Fortney Pete Stark

Mr. Speaker, I am writing to honor the life of John ``Jack'' Edward Bresch, a long time health advocate who worked with us in Congress to improve our health care system--especially focusing on access to care for lower income children and families. Jack passed away on September 1, 2012 surrounded by family, under the care of hospice, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

I first got to know Jack through his work as a lead lobbyist for the Catholic Health Association. He served as a key component of CHA's government affairs team from 1983 to 2000. A highlight of his time at CHA was to work closely with then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her White House team to develop and promote a plan for reforming the nation's health care system. He then went on to work for the American Dental Education Association until the time of his death.

In both of these positions, Jack was a tireless advocate for improving our health care system so that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care. With the dental schools, he was especially focused on improving access to dental care for low-income children. This is a serious problem in our country that was spotlighted by the wrongful death of twelve-year old Demonte Driver of Maryland.

Demonte was on Medicaid and died after complaining of a toothache when his mother could not find a dentist who would accept Medicaid to treat him. While they tried to find a dentist, his infection spread to his brain and he tragically died. Jack didn't want any more Demonte Drivers and he worked relentlessly for improvements in Medicaid to prevent this from happening again. He first helped make some incremental improvements to the law, but was most pleased when the Affordable Care Act became the law of the land--and was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Looking forward, affordable, quality health care will finally be a reality for all American families. And, thanks in no small part to Jack's efforts, pediatric dental care is an essential health benefit that must be covered by qualified health plans.

Jack and I shared a fundamental commitment to social justice, though I must admit that the roots of our commitment developed differently. Jack began his adult life as a Catholic priest and went on to serve as a Navy Chaplain during the Vietnam War. He left the priesthood many years ago, but he never wavered from his steadfast belief in social justice. He carried that forward in his career, his life, and his relationships.

Jack was a common figure to see barge into your office, join a meeting, or run into in the hall. He always had a big smile on his face. If I had to use one word to describe Jack, it would be gregarious. He seemed larger than life and was so full of positive energy.

Jack leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife, JoAnn; his children, Mary Elizabeth, James Richard, and Jeffrey John; and 10 grandchildren who all knew how much their grandfather loved them. He also leaves behind many colleagues and friends who are grateful to his commitment to our nation's health and who will miss him dearly.

Jack's final honor will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on January 24, 2013.

I want to thank the gentleman for yielding. One of the previous Speakers, Mr. O'Neill, mentioned that, and you forgot to mention this, but Tip O'Neill said that I probably had one of the best 5-minute speeches of any new Member of Congress, and if I could only learn to deliver it in less than 20 minutes, I'd have a great career here.

George is right: we ran against each other. And when you grow up in the Bay Area and you have people like Barbara Lee who leads in courage in being the lone vote against one of the unpopular wars, you learn what courage is and you learn with people who fight for children, for minorities, for all of the people in our area who need help. I'm just proud to have worked with them.

They've said that I'm the fifth oldest Member of Congress. That's absolutely wrong. I am the 430th youngest Member of Congress, and I just want to make sure that you get that straight in the Record.

Thank you, George. I'm honored, and I am particularly honored to be part of this great Bay Area delegation. In our 10 districts surrounding the Bay Area, we have, I think, the finest legislative group in the United States. Thank you very much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the first urban national Wildlife Refuge established in the United States. The Refuge is dedicated to preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting migratory birds, protecting threatened and endangered species, and providing opportunities for wildlife-oriented recreation and nature study for the surrounding communities of the south San Francisco Bay area.

As of 2004, the Refuge spans 30,000 acres of diverse habitats throughout South San Francisco Bay, including open bay, salt ponds, salt marshes, mudflats, upland areas and vernal pools. Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge hosts over 280 species of birds each year. Millions of shorebirds and waterfowl stop to refuel at the Refuge during the spring and fall migration. In addition to its seasonal visitors, the Refuge provides critical habitat to resident species like the endangered California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. Today, hundreds of thousands of people visit the Refuge each year to enjoy its diverse wildlife and habitats.

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is part of a complex of six other wildlife refuges in the San Francisco Bay Area. Created by legislation signed by President Richard Nixon in 1972 as the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and administered since then by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it was renamed the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 1995 in recognition of Congressman Don Edwards' efforts to protect sensitive wetlands in the South San Francisco Bay.

I join in congratulating the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge on its 40th anniversary and I applaud the commitment of all who have contributed over these many years to preserving and protecting our precious San Francisco Bay.