Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, Representatives Devin Nunes and Jim Costa, to honor the life of Mr. John Carlos Martins, who sadly passed away on June 16, 2018.

Mr. John Carlos Martins was born on April 21, 1964 in the parish of Altares, on the Portuguese island of Terceira. Just two years later, in 1966, John and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Artesia, California. At a young age, John developed an interest in carpentry. After graduating from Cerritos High School in 1982, Mr. Martins attended Los Angeles Trade-Technical College where he advanced and honed his craft further, enabling him to build a successful development company with his father and brother.

In 1997, Mr. Martins was appointed to the City of Artesia Planning Commission and in 2001, he was elected to serve on the Artesia City Council. Following his service as city councilman, John continued working for the people of Artesia as Mayor of the city from 2004 until his retirement in 2010.

Although John and his family left the Azores Islands of Portugal early in his childhood, he remained deeply connected to his roots, as seen through his steadfast involvement in the Portuguese-American community. John participated in, and held positions on, many local and statewide Portuguese-American organizations. Mr. Martins was a Board Member of the California Portuguese American Coalition, President of the Artesia DES Portuguese Center in 2006 and 2013, Board Director of the Luso-American Fraternal Federation for eight years, and in 2000, he became President of that same Federation. Additionally, in 2015, Mr. Martins was appointed Honorary Consul of Portugal in Los Angeles.

While John dedicated the majority of his free time to his community, he also pursued his musical passions. John began playing guitar when he was only ten years old, and throughout his time in school he learned to play various other instruments. In 1979, he and his siblings formed the group Aquarious and travelled the world playing music for over twenty- five years. In 2012, John teamed up with his son Cole and his old bandmate David to establish the band 562. The talented group performed throughout California at various events and festivals and to many sold out shows.

Mr. Martins' tireless and selfless dedication to his community was truly inspiring. Although he left us too soon, John made a lasting, positive impact on the people he met. John is survived by his wife Karen and their three children.

Mr. Speaker, today we ask our colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life of Mr. John Carlos Martins. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Giacomazzi Dairy as it celebrates its 125th year of continuous operations producing milk in Kings County, California.

Founded by Luigi Giacomazzi, an immigrant from Moghegno, Ticino, Switzerland, Giacomazzi Dairy opened on property acquired from Southern Pacific Rail Road Company in 1893, the same year Kings County was formed. Mr. Giacomazzi developed the land and founded the dairy with just ten cows producing butter and cheese that he sold to locals and Chinese railroad workers.

After marrying his wife, the former Gilia Pincini, Mr. Giacomazzi built their farm and dairy with the help of their four children: Florinda, Louis, Jr., Stephen, and Fred.

In 1923, Giacomazzi Dairy became the first dairy to install milking machines in the region. These revolutionary machines simultaneously milked four cows. By 1937, Giacomazzi Dairy constructed their third Grade A barn in Kings County. Technological advances enabled the Giacomazzis to milk forty-two cows at a time.

Louis, Jr., Stephen, and Fred formed a new partnership--Giacomazzi Brothers--with each sibling handling a distinct aspect of operations. Once considered the largest dairy operation in the southern Central Valley region, Giacomazzi Brothers dissolved the partnership in 1969, however, Fred Giacomazzi continued to operate the dairy, purchasing land from the partnership.

Joined by his son, Donald in 1974, Fred increased the dairy's herd to 350 cows with approximately 300 acres of farmland. In 1985, the Giacomazzi Dairy herd grew to 600 cows and its farming operation expanded to 500 acres.

Don and his wife Jackie, had four children: Gina, Dino, Cara, and Mia. In 2003, Dino returned to the farm after working thirteen years in the music and internet industries. Two years later, Dino married his wife, the former Julie Friebe, and took over day-to-day management and operations of the farm. Since assuming operations, Dino has expanded the herd to 1,000 cows on 1,000 acres, including 375 acres planted with almond trees.

Beginning with its first milking machine in 1923, Giacomazzi Dairy has established itself as a leader in agriculture innovation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Giacomazzi Dairy, Kings County's longest, continuously-operating dairy, on its 125th year of producing milk.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Matthew Rosa on his election as President of the California Future Farmers of America.

Matthew Rosa was born on March 25, 2000, in Visalia, California to his parents, Noel and Holly Rosa. He attended local schools, most recently El Diamante High School in Visalia, California. During his high school tenure, Matthew served in many leadership posts in the El Diamante Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA), including Sentinel from 2015 through 2016, Vice President from 2016 through 2017, and President from 2017 through 2018. In the role of Chapter President, Matthew concurrently held the position of San Joaquin Region FFA President.

Beyond FFA, Matthew is an avid golfer, playing for the El Diamante Miners golf team in his sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school. He served as a member of St. Mary's Youth Leadership Team from 2015 through 2016 and is active in the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish of Visalia.

During his participation in FFA, Matthew was a member of the winning FFA Cooperative Marketing Team in 2017 and earned a State Proficiency Award for Dairy Production Placement. In his academic pursuits, Matthew became a lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation and was a two-time recipient of the Visalia Unified School District Board Student Achievement Award.

In early 2018, Matthew was one of seventy-four members of California's extended FFA organization to apply to run for state office. After many interviews during the California FFA Convention in Anaheim, California, Matthew advanced among the twelve finalists to address the convention. Following voting, Matthew was declared the winning candidate for President of California FFA on April 25, 2018.

As California State FFA President, Matthew will be tasked with the three primary tenets of FFA leadership: motivating members to achieve their highest potential, serve as a goodwill ambassador to the community at-large, and provide key direction and execute the various programs undertaken by FFA regions and chapters.

Matthew's passion for farming is a reflection of his upbringing. As the son of a dairyman, Matthew has learned the lessons of hard work and dedication growing up at the Rosa Brothers Dairy and Creamery.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Matthew Rosa on his election and wishing him well on his future service to the California Future Farmers of America.

Mr. Chairman, as a member of the committee of jurisdiction, I am proud to rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2019 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill.

Our military servicemembers have made immeasurable sacrifices for our Nation, and we are forever indebted to the brave men and women who have served. Providing access to benefits ranging from medical care to education opportunities is a small, yet important, symbol of gratitude for their service.

The bill before us today improves the management of the VA facilities across the Nation and rebuilds our military infrastructure at facilities such as Naval Air Station Lemoore in California's 21st Congressional District, the district I have the honor of representing.

But, most importantly, the legislation ensures our veterans get the care they deserve. In fact, I am proud to say this historic piece of legislation provides the VA with more financial resources than any other previous year, resources desperately needed in order to ensure our veterans receive the services and treatment they have earned and truly deserve.

In rural areas like California's Central Valley, where unemployment is high and primary care options are limited, healthcare options are, unfortunately, inadequate. This is especially true for our Nation's veterans living in rural America. However, this package delivers targeted, results-oriented solutions to increase access to healthcare for 3 million veterans living in rural communities across the Nation.

On top of that, more than 450,000 veterans from coast to coast are waiting to be compensated for medical claims they have submitted to the VA, and this is simply unacceptable. As a result of this legislation, we can cut through that backlog and provide our veterans with the financial relief they desperately need.

Mr. Chairman, I stand here today representing the 22,000 veterans who call California's 21st Congressional District home. They have sacrificed so much for us and it is past time that we repay the favor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District in celebration of its 75th Anniversary of providing much-needed water to communities across the southeastern San Joaquin Valley.

Organized in 1942, the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District (AEWSD) entered into its first agreement with the United States Bureau of Reclamation twenty years later in 1962. Today, the Water District consists is tasked with managing, treating, acquiring, and supplying water to 131,660 acres of agricultural land in Southeast Kern County, California.

Between 1964 and 1968, with support from the Bureau of Reclamation, the District constructed its primary water distribution facilities. Since then, AEWSD has continued to invest in its infrastructure to provide reliable water supply to its members. Among its various infrastructure projects, the District constructed its Tejon Spreading Basin in 1972, the North Canal Spreading Basin in 1999, and various new wells between 1996 and 1998.

The Arvin-Edison Water Storage District is comprised of approximately 132,000 acres of land, encompassing more than 113,000 acres of irrigated crops including vineyards, almonds, citrus, and carrots, to name a few. In 2016, the AEWSD supported over 1.1 billion dollars in agricultural products, nearly twenty percent of agricultural commandeers grown in Kern County.

Today, the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District is led by President Edwin Camp, Vice President Jeffrey G. Giumarra, and Secretary John C. Moore. The District's current Board of Directors also includes Ronald R. Lehr, Howard R. Frick, Dennis B. Johnson, Charles Fanucchi, Catalino M. Martinez, and Kevin E. Pascoe.

Among the District's operations staff are Engineer-Manager Jeevan S. Muhar, Deputy General Manager David A. Nixon, Director of Water Resources Steven C. Collup, and General Superintendent Christopher P. Krauter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Arvin-Eqison Water Storage District on their 75th Anniversary and thank them for their years of providing reliable irrigation water to support agriculture in Kern County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sierra Pacific High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team for their victory as California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division V Basketball Champions.

The Golden Bears of Hanford, California defeated Lowell High School of San Francisco, California by a margin of 52-26 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Their victory capped a 32-5 overall record for the 2017-2018 season.

Starting varsity play in 2011, Sierra Pacific's basketball program quickly evolved from the upstart to champions. This season, the Golden Bears were undefeated both at home and in East Sequoia League play.

Led by Head Coach Amy Bush and Assistant Coaches Heather Brasil and Victor Chavarin, Jr., Sierra Pacific High School was proudly represented by Cristina Avila, Haley Bettencourt, Kylie Brasil, Kalea Bush, Arianna Chavarin, Ciana Gonzales, Hailey Leslie, Celeste Lewis, Rose Miller, Alana Roberts, Kaylie Rocha, Annabelle Saavedra, Janae Tolbert, and Savannah Torres.

I further congratulate players Kalea Bush, Haley Bettencourt, and Alana Roberts for their terrific performance this season. By the conclusion of the season, Miss Bush became the all-time leading scorer for the Golden Bears, earning 1,099 points.

Miss Bettencourt, who is the second all-time leading scorer for Sierra Pacific, was awarded the Pursuing Victory with Honor Award for her performance and sportsmanship during the State Championship game.

In the Championship game, Miss Roberts led Sierra Pacific in both scoring and rebounds, collecting twenty points and twelve rebounds.

The success of the ladies of Sierra Pacific High School is an inspiration to our Central Valley community, their victory is a testament to the bonds of sportsmanship, dedication, and camaraderie.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the players and coaches of Sierra Pacific High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team for their terrific athletic achievement during their 2017-2018 season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember those lives lost in the Armenian Genocide more than 100 years ago. From 1915 to 1923, the Ottoman Empire engaged in the systematic and organized deportation and extermination of over 2 million men, women, and children from Armenia. Today, these horrific events have become known as the Armenian Genocide.

Many of those able to flee immigrated to the United States and settled in the Central Valley of California. Today, their families continue to grow, thrive, and pass along their cultural heritage into their adopted communities.

The sense of loss as a result of these horrific acts runs deep, as many Armenian Americans personally know a friend or family member who was unable to escape the genocide. As a result, the Armenians throughout the United States have been steadfast in their efforts to continue to ensure the memory of those lost never fades.

Despite the horrors of this time and broad international consensus that these events are rightfully identified as ``genocide,'' the foreign policy of the United States refuses to acknowledge what so many already know to be true.

As co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to stand with me in recognizing and remembering the 2 million lives who were lost or forever changed by these tragic events.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Chief John Charles Gibson, Senior for thirty-three and one-half years of dedicated service to the public safety of the citizens of Lemoore, California.

Chief Gibson is a lifelong Kings County resident. Born in 1955 to Robert Randell and Doris Elaine Gibson,

John grew up in the small farm town of Lemoore, California. He attended Lemoore High School.

Chief Gibson's career with the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department began in 1984, as a Hoseman. That year, he also gained certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. He later served on the department's Membership and Rating Committees. In 1987, he was assigned as an Engineer and later promoted to Crew Captain, training a crew on fire fighting and emergency medical service procedures. In 1998, he was promoted to Second Assistant Chief.

Chief Gibson was elected and confirmed by the Lemoore City Council as Fire Chief in October 2005. During his tenure, Chief Gibson upgraded the department's firefighting equipment and led a program to certify nine Lemoore firefighters as Emergency Medical Technicians.

Chief Gibson's leadership directly improved the standard of living for the citizens of Lemoore. As the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department's rating for handling emergency services was upgraded, citizens saw their homeowner's insurance premiums decrease.

During the course of his career with the department, Chief Gibson responded to 16,458 service calls.

In retirement, Chief Gibson will be spending more time with his loving family--wife Kim, sons John, Jr. and Paul, and daughter, Patty. He will also continue to operate his welding business he founded in 1980.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Chief John Gibson on his retirement from the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department and his service to the people of Lemoore, California over the past thirty-three and one-half years. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, I wish him my absolute best.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about something that is so important.

We always talk about the different things we can do in Congress to help our constituents. Something I spend a lot of time on is water. It is very important to help my local community survive, it is obviously important for agriculture, but it is very important for those who live and breathe in the Central Valley. Delivering water to their homes is something that some of us outside of the area might not see threatened, but in the Central Valley, it is something we do see.

But tax reform is something that has a real impact on people every single day. The Central Valley happens to be what I would say, and I think a lot of people would agree, some of the hardest working people in the United States.

When you drive throughout the Central Valley and you see people out in the fields working really hard in some of the warmest weather, some of the hottest weather, it has a real impact on people; and giving these people an opportunity to be able to keep more of their money is something I think is very important.

While I don't know if this coming week people will see a simplified system, because it hasn't taken effect yet, I know that people who work really hard throughout the Central Valley are already starting to see an increase in their paychecks. I have heard it myself as I have gone around the district talking to constituents; people stopping me in the grocery store bringing up the fact that they are already seeing things in their paychecks. I have even had employers tell me that their employees walked up to them and talked a little bit about the difference they are seeing.

The Central Valley is an area that needs this more than a lot of other areas. When you look at the median income, Central Valley, or at least the 21st Congressional District, is about $40,000. So when you talk about doubling the standard deduction--before this tax plan went into place, about 83 percent of the people filed the standard deduction. Now, with doubling that standard deduction, you are going to see upwards of 90 to 95 percent of people filing the standard deduction.

What does that mean? That means, in the past, people only keep about $12,000 of their first income tax-free. Now they are going to go forward and have the opportunity to earn $24,000 without being taxed. So the first $24,000 isn't going to be touched, and that is impressive.

Then, throughout the Central Valley, a lot of folks, with their children, having families, something that, myself, with three kids, something I am very proud of, we are doubling the child tax credit. We are going from $1,000 to $2,000. That is going to have an impact on about 64,000 people in the 21st Congressional District.

Twenty-five thousand constituents own small businesses. This new law will help them grow their businesses and help them be more successful. In fact, some economists say that this new law will help create about 111,000 jobs in the State of California.

This tax bill is going to have a positive impact throughout the 21st Congressional District. We are already starting to see it now, and we are going to see it going forward.

As this new bill takes effect, people throughout the 21st Congressional District will see an annual tax savings of about $1,300, almost $1,400. This is real relief for people; and no matter what anyone else goes out and says, this is not peanuts. This is not a small amount.

$1,400 has a real impact on people being able to buy groceries; being able to save for their kids' education; being able to keep their families comfortable, if it is running the air conditioner or keeping the house comfortable. These are all things that have a real impact on people's everyday lives, so I am thrilled to be able to come here and talk a little bit about the positive impact that we are having throughout the 21st, and I am looking forward to seeing how much more we do.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, my friend from southern California, for the opportunity to be here and play a role in this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Kristina Emelia Noelle Dunklin for her service to my office and the 21st Congressional District of California over the past five years.

Ms. Dunklin was born in Fresno, California to parents Marianne and Jerome R. Dunklin, M.D. Growing up in the Central Valley with her brothers, Joseph and Jacob, Ms. Dunklin enjoyed being active and challenging herself academically as she played varsity soccer while attending San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno. Following her graduation in 2008, Kristina attended Santa Clara University where she was able to pursue her love for helping others and giving back to the community by joining Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and serving as the Philanthropy Chair of the Eta Nu Chapter. During her time at Santa Clara University, Kristina developed a strong interest in politics and gained firsthand experience of grassroots politics by volunteering on local campaigns. In March 2012, Ms. Dunklin graduated from Santa Clara with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science.

Shortly after graduation, Kristina left California's Central Valley and moved to Washington, D.C. to follow her passion of politics. Ms. Dunklin began her political career by quickly securing an internship with her hometown Congressman, Devin G. Nunes. Kristina has been a member of my Congressional team since 2012, first serving as Legislative Correspondent and most recently, as Legislative Director. Her thoughtful approach to crafting public policy combined with her expansive legislative knowledge made Ms. Dunklin an invaluable member of my team and a true public servant to the people of California's Central Valley.

Outside of work, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family, cooking recipes she learned from her grandmother, and skiing.

This February, Ms. Dunklin's time in my office came to an end as she moved on to a new role focused on one of her many passions, healthcare policy, with Congresswoman Susan Brooks of Indiana. While I am excited for Kristina to begin this new chapter, she will be greatly missed as a member of my team. Knowing Ms. Dunklin, her character and work ethic, I have no doubt she will achieve many great things in her future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Kristina Dunklin for her public service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing her the very best in this next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, January 22, 2018, I missed the vote because I was attending the funeral of a family member in California. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 44.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleague, Representative Devin Nunes, rise today to honor the life of Mr. Gregory O. Dias, Jr., affectionately known as ``Butch,'' who unexpectedly passed away on December 16, 2017.

Mr. Gregory O. Dias, Jr. was born in Hanford, California on December 31, 1948. His

maternal grandfather bestowed the nickname ``Butch'' upon him at a young age and it stuck with him his entire life. Butch was the first born son of Gregory O. and Vivian M. Dias. He attended Kit Carson Elementary School and Hanford Union High School before attending California State University, Fresno. He was involved with his family's farm operation most of his life, eventually helping his parents form their family business, Gregory O. Dias and Sons Dairy and Farming Incorporated. Butch helped his parents grow the business into many dairies and farms throughout Kings and Tulare Counties.

In 1974, Butch married Alice Vander Tuig in Hanford, California. While growing their business, the couple had three children, Rachelle, Darren, and Gregory. Eventually, Butch and his wife acquired Delta View Dairy Farming, which they renamed Rachelle's Jerseys in honor of their daughter, Rachelle, who lost her life in a tragic car accident.

A third-generation dairy farmer, Mr. Dias was a great farmer and a true leader within the industry. He was passionate about farming, the land, and the animal and enjoyed working with his two sons Greg and Darren every day. In addition to agriculture, Butch enjoyed traveling the world.

He traveled the world learning about other cultures and making friends, all while promoting California agriculture abroad. Butch enjoyed talking, visiting, entertaining, and cooking. He was a ``barbecue specialist'' who often volunteered to cook for family events and community activities. His barbecue was renown throughout the Central Valley. He believed one should give back to his community, and led by example, contributing extensively to the surrounding community.

Mr. Dias was involved in numerous organizations throughout his life: 4-H Mid Valley Chapter, Hanford FFA, State Champion Milk Judging Team, Kings County Herd Improvement Association, California Milk Advisory Board, Dairyman's Cooperative Creamery association, California Dairy Research Council, U.S. Jersey Association, Luso-American, Delta View School District, Widgeon Land and Cattle, Exeter Duck Club and Farm Credit West. Butch also bravely served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Navy.

Butch is survived by his wife Alice, their sons; Darren and his wife Tabitha, and Gregory and his wife Melanie. Butch loved his children and was blessed to become a grandfather to their children, Nixon, Wren, Hudson, Bristol, and Reed.

Mr. Speaker, today we ask our colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life of Mr. Gregory O. ``Butch'' Dias, Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Sergeant Jeffrey Stamper for twenty-six years of dedicated service to the public safety of the citizens of Kings County, California.

Sergeant Stamper is a lifelong Kings County resident. Born in 1967, Jeffrey grew up in the small farm town of Corcoran, California. He attended local schools and graduated Corcoran High School in 1985 before attending California State University, Long Beach.

Sergeant Stamper's law enforcement career started in 1991, as a Deputy Sheriff in Kings County. He was promoted to Senior Deputy Sheriff in February of 2000. After sixteen years in the Kings County Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Stamper transitioned to the Kings County District Attorney's Office as an Investigator in November of 2007.

In 2010, Sergeant Stamper was sworn into the Inaugural Police Department for the City of Avenal, California. His experience and leadership made him a preferred candidate to help establish a new department to protect the citizens of Avenal. This year completes seven full years of service to the citizens of Avenal and twenty-six years of total law enforcement experience.

In retirement, Sergeant Stamper will be spending more time with his loving family, wife Julie and daughters Taylor and Lilly. On this special day for Jeffrey, it is important to remember his son Brandon who was taken from his loved ones and our community too soon in 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Sergeant Jeffrey Stamper on his retirement from the City of Avenal and his service to the people of Kings County over the past twenty-six years. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, I wish him my absolute best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Iris Lizzette Velez for her service to my office and the constituents of California's Twenty First Congressional District of California over the past year.

Iris Velez was born on April 3, 1960 in the beach town of Guanica, Puerto Rico to Iris Lucia Santana Colon and Felix Gilberto Velez Quinones. Both high school teachers, her parents instilled in Iris the importance and love of learning at a young age. Iris and her three siblings spent most of their time feeding animals, harvesting crops, and fishing on their grandparents' farm in San German, Puerto Rico. It was during this time that Iris developed a true love and respect for nature.

After spending her youth in Puerto Rico and completing her high school education at the age of sixteen, Ms. Velez attended the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, where she received a Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science and Government. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, Ms. Velez went on to complete two Master's degrees--the first in Political Science at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the second in Public Relations at Sacred Heart University in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

In 1980, Iris began her eight-year teaching career as a Professor of Political Science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico but, in 1988, she was able to combine her passions of nature, political science, and public affairs while serving as the Public Affairs Specialist for the National Park Service at the San Juan National Historic Site. After two years of service, Ms. Velez moved on to work for the United States Forest Service first as a Public Affairs Specialist and later as Program Manager.

In February of 2017, Ms. Velez accepted a Congressional Fellowship in my Washington, D.C. office through the Brookings Institution. During her time in my office, Iris was a vital member of my team having handled legislative issues relating to natural resources, forestry, and energy policy. Iris was also instrumental in organizing constituent outreach programs to teach fire safety to the people of the California's Twenty First Congressional District. Outside of work, Iris enjoys meeting new people, exploring different places, and attending live musical performances.

On December 15, 2017, Ms. Velez's time in my office will come to an end as she moves on to continue her dedication to public service. While I know she is very excited about her upcoming journey, she will be greatly missed as a member of my team.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Iris Lizzette Velez for her public service to the people of California's Central Valley and wishing her well as she begins the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Larry Spikes for thirty five years of dedicated service to the constituents of Kings County.

A Central Valley native, Larry Spikes attended California State University, Fresno, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting in 1981 and later received his Master's degree in Public Administration in 1992. He and his wife, Kristine, have been married for thirty five years and have three children, their son, Austin and twin daughters, Madison and Taylor.

In 1981, Larry began his career at the County of Kings as an Accountant before transferring to the Administrative Office as Deputy County Administrative Officer (CAO) in 1986. He served in that capacity until November 1993, when he was named County Administrative Officer.

In 1996, Mr. Spikes served on California Governor Peter Wilson's Trial Court Funding Task Force on Court Employees and from 1997 to 2016, he served as the Representative for the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) on the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Larry served as the President of the County Administrative Officer's Association of California from October 2002 to October 2003. In 2008, he was appointed as a board member for the California State Association of Counties Finance Corporation where he served until 2015. He was elected to a CAO's position on the County Medical Services Program Governing Board in 2012. Today, Mr. Spikes is currently serving on the Court Facilities Advisory Committee for California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye.

Outside of work, Mr. Spikes is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Hanford and serves on the board of the Disabled American Veteran's Charities of Central California.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Mr. Larry Spikes on his retirement, for his service to the people of Kings County and wishing him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.