides services for parenting and pregnant teens, and retired from the agency in 1996 as Interim Executive Director.

Stephanie has also served as President of the Silver Lake Senior Club, which is now the Griffith Park Adult Community Club, GPACC, and has been a steadfast advocate for senior citizens. Currently, Stephanie is involved in program development at GPACC, where she is chairing a committee to advocate for the expansion of their facility, since they are outgrowing their current facility. Furthermore, she is a columnist for the Los Feliz Ledger, and serves as a Board Member of the Silver Lake Improvement Association.

I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an outstanding woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Stephanie Vendig, for her exceptional, unwavering, and tireless support and service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District.

Today, I want to acknowledge and recognize the exemplary work of Rosie Betanzos, who is widely known as a vibrant member of the Echo Park community. Born and raised in Echo Park, Rosie is happily married to her husband, Ceasar Betanzos, and they have two children.

After Rosie's establishment of the Echo Park Improvement Association in 1988, which was the first crime prevention organization in Echo Park, crime was reduced by 80 percent as a result of community involvement. Rosie has served as a Top Peer Counselor for John Marshall High School and has been involved with the Los Angeles Police Stop-In- Location volunteer unit in Echo Park. In 2009, Rosie coordinated and directed the Echo Park Lotus Festival.

Currently, Rosie serves as a Board Member of the Los Angeles Police Department's Northeast Area Community Police Advisory Board. She also coordinates and directs an annual block party representing the Northeast Police Station, and serves as a Board Officer of the Echo Park Chamber of Commerce, where she coordinates the Taste of Echo Park fundraiser. Rosie is also the owner of the Echo Park Trading Post, and is influential as a coach and mentor in business consulting in business decor and customer service.

I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an outstanding woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Rosie Betanzos, for her exceptional service and continuous dedication to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District.

I would like to recognize an exceptional woman, Nyla Arslanian of Los Feliz, California, who is one of the strongest advocates for the arts in the city of Los Angeles, as well as a pioneer in the cultural tourism movement in the city.

Ms. Arslanian is the editor of Discover Hollywood Magazine, now in its 27th year, whose mission is to inform visitors and residents alike, about the unique culture and lore of Hollywood. Nyla is married to Oscar Arslanian, who is her partner in their entertainment management and publishing firm, Arslanian & Associates, Inc. In addition to publishing Discover Hollywood Magazine, they represent

performers Chris Montez, Fabian, Johnny Tillotson and Kathy Young.

Since 1984, Nyla has served as the President of the Hollywood Arts Council, creating several programs such as the Children's Festival of the Arts and the Charlie Awards Luncheon, which is held annually. Through her unparalleled leadership, the Council has brought the arts to more than 15,000 elementary school children, and over 70,000 people who have attended the Children's Festival, which is also an annual event.

Nyla has served on numerous boards including the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and now serves on the board of the Los Feliz Improvement Association. She has received many well-deserved honors, including the Buddy Collette Award, the Award of Excellence by the Women's Club of Hollywood, and the Hollywood Star Award, which she received with her husband.

I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an outstanding woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Nyla Arslanian, for her exceptional service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District.

I would like to recognize an exceptional woman, Heidi Shink of West Hollywood, California, who for many years has been an avid community leader and political activist.

Heidi is an Advocacy Board Member for the National Council of Jewish Women, Vice President of Communications for the Stonewall Democratic Club, a Commissioner for Human Services in the City of West Hollywood, a liaison to West Hollywood's Women's Advisory Board, and Board Member of Liberty Hill's Community Funding Board, Victory Fund's Campaign Board, Democrats For Israel, and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, Heidi ran as a candidate and was elected to the California Democratic Party's State Central Committee.

Heidi Shink has had a dynamic and multi dimensional professional career. After graduating from New York University, she landed a record deal with her band, Ceremony. She performed for audiences worldwide, as a co-lead singer, along with Chaz Bono. After working with the band for a decade, she became a Senior Producer at the E! Entertainment Network. Heidi has also co-authored a health book titled 3 Minutes to a Pain- Free Life (Simon & Schuster, 2006) and a wine guide titled Winecology (Globe Pequot Press, 2012). Heidi is a writer for the Huffington Post Gay Voices and hosts ``The Shink Tank: Politics for the People'' on CBS radio and LATALKLIVE.

I ask all Members to join me in honoring a truly remarkable woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Heidi Shink.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District.

I would like to recognize Dr. Gail Schaper-Gordon, of Pasadena, California, whose work in her private practice and in her community focuses on building leadership skills, teamwork and motivating people to reach their full potential.

Dr. Schaper-Gordon received her B.S. in Sociology from UC Irvine and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She is the CEO Group Chair of Vistage International, which provides executive coaching and group facilitation of peer advisory groups for business owners, President of Win-Win Workplace Solutions, an executive and management consulting company, and is a Business Psychologist.

A consummate volunteer, some of Gail's past volunteer activities include membership in Zonta International and the National Women's Political Caucus, and serving on the boards of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA), where she chaired various committees, and the Pasadena-Foothill Valley YWCA. Gail is a Leadership San Fernando Valley Graduate, and is a past Board Member of Leadership Pasadena. Dr. Schaper-Gordon has been involved in many professional organizations, such as the National Register of Health Service Providers, the California Psychological Association, where she served as Past Chair of the Statewide Governmental Affairs Committee, and the San Fernando Valley Psychological Association, where she served as Chapter President. Current volunteer activities include serving as Program Chair for the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena, and as a Board Member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Gail provides free services to local non-profit organizations each year.

Gail's passion for educating and motivating people is evident in the many workshops and presentations she's given, such as Working with Difficult People in Public Settings at the Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils, Motivating Employees at the VICA Business

Forecast Conference and Psychologists Meeting the Needs of the Business Community and National Health Care Reform, at the San Fernando Valley Psychological Association.

Gail and her husband of twenty years, Barry Gordon, live in Pasadena and have two children and one grandchild.

I ask all Members to join me in honoring a truly remarkable woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Dr. Gail Schaper-Gordon.