Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize April as Occupational Therapy Month, an important occasion to acknowledge the contributions that occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants make every day to help people live healthier lives.

Occupational therapy professionals work tirelessly with people of all ages to them prevent injuries, recover after an accident, and adjust their lives to new physical challenges they may experience. In my home State, occupational therapy professionals provide essential health and rehabilitation services to thousands of Californians each year. In facilities throughout my district like Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Manteca, skilled occupational therapy practitioners help my constituents achieve functional independence every day.

I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting April as Occupational Therapy Month and in applauding the work of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants throughout the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my proud support for the passage of historic health reform legislation earlier this year. I am glad the Congress, after working for more than nine months, was able to pass comprehensive health care reform that will reduce the growth in health care costs, cut the deficit, and provide affordable health insurance for an additional 32 million Americans.

The package passed by Congress, which includes H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872 as enacted, will reduce the deficit by $143 billion over ten years and by more than $1 trillion over the second decade. Enacting responsible health care reform will provide health care security for individuals, families, and small businesses across the country. This legislation will ensure that individuals can no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition or kicked off their insurance when they get sick. Health care reform also places caps on annual and lifetime out-of-pocket costs so that individuals and families will no longer go bankrupt due to an illness.

Despite the benefits and enhanced Medicare protections that I am confident health reform will bring, I wish to stress the importance of vigorous oversight of the newly created Independent Medicare Advisory Board, IMAB. H.R. 3590 establishes such a board, whose goal is to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending. I strongly support the need to control costs, but I believe elected officials who answer to the people should make the key decisions affecting health programs. Medicare beneficiaries expect Congress to

take responsibility for shaping Medicare, allowing Americans a voice through their elected representatives in determining the benefits they receive on a daily basis.

H.R. 3950 wisely prevents IMAB from recommending measures that would ration health care, increase Medicare beneficiary cost-sharing, or otherwise restrict benefits. However, we must remain vigilant in our oversight of IMAB to ensure that the board serves our constituents' best interests.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of our Nation's veterans and to thank Chairman Filner for his leadership on veterans' issues. Tomorrow, the House is expected to consider S. 1963, major legislation to improve the VA which includes legislation I introduced, the Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

In order to meet the treatment and rehabilitation needs of veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury, my bill establishes a Committee on Care of Veterans with TBI, which has become the signature wound of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

We must continue our efforts to provide veterans and their families with the best possible health care. The Committee on Care of Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury will help provide improved TBI education and training programs for VA health professionals which will benefit our men and women returning from combat.

I want to thank all of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces as well as our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my support for H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, of which I am a cosponsor. While much of our economy has experienced unfortunate challenges over the last few years, the technology and innovation sectors continue to stay afloat and even grow. To help foster this growth, it is vital that Congress enact forward-thinking policies such as those embodied by the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act. Itemizing currently-utilized spectrum will allow us to take additional steps to use available resources more efficiently. Enactment of H.R. 3125 will also help our country identify unused spectrum, which can subsequently serve to accommodate the growing demand for spectrum that must be met to allow consumers to have better access to broadband technology.

The families and businesses that benefit so greatly from broadband services are depending on us to take actions that will encourage innovation and help preserve our country's position as the world's leader in high technology. H.R. 3125 is an important step towards improving the way we work, deliver health care, consume energy, and teach students, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifices of American men and women serving our country overseas and to urge my colleagues to support legislation I introduced to give them a much- deserved pay increase for facing dangerous situations.

Late last year, I traveled to Afghanistan and was privileged to meet members of our Armed Forces serving our country in a difficult and dangerous environment. Two of those soldiers approached me and said they had not seen a combat pay increase in several years and asked me to do what I could do to make the burden of overseas deployment easier for them and their families.

As a result, when I got back to Washington, I introduced H.R. 4440, the COMBAT Act, which provides several types of combat pay increases, including hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay and family separation allowance. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting our troops and their families by becoming a cosponsor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, today Congressman Pete Stark and I ask our colleagues to join in honoring the life of Ben

Tarver III, who passed away at age 63 on January 4, 2010.

Ben Tarver was passionate about serving the people of Pleasanton. He moved his family to Pleasanton in 1974 and raised three children with his wife Margo. He started his 18 years of public service by fighting to preserve open spaces and promote smart development. He succeeded in preserving land that is now a part of the East Bay Regional Park District.

Ben Tarver first served as a planning commissioner and was then elected to the City Council in 1988 and elected Mayor four times from 1992-2000. Ben had a deep rooted sense of public service and strong belief in giving back to the community in which he lived. When he was not coaching youth soccer or playing in a league himself, Ben was working with the school district to open up school gyms for community use, promote public parks and youth activities.

Ben also represented the City of Pleasanton through appointments to numerous other Boards, Committees and Commissions. He served on the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board, the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency Board, the Tri-Valley Wastewater Authority, the Livermore-Amador Valley Waste Management Agency, and fulfilled the role of President of the Alameda County Mayor's Conference and Chair of the Alameda County Local Area Formation Commission. He was an active member of the League of California Cities, serving as Chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee and a member of the Telecommunications Task Force.

Ben's years of community service touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in Pleasanton for decades to come. He led by example and in the words of former Pleasanton Mayor Tom Pico, ``Ben was a great steward for our city. He set a high standard for integrity and did everything possible to protect Pleasanton's future.''

Ben Tarver's dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of Pleasanton, the state of California and our great nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons that Congressman Pete Stark and I ask our Colleagues to join in honoring the memory of Ben Tarver and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Tony Carnemolla, who recently passed away at age 74.

Tony made a difference in the lives of countless residents of our community. His active involvement as commander of VFW Post 75 in Danville and civic organizations like the Exchange Club serves as a lasting example for the residents of Danville and the San Ramon Valley.

At age 17, Tony Carnemolla joined the Army to serve our great Nation during the Korean War. Later, he became a tireless volunteer and advocate for his fellow veterans. He spearheaded the effort to renovate the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville and volunteered at countless local events to benefit veterans.

Tony was a warm and respected leader and a dear friend. He will be missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Tony Carnemolla and in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

I rise today to commend the tireless efforts of the Pleasanton Military Families on behalf of the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. Created in 2004, the Pleasanton Military Families is a support group for active military personnel and their families based in my hometown of Pleasanton, California. The Pleasanton Military Families leads a public recognition program for our servicemembers by hanging yellow streamers along Main Street marked with the names of residents serving in our Armed Forces.

My family was honored that the Pleasanton Military Families hung a yellow pennant for my son, Michael, when he was serving in the Air Force. In addition, the Pleasanton Military Families hold warm welcome home ceremonies and sends packages to troops overseas.

All of these efforts to support our active duty personnel and their families give due honor to the sacrifice and service of these young men and women. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pleasanton Military Families for their dedication and commitment to our men and women in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 461, a resolution honoring the Sentinels of Freedom, which passed this afternoon by a unanimous vote when I was coming here this afternoon on the airplane.

Our Nation's veterans made tremendous sacrifices in defending our great Nation, and they deserve the best treatment upon returning home. Whether it is through education, employment, or health care, no veteran should fall through the cracks.

The Sentinels of Freedom, an organization based in San Ramon and Danville, California, provides opportunities to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and has demonstrated a commitment to America's heroes that we should all emulate. The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation awards 4-year scholarships to severely injured veterans who began their service on or after September 11, 2001.

The program provides veterans with community support and mentoring, help with job placement, financial assistance for rent or mortgages, and continuing educational opportunities. The Sentinels of Freedom has helped dozens of veterans in States across the country, including California, Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

Many military personnel fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are returning home with serious injuries that hamper their transition from military to civilian life. It's critical that we have programs in place that will help these veterans receive a quality education, secure a job, stay in their home, and lead a fulfilling life. I have seen firsthand the exceptional work and dedication of the Sentinels of Freedom and the way this organization helps to improve the lives of veterans. This group is a true leader in the community and deserves our highest respect.

I want to thank my colleagues for helping me to recognize and honor the outstanding work the Sentinels of Freedom have performed on behalf of our Nation's veterans.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Danville-Alamo Branch of the American Association of University Women on its 40th Anniversary. The chapter has a proud history serving the community by supporting political, social, professional, and educational opportunities for women.

Through the chapter's work, Danville and Alamo benefit from stimulating speakers and programs, candidates' nights, and community service opportunities. The AAUW Danville-Alamo Branch has been active in local schools, enhancing educational opportunities in the arts, music, languages, science, and math. The branch also started a local Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics conference to expose middle school girls to careers in math and science. The Danville-Alamo Branch also helps girls achieve the dream of a college education through its scholarship programs.

Today, the Danville-Alamo Branch has more than 200 members. These members continue to serve the community and advance a wide range of issues that affect women and girls. I wish you a heartfelt congratulations on 40 years of changing lives and making a difference for women.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Michael Shimansky, who passed away peacefully at age 65 on September 15, 2009.

Mike Shimansky was the longest serving member of the Danville Town Council since the town's incorporation in 1982. He was elected in 1989 and served for 20 years with a deep rooted sense of public service and strong belief in giving back to the community in which he lived. I knew Mike on a personal basis, and he was a warm and genuine man. His passion for public service extended beyond his role as a Danville Town Council member. He was well known for officiating local soccer games, lacrosse games and track meets. I remember Mike as a fixture at events to raise money for positive causes, such as presiding over Primo's Run for Education, and the Hats Off America Run, which raises money for the benefit of surviving families of our fallen soldiers.

Mr. Shimansky also represented the town of Danville through appointments to numerous other boards, committees and commissions. He was currently serving on the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority, Contra Costa Transit Authority, and San Ramon Valley Disaster Council; and as the Contra Costa Mayors' Conference appointee on the S.F. Bay Area Air Quality Management District Board and the East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee and the Elections Citizen Advisory Committee. Prior to his election to the town council, Mr. Shimansky served as a member of the town's inaugural Parks and Leisure Services Commission.

Mike was also a friend to our veterans in the San Ramon Valley. As a member of the Danville Park and Leisure Services Commission, he was instrumental in the establishment of the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park. A local veterans organization, the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley described him as, ``a truly outstanding and dedicated--beloved man of the community--in which he served and lived.''

Michael Shimansky's passion for public service did not stop at home. In addition to being deeply involved in the local community, he volunteered to help his fellow citizens during times of national crisis, by going to New Orleans to join the American Red Cross' efforts in both the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and during the wildfires that devastated many homes and communities in San Diego County in 2007.

Mike was a valued and respected leader who touched the lives of many and improved the quality of life in Danville for decades to come. He always worked for the common good and led by example. In the words of one of his fellow council members, ``People loved him for his work ethic. Every decision he made, he had the people of Danville in mind.''

Michael Shimanksy's efforts as a volunteer and unwavering dedication to public service leave a legacy that will continue to benefit the people of Danville, the State of California and our great Nation for generations to come. It is for these reasons that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Michael Shimansky in sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize police specialist Lisa Campbell of San Ramon for acting on her intuition and training to jumpstart the series of events that unraveled an 18-year- old case and reunited a long-separated family. Ms. Campbell and her colleague Officer Allison Jacobs were able to make our community safer and save an innocent mother and her two young children from horrific circumstances.

As a child of only 11, Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped on her way to school. For 18 years, she suffered terribly and was denied contact with her loved ones and the outside world. Had it not been for Ms. Campbell's realization that something was awry with the man requesting a permit to hold an event on the UC Berkeley campus, the abuse of Jaycee and her daughters would not have stopped.

Lisa Campbell's and Allison Jacobs' quick action and good instincts prevented innocent people from experiencing further harm, led to the arrest of a dangerous person, and reunited a family tragically separated for almost two decades. I am honored to represent Ms. Campbell, and I am grateful for her dedicated public service.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor Officer Allison Jacobs of Brentwood for her work unraveling an 18-year- old case and helping reunite a long-separated family. By acting on their instincts, Officer Jacobs, and her colleague Lisa Campbell, were able to serve justice by acting on suspicious behavior that resulted in removing an innocent mother and her two young children from a monstrous situation.

11-year-old Jaycee Dugard was tragically kidnapped on her way to school. For 18 years, she was subjected to unspeakable abuse. Ms. Dugard was denied contact with the outside world, and had it not been for Officer Jacobs' outstanding performance of her duties, the

abuse for Jaycee and her daughters would have continued indefinitely.

Allison Jacobs' and Lisa Campbell's intuition, combined with an effective utilization of their training, saved innocent people from further harm, led to the removal of a dangerous person from our streets, and reunited a family torn apart by a deranged criminal. I have the highest regard and admiration for their actions and am proud to represent such an outstanding officer.

Mr. Chairman, the Small Business Innovative Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program have helped countless small businesses find funding opportunities in the science and technology sectors. That's why I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, and the manager's amendment offered by Chairwoman Velazquez. I am also pleased that the chairwoman's amendments include improvements include an amendment that I submitted to make sure that the SBIR program is accessible to businesses located in the areas that have been most hard hit by the economic downturn.

The State of California suffers from unemployment exceeding the national rate, and the San Joaquin Valley, a portion of which I am honored to represent, has been particularly hard hit.

The language I wrote ensures that organizations receiving funding to help small businesses access SBIR opportunities are able to direct their efforts towards companies located in the areas with the highest unemployment.

I have worked closely on this issue with my colleagues, Mr. Cardoza and Mr. Childers, and I would also like to thank them for their hard work and support.

I am fortunate to travel home to California nearly every single weekend. I have met with innovative small business owners whose product promised to change our country for the better. The manager's amendment will help small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley and elsewhere enjoy the full benefits of the SBIR Program. I am proud to support its passage.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. I would also like to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Markey for their leadership on this issue.

Before I came to Congress, I developed new energy technologies. I have seen firsthand these industries develop by leaps and bounds. The economic benefits of the American Clean Energy and Security Act will be profound. This bill will create jobs across the country in fields as diverse as construction, engineering, education and others. These jobs will lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act is also a serious commitment to combating climate change. It is long past time for our country to lead in addressing this threat. Fewer emissions will mean cleaner, healthier air for our children and grandchildren.

I am also proud that the legislation includes key provisions that I wrote, including language that will spur the development of a more efficient electrical grid and provide funding for clean-energy job training. I also encourage that during the conference committee process, the opportunity is seized to strengthen the renewable energy standard. This will help ensure that the new energy projects created by this bill will utilize American-made components manufactured by American workers.