Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to act to improve the sad state of our nation's infrastructure.

This week is national infrastructure week, where we recognize America's infrastructure. Sadly, what we have to recognize isn't particularly positive.

This year's infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers is a ``D+.'' Sound infrastructure is literally and figuratively the foundation of our nation's economy. We must do better than a D+.

We know from our country's history that infrastructure projects move forward most effectively when local, state, and federal governments all do their part.

We, in California, are no strangers to infrastructure problems caused by a lack of investment, but we are stepping up to make crucial improvements. In my district, Merced, Madera, and Fresno counties have all increased their local sales taxes in order to pay for crucial road repairs, new roads and highways, and other essential transportation projects. Last month California enacted a bill to increase the state gas tax and vehicle fees to pay for road, bridge, and other transportation improvement projects. Clearly these tough decisions come with policy implications and political risks. This includes Governor Brown's decision to pursue high speed rail, which the President supports.

There is a reason we are no longer investing in our infrastructure, and it is lack of political will.

Now it is time for the federal government to face this challenge head on, and we know we can because we have begun the process in California.

In the Valley, we have serious challenges with our water infrastructure. We need significant improvements to our water storage, water delivery, and drinking water systems. We have taken some initial steps to resolve these challenges, by acting at the state and federal level. In 2014, California passed Proposition 1, which authorized $7.12 billion for state water infrastructure projects. Late last year, after years of hard work by myself and my colleagues in the California delegation, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, or the WIIN Act, became law. This law authorizes vital water projects across the country, including projects in the Valley, such as additional storage at the New Exchequer Dam and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County and increased funding for water recycling projects, like the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program, which will provide 50,000 acre-feet of new water for Merced and Stanislaus counties.

Although more must be done to improve California's infrastructure, this good first step demonstrates the type of success we can achieve when all levels of government work to do their part on a bipartisan basis.

President Trump has stated that significant investment in infrastructure is one of his Administration's highest priorities. This is an opportunity for Congress and the Administration to work together on a bipartisan basis to invest in the future of our nation.

But he must be more specific about the breadth and width of his vision. He needs to answer the following questions: How much will it cost? Where will the money come from? How will he incentivize state and local governments to come up with matching funds and get the private sector to invest? Equally important, what will the breakdown of investment be in the various types of infrastructure, such as transportation, port and harbor, and water infrastructure?

If the President works with members of Congress to create a serious and smart plan here, there is great possibility for bipartisan support because no bridge, road, or dam is Democratic or Republican.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to act together in a bipartisan fashion to improve the state of our Nation's infrastructure. It is long overdue.

This week is National Infrastructure Week where we recognize the challenges we face in addressing America's transportation systems, its water systems, its ports, its harbors. Sadly, what we have to recognize isn't particularly positive.

This year, the infrastructure grade that we received from America's Society of Civil Engineers, a national organization that is made up of some of the best and the brightest engineers in our country, gave our Nation a D-plus. That is not a good grade. Never has been.

As a matter of fact, this same organization has estimated that, to rectify our Nation's infrastructure, we need to invest over $1 trillion, $1 trillion of new investments, to provide the sort of transportation, water and ports and harbors, that our Nation needs and deserves.

So we must do better than a D-plus. Literally, we are living off the investments that our parents and our grandparents made a generation and two ago, and it is an aging infrastructure.

We know from our country's history that the infrastructure projects that move forward most effectively are those combined with local, State, and Federal funding; all the governments doing their part with private participation.

We, in California, are no strangers to infrastructure problems caused by a lack of investment, but we are stepping up to the plate to make the necessary crucial improvements.

In my own district, the counties that I represent, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties, have all increased their local sales tax in order to pay for crucial road repairs, new road projects, highways, and other essential transportation needs.

Last month, the California legislature enacted legislation that Governor Brown signed into law to increase the State's gas tax and vehicle fee to pay for roads, bridges, and other transportation improvement projects.

Clearly, these are tough decisions, and they come with policy implications and political risks. I mean, let's face it, it is never popular, whether it is your local, State, or Federal level, to raise taxes to pay for these much-needed improvements, but it must be done. The last time we increased the gas tax nationally was 1994.

In California, Governor Brown's decision to pursue high-speed rail, among other efforts, is a long-term commitment in the 21st century to do what is necessary to create the inner city rail and auto and air transportation, the interconnectivity that comes with that.

There is a reason why we must do this. California has 40 million people today. By the year 2030, it will have 50 million people; the sixth or seventh largest economy in the world.

So why are we not doing this on a national level? It is simple. What is lacking is the political will--the political will to come together on a bipartisan basis. Now is the time for the Federal Government to face this challenge head-on in a bipartisan fashion. And we know we can do this.

Not only has the process begun in California, but many other States across the Nation have stepped up to the plate to put in resources to rebuild their infrastructure, and we must get serious about that. President Trump has made a proposal for infrastructure, and I think we need to ensure that that infrastructure proposal also includes water.

Water is critical not just in California but in Western States and throughout the country. We need to significantly improve our water storage or water delivery and our drinking water systems. We have taken initial steps to meet these challenges by acting at the State and Federal level.

In 2014, California passed Proposition 1, which authorized $7.12 billion for water infrastructure projects. Late last year, after hard work by many of my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion, the California delegation passed the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, or the WIIN Act, that was signed by President Obama last December. This law authorized vital new water projects across the State, including, in the valley, additional storage at the New Exchequer Dam, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, as well as funding for water recycling projects like the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program, and it will provide 50,000 acre-feet of additional water for both Merced and Stanislaus Counties.

Although we have made some significant efforts to improve California's water infrastructure, this first good step indicates that we must build upon that and do more at all levels of government. That is what we must do on a bipartisan level. Let's take President Trump's suggestion and make this a bipartisan effort. This is an opportunity to invest.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the evacuation and incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II, recognized today as the Day of Remembrance. Thousands of Japanese- Americans gather on this day to mark the solemn occasion of one of the darkest moments of American history.

On February 19, 1942 President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The order allowed for forced removal and internment of anyone of Japanese descent, many of whom were American citizens and legal permanent residents. A total of 120,000 Japanese-Americans were imprisoned between 1942 and 1946. All those held were never charged with any crime, their only ``crime'' having been their cultural heritage. Innocent families were forcefully stripped of their home, jobs and livelihoods. Families were given ten days to dispose of their property and possessions, only allowed to bring what they were able to carry.

My district included two of the sixteen temporary detention centers, located at the Fresno and Merced Fairgrounds Most of the 5,344 held at the Fresno ``Assembly'' Detention Center were there for six months before being transferred to concentration camps in Arkansas. Over 4,600 people were held in the Merced ``Assembly'' Center during the spring and summer of 1942, before eventually being taken by train to a concentration camp in Colorado.

Achieving peace today requires recognizing the dark parts of our history and honoring the memory of those who were affected. Through the hard work of community members, today both the Fresno Fairgrounds and Merced Fairgrounds are home to memorials dedicated to the victims. Both sites feature plaques with the names of those who were imprisoned and stories depicting their harrowing experiences. In Fresno, the Fresno County Historical Museum features a permanent display entitled ``Japanese in the San Joaquin Valley'', highlighting those who have made significant contributions to our Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in recognizing the 75th anniversary of the evacuation and incarceration of thousands of innocent Japanese-Americans. It is both fitting and appropriate that we mark this solemn day and pay tribute to the thousands of Japanese-Americans that were imprisoned and their families, who today are staples not only in my district, but across the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mrs. Patty Simonian's 75th birthday. Patty is a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother and friend to many.

Patty Simonian was born in Merced, California to John and Mary Costa. She attended Central Union High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Peter Simonian. They would be married on August 26, 1961.

In 1971, Pete and Patty decided to go into farming for themselves, forming P. Simonian Farms. The third generation family-run farm was passed down from Patty's grandfather. Patty is proud to be one of few female organic growers in California. She was quoted as saying, ``. . . I'm outside working, irrigating and doing everything that's necessary on the ranch, with the help of my children''.

Patty is the proud mother of three children Talbert, Nanette and Peter John. She is also blessed with five grandchildren, Matthew, Jerad, Kylie, Kassidy and Caydin.

Patty is a loving and generous mother to her children and was very active in their lives when they were in school. She is now playing a similar role with her beloved grandchildren. Patty's family is the greatest source of love and pride in her life.

Patty and her husband Peter were active members of the Cabrillo Club, a Portuguese civic club that is dedicated to civic progress of Californians of Portuguese descent. Patty currently serves as the President of the Fresno chapter, a position her husband also held from 1997 through 2000.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that Patty's 75th birthday is an especially significant occasion, as Patty is my first cousin. In keeping with the Portuguese Catholic tradition, she is also my godmother.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Patty Simonian as she celebrates her 75th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Ken Fugelsang. Ken was a world-renowned enologist and professor emeritus of enology at California State University, Fresno. For more than four decades Ken shaped the wine and grape industry by expertly training students in the art of winemaking. His impact on his students and the industry will be felt for generations to come.

Kenneth Claire Fugelsang was born on December 13, 1946 in Fresno, California to Ardith and Paul Fugelsang. He attended Central High School, Fresno City College, and graduated with a degree in Biology from California State University, Fresno in 1969. He would go on to earn his master's degree in 1972.

Ken joined the Fresno State enology faculty in 1971. He and his colleagues were instrumental in the founding of the University's winery in 1997. This was the first winery licensed to produce, bottle and sell wine on a university campus in the United States. Ken trained some of the most skilled wine makers in the nation. He and his students won state, national and international awards in over 600 competitions.

During his tenure, Ken was noted for his research. He was awarded more than 50 grants and published more than 150 technical papers, 18 books and countless academic journal articles.

Ken's legacy will truly be on the impact he had on his students. He was known as a teacher, mentor and friend to many. Ken positively influenced the lives of many students with his commitment to their education and professional development.

Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years Ann, his son Jeffrey, his brother Paul and sister-in-law Cheryl.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and service of Ken Fugelsang, whose passion and service to the enology field has left a monumental impact on the lives of those he worked with. I join Fresno State and Ken's family in honoring his life. He will be truly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of Judge Armando Rodriguez. Judge Rodriguez was an influential and honorable servant to the San Joaquin Valley. He was known for being a mentor to many, never hesitating to give his time to others. The San Joaquin Valley will be forever indebted to Judge Rodriguez for his tireless efforts on behalf of the community.

Armando Rodriguez was born on October 31, 1929 to Jorge and Carmen Rodriguez. He was ninth of twelve children. His parents immigrated from Mexico, first settling in Merced, later moving to Fresno. After graduating from Edison High School, Armando married his high school sweetheart Betty Raya in 1950. During the Korean War, Judge Rodriguez served in the United States Air Force as a Morse code radio operator. Following the war, he attended Fresno State and then law school in San Francisco on the GI Bill.

Judge Rodriguez began his law career working with the Alameda County Legal Aid Society and then with the California Rural Legal Assistance in Madera before moving onto a private practice in Fresno. In 1972, he became the first Latino elected onto the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Then in 1975, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Judge Rodriguez to the Municipal Court, making him the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Fresno Municipal Court. Three years later he was elected as the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Fresno County Superior Court.

As a strong advocate for education and the arts, Judge Rodriguez and his wife Betty, continually worked to make advances in the community. In honor of his wife's passing, he created a memorial scholarship fund to aid local college students. In addition, he and his wife were two of the founders of Arte Americas. To support the cultural arts, he contributed generous donations, engaged in community service, and personally refinanced the building's mortgage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Judge Armando Rodriguez, whose generosity and unending dedication to the community will be greatly missed. Judge Rodriguez's memory will live on through the contributions he made to our Valley. It is my honor to join his family and many friends in celebrating his impactful life, which will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Emile Haddad for receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. Recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor are individuals who embody American ideals such as patriotism, diversity, and tolerance. Receiving such an honor is well deserved by a man who embraces American principles while upholding his traditions of ethnic heritage.

Mr. Haddad was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon prior to the beginning of the civil war. In his early years, Mr. Haddad attended American University in Beirut, where he studied to become a civil engineer. As a young professional in a country of instability, Mr. Haddad made a courageous decision to flee his homeland to start a new life in the United States of America. On March 3, 1986, Mr. Haddad and his now wife Dina, along with other family members, made their way to Ventura, California to join his younger brother and begin a new life.

Beginning as a construction worker, and after multiple jobs, Mr. Haddad developed a passion for homebuilding and land-development. With an established career and now Chairman and CEO of Five Point Holdings LLC, the largest builder of mixed-used, master-planned communities in California, Mr. Haddad has helped redefine the unique global vision of twenty-first century communities for thousands of Californians.

Mr. Haddad's inspiration for his work stems from his fundamental importance on a strong family unit. Married and a proud father of two now adult children, the communities Mr. Haddad builds reflect his vision for helping people live, work, play, and connect with one another. Additionally, his visions drive his commitment to education, which is why he serves on the advisory and leadership boards of four major institutions of higher learning: The University of California, Irvine, University of California, Berkeley, Claremont Graduate University, and the University of Southern California. To further his impact, Mr. Haddad's charitable giving also reflects his beliefs in giving back to the community. Over the years, he has received multiple personal honors, notably the Father-of-the-Year award from the American Diabetes Association and the Man of Character award from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Haddad continues to leave an influential mark as he remembers his journey to America and the path he has taken towards success.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the lifelong achievements of Mr. Haddad. I congratulate Mr. Emile Haddad for this great achievement and ask that you join me in wishing him and his family continued prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Pastor Lawrence Binion Sr. and his wife, Valarie Jean Metoyer Binion, as they celebrate 40 years of service as Senior Pastor and First Lady at West Side Church of God in Fresno, California. Residing in Fresno since 1977, Pastor Binion and Lady Binion have been a blessing to our Valley, and have dedicated their lives to serving others and bettering our community.

Born in Fairfield, Alabama, Pastor Binion eventually moved to Los Angeles, California where he later met his wife, Valarie. He is a graduate of Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California State University, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor's Degree in History, Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master's Degree in Divinity, and was conferred the Doctor of Divinity by the Southern California School of Ministry.

Following his education, Pastor Binion moved to Fresno, California, becoming the Senior Pastor of Westside Church of God. One year later, he married the love of his life, Valarie Jean Metoyer, who continued her education in the Central Valley. Lady Binion is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Organization Development, and served our community as an employee of Fresno Unified School District until retiring in 2013.

Pastor Binion and Lady Binion have dedicated their lives to serving our Valley with a passion for serving the Lord and bettering the community. Pastor Binion is known for being a Pastor of Pastors, advising numerous individuals, ministries, and organizations in our city and throughout the Central Valley. He has been a member of various community organizations dedicated to improving our community, including West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, West Fresno Healthcare Coalition, City of Fresno Police Advisory Council, and the Central California Prison Fellowship, to name a few. He is also the founder and chairman of Southwest Fresno Development Corporation; an organization dedicated to promoting economic development in West Fresno.

Lady Binion has spent the last 38 years serving Westside Church alongside her husband, assisting him in ministry and serving as the Minister of Music and Worship Arts. Like her husband, she has also served with several organizations for the betterment of our community, including Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life, Feed Fresno Food Giveaways, and the West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Binion and Lady Binion, whose passion, kind hearts, and selfless service have made an instrumental impact on the lives of those in our Central Valley communities. I join the community in honoring Pastor Lawrence Binion Sr. and First Lady Valarie Jean Metoyer Binion for their contributions and devotion to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center in Merced as this year's recipient of the Merced College President's Medallion. Dignity Health is one of the largest health systems in the nation, with 400 care sites across a 22 state network, including 39 hospitals. Through teamwork, innovation, faith and compassion, they strive to keep every patient happy and healthy. The Mercy Medical Center in Merced has provided a resource for all its residents by enhancing and creating the health care system of the future.

Founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, The Sisters of Mercy promised to serve people who suffered from sickness, poverty, and lack of education. After arriving in San Francisco, California in 1854, eight Sisters began to care for residents of a city who were struck by cholera, typhoid and influenza and founded St. Mary's Hospital, which is the oldest continuously operating hospital in the city. These facilities later expanded and were renamed to Catholic Healthcare West in order to serve a growing population, while still maintaining their vow to serve the community, and keeping a respect for humanity at the forefront of modern medicine. In 2012, Catholic Healthcare West changed their name to Dignity Health, demonstrating the respect and promise to provide health care and helping everyone achieve healthy and meaningful lives.

Although Dignity Health's headquarters are in San Francisco, their commitment to provide health care for everyone and their compassion towards their patients continues to be demonstrated throughout the nation and in Merced. In the fall of 1999, two hospitals in Merced County began discussions with the intent of finding the best direction to meet the health care needs of their citizens. They agreed to build a single hospital, Mercy Medical Center, to support the addition of more advanced medical services that were not available locally. Thanks to this expansion, not only were they able to bring more resources to the area, but also recruit additional clinical and medical staff to the Merced region as well.

Mercy doctors, employees, and volunteers have consistently met the health care needs of all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances. With the newest Mercy Medical Center established in 2012, I look forward to witnessing the benefits that it will bring to Merced and its surrounding communities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the achievements of Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center. Their long history has exhibited the dedication that they have in caring for all patients, and has demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives of Merced's students in the future. For these reasons, it is fitting and appropriate that Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center receives the President's Medallion from Merced College; one of their highest honors and most distinct privileges. I know the service they provide will inspire future generations who wish to work in the medical and health care field to deliver the same quality and excellence that community members have come to appreciate, and rely upon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Armenian community in commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire began committing atrocities that would result in the first genocide of the 20th century. Between 1915 and 1923, 1\1/2\ million Armenians were systematically deported from their homes and sent to their death on marches through the Syrian Desert. That is a fact.

My district, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, is the land of William Saroyan and the resting place of Soghomon Terlirian, a hero of the Armenian people. It is also home to the only Armenian genocide monument on a college campus in the Nation at Fresno State University, my alma mater. It is a campus that has a storied Armenian Studies program known throughout the country and is a sister university to the American University of Armenia.

The San Joaquin Valley of California is also one of the earliest settling places for thousands of survivors and their families as part of the diaspora as a result of the genocide. Many still live there today and call the valley their home.

I was honored to visit Armenia this past year to meet with its people and leaders. I was truly humbled to visit the Armenian genocide memorial in Yerevan. We have seen religious and civic leaders from all around the world recognize the Armenian genocide and ensure that this tragedy is never ever forgotten.

I am very disappointed and saddened that another year has passed without the President of the United States or the Congress recognizing the events of 1915 as genocide. We cannot move forward free of genocide without recognizing the first genocide of the 20th century. So I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing the lives of 1\1/2\ million victims and their families.

It is always said that now is not the right time because of our relationship with Turkey as they become, like this country, less democratic as a result of recent elections. I reject that view. If we do not recognize the genocide now, then when?

I stand with Armenians all over the world to say ``menk' ch'yenk' morranum.'' We will not forget.

Recognizing Paul Jamushian

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and advocacy of Mr. Paul Jamushian, as the 16th Congressional District's Hero of the Month in California.

As a descendant of both martyrs and survivors of the Armenian genocide, Paul has been an advocate for the Armenian cause and for genocide recognition for over 50 years. As a member of the Armenian National Committee of America, he has led efforts throughout the country to advocate and educate residents and people of the atrocities of 1915.

I have been proud to call Paul a friend and a partner in what has been a mutual commitment to ensure that the Armenian genocide is never forgotten. His efforts have led to the Armenian genocide being formally recognized by numerous cities, counties, and State governing bodies.

While in my district, his efforts, along with those of numerous others in the Armenian community, have led to this beautiful Armenian genocide monument on the campus of Fresno State University as you see here.

Paul is the embodiment of the community of Armenian Americans throughout the country who have not only survived, but have gone on to thrive post-genocide and contribute time and time again to our country. It is my honor to recognize Paul as the Hero of the Month for the 16th Congressional District in California this month, especially during this week of remembrance for the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide.

Let us never ever forget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Sikh community in celebrating Vaisakhi. In the San Joaquin Valley, I have the honor and the privilege to represent many diverse ethnic communities that are part of the mosaic of America.

The Sikh community is the American story, for they are the story of immigrants past and immigrants present that have come from all over the world to establish themselves as Americans and to build a better life for themselves and their family and add value to our country. So I am very proud, among so many ethnic groups, to be representing their interests here in our Nation's Capital.

On April 14, Vaisakhi is recognized by the Sikhs around the world, including thousands in California's San Joaquin Valley. On Vaisakhi, the Sikh

community celebrates a new year and new beginnings. We honored the progress of the Sikh community that first came to California at the turn of the 20th century for their shared values, their family, their history, and the culture of Sikhism.

This holiday also recognizes the best of what all cultures strive for, and it is time that we celebrate the common bonds that we share as Americans. Notwithstanding our differences, we know at the end of the day that bonds that we as Americans share are far stronger than whatever differences we may have.

So I ask my colleagues to please join in celebrating this special tradition in the Sikh community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bishop Joseph J. Madera, who passed away on January 21, 2017 at age 89. Bishop Madera was a loving son, brother, and leader of the Central California Catholic community, who was called ``the people's bishop'' by those he served.

Born on November 27, 1927, Bishop Madera was raised in Mexico. He entered the seminary at age 15, studying priesthood in Coyoacan, a neighborhood in Mexico City. After being ordained on June 15, 1957, Bishop Madera was sent to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles where there was a need for priests who understood the needs of Catholics of Mexican decent. He served in Los Angeles for 15 years until 1976, when he became a pastor in Fowler in the San Joaquin Valley. Four years later, in 1980, he was ordained bishop for the Diocese of Fresno.

While Bishop of Fresno, Bishop Madera created specialized ministries for families and youth, and became very involved in the Hispanic community. He started an education television station in Fresno to spread his message on Catholicism, which would later become Channel 49 (KNXT). In 1991, Bishop Madera became an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Service until his retirement in 2004.

Bishop Madera was lcnown as the bishop for the people. He had a passion for getting to know all his worshippers, and always wanted to be actively involved in the community. He was the first Hispanic to lead a California diocese since 1896, overseeing eight counties of 348,300 Catholics, half of whom were Hispanic. Bishop Madera spoke four languages, and was unique amongst other Bishops in the United States because he was from a Mexican background.

Bishop Madera is survived by his sister Carmelita and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and service of Bishop Madera, whose passion, selfless service, and kind heart made an instrumental impact on the lives of those in the Valley. His humble nature and great character is something to be remembered. I join the Catholic and Hispanic community in honoring his life, his love for his worshippers, and passion for making a difference. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Valadao, to honor the life of one of Fresno's greatest journalists, John Wallace, who passed away on March 27, 2017 at the age of 71. John was a kind, generous, and humble man who kept the Valley informed on current events as a TV news anchor for more than 40 years.

Before his career as a TV anchor, John played baseball at the University of Arizona in the early 1960's, followed by his service in the United States Marine Corps. He began his broadcast and journalism career in 1969, joining the news staff at KYNO radio in Fresno. In

1975, he became a TV news anchor at ABC30 (KFSN) until 1987, when he joined CBS47 (KGPE) as an anchor for the evening news.

In addition to his journalism career, John's love for sports was a large part of his life. He was the public address announcer for the California League's Fresno Giants baseball team. He served on the board of the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, was president of the Fresno State Timeout Club, and spent four decades working with the Bulldog Foundation at Fresno State, serving as President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In 2014, he received the Harold S. Zinkin, Sr. Award by the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions, and was inducted into the Clovis Centennial Hall of Fame.

John was a loyal community supporter who championed for local organizations. He was a friend and an inspiration to many, and had a contagious enthusiasm for life. He was very active in the community, serving on the board of the WestCare Foundation and volunteering with Break the Barriers and Valley Children's Hospital.

John will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and the entire community. He is survived by his wife Cheri; children Cass Dilfer, Cameron Weishaar, Paige Wise, Carson Franzman, Taylor Franzman; and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao and me in paying tribute to the life and service of John Wallace, whose curiosity for recent events and passion for the community kept the Valley informed on our nation's news for more than four decades. I join the Fresno community in honoring his life and his passion for making a difference. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Mitch Lasgoity, of Madera, California for being recognized as the 2017 Senior Farmer of the Year by the Madera District Chamber of Commerce. Receiving such an honor is well deserved by this hard working and humble man.

Mitch was born in Madera, California on April 11, 1930. His father, Jean Lasgoity immigrated to the United States from the Basque country of France, where he was a sheep herder. After settling in Madera, Jean married Jennie Ospital in 1928 and they started their sheep livestock business on the plot of land Jennie grew up on.

Growing up on this family farm business, Mitch learned from a very young age, the skills it would take to become a successful farmer. Even as a young boy, Mitch was trusted to help around the farm, from prepping chickens for dinner to raising hogs to sell to a meat company. As he got older, he became more involved in raising ewes into lambs, refining the skills needed in the sheep business. By the age of ten, Mitch could fully operate and drive a tractor and began doing summer work operating a grain harvester at the age of 15.

After graduating from Madera Union High School, Mitch went on to attend Santa Clara University, graduating with a degree in business in 1952. After college, Mitch partnered with his father in the sheep business. Later, at the age of 26, he bought the farm from his father and officially became self-employed.

In 1957, Mitch married Rosemary Mastrofini, who gave birth to their four children, Michel, Monica, James and John. While raising a family, Mitch was determined to expand and refine his business with the help and support of his wife, Rosemary. In no time, Mitch had an outfit of 5,000 ewes and expanded their grazing territory to Joe and Bob Heguy's ranch in Elko County, Nevada. In addition, Mitch partnered with Rosemary's uncle, Herb Buchenau, and together they created Copper Sheep Company in Ely, Nevada, where they had 10,000 ewes and 500 cows. Not stopping there, Mitch bought his first ranch, the Collins Ranch, in 1967 near Eastman Lake. Around this time he also began to farm a 320 acre ranch within Western Madera County. From then on, Mitch decided to expand his agriculture business to the best of his abilities. He has since diversified to producing almonds, grapes, wine and cattle. Now farming 3,500 acres, and owning a cattle operation which grazes over 33,000 acres, Mitch has shown what true hard work and dedication can achieve in the farming and agriculture industry.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating and honoring Mitch Lasgoity for this prestigious award as 2017 Senior Farmer of the Year. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Mitch for his commitment to the farming industry and outstanding accomplishments. I ask that you join me in wishing Mr. Mitch Lasgoity continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Joan L. Voris, who passed away on February 11, 2017. Joan was an incredibly hard worker who dedicated her life to bettering the lives of others. Through her leadership as Associate Dean of the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program she touched the lives of many that had the pleasure of knowing her. The passing of Dr. Voris has left a void in the Central Valley.

Dr. Voris was born on August 5, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, and lived much of her young life in Belmont, California. She then went on to earn her undergraduate and medical degree at Stanford University. She moved to Fresno in 1971, with her late husband Zirno Bezmalinovic, and dedicated the rest of her life to improving the central San Joaquin Valley.

In 1980, Dr. Voris started her career at the Children's Clinic at Valley Medical Center. This center cared for children who were predominately low income. Coinciding, Dr. Voris

began her residency program, pulling all-nighters to get training so she could be an expert in her field. In 1990, she became a member of the UCSF Fresno faculty, and then became president of the medical staff at Valley Medical Center in 1996. Dr. Voris was integral in helping facilitate the transition of the medical education program to the Community Medical Center, which cared for indigent patients.

Dr. Voris lived an incredible life and she utilized her passion for medicine to help others long before she became a Dean. Dr. Voris contributed her summers to providing care to children in rural Mexico, which is something she was able to share with her husband, as he did similar work in Bolivia.

In 2002, Dr. Voris became Associate Dean of the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program. During her service, she successfully increased the number of faculty from 77 to 229, as well as increased the number of residents and fellows trained annually by 70 percent. She not only helped her patients directly but helped protect future patients by ensuring that residents were well trained.

Dr. Voris' accomplishments and contributions to the Valley have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was recognized as one of the Top Ten Professional Women by the Marjorie Mason Center, and in 2012 she was awarded the Physician Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fresno-Madera Medical Society. Dr. Voris ended her term as the longest-serving associate dean in its history.

She is survived by her children, Beatrice Bezmalinovic-Dhebar and husband Anirudh Dhebar of Wellesley, MA, Margaret Bezmalinovic of Sacramento, CA, and John Bezmalinovic and wife Tracy of Fresno, CA; and grandchildren, Mia Bezmalinovic, Arun Dhebar, and Chetan Dhebar. It is my honor to join Dr. Voris' family in celebrating the life of this inspirational and hardworking woman. She truly led by example and improved the lives of others throughout her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Joan Voris, whose expertise and generosity will be truly missed.