Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of Congress to the passionate work and unparalleled leadership of Barry Weiss, who is retiring as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of San Carlos.

Under Barry's leadership, his department received more than two dozen state and local awards for facility design, park planning, economic development and programming. Barry, himself, is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Statewide Citation Award, Presidential Award and Achievement Award from the California Park and Recreation Society, Distinguished Alumni Award from California State University at Hayward and Outstanding Youth Sports Leader from the National Alliance for Youth Sports.

Barry Weiss served as President of the California Park and Recreation Society in 2004-2005, where he shared his knowledge and expertise with others in his field on park planning and encouraging community involvement. Attesting to his success as a parks and recreation administrator, Barry is a highly sought-after lecturer on the subject, being invited to share his knowledge with professionals in Arizona, Washington, Michigan and all across California.

Barry received his Bachelors Degree in Recreation and a Lifetime Teaching Credential in Social Science from California State University, Hayward. He is also a graduate of the Pacific Revenue Sources Management School in San Diego, and the Inter-Governmental Management Training Program, based in St. Helena, California.

Madam Speaker, Barry Weiss is truly an innovator. He developed the first Parks Master Plan for San Carlos, built the first disabled- inclusive playground in San Mateo County with 70 percent of features being accessible to children of all abilities and limitations, and was among the first to document the societal gains attributed to park construction and recreation programs. Some of these benefits to society include increased property values, reduced juvenile crime, increased academic performance and increased sales by downtown businesses.

Along with the citizens of San Carlos, I am disappointed to see Barry go, but I am grateful for his service, his dedication to his community and the positive impact he has made on society.

Madam Speaker, the most successful and profitable television show in this country is ``American Idol'', produced by FremantleMedia North America. ``American Idol'' and other FremantleMedia productions entertain many millions worldwide with the promise of providing an opportunity for young talented people to display their abilities and be rewarded for their hard work.

That is why it is such a shame that FremantleMedia refuses to offer the same basic opportunity to its writers and other employees. The California Labor Commissioner has recorded claims from ``American Idol'' and other FremantleMedia employees totaling more than $300,000 in unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions. The State Labor Commissioner has conducted serious investigations into FremantleMedia productions and has even been forced to cite the company for failure to pay overtime to their employees.

Madam Speaker, I have watched ``American Idol'' with my teenage daughter on many occasions. I am well aware of its impact on society and the enormous profits it generates for Fox Television and its producers and advertisers. In 2007, the show allegedly generated over $200 million in profits for the Fox network, while FremantleMedia's worldwide profits exceeded $1.8 billion.

Why then, are they unable to pay a fair and equitable wage to its employees who provide the written content or other services that make these shows so successful? In an April 2008 filing with the California Department of Labor Standards, ``American Idol'' employees reported working 15-20 hour days, 7 days a week and FremantleMedia avoided paying any overtime by declaring that a substantial majority of their employees are ``exempt.'' In addition to failing to abide by California's wage and hour statutes, Fremantle refuses to offer most of their employees access to health coverage. For such a popular and profitable show, I find this behavior reprehensible.

American reality show fans should not be confused. The reality is, ``reality'' shows are written. The plot lines, the banter between personalities, the contests that are at the heart of the shows; all are created by talented members of the creative community. These individuals should be paid fairly and like other American workers, allowed to join a guild to collectively bargain on their behalf.

Madam Speaker, no one wants to shut ``American Idol'' down. All I am asking, all the American people are demanding, is that those talented Americans who create content for these vastly profitable enterprises be paid fairly with industry-standard benefits and in accordance with federal and state laws. We are asking that one of the country's most popular and profitable shows treats its employees with the respect and dignity they deserve. You can bet that the on-air personalities who read the words are paid dearly. It's time that Fremantle allow those who put the words in their mouths simply be allowed to be represented at the bargaining table.

Madam Speaker, I rise this evening in celebration of a true humanitarian and community leader, Albert Mario Teglia, who has served his community and our nation for well over half a century as a public employee, elected official and mentor.

Albert Teglia has lived his entire life in San Mateo County. Born in Colma on June 27, 1931, as a teenager he moved to Daly City, a community he would serve with distinction as a Trustee of the Jefferson Union High School District, Daly City Councilman, and Mayor. During his long tenure in public office, Al was widely-respected as a hard worker, unabashed community booster and savvy coalition-builder. I had the privilege of working with Al on many issues, as well as the daunting challenge of opposing him on a handful of others. Whether sitting side- by-side or across the table, Al always earned my complete respect for his thoughtfulness and honesty.

Upon his retirement after 38 years with the San Mateo Union High School District and 26 years in elected office, Al continued his service as Legislative Aide to San Mateo County Supervisor Mary Griffin. From there, at the sprightly age of 69, he became a family and children advocate for the San Mateo County Human Services Agency, where he has been instrumental in founding programs such as Jobs for You, which provides employment for young people; the Peddler Program, Children's Fund, and the Italian Catholic Federation's Gifts of Love, which gather donations of cash, household items, food and toys for local families in need; and the Uninsured Children's Dental Program, which finds dentists for children from underprivileged families.

Madam Speaker, how a life this full allows any time for socializing, I can't fathom. But Albert Teglia, true to his Italian heritage, is a man of boundless energy and passion. This is evidenced by his membership in the Italian Catholic Federation, where he served as Grand President and in many other capacities since joining in 1948. It was at the ICF that he met the beautiful and vivacious Frances Foglia, a one- time Sacramento District President who, after decades of friendship, consented to marry the still-handsome Albert when both found themselves newly-single in their later years.

On April 1st of this year, Albert and Frances, both 77 years young, were married. Albert joins Frances' large and boisterous family of two children, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Of all the responsibilities and projects Al has taken on in his busy and productive life, none will be as rewarding, fulfilling (and exhausting) as becoming a new great-grandfather.

But, Madam Speaker, those of us who know Al Teglia know that he will succeed in this new challenge as he has succeeded in every task he has undertaken. He will do it with grace, compassion, intellect and an undeniable charisma. The Foglia family is fortunate to have him join them, just as I am honored to have him as a constituent and proud to call Albert Teglia my friend.

Mr. Speaker, despite what Senator McCain's top economic adviser believes, Americans are not whining when they express concern about today's economy. With two oil men in the White House, gas prices have nearly tripled and Big Oil's profits have skyrocketed. The President's action to lift the offshore drilling ban does nothing to lower gas prices now. In fact, his own Energy Information Administration says it will not affect gas prices for nearly 20 years, and even then it will only drop the cost of a gallon of gas by two pennies.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are hurting now and cannot wait 20 years. That's why House Democrats continue to urge the President to release our oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, an action that is not new nor untested and has proven to reduce prices at the pump immediately.

Additionally, I would like us to consider setting a national speed limit at 60 miles per hour. That would reduce the cost of gas by 30 cents a gallon.

Madam Speaker, I rise in heartfelt gratitude to Assistant Principal Toni Ann Secrest who is retiring after 38 passionate years of service to the students, faculty and parents of Mercy High School in Burlingame, California.

Ms. Secrest arrived at Mercy in 1970, just two years after I graduated. While I had the best teachers a student could ask for, Toni Ann Secrest is one more reason why I wish I was just a little younger. Her energetic approach to teaching, her love of all things historical and her captivating and entertaining storytelling ability are legendary.

Toni Ann's students, it is said, never graduate. She instills in them the love of critical thinking and intellectual examination that inspires them to continue along the path of lifelong learning. This didn't stop when she moved out of the classroom and into the counselor's chair. Seeing the mission of her new job as much more than advising on college and careers, Ms. Secrest offered real counsel. Students always left her office more inspired and infinitely more hopeful than they went in.

As Assistant Principal, Toni Ann Secrest was without peer. She brought Mercy High School into the information age by revamping the curriculum to replace typing classes with computer science. She brought the faculty and administration up-to-date also, even if it meant dragging them against their will to learn and embrace new technologies.

Toni Ann is adored by her former students. To a person, they remember her intellect, her kindness and her style. Toni Ann dresses like she lives. She sets an example. As one student recalled, ``Ms. Secrest always had it going on.'' To this day, she is the best-dressed person in any room.

Madam Speaker, like you, Toni Ann Secrest is a pioneer. She was a member of the first co-ed graduating class of the University of San Francisco, where she got her degree in History. She also has a master's in Counseling from USF and has earned her Secondary Teaching Credential for Life and a Pupil Personnel Credential for Life.

And what a life! Admired by all who work with her (especially me), appreciated by the thousands she has mentored, loved by her large extended family and appreciated by her community.

Madam Speaker, when are we going to stop pulling the wool over the eyes of the American people? The proposed FISA law protects no one other than the administration and those within it who may use this new-found power to snoop and spy in areas where they have no business looking. We are giving broad new powers to political appointees who have repeatedly disregarded the Constitution and ignored the most basic rights of Americans to live their lives without Big Brother peeking his nose into their private matters.

This FISA bill gives the federal government sweeping powers to gather wide swaths of information from foreign sources while providing little or no justification for the national security value of that information.

The FISA Court set up to police the process isn't a court at all. Under this bill, the government can gather as much intelligence as it chooses for seven days prior to going to the court. Then, if the court says ``No'' to the request, the government can continue to gather intelligence for 60 days while they appeal.

Any first year law student knows that is not how courts work. If this were a real court, the government would be required to abide by the decision of the court and seek the warrant prior to conducting surveillance.

It is fundamentally untrue to say that Americans will not be placed under surveillance after this bill becomes law. The truth is, any American will subject their phone and e-mail conversations to the broad government surveillance web simply by calling a son or daughter studying abroad, sending an e-mail to a foreign relative, even calling an American company whose customer service center is located overseas.

Once again, our government puts a feel-good name on something that doesn't live up to its billing. Calling the FISA rubber stamp panel a court is akin to the President's ``Clear Skies Initiative'' which relaxed pollution regulations or ``No Child Left Behind'' which instead of helping schools, punishes them if they have children who are, indeed, lagging behind.

This bill sets out to reassure Americans that, because there are warrants and a ``court'', due process is taking place. But like the pseudo-court, FISA warrants aren't warrants at all.

A warrant is permission by the court to look for a specific thing from a specific person or group for a specific reason. The FISA warrant is given after the fact and can be as broad as gathering all electronic communication coming into or out of a foreign country.

Madam Speaker, America isn't simply `guided'' by our Constitution, it isn't a set of ``suggestions'' but rather, the law of the land. It is the existence of this great document and our unswerving loyalty to it that makes America the greatest nation in the history of our planet. We can't be sacrificing basic constitutional principles like the fourth amendment simply because it's an election year and we want to make it look like we're fighting terrorism.

I join my colleagues in our unified fight to defeat the global terrorist movement. But we don't do that by sacrificing our hard-earned Constitutional rights and forgiving telephone companies who knowingly violate those rights.

The bottom line is, this FISA bill permits the collection of Americans' emails and phone calls if they are communicating with someone outside of the U.S. This is especially true when it comes to emails, because the World Wide Web has no area codes, so it is impossible to tell where email communications originate from. The Government is under no obligation to seek a warrant in order to monitor an email account unless it knows the account belongs to an American.

And once your email account is swept up in the system, it can be monitored. Regardless of the relevance of your personal information, once it is gathered by the government, it is never destroyed. One only has to recall the recent incident in the State Department where candidates' passport information was breached to know that this information isn't

handled by robots, but people. And people can do any number of things with personal informations.

Out of respect to the United States Constitution and the basic rights of Americans to live free of intrusive eavesdropping by their government, I strongly oppose HR 6034, the FISA Reauthorization Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my deep appreciation and gratitude for the exemplary service to the City of San Mateo by Arne Croce, who is retiring as City Manager after 18 exemplary years.

Arne Croce has consistently impressed all who worked with him in his role as City Manager. During his tenure and through his efforts, San Mateo has continued to evolve and advance. In recent years, the city has added a new train station, state-of-the-art downtown movie theater, a fully-interactive new library, and will soon cut the ribbon on a true 21st century police station. Arne also oversees a program that provides scholarships to students pursuing studies in local government. His unceasing dedication to finding fresh, innovative ideas was a powerful force in keeping San Mateo solvent and thriving during economic hardships.

Madam Speaker, Arne Croce has served not only his city, but all of California as the dean of city managers. In this role he has been a bulldog when fighting for cities and a stellar role model for anyone considering a career in municipal government.

Arne is one of our best and brightest, a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned his MBA by attending night school. He worked for the Legislative Analyst in Sacramento, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the City of Visalia, where he held the positions of Solid Waste Manager, Director of Transportation and Deputy City Manager. In 1984, he became City Manager of Los Altos and in 1990, assumed the same job in San Mateo.

All who know Arne regret that he is leaving, especially me, but local government's loss is the world's gain. His passion for service and commitment to helping people is not retiring. Arne wants to help teach developing countries the finer points of local government and developing citizen participation. He also plans to relocate to a village in Tanzania to work on restoring the local ecosystem with a reforestation project.

Madam Speaker, it is this dedication, this drive to act and think both locally and globally, that has earned Arne Croce such widespread respect and admiration. He will be missed in San Mateo and throughout the 12th Congressional District. Even those who've never met Arne are forever in his debt.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 412, I was speaking with a constituent right off the floor and by the time I realized a second vote was called, I was too late to cast my vote in favor of this important legislation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, this week, CORA--Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse--celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of comprehensive domestic violence support in San Mateo County.

Three decades ago, a victim of domestic violence on the San Francisco peninsula had no resources outside of hospitals and the police. Then in 1978, La Casa de San Mateo opened its doors to become the county's first and only emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children. La Casa later changed its name to the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention and in 2003, partnered with Sor Juana Ines, the first toll-free domestic violence hotline in the county, to become CORA.

CORA's mission is to end domestic violence and abuse through intervention and prevention. The dedicated staff and volunteers respond to thousands of calls on the CORA hotline, and answer an equal number of requests for legal assistance each year. They serve more than 6,000 clients annually, providing legal, medical and mental health services, as well as counseling and safety in the county's only shelter for abuse victims and their children. This operation is overseen by the CORA governing board and a diverse staff of 35 who represent the vibrant cross-section of the county and region. Besides English and Spanish, CORA staff-members speak Tagalog, French, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, Hindi, and Farsi.

Madam Speaker, domestic violence is a silent epidemic. Every nine seconds, a woman in our country is abused by someone she knows. Millions of children witness acts of violence involving one or more parents every year. And one in five female high school students reports being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.

Domestic violence impacts all of us. It is a significant drain on police and emergency resources and costs the national economy eight to ten billion dollars annually in medical bills, community support and lost wages and productivity. It is also a leading cause of homelessness and often leads to depression, substance abuse and--most troubling--an increased likelihood that victims and young witnesses will go on to become abusers themselves.

Madam Speaker, thanks to increased public awareness, domestic abuse is emerging from the shadows of shame and ignorance. Still, there are far too many instances of cruel and dehumanizing behavior within what should be the security of the family home. Because of this, society will always need an organization like CORA. My sincere hope is that, someday, we will need them less.

Madam Speaker, 45 years ago today, President Kennedy signed a law to end what he called the ``unconscionable practice of paying female workers less wages than male workers for the same job.''

When President Kennedy signed the law, women earned 60 cents for every dollar earned by a man. In 2006, the woman's share is 77 cents. While we have made some progress in 45 years, it is scant at best. Since 1963 the ratio has narrowed by less than one-half cent per year. At this rate, my 13-year-old daughter will be close to retirement by the time President Kennedy's order is realized.

That is why I am cosponsoring H.R. 1338, the Paycheck Fairness Act, which adds teeth to previous laws.

Equal pay for equal work is as American as a principle can be. This is not about men versus women, but basic fairness. And its ramifications affect everyone. Paying women less hurts men who aren't hired because hiring a woman is cheaper. It hurts families by devaluing the work of women and mothers who are already paying out of pocket for child care so they can pursue a career. In short, it hurts all of America, and it must end right here, right now.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude and admiration for Stephen J. Waterman on the occasion of his retirement as Superintendent of schools of Brisbane and Bayshore School Districts.

Stephen Waterman is a special individual, an inspired educator and a passionate advocate for schoolchildren. For fifteen years, he has served as Superintendent of the Brisbane School District, a small, underfunded agency nestled in a bucolic hamlet overlooking San Francisco Bay. His work there to educate children, encourage teachers and motivate parents at a time of dwindling state resources and increased federal mandates was so well-received, that in 2002, neighboring Bayshore School District asked him to do the same for their students.

While in the state legislature, I often met with school superintendents from my district. Even in a room surrounded by his peers, brilliant and committed educators who work against great odds to do the most important job in their communities, Steve Waterman stood out. His facile mind effortlessly navigated complex issues and his unassuming grace and quiet power built confidence in those around him.

Madam Speaker, Superintendent Waterman is retiring much too soon. I understand that he wants to spend more time with his delightful and engaging wife, Paulette, his sons, Kailin and Christian, and grandson, Granite. If I could, I would introduce legislation to force Stephen to keep working--maybe even require him to take on a few more school districts. But, alas, I can't do that. Instead, I can only wish him luck in his future endeavors and trust that his replacements can build on Stephen's achievements.

After growing up in Rochester, New York, Stephen received his Bachelor of Arts from Le Moyne University, a Master of Science from Southern Illinois, a Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis and a Law Degree from the University of San Francisco. Throughout this time, he worked in virtually every job available in public education, from classroom teacher to program supervisor and eventually, superintendent.

Madam Speaker, every year, Congress debates and passes legislation to improve or enhance some aspect of public education. We do that because, unfortunately, it isn't possible to create more Stephen Watermans.

Throughout his life, Superintendent Waterman has empowered students with a love of learning. A man of his talents would excel in any field. But the world is a better place because he chose to devote his considerable intelligence, charm and energy to education.

For this, thousands of past and present students, their fortunate parents and the entire 12th Congressional District are eternally grateful.

Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to praise and thank the dynamic, effervescent and talented Lee Foster for her service to the community and congratulate her on winning Hillbarn Theater's highest honor, the Bravo! Award.

Madam Speaker, there are few areas of this country with a finer performing arts tradition than the San Francisco Bay Area. With top- notch professional theaters, operas, symphonies and dance companies, not to mention first-rate venues for live music and comedy, Northern Californians have a phenomenal choice for live entertainment. In this competitive, excellence-driven market, it is remarkable that a community organization like Foster City's Hillbarn Theater can not only survive, but thrive.

Much of the credit for this is attributable to Lee Foster. Just ten years ago, Hillbarn was in dire straits. Faced with a debt in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, a dwindling audience and a roof the fire chief said wouldn't support his crew in the event of a fire, this proud institution, that entertained my family and thousands of others for more than a generation, was about to close its doors.

When Lee took the helm as Executive Director, she set four goals: Hire a top notch Artistic Director, create new and strengthen existing relationships with local communities, build a sound financial foundation and most urgently, repair the roof.

With the help of volunteers and a committed Board of Directors, Lee accomplished her goals. And in the process, Madam Speaker, she made the 12th Congressional District of California even more inviting than it was when she started.

On top of her remarkable management and fundraising skills, Lee is also a many-faceted and inspiring performer. I have been fortunate to be in her audience for numerous productions and Lee has never been short of amazing.

Lee's hard and selfless work has led to hundreds of opportunities for local actors, singers, dancers, set constructors, lighting and sound techs, and all the other volunteers who make community theater possible. Without Lee Foster, my blessed, beautiful and entertaining district would be a little less beautiful and entertaining.

Madam Speaker, today marks the birthday of a civil rights icon and hero to millions of men and women, not just in San Francisco where he made his strongest impact, but all across the globe.

Seventy-eight years ago, Harvey Milk was born in New York. After college at Albany State College, he enlisted in the United States Navy, but was dishonorably discharged when authorities discovered that he was gay.

In 1970, Harvey landed in San Francisco, the city that would become his home and legacy. He opened a business there and began attending the Board of Supervisors meetings, using his bigger-than-life persona to introduce the public and San Francisco's elected officials to the plights of gays and lesbians. Today, there are many such voices, but Harvey Milk was a trailblazer.

When he appeared on the scene, even in San Francisco, arguably the most tolerant city in our Nation, it wasn't safe or accepted to be outspoken on issues facing lesbians and gays. Even politicians within the community were silent, both about their lives and the issues that affected them. But Harvey wasn't one to be quieted or closeted. He told anyone who would listen--and more importantly, forced those who wouldn't--about the injustices, inequities and outright discrimination suffered by gays and lesbians. His voice resonated for anyone labeled ``different'' or outside the mainstream.

In 1977, after three unsuccessful attempts for elected office, Harvey Milk won a hard fought race and was elected to the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors. Notably, he became the first openly-gay elected official in the United States. Tragically, Harvey's tenure in office was cut short.

On November 27, 1978, just weeks after working with former Governor Ronald Reagan to defeat the Briggs Initiative that would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools, Supervisor Harvey Milk was assassinated in San Francisco City Hall, along with Mayor George Moscone, by former Supervisor Dan White.

The episode and ensuing trial was one of San Francisco's darkest times. Harvey Milk's assassination, like that of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, provided a foundation upon which people of divergent views could come together. Today, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people have more than just one seat at the table and are represented by a wide range of officeholders at every level of government.

If Harvey Milk were alive today, I believe he would be as proud of his legacy as we are of him. I also believe he would still be fighting for the dispossessed and voiceless everywhere.

Madam Speaker, today the City of San Francisco unveils the Harvey Milk City Hall Memorial. I rise to commend the city for honoring this civil rights pioneer, devoted community leader, inspiration to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, and truly great American.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 338, I was meeting with Emergency Room Physicians from California on H.R. 882, Access to Emergency Medical Services Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor and praise one of America's truly fine teachers, James (Jimmy) Ikeda. Mr. Ikeda teaches Biotechnology at San Mateo High School and today was awarded one of six Amgen Awards for Science Teaching Excellence.

Mr. Ikeda has dedicated himself to his students and has led the San Mateo Biotechnology Career Pathway since 2003. Under his leadership, the program has become one of the finest in the Nation. Educators from across the country visit Jimmy's program with hopes of duplicating his success in their communities.

Jimmy Ikeda has a wonderful rapport with students, teachers and parents alike. His enthusiasm for science is infectious and his patience with the young people in his program inspires confidence and encourages them to take on further academic challenges.

The Amgen Award comes with a $5000 grant for Mr. Ikeda, plus an additional $5000 for San Mateo High School to use for the expansion of their science program, additional science resources, or professional development of science teachers.

Madam Speaker, our country has a tremendous need for more scientists. Teachers like Jimmy Ikeda are a valuable national resource. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude and our highest hopes for his continued success.