Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Hugh Michael Flanagan who will retire from the Merced County Superior Court after thirteen years of service. His service and dedication to the people of central California is to be commended.

Judge Flanagan was raised in Fortville, Indiana where he completed his grammar and high school education. He received his Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Purdue University and his Master's degree in Engineering from Michigan State University. Judge Flanagan is also a graduate with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

While in the United States Navy, Judge Flanagan worked as a Senior Systems Engineer with the Deep Submarine Rescue Vehicle Program and the Omega Navigation System. He completed his career with the United States Navy as a Captain, JAGC, USNR. Following his service in the military, Judge Flanagan earned his law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. He worked as a lawyer for five years in Los Angeles before opening his private practice law firm in Merced in 1975, which he maintained for 25 years. He was elected to the Merced County Superior Court in 2000, where he was able to continue his lifelong tradition of public service.

Being an active member of his community is something of utmost importance to Judge Flanagan. He is a Past President of the Merced County Bar Association and the Merced Rotary Club and has been active in numerous other civic organizations and fundraising activities. His invaluable service to our community illustrates his helpful nature and commitment to the betterment of Merced County.

In 1962, Judge Flanagan married his beautiful wife, Norma Colegrove Flanagan in Champaign, Illinois. Together, they have four grown, married sons and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Judge Hugh Michael Flanagan for his efforts and dedication to the Superior Court of California and the County of Merced. He exemplifies the best of what our nation has to offer and his dedication to justice is truly admirable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. Nunes to recognize Dr. John Welty as he is honored for his nearly 22 years of service as President at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State). His hard work and dedication on behalf of the students, staff, and faculty must be commended.

John Welty grew up on a small farm in North Central Illinois. From a young age, his parents always stressed the importance of education and literacy. Tragically, when John was only ten years old, his father passed away. As the eldest of six children, he strived to make his father and the rest of his family proud, so his studies became a top priority.

In 1965, John became the first person in his family to graduate from college with a bachelor's in Social Science from Western Illinois University, Macomb. John continued his education at Michigan State University by obtaining his master's in College Student Personnel Services, and in 1974, Mr. Welty became Dr. Welty when he graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a doctorate in Administration of Higher Education.

Prior to his tenure at Fresno State, Dr. Welty held several other positions in university administration. He was an Admissions Counselor at Michigan State University and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at

Southwest State University. Dr. Welty also served at the State University of New York as Director of Residences, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and Assistant Professor of Counseling and Student Development. Additionally, he served as Vice President for Student and University Affairs at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and subsequently served as the President for seven years. Dr. Welty's many years of experience and expertise prepared him well to serve as President at Fresno State.

To say that Dr. Welty made a difference around the Fresno State campus is a vast understatement. With the help of faculty and staff, he truly changed Fresno State for the better, and we must express our gratitude for all of his efforts. In the last 22 years, Dr. Welty has increased enrollment, and each year reduced the number of students that drop out. The university currently offers 62 bachelor degrees, 45 master degrees, and three doctoral subject areas. Students from all over the nation are drawn to Fresno State for a number of reasons, including the Smittcamp Family Honors College within the university, an honors programs created with Dr. Welty at the helm.

Dr. Welty's leadership ensured that students of all cultures and socio-economic backgrounds knew that there was a place for them at Fresno State--by doing this he served as a catalyst for the success of our Valley and the enrichment of the university environment. Two-thirds of the students enrolled at Fresno State will be the first in their family to graduate from college. Furthermore, Women's athletics and women's intercollegiate sports program have grown and flourished under Dr. Welty's time as university president. His legacy at Fresno State will live on for years to come because of his commitment to student success.

Additionally, several institutes and centers at Fresno State have been created during Dr. Welty's tenure, including the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute, the Central Valley Health Policy Institute, and the Maddy Institute. These centers provide students with imperative resources and knowledge in their respective fields.

With Dr. Welty and dedicated staff at the helm, the university received private gifts totaling more than $360 million which supported innovative programs, scholarships, faculty chairs, and research facilities. The Campaign for Fresno State surpassed its goal and raised $214.2 million to help offset declining state resources.

In addition to all of his successes at Fresno State, Dr. Welty has accomplished many feats within the California State University, CSU, System, and he has served in various capacities to help in educational improvements nationwide. He is the former chair of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges senior accrediting commission, and former chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities board.

Dr. Welty has previously served on advisory groups to the United State Departments of Agriculture and Education, and formerly chaired the Renaissance Group, a national organization of universities dedicated to improved teacher education programs. Dr. Welty is also the current Chair of the Cal State Online Advisory Board, as well as the CSU Gender Equity Monitoring Committee. Furthermore, he has worked diligently on a nationwide effort to reduce substance abuse and improve prevention on college campuses.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Nunes and myself in recognizing Dr. John Welty for his great service and commitment to Fresno State and its surrounding community. As a Fresno State alumnus, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that have been made under Dr. Welty's guidance, and I thank him for his many contributions toward improving California State University, Fresno.

I rise today in recognition of the Armenian genocide.

Tomorrow, April 24, marks the 98th anniversary of the horrific Armenian genocide that took place approximately between 1915 and 1923. The citations, the history, and the atrocities are well documented. They have been recognized by the European parliament and historians around the world. Sadly, I believe the United States Congress has not gone on record, despite repeated attempts, in recognizing this horrific genocide--the first genocide that took place in the 20th century.

As we all know, history has a way of repeating itself, both for the good and for the bad. While the Armenian genocide was the first in the 20th century that was documented, we all know what took place later with the Holocaust and the attempted genocide of the Jewish people. And today, throughout the 20th century and into the 21st century, we see repeated attempts where genocide has been practiced in Africa and in other parts of the world.

It is not enough simply to condemn those actions, but rather as a people we must come together and acknowledge that there have been very, very difficult and sad times when man's inhumanity to their fellow man has taken place. What has occurred at the Holocaust has been documented in museums here in the United States and in Israel. The attempt to make that similar reflection on the Armenian genocide is still a work in progress.

This week, the Armenian communities throughout America will remind us once again that this injustice to mankind should not only be acknowledged and documented but should never, ever be forgotten. And that's what we will do tomorrow in recognizing the 98th anniversary of this Armenian genocide.

I grew up in a community in the San Joaquin Valley with many wonderful Armenian families. As a young boy, I learned about the history from our neighbors, my friends. And while, sadly, the Turkish Government today is still in denial as to the events that took place between 1915 and 1923, I would hope some day, just as the German Government and others have recognized the fact that there are parts of our history that we would just as soon forget or overlook, we know that if we recognize them, we have greater assurances that they will not repeat themselves.

That's why I rise today to recognize this very sad, sad event that took place in the 20th century. I think we reach out to all the Armenian communities not only in the United States but throughout the world and stand with them in realizing that their suffering, their pain, and the loss of some 1 million-plus Armenians has been all of our collective loss.

I want to close by saying that tomorrow we recognize the 98th anniversary. We continue to urge our fellow Members of Congress to recognize that we should go on record, in my view, just as we have gone on record on numerous other important events that have taken place in our Nation's history and in world history. I think tomorrow all Americans will stand with our Armenian Americans and Armenians throughout the world in recognizing that, in fact, this genocide did take place; and our thoughts and hearts and prayers go with those who have lost their lives.

Mr. Speaker, during National Park Week, we celebrate, perhaps, America's best idea and remember that these parks belong to all the people of America.

Since they are part of our national heritage, it is every American's obligation to ensure that we preserve these national treasures for the next generation.

Yosemite is one of the crown jewels of our national park system, and it has a special place in the hearts of Californians, as well as this Californian.

Today, I'm introducing a bill with Senator Dianne Feinstein that would expand Yosemite National Park to include 1,600 acres that were originally intended to be part of the park. This would restore the park to its original vision and protect its most vulnerable western border.

Our bill has the broad bipartisan support of local government, State officials, and many other groups.

It has been said that there is nothing more American than our national park system.

With this bill, we are restoring this national treasure to its original boundary and showing that we remain dedicated to this truly American idea.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, in Boston, we were reminded how vulnerable we all are as Americans and how important it is that we stay together.

Today, I rise to recognize the Merced Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Task Force. This hardworking organization in the San Joaquin Valley that I represent is the 2013 recipient of the Lois Haight Award of Excellence and Innovation from the Victims' Rights Caucus, of which I am a cochair.

The task force is an innovative collaboration of local leaders that was formed in 2006 in response to gang-related violence throughout the Merced community. The task force makes Merced a safer place by educating the community about violence, promoting character development, and providing information to families and, most importantly, our youth.

From gang awareness workshops to Merced County's first anonymous ``text a tip'' line, the task force has contributed greatly to our Merced community and throughout the area.

On behalf of the Victims' Rights Caucus, congratulations and thank you to the Merced Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Crime Stoppers for the tremendous efforts they have made to help crime victims in our Central Valley. During Crime Victims' Rights Week, we are reminded of the bravery of crime victims and we honor those who advocate on their behalf.

Valley Crime Stoppers has built strong relationships with the city of Fresno, local media, and law enforcement. After a robbery, drive-by shooting, or other crime is reported by the news, citizens are encouraged to call the police or Valley Crime Stoppers if they have any information concerning the incident. 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. Another example of a Valley Crime Stoppers campaign is a poster that aims to keep neighborhoods safe by getting guns out of the hands of criminals. These campaigns, combined with other efforts made by Valley Crime Stoppers, have led to 9,598 arrests made and 461 guns recovered from the streets. Residents have been given the tools to act as change agents to keep the city of Fresno and the entire San Joaquin Valley safe. In addition to keeping citizens engaged, Valley Crime Stoppers pays individuals for tips that lead to a criminal arrest.

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 at Valley Crime Stoppers for their support and activism. These individuals sincerely care about victims' rights and keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Valley Crime Stoppers for their contribution to our Valley. Their advocacy for

crime victims has not gone unnoticed. Valley Crime Stoppers has truly made a difference in our Valley, and it will continue to do so for many decades to come.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the ranking member, Congresswoman Napolitano, for her efforts on this legislation, Chairman Doc Hastings, as well as the chair of the subcommittee, Tom McClintock, and the author of this measure, Congressman Tipton, for trying to bring folks together.

Mr. Chairman, people from every walk of life are looking to Congress today to see if we can come together to deal with any of our problems, whether they be big, small, or in between. I rise today to support legislation, I think, that does that. This isn't the biggest

legislation we'll deal with this year, nor is it the smallest; but it's something that will help America's energy policy.

Our bipartisan bill would amend the Reclamation Act, as has been stated, of 1939, to create a permanent process for how local irrigation districts and water agencies develop this very valuable, renewable, carbon-free energy at our reclamation facilities. And as we're putting together an energy policy that uses all-of-the-above, this becomes an important part.

H.R. 678, the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act, is a bipartisan bill that puts existing resources and knowledge we already have to expand one of the most important tools in our Nation's energy toolbox. Let me repeat that: one of the most important tools in our Nation's energy toolbox.

Hydropower is the single largest source of clean, sustainable energy and has been powering our country for over 100 years throughout the land. When most people think about hydropower, of course, they think about the big projects, Hoover Dam and other modern engineering marvels.

However, the beauty of this hydropower legislation is it can also be used on much smaller scaled, reliable projects in which we already have the infrastructure in place. Every day, water flows thousands of miles through canals, pipes and ditches across this country. I know--I happen to represent one of those places, the great San Joaquin Valley, in which we have a vast network of dams and reservoirs and canals that provide that water for those who most need it, our cities and our farms.

We have an old saying: where water flows, food grows. Every day we miss valuable opportunities to utilize this resource's full potential. This bill changes that.

This water could easily be harnessed to provide low-cost, renewable energy to American families and help add to the increment of energy that we need in this country.

Currently, small conduit hydropower is largely untapped and underutilized; and it's also, obviously, a clean-energy opportunity. The greatest barrier to unleashing the next generation of hydropower is not technological, because we have made great progress on the technological side. Unfortunately, it's regulatory.

Currently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, otherwise known as FERC, maintains jurisdiction over small projects like those that I am talking about.

Serving on the Natural Resources Committee, I've heard from folks across the country say that these regulations are too costly and too difficult to navigate. Obtaining an exception from FERC's permitting rules can take up to 6 months and cost nearly $50,000 for a local water district to pursue. That's unnecessary, and it's also a waste of valuable resources.

Our bipartisan bill, again, would amend the Reclamation Act of 1939 to create a permanent process for how local irrigation districts and water agencies develop this very valuable, renewable, carbon-free resource for reclamation facilities.

By streamlining the process, the irrigation districts would be empowered to develop small conduit hydropower at no cost to the taxpayers. These projects typically are 5 megawatts and less.

Harnessing the power of water already flowing through reclamation facilities would stimulate rural economies, reduce pumping costs for farmers who face those pumping costs every year.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues who are supporting this legislation. I want to thank Congressman Tipton for this effort, because it helps us take advantage of existing facilities that are already in place to provide additional resource of power where we need it.

If we want to strengthen our energy portfolio, let's start with the low-hanging fruit. This is low-hanging fruit.

Let me just give you some numbers. In California there are 20 small hydro projects, should this legislation become law, that would be available to this process. Let me underline that: 20 projects in California that would qualify.

In the Nation, the Bureau of Reclamation has determined that there are 373 projects throughout the country that potentially would qualify should this legislation become law.

The bill does just that. I urge your support for H.R. 678.

Madam Chair, the legislative process is a two way street. It's about listening and incorporating the concerns of our colleagues to improve a bill. This amendment does just that.

Environmental review is important, but it needs to be an appropriate level of review for the project involved. On these types of projects, there isn't much chance of damage, so there shouldn't be much cost involved for review.

Reclamation recognizes this and has made great strides in easing the way for small hydro development on the agency's projects. However, potential legal conflicts have prevented them from fully implementing this process.

This amendment would bridge the legal gap and clarify questions that have kept the Bureau from moving forward. Specifically, the amendment would codify the steps Reclamation is already taking to ease the way for responsible small conduit hydropower development while also resolving potential litigation concerns.

This is a commonsense amendment that has been endorsed by American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, the Family Farm Alliance, the National Water Resources Association, and the National Hydropower Association.

I urge you to support this amendment and support the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the life of Esther Padilla who passed away at the age of 69. Her character exemplified the very best of what our nation has to offer--she was honest, generous, and possessed a strong work ethic.

Esther grew up in Fresno, California and was the youngest of 12 children. She attended Washington Union High School and then went on to California State University, Fresno where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work. As a young woman, Esther knew she wanted to help others and serve in her community.

Esther truly loved social work, and she served at a few different organizations. She worked for Fresno County's Department of Social Services, Fresno County Head Start, and Centro La Familia. Esther met her husband, Gilbert Padilla, while she was at a meeting for Head Start. They were married for 43 years and have one daughter, Adele.

After years of dedicating her life to social work, Esther decided to go work with Gilbert at the United Farm Workers (UFW). Her position at the UFW allowed her to become heavily involved with politics. Esther organized boycotts, negotiated union contracts, and lobbied at our Nation's Capital.

The experiences she had and the knowledge she gained prepared Esther to serve on the Fresno City Council. Esther was the first and only Hispanic woman to ever be elected to the City Council. During her time on the council, Esther was passionate about improving the lives of her constituents. Making Fresno a better place was a priority of hers, and she played an integral part in getting Highways 180 and 168 built.

Beyond her service for the community, Esther will also be remembered for her advocacy of organ and tissue donation. Seventeen years ago, Adele donated a kidney to her mother. Esther understood that importance of organ donations because she was able to live almost two more decades due to the kindness of her daughter.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life and service of Esther Padilla. She was a shining example of a true public servant and proud American.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mike Perez, who passed away on March 24, 2013, at the age of 91. Family was Mike's highest priority, but he was also a successful businessman and community leader. His legacy will live on through his many contributions to Central California.

Born in California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley to Juan and Maria Perez, Mike had a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance agriculture carries in our Valley. Mike grew up in a large family with two sisters Amelia and Tabor, and three brothers Daniel, Tom, and Earl. Together, the family established and ran a successful business which served as a reminder that the American Dream can be achieved through hard work and family bonds.

In 1941, Mike's father founded J.M. Perez and Sons, a visionary family-run farming operation in Stanislaus County, California. Eight years later, Juan turned the family business over to his sons and it was renamed Perez Brothers. After the brothers took over, the farming operation expanded from Stanislaus County to Firebaugh, California. Mike was instrumental in the growth of the business, and was responsible for diversifying and growing new crops. In 2003, Mike and his brothers were recognized for their contributions to the agriculture community when they were inducted into the Stanislaus County Agriculture Hall of Fame. Today, the farm is run by the third generation of the Perez family and it continues to thrive.

Beyond Mike's work at Perez Brothers, he was also very active in the community. He served as President and Director of the Broadview Water District. In addition, Mike

served as director for other organizations, including: Broadview Co-op Gin, Cal-Cot Ltd., Land Preservation Association, San Luis and Delta- Mendota Water Association, Silver Creek Drainage Association, and Valley Seed Growers. Mike has also held office at Cal-West Seeds.

His work and community service were essential aspects of Mike's life; however, family was most important to him. Words cannot adequately describe how much he loved his wife, Ann; his children, Michael, and Marvin, and his beloved grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Mike Perez. He will be remembered as a man who never took anything for granted and had a full appreciation and love for life.

As a third-generation family farmer, I know firsthand that water is the lifeblood of not only San Joaquin Valley, but our entire world. For decades, generations have had to fight tooth and nail for a reliable water supply. It grows our crops, drives our economic activity, and, more importantly, sustains human life. As the global population continues to grow, the demand on the world's water supply will continue to increase and create greater opportunities for conflict.

Friday is World Water Day when we focus on how we can meet the water needs of all people, regardless of where they live on this planet.

In our valley, we have learned much about ways to conserve water, convey it over long distances, and put it to use efficiently. Nonetheless, in California this year, we will have to deal with another partially caused regulatory drought that was unnecessary.

Water has and will continue to present both challenges and opportunities. We must choose the side of cooperation and collaboration if we are about to solve our world's long-term water needs.

Mr. Speaker, on National Agriculture Day, we honor the hardworking efforts of America's farmers, farm workers and processors who provide our family with safe and affordable healthy foods.

As a third-generation San Joaquin Valley farmer, I'm proud to represent our agricultural way of life that drives our economy. More than half of the Nation's fruits and vegetables are grown in California. The San Joaquin Valley produces over $25 billion in gross value per year, which creates jobs and helps feed our Nation.

Each American farmer needs over 144 people, and they're doing it environmentally safer than ever before. It's more important than ever to remind people that our agricultural economy still touches every part of our lives.

Take a moment today to think about the hand that picked the tomato, or the dairyman, and thank them for that glass of milk. These are among the hardest working Americans that I know.

Let me, again, thank the farmers, the farm workers, and the food processors on National Agriculture Day for your hard work in putting the food that we eat on America's dinner tables.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for several votes taken on the House floor last week as I was directed by my doctor to not fly back from my District. As a result, I missed rollcall Votes Nos. 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75.

Had I been present, on rollcall Vote No. 63 I would have voted `aye'; on rollcall Vote No. 64 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 65 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 66 I would have voted `present'; on rollcall Vote No. 67 I would have voted `aye'; on rollcall Vote No. 68 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 69 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 70 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 71 I would have voted `no'; on rollcall Vote No. 72 I would have voted `aye'; on rollcall Vote No. 73 I would have voted `aye'; on rollcall Vote No. 74 I would have voted `aye'; and on rollcall Vote No. 75 I would have voted `no'.

Mr. Speaker, today, along with my colleague, Mr. Nunes, we pay tribute to the life of Sylvia Mehas who passed away on March 9, 2013 at the age of 94. Sylvia will be remembered in the hearts of many as a passionate woman who loved her heritage, family, and faith.

Sylvia grew up in an immigrant family that was from a small village in Greece. Her roots were from the old country; therefore, strong values and morals were instilled in Sylvia early on. Sylvia knew the importance of hard work, and she understood that a little tough love was necessary every once in a while. Her children: Tulla, Peter, and Georgia, appreciate their mother for the lessons she taught them and for the principles that are now ingrained in them.

Sylvia was married to her late husband, George, for over 53 years. Together, they

were very involved in their church, St. George Parish. George served as a President, and Sylvia taught Sunday school, and served on the parish council for five years as Treasurer and Vice President. In addition, Sylvia was a founding member of the church choir. She sang in the choir for 25 years. Sylvia's Greek Orthodox faith was the foundation for her life, so she cherished the opportunities she had to serve at the church.

Fresno's Greek community was an integral part of Sylvia's life. She was co-chair of the Annual Grecian Food Festival, chair of the Greek Community Booth for Passport Fresno and Downtown Fresno Centennial, and she was a member of the Daughters of Penelope, where she served as President and District Lt. Governor.

Civic engagement was also very important to Sylvia. She served on numerous boards and committees. She was a past President of the Federation of Republican Women and an elected member of the Republican Central Committee. Sylvia was proud of her beliefs, but she was not against hearing other peoples' thoughts and arguments. She was happy to sit and talk with anyone. Sylvia served on the Fresno Grand Jury, Fresno County Solid Waste Committee, Fresno City Urban Design Task Force, Fresno City Citizen's Commission, Fresno County Reorganization Committee, and Fresno Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee and Local Government Committee.

Beyond her participation in the community, Sylvia also ran two successful businesses with George. The Fresno Malt Shop and the Athenian Restaurant were staples in downtown Fresno. Sylvia and George worked hard to keep them up and running because they understood the important lessons they were teaching their children about hard work.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join Mr. Nunes and myself in paying tribute to the life of Sylvia Mehas. Sylvia's leadership, guidance, and kindness will be greatly missed by many.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the twenty-fifth anniversary of the pogroms against people of Armenian descent in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. This ungodly massacre in 1988 resulted in the murder of scores of Armenians. Tragically, women and girls were viciously raped and hundreds of Armenians were wounded. The chaos led to thousands of Armenian refugees who were left without homes or livelihoods. It was from the ashes of these terrible fires that arose the Nagorno Karabakh democracy movement that has, after many terrible years of Azerbaijani war, blockades, and aggression, resulted in hard- won freedom and democracy for the proud citizens of this ancient Christian land.

As we recognize this tragedy, it is also proper that we celebrate the courage of the people of Nagorno Karabaldi as the first to rise up against the Soviet Union and to demand their right to freedom and self- governance. We celebrate the self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, their declaration of independence more than two decades ago, and their role in ending the Soviet threat to America. We should never forget the brave efforts of this small nation in sparking the democracy movement that ended decades of dictatorial rule in the USSR and eventually led to the fall of the Soviet Union.

Sadly, over the past quarter century, the Azerbaijani government has attacked the people of Karabakh with a clenched fist. Azerbaijan has consistently obstructed the peace process, walking away from its own agreements, and instead sought to incite hatred within its own population with anti-Armenian rhetoric and regular cross border attacks and threats of renewed war. Perhaps the most telling example was the President of Azerbaijan's decision to pardon, praise, and even promote Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani soldier who was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of unarmed Armenian Army officer Gurgen Margaryan in Budapest in 2004.

Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with the proud people of Nagorno Karabakh because our two peoples share so many of the same foundational ideals including a commitment to the values of freedom, human rights, self-determination, and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay to tribute to the life of Raymond Minnite, who lived a long and fulfilling life of 95 years. As founder of the town of Three Rocks in California, Raymond was a true supporter and advocate for our Central Valley. His kind heart and generosity will be greatly missed.

Raymond was born into a large family with nine brothers and sisters. His parents were first generation immigrants from Italy. Growing up in an immigrant family of 12, Raymond quickly developed great values and principles. He knew the importance of treating others with respect, compassion, and consideration. Raymond's charitable acts were witnessed by many because helping those in need was essential to him.

As a young man, Raymond served in the Army in World War II. He was stationed in Germany, Italy, and France. Raymond did not discuss the brutalities of war with his family and friends. Instead he shared about the times when he would take extra food to the hungry children. Raymond's positive outlook on life was apparent to all of those around him.

After Raymond married Bernadette and they had their children: Gary, Jack, Bernadette, Janis, Dion, and John, he purchased 20 acres of land at the intersection of Clarkson and Highway 33. There was nothing built on the land, but he had a vision. Bernadette believed in his plan, so he had his families support. Raymond's boys took part in the project and helped him salvage old wood and nails. Slowly a small town was built, and Raymond named it Three Rocks. Surrounded by farming communities, it serves a place for farm laborers to live. Today, Three Rocks has about 230 residents.

Raymond had an ingenious idea, and he made it into a reality. He truly achieved the ``American Dream.'' Raymond's children, 17 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren 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 pay tribute to the life of Raymond Minnite. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely live on in Fresno County.