Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2818, the Methamphetamine Education, Treatment, and Hope Act, a bill I was proud to introduce.

Unfortunately, methamphetamine use is a serious problem throughout the country, including California and my district. For instance, one recent survey indicates that meth use by children 12 years and older increased by 60 percent between 2008 and 2009. That is 154,000 new users of methamphetamine in 2009, compared to only 95,000 new users in 2008.

Children don't start using meth or other drugs without learning it from someone else, and, sadly, they are often introduced to it by adult family members.

By improving Federal treatment programs so they serve all parenting women, H.R. 2818 enables mothers to receive the help they need. This bill will benefit mothers and children alike. Addressing addictions will also help reduce drug-related crimes and benefit children and families.

H.R. 2818 also includes provisions that will ensure that the rural areas with a shortage of mental health professionals or family-based substance abuse treatment centers are provided the resources they need. By focusing grants in areas with higher concentrations of drug use, we can effectively utilize appropriated funds.

I have worked with Members on both sides of the aisle to introduce this bill and update the current law. Congresswoman Bono Mack joined me as an original cosponsor, and this bill traveled through the legislative process. Constructive suggestions by the minority members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce were incorporated to improve the legislation.

Improving meth treatment programs will help reduce crime and benefit children, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan effort.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gold Star Mothers, whose sacrifices and service to our country are recognized on the last Sunday of September.

The organization known today as American Gold Star Mothers was begun by Grace Seibold, whose son was killed in aerial combat over France in 1918. Mrs. Seibold worked tirelessly in veterans hospitals both before and after her son's tragic death. It is this spirit of generosity and selflessness which lead to the eventual establishment of the American Gold Star Mothers as a national organization.

The Gold Star Mothers embody the spirit of love, duty, patriotism, and charity that compels people to serve their country. The ultimate sacrifice of sons and daughters in war is reflected in the tremendous energy and time given by Gold Star Mothers to support men and women who return from service. By volunteering at veterans hospitals and commemorating the lives of those who has passed away, Gold Star Mothers support one another and our brave men and women serving overseas.

As a father whose son served in the Air Force, I take great comfort in the thought that such an organization exists to provide comfort and aid to the young men and women returning home from abroad. On Gold Star Mothers Day, it is important to recognize the sacrifices that are borne by the families of our men and women in uniform. It is with profound respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the tireless efforts of Gold Star Mothers across our country who honor the memories of their children and support our nation with unceasing acts of charity, service, and compassion.

Mr. Chair, I rise to express my support for H.R. 3534. The spill in the Gulf is a tragedy, and this important bill will help prevent future disasters. H.R. 3534 improves safety, prevents ethical misconduct at federal agencies, and closes royalty loopholes enjoyed by the oil and gas industry.

Some important provisions of H.R. 5626, the Blowout Prevention Act, are also included in H.R. 3534. I am disappointed, however, that the legislation before us today does not include a section of H.R. 5626 that authorizes the creation of expert review panels to provide technical advice on regulatory decisions. During committee consideration of H.R. 5626, I offered an amendment to clarify that experts serving on such panels can be drawn from diverse backgrounds, including industry, national laboratories, and academia.

I would like to note the particular importance of utilizing the expertise available at America's national laboratories. I am familiar with the work of the labs and the talents of lab employees through my personal experience working as a contractor at Sandia National Laboratories. Northern California is also the location

of three national laboratories that employ a number of my constituents.

Following the tragic explosion of the Deepwater Horizon, employees of the national laboratories were quickly deployed to the Gulf. The Department of Energy estimates that more than 200 lab employees have been involved in crisis response operations. The labs have provided an array of services such as developing pressure measurements and radiographic imaging of the blowout preventer. Lab employees have also provided technical services such as conducting flow and resistance calculations, evaluating pressure data, and providing independent analysis of BP's plans.

The national labs have a tremendous amount of technical expertise that can help our country prevent future spills and better respond if an unfortunate incident occurs. I look forward to working with members of both parties to incorporate the labs into future legislation.

I rise today in strong support of the amendment under consideration, and I would like to recognize Mr. Cardoza for his work on this issue.

Mr. Chairman, we both represent parts of the San Joaquin Valley, with Mr. Costa, which unfortunately has experienced some of the highest foreclosure rates in the Nation. It is long past time for this administration to develop effective measures to alleviate this crisis. Their efforts to date have fallen far short, and I hear from too many people who are in desperate need of help and who continue to suffer from unfair banking practices.

This amendment is meant to deliver a clear message to Secretary Donovan and to senior HUD officials: Get to work and find real solutions.

The administration knows that families are on the verge of losing their homes and that businesses' and workers' economic futures depend on the recovery of the housing market.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lodi Electric Utility.

On July 1, 1910, Lodi Electric Utility began providing power to the residents of Lodi, California. Over the last century, their operations have expanded over thirty-fold. The department now provides power to 68,000 residents located in a fourteen square-mile area, an area which I am proud to represent.

What began in 1893 as the Bay City Gas, Water and Electric Works has become Lodi Electric Utility and has flourished under the auspices of the Lodi City Council to become one of the City's most significant departments and a member of the Northern California Power Agency. Lodi Electric Utility has grown over the last century and is a valued local service, with over 200 miles of distribution lines, 28,500 electric meters, and four electrical substations to serve the energy needs of the community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lodi Electric Utility for providing service to the Lodi community for the last 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of today's flood insurance reform legislation, but also to express my deep frustration with FEMA's decision to increase flood insurance rates for many residents of Stockton, California.

Prior to issuing new flood maps last year for central Stockton, FEMA encouraged residents to purchase flood insurance early so they could take advantage of the lower-cost preferred rates. In May, FEMA decided to extend those preferred rates for 2 years, a welcome decision.

But for reasons that remain difficult to understand, FEMA delayed the effective date of extension until January of 2011, effectively creating a donut hole in the availability of preferred rate coverage. As a result, residents who must renew their policies before the end of the year are suffering rates many times higher than what they expected, placing a serious burden on family budgets.

I urge FEMA, in the strongest possible terms, to allow Stockton residents to renew their policies without delay.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the residents of the City of Tracy on the 100th anniversary of the city's incorporation and for their century of dedicated service to the United States. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution to recognize the service of Tracy's residents. I am fortunate to represent Tracy, which sits in the rich agricultural region of California's San Joaquin Valley.

Time and again through the last century, Tracy residents have proven their dedication to our country by serving in our armed services. Many Tracy residents have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending the freedom we cherish and protecting our Nation from the enemies at home and abroad.

The Tracy area is home to unique military history and tradition. For instance, Camp Tracy, located not far from the city, was the site of significant intelligence operations during World War II. The area is also home to the Defense Distribution Center-San Joaquin, commonly called the Tracy Defense Depot, which plays a critical role in supplying our men and women serving overseas.

Members of the United States Armed Forces from the City of Tracy have served bravely, and many have lost their lives in World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Persian Gulf war and other conflicts of the 20th century. Tracy residents are also serving with distinction in the current battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The city's newspaper, the Tracy Press, reported on November 11, 2008, that, per capita, the city of Tracy has endured one of the Nation's highest casualty rates in the war in Iraq. Just the other week, I attended an event in Tracy to honor the memory of one of those fallen heroes, and I am always humbled and made proud by the outpouring of support by Tracy residents for our men and women in uniform.

On many weekends back home in California, I visit Tracy to meet with local veterans and discuss the issues that affect their lives. I am committed to making sure that our veterans are cared for and that their families receive the support they deserve. My son Michael joined the service shortly after 9/11, and caring for our men and women in uniform is a deep personal priority. Our country should always recognize communities like Tracy whose residents answer the call to service.

I'm proud to recognize the residents of the city of Tracy on the occasion of their centennial anniversary of the city's incorporation. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution honoring the veterans and residents of Tracy for their dedicated service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 332, Final Passage of America Competes Act, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Chairman, last year I was in Afghanistan. Some paratroopers were transporting me outside the city of Kandahar, and one of them stopped and turned to me and said, Are you a Congressman? I said yes. He said, Can you help us? We haven't had a pay raise in 10 years. I said, Can I help you? You bet I can.

Upon returning, I introduced the COMBAT Act to increase specialty pay for troops serving overseas and separated from their families. Over the past several months, I have worked to incorporate hostile fire, imminent danger, and family separation allowance pay increases into the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. This increase will help hundreds of thousands of servicemembers and their families.

Our servicemembers and their families have made enormous sacrifices to keep us safe. They deserve this pay raise, and I am proud to see that the increases are included in the 2011 defense authorization bill.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your efforts, and for working with me on this issue, and for all the work that you have done for our Armed Forces. I support this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, today Congressman John Garamendi and I ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life of Byron Athan, who passed away at age 91 on November 25, 2009.

Byron Athan was passionate about public service. He dedicated his life to serving his country and community for over 68 years and Byron started his unique and distinguished career by joining the U.S. Army. He later became a fixture in the San Ramon Valley, authoring the City of San Ramon's Charter and later serving in city government in multiple capacities including as Mayor and City Attorney.

Byron Athan joined the Army in 1941 and retired in 1964 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Other assignments included tours in post war Germany and Japan, as well as assignments in Fort Lee and Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Staff.

Bryon Athan was vital to the incorporation of the City of San Ramon in 1983. He wrote the City Charter and served as San Ramon City Attorney from 1983 until his election to the City Council in 1995. He was San Ramon Mayor from 1998 to 1999. He returned to the City Attorney post from 2004 until he retired in October of 2009 at age 91 as one of the most experienced practicing attorneys in California.

Byron lived life with a passion for exploration and adventure. Byron finished the marathon in Greece based on the original completed by the ancient Greek Pheidippides, as well as races in San Francisco and Hawaii. His spirit did not diminish with time. He celebrated his 90th birthday with a 100-mile bike ride.

Byron's years of service to his community touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in San Ramon. He led by example and in the words of former San Ramon Mayor Diane Schinnerer, ``he is known and respected for his honesty, integrity, work ethic, and knowledge of the law.'' Athan Downs Park in San Ramon, is dedicated in Mr. Athan's honor because of his successful advocacy for parkland in the city.

Byron Athan's dedication to public service leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of San Ramon, the state of California and our great nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons that Congressman John Garamendi and I ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the memory of Byron Athan and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1067, the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Recovery Act, which recently passed the Senate and is under consideration today by the House of Representatives. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) formed in Uganda has committed countless atrocities. The LRA is responsible for the abduction of thousands of children from southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. These children have been forced to become soldiers of the LRA, and more than a thousand have died. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced because of the LRA's actions.

The LRA Leader, Joseph Kony, is wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Leaders who commit war crimes and other atrocities can not be allowed to stay in power and obstruct the peace process that is necessary for the Ugandan people to live without the threat of abduction, violence, or death. That is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2478, the House companion to S. 1067, which calls upon President Obama to devise a strategy that will remove Mr. Kony from power and allow Ugandans to rebuild their lives. The U.S. should show leadership by working with international partners to bring stability to Uganda and surrounding areas. We must work to end this reign of violence in Uganda, which is why I encourage my colleagues to support S. 1067.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Oakland A's pitcher and Stockton resident Dallas Braden on pitching a perfect game on May 9, 2010. On Mother's Day, Dallas accomplished a feat that few ever have, going nine innings without allowing a single batter to reach first base. Dallas made history by pitching the 19th perfect game in Major League history.

Dallas has been playing baseball his entire life. He grew up in Stockton and played baseball at Stagg High. He was drafted by the A's in 2004 and made his Major League debut in 2007. Dallas is known for his community service in Stockton. And let me tell you, Dallas, you've made our city proud.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dallas Braden on pitching a perfect game.

Madam Chair, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 5019, the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. And I want to offer a warm congratulations for my good friend and colleague, Peter Welch, who has shown a tremendous amount of leadership on this issue.

Basically, what H.R. 5019 does is provide incentives for consumers to invest in energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. This is going to create many, many jobs, it's going to create new businesses, it's going to save greenhouse gas emissions, it's going to help homeowners on their energy bills.

I am pleased that an amendment that I offered in the committee to H.R. 5019 was accepted. Basically, what that does is it allows the business community to have confidence that they will get their reimbursement within 30 days, that the DOE will handle that reimbursement within 10 days. So I urge my colleagues to support the Home Star bill.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to take this opportunity to commemorate the life of William Joseph Fereira. Bill Fereira was born in 1921 and grew up in San Ramon, California when the city was inhabited by fewer than 100 people. His father was San Ramon's first postmaster, and his family owned a general store. Bill attended San Ramon Grammar School and San Ramon Valley High School, and went on to join the U.S. Navy. Bill served his country with honor in the South Pacific during World War II and was involved in the historic Doolittle Raid. After the war, Bill returned to California and started a family in nearby Danville.

As the area grew, Bill and his neighbors realized that their community required greater firefighting resources. With the help of Howard Weidemann, a local rancher, Bill established the San Ramon Fire Protection District and became San Ramon's first Fire Chief. Operations were run out of his garage, where Bill was in charge of answering calls 24 hours a day and maintaining a fire truck and jeep.

Upon retiring after serving 15 years as Fire Chief, Bill stayed active by fixing up anything that needed repairing, expanding his aviation memorabilia, and sharing his knowledge of local lore with the community. Bill was crucial to the development of San Ramon as it grew into the fine city it is today. We all mourn Bill's passing and recognize his tremendous contribution to our community.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Wesley Raymond Stuart, a true American patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great Nation.

In 1943, Wesley joined the United States Navy as an aviation ordnanceman second class, and was trained on Avenger bombers. On September 13, 1944, an Avenger took off from the USS Enterprise with a three-

man crew aboard, including Petty Officer Stuart. The crew was bound for battle over the Japanese-occupied South Pacific island of Peleliu. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft was shot down by enemy fire, leaving no survivors. Although the wreckage of Petty Officer Stuart's aircraft was later recovered, he is still considered missing in action.

After 60 years, the family of Petty Officer Stuart continues its commitment to keeping his memory alive. I join their efforts by recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of this American hero.