Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Community Action Partnership

of Madera County (CAPMC), Victims Service Center for the tremendous efforts they have made to help crime victims in Madera County.

CAPMC operates a multi program victim service center for Madera County that addresses the needs of victims of all crime types including: domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homicide. CAPMC's broad range of services greatly benefits the population that they serve. In one agency, individuals can apply for a restraining order and at the same time, request shelter. Since CAPMC has all of their programs under one center, they reduce the barriers that sometimes prevent victims from accessing services. In addition, CAPMC is the only agency in Madera County that provides 24 hour crisis intervention to crime victims.

CAPMC operates the Martha Diaz Shelter, the only shelter in Madera County for battered women and their children to seek immediate safety when fleeing from abusive relationships. Women and children are provided supplies for their immediate needs including: food, medicine, toiletries, and transportation. CAPMC strives to protect families from experiencing further abuse by informing them of their rights as crime victims and advocating for their safety. Each year, they provide a safe haven for over one hundred women and children experiencing domestic violence.

In 2013, CAPMC achieved national accreditation by the National Children's Alliance (NCA), and they are now recognized as the Accredited Child Abuse Center for Madera County. CAPMC received their accreditation based on their utilization of a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment. CAPMC worked diligently with law enforcement, social services, the district attorney's office, health services, and hospitals to ensure that they received the national accreditation.

Each year, CAPMC serves an average of 112 child abuse victims. CAPMC strives to provide an immediate response that identifies the victim's needs and reduces the level of trauma. They operate an aftercare program for child abuse victims and their caretakers to seek therapy, so they have a safe place to talk about their most horrifying experiences. Every family is assigned an advocate to ensure that their rights as crime victims are enforced.

As a founding member and co-chairman of the Victims' Rights Caucus, it is my honor to recognize the good work of CAPMC and to thank the board members of CAPMC for their support and activism. These individuals sincerely care about victims' rights and helping those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Victims Service Center for their efforts on behalf of crime victims. They have truly made a difference throughout the region and will continue to do so for many decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Tony Coelho. Tony, a former U.S. Congressman, has led a life devoted to public service, and he deserves to be commended for all of his efforts in making the Central Valley as well as our nation a better place.

Tony was born and raised in Merced County. He grew up in a Portuguese immigrant family and learned the value of hard work helping on his family's dairy farm. Obtaining a college education was a priority for Tony, so he moved to Southern California to attend Loyola University of Los Angeles. In 1964, he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree. He hoped to study for the priesthood, but his plans were interrupted when he was diagnosed with epilepsy, and canon law in the Catholic Church precluded anyone with epilepsy from entering the priesthood. He ultimately found a new ministry--public service--and it took him to Washington, DC.

Tony served as a staff member for Congressman Bernie Sisk for 13 years, ultimately becoming his Chief of Staff. As staff, Tony honed his political skills and his knowledge of water and agricultural issues in the Central Valley. When Congressman Sisk announced his retirement, Tony ran to succeed him and won the seat in 1978.

After serving just one term in office, in 1981, Tony was selected to be chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee whose main job was to help get Democrats elected to Congress. He professionalized the campaign committee raising more money than had ever been raised before from traditionally Republican interests as well as Democratic interests to support worthy Democratic candidates. He also developed the permanent infrastructure comprised of pollsters, speech writers, and fundraising staff to enable Democrats to be competitive in races. Due to his success, in 1986, Tony was the first- elected House Majority Whip, third in line to the House Speakership. As Majority Whip, Tony secured the votes needed to pass the Democratic legislative agenda.

One of Tony's greatest accomplishments in Congress was serving as the primary sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation has provided people with disabilities equal access to employment, public facilities, and transportation and has made it possible for them to become a full participating member of society. Since the passage of the law in 1990, millions of Americans have found employment that had previously known only discrimination. It is considered the most important piece of civil rights legislation in the past 30 years.

Although Tony resigned from Congress in 1989, he continued to dedicate time to public service and has remained deeply committed to his work in the disabilities movement. For many years, Tony has worked closely with the Epilepsy Foundation of America, serving as a national spokesperson, Board President, and fundraiser. He was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, and Vice Chair of the National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities as well as Co-Chair to the U.S. Census Monitoring Board. Tony also served as the U.S. Commissioner General to the 1998 World Exposition in Lisbon, Portugal.

Tony also has stayed very active politically. In 2000, he served as chairman of the Gore presidential campaign and continues to serve as an informal adviser to numerous Members of Congress and elected officials at all levels of government.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize a mentor and friend to many of us, Tony Coelho. He has made a lasting difference in our nation, and we must thank him for his unwavering commitment and service.

Madam Speaker, this week is National Crime Victims' Rights Week; therefore, it is appropriate that we raise the awareness of survivors' challenges and the advocates who help rebuild their lives.

In the face of a victim's trauma, there are countless individuals across the Nation committed to making things right, such as the incredible staff at the Community Action Partnership of Madera County, which I represent.

As cochair of the Victims' Rights Caucus, I will have the honor tomorrow of presenting the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy.

Programs operated by the Community Action Partnership have met all types of crime victims' needs and reduced the barriers that sometimes prevent victims from accessing services that are so important.

In addition, individuals like Darius Assemi and his family have shared time and treasure to construct the Marjaree Mason Center in Clovis, which is a 24-hour safe haven for women and children.

Each of us has a voice that can speak out against violence and listen to those who have suffered as a result of violence. We can all do our part--and we all should. Until the day when there are no more victims, we will all be with those who have suffered.

Madam Speaker, as a cochairman of the Crime Victims Caucus, along with our good friend and colleague Congressman Ted Poe, our caucus wants to join in this effort to say ``no more.'' The Crime Victims Caucus is active in a host of different areas, and this is one that deserves our attention.

As we mark the National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we must remember that every day millions are struggling with the aftermath of sexual assault. We remember the survivors, and we honor the advocates who support them.

Awareness and action can help end the cycle of sexual assault and domestic violence. One in five women in this country, sadly, are raped over the course of their lifetime, and half of all women will experience some type of sexual assault. These are horrific, horrific numbers. These are our sisters, our mothers, and our wives.

We must act. Millions of victims are not receiving the assistance they need, and Congress must act. A national survey in 2013 showed that 75 percent of the rape crisis centers have lost funding, resulting in layoffs and reduced services and program closures when, in fact, we need 24/7 service for this very, very important matter. Those numbers mean communities with shuttered emergency shelters that could have helped women and men find safe haven are no longer available. We must do better.

That is why, I along with many of my colleagues here today, are fighting to raise the cap on the Crime Victims Fund that is one of the top priorities of the Victims' Rights Caucus. More than 80 Members of Congress signed our bipartisan legislation. Congressman Ted Poe and I carried a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging them to raise the cap to $1.5 billion from its current level of $745 million. This fund is oversubscribed.

The fact of the matter is this fund does not contain one ounce of taxpayer dollars. It is, in fact, ill-gotten gains by criminals of all kinds in which those ill-gotten gains are confiscated and placed in this restitution fund that President Reagan signed into law in 1981 with then a Democratic-controlled Congress. So we must raise these funds.

The Crime Victims Fund provides money for our domestic violence shelters that provide shelter for families and women and children who are victims of domestic violence. It funds rape crisis centers and child abuse treatment centers and programs.

We must fund the rape prevention and education fund that provides moneys to our States in order to support this very important issue of rape prevention and education programs conducted by these rape crisis centers, sexual assault coalitions, and other nonprofit organizations that are attempting to educate to help to assist and to be there when these victims are violated by this most horrific crime.

Awareness, education, and empowerment, we all have a role to play in combating the sexual assault. That is why we are honoring those this month. Until we eliminate sexual assault and domestic violence and rape, we must continue to educate people on where to seek help when tragedy strikes. Survivors must know that they are not alone, and it is not their fault, and that there is help and that we care so that they can come out of the shadows and live a productive life.

In closing, it is our job and solemn promise here in Congress to guarantee that there is help for every victim in our country. ``No more'' to sexual assault.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 149, 150, 151, weather issues in California caused me to miss my flight. Therefore I did not arrive in Washington, DC until late in the evening. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``yes''.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise as I do every year in recognition of the anniversary of the pogroms aqainst the people of Armenian descent in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. On February 27, 1988, anti- Armenian forces began killing Armenians and driving them from their homes. Scores of Armenians were killed, hundreds were wounded, and thousands were left as refugees without their homes or livelihoods. The violence went on for three days as Armenian women and girls were viciously raped.

Days before this massacre, the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh began peacefully protesting against the Soviet Azerbaijani oppression and discrimination. From this peaceful protest and the fires of the pogroms arose the spark that started the democracy movement that ultimately brought down the Soviet Empire.

Sadly, anti-Armenian rhetoric and cross-border attacks continue at the hands of the Azerbaijani government. Azerbaijan has consistently obstructed the peace process, walked away from its own agreements, and continued to threaten war. This is unacceptable, and the violence and harmful words must come to an end.

Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in remembrance of the Sumgait pogroms, in support of a true and lasting peace in the region, and in recognition of the contributions of Armenian Americans to the San Joaquin Valley I call home and the entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Infausto as he retires after 43 years of public service as a police reserve officer. Joe's commitment and dedication to serving his community deserves to be commended.

Joe began his career in law enforcement in 1970 with the Clovis Police Department Auxiliary Unit. In 1977, he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminology from California State University, Fresno. That same year, Joe was transferred to the Fresno Police Department Reserve Unit where he served for 36 years.

As a reserve officer, Joe was a citizen volunteer who donated his time and energy to help make Fresno a better place. Throughout his law enforcement career, Joe received numerous commendations for his service and professionalism, including achieving the rank of Lieutenant in 1999.

Joe's dedication to the security of his community was not only exemplified through his service but also through the establishment of his small business, BESTEC Security in 1983.

BESTEC Security provided state of the art security systems and equipment to individuals and families throughout the Central Valley for 23 years. Joe sold the business in 2006 and continued to serve as a Fresno Police Department Reserve Officer.

Prior to leaving the Reserve Unit, Joe was assigned to the Mounted Unit, where he continued to carry out his duty to protect and serve the citizens of Fresno while on horseback.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Joe Infausto as he celebrates his retirement from the Fresno Police Reserve Unit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert ``Harry'' Rogers who passed away on January 16, 2014, at the age of 84. As the founder of Rogers Helicopters Inc., Harry saved countless lives in firefighting, salvage, and search and rescue operations. His kind heart, talent, and tireless service to the Central Valley will be greatly missed.

Harry was born on March 28, 1929, in Clovis, California. As a child, Harry dreamed of flying and was inspired by his father, Robert, as well as other local pilots.

After graduating from Clovis High School in 1947, Harry attempted to join the Air Force but was unable to do so because of an injury he suffered while playing football in high school. However, this setback did not stop Harry from following his dream to fly and serve others. After attending Reedley College, Harry worked as a pilot and mechanic for several helicopter companies before founding his own operation.

In 1962, Harry and his wife, Wanda, founded Rogers Helicopters Inc. in Clovis. The operation remained in Clovis for three decades before moving to Fresno Yosemite International airport. Over the years, Harry and his pilots flew tens of thousands of hours in operations throughout the state of California.

Harry was an authority on flying in the Sierras, which is characterized by treacherous summer winds, icing in the winter, and few places to make emergency landings.

Many people relied on Harry's expertise and services including sheriff's deputies, park rangers, and search and rescue crews. Harry and his choppers worked tirelessly to rescue and recover stranded hikers and climbers, investigate wildfires and mountain utility lines, and transport emergency supplies to the needy.

Harry exemplified selflessness and was always dedicated to helping others. In 1965, the U.S. Army awarded Harry with a citation for flying in dangerous weather to deliver supplies to flood victims in Northern California. In one incident, Harry's chopper crashed in a river canyon, and Harry was quick to rescue his passengers seconds before the aircraft exploded.

In 1969, Harry achieved the tremendous feat of being the first person to land on top of Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the continental United States.

In his spare time, Harry liked to share his passion for flying with others. In the 1960s and 70s, Harry often took Clovis High School cheerleaders for a ride before dropping them off on the football field. Throughout his career, Harry regularly flew news crews over the Central Valley so they could photograph the beautiful scenery and was especially partial toward the Kings River in Fresno.

Harry cherished his time with family and friends. He was a devoted husband to Wanda, a loving father to his sons, Rory and Robin, and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Robby and Randy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Robert ``Harry'' Rogers, a Central Valley pioneer in rotary-wing aviation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of CPL. Thomas Jefferson Johnson and also honor the service of his son, Kevin Johnson. In 1944, Cpl. Johnson was killed in action during the invasion of Guam. Two years after his passing, Cpl. Johnson was buried by his loved ones, but it was without all the honors he deserved. On January 20, 2014, Kevin Johnson along with the Am Vets in Tulare, California gave Cpl. Johnson the funeral ceremony he rightly deserves. Cpl. Johnson was a source of pride for our Nation, and his service to our country must be honored.

Kevin Johnson was born in Oklahoma, but when the family farm was wiped out in a flood, the entire Johnson family moved to Chowchilla, California, where his father bought a small farm. The last time Mr. Johnson saw his father was in Oklahoma while they were visiting family before he left to the Pacific Theater. Without a father, Mr. Johnson was raised by his mother and grandparents.

After graduating from Tulare Union High, Mr. Johnson joined the military as his father did decades before. He was assigned to an Army Special Forces unit sent into the Vietnam jungle.

Mr. Johnson is a proud member of Am Vets in Tulare. They have been performing the military ceremony at veterans' funerals since 1963. The volunteer honor guard includes 13 men, and they perform 120 graveside services a year. Mr. Johnson and the men he serves with have the privilege to honor hundreds of brave men and women who fought for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of CPL. Thomas Jefferson Johnson as he is remembered and honored during the funeral ceremony that is long overdue. We also must recognize the bravery and service of his son, Mr. Kevin Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe Levy who passed away on February 10, 2014, at the age of 82. Joe was a pillar in the community, and his support, dedication, and commitment to the success of the City of Fresno will be greatly missed.

Joe was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from Fresno High School, he attended the University of Southern California. He then went on to work in Des Moines, Iowa, for Younker's department store. In 1956, Joe's journey with Gottschalks began. When he joined the company in 1956, Gottschalks had one store in Downtown Fresno. Under Joe's leadership as CEO and Chairman, the company grew to 80 stores.

Joe was a savvy businessman, but his success was attributed to more than just knowing how to run a business. His understanding and compassion for others were significant traits that contributed to Joe's accomplishments. He truly cared for his employees, and during a time when it was a contentious issue, Joe was a strong advocate for women's advancement in the workplace.

Joe helped shape the Valley's business community, but his influence spread to all sectors of the region. His advocacy led to building California's Highway 41, and he was a tireless supporter of Measure C, which helped pay for segments of Highways 41, 168, and 180. Joe was also devoted to the revitalization of Downtown Fresno. He was an active member in the Downtown Association, and he understood the importance of a prospering downtown hub in order to have a thriving economy in the City of Fresno. In addition, Joe served as President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.

In 1954, Joe married the love of his life, Sharon. They would have been married 60 years this week. Joe and Sharon shared a love for their community. They raised three children: Felicia, Jody, and Bret. Joe's children, nine grandchildren, relatives, and friends will always have a special place in their heart for Joe. Every day he demonstrated the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life of Joe Levy. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely live on in the City of Fresno.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Hubert Walsh, known to many as ``Hub,'' who passed away on February 10, 2014, at the age of 89. Hub's service to our nation and his contributions to the community of Merced are countless and deeply appreciated.

Born January 16, 1925, in Blue Ridge, Texas, Hub was the youngest of eight children. Hub worked hard to help make ends meet for his single mother and his siblings by working on farms and picking cotton. In 1943, he graduated from Anna High School and enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country in World War II. After three years of service in France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland and Central Europe, Mr. Walsh was honorably discharged in January 1946. Not long after his discharge, Hub enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served in historic operations, including the Berlin Air Lift, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War.

In 1946, Hub met his future wife, Mary Elizabeth Worthen, while stationed in Rockwell, New Mexico. They met over the Thanksgiving holiday while traveling on the same bus to visit their respective families, and soon they began dating. One day after Christmas in 1947, they married and spent the next 63 years together. Hub and Mary had three children together and lived in 20 homes in six states, finally settling in the Central Valley.

After retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1969, Mr. Walsh attended Merced College and Stanislaus State University. Hub was a dedicated servant of the local community of Merced, where he worked as a substitute teacher for Merced City Schools and Merced High School. In addition, he was a devout Christian and served as a deacon in the Southern Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Hubert Walsh. He was a pillar of our community who will be greatly missed.

I want to thank the ranking member of the subcommittee for giving me an opportunity to speak on this measure.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this bill despite my reservations about the bill's prospects in the Senate. Over the years, I have supported a number of the provisions and goals within this legislation, but many of them will not offer much, if any, immediate relief unless we see Biblical proportions of rainfall taking place in California during the next 6 weeks.

As California is in the midst of the worst drought on record, reservoirs are at record lows, and we have 13 percent of our average snow pack, people in my district deserve an effort that deals with the current realities that can offer help.

No one has done more over 30 years working in Sacramento and in Washington than I have to provide water not only for our valley but for the entire State, and to ensure that we have a long-term supply. Unfortunately, too many folks on both sides of the aisle have kicked this can down the road.

As much as I think a number of reforms in this bill are long overdue and some of the policy decisions have increased, frankly, the damage of the current drought conditions, we all have to recognize that in California and in Western States today, we are in a triage situation.

There are many things that we must do in the long term to increase our water supply and fix our broken water system in California. But, immediately, we have to figure out how we can move water, the scarce resource where it is, if, in fact, we do get some additional rainfall.

This is not about political points. It is about mitigating the human impact of people--people--living in 17 water districts that in 30 to 60 days will no longer be able to provide drinking water for themselves. New ideas, new and immediate relief should be offered, not a rehashing of the old political battles.

Last week, we saw what can happen in California when the entire valley delegation, working together on a bipartisan basis with Senators Feinstein and Boxer, asked the Bureau of Reclamation to honor the carryover water that had been provided by those farmers who saved it last year. In fact, we were able to maintain that water this year. It is a lifeline. The Bureau and the administration heard our united calls loud and clear, and they made a fair decision to allow farmers in the valley to keep water that otherwise would have been confiscated.

We need more of these kinds of efforts, which is why I offered an amendment yesterday to create a joint committee to bring us together to deal with these short and long-term challenges. This effort is important since right now we seem to be talking past one another and feuding in editorial pages across the State rather than finding the common ground that we need.

Although leadership chose not to bring my amendment up for a vote, I think we have to be open to getting down to brass tacks at some point in time, because it is the only way we are going to solve these problems--on a bipartisan basis. Solutions to our water problems are not and should not be partisan. Traditionally, they have been regional, and I can tell you where all the political fault lines lie. They are deep, and they are historic. It is time for cooler heads to prevail.

This is not about political points. It is about people who could lose their jobs in the drought. It is about the dairy producer who might soon have to consider selling the dairy their grandfather started. It is about farmworkers who might soon find themselves in food lines instead of helping produce some of the most productive crops in the world. It is about the children of migrant workers who might soon have to leave their school because their parents have to look for work elsewhere.

In the coming days, we will be introducing legislation. I hope we can engender some bipartisan support. At the end of the day, that is what it is going to take to solve the water problems in California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Steve Pilibos who lived a long and fulfilling life of 102 years. Steve was a pillar in the community, and his support, dedication, and commitment to the success of the Central Valley region will be greatly missed.

Steve grew up in Fresno, California and was the youngest of six children. His parents, Yeprem and Mary, were first generation immigrants from the Ottoman Empire. Growing up in an immigrant family with five siblings, Steve quickly developed fundamental values and principles. Most everyone would agree that Steve was an extremely courteous and fair businessman. He understood the importance of treating others with respect, compassion, and consideration.

From a young age, Steve recognized the significance of hard work. As an adolescent, Steve would sell produce to local businesses before school each day. Prior to Steve becoming a successful entrepreneur, he earned degrees in philosophy and poetry from Fresno State College, and he continued his education at the University of Southern California where he earned his law degree.

In the 1950s, Steve and his older brother, Alex, began what would soon become one of the largest cantaloupe operations in California. They experimented with new varieties of melon seeds from Syria, and ultimately produced a sweet melon with a thinner rind and smaller seed cavity that quickly became popular.

In addition to his contributions to the agriculture industry, Steve worked tirelessly to redevelop the City of Fresno's downtown. He opened the Hilton Hotel in the heart of downtown. Steve hosted many famous singers and bands, and it was a place where people wanted to be. Steve made many investments in downtown Fresno, but he also established developments throughout the entire city.

In 1949, Steve married the love of his life, Lucille. They raised five children: Sarah, Catherine, Barbara, Mary, and Alex. Steve valued spending time with his family and enjoyed reciting poetry to his children. He had a love for the outdoors and would spend his free time hunting or horseback riding. Steve's children, six grandchildren, relatives, and friends have an outstanding role model that they will hold in their hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor the life of Steve Pilibos. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely live on in the City of Fresno.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Crime Stoppers as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The tremendous efforts they have made to help crime victims in our Central Valley deserve to be commended.

Valley Crime Stoppers has built strong relationships with the city of Fresno, local media, and law enforcement. Citizens are encouraged to call the police or Valley Crime Stoppers if they have any information concerning a crime they witnessed. Victims and bystanders have a safe place to turn in Valley Crime Stoppers because it is an anonymous tip line. It is an unfortunate truth that victims are often fearful to share information with law enforcement because they have been threatened by their offender. Valley Crime Stoppers provides victims with an alternative, so they can tell their story without fear of retribution.

Educating and bringing awareness to residents are important missions of Valley Crime Stoppers. They have put together several campaigns that aim to lower crime in the Central Valley, including a television promotion that brings awareness to the very negative consequences of children being exposed to domestic violence. In addition, Valley Crime Stoppers has a poster campaign that aims to keep neighborhoods safe by getting guns out of the hands of criminals. Residents have been given the tools to act as change agents to keep the entire San Joaquin Valley safe.

As Co-Chairman of the Victims' Rights Caucus, it is my honor to recognize the good work of Valley Crime Stoppers and to thank the board members and staff at Valley Crime Stoppers for their support and activism.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Valley Crime Stoppers as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Valley Crime Stoppers has truly made a difference in our Valley, and it will continue to do so for many decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference committee report. There are a lot of reasons why, but first I would like to commend the chairman and the ranking members of both the House and the Senate Ag Committees and my fellow conferees and the staff for all the hard work that went into reaching this agreement.

While this is not a perfect bill--there never is--this agreement is the result of more than 4 years of bipartisan negotiations, two marathon committee meeting markups, multiple floor debates. As a matter of fact, this bill almost reminds me of the movie ``Groundhog Day'' because it seems to come back again and again.

For my home State of California, the leading agricultural State in the Nation, this farm bill is a dramatic investment in many of the specialty crops for research, for market production and the development programs which benefit our vegetable and fruit producers, which produce over half the Nation's supply.

These programs not only help my constituents produce the safest and most nutritious fruits and vegetables that we eat throughout the Nation, but also throughout the world.

Just as important for my district are the disaster relief programs that help farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and producers through these difficult times. Many may not be aware, but California is facing the driest year on record, which jeopardizes both food production and jobs in my district.

This bill contains programs that provide help when disaster strikes, from drilling wells to providing seed or direct assistance to growers or cattlemen who have been hurt by this devastating drought.

While I support the conference committee report, I am disappointed that we did not take the opportunity to resolve the meat labeling issues that threaten our beef and poultry producers, and our important trading partners, Canada and Mexico, who are deemed critical and are dealing with us in the World Trade Organization. I have currently drafted legislation on a bipartisan basis to try to fix this labeling issue once and for all.

This debate, though, has dragged on for way too long. Let's give farmers and ranchers and dairy producers the certainty that they deserve through a 5-year farm bill. Now is the time to get this farm bill done by passing this conference committee report.