Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the State of Israel's Sixty-Sixth year of independence.

As the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, I understand the importance of a Jewish state as both a democratic society and a refuge of culture and heritage. I am proud to celebrate its continued success.

The spirit of Israel is as strong today as it was in 1948 when Great Britain's mandate expired and a new nation was born. Its people continue to seek academic advancement, participate in international commerce, and support the arts. All this, while managing threats to its security.

My respect for this nation and its people is great. Having traveled to Israel I observed the reality of bomb children's recreation center. As a father I cannot grasp the chilling fear of wondering if it's okay for my kids to play today or if they need to go to the reinforced recreation center. The fear of becoming yet another victim to terrorism while riding a bus or eating in a cafe could be enough to bring stagnation to a bustling economy. However, not in Israel. Its people rally in the name of freedom and out of the hope for a lasting peace. Their economy--and their nation are strong.

Sixty-six years following its declaration of independence, Israel has grown into a strategic ally of the United States. Our nation's commitment to its economy, defense, and people are critically important.

I look forward to continuing to support Israel and am again happy to join my colleagues in celebrating its independence.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of Project Labor Agreements.

As the House begins consideration of the annual Department of Veterans Affairs-Military Construction Appropriations bill later today, I urge my colleagues to continue to support Project Labor Agreements.

We have a great example of just how effective and efficient PLA projects can be with the Navy's largest ongoing military construction project--the construction for the second Explosives Handling Wharf at Naval Base Kitsap. The Explosive Handling Wharf is a critical component of our Nation's nuclear deterrent capability. The use of a PLA at a site of this significance is telling.

The Navy recently shared with me that:

To date, the PLA has performed its primary function by

ensuring no labor disputes interfered with the progress of

work on the project and that the project is on schedule and

the PLA is operating as intended.

Mr. Chairman, why would we remove such a useful tool for military construction, especially at a time when budgets are tight and milestones are tighter? Let's stay on the path to success and maintain the continued use of Project Labor Agreements.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Mr. Nathan Gibbs-Bowling, a teacher from my district who has achieved recognition for being one of the nation's top educators. Mr. Gibbs- Bowling of Lincoln High School in Tacoma recently received the highly prestigious Milken Educator Award, which is given by the Milken Family Foundation to recognize excellence in teaching. Mr. Gibbs-Bowling, winner of the $25,000 prize, was the only recipient this year from Washington State and one of only 35 educators honored nationwide.

Mr. Gibbs-Bowling teaches Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement Human Geography, as well as a senior seminar on applying for college and obtaining scholarships. He is an engaging teacher who sets high standards for his students while inspiring them with a creative classroom experience. He is known to have his classrooms debate Supreme Court cases and hold mock Congresses. As his students and colleagues will tell you, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling aims to instill intellectual curiosity and a mindset of life-long learning in all of his students.

Mr. Gibbs-Bowling grew up in Tacoma. After graduating from Foss High School in 1997, he earned an associate's degree from Pierce College, as well as a bachelor's and master's degree from Evergreen State College. Now, as a dedicated teacher, he is giving back to his community.

In addition to helping co-develop the curriculum on Tacoma history and the Washington State history curriculum he wrote from primary source materials, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling is the first teacher at his school to teach Advancement Via Individual Determination

(AVID), a program to improve study skills and college-readiness. He is also a founder of Teachers United, a network of teachers working with local unions to advance education policy.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. Gibbs-Bowling for winning the esteemed Milken Educator Award, and I would like to express how grateful I am to have him as a teacher in Washington State. It is an honor to recognize him for the passion and excellence he brings to the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the challenges facing our coastal communities.

Last week, I was honored to help organize a conference in my district that brought increased attention to the economic, social, and environmental priorities of tribal communities.

With Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, tribal representatives, and other Federal agency officials and stakeholders, we were able to make significant progress in recognizing the need for active and sustained engagement on economic environmental issues affecting our region.

Secretary Jewell rightly pointed out that we have a moral obligation to act in the face of rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and severe weather patterns caused by climate change. In my district alone, three tribes are currently in the process of relocation due to the threats of floods.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to act. Let's help regions identify their infrastructure needs and work cooperatively to help ensure that we are protecting coastal communities and their heritage sites, maintaining livelihoods, and living up to our treaty and trust obligations.

Let's also work to develop new, cleaner energy sources, cut carbon emissions, and lead a global effort to tackle the real threat of climate change.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to meet with individuals from my region and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council about important issues concerning people with developmental disabilities. I support their advocacy efforts for people with developmental disabilities and programs that support them. The Washington State Allies in Advocacy has issued a Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights for All Human Beings and I am honored to submit a copy.

A Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights of All Human Beings

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a very simple principle: equal pay for equal work.

It turns out I am not the only one in my household who supports equal pay. One morning last month, on my way out the door, my 8-year-old, Sophie, asked me my plans for the day. I said I was having an event called ``When

Women Succeed, America Succeeds'' focused on economic opportunity for women, including good jobs and good pay.

She said, Dad, that's my agenda. I said, You have an agenda? She said, Yeah. She showed me her ``Diary of a Wimpy Kid'' book. At the top of one of the pages it says, When I am elected President, the laws I pass will be--and number one, she wrote, in penmanship we are going to work on, Women should get paid the same as men.

This shouldn't be hard, Madam Speaker. My 8-year-old gets it, and the American people are waiting for Congress to get it too.

So let's stand up for equal pay for equal work and bring the Paycheck Fairness Act up for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Rory Reshovsky, who has achieved national recognition for a short documentary he produced in response to the question, ``What's the most important issue the United States Congress should consider in 2014?''

Rory took home the Third Prize award in C-SPAN's national 2014 StudentCam competition, which is a wonderful competition that challenges our youth to think critically about issues of national importance. I find it inspiring that so many young people are engaged in these debates and contributing their voices as part of our democratic process. Our democracy is strengthened when active citizens like Rory take time to participate in the process.

Rory's thoughtful documentary, ``I Do,'' provides a really insightful focus on the issue of marriage equality. I was particularly proud to play a role in the documentary and highlight just how important it is to ensure all committed loving couples are able to marry.

After all, I want my daughters to grow up in a country where discrimination is a thing of the past--where people can't be treated differently because of their gender, where they come from, or who they love.

The StudentCam competition recognizes the most impressive student filmmakers across the country. Rory has been named one of the top honorees nationwide in a competition that included 2,355 documentaries entered by nearly 5,000 students in 46 states.

Mr. Speaker, I heartily applaud Rory for his work producing the documentary. Rory's actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities and the national dialogue.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and honor a young student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Ms. Jessie Swofford of Tacoma has just been named one of the top honorees in Washington by the 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers across the country.

Jessie is being recognized for helping improve the lives of children with autism and their families through volunteering with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT). Each month Jessie volunteers at FEAT's ``Super Saturdays'', where she organizes games and activities for children with autism. Jessie also mentors teenagers with autism and spends her summers volunteering with an intensive intervention program for youth with autism.

Jessie herself battled a digestive disorder and a botched surgery as an infant, and dyslexia growing up, all of which she has overcome. Today she is enrolled in advanced placement and honors courses, and she is discovering her passion to become a speech pathologist.

Given the challenges we face today, it is vital that we encourage and support the kind

of selfless contributions that these young citizens have made. Young volunteers like Jessie are inspiring examples to all of us and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow.

The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued--and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past 19 years, the program has become the Nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and has honored more than 100,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

Jessie should be extremely proud to have been singled out from the thousands of dedicated volunteers who participated in this year's program. I heartily applaud Jessie for seeking to make her community a better place to live and for working to positively impact the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world. Jessie's actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, which has provided unwavering support to the greater Grays Harbor County community.

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation was established in 1994 to partner with residents to make investments in the future of our region. Through scholarships, grants, partnerships, and support for the arts, the Foundation has inspired long-term philanthropy and community investment.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to highlight a few of the many accomplishments of the Foundation. In 2012, the Foundation launched the Technology Initiative and provided grants to five school districts that gave them the resources to integrate innovative learning tools into the classroom and increase student engagement and achievement. I applaud their efforts. We know that it is critical to make investments in school technology so that all students have access to critical tools they need to remain competitive in today's increasingly technology-dependent world.

I commend the Foundation's scholarship program, which supports students' aspirations of pursing education beyond high school. Education is the door to opportunity and for a lot of families-- including mine--financial aid is the key to that door. This Foundation has done exemplary work partnering with students to help them open that door.

Mr. Speaker, the Foundation also partners with an array of excellent local organizations to build art installations, provide safe places for kids to learn and play, fund afterschool programs, help families cover unexpected expenses, and provide access to legal resources. I applaud their work in meeting community needs and making Grays Harbor a better, more vibrant place to live.

I am happy to join in the celebration of the Foundation's 20th year. As I close, it is only appropriate to acknowledge the work of Executive Director Jim Daly, Finance and Accounting Officer Jim George, Program Officer Cassie Lentz, Office Manager Cari Jewell, and the Foundation's Board of Directors for their ongoing support of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. It is my sincere pleasure to recognize their outstanding service today in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Frank Kitamoto, and offer my condolences to his family and friends in light of his passing. As President of the Bainbridge Island Japanese Community for over 25 years, Dr. Kitamoto has helped thousands of people learn about Japanese American incarceration during World War II. His leadership and mentorship has impacted the Bainbridge Island community for years to come.

At the age of two, Dr. Kitamoto and his family were among the 277 Bainbridge Island residents forced from their homes and taken to Manzanar War Relocation Center in California, as directed by Executive Order 9066 and Civilian Exclusion Order No. 1. Later, his family was transferred to the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho. They were the first required to leave their homes. In total, 12,000 Japanese American Washingtonians were forced out of their homes for the duration of the war. After World War II he returned to Bainbridge Island and served as a dentist for the community.

It was important to Dr. Kitamoto that people remember and students learn about Japanese American history and forced relocation during WWII. In 1983, he began an oral history project of Japanese American culture and internment so that people could listen to their compelling and heartfelt stories. Dr. Kitamoto visited classrooms in Washington State and traveled around the country to share these stories and talk about the Japanese American experience during WWII.

Dr. Kitamoto played an integral role in the installation of the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island. He has been honored by the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council with the Island Treasure Award and the Kitsap Human Rights Commission bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Kitamoto for his commitment to human rights and dedication to ensuring that the stories of this difficult period in American history are told. While Dr. Kitamoto was greatly missed at the 72nd anniversary commemoration of the forced removal of Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans, his memory and great work will never be forgotten. I am pleased to recognize his service to the community and honor his legacy today in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).

It is my understanding that this legislation contains a provision that would survey property at the open water entrance from the Puget Sound to the city of Gig Harbor, Washington, commonly known as the Gig Harbor sand spit area.

That property was leased to the city by the Coast Guard in 1988 to construct a small replica lighthouse with a private aid to navigation on the parcel and that the city and other local parties have financed, operated, and maintained the sand spit area, lighthouse, and private aid since that time and have used the property primarily for recreational purposes.

I yield to the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, the Coast Guard in 2005 determined that the property was in excess to their operational requirements and authorized the disposal of the property.

In addition, the city has been in discussions with the Coast Guard since 2011 regarding transferring the property.

I yield to the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, the legislation before us today provides for a survey of the Gig Harbor sand spit area.

Am I correct in understanding that, when the Federal Government completes the survey, the chairman will work with me to convey this property to the city?

I yield to the chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate you working with me on this issue.

It is very important to my constituents, and I look forward to a final resolution in the very near future. The Gig Harbor sand spit area is a cherished maritime gateway to the city of Gig Harbor, which is an area in my district which has a long and rich history of boating and commercial fishing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Frank Kitamoto and offer my condolences to his family and friends in light of his recent passing.

At the age of 2, Dr. Kitamoto and his family were among the 277 Bainbridge Island, Washington, residents forced from their homes during World War II and taken to a war relocation center in California. In total, 12,000 Japanese American Washingtonians were forced out of their homes for the duration of the war.

Dr. Kitamoto returned to Bainbridge Island after the end of the war and he began an oral history project. He traveled the country to educate others about Japanese American history and forced relocation during World War II. He served as president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community for more than 25 years. Dr. Kitamoto also played an integral role in the installation of the Bainbridge Island Exclusion Memorial.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Kitamoto for his dedication to ensuring that the stories of this difficult period in American history are told. I am pleased to honor his legacy in the United States Congress today.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate a friend, Judy Harris, a home care worker who passed away last week.

The most glorious part of the job I have is the opportunity to meet and learn from people from all walks of

life. I met Judy on her doorstep, and over several years she became someone I cherished--her commitment to serving, her compassion, and her advocacy.

Despite her small frame, Judy had an enormous presence as she fought fiercely for justice in the community and in the halls of government. Judy's advocacy and work with the Service Employees International Union led her to traverse the Nation to make sure those depending on care and those providing care had a voice and had dignity and had respect.

I will remember until my last days the afternoon I spent with Judy for a day in her shoes. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, physically and emotionally. I was so grateful to Judy and to caregivers who do the work they do to help people live with dignity.

Andy Stern used to say that the ``power of SEIU was that it was the way that ordinary people could accomplish extraordinary things and the way that the powerless could become powerful.'' No one demonstrated that better than Judy. I will always be grateful for her tireless work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding community service of Verna MacDonald, who has dedicated herself to enriching her fellow citizens through her affiliations with the Westport Senior House, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3057, the American Legion Post #140 Lady Auxiliary, the Westport and Grayland area Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Coastal Harvest food distribution warehouse.

Verna MacDonald first moved to Westport with her husband Donald MacDonald in 1986. The unexpected passing of her husband in 1999 inspired her to get out and interact with her community. She has since been recognized as the ``Grandma'' of the city of Westport. It is difficult to find a person within the community that has not heard of the service Ms. MacDonald has provided. Her positive disposition and can-do attitude is well known.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. MacDonald has displayed a constant commitment to serving those in need through her varied volunteer activities. One of her most notable contributions to the Westport community has been her engagement with the Westport Senior House. Starting as secretary, Ms. MacDonald dedicated years to improving the building and providing meals and resources to its residents. One of her many accomplishments was securing a grant to fund a new handicapped access ramp named for her late husband. Later, as director, she worked to transform the Senior House into a certified Red Cross Emergency Shelter, equipped with cots, bedding, emergency food supplies and even a generator. Ms. MacDonald didn't stop there; she spearheaded the Westport Freedom Walk in 2006 to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attack, has organized a holiday gift donation program serving the senior citizens in Grays Harbor and northern Pacific counties, and volunteers at Coastal Harvest Food Bank. Ms. MacDonald's work is boundless, and her retirement does not appear to have decreased her commitment to serving those in need.

As I close, I say with pride that our region is a better place thanks to the dedicated and selfless service of Verna MacDonald. Her unprecedented community involvement will impact the Westport community for years to come. I am pleased to recognize this service today in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on the House of Representatives to take action to prevent enormous flood insurance rate hikes from going into effect for homeowners all across this country. This is about the basic principle of housing affordability.

Recently, I met with Realtors, homeowners, insurance agents, and mortgage brokers in my neck of the woods. They shared with me just how dramatic the impact has already been in our region.

One perspective home buyer in Grays Harbor County was shocked to find that their flood insurance quote came out to a whopping $13,000 per year. After paying $600 to show that the property was elevated, the insurance quote was still more than the monthly mortgage payment would have been, and the deal fell through.

This policy has already led to a rapid and substantial decline in property values in a part of my district that already struggles with double-digit unemployment and can't afford another round of congressional disfunction.

Madam Speaker, the Senate has already acted. Let's do the same and immediately take up the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act.