Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bill Harrison as he retires after 24 years with the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (Water Authority). Bill's commitment and dedication to the Water Authority deserves to be commended.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Stanford University, and he continued his education at Theological Union in Berkeley, California where he received his Master's Degree in Systematic and Philosophical Theology. Although Bill's background did not begin in water management, he quickly learned the trade and became an asset to the Water Authority.

Prior to the formation of the Water Authority in 1992, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Users Association for 14 years. Currently, he serves on the board for the Central Valley Project Water Association where he represents the interests of 160 public agencies served by way of the Central Valley Project. In addition, he also serves on the board of the State and Federal Water Contractor's Agency which is comprised of water agencies dedicated to assuring a reliable and quality water supply for the costumers of their member agencies.

Since 1994, Bill has been employed as the General Manager of the Del Puerto Water District. During his tenure, he brought 10 districts together which now make up the Del Puerto Water District. He was instrumental in negotiating and implementing a long series of interim renewal service contracts, resulting in the district's 2005 Long-Term Renewal Contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.

As Director of the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority, Bill develops and initiates policy recommendations for Board review. He works closely with the Board to develop and achieve the organization's purposes and goals. Bill's leadership and grasp on the issues has benefitted the Water Board for decades.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bill Harrison as he celebrates his retirement from the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority. His tireless efforts and advocacy on behalf of farmers and residents throughout the Central Valley will undoubtedly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to tribute to the life of Ernest Armen Bedrosian who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 80. Ernie had a significant role in the raisin industry, and his advocacy on behalf of farmers throughout California will undoubtedly be missed.

Ernie grew up in Parlier, California with his two brothers; Krikor and Kenneth, and his sister, Clara. His parents, Murad and Elizabeth, were first generation immigrants who survived the Armenian Genocide. Growing up in an immigrant family with strong parents, Ernie quickly developed great values and principles.

In 1955, Ernie graduated from Fresno State College with a Bachelor's Degree in agriculture. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Army and became a food specialist. A year into his service, Ernie married the love of his life, Carlotta Ketchian. They raised two children; Bryan and Tammy.

In 1958, Ernie completed his time with the Army and went back to work on his family farm. Ernie and his brothers began a grape harvesting business, and in his spare time, Ernie served on various raisin boards and met stakeholders who farmed throughout the Valley. In 1966, he formed the Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA). Ernie served as the first president of the RBA and guided the association through its early years. Today, the RBA is the most successful and largest raisin bargaining association in the country.

While Ernie was establishing the RBA, he and his brothers were also expanding their farming operation. In 1967, they decided to go into the raisin packing business and opened National Raisin Company (NRC). The Bedrosian brothers and their partner Harry Rustigian developed the ``Champion'' brand. Ernie served as the president and was responsible for sales and daily operations. The NRC had a strong beginning and decades later, it still continues to prosper. It is the largest independent raisin, prune, and dried fruit operation in the world.

It is obvious that Ernie was an extremely successful businessman, but he never took full responsibility for his accomplishments. He attributed his success to Carlotta and his sister in-laws; Katherine and Jane, who served as a support system to the Bedrosian brothers while they were forming their business. Ernie loved the raisin industry, but family always came first. He was a loving and devoted husband and a supportive father. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; Corney, Tyler, Armen, and Lillian.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Ernest Armen Bedrosian. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely live on in the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, as a representative of the San Joaquin Valley of California, I know our economic recovery has been uneven at best. Unemployment remains unacceptably high in areas like my district.

Those on unemployment are not socking taxpayer dollars away for a rainy day. Today already is their rainy day. Their benefits go back into our economy immediately for basic needs, like food and rent, while they look for work.

After 27 years at an insurance company, Jacqueline of Atwater, California, was let go last May. Since then the 53-year-old has struggled to find work.

Another constituent of mine, Luis in Fresno, lost his unemployment insurance at the end of December. This father wrote:

If I don't find a job in the next couple of weeks, then I

will not be able to pay my rent or pay for food for my

family.

With all the talk about restoring certainty to our economy, we cannot forget that American families drive this economy.

Now is not the time to take money out of their pockets as they are also struggling to recover. Let's restore unemployment with a bipartisan effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Scott Nishioki, who has served as a valued member of my staff for the past nine years. Scott joined my staff during the beginning of my first term in Congress, and he has made a real difference. This month, Scott will be leaving my staff to find other ways to serve our nation beyond the walls of Congress. Scott's years of service to the people of Central California, spanning from Kern County to Merced County, deserve to be commended.

A Sanger native, Scott grew up in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley and graduated from Sanger High School before becoming a Bulldog at California State University, Fresno. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 1976, and shortly thereafter began to pursue a career in public service that led him from California to Washington, DC.

In his 31 years in Washington, Scott has done it all. As an aide to Congressman Rick Lehman (D-Fresno), Scott wrote the Truth in Savings Act, legislation that protects consumers and encourages healthy financial savings. Following his service with Congressman Lehman, Scott held a number of important positions within the telecommunications industry, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the American Bankers Association. As a result of his years of service, Scott understands and appreciates the inner workings of this city better than anyone else.

Scott's true value is his ability to focus on what really matters. Spending a lifetime in DC can sometimes leave you blinded by partisanship, ambition, or money, but Scott has never forgotten why he left his home and moved to Washington in the first place. He moved here to solve problems and make a difference for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and the nation. And, that is exactly what he has done.

In addition to his legislative achievements, Scott made a difference by mentoring every member of my staff and several others both on and off Capitol Hill. For years, Scott has calmly helped my staff navigate personal and professional pressures. Together our staff has achieved a great deal both as members of Team Costa and in their professional lives after their service in my office.

Michael Doyle, reporter in the Washington bureau of McClatchy newspapers, may have said it best: ``Scott hits the trifecta. He's smart, candid and funny. I have always been able to trust his insight and his judgment. I will miss him; Congress will be a lesser place without him.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I recognize Mr. Nishioki today for his many contributions to not only my Congressional office, but the entirety of the San Joaquin Valley. He is truly a son of the Valley, and the place we both call home is better for his many years of service. It has truly been an honor to work with him over the years and I wish him the best of luck in his next adventure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Earl P. Williams as he is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Associations (CCGGA). Earl is the first individual to ever receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. His decades of service and dedication to cotton ginners and growers around California and the entire nation make him very deserving of this recognition. I have also worked with him personally over the years and know him to be one of the leaders of American agriculture.

Since 1997, Earl has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of CCGGA. The associations represent California's cotton ginning and cotton growing industry in the legal, legislative, and regulatory arenas.

Earl's passion for cotton farming began at a young age due to his family's background in the industry. He spent his childhood years in Arkansas, and in 1958, his family moved to Buttonwillow, California. After graduating from high school in Shafter, California, Earl went on to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop Production. His background in cotton growing and technical understanding of crop production prepared him well to serve at CCGGA. From day one, Earl has understood the importance of hard work, and he knows what it takes to produce quality crops.

Earl was one of fifteen charter members of the California Cotton Ginners Association board of directors from 1972 to 1980. He is the past chairman of the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Crop Science Department's Advisory Council; a past board member of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association; and a past board member of the California Agricultural Education Foundation which oversees the California Ag Leadership Program. Earl is a founding member and past Chairman of the Agricultural President's Council. He is also an advisor to the National Cotton Council of America, the American Cotton Producers, and the National Cotton Ginners Association. Earl serves on the board of directors of Supima, and he is on the Western Agricultural Processors Association's board of directors. Earl's wealth of knowledge coupled with his ability to get things done make him a great leader for the cotton farming community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Earl P. Williams for the contributions he has made to the cotton industry. He serves as a pillar of the agriculture community, and I thank him for his hard work and devotion to maintaining California's valuable agricultural strength.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Captain Nao Yeng Vang, who passed away on November 16, 2013 at the age of 67. Captain Vang was an extraordinary person, and he will always be remembered as an iconic hero to the Hmong people.

Captain Vang never attended school, but learned to read, write, and speak Lao fluently on his own. In 1964, at 18 years old, he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and served as a Captain under the late General Vang Pao during the Vietnam War. He bravely fought and directed Hmong soldiers to fight against communists and saved many American soldiers from torture.

In February 1965, Captain Vang married Yia Yang in Ban Soun, Laos. They were married for 38 years until Mrs. Vang passed away on October 18, 2003. They had six sons: Moua Pao Vang, Chia Neng Vang, Kou Vang, Thai Vang, Ger Vang, and Nou Vang, and seven daughters: Ka Ying Vang, My Vang, Kia May Vang, Maiyer Vang, Pa Houa Vang, Stacey Bao Vang, and Kathleen Kalia Vang.

Captain Vang and his family settled in Nampong, Thailand on May 13, 1975. They lived in Thailand for three years as refugees before receiving asylum from the United States government in 1978. The Vang family resided in Hamilton, Montana where Captain Vang worked as a press operator for three years. In 1980, he co-founded the Lao Family branch in Montana. The organization was developed to help and empower refugees to adapt and become successful members of American society.

The Vang family eventually moved to Fresno, California in 1982. Captain Vang was an independent farmer in Fresno for 16 years. As a farmer, he was able to engage in Hmong and American politics. He encouraged the Hmong community to vote during election cycles. Voting was a very important aspect in his life because in Laos, citizens did not have the right to vote and speak freely. Due to his involvement with American politics, he was able to meet former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as well as many state, county, and city elected officials.

Captain Vang was a member of Lao Veterans of America, Inc. He served as an advisor to the Hmong community and participated in various organizations as a community leader, educator, and cultural advisor. When he spoke at community events he urged the Hmong community to be productive citizens, to be united, and to love and support one another. He was a tireless supporter of education and encouraged students to stay in school and pursue a higher education.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Captain Nao Yeng Vang. He will always be remembered as an influential member of our very important Hmong community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denis O'Sullivan as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Denis lives every day with enthusiasm and appreciation for all of life's offerings. His story is reflective of the American dream, working hard to create fruitful lives for himself and his family.

Denis was born on December 2, 1933, in New York City at Lennox Hill Hospital. His intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit led him to be the owner and founder of a lucrative business, O'Sullivan Menu Publishing. The company started out small with less than 10 employees and eventually grew to a staff of over 200 individuals who were based out of the United States and Great Britain. O'Sullivan Menu Publishing provided menus to airlines, cruise lines, and various restaurant chains. Denis' company had a groundbreaking impact on the airline industry by providing the first comprehensive service for the creation and production of printed menus.

Since Denis' retirement in 2008, he has volunteered much of his time to local charities. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, and maintains special interest in their Alzheimer's disease support facility. In addition, Denis is a longstanding supporter of the fundraising activities at St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, NJ.

Denis stays busy in his philanthropic endeavors, but he cherishes his time with family the most. He is a devoted husband to his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth; a caring father to his children; Roberta, Eric, Kerin, Cathlyn, Christopher, and Patricia; and a loving grandfather to his nine grandchildren. On a personal note, Denis has been a great supporter and true friend to me--his brother-in-law. Denis and Elizabeth appreciate every day of their lives whether it is by spending time with family, traveling around the world, or simply enjoying each other's company.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Denis O'Sullivan's 80th birthday. We acknowledge Denis during this milestone and for all that he has achieved.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in opposition to this bill.

First of all, I want to thank Chairman Lucas, the gentleman from Oklahoma, for all the work that he has done over the years, and my appreciation for his efforts in the past few years. It has taken a long time to get here, and certainly he has worked very hard to produce a 5- year farm bill.

That said, the bill is not needed, and let me tell you why. Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson have been working diligently, as I said, with their Senate counterparts, and the conference committee has reached an agreement on many of the issues, leaving a few remaining issues to be worked out, and we are doing that right now.

Secretary Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture, has also indicated that should we complete the farm bill in January, as we are talking about, that there should not be any problems regarding the potential impacts of the dairy title being implemented and, therefore, those impacts of the cost of milk being felt by our consumers.

Extending the current programs through the end of January, which is what this bill does, when it looks like we will be able to vote on a 5- year farm bill early next year, therefore, is not necessary.

Farmers, ranchers, dairy producers need the certainty of a 5-year farm bill. I think we all agree on that. Families, those in need, who depend upon the nutrition programs as part of our Nation's safety net, need a 5-year farm bill.

American consumers, those who we produce the food for, and those around the world, know that they can depend upon our farmers, our ranchers, and our dairy producers to continue providing the safest and most affordable food in the world.

Mr. Speaker, therefore, this measure is not needed. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 3695 and support a 5-year farm bill which we will vote on early in January when we work out the remaining differences in the conference committee.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. George Greek Orthodox Church during their 90th Year Anniversary.

The Valley's Greek population has roots dating back to the late 1800s. Weekly religious services were not available at the time, so a

Greek Orthodox priest would visit periodically to perform required services such as marriages, baptisms, and funerals. The infrequent visits by the priest prompted several individuals to consider establishing a church. In 1923, ``The Greek Community of Fresno'' was incorporated, and a priest from San Francisco began to visit regularly.

The first St. George Greek Orthodox Church was built in ``Greek Town,'' where most of the Greek families had settled. The building served the Greek community for 50 years, and still stands today.

When World War II ended, families grew and began to move into other areas of Fresno. Businesses were expanding throughout the city, and a new church was built in 1955. In the years that followed, many new traditions such as the Greek Food Festival started. Not only is the festival an annual fundraiser for the church, but residents from all over the Central Valley attend the celebration so they can enjoy dancing, food, and rich Greek culture.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 90th Year Anniversary of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Their mission to provide an infinite amount of faith, hope, and love to the public is highly respected and praised.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Alvin J. Quist, who passed away on October 29, 2013 at the age of 89. Alvin exemplified the very best of what our nation has to offer. He was a hard working dairyman, proud World War II veteran, and an American hero devoted to military and public service.

Alvin was born into a Danish immigrant family and grew up on a dairy farm. He was active in 4-H and later became involved in the Future Farmers of America at Central Union High School where he also played football and served as student body president. Upon graduating from high school, Alvin attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) to major in Dairy Science.

In 1943, Alvin's studies were interrupted as he proudly joined the United States Marine Corp during World War II. When the war ended, Alvin returned to Camp Pendleton to help wounded soldiers transition back to civilian life.

Alvin met the love of his life, Mary Briggs, in July 1946, and they married a year later. He finished his degree, and graduated from Cal Poly in 1947. Alvin and Mary moved to the Kearney Park area so Alvin could join his father on the dairy farm. They milked 90 cows and farmed 300 acres.

A distinguished community leader in the agricultural industry, Alvin sat on a wide range of boards including Fresno Irrigation District, California Milk Advisory Board, Fresno County Farm Bureau, and Big Fresno Fair Board. Alvin gave back to his community unconditionally based on his faith and love for God.

Family was most important to Alvin. He was an extremely loving husband and father to his son, Jim, and daughters, Debbie and Marsha. Alvin cherished spending time with his grandchildren and gladly attended their school functions, sporting events, and dance recitals.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Alvin J. Quist. He was a proud American and leaves a legacy of hope and faith for many generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to tribute to the life of James Kaufman, who passed away on October 31, 2013 at the age of 71. As one of the founders of American Ambulance, Jim was a true supporter and advocate for our Central Valley. His kind heart and generosity will be greatly missed.

Jim was born and raised in Fresno, California. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard Reserves. He also worked part time at Jones Ambulance and attended Fresno City College. While Jim was working at Jones Ambulance, he met his wife, Joyce, and a year later they married in Carmel, California. Jim and Joyce raised one son together, Stan.

One of Jim's greatest role models was his father, Martin. Martin was a teacher and coach, and Jim saw himself following in his father's footsteps. However, when Jim completed his 16 years of service in the Coast Guard, he decided to run his own ambulance business. In 1975, Jim and three other individuals founded American Ambulance. Jim and his partner, Larry Ward, remained as the owners of the company for almost four decades as American Ambulance grew into a successful business with approximately 600 employees.

Jim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a new business, KY Farming, with his good friend, Tony Yasuda. They grew cherries and blueberries, and they also managed a packing house, KY Packing. Jim's businesses brought him great joy. He cherished his employees and always did what he could to help, whether it was through financial support, guidance, or simply heartfelt encouragement.

Aside from his work, Jim loved the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, and dove hunting. Spending time with family was most important to Jim. He will be greatly missed by Joyce, Stan, his daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and his grandchildren; Abel, Lilly, Evan, and Faith.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of James Kaufman. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will surely live on in the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Joe F. Alvernaz. His character exemplified that of a role model and true community leader--he placed others ahead of himself, made family his first priority, and possessed a strong work ethic.

Joe began his life of service at an early age. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and it was there that he received the nickname ``Sweet Potato Joe'' from his fellow marine and close friend, actor Brian Keith. It was while Joe was in boot camp, that he would come to marry the love of his life: Florence Cardoza of Merced in 1942. As the war went on, he served our country proudly during a period of history that seemed as if it would never pass; a period that forever changed our nation and the world.

After the war ended, Joe became as busy as ever. He came back to California to once again farm sweet potatoes. He later served as President of the California Sweet Potato Council, and U.S. Sweet Potato Council, where he was a Director for over 20 years. To say that Joe was busy is an understatement; he also served as President of the Merced County Farm Bureau and was on the Board of Directors of the Nisei Farmers League.

Joe's involvement in the community could not be described in one word or even in one sentence. From 1946 to 1996, ``Sweet Potato Joe'' announced all the Livingston High School football games, parades, and even radio programs. This is where Joe earned another name for himself: ``The Voice of Livingston.'' However, his talents did not end there; Joe's acting skills also benefited the Livingston Little Theater group, where he starred in several productions, most notably as Elwood P. Dowd in ``Harvey.'' Adding to his list of accomplishments, Joe also organized the first kid's hardball team in Merced County in the early 50's. Joe was particularly drawn to baseball, and served as coach, sponsor, announcer, and booster for over fifty years. Later, he would become the third Area Commissioner of Baseball. From this, he achieved perhaps his greatest accomplishment; having a local baseball field be renamed the ``Joe F. Alvernaz Baseball Field.''

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Mabel Alvernaz, brothers, Arthur and John Alvernaz, and sister, Mary Geyer. He was also predeceased by his oldest son, Joey Alvernaz, in 1980 and by his wife of 64 years, Florence, in 2007. Although Joe has passed on from this life, Heaven is a little bit brighter today because he has joined Florence, the true love of his life. He is survived by 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to the life of a truly amazing father, coach, neighbor, and everyone's friend, Joe F. Alvernaz. His service to his country, community, and to his family will be painfully missed, yet celebrated, honored and never forgotten.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my friend, the gentleman from New York and fellow cochair of the Natural Gas Caucus, Mr. Reed, for the time.

Places like the San Joaquin Valley, which I represent, are still struggling to create jobs in the wake of our Great Recession.

Energy production is a game changer not only in California, but around the country. These are exciting times with the findings in the Marcellus, the Barnett, the Bakkan, and the Monterey in California, which is estimated to be as large, if not larger, than the others that I mentioned.

Those who doubt the ability of States to regulate the oil and gas industry, I urge you to look at my home State of California which has put forth a long-term plan for responsible production of

natural gas that the Governor signed into law last month.

Many other States are taking their lead because we know one size doesn't fit all and, therefore, I think that is a preferred approach.

As all of us in the House are looking to determine what our next generation economy will look like, efforts like the amendment that we are proposing here, I believe, are critically important. The United States is on track to become the largest oil and gas producer in the world in the next few years. These are exciting times. The potential of the United States, Canada, and Mexico will far surpass the Middle East in the production of fossil fuels.

We should take advantage, therefore, of this opportunity, this dividend that will benefit our economy and also benefit the geopolitics of the world that we live in that is so dangerous. This shift from being importers of our energy to an international exporter will yield significant dividends for both our economy and global security. Our amendment will show that the economic opportunity cost of blocking or continuing to delay responsible--responsible--development of natural gas simply should not be the case.

The fact is that this study is more about the numbers and the dollars and how we do it safely and telling this side of the story, the human side of the story.

I support the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of our valley's first Honor Flight.

Recently, my colleagues, Representatives Valadao and Nunes, and I honored the service of San Joaquin Valley veterans--as Tom Brokaw noted, perhaps America's Greatest Generation. These 69 men took off from Fresno and landed here in our Nation's Capital to see the monuments to their service to our country, most of them for the first time. In their youth, these men bravely but humbly answered their Nation's call.

Decades later, our first San Joaquin Valley Honor Flight came to Washington, where they witnessed the changing of the guard and remembered those of their fellow soldiers who did not make it home.

I also want to thank Congressmen Hall and Dingell, who shared stories with them.

This forever grateful Nation is better for the men's sacrifices and the lives they led when they returned home to their farms, their storefronts, and their practices throughout the Valley to build a better life for themselves and our Nation.

I want to thank you for allowing us to share their experience and to show our gratitude for a debt which we can never fully repay.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Jonathan D. Jansen as he receives this year's Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy and Tolerance presented by the University of California, Merced (UC Merced). Dr. Jansen is the Vice Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State and South Africa's first black dean.

Dr. Jansen was born on September 29, 1956 in the town of Montagu in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It was here in the Cape Flats where he had to face chaos and was stripped of his family, land, and property. Even in the face of adversity, Dr. Jansen believed that he could achieve great things.

Higher education was of utmost importance to Dr. Jansen. He attended the University of the Western Cape where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Botany and Zoology, and then completed his qualifications for teaching through the University of South Africa. Later, he went on to receive his Bachelors of Education from the University of South Africa and his Masters of Science from Cornell University. As if that were not enough, he even received his PhD from the Stanford University School of Education.

Dr. Jansen's passion for upholding strong race relations shined in all of his work. His books offer a detailed account on the social and political change in post-apartheid South Africa and addressed how education served a role in confronting the hardships of the past. His effective role goes well beyond the written word: Dr. Jansen also serves as President of the South African Institute of Race Relations. He is well known for his work to advance education in South Africa and his Nelson Mandela-like attitude of ``reconciliation over revenge.''

UC Merced established the Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy and Tolerance to honor a scholar, author, artist, or citizen who dedicates his or her work to the delivery of social justice, diplomacy, and tolerance in local and global society. Dr. Jansen is deserving of this recognition as he is someone who truly wants to make this world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Jonathan D. Jansen for his contributions to society and to congratulate him on receiving this most prestigious award.