Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Everett ``Bud'' Rank, Jr., lifelong Valley farmer and former Clovis Unified School District Trustee. Mr. Rank left us on the same property along the San Joaquin River in northeast Fresno where he was born in 1921.

Mr. Rank spent much of his life working with the Future Farmers of America, where he helped organize the Clovis chapter of the organization. He was then president of that chapter, as well as a member of many other farming organizations, including the Farm Bureau California Young Farmers and Ranchers, Clovis Young Farmers, the Clovis Grange.

As a Clovis High School graduate, schools and children were his greatest contribution to the local community, as his wife says. He served three terms as head of the Clovis Unified Board of Trustees in the late 60's and early 70's. To honor his work in education, Bud Rank Elementary School in Clovis was named after him in 2006.

Mr. Rank worked two tours of duty within the Agriculture Department, as Western regional director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in the 1970s, and as the head of ASCS and executive vice president of the Commodity Credit Corp. in the 1980s. He also served as a member of both President Nixon and Reagan's administrations' Agricultural Departments, all while being an avid golfer and ardent family man.

He is survived by his wife Evelyn, their three daughters, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

I applaud Mr. Rank for his years of tireless work on behalf of agriculture and education.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to stand with me in honoring Mr. Rank's remarkable life and his work in advancing our education system and agricultural productivity in the Valley. Please join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication, and success of Mr. Everett ``Bud'' Rank, Jr.'s life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, who passed away on May 16, 2012 at the age of 91. Bud will be remembered for his groundbreaking work in education, his loyalty to his friends, family, and students, as well as his role as one of Central California's most visionary leaders.

Bud was born in Georgia and spent his childhood in Pennsylvania, where he attended elementary school and high school. His commitment to service was evident early in his life. Bud served our Nation proudly in the United States Army during World War II and ended his service as a second lieutenant.

Bud and his wife made their way to Fresno in the late 1940s. In 1953, he graduated from California State University, Fresno and began his educational career. His remarkable 33-year educational career was marked with milestones. As Fresno Unified School District's first African-American principal, Bud became an inspiration and source of pride for an entire community.

Bud consistently maintained a positive attitude and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of his students. As a teacher, his gentle spirit and big heart put his students at ease and encouraged them to pursue success. In 1963, Bud was named principal of Teilman and Emerson schools. He retired in 1986 after serving as principal at Bethune Elementary School for 14 years. Throughout his impressive career, he served as a mentor to countless students.

Bud's service to our community did not end in the classroom; he also served on a number of boards and commissions. He served as President of United Black Men of Fresno for ten years and was active on the boards of the Chaffee Zoo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno, St. Agnes Medical Center, and the Kiwanis Club of Fresno. His hard work and innovative nature made him a respected member of our community and he served as an example to many.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, one of Fresno's most distinguished leaders, a trailblazer for education, and a true champion for the people of Central California. His leadership made him a role model and an asset to our community. His caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.

Today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4970, the partisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Since 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has been a critical tool for protecting women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, and Congress has twice made necessary bipartisan improvements in the law.

As a cochairman of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, I know that we have learned a great deal from law enforcement and victim advocate groups since we last reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act in 2005. Unfortunately, this bill rolls back comprehensive protections for all vulnerable populations rather than reflect on the lessons we've learned.

We should be listening to the victims' rights advocate groups and our local law enforcement agencies, which know and deal daily with the impacts on people's lives who are the victims of crime. Therefore, we ought to pass the bipartisan Senate reauthorization bill and end this partisan charade.

Mr. Speaker, we honor American teachers nationwide this week, who, day in and day out, work to make a future brighter for America.

We all have had at least one or more teachers who has shaped our lives and who have believed in us. Mine was Mrs. Myrna Collins, who taught me in both the fourth and seventh grades back at Kearney Elementary School. This no-nonsense woman with a Texas drawl was determined that, despite the fact that I could be a handful, I was going to behave and learn--and learn I did.

A few years back, I made an effort to have lunch with Mrs. Collins, and she made the comment that she knew that I could be successful if I only applied myself, and she was right. Her guidance back then showed me how much could be accomplished with hard work and focus.

In the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide, teachers of America meet the challenges in the classroom with grace and grit every day. As we recognize these teachers throughout our country, we thank you for what you do every week of the school year.

God bless you, Mrs. Collins, for all the students whose lives you've touched. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Edward Woodrow Hunt, who passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of 69. Mr. Hunt served as Fresno County's District Attorney for two decades, from 1982 to 2002. He was a passionate prosecutor, who sought justice for victims and was instrumental in the passage of California's ``Three Strikes'' law.

Mr. Hunt was born on July 27, 1942 in Huntsville, Alabama to Ed and Ethel Hunt. He demonstrated his dedication to public service early in his life, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. He served proudly until 1964. His military work brought him to California's San Joaquin Valley, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California.

A proud product of Valley schools, Mr. Hunt graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and earned his law degree from the San Joaquin College of Law.

Early in his career, Mr. Hunt worked as a Deputy District Attorney, where his love of public service grew. His zest for the law and service led him to seek election to become Fresno County's District Attorney.

After a demanding 1982 election cycle, the voters selected Mr. Hunt as their District Attorney. As Fresno's Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Hunt hit the ground running, and worked diligently to take action against those who had violated the law. Not only was he an impeccable District Attorney, he was also an important partner in ensuring the well-being and safety of our Valley, and eventually the entire State.

When two former California Assembly Members, myself and Mr. Bill Jones, co-authored legislation for our State's ``Three Strikes and You're Out,'' which eventually was placed on the ballot as an initiative by the people of California, Mr. Hunt was one of its staunchest

supporters. California's ``Three Strikes'' law sought to increase sentences for repeat offenders in order to significantly decrease crime. Mr. Hunt recognized the value of the proposition and worked hard to earn the support of the California District Attorneys Association.

An exceptional and savvy prosecutor, Mr. Hunt was truly a valuable asset for the people of Central California. During his tenure, he helped reduce crime rates, and established specialty prosecution teams, including the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), a nationally recognized gang unit.

He will be sorely missed by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter Tami; and stepson Steve Sirman.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of Mr. Edward Woodrow Hunt. His service to our Valley will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tracy Ranch on the occasion of its 150th anniversary celebration. The Tracy Ranch has made a significant and historical impact on agriculture in Kern County. During its 150 year history, the Tracy Ranch has become a family-held operation that grows cotton, wheat, potatoes, tomatoes, almonds and pistachios. Beef raising rounds out the operations of Buttonwillow Land & Cattle Company, a partnership made up of three families: the Freys, Selvidges and Tracys.

The Tracy Ranch legacy officially began in 1862 when Ferdinand Tracy and Wellington Canfield formed the partnership Canfield & Tracy, a rangeland cattle operation. Their herds roamed the lower San Joaquin Valley, grazing on wild grass in an untamed dominion ruled by the likes of rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, coyotes and waterfowl. In 1875, Ferdinand married Ellen Baker, the widow of Colonel Thomas Baker. In 1898, Ferdinand's nephew, William Tracy, established what would be today's headquarters and historical park on Wildwood Road, 5 miles northeast of Buttonwillow. This era was marked by the raising of Belgian draft horses and later, ostriches. His marriage in 1904 to the daughter of another pioneer family, Fannie C. Rowlee, would yield six children.

With the death of William Tracy in 1941, his widow Fannie Tracy rallied her widespread children and their spouses back to the ranch. The result was a turning point that saved a ranch ravaged by bad luck of the 1920s and the Great Depression of the 1930s. Fueled by the talents and resources of the Freys, Selvidges and Tracys, made urgent by World War II, the ranch was transformed from an equine epoch into a mechanized farming operation. Today in the fifth generation, diversity is their strength. The Tracy Ranch is respected and should be honored for the achievement of their unity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work and dedication that the Tracy Ranch has put forth. Reaching its 150th year, the Tracy Ranch is joined today by only a handful of other surviving Kern County operations with roots going back to early California. I congratulate the Tracy Ranch on its many years of dedicated and successful work in California, and wish the families many successful years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Candy O'Donel-Browne, a tireless advocate for victims of domestic abuse in California's San Joaquin Valley. As we observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week, this is a fitting time to honor Mrs. O'Donel-Browne. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, VRC, I was proud to nominate Mrs. O'Donel-Browne for the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy, one of five annual awards given by the VRC. Each year, the Ed Stout Award honors professionals or volunteers whose efforts directly benefit victims and survivors of crime. Mrs. O'Donel-Browne has spent her life doing just that.

After seeing the lack of services for victims in our Valley's rural communities, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne and a few other concerned community members created Mountain Crisis Services, Inc., MCS, in Mariposa, California, in 1990. Since the beginning of MCS, she served as a dedicated and innovative board member and now serves as President of the Board of Directors. Though the work is challenging both physically and mentally, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne has shown exceptional creativity and flexibility, easily filling the role of Executive Director when needed. Due to her diligence and dedication, the life saving services offered by MCS never cease.

In 2008, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne again noticed a void in victims' services in Merced County. After a sister agency was forced to close its doors, MCS opened a fully functioning office and shelter in only six weeks. When the agency finally shut down its services, the Valley Crisis Center stood at the ready to assist victims in Merced County. During this time, she often articulated the need to ensure that no victim should be left without services or access to safety.

MCS has transformed from a single domestic violence agency with a staff of 12 to a dual domestic violence and rape crisis agency with a staff of 30, serving two counties with vastly different populations. Although this transition occurred in a time of economic recession and tight state and federal budgets, she surmounted the odds and did so with professionalism, passion and grace.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to stand with me in thanking Mrs. Candy O'Donel-Browne for her devotion to the domestic violence movement and to the victims she so faithfully serves. Please join me today in recognizing her remarkable achievements and wish her and the communities she serves many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James Wesley ``Jim'' Andreas, who passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of eighty. Jim was a farmer, a community leader and a veteran, who lived an exemplary life. Most importantly, Jim will be remembered for being a loving family man and loyal friend.

Born into a proud farming family, Jim was born on December 28, 1931 at the Andreas home just outside of Delano, California. A son of John David ``Dave'' and Emma Andreas, he grew up working on the family farm diligently along with his siblings--Frank, John, Mary, Virginia, and Roger. Jim demonstrated his leadership, athletic and scholastic abilities throughout his school years, participating in Key Club, Band, Tennis and 4 H Club, where he was selected as a County All-Star. He graduated from Delano High School in 1949 and was voted as ``the Brains'' senior superlative.

While studying at Stanford University, the family home was destroyed during a fire and Jim returned to Delano to help rebuild the ranch. Upon the completion of the J.D. Andreas and Sons ranch base of operations, Jim finished his studies at University of California, Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with honors in 1954. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, earning a commission in the Naval Reserve as an Ensign and trained to be a skilled and decorated naval pilot. On April 28, 1962 and during his time of service to our country, Jim married Jill Marie Taggart. After completing his active duty service, Jim and Jill returned to Delano to the family business in agriculture.

Jim worked alongside his father and brothers at the J.D. Andreas and Sons farming operation. Under his management, the business grew from 300 acres to 2,000 acres of field crops and grape vineyards. Through his role at J.D. Andreas and Sons, Jim was a true leader in California agriculture, serving 33 years as a member of the California Dry Bean Advisory Board and as chairman for six years. He was also a Director of the Cal-Bean and Grain Cooperative, Inc. and the Raisin Bargaining Association, where his expertise and knowledge were recognized both domestically and internationally.

Jim also immersed himself in our community and was active in a number of organizations. He served on the Delano Joint Union High School Board of Trustees, the Delano High Ag Advisory Group and volunteered as 4 H Club leader for over 15 years. Jim was a devoted

member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Delano, where he was a supporter of the Key Club and started the Builders' Club for 7th and 8th grade students at Cecil Avenue Junior High. Jim also served as Secretary of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and Director of the Valley Production Credit Association. He was honored as Delano's Man of the Year in 1987, received the UC Davis Award of Distinction in 1995 for his service to California Agriculture, and was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2003 Delano Harvest Holidays Festival.

Jim's legacy will live on through his service to our nation, his work in our Valley, and through his children, LCDR Mark J. Andreas, USN Ret and Dr. Jennifer Andreas, and his four grandchildren, Mark J. Andreas, Jr., Austin Williamson, John W. Andreas, and Ashley Williamson. Perhaps what was most telling of Jim's character was the importance he placed on family and friendship. Jim leaves his many family members with many warm and cherished memories.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of James Wesley Andreas, an honorable and respected man with an unwavering commitment to his loving family and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Cardoza to honor the life and service of Judge Robert M. Falasco who passed away on March 30, 2012 at the age of 89. Judge Falasco was a true community treasure who served as a mentor, respected leader, and loyal friend. He touched the lives of many in the San Joaquin Valley. His legacy will live on through the numerous contributions he made to Central California, as well as his commitment to justice, fairness, and the law.

Born in 1922 to Dominic and Theresa Falasco, Judge Falasco understood the value of public service early in his life. From 1943 to 1946, he served our nation in the United States Army Air Corps. He then went on to study at Santa Clara University School of Law in California, where he graduated in 1951 and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1952. Judge Falasco was elected to the Merced County Justice Court in 1958, where he served until 1977. He was then appointed to Merced County's Municipal Court, and finally to the Merced County Superior Court in 1982. He retired in 1985.

During his distinguished career, Judge Falasco served the people of Central California admirably. He could always be relied upon to provide fair-minded and knowledgeable rulings. Through his leadership, Judge Falasco became a role model for his friends and neighbors. His compassion and concern for our community served as a testament to his extraordinary character. Judge Falasco not only fulfilled his judicial duties, he also worked for our Valley in a number of capacities. From 1955 1958, he served as a trustee for the Los Banos Elementary School District. For 15 years, Judge Falasco was director of the Merced County Fair Board. He was also a member of the Board of Fellows for Santa Clara University, and played an active role in the building of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and Memorial Hospital in Los Banos.

Recognizing his honesty and intelligence, as well as his incredible impact on the Valley, the Merced County courthouse in Los Banos was renamed the ``Merced County Robert M. Falasco Justice Center'' by the City of Los Banos in 2007.

Judge Falasco was a devout Catholic and his good works were often inspired by his faith. In 1975, Pope Paul VI made him a Knight of St. Gregory for his civic and religious contributions.

His innovative spirit was exemplified by his early support of the University of California, Merced. He cared deeply about the San Joaquin Valley and often looked for ways to improve and serve his community. Judge Falasco regarded this as one of the highest honors in his life.

Judge Falasco led an extraordinary life filled with compassion, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the law. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Yvonne; four children, Michael, Joan, Anne, and Sally; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life and outstanding service of the honorable Robert M. Falasco, a beloved leader and admired scholar.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Mr. Denham, to pay tribute to Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel and his service to the United States and our veterans. His selfless and honorable work for our nation and its men and women in uniform make him a source of pride for our community and our country.

Bill entered the service on September 23, 1952. During his time in the United States Air Force, he was a flight engineer for B 29s and other four engine aircrafts. In 1957, he worked as a crew chief/flight engineer at the 420th Air Refueling Squadron. In September 1957, he deployed to the Sculthorpe RAF station in England, and the SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska in 1961. He served our nation proudly in the Air Force until his retirement on September 30, 1972. His loyalty and devotion to our country is remarkable and highly commendable.

A tireless advocate for all veterans, Bill has accomplished much throughout his distinguished military and civilian career. He is the publisher and managing editor of the U.S. Veterans Magazine, through which he seeks to honor all who have served. Additionally, he has been the director of the annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade for the past 11 years. The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and is broadcast to about 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces--Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve--through the Pentagon Channel. The channel also reaches more than 18 million households through satellite and cable systems nationwide. Further demonstrating his commitment to our nation's veterans, Bill founded the ``Wall of Honor'' at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System in Fresno, California.

A veteran, friend, mentor, and great American, Bill's longstanding dedication to service is truly a reflection of his superior moral character. He has consistently worked side by side with elected officials and Valley leaders to ensure that the needs of our veterans and their families are met. There has never been a challenge too daunting for Bill; he has always maintained a positive and confident attitude. His contributions to Central California and our nation are truly extraordinary.

In addition to his significant work, Bill is a loving husband and father. He and his wife Marilyn have been married for 59 years. Together they have 5 children: Linda Leigh, Jeanette, Susan, Barbara Ann, Cynthia Marie, and William Keith.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Denham and me in recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel for his unwavering allegiance to our veterans and his reverence for our country. He truly exemplifies the best of what America has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Kenneth C. Fugelsang on the occasion of his retirement from California State University, Fresno. Professor Fugelsang served the university as an Enology professor for 40 years and as University Winemaster for the award-winning Fresno State Winery. The Viticulture and Enology Department at Fresno State is a one-of-a-kind, world renowned program, which serves approximately 200 students every year.

A proud product of the California State University system, Professor Fugelsang earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno State. He then furthered his education at the University of California, Davis where he was a visiting research scholar.

Since 1971, Professor Fugelsang has served the university in a number of capacities. In every one of his endeavors, he has been instrumental in ensuring the success of Fresno State students, as well as the grape and wine industry.

His impact on the grape and wine industry has been paramount. He is recognized as one of the world's leading experts on Brettanomyces-- spoilage yeast that grows on grapes and in wineries. Recognizing his expertise, his colleagues have trusted him to coordinate and present at a number of regional, national, and international conferences.

Professor Fugelsang's guidance has continually been an asset to his students, many of whom have gone on to win acclaim in their own right. In 1997, he helped establish the commercial winery at Fresno State. The winery has the distinction of being the first bonded winery on a university campus in the United States. Operated by students, the Fresno State Winery produces almost 10,000 cases a year, including wine cultivated from the university campus farm. His students consistently received real-world, hands-on experience which led them to be job-ready upon graduation. Professor Fugelsang has always worked to provide the best for his students throughout his career. He secured donations exceeding $2 million in facilities, equipment, supplies, grapes, and technical services that have helped students directly.

In 2011, Professor Fugelsang was conferred professor emeritus status. During his impressive career, he published more than 150 technical papers, 18 books, and made editorial contributions to domestic and international journals. Additionally, he was the recipient of nearly 50 research grants, amounting to approximately $5 million.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Professor Kenneth C. Fugelsang for his meaningful contributions to our Valley and Fresno State students. His legacy will live on for years to come, through the success of his students, tomorrow's winemakers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Denham to pay tribute to the service of Mr. Al Perry on the occasion of his retirement from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Central California Healthcare System. His years of dedicated service to United States veterans exemplifies his reverence for our country and demonstrates the best of what America has to offer.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Middlebury College in 1970, Mr. Perry served in the United States Medical Service Corps from 1971 to 1973. This service marked the beginning of his unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the welfare and safety of our nation. Following his service, Mr. Perry attended Northeastern University where he obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and the Medical College of Virginia where he earned a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration.

During his career with the VA, he has served as a friend and counselor to many of our nation's service men and women. As a coach and mentor for the VA's career and development programs, Mr. Perry served as a guide and moral paradigm for countless veterans by steering and advising them through difficult decisions. Prior to this, Mr. Perry served as adjunct faculty at California State University, Long Beach and Boston University.

A tireless advocate for all veterans, Mr. Perry has held a number of leadership positions within the VA. He served as Co-Chair, Chair, Acting Director, and eventually Director of several national taskforces and healthcare systems, including the VA National Workload Realignment Taskforce, the CARES Livermore Realignment Taskforce, and the federal medical disaster stations during Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Gustav.

Under his management, the VA Central California Healthcare System was widely recognized. In 2003, the VA Central California Healthcare System received the ``Central California Excellence in Business Award'' from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Fresno Bee. In 2006, they received the VA Secretary's Annual Labor-Management Partnership Award and were recognized by the VA Under Secretary with the Annual Diversity Award. They also received the Robert W. Carey Performance Achievement Award and were ranked among ``America's 100 Most Wired Hospitals'' in 2009, 2006, and 2004. In 2010, they received the Robert W. Carey Performance Achievement Award.

Mr. Perry's longstanding commitment to U.S. veterans is truly a reflection of his character and has not gone unrecognized. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the OPM ``HERO'' Award for Community Service in the Federal Non-Military Division the Presidential Rank ``Meritorious Executive'' Award, the ``Distinguished Executive'' Award, and the 2011 Veterans Health Administration Certified Mentor of the Year Award.

Mr. Perry has been a true champion for veterans of the Central Valley. He and his team have consistently and effectively partnered with local elected officials in efforts to better serve and care for Central Valley veterans.

We applaud Mr. Perry for his many years of work on behalf of our nation's veterans and their families. His retirement marks a bittersweet milestone for the VA Central California Healthcare System. We wish him the best of success as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Perry is looking forward to enjoying more time with his wife, Susan-Jean Perry, and his daughters and son in-law, Amanda Perry, Meredith Kohl, and Kristoffer Kohl.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Denham and I ask our colleagues to join us in congratulating Mr. Al Perry on his successful career as a leader in the Veterans Affairs Central California Healthcare System, and honoring for his life-long service to the United States of America and its veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. As co-founder and cochair with Congressman Ted Poe of the bipartisan Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, we are well aware that far too often the victims of crimes suffer in silence.

Just last week, members of the caucus honored advocates nationwide for their work in supporting crime victims, including the University of California-Merced and Candy O'Donel-Browne of Mountain Crisis Services and the good work that she and her folks have done. Every day, these advocates work tirelessly to guarantee that every survivor has a place to turn for support in the aftermath of crime.

Though we wish that commemorative weeks such as this were not necessary, they help educate the public and remind survivors that they are not and

never will be forgotten. All of us have a responsibility to give voice to the challenges crime victims face, not just this week, but for every week of the year.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 195, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, 97 years ago, the Ottoman Empire orchestrated a murderous campaign that resulted in the death of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children and forced hundreds of thousands into exile.

Growing up in Fresno, California, the place William Saroyan, a great American author of Armenian descent, called home, I heard the stories of this tragic time between 1915 and 1923. The sons and daughters of survivors, time and time again, told the stories of their families.

The facts are clear. What happened 97 years ago can only be called by one name: genocide--the first genocide of the 20th century. Yet after nearly a century, the House of Representatives and current and past American Presidents have refused to recognize the Armenian genocide as such.

We cannot wait for a convenient moment, for it's not a convenient truth. Man's inhumanity to mankind never is. Now is the time to pass House Resolution 304 that I am a cosponsor of and formally recognize the Armenian genocide.