Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California's County Agricultural Commissioners. Agriculture is California's No. 1 industry. In 2004 the fertile soils of California supported over 350 different crops, which were valued at over $37.5 billion and shipped throughout the United States and foreign countries. Weather, water and good farmers are some of the major factors contributing to California's bountiful crops. One other prime factor in California's agricultural success has been the presence of California Agricultural Commissioners.

California County Agricultural Commissioners will celebrate their first 125 years during their annual convention in May 2006, in San Luis Obispo, CA. No other State in the United States has the Agricultural Commissioners system, which has been in existence in California since 1881. It is fitting that the California Agricultural Commissioners be recognized and honored for their contributions to the well being of California and to our Nation.

As prescribed by State Law, the County Agricultural Commissioner is responsible for the local administration of State wide enforcement programs that promote and protect the agricultural industry of the State. In addition this commission is dedicated to protecting public health, safety and welfare. In fulfilling this responsibility, the primary objective of the County Agricultural Commissioner is to maintain a viable system of production and delivery of an abundant supply of wholesome food and fiber to domestic and export consumers. Each agricultural commissioner adheres to the following policies in order to maintain the integrity of the County Agricultural Commissioner's Office.

The first and foremost policy is to ensure the protection of California's agricultural resources and the environment in manner that will result in the greatest long-term benefit to all. One of the primary ways the commission protects agricultural resources, the environment and public health is by supporting beneficial legislation as well as preserving local determination. The Commissioner seeks to insure that all interagency and joint policies provide adequate flexibility to accommodate local concerns and resources.

The County Agricultural Commissioner recognizes the need to protect the agriculture industry from the introduction and spread of damaging pests. Therefore, it encourages and promotes the suppression of pests through biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical methods. However, the Commissioner has always been cognizant of the effects of harmful pesticides and has adamantly enforced all laws and regulations that provide for the appropriate, safe and efficient use of pesticides.

The Commissioner protects both businesses and consumers. The consumers are protected from fraud and deception and are assured marketing equity among producers and among shippers in the distribution of fruits, nuts, vegetables, eggs and honey by the uniform enforcement of quality standards. The Commissioner's Office also encourages the development of alternate disposal methods for substandard commodities to prevent waste.

The Agricultural Commissioners are today enforcing legislation of the basic quarantine sections that have stood for over 115 years. It has been the enforcement of these quarantine laws that has helped to keep California agriculture free from biological pollution caused by invasive insect and plant diseases found in other parts of the world.

The work of the Agricultural Commissioners is to be commended as their presence, dedication, knowledge, professionalism and hard work, has insured an adequate food supply for millions of people and a healthy economy for the State of California. Our Nation's residents as well as citizens of other nations are the beneficiaries of an amazing supply of agricultural products grown throughout the year in California. California, her farmers and Agricultural Commissioners can be proud of the first 125 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus, I rise today to introduce the 2006 Victims Rights Week Resolution on behalf of myself, and Caucus Co-chairs Congressman Ted Poe of Texas and Congresswoman Katherine Harris of Florida. This concurrent resolution expresses Congress' support of the goals and ideals of National Crime Victims' Rights Week and the efforts to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of crime victims and survivors in the United States. This observance will take place the week of April 23 through April 29.

In 1980, President Reagan first called for a national observance to recognize and honor the millions of victims of crimes in our country, their families, and survivors. National Crime Victims' Rights Week also pays tribute to the thousands of community-based and system-based victim services providers and to the criminal justice and allied professionals who provide critical support and assistance to victims every week of the year. National Crime Victims' Rights Week has since been proclaimed annually with ceremonies and observances in Washington D.C. and in hundreds of communities throughout our nation.

President Reagan's commitment to the rights of victims lead to the passage of the Victims of Crime Act, which in 1984 created the Crime Victims Fund. Since then, the Crime Victims Fund has dedicated more than $7.4 billion collected from criminal fines--not taxpayers dollars--that annually supports more than 4,400 victim assistance programs serving some 3.8 million victims and compensation to more than 165,000 victims for their unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs.

The 2006 National Crime Victims' Rights Week theme is ``Victims' Rights: Strength in Unity.'' It is indeed appropriate because today an unprecedented coalition of victims and survivors, victim advocacy organizations, justice professional and service providers are once together joining together to protect the Crime Victims Fund, a legacy of the Reagan Administration.

Before the emergence of the victims' rights movement, you would hear plenty about criminals, but nothing about victims. You could go to college and take courses to learn how to help and manage abusers, but little was said about those they abused. Crime was the main issue; victims, if at all, were an afterthought, Meanwhile, society treated victims in the same manner. Victims had no voice. They had few rights. They were largely left in the shadows.

This has changed thanks to our Nation's victims' rights movement. Today, victims of crime and those who serve them have not only a voice, but a vision for what justice should look like in America. Today, there are over 32,000 laws that define and protect victim's rights. In 2006, we not only listen to victims; we learn from them. We are beginning to view them not only as an obligation mandated by law, but also as an opportunity--as people with vital information to help us better manage violent offenders; and as people who have helped us understand the devastating impact of crime.

I am proud to be one of the three co-founders, along with Representatives Poe and Harris of the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus. The goals of the Victim's Rights Caucus are to (1) represent crime victims in the United States through the bipartisan legislation that reflects their interests, rights and needs; (2) provide an ongoing forum for proactive interactions between the U.S. Congress and national victim assistance organizations to enhance mutual education, legislative advocacy and initiatives that promote justice for all-- including victims of crime; and (3) seek opportunities for public education initiatives to help people in America to understand the impact of crime on victims, and to encourage their involvement in crime prevention, victim assistance, and community safety.

Crime does not know any geographic, demographic or political boundaries; it touches all of our constituents in every community. And so, as Congress expresses its support for National Crime Victims Rights Week and its efforts to increase public awareness of the impact of crime on victims, survivors and on our communities, we encourage all members to join the Caucus, as a critical voice of victims, in the Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues, Representatives Cardoza, Nunes and Radanovich, to honor Phil Larson of Kerman, California, the recipient of the 2006 Fresno County Farm Bureau ``Distinguished Service'' Award.

Phil has been a lifelong farmer and Fresno County resident. He began his career as an agricultural chemical sales representative and worked for over 37 years for the Wilbur Ellis Company. While fulfilling this job, he also farmed for his family's vineyard in Kerman; where today, he still farms raisins. The expertise he gained over the years in agriculture earned Phil much respect from members in

the agriculture community, particularly the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

Phil has had an extensive and outstanding career in the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Following his long membership, he became involved on the board of directors where he served as the first agricultural chemical chairman in the late 1980s. In 1996, he became the president of the bureau and served for over two years. Phil believes, and once stated, the ``Farm Bureau represents the morality of agriculture.''

During his term as president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, Phil was a strong advocate for agriculture and farming industries. He spearheaded the advancement and introduction of several water supply, pesticide use and farm related pieces of legislation. Phil was also on the forefront of several priority-setting documents such as ``A Landscape of Choice''--the land use policy document of April 1998. He was extremely dedicated in addressing agricultural issues and was deemed a ``24-hour President'' for his unrelenting commitment to serve the bureau.

Amazingly enough, the 24-hour President also found time to lend a helping hand in his community. Phil Larson's involvement in his community has been far-reaching, ranging from serving as the Kerman High football announcer to the California Farm Bureau Federation State Director for District 7 in 2000-2001. He has served on the State board of California Agriculture Production Consultants Association and has been involved with several other boards and organizations including the Western Crop Protection Chemicals Association, Fresno County/City Chamber of Commerce, Kerman Unified School District Board, Kerman Covenant Church Board and Kerman High Boosters. At present, he serves as the District One supervisor and chair of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

As the supervisor for District One and board chair, Phil Larson represents the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on several boards and commissions such as the Central Valley Project Authority, Mid-Valley Water Authority, San Joaquin River Conservancy, San Joaquin Valley Supervisors Endangered Species Committee, Transportation Authority and the Governing Board of the Fresno Madera Area Agency on Aging. Undoubtedly, Phil continues to serve his community and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his exceptional service.

Phil Larson's commitment to advance the agricultural industry in the Valley and his wide-ranging contributions to the community, and his church are accomplishments worthy of recognition. It is my pleasure to honor such a great man and I want to extend, on behalf of the residents of Fresno County, my sincerest appreciation for his dedication and service and offer my heartfelt congratulations to Phil for receiving the 2006 Fresno County Farm Bureau ``Distinguished Service'' Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to add my voice to my fellow Blue Dog Coalition members who are here this evening to have a dose of fiscal sanity, to allow the American people to understand that there is indeed a another choice. Therefore, tonight we hope to give an accurate picture on the budget process that we are about to embark on this week and the lack of fiscal integrity that this budget process unfortunately has, because it lacks a bipartisan effort to provide the sort of financial support that the American public demands.

I too want to commend Mr. Ross and Mr. Cardoza for allowing me to join with them in this effort. I think that Blue Dogs who are fiscally conservative really reflect the mainstream of what America is all about.

The fact of the matter is that this budget resolution that we will debate this week has in its very basic underpinnings a lack of fiscal integrity. Let me talk about a dirty little secret contained in this budget resolution that all Members ought to be aware of. The secret is the offloading of our Federal financial problems onto our States as a strategy to reduce our Nation's budget deficit.

The hypocrisy is clear, through the preemption of State laws, and in spite of a little-used Federal law that prevents unfunded mandates on States, Congress has arrogantly chosen to do just that, and that is to offload on our States.

Do the States have the ability to fill that gap? Well, the National Council of State Legislatures has identified the minimum gap in Federal funding to States caused by unfunded mandates in 2004 fiscal year as being approximately $25.6 billion. In the fiscal year 2005, the amount rose to $26.2 billion.

Evidence by the National Council of State Legislatures shows that this gap

will continue over the next decade and could grow as high as $50 billion annually, and we offload our financial responsibilities to States and let them be on their own.

The evidence is clear. It does not take into account inflation and other changes in discretionary spending over the next decade.

I ask my colleagues to recall recent history. In the 1980s and in the 1990s, President Reagan, a former State Governor, understood the necessity of a bipartisan effort to protect the States. President Clinton, another State Governor, codified that recognition of States by signing the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act in which the Congress pledged to no longer continue this practice of passing laws and then telling the States it is your job to figure out how to pay for it.

But this White House, also currently occupied by another former State Governor and many of my colleagues who serve in Congress, over half who come from State legislatures, I believe, have forgotten where they come from.

Do you think we are solving problems when we are just passing them on to our States? I will continue to question the sincerity of those who lead this budget effort to actually achieve responsible fiscal management. The most recent example of that reluctance to embrace sound fiscal management principles was demonstrated last week in the Budget Committee's rejection of an amendment that would reinstitute pay-as- you-go, which my colleagues, Mr. Ross and Mr. Cardoza, have spoken to. Pay-as-you-go is a concept that all of our households employ, which means in your family's budget, you do not spend money that you do not have.

As Members may recall, PAYGO was agreed to in the 1990s by then- Speaker Newt Gingrich and signed into law by President Clinton. In the mid-1990s, that led to the first budget surpluses we had in over 40 years. Ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you, over the last 5 years, we have gone from surpluses to massive deficits.

I remember as a young kid watching television on ``Dragnet.'' Remember Sergeant Friday? He used to say ``Just the facts, ma'am.'' These are the facts, and I think Americans are coming to realize these facts do not hold up to the principles of sound fiscal management. We can do better. We should do better. Americans deserve it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of former California State Senator Alfred E. Alquist. He is survived by his wife, State Senator Elaine White Alquist; son Alan Alquist; stepsons Peter and Bryan White; and five grandchildren.

Alfred Ernest Alquist was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 2, 1908. He began his professional life as a railroad yardmaster and transportation supervisor, in which he dutifully served for 40 years. In his time with the railroad industry, Senator Alquist developed and cultivated a keen interest in transportation issues. With a passion for policy nested, Senator Alquist joined his local Democratic Club in San Jose, California, which proved to be a stepping stone for his political career.

Ever the dedicated citizen, Senator Alquist embarked on the campaign trail and was elected to the California State Assembly in 1962. After his years in the Assembly, Senator Alquist was elected to the State Senate in 1966 and became the first full-time Legislature that same year.

Senator Alquist's legislative legacy includes serving as Chair of the Senate's Budget Committee for 15 years. His concern for California's future earthquake preparedness led him to author landmark legislation that created the state's Seismic Safety Commission and the Energy Commission. Senator Alquist spearheaded a bill that established the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and was the pioneer in leading an almost two decade effort to build a state office in San Jose, California. When the building was completed in 1983, it was named in Mr. Alquist's honor.

Senator Alquist retired from the State Legislature in 1996. He was 88 years old when he ended his tenure and made history by becoming the State Senate's longest-serving member.

Senator Alfred Ernest Alquist passed away on Monday, March 27, 2006 at the age of 97.

I had the great pleasure of being Senator Alquist's seatmate while we served together in the Senate. Senator Alquist touched the lives of many people and his legacy will remain vivid for generations to come. His genuine concern and vision for the future have all made the state of California a much better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 2120 and ask for your support of this bill. I too want to thank Chairman Goodlatte and Congressman Nunes and Congressman Cardoza for their efforts on this important piece of legislation that eventually, I think, will lead to an important part where we need to focus on comprehensive dairy policy as we look toward the 2007 farm bill.

But I rise to speak very simply about something that is complicated, that, as most of you know, is dairy policy.

Your support of this bill does not require the detailed knowledge of the myriad pacts that govern the dairy industry and demand a historical analysis of what is going on throughout the country and individual States.

S. 2120, though, is about fairness. Is it fair today in California some of the world's most productive dairymen and women are being undercut by a legal loophole between the Federal and State dairy programs that permits some dairies to skirt all the rules?

Is it fair that by exporting these programs, some dairies avoid all regulations, enabling them to sell to retailers at well below well- regulated dairies?

Is it fair that this bill, which has passed the United States Senate with

unanimous consent with overwhelming, obviously bipartisan support, has had to wait 3 years to be considered by the House?

Is it fair that one of the few dairies in this country that opposes this legislation claims he is simply using the free market system, while accepting nearly $1 million a year in Federal dairy support payments?

No, it is not fair. Your support of S. 2120 will bring fairness back to dairy farms. If we are going to ultimately craft an even-handed dairy policy throughout the country, and we have competition abroad, we need to first take this first step.

I urge you to support S. 2120.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 5, H.R. 670 and rollcall No. 6, H.R. 657 on February 8, 2006, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 7, H.R. 4297, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Dave Wood for his achievement in receiving the distinguished E. Floyd Forbes Award. This prestigious tribute is awarded to those who have proven exemplary service to the National Meat Association (NMA) and the meat and poultry industry.

Mr. Wood currently serves as the chairman of the Beef Division for Harris Ranch, Inc., a notable company who praises and recognizes his service, dedication and loyalty.

Upon graduation from California State University Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1970, Mr. Wood relocated to the San Joaquin Valley and accepted a position with Harris Ranch, Inc. With the inception of his career, Mr. Wood embarked on a campaign to expand the company's feeding division, successfully doubling cattle productivity. Mr. Wood's unwavering demeanor and strong work ethic led him to assume more responsibilities within the company; opening the floodgates for his ingenious creativity to take form. Mr. Wood's contributions to Harris Ranch, Inc., include the establishment of the Partnership for Quality (PQ) program--a marketing technique that increased Harris Ranch, Inc.'s, reputation by providing consumers with consistent, high quality beef. He also developed a line of fully-cooked premium heat and serve entrees as well as a number of fresh seasoned products to meet diversified consumer demand.

Mr. Wood's expertise goes beyond his role at Harris Ranch, Inc., with the ownership and management of Dave Wood Ranches and Wood Livestock, a cow-calf operation that is part of the Harris Ranch Partnership for Quality program. He is also co-owner of the historic Dressler Ranch near Bridgeport, California, a cattle and stocker cattle operation and he serves as a partner in Wood & Devine Cattle Co., Devine & Wood Farming, Inc., and Double D Farms.

In addition to those commitments, Mr. Wood has assumed leadership roles in several industry organizations including a member of the board of directors of Cattle-Fax, chairman of the Beef Committee and chairman of the National Meat Association's predecessor, the Western States Meat Association. He has sought other leadership opportunities including, serving as: Chairman of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, chairman of the California Beef Council, executive committees of the California Cattleman Association and United States Export Federation.

Mr. Wood's legacy of good stewardship and constant regard for upholding the industry's high standards has led him to receive several awards that recognize those efforts, including the Cattle Business of the Century Award from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award. Mr. Wood was also the recipient of the 2003 Vision Award from the National Cattlemen's Foundation, a prestigious award given to individuals whose creativity and imagination inspire others and improve the world around them.

On a personal level, he is a caring and loving father of David, who works with his father on the cattle ranch and is his pride and joy. Dave Wood is a gentleman who cares about his Country, his work and most importantly the friendships of life. Every day he tries to make a difference.

It is with great pride and honor that I join Mr. Wood's family, friends and colleagues in commending his hard work and applaud his recognition as the recipient of the E. Floyd Forbes Award. Mr. Wood's passion and commitment make him a most deserving recipient of this award and a true pillar of this industry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Donald Coleman, reporter for the California newspaper, The Fresno Bee.

Donald Coleman was a gentleman, a fine reporter and truly a person with a passion for life. For those of us who had the good fortune to know him or work with him there is now a very empty space. Personally, I will miss the times that Don and I shared together in the Tower District where he would humorously point out the flaws and shortcomings we all experience in life.

As we reflect upon a life well lived, we should rededicate ourselves to caring and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. And in that sense, Don was a good role model for all of us. Donald Coleman cared deeply about his family, his friends and the people who live in our Valley. His passion for people was an inspiration for all of us to try harder the next day. I know after seeing Don I always tried harder the next day. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ``The only way to have a friend is to be one.'' I want to thank you, Donald Coleman, for having been a friend to those of us, who had the good fortune to know you.

The following is a wonderful description of the life and times of Donald Coleman that appeared in the Fresno Bee:

Donald Coleman, the face of The Fresno Bee for many in far-

flung rural communities and a fixture in Fresno's Tower

District, died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday morning.

He was 57.

``We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of reporter

Donald Coleman. His good cheer and graciousness were well

known throughout many departments here, and he had scores of

friends in the community as well. We will not only miss Don

as a journalist, but also as a friend,'' said Charlie Waters,

executive editor of The Fresno Bee.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Mr. Coleman's Mercedes rolled into flowerpots in front of

the downtown Starbucks on Kern Street at 11:37 a.m. Police

said they found him unconscious in the front seat.

His job was covering the rural communities surrounding the

city of Fresno.

``He had a lot of concern with what was happening in these

small, poorer farming communities. His heart was out here,

and he personally was out here. He would visit. He would

write our stories,'' said Joseph Amador, a former Mendota

mayor. Colleagues recalled his extraordinary compassion,

which he sometimes masked with impish cantankerousness.

Every December, Mr. Coleman unfurled his ``Bah Humbug''

sign, a banner passed on to him years ago by a cigar-

chomping, old-time reporter. But every August, he threw a

Christmas party, complete with a tree. The price of admission

was a donation for the food banks in a season when people

often forget to donate.

He showed up to tutor first-graders at Kirk Elementary

School even if it was his day off. Tuesday mornings were his

regular visiting day.

Mr. Coleman came to journalism later in life, one of the

older students to graduate with a journalism degree from

California State University, Fresno, in 1988, the year he

started working at The Bee. Earlier in life, he was a college

football player, a seminary student, a banker, a law student

and an airline employee.

He was at times The Bee's only black news reporter.

``We discussed racial issues many times, and I learned a

great deal from him. In many ways, I think he was a

pioneer,'' said Jim Tucker, host of ``Valley Press'' and one

of Mr. Coleman's journalism professors.

Outside of work, Mr. Coleman was the consummate man about

town, friend to everyone, especially in the Tower District.

``He was the unofficial secretary of state. He knew

everyone, and everyone knew him: hairstylists, lawyers,

bartenders, professors, artists, poseurs and idiots. Don was

wonderful to everyone. The word that comes to mind is sweet.

He was the most decent guy. I don't know why he put up with

all of us,'' said longtime friend Andrew Simmons.

He was passionate about travel and family--he carried a

picture of his grandmother in his wallet. He bought lottery

tickets, planning his Jamaican escape. Bee colleagues on

Tuesday recalled his running shtick when the jackpots were

high.

``It's my last day,'' he'd say. ``Do you want to say

goodbye?''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the memory of SGT Regina Reali who lost her life defending our nation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Reali, 25, was born in Denair, California, then relocated to the central San Joaquin Valley. She was a 1999 graduate of Fresno High School and enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army in 2000. Ms. Reali's military career includes graduation from basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and advanced individual training as a civil affairs specialist at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School and Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Ms. Reali's dedication led her to receive various awards, including the: National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device, Army Service Ribbon and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge. Upon completion of training, Ms. Reali reported to her first assignment as a civil affairs specialist with the Army Reserve's 351st Civil Affairs Command, based at Mountain View. Shortly after her deployment to protect our country, Ms. Reali's leadership efforts were recognized and she was promoted to sergeant.

Unfortunately, Regina Reali's tour in Baghdad, Iraq ended when an improvised explosive device detonated near her military vehicle on the 23rd day of December 2005. In recognition of Sergeant Reali's dedication and sacrifice, she has been recommended to posthumously receive several awards that portray her strength of character, such as the: Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Combat Action Badge. Finally, Sergeant Reali was recommended to receive the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world, awarded to members of the Armed Forces who are wounded in the line of action.

Regina Reali is survived by her father Richard of Atwater and her brother and his wife Paul and Pricilla of San Diego.

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and most sincere condolences to Sergeant Reali's family.

It is my belief that SGT Regina Reali's loss symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for her country. Her humble service to our Nation demonstrates her valor, strength, courage and pride. Americans all across the Nation are indebted to Sergeant Reali for her sacrifice and her efforts to uphold the principals of democracy, which will serve as an example to all of us for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Sergeant Adrian N. Orosco who lost his life defending the freedom of our Nation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A native of Corcoran, CA, Sgt. Orosco, 26, joined the United States Army in 2001. After his 2 year service contract was completed, Mr. Orosco re-enlisted for an additional 4 years. Sgt. Orosco re-enlisted with the hopes that a career in the armed forces would provide a better life for his family and because military service provided him with the opportunity to serve his country in the most noble manner. He was then assigned to the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Irwin, California.

Unfortunately, Adrian Orosco's tour in Baghdad, Iraq ended when an improvised device detonated near his military vehicle on the 9th day of December 2005. In recognition of his sacrifice Sgt. Orosco has been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Adrian Orosco is survived by his wife, Elizabeth and their three children, Adrian, Andrew and Isabelle, all of whom reside in Fort Irwin.

I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and most sincere condolences to Sgt. Orosco's family.

It is my belief that Adrian Orosco's life symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His valor, strength, courage and pride in our Nation will forever live in the thoughts and hearts of his family and Americans across the Nation. In addition, Sgt. Orosco's dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy will serve as an example to all of us, for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Nick George Bronzan of Fresno, California. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, two daughters, Mary and Ann, and son Bruce.

Mr. Bronzan lived a life of honor, compassion and sincere loyalty to those he cared for and to the causes for which he fought.

Born in Stockton, California, Nick spent his childhood in Manteca. Upon graduation from high school, he attended California State University, Fresno and was a Bulldog academically and competitively as the captain of the Fresno State football team. Colleagues recall him as being a real leader and remember him being more interested in the condition and lives of the players than in winning the game.

After graduating from Fresno State in 1939, Mr. Bronzan spent five years as the Kerman High School coach in various sports and teaching mathematics. He worked for 4 years in the Fresno Young Men's Christian Association before becoming the executive secretary of the YMCA in Southern California. Finally settling in Fresno, Mr. Bronzan took a job as the executive director of the Central Valley YMCA in 1968.

Mr. Bronzan was a longtime advocate for youth, seniors, and foster children. He fought for the rights of those who could not fight for themselves. Not only did he work for the foster grandparents program but also served as its director. Mr. Bronzan volunteered alongside others older than 60 to work with children lacking parents and families. He was a member of the Fresno Rotary Club and was elected chairman of the Fresno-Madera Counties Service Area Task Force. His contributions helped develop the Area Agency on Aging for those two counties and in 1984 he was reappointed to the California Commission on Aging and Long-Term Care.

Mr. Bronzan served his community in more ways than one. Although his passing brings sadness to his family, Nick Bronzan's memory will forever live on in the lives of the many people he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bill Pauli for his efforts and contributions to the agricultural industry for his years of service as President of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Although Mr. Pauli is retiring, his dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of agriculture in the State of California will always remain sincerely appreciated.

Mr. Pauli's passion for agriculture led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in agricultural economics and business from the University of Nevada, Reno. He emerged through the industry as a product of some of California's most celebrated wine grapes and Bartlett pears in his home town of Potter Valley. Mr. Pauli's endeavors also led to the establishment of the award-winning Braren-Pauli and Redwood Valley Cellars.

Colleagues, friends, and family alike hail Mr. Pauli as someone who has exemplified genuine concern and dedication to the progression of American farmers. Mr. Pauli's advocacy for agricultural issues dates back to the 1970s. He stood before the United States Congress to address farm concerns and served as a member of agricultural organizations such as the State Compensation Insurance Board, North Coast Grape Growers Association and Tri Valley Growers Cooperative.

Serving as the President of the state's most active and esteemed agricultural organization, Mr. Pauli established many enduring programs that have revamped the image of the Bureau. Among them are The Farm Bureau Leadership program which has brought vibrancy to the organization. In addition, Ag in the Classroom is highly esteemed as an educational tool, and The Plan to Protect California's Family Farms has added to the Bureau's dedication to preserve the efforts of California farmers to provide the highest quality products.

In addition to his extensive profile of agricultural issues, Mr. Pauli has been an outstanding member of his commnity. He donates much of his time to protecting and ensuring the welfare of the residents of Potter Valley and serves as a volunteer chief of the Potter Valley Fire Department.

When asked what he would miss the most upon leaving his post, Mr. Pauli answered, ``The people, the opportunity to see the people, to see their farms and ranches.'' It is through the efforts of people like Bill Pauli that California is the breadbasket of the world. It is with a great pride and gratitude that I rise to thank and honor Mr. Pauli for his thirty-five years of commitment and loyalty to the citizens of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Vee-Jay Brann of Hanford, California, on the occasion of his retirement as the Kings County Director of Finance.

With over 30 years of dedicated service to Kings County, Mr. Brann has demonstrated quality leadership alongside committed service to the residents of his community and the people of California.

Named after the day on which he was born, VJ Day, Vee-Jay grew up in the small Wisconsin town of Algoma. Upon graduation from Wisconsin State University Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1968, Mr. Brann entered the United States Air Force.

The great lure of the San Joaquin Valley drew Mr. Brann and he settled in Hanford. Mr. Brann continued his career as a Job Training Specialist until he became the Assistant Treasurer/Tax Collector for Kings County. Working diligently to create a welcoming atmosphere for his superior, he as appointed to fill the post of Treasurer/Tax Collector upon her retirement in 1985. That same year, Mr. Brann was pleasantly surprised with the birth of his son David. In May 2004, Mr. Brann resigned his position as Treasurer/Tax Collector to become Kings County's first Director of Finance.

Mr. Brann has served on many professional and social committees and boards. However he is most proud of serving as president of the California Association of Treasurer/Tax Collectors and being the president of the Hanford Rotary Club.

With all of his accomplishments, Mr. Brann's greatest pride continues to be his loving wife and son, his loyal and dedicated staff and his many friends and acquaintances.

While Mr. Brann looks forward to traveling, reading or trying his hand at gourmet cooking, the residents of Hanford will always remember the charismatic Vee-Jay Brann who served the community to the best of his ability.