Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I rise today to honor Charles Foster and Marlene Anne Beiswanger on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Chuck and Marlene were married on October 16, 1954 and celebrated their Golden Anniversary on October 16, 2004.

Charles Foster Beiswanger is the son of William and Meta Beiswanger of Havertown, Pennsylvania. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California during the Korean conflict, at which time he met his wife Marlene Anne Zirker, daughter of Jesse and Doris Zirker of Merced, California.

Mr. and Mrs. Beiswanger have been residents and respectable business owners of Merced, California for many years. As owners of Tioga Florist, Chuck and Marlene contributed greatly to the economic vitality of the community of Merced. They owned and operated Tioga Florist until 1985, at which time they sold it to their son, Foster. Having been provided with a solid foundation, the shop remains a thriving family business today.

In addition to establishing and maintaining a successful business, Chuck and Marlene are responsible for creating a beautiful family. Their three children have grown and married, and have begun families of their own. Today, the Beiswanger family consists of their eldest son Charles Foster, Jr. and his wife Lydia, their daughter Joanne, and her husband Ray, and their son Scott and his wife Iris, as well as, six grandchildren with a seventh expected to arrive in 2005. I would like to recognize each of these individuals as they all play vital roles in this remarkable family that the Beiswanger's have founded.

It is my honor and privilege to join Chuck and Marlene's family and friends in recognizing the very special and momentous occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Our community benefits greatly from the splendid example they have set. Marriages such as theirs form a sound foundation for our country, and contribute greatly toward making this a better world in which we live. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in offering Mr. and Mrs. Beiswanger best wishes for continued happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carol G. Whiteside, an individual who has dedicated her life to public service at the local, state, national, and international levels. Her impressive career deserves recognition, and her years of dedicated service to her local community of Stanislaus County, the State of California, and our nation, warrants tremendous respect. Throughout her successful life, Carol has remained equally committed to her family. She is married to Superior Court Judge John G. Whiteside. Carol and John are the proud parents of two adult sons, Brian and Derek.

Carol began her career by earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Davis in 1964. Dedicated to her education, she pursued postgraduate studies at Golden Gate College in San Francisco and continued her studies abroad through the University of Southern California in Ramstein, Germany. She entered the business world as a Personnel Manager for Emporium Capwell Company in Santa Rosa, California in 1964, but it was not long before returning to Germany, this time to serve as an Education Counselor at the Army Education Center in Landstuhl.

By the mid-1970's Carol returned to Modesto, California and began to build what would become one of the most reputable careers in public service known to our community. For the past three decades, Carol Whiteside has held various positions with the City of Modesto and the State of California. In all arenas of service, and with tremendous commitment, Carol rose through the ranks of public office. She began her service in the City of Modesto in 1979 as a Modesto City School Board Trustee, and by 1987 she was elected the City's Mayor, having served as Modesto City School Board President, and as a member of the Modesto City Council before her Mayoral victory.

Continuing to pursue greater and grander opportunities, Carol moved on to California State Government in 1991, being appointed to the position of Assistant Secretary of the Intergovernmental Relations, Resources Agency where she specialized in resource conservation, land use and growth management issues. Within two years, she became the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for California Governor Pete Wilson on issues of land use, finance, restructuring and economic development.

Throughout the years, Carol has also been extremely involved and held numerous positions with countless associations, boards, organizations, political committees and international entities. She has served as Chairperson for committees within the League of California Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities. Over the last twenty years, Carol has been involved in the National Women's Political Caucus, as well as several other political committees at the state and national level.

In addition to her tremendous achievements, Carol has found time to serve as a Board Member for more than 15 groups which include the United Way of Stanislaus County, the American Red Cross, High Speed Rail Authority, California Center for Regional Leadership, and the Public Policy Institute of California.

It appears that there is no existing realm of public service that Carol Whiteside has not touched. Her career is not limited to the San Joaquin Valley, California, or the United States. Since Carol resided in Landstuhl, Germany in 1972, she has remained actively involved abroad. Her international endeavors have taken her to Poland, Ukraine, the Baltic States, Morocco, and Korea.

It is without question that Carol Whiteside is a remarkable individual, professional businesswoman, and motivated entrepreneur, characteristics that were most recently demonstrated by her latest accomplishment. Today, Carol is the President of the Great Valley Center, an organization she founded in August 1997. This organization's primary focus is to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of California's Central Valley. Under Carol's leadership and guidance, the Great Valley Center has elevated the region's identity throughout our state and nation.

Carol's work ethic, professionalism, and dedication have earned her many honors throughout the years, which include the 1990 Soroptimist Woman of Distinction in International Relations, the California State Assembly Woman of the Year 1991 for the 27th Assembly District, the Civic Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002, and the 2004 Excellence in Public Service Award. Most recently, the American Legion Post 74 honored Carol by naming her the 2004 Woman of the Year.

This recognition that I am offering today before the House of Representatives for Carol Whiteside is clearly deserved, and well overdue. She is an invaluable member of the community, an exemplary civil servant, and an outstanding human being who will leave behind a legacy to be admired for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in honoring Carol G. Whiteside for her many years of dedication to public service, for her countless contributions to the economic vitality of the San Joaquin Valley, and for her continued commitment to a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow. I am most certainly honored to call her my friend, and it is my pleasure to recognize all of her accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the passage of H.R. 2828 today.

Calfed reauthorization is an issue that Congress has debated for years and years and today--as a result of numerous parties working together--we are making significant strides toward increasing water supply, quality and reliability for California.

This is an enormous accomplishment and I applaud Representatives Pombo, Napolitano and Calvert and our esteemed Senator from California, Senator Feinstein, for overcoming the numerous hurdles that have prevented this issue from progressing in years past.

This proposal will greatly strengthen California's agricultural economy and address the needs of a fast growing population by creating additional surface storage projects.

This delicate balance, while difficult to achieve, is critical to the success of Calfed.

Today, I urge my colleagues to support this measure because it will set California on the path to a sustainable water supply for its citizens, its economy and its environment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4504 sponsored by the House majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay). As Members

from opposing sides of the political spectrum, I praise the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), and I could not be more proud to be here today in support of a common goal, moving our Nation's most precious children into safe and permanent homes.

As an adoptive parent myself, I have seen firsthand the glaring problems our foster care system is currently facing. At any given time in the United States, there are roughly 500,000 children in foster care, moving from placement to placement, often living out of a suitcase, in hopes that one day a loving family will welcome them into their home.

H.R. 4504, the Safe and Timely Placement of Foster Children Act, addresses one specific, yet extremely important, aspect of the system, interstate adoptions. Often an impediment to a foster child's placement in a permanent home happens when a child from one State is being adopted by a family in another State. The State where the family resides must complete a home study in order to verify that the placement is safe, secure, and ready for the new child. Often these types of home studies are a low priority for the State where the adoptive family resides and can lead to delays of months and even years in the adoption process.

This legislation we are considering today would establish a 60-day deadline for completing an interstate home study. If a State completes the home study within 30 days, this bill would authorize a $1,500 incentive payment for the completed home study to be used for adoption- related expenses.

The children that this bill seeks to help are needy, neglected children without a voice who desperately want to have a home, something all of us take for granted. They want to go to the same school with the same friends for more than a few months at a time. They want someone to tuck them in at night and help them with their homework. They want to stop living out of a black plastic garbage bag that doubles as a suitcase. They want a real home, and they want to be loved.

Over the years I have met with numerous kids from all over the country who are in various stages of foster care. I have heard great stories where children were reunited with their biological parents or are placed in loving, caring adoptive homes, like my own children are. But I have also heard other stories that have just made me sick to my stomach.

One young boy I met at a school for foster children in my district told me the story of his life that seemed quite fitting for this debate today. He had been placed in foster care at an early age and had been moved in and out of seven different homes up and down the State of California. As you can imagine, he grew jaded and resentful from the harsh life he was forced to live.

Finally he, was placed with a family that saw through his rough exterior and who wanted to adopt him. This young boy was convinced that he had finally found a real home with devoted parents. Soon after he was placed in this foster family, however, the father was transferred to North Carolina and the family was forced to move. Unfortunately, they could not get the paperwork processed between California and North Carolina in order to facilitate the adoption, so this young boy was left behind and is now residing in a group home.

It is our job as Members of Congress to be a voice for these children and make sure their dreams are realized. We owe it to them to streamline the adoptive process and make Federal law work for positive outcomes. If that means requiring States to get their act together, then so much the better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margie Dingeldein, a remarkable individual and outstanding athlete who as a member of the U.S. Olympic women's water polo team won the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Ms. Dingeldein was born and raised in Merced, California. Her talent and love for the water was recognized early when by age 3, she could swim across a 25 yard pool without coming up for a single breathe of air. Her energy and endurance continued throughout her career, placing her among the best female athletes to come out of the San Joaquin Valley.

Ms. Dingeldein attended Merced High School where she was determined to maintain a well-rounded life. While competing in year-round sports, she remained committed to community service, and her studies, graduating as the valedictorian of the class of 1998. She completed her high school swimming career setting Central California Conference swim records in the 100 and 200 freestyle events, confirming that she was ready for her transition to Stanford University.

While at Stanford, Ms. Dingeldein received three All-American honors, and helped the Cardinal appear in two consecutive NCAA Championships. She continued a family legacy of Stanford graduates, earning a pre-med degree in human biology in 2002. Her endurance and determination culminated with her Olympic appearance after 20 years of competition.

Ms. Dingeldein's bronze medal has made her more than an Olympic medalist. Her international success made her a local hero, as she is among the first Olympic medalists from Merced County. As a role model for our youth, she serves as a superlative example that will inspire and encourage our young athletes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Margie Dingeldein for her accomplishments. It is an honor to recognize all of her accomplishments and thank her for being such a fine role model to our community, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jamill Kelly, an exceptional individual and remarkable athlete who won a silver medal in Freestyle Wrestling at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Born and raised in my hometown of Atwater, California, Mr. Kelly attended my alma mater, Atwater High School where his wrestling career began with placing fourth in the 1995 state championships. Mr. Kelly's success as a wrestler continued as he attended Lassen Junior College, taking second in the 1996 Junior College Nationals. He then graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Over the past four years, the former Oklahoma State wrestler remained dedicated to his dream. He continued to train vigorously and compete among the nations finest wrestlers, in order to have the chance to prove his outstanding athletic ability on the world stage. This summer, Mr. Kelly achieved his dream as he spent his summer winning a silver medal in Freestyle Wrestling at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Mr. Kelly is the city of Atwater's first Olympic medalist. He has become an inspiration to the student athletes of Atwater High School, who witnessed a fellow Falcon strive to reach his dreams in becoming the pinnacle of his sport. He has become a local hero, a national champion, and a world-renown athlete.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Jamill Kelly for his outstanding accomplishments. I am delighted to recognize all of his dedication and hard earned achievements, and thank him for being a role model to our community, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, shortly following what would have been former Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna's 65th Birthday, to join with his friends and family in helping to honor Joe's lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of his fellow citizens through the dedication of the Joe Serna Jr. Amphitheater at Delta College.

The great labor leader, Cesar Chavez, once said, ``You knock on twenty doors or so, and twenty guys tell you . . . that they haven't got time. But maybe at the fortieth or sixtieth house you find the one guy who is all you need.''

Joe was one of those remarkable men Cesar Chavez was looking for. He was a much rarer breed than one in forty or one in sixty. Joe was, at the very least, one in a million.

He answered this call to service and action at an early age, losing his job at a manufacturing facility by endorsing a strike. He continued this fight on behalf of his fellow man for the remainder of his life. He was often called upon to lend assistance to his mentor, Cesar Chavez, and did not once turn down such a request.

His devotion to others was remarkable and unrelenting; whether as a worker in a trailer factory, as a labor leader, as a volunteer in the Peace Corps, as the civic leader of California's capital city, or as a husband, father and grandfather.

It is fitting that Delta College is naming a building for him. Once Joe had decided to answer Chavez's call and take the path of self- sacrifice and dedication to his community, Delta College was the first place he turned to hone the skills that would allow him to be the most effective advocate he could be.

We can only hope that future generations passing through the campus will have some measure of the integrity and dedication to his fellow man as Joe Serna Jr. displayed his entire life. We are all the better for his efforts and it is my honor to recognize and pay tribute once again to this fine American.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor NASA engineer Jose M. Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez is an exceptional individual who worked hard all of his life in accomplishing his ultimate goal of becoming an Astronaut. On May 6, 2004 NASA announced the ``Next Generation of Explorers,'' and all of us in the 18th Congressional district of California were very proud to hear Jose Hernandez as one of the 11 named in the new class of astronauts.

Mr. Hernandez was born in French Camp, CA and as the son of farm workers, he grew up in the fields of the Central Valley. Mr. Hernandez dreamed of becoming an astronaut, and knew that in pursuing his dream he would face many challenges. However he also knew that life as a farm worker was not for him. He worked hard and obtained his education from the University of the Pacific and then a Masters from UC Santa Barbara.

Mr. Hernandez worked as an engineer for Lawrence Livermore Lab and then moved on to become an engineer for NASA. He applied to become an Astronaut three times never giving up hope that one day his goal would be fulfilled. On May 6 his dream came true.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Jose Hernandez for his accomplishments. I am delighted to recognize all of his achievements, and thank him for being a role model in his service to our community, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support an issue that has been addressed in this House for nearly a decade yet has never made it quite this far before today. This is an enormous accomplishment and I applaud my colleagues, the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo), the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano), and our subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), as well as our esteemed Senator from California, Senator Feinstein, for overcoming numerous hurdles that have prevented this issue from passing in recent years.

This is an immense amount of work from both sides of the aisle and both Chambers that has gone into this measure; and, finally, we are poised to formalize our commitment to ensuring a safe, reliable water supply for California.

This proposal will greatly strengthen California's agricultural economy as well as address the needs of a fast-growing population, while at the same time maintaining our commitment to the environment. In fact, I believe this bill strongly enhances the environment and, in particular, the Delta of California.

This delicate balance, while difficult to achieve, is critical to the success of CALFED. In my mind, the true test of the value of the bill is whether it has achieved a level of compromise. While no one is completely satisfied with this measure, everyone's concerns were considered and addressed. This measure passes the test by leaps and bounds. This bill has brought together parties that in the past have had conflicts that have just torn the State apart. These stakeholders have worked diligently now for years to develop some creative opportunities for additional conveyance, while addressing some of the extremely tough water quality and water supply challenges in California.

Mr. Speaker, time is of the essence. If the Federal Government does not act now on this legislation, the future of CALFED and our agricultural economy and viability hangs in the balance. I believe that those of us who have pushed for additional surface storage are finally being heard. These projects are critical to California's future and must move forward now without pure obstructionists standing in the way.

This is a good bill for the environment, this is a good bill for the economy, and it is a good bill for California. I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I regretfully rise in opposition to this motion. H.R. 2828 has been negotiated in a bipartisan manner, and I have been pleased to be part of such a fair and open process. The gentleman from California (Chairman Pombo) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) have maintained a very open process, as both the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano) and I can attest.

The majority has accepted several of the requests that were put forward by the Democratic committee members, including critical water quality and water recycling language, and have acted in good faith. To send this bill back to committee now would mean the likely end to CALFED this year. If we do not act today and send this bill to conference where ongoing conversations with Senator Feinstein can resume, we will lose precious time and I fear lose our remaining window of opportunity to address the water crisis in California.

Because of the job-creation impact, the building trades unions mentioned in my previous Dear Colleague wholeheartedly support final passage of H.R. 2828.

I urge my Democratic colleagues to defeat this motion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Assistant Sheriff Richard Breshears. Richard Breshears has had a long and exemplary career in law enforcement that has lasted nearly 35 years.

Mr. Breshears began his career as a Stanislaus County Sheriff in 1970. He soon became an investigator, where he dedicated almost 18 years, rising from the ranks of detective to Lieutenant and working on several high profile cases that garnered national attention. In 1991, he was promoted to Captain and served as Commander of both the Custodial and Operations Divisions. In 1997, he was appointed to the position of assistant Sheriff and continues to command the Operations Division.

Mr. Breshears has not limited his dedication to law enforcement and his community to working hours. He has continuously engaged in, and often led activities that allowed him and the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department to better serve the community. In 1982, he graduated from the FBI academy in Quantico, VA. He has been a member of countless law enforcement associations and organizations over the years. He has dutifully served such organizations as the Stanislaus County Advisory Board on Substance Abuse, the U.S. Attorney's Law Enforcement Executive Council, and as President of the Stanislaus County Police Activities League for the past eight years.

Richard Breshears' selfless service to his community has not gone unnoticed. His community has bestowed upon him such honors as the ``Assyrian Community Presidential Award,'' the California Attorney General's ``Certificate of Commendation for Meritorious Service,'' and the Stanislaus Sheriff Department's ``Medal of Merit'' for exceptional service.

It is my honor and privilege to join the community in recognizing Richard Breshears for his lengthy, dedicated service to his community. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as a leader and mentor. I am delighted to recognize his service and his retirement as I wish him the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lois Hale. Lois Hale has dedicated her life to education and the community of Ballico has benefited greatly from her efforts.

Signum scientis est posse docere. The touchstone of knowledge is the ability to teach.

Ms. Lois Hale has this special ability and has selflessly utilized it to the benefit of her community for nearly 40 years. In addition to successfully teaching thousands of our children essential math skills so they may have a solid foundation for future success, Lois Hale has dutifully served as a leader and role model for both students and fellow faculty members.

Ms. Hale has served as President of California's Central Valley Math Council. She has, for many years, offered herself as a mentor to her students. She has also taken upon herself responsibility for organizing and directing student activities such as the annual Math Superbowl and the biennial Washington DC trip.

She has received the recognition of her peers for her accomplishments. She has been honored with such recognitions as being a California Presidential Award Finalist, twice being listed in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and receiving the George Polya Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Perhaps more important and telling than her individual awards and recognitions is the success and accomplishments of those she has taught. This year alone, her Math Superbowl team brought back 28 trophies and countless other recognitions. This is notable, given the fact that her school district has little more than 300 current students.

Ms. Hale has proven her depth of knowledge and character over the past 40 years, and has embodied the idea that Signum scientis est posse docere.

We are honored to have people like Ms. Hale aiding in the development and progress of our children and our community. I would like the House to join me in thanking Ms. Hale for her many years of dedicated and honorable service and to wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Juan J. Arcellana (Jay) in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the State of California. He has served the people of the state for over twenty-five years, and has been with the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board for the last sixteen of those years. I would like to take this time to highlight his many achievements and to extend public recognition and commendations to him for his professional and civic leadership over these many years.

Jay has been the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board for eight years, and is currently serving as both its Chief Administrative Law Judge and Executive Director. Jay has served with the utmost distinction as President of the National Association of Unemployment Insurance Appeals Boards.

Jay has spent an entire career dedicated to serving the unemployed and disabled citizens of California. He is particularly proud of his efforts to enhance the accessibility of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board administrative hearing process, and ensure prompt consideration and action on their appeals.

Jay has received numerous commendations for his professionalism, expertise, hard work, extraordinary effort, and spirit of cooperation over the years, and it is certainly well deserved. Jay has personally touched the lives of many people throughout his career, giving many an employment opportunity allowing them to demonstrate and develop their individual talents.

Jay is married to Betsy Arcellana, and this marriage has been blessed with three sons, Jason, James and Jonathan. Today I call on my colleagues in Congress to join me in thanking Jay Arcellana for his longstanding and continued commitment to the Californians that need his help the most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ross P. Rogers as he concludes his many, dedicated years with the Merced Irrigation District and a 45 years career in which Ross has provided resources essential to life in the Central Valley: water to our farmers' fields and into our families' homes and schools as well as electricity to power our cities, businesses and neighborhoods.

Ross Rogers has long been a valued leader and a true public servant. He spent nearly his entire life honorably serving his country and his local community. Ross' introduction to public leadership and self sacrifice came as he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the United States Army's 57th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division in Korea from 1951 to 1954. He then used his leadership abilities and commitment to public service to lead to a long and distinguished career.

After leaving the service, Ross decided to use what he learned studying civil engineering at the University of Nevada and work for the State Department of Water Resources. He then joined the East Contra Cost Irrigation District as General Manager. In 1991, he joined the Merced Irrigation District, where he would make his lasting impression and finish his career.

In his relatively brief tenure here, Ross has created a legacy for the Merced Irrigation District by turning it into one of the most respected water agencies in the state of California. This was despite the fact that the district he inherited in 1991 had just suffered from the longest drought in recent history and was handicapped by internal struggles.

Ross has never been fearful of change or innovation in his work. The most notable example was in 1995, when Ross made the decision to create the Energy Resources Department. That decision dramatically changed the Merced Irrigation District for the better. His leadership moved the district squarely into the 21st century and has the potential to lead to an economic boon for our local communities.

Following his longstanding tradition of public service, Ross has been extremely active in his local community outside of his work with the water district. He has been an active member in the Brentwood Lions Club for twenty-five years, dutifully serving in all Lions Club offices and as President twice.

Ross has been married to his wife Adair for forty-seven years, and together they have two daughters and three grandchildren. I am proud to recognize all of Ross' numerous accomplishments and to call him my friend. Today I call upon my colleagues to help me thank Ross for his commitment and dedicated service to the Central Valley, and to wish him a very happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to have four students in attendance here from Valley Community School in Merced, California. Valley Community School, led by its principal, Jill Macha, is an alternative education program that serves at-risk youth throughout Merced County. I had the privilege of visiting Valley Community School in October during Red Ribbon Week festivities, and it left an impression with me and had a positive impact on alternative education and the impacts it was having on the students there.

However, I also had a very moving experience while I was visiting. I see school groups in my district frequently, but nothing compares with the interaction I had with the students at Valley Community School that day. After the Red Ribbon Week assembly was over, a group of children, young people, came and met with me. Many of them were products of the foster care system, just like those who are fortunate enough to be here in Washington today.

During our 90 minutes together, I heard many of their personal stories from the students that would shock anyone who cares. They told me about some of the horrible conditions that they had encountered as they moved from placement to placement in foster care. They told me about situations that have gotten them in trouble. They told me about a lot of things that I thought I would never hear or even have to hear from young people: abuse, neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault. These kids have been through more unfortunate events at a younger ages than most of us will ever go through in a lifetime. Many of them had begun to get tougher than they ever should have to become just to survive. But, ladies and gentlemen, in all their eyes, I saw a glimmer, a glimmer of hope, the glimmer of hope that I see, frankly, in all young people's eyes. But it was one that moved me even stronger than normally because these kids had had such a tough life.

They wanted to talk about and overcome their problems. They wanted people to become aware of the flaws in our foster care system, and they wanted people to understand how important it is for them just to have a stable home. I want the students of Valley Community School who are watching back in Merced to know that people really do care about them and the problems they are going through. Their principal, Jill Macha, is one of those people. They lead an alternative education program at the school that is one of the sources of stability for those kids in that situation, and stability is what they desperately need.

But, ladies and gentlemen, there is much work to be done. I am committed to working on improving our foster care system and the support network for children who are left behind. I hope my colleagues will take the time to learn more about the kids like those who are at Valley Community School and join me in the effort. I know that if they do, we can have a better understanding of the enormous challenges that at-risk kids face and that we can actually do something to improve their situation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Merced Police Officer Stephan Gray, who was killed on April 14 in the line of duty. He was the first officer killed in the Merced Police Department's 115-year history.

During his 7 years of distinguished service in Merced, Officer Gray represented the very best in law enforcement. In the course of his work in the department's Gang Violence Suppression Unit and the Special Operations Unit, he consistently went above and beyond the call of duty and was known for his extensive involvement in the community.

Officer Gray received numerous thank you letters from citizens for his work and commendations for assisting in the capture of a dangerous criminal street gang member and saving the life of an 11-month-old infant.

He made a special effort to fully understand his beat, even visiting streetside basketball courts and baseball fields. Residents of south Merced appreciated Officer Gray's presence, and his influence was immeasurable.

In short, Officer Gray was the role model that communities like Merced so desperately need. The city will miss his special dedication and selfless service. I hope that this tragedy will shed light on his important work and inspire others to the same calling.

Officer Gray is survived by his wife, Michelle, and three children, Landess, Isaiah, and Cameron. I offer the entire Gray family my condolences.