Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 724, which would rescind President Trump's refugee ban on individuals like the student from Afghanistan who was denied entry, sent back, and had her visa canceled.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the exceptional honorees of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 122nd Annual Dinner and Business Awards Ceremony. These business leaders have shown an exemplary commitment to the economic growth and advancement of the Sacramento Region. As members of the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, honorees, and guests gather in celebration of a year of successes, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these outstanding community members.

Kevin Johnson, former Mayor of Sacramento, is Sacramentan of the Year. A distinguished member of our community, Mr. Johnson proudly served as our mayor for the past eight years. During his tenure he did much to move our city forward and most notably, he was instrumental in keeping our beloved Sacramento Kings, partnering with the Kings ownership to get the Golden 1 Center built. For many years, Mr. Johnson's vision and philanthropy has benefited the citizens of our community.

Ann Madden Rice, Chief Executive Officer of UC Davis Medical Center, Is Businesswoman of the Year. Ms. Rice is a true leader in our region's health care system. Under her leadership, the UC Davis Medical Center was one of the hospitals at the forefront of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Sacramento.

Chris Granger, President of the Sacramento Kings, is Businessman of the Year. Joining the Sacramento Kings in 2013, Mr. Granger was instrumental in developing the new Golden 1 Center. The arena opened its doors in October 2016 to rave reviews and sold out concerts. Chris' vision is helping to revive Sacramento's urban care.

American Red Cross and Sacramento City College are being inducted into the Centennial Business Hall of Fame. American Red Cross, their staff, and their many volunteers have been the cornerstone of our region's emergency response community for many years. The work they do to provide training and assistance is critical to our region. Too often we do not realize just how important their hard work is until disaster strikes. Sacramento City College has been a leader in our region's education community for more than one hundred years. Their longevity is a testament to the high quality education and experiences that Sacramento City College faculty and staff help create for students.

Relles Florist and Visit Sacramento are being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. Relles Florist has provided beautiful floral arrangements, as well as being a leader in the Sacramento community, for the past 70 years. As the lead promoter of tourism for the region, Visit Sacramento has done a tremendous job growing as an organization and supporting landmark campaigns, including Sacramento's farm-to-fork initiatives and the iconic Tower Bridge Dinner. Visit Sacramento is instrumental in shaping Sacramento's identity and highlights the many things that make Sacramento the great place it is to live, work and play. These two enterprises are certainly worthy of this honor, and have played major roles in the development of Sacramento's economy over their numerous decades of operation.

Fleet Feet Sacramento, the original store of the Fleet Feet franchise, opened in midtown Sacramento in 1976 and since that time has fostered a culture of exercise and fitness. A staple in the community, Fleet Feet Sacramento continues to sponsor community events and get Sacramentans outside and active, and is the well-deserved recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award.

Phil Tretheway, Creative Director of Position Interactive, is this year's Young Professional of the Year. Mr. Tretheway is a third generation Sacramentan and has been involved in Metro EDGE since its inception. He helped chair the 2015 Emerge Summit and has been instrumental in shaping downtown's culture.

This year's Al Geiger Memorial Award is going to Chet Hewitt of Sierra Health Foundation and Dennis Mangers. Mr. Hewitt is a true treasure for our region. Under his leadership, Sierra Health Foundation has helped transform our region into a place that is healthier and more equitable for everyone. As a true trailblazer, Mr. Mangers has served as a role model and mentor to hundreds in the Sacramento community and throughout the State of California. He has spent the better part of the last half century championing equal rights for all California citizens. These two individuals carry on Mr. Geiger's legacy by serving as role models who help inspire others to serve our community. Sacramento is a better place because of their tireless efforts.

Carol Garcia receives the Peter McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs. Ms. Garcia is Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Community 1st Bank and has helped people with their banking for over 20 years. She has been active in local non-profits and service organizations, benefiting our community for many years.

Jim Alves from SMUD and Holly Harper from Sutter Health are the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award. Mr. Alves heads Sacramento Municipal Utility District's Economic Development Department. More impressively, he serves on numerous Boards and community organizations, making a significant impact on everyday Sacramentan lives. Ms. Harper is truly an expert in her field and her work at Sutter Health and in our community has helped change people's lives for the better. She is a driving force at Sutter Health, pushing towards greater health care quality in our region and beyond.

Finally, Karlee Cemo-McIntosh is Ambassador of the Year. Ms. Cemo- McIntosh has served in a variety of roles for Metro EDGE, the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, WEAVE, Inc., the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. Working as the Marketing Director for Visit Sacramento, she helps put the region's best foot forward and attract numerous visitors to Sacramento.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Asian Resources, Inc. as they celebrate their 15th Annual Lunar Dinner and tonight's honorees. As the members of Asian Resources, Inc. mark this momentous occasion, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their long history of service to youth, immigrants, and refugees in our community.

Since 1980, Asian Resources, Inc. has served as an invaluable organization for members of disenfranchised communities in our region. Their work providing social services has empowered countless individuals and families in our region who have turned to them for support. Asian Resources, Inc. has helped individuals obtain jobs, improve their language skills, and become pro-active citizens. I am incredibly grateful to have a community partner like Asian Resources.

Tonight, Asian Resources, Inc. will also recognize community members and leaders who have contributed to the mission of Asian Resources. I would like to offer my congratulations to Elaine Abelaye-Mateo, who is receiving the May O. Lee Award for her work with Asian Resources and as one of the Founding Committee members of their RISE fund. I would also like to say congratulations to Marielle Tsukamoto, who is receiving the Community Impact Award. As the past president of JACL, Florin Chapter, Murielle has been a strong leader, a dedicated educator, and a community advocate. Finally, I would like to offer my congratulations to Sacramento County Supervisor, Patrick Kennedy who is receiving the Community Partners Award for his work with Asian Resources, Inc. Each of these leaders truly makes a difference in our community every single day.

Mr. Speaker, as the members of Asian Resources, Inc. celebrate their 15th Annual Lunar Dinner and honor tonight's awards recipients, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their dedication to serving new Americans and established citizens in the Sacramento area.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 7.

On Saturday, I joined millions of women, men, and children who took to the streets and raised their voices in defense of equality. We marched because women's rights are truly human rights. We marched because women should be able to make their own choices about their own bodies. We marched because everyone deserves health care, not just the privileged few.

And yet, here we find ourselves voting on another Republican attempt to cut off reproductive health care from the people who need it the most. H.R. 7 would be devastating for all women, but would disproportionately impact low-income families, women of color, immigrants, and young people.

But we were reminded this weekend that, as women, our destinies are tied together, and we will not be silent as Republicans attempt to interfere with a woman's constitutional right to choose. Women are watching.

``The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many outstanding Sacramento business leaders being honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 120th annual dinner and business awards ceremony. Those being honored are dedicated to the success of the Sacramento Region and have worked tirelessly to advance the region's economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans.

Mark Friedman, President of the Fulcrum Property Group, has been named

``Sacramentan of the Year.'' An accomplished businessman, he has led many community oriented projects throughout the region, including the current transformation of Downtown Plaza into the new sports and entertainment complex that will help revitalize the core of our city. He is also a civic leader and an active supporter of the arts and higher education. Mr. Friedman is part of the UC Davis Chancellor's Cabinet for the $1 Billion Comprehensive Capital Campaign and serves on the boards of the UC Davis School of Education and the M.I.N.D. Institute.

Mary Rotelli, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Teichert, Inc., has been named the ``Business Woman of the Year.'' Ms. Rotelli is very involved in the community and was recently appointed by Governor Brown to the California Public Works Contract Arbitration Committee. She is also a member of the California Transportation Foundation and the National Readymix Concrete Association. Ms. Rotelli helped found the Capital Region Family Business Center, an organization that helps family businesses meet their unique needs.

Eric Stille, President and CEO of Nugget Markets, has been named the ``Businessman of the Year.'' The local, family-owned chain is a grocery industry leader and the company has been recognized as being one of the ``100 Best Companies to Work For'' by Fortune Magazine.

California Clothing Recyclers, a company that exports used clothing thereby reducing landfills, has been named ``Small Business of the Year.'' Erica Taylor, Vice President and Communications and Community Relations Director for Five Star Bank, who holds leadership positions in various organizations and was one of the Sacramento Business Journal's ``Top 40 Under 40'' in 2012, has been named ``Metro Edge Young Professional of the Year.'' Emilie Cameron, Senior Public Relations Manager for 3fold Communications, is being recognized for her many philanthropic endeavors as ``Volunteer of the Year.'' Ellie Shaw, President of Shaw Media Consulting, whose company helps guide online communication for small businesses and who is an avid volunteer for the Chamber, is being named ``Ambassador of the Year.'' Warren Smith, President of Sacramento Republic FC, is being honored for his efforts to infuse professional soccer in the Sacramento area with the ``Peter McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs.'' These awards could not go to more deserving Sacramentans.

Dignity Health, Los Rios Community College District, and the Van Vleck Ranch are the inductees into the ``Sacramento Business Hall of Fame'' for their significant contributions to the Sacramento Region.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions to the Sacramento Region. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their unwavering commitment to our region.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying legislation.

Here we go again. This bill marks yet another attempt by the Republican majority to repeal the Affordable Care Act but the first time after implementation of many of the provisions that Americans have relied upon.

People think the ACA only provides the ability to buy health insurance on an exchange or marketplace. Yes, it is a new way to shop for health insurance in which you can compare plans apples to apples. Yes, it is a way to obtain subsidies to make that coverage more affordable. Yes, with all these benefits, people can join the system and cover themselves prior to a medical catastrophe.

However, the Affordable Care Act has also accomplished so much more than that. Repealing the law lock, stock, and barrel that has been in place for nearly 5 years is not in anyone's best interest.

As an example, the ACA created the prevention and public health fund, an unprecedented mandatory investment in States' public health systems. The need for this investment has become increasingly evident after public health emergencies in recent months--evidenced by Ebola and, today, measles.

Repealing the ACA today would mean 129 million Americans could again be denied insurance coverage for preexisting conditions. It would mean Americans would no longer have access to free preventive services such as vaccines, disease screenings, well-child visits, and tobacco cessation.

I heard from one of my constituents Lara who, as a freelance film producer with a former cancer diagnosis, found getting health insurance to be impossible. Thanks to the ACA, she now has

coverage and is able to have regular checkups to make sure that the cancer does not return.

Do you want to take away all of that? The health care providers, health plans, and consumer advocates in my district and across the country have worked hard to put these provisions in place and to make the ACA work.

We can't take this away now. It works.

I urge my colleagues to vote down the rule and the underlying legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. as he steps aside from his position as Senior Pastor of the Center of Praise Ministries of Sacramento, California. As a spiritual leader, he has served the Sacramento community since he founded the Center of Praise Ministries in 1989. Before this he held various other positions for which our community is grateful. As his congregation, family, colleagues and community leaders gather to celebrate his efforts, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his many years of contributions to the Sacramento region.

Bishop Lovelace has been an enthusiastic and effective spiritual leader. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Oral Roberts University and Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. He received early spiritual training at Sacramento's Shiloh Baptist Church, and went on to receive his Certificate of Completion from the Jack W. Hayford School of Pastoral Nurture at King's College and Seminary, a Master of Arts in Practical Theology with High Honors from Oral Roberts University, and his Doctor of Ministry from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University.

In addition to leading the Center of Praise Ministries, Bishop Lovelace was a public servant in Oklahoma and Sacramento, where he held a number of positions, including being the Sacramento Regional Office Manager and Case Worker for the Koinonia Foster Homes, a Pediatric Medical Social Worker for the University of California, Davis Medical Center, and served as the Vice Chairperson for the Board of Directors of CARES Community Health clinic.

In 1989 Bishop Lovelace led the Center of Praise Ministries' founding meeting and it has grown exponentially since then. As Senior Pastor, he has contributed an unimaginable amount of time and effort to improving our community and has made it a priority to reach out to those in need. Other important positions he has held include a stint as a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum's Mountain Valley Chapter, Advisory Board Member of East Lawn, Inc., leadership within 100 Black Men of America, Inc., co-pastoral chair of the 2012 Luis Palau Sacramento Festival, and he served as member of the Board of Trustees at William Jessup University.

Not surprisingly, Bishop Lovelace has received numerous honors throughout his career. Some of his most recent awards include being honored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers and Collegium Scholars at Morehouse College, receiving the 2012 President's Award from the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, and in 2013 he was named Person of the Year by the Observer Media Group.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of his dedication to the betterment of our community, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and recognizing the Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. for his many years of service and in wishing him and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of former Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, to celebrate his career and many accomplishments. Mr. McGowan served the people of West Sacramento and Yolo County for nearly three decades and now is a leader with the State of California's Department of Motor Vehicles. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring him and celebrating his incredible contributions to our community.

A lifetime Yolo County resident, Mr. McGowan served his nation in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. After the war, he returned to Sacramento and graduated from California State University, Sacramento and the University of Pacific's McGeorge School of Law. He and his wife, Sue, have a daughter, Becky, and two grandchildren, Phoebe and Franklin.

In 1987 Mr. McGowan began his illustrious career in public service. He was instrumental in the formation of the City of West Sacramento, serving as the city's first Mayor and continuing to serve on the City Council for six years. After his time on the City Council, Mr. McGowan was elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, where he represented the people of West Sacramento and Clarksburg for over two decades. He would serve as chairman of the Port of West Sacramento Commission, and as a board member of a number of organizations including Yolo County Transportation District, Delta Protection Commission, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Yolo County Housing Commission, Sacramento Regional Counties Sanitation District, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Local Mental Health Board, Sacramento Area Trade & Commerce Advisory Board, Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management Board and as an officer on the California State Association of Counties' executive committee.

Mr. McGowan worked tirelessly to protect our region's natural resources, promote agricultural growth, and improve Yolo County's economy. As a Supervisor, he worked with Governor Jerry Brown on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. I have always enjoyed working closely with Mr. McGowan, as he has been a true partner on a number of critical issues; including complex water, flood protection and transportation projects.

In 2013, Mr. McGowan was appointed by Governor Brown as Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and Policy for the Department of Motor Vehicles. In recognition of his steadfast commitment to the City of West Sacramento, the city named a bridge over the Barge Canal, the Mike McGowan Bridge and the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce has renamed their annual leadership award the Mike McGowan West Sacramentan of the Year Award. With these honors, future generations will know what Mike McGowan has meant to West Sacramento and Yolo County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and recognizing former Supervisor Mike McGowan for his many years of exemplary public service and to wish him continued personal and professional success.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise in honor of Thomas J. Hammer, Jr. who passed away at the beginning of December in Sacramento. With Tom's passing, our country has lost a true leader, philanthropist and family man who has left an indelible mark on the Sacramento region, our state, and our nation.

Tom's life is an American success story. Born in 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama, he and his family moved to Sacramento when he was 12. A graduate of McClatchy High School, Tom went on to earn a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He also spent two years as an Army counterintelligence officer. Tom married Phyllis MacAulay, and they raised four remarkable daughters, Dayna Joonas, Noel Richardson, Katie Brown and Tanis McGregor. Phyllis and Tom have twelve grandchildren and one step-child.

Almost 50 years ago, Tom and his brother-in-law, Gordon T. MacAulay, purchased Shasta Linen Supply in Sacramento. For the first twenty-five years of operating the company, Tom also practiced law. Over the years, Shasta Linen Supply has grown to be a leading supplier of linens and uniforms for restaurants and medical institutions, and importantly it has always remained a family run business.

Beyond his successful business endeavors, Tom's philanthropic efforts were immense. Bob and I had the pleasure of serving with him in a number of capacities and he also held leadership positions with the Downtown Rotary Club of Sacramento, Mercy Foundation, Teichert Foundation, and the Sacramento-Yolo Port District, among many other organizations. Tom was also fascinated by, and loved, California's rich cultural history and the majestic beauty that defines our state. In order to preserve our state's history, he was active in the California Historical Society, the Sacramento Trust for Historic Preservation and the Sacramento History Museum, and the California Railroad Museum.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in paying honor to Thomas J. Hammer, Jr. for his exemplary service to those of us in Sacramento and across the nation. His life and legacy--as a husband, father, friend, leader and philanthropist--is an inspiration to us all. I ask that we take a moment and extend our utmost respect and condolences to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for yielding this time to me.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we are here to thank and honor two of California's greatest congressional legislators and our dear friends, Henry Waxman and George Miller.

This is an especially, as the Leader has said, bittersweet and poignant time because they are our dear friends. We are so proud of them, and we are going to miss them dearly.

The reason why Henry and George are so significant here in this body are that they are the architects of the most significant legislation of the last 40 years. You think about anything we have done in this House, whether it is health care, environment, energy, consumer protection, communications, workforce protection, education opportunities, it goes on and on. The reason why they have been so successful and why they are so dearly respected and loved is that they are men of the House, they are men of the people. They love this institution and they honor this institution, and so this institution honors them. They are people, individuals, who understand this country and understand what makes it great, understand that it is the people that they are going to be helping.

Henry has been a dear friend of mine for over 30 years and his absence will be keenly felt in the Halls of Congress and in the Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve. In his four decades here, Henry has been a stolid advocate for his constituents in Los Angeles and for this whole Nation and the world too.

On the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have worked closely with Henry to tackle a number of critical issues facing the country. The Affordable Care Act will forever stand out in my mind as one of the committee's greatest accomplishments, and Henry has been a true leader in that passage.

We worked together to combat climate change, eliminate the harmful formaldehyde emissions, promote strong net neutrality rules, and expand access to Internet services for more Americans. He has been a true leader.

We are also saying good-bye to my really good friend, George Miller. During my time in Congress, he has become a trusted friend and colleague. He led the fight on raising the minimum wage and fighting for a vibrant education system.

But what I remember the most and cherish the most about him is that he leaves such a great legacy on water law and policy in California, from his historic California water reform law that requires the balanced use of our State's scarce water resources to the many battles on the floor fending off ill-conceived attempts to drastically change the distribution of our precious water resources.

With the departure of Henry and George, Congress is losing champions of the people whose knowledge and passion will not soon be replaced, but they leave many of us behind who understand how important it is. We say farewell to them, but we also wish them well, and certainly wish their families well.

Mr. Speaker, the life and career of the Dean of the House, John Dingell has been remarkable and historic.

John has been a friend . . . colleague . . . and a true leader in Congress.

During his nearly 60 years serving in the House . . . John has served with passion and integrity. His commitment to public service and deep understanding of this institution has been unmatched.

John has shaped policies that have improved the lives of countless Americans. From backing landmark Civil Rights legislation, to ensuring our environment is protected by authoring the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.

Most significantly, John has never given up on the fight for affordable, quality health care for all Americans. Early in his career, he helped to pass Medicare, and achieved what he set out to accomplish with passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

There is no question that his work here will have a lasting impact on Congress . . . and this country . . . for generations to come.

It has been an honor to serve with John on the Energy & Commerce Committee . . . where I have had the privilege to work with him on a number of issues, including helping to spur clean energy manufacturing jobs in this country; and helping American small businesses export their clean energy products and services abroad.

I thank him for his service and his friendship. John, I wish you nothing but the best in your next adventure. You will be truly missed in this body.

I also look forward to working with your wife, Congresswoman Elect Debbie Dingell, in the coming years on important issues facing our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sacramento City Councilman Steve Cohn as he retires after twenty years of serving the community of Sacramento. As Councilman Cohn's family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate his career and his outstanding accomplishments, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring him, as he has contributed so much to the Sacramento region.

Councilman Cohn earned a bachelor's degree at Yale University, spent time as a Fulbright Scholar in France and graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Diego's law school. Professionally, Councilman Cohn was a leading lawyer at the California Energy Commission and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

In 1994, Councilman was elected to the Sacramento City Council. Councilman Cohn's many accomplishments for the Sacramento region include expanding the regional transit and intercity rail service from Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. He led efforts to modernize Sacramento's historic Downtown train station and has been committed to ensuring the Sacramento region has a strong public transportation system. Councilman Cohn's efforts on the City Council also improved public safety, ensured economic growth, and increased the region's level of flood protection. I have enjoyed working closely with Councilman Cohn, as he has been a true partner on a number of critical issues. Every park in his district has been renovated and families enjoy the annual Pops in the Park summer concert series that Councilman Cohn founded. Recognizing his accomplishments and leadership, Councilman Cohn has received numerous civic awards for his outstanding leadership.

As part of his regional responsibilities, Councilman Cohn has served as Chair of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Vice Chair of the Sacramento Metro Air Quality Management District and the San Joaquin (Rail Corridor) Joint Powers Authority (JPA), and Co-Chair of the Downtown/Riverfront Streetcar Policy Steering Committee. He has also served on the Boards of Sacramento Regional Transit, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Sacramento Library Authority, City Council Law & Legislation Committee, Sacramento County Regional Sanitation District and Sacramento Regional Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission.

Mr. Speaker, as Councilman Cohn's wife Catherine, family, friends, and colleagues gather to recognize him for his many years of public service, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of exemplary service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of The Sacramento Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), Isao Fujimoto, Tom Okubo and the late Mitsuye Endo. As Sacramento JACL and community leaders gather to celebrate their organization and these three outstanding individuals, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their great contributions to the Sacramento region and beyond.

Isao Fujimoto was born in 1922 and his family farmed strawberries in Santa Clara County. During World War II he spent time at the internment camps at Heart Mountain and Tule Lake. After the war he received degrees from University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, and Cornell University. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of California at Davis, he served in the United States Army as a correspondent in Korea and taught chemistry and English at San Jose High School. At UC Davis, Professor Fujimoto created many of the Asian American programs on campus and helped found the Students of Asian American Studies Program. Professor Fujimoto is active in the community and is very involved with the Central Valley Partnership. Professor Fujimoto is married to Christine Fry and they have two children.

Tom Okubo, born in 1925 in Stockton and attended Sacramento High School before being sent to the Tule Lake Relocation Camp at the age of 17. During World War II, Mr. Okubo was drafted into the United States Army and later served in the Korean War. Returning from war, he went back to school, met his wife Sue and they were married in 1948. He worked for the State of California for 37 years and started Sacramento Custom Tours when he retired in 1988. He and Sue have two children, two grandchildren, and a great grandson. Mr. Okubo is a true community leader and remains active in JACL, VFW and other community organizations.

Mitsuye Endo was born in Sacramento in 1920. In 1942 President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. At this time, Ms. Endo was working as a keypunch operator at the Department of Employment. She was dismissed from the State of California along with over 300 other Japanese-American employees as a result of EO 9066. Along with 100 others, she appealed this decision. Ms. Endo and her family were sent to the Walerga Assembly Relocation Center, then to Tule Lake and later to Topaz, Utah. Ms. Endo rightfully felt her confinement was unconstitutional and had the courage to stand up and declare it. She began fighting to get her civil liberties back by filing a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus. The petition was denied, but Ms. Endo did not stop pursuing her case and her unalienable rights. Eventually her case made it to the Supreme Court. Ms. Endo's case would go down in history as Ex Parte Endo, and the Supreme Court eventually ruled in her favor. After Ms. Endo was released from the relocation camps, she married Kenneth Tsutsumi and they raised three children. In 2006, Ms. Endo passed away at the age of 85. In July 2014, Ms. Endo received a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her brave efforts as a loyal American in World War II.

Mr. Speaker, as the members of the Sacramento Japanese American Citizens League gather to honor Isao Fujimoto, Tom Okubo and the late Mitsuye Endo, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing them for their exemplary accomplishments and dedication to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sacramento Republic FC as the 2014 United Soccer League's (USL) Professional Division Champions in their inaugural season. As the team's players, coaches, fans and the Tower Bridge Battalion gather to celebrate, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the team for its remarkable success.

The Sacramento Republic FC began their season strong, immediately breaking the single game attendance record for a USL Pro game with an attendance of 20,231 passionate fans cheering them on. The Sacramento Republic FC's triumph continued throughout the season. It was obvious the Sacramento fans immediately became passionate about the Republic, as evident through the various attendance records the team set. The team sold out tickets to the majority of their games and obliterated the USL Pro record for attendance in a season, drawing more than 158,000 loyal fans to their home games at Hughes Stadium and Bonney Field. The previous single season record was just over 112,000. Their outstanding record of 12-2-2 in the regular season only built suspense for their dramatic playoff run. Hosting all three playoff games in front of a raucous crowd, the Sacramento Republic FC embodied Sacramento's spirit and concluded their magnificent inaugural season with a championship.

The success of the Sacramento Republic FC brought a great sense of unity and comradery to the Sacramento Region. The Tower Bridge Battalion could be heard each game, giving their support by chanting a song for the team. Every game was filled with laughs, excitement, and anticipation by the fans and the team lived up to its motto ``Urbs Indomita,'' translating to mean ``The Indomitable City.'' That mantra swept through the city and was evident throughout the playoffs. The Sacramento Republic FC never failed to impress and their season ended with an exciting 2-0 victory in the USL Pro Championship game over the Harrisburg City Islanders in front of a capacity crowd at Bonney Field.

The Sacramento Republic FC's victories and wins could not have been possible without a total team effort, including the coaches, the founders, and their dedicated fans. From co-founders Warren Smith and Joe Wagoner to investors Kevin Nagle and Larry Kelley to the animated Head Coach Predrag ``Preki'' Radosavljevic, everyone involved in the team made it a success.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Sacramento Republic FC for winning the 2014 USL Pro Championship. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating them for their hard work, dedication, and their victory as the USL Pro Champions.