Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dorothy (Dot) Louise Leonard of Stevensville, Maryland, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Ms. Leonard has contributed enormous energy and talent over the years to the protection of our Nation's coastal resources, particularly our shellfish and the industry they support. Not surprisingly--for Dot--she is still immersed in shellfish restoration work as we speak.

A public policy graduate of New York's Syracuse University, Dot Leonard's local government land use planning work soon drew her into coastal conservation matters following Congress' adoption of the 1972 Coastal Zone Management Act. Dot took on the monumental task of creating an atlas of shellfish production areas around the Nation's entire coastline for the purpose of protecting those areas. She proceeded to develop Best Management Practices for Shellfish Restoration, now used by State and local governments to set sanitary control standards for our Nation's shellfish waters and industry.

Dot was recruited by the State of Maryland to lead its Department of Fisheries where she worked with all her might to help her Chesapeake Bay `watermen' protect and restore their oyster grounds and other fishery resources. She worked with the State of Washington, as executive director of the non-profit Willapa Alliance, to improve shellfish culture in the southwest corner of that State.

Dot has been a `mover and shaker' in the international shellfish restoration scene, helping to pull together the initial gathering of what has become the International Shellfish Restoration Conference, now in its 20th year. Some of her favorite international shellfish restoration gatherings are those that have taken place in Ireland, from where her grandparents immigrated to America more than a century ago. As Chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, I know Dot's contributions to shellfish restoration and coastal conservation are far-reaching.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate to recognize Dot Leonard for her extraordinary commitment to coastal conservation and shellfish restoration as she celebrates her 90th birthday in Ireland surrounded by many of the friends that she has won over the years from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Please join me in expressing deep appreciation for her service and in

wishing her `La breithe shona duit'--Happy Birthday, Dot.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Phyllis Metcalfe in celebration of her extraordinary life and commitment to serving her community.

Phyllis Metcalfe was born and grew up in New York State. She obtained a degree in architectural design at the Pratt Institute in New York City. In 1967, Phyllis moved to Marin County and began her decades of service and political activism in her local community while raising her three children, Keith, Ryan, and Kathy. In addition to her work as a political consultant, Phyllis also served as an elected official on the College of Marin Board of Trustees from 1979 to 2003 and was a member of the Corte Madera Planning Commission from 2012 until the time of her death.

Always an active political advocate, Phyllis was deeply involved in local and state elections and grassroots efforts to promote democracy and election campaign reform. She was also involved in a number of local organizations that aimed to improve the welfare of women and local communities including the Marin Coalition, Marin Forum, National Women's Political Caucus, Marin Center for Independent Living, Exodus Residential Treatment for Autism, Marin County Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, United Way of the Bay Area and the Golden Gate Theological Seminary.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Phyllis Metcalfe is truly an exemplary civil servant, and her years of service are a legacy worthy of commendation. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her many contributions and express our deep condolences to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of David Keller as he retires from the Friends of the Eel River (FOER) Board of Directors after 21 years of service.

Mr. Keller has long been committed to environmental stewardship and public service. During his tenure on the FOER board, he played a key role as an advocate for critical community projects and restoration initiatives, and as an expert on watershed and coastal programs.

Mr. Keller graduated from the City College of New York in 1967 cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA in Psychology and Sociology, and completed his graduate degree in Social Psychology at the University of Michigan in 1969. His passion for woodworking brought him to Northern California, and since 1976, he has been the manufacturer of his own specialized woodworking tools, the Keller Dovetail System.

Mr. Keller's public service precedes his time on the FOER board. He served on the Petaluma City Council from 1996 to 2000. In this role, he helped pioneer the first U.S. adoption of form-based building codes for downtown redevelopment and led the defeat of the first full privatization of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in the U.S., which resulted in a city-owned wetland-based treatment facility. He also was a strong advocate for utility ratepayer protections in community choice aggregation programs. In addition to his service on the city council, Mr. Keller also served as an elected member of the Bolinas Fire Protection District Board of Directors, the Sonoma County Conservation Action Board of Directors, and is the founder and former Director of the Petaluma River Council. He also served on the Bolinas Lagoon Technical Advisory Committee where he led the campaign to reconstruct the Bolinas beach and groin after a 1982 storm disaster.

Mr. Keller's vast and successful service to the community was invaluable during his tenure on the FOER Board. After two years as a general board member, Mr. Keller took on the role of FOER Bay Area Director in 2003. He's worked tirelessly for dam removal on the Russian River, salmonid fisheries and watershed restoration, resolving inter- basin water transfer conflicts. and to help transform the defunct North Coast Railroad's line to the Great Redwood Trail. Mr. Keller also played a role on the Potter Valley Project Ad Hoc Committee where he represented Eel River interests to ensure the protection of salmon and steelhead populations.

Madam Speaker, David Keller exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded public servant and environmental steward. His dedicated service both in the City of Petaluma and to the Friends of the Eel River has played a significant role in community action and environmental stewardship in the North Bay. Therefore, please join us in congratulating him for decades of inspiring work and in wishing him a fulfilling and relaxing retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 144) to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Indian Health Service, to acquire private land to facilitate access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center in Hemet, California, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, S. 144 authorizes the Indian Health Service, or IHS, to purchase land in Hemet, California, for the purpose of constructing a paved road that facilitates access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. IHS will then maintain the road or enter into an agreement with Riverside County, California, to maintain the road.

This critical legislation will expand healthcare access to American Indian and Alaska Native youth in California by ensuring that the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center can be reached by safe roadways.

Prior to 2016, indigenous youth in California experiencing substance use disorders were forced to travel to out-of-State facilities in order to receive care. Recognizing this added barrier to quality care, IHS built the Desert Sage Wellness Center in Hemet, California. The center is notable for providing culturally sensitive treatment to indigenous youth battling substance use disorders and can hold up to 32 patients at a time.

Unfortunately, during the center's construction, IHS was unable to reach an agreement with adjacent property holders on the pavement and maintenance of an access road to the facility. As a result, the center is currently accessible only by a dirt road that is often washed out from heavy rainfall or in a general state of disrepair.

The center remains the sole IHS youth regional treatment facility in the State, and it is a much-needed resource to California's American Indian and Alaska Native communities. However, the center's physical inaccessibility poses yet another obstacle to indigenous youth seeking care.

This bill will solve the issue by granting IHS the authority to acquire the necessary nearby land in order to build an operational access road to the center.

I thank Senator Feinstein for moving this important bill through the Senate, as well as our colleague, Representative Raul Ruiz, for championing the House version of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge swift adoption of S. 144, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1286) to establish in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1286, the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor Act, introduced by our esteemed colleague, Majority Whip Clyburn.

H.R. 1286 would establish in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina the Southern Campaign of the Revolution national heritage corridor.

The Revolution national heritage corridor is an 8-mile-wide area filled with an abundance of the Carolinas' Revolutionary War sites and historic resources, including battlefields, historic communities, farmsteads, and landscapes. These Revolutionary War sites are critical to the preservation of the Carolinas' history, as they reflect the cultural and natural environments of North Carolina and South Carolina in the late 18th century.

The protection, conservation, and restoration of these sites ensure that the story of these sites is preserved so that residents of and visitors to the corridor can have the opportunity to learn from and understand its rich history.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Clyburn, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of my constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1286, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2024) to establish the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2024, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Act, introduced by our esteemed colleague, Majority Leader Hoyer.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area to preserve, protect, and restore the area along with the local coordinating entity.

The heritage area would include portions of St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's counties in Maryland, with the specific boundaries to be established by the Department of the Interior.

A management plan would be proposed from the Tri-City Council, which is also serving as the local coordinating entity. This management plan would come no later than 3 years after which the funds are made available to carry out this act. An inventory will also be taken because of the significance of the property.

Establishing this Southern Maryland National Heritage Area ensures that the land is maintained, preserved, and protected so all Americans will be able to use this space, as well as to learn and understand its rich history.

I, again, congratulate Majority Leader Hoyer for championing this bill on behalf of his constituents, and I urge everyone to support the bill today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and I am prepared to close, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3222) to establish the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3222, the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act.

This bill would establish the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, consisting of land in 19 counties in the State of Alabama, including Montgomery County, as a national heritage area.

The region's identity is rooted in its cultural geography and historical development. During the mid-1900s, Alabama's Black Belt area gave rise to the civil rights movement emerging in the South.

Montgomery County witnessed the bus boycotts in the 1950s. Dallas, Lowndes, and Montgomery Counties also gave way for the famous march for equal rights from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, led by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

National heritage areas leverage private funding for long-term projects that have substantial economic and environmental benefits. The protection, conservation, and restoration of Alabama's Black Belt area, in partnership with the National Park Service, will ensure that the powerful history of this area is preserved for posterity. These are stories that need to be told.

I thank my colleague, Representative Sewell, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of her constituents.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3222, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I too, urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4404) to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of the Kissimmee River in the State of Florida as a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4404, the Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and designate segments of the Kissimmee River as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

After efforts in the 1940s to control the Kissimmee River's flow led to issues that destroyed habitats, Congress directed the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the river back to its original path in the 1990s.

The completion of this project has already contributed to the return of many wildlife species and a healthier ecosystem.

This bill will ensure that the restored segments of the river are preserved for future generations to enjoy, by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1968 to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

I thank my colleague, Representative Soto, for introducing this important legislation and championing it on behalf of his constituents.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I too, urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6337) to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop long-distance bike trails on Federal land, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 6337, the Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.

This bill would expand outdoor recreational opportunities by developing and completing long-distance bike trails and expanding mapping resources

for long-distance biking on Federal land.

The legislation would expand outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the country and boost local economies that rely on tourism and the outdoor industry.

Additionally, ensuring Americans have access to public lands is critical to the development of multiple-use management, which includes outdoor recreation, resource development, and grazing. This bill identifies long-distance bike trails on Federal lands, making them easier for the public to explore and use for personal enjoyment.

I thank my colleague, Representative Neguse, for introducing this important legislation and championing it on behalf of his constituents.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, July 15, 2022.

Hon. David Scott,

Chair, Committee on Agriculture,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chair Scott: I write to you concerning H.R. 6337 the

``Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.''

I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this

legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions

that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on

Agriculture. I acknowledge that your Committee will not

formally consider H.R. 6337 and agree that the inaction of

your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any

future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the

bill that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction.

Additionally, the Committee on Natural Resources confirms

our mutual understanding that the Committee on Agriculture

will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or

similar legislation moves forward so that you may address any

remaining issues within your jurisdiction. I am pleased to

support the appointment of members of the Committee on

Agriculture to any conference committee to consider such

provisions.

I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in

the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the

bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this

legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you

as this measure moves through the legislative process.

Sincerely,

Raul M. Grijalva,

Chair, House Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7002) to authorize the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to be illuminated by blue and yellow lights in support of Ukraine, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7002, the Gateway Solidarity Act, to illuminate the St. Louis Gateway Arch in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

As we know, Russian president Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and since then, the country and its people have experienced the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II--a conflict consisting of Russian attacks that have leveled Ukrainian cities, caused civilian casualties, and sparked an enormous refugee crisis.

Introduced by my colleague across the aisle, Representative Ann Wagner, this bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to illuminate the Gateway Arch in the colors of the Ukrainian flag to show that we, in the United States, are behind Ukraine, sending a message to our friends and allies in Europe and across the globe that the American people are supportive of a sovereign Ukrainian nation.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7002 and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7025) to prohibit the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from funding entities that commit, fund, or support gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7025 is a bipartisan bill led by the chair and the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee. It will significantly improve the management and oversight of international conservation programs at the Department of the Interior.

Over the past couple of years, our committee conducted a bipartisan investigation into the role of the Worldwide Wildlife Fund, or WWF, and the Department of the Interior, DOI, regarding allegations of human rights abuses at conservation parks around the world.

The reports are deeply upsetting, describing decades of abuse toward indigenous and local people in the name of conservation.

The committee's oversight hearing in October revealed numerous shortcomings in how WWF carries out its work and how DOI oversees grant funding in challenging locations.

These allegations aren't unique. Leading voices at the U.N. and elsewhere have, for years, warned of grave abuses in the name of conservation, in large part due to the colonial-based ``fortress conservation model'' that kicked indigenous and local people off their lands to set up protected areas.

International conservation efforts are critical to the success of our national security, international development, climate, and biodiversity goals.

However, when investing in these goals, we must ensure commonsense safeguards are in place that protect human rights. This bill does that.

First, it expands human rights vetting to international Fish and Wildlife Service-funded conservation projects. It prohibits Fish and Wildlife Service funds from going to armed groups that commit gross violations of human rights.

Second, the bill establishes a thorough, fair, and transparent process for investigating credible allegations of human rights abuses.

Third, this legislation weaves the highest human rights standards into grant contracts.

This bill is common sense, it is good government, and it will make international conservation more successful, benefiting local and indigenous community members and the planet.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for mentioning Professor Knox. He was an outstanding witness in our hearings on this subject.

The truth is, the product of 3 years of work that is before us today was a really good exercise in bipartisan leadership, so I appreciate that.

I have no further requests for time and am prepared to close, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7693) to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Park Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7693, the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022.

This bill will ensure that the congressionally charted philanthropic partner of the National Park Service can continue supporting our parks for years to come.

Specifically, this bill will reauthorize Federal funding for the National Park Foundation through 2030 and increase the overall annual authorization level from $5 million to $15 million.

This is a smart and commonsense investment in the future of our national parks. Every Federal dollar requires a minimum 1-to-1 match with private dollars, creating a multiplying effect that reaches units throughout the entire system.

After more than 100 incredible years, our national parks are more popular than ever. This means they need our support to ensure that the National Park Service can address challenges that include aging infrastructure, overcrowding, and inconsistent funding from Congress.

The National Park Foundation is a key partner and ally. Innovative partnerships that leverage Federal investments and private donations help our parks thrive. I am proud to support this bill today so that the foundation can keep serving this important role.

Later this week, we will consider the Interior Appropriations legislation, which includes vital funding for the National Park Service.

I thank my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for developing a bill that includes a robust investment in our national parks, and I hope that Congress can keep making sound investments that ensure the National Park Service continues to thrive throughout its second century and beyond.

I thank our colleague, Ranking Member Westerman, for introducing this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant career and accomplishments of Robert T. Doyle on the occasion of his retirement as Marin County Sheriff following nearly 53 years of exemplary service at the Sheriff's Office.

A Bay Area native and Marin County resident for five decades, Sheriff Doyle has dedicated his life and career to the public good. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving stateside in California and Oklahoma, and overseas in Germany and Vietnam. Three years later, he left the Army to settle in Marin, joining the Sheriff's Office in November 1969.

Since 1969, Sheriff Doyle has excelled in a variety of roles across the Patrol, Custody, and Court Divisions, rising from the rank of Deputy Sheriff to Captain. He commanded both the Southern Marin Patrol Station and the Marin County Jail before being appointed Undersheriff in December 1988. In March 1996, he was then appointed to be Sheriff of Marin County. He went on to win reelection to the role six successive times. Throughout his tenure, he has stood out as a true leader in the community, always focusing on doing what was best for Marin County and its residents.

Sheriff Doyle's stewardship of the law enforcement profession extended outside of his official role in government. He served as President of the California State Sheriffs' Association, two-term President of the Marin County Police Chiefs' Association, and Chair of the California State Sheriffs' Legislative Committee. He was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve as a member of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and by Governor Wilson to represent the State Sheriffs on the State Task Force on Court Facilities. He has diligently supported other community causes, serving as the Novato Youth Soccer Association Treasurer and as a member of the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California Executive Committee.

Madam Speaker, Sheriff Robert T. Doyle's career is a sterling example of public service and dedication to the law and community. Please join me in honoring Sheriff Doyle on his retirement, and in wishing him the best of luck in future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nancy Goldberg upon her retirement as Board President of the Rhoda Goldman Plaza assisted living facility in San Francisco and more than 50 years of nonprofit service.

As Board President, Nancy has steered Rhoda Goldman Plaza through a difficult three years, demonstrating impeccable leadership and ingenuity as assisted living facilities throughout the country navigated unprecedented challenges and worked to establish a new normal related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The residents and staff fared relatively well through this trying time under the guidance of strong management. This work caps off half a century of advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community and tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and domestic violence.

Nancy has served on numerous boards throughout her prolific career, including as a member of the American Jewish Congress, President of the Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, and Chair of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California. For her outstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community in California, the Jewish Community Relations Council awarded her both the Earl Raab Award in 2009 and Tom Lantos Memorial Humanitarian Award in 2011 in conjunction with her husband, the late Larry Goldberg.

Dedicating years to fighting human trafficking, Nancy is Co-founder of the Jewish Coalition to End Human Trafficking and Co-founder and first Co-chair of the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (SFCAHT), coordinated by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). For this transformative work she earned the SFCAHT's Inspiring Leadership Award in 2019 and NCJW's Hannah G. Solomon Award in 2014. Although she is retiring as President from Rhoda Goldman Plaza, her volunteer pursuits are ongoing.

Nancy's contributions to improving the quality of live for countless individuals throughout the region through public service and philanthropy has been, and will continue to be, productive and enduring. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Nancy for her enduring commitment to public service and extending best wishes for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant career and accomplishments of Gary T. Ragghianti, the 2020 recipient of the Marin County Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Marin County resident since 1948, Gary has dedicated his professional career to public service and the law. He graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1968 and began trying cases in the Marin County District Attorney's Office in 1969. In 1971, Gary joined the private firm of Conn, Breiner, Birkie & Ragghianti, which became Ragghianti Freitas in 2004. Over the course of his half- century-long career, he has served as the city attorney for San Rafael, Belvedere, Tiburon, and Corte Madera, and spent decades as counsel for other public entities in Marin County.

Gary has served on numerous boards throughout his prolific career, including as President of the San Rafael Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and Vice President of the Marin County History Museum Board of Directors. He is also a two-time member of the Board of Directors of Alternate Defenders, Inc., a nonprofit which provides free legal representation to indigent defendants in Marin County.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Gary has appeared twice before the United States Supreme Court. On the first occasion, he argued on behalf of the City of Tiburon at the age of 35. Then, 30 years later, he appeared again for a federal habeas corpus case, further cementing his reputation as a lawyer who can excel at the highest levels.

Gary's commitment to the legal profession and local government in the County of Marin has been, and will continue to be, productive and enduring. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Gary for his commitment to public service and the law, and extending heartfelt congratulations on his reception of the Marin County Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.