Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3336, the Small Business Credit Availability Act.

This bipartisan measure received unanimous support in the House Committee on Agriculture and ensures, as the previous speakers have indicated, that small financial entities such as community banks, farm credit system institutions, and credit unions will not be burdened with costly regulations resulting from the reform of our financial system. That was never Congress' intent.

I appreciate very much the work of Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson and their staffs, as well as the bill's sponsor, Representative Hartzler, to reach an agreement with not only myself, but my colleagues, Congressmen Baca and Cardoza, who are also on the committee, as well as the California delegation on the underlying text of this bill. Without your support, obviously we could not address this issue pertaining to California.

While we work to maintain the viability of small businesses recognized in H.R. 3336, we also must look for ways to avoid unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act on other entities, in this case, such as utilities.

It's always the difficult challenge we have in Congress, the law of unintended consequences, that we must respond to.

Because of California's regulatory environment, I expressed concerns in the committee that California's energy providers, our utility companies, might be or would be inadvertently, as we believe, swept up by the ``swap dealer'' definition, which is the efforts that the committee has addressed. Over several weeks, we worked together with the staff and the utilities to develop language that provides the clarity needed to ensure that companies within California that provide energy for all businesses and residences--which are ultimately California's ratepayers--are not penalized by the Federal regulators for simply complying with State law.

H.R. 3336 includes language clarifying that the actions undertaken to comply with State or local laws or regulations are excluded in determining whether or not an entity is considered a swap dealer. Let me be specific. The language clarifies that resource adequacy contracts entered into to satisfy California's Public Utilities Commission procurement requirements, renewable energy credits used to satisfy the California Renewable Portfolio Standard, and emission allowances to satisfy California's greenhouse regulations should not--and this is the key line--should not be considered in determining whether or not an entity is a swap dealer.

My colleagues, we should understand that the situation we're dealing with in these examples, these transactions, are closely regulated by California's Public Utilities Commission or the California Air Resources Board, and they pose no systemic risk to our financial systems or to the ratepayers.

While California is currently affected, it is possible that these concerns could be shared by energy providers in other States. That's why the committee, in their wisdom, chose to address this issue to help not only California, but possibly to extend to other States that might be similarly affected. For these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

I once again want to thank the chairman, thank Ranking Member Peterson, Chairman Lucas, and the author of the bill, Representative Hartzler.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, ICCF, its board of trustees, and members as they celebrate their 10th anniversary. ICCF is a non-profit religious institution in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley which is dedicated providing spiritual empowerment and support to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Through their work and educational endeavors, ICCF has been an asset to our community and a true reflection of the rich diversity in our nation.

Since its inception, ICCF has promoted instruction and dialogue in hopes of establishing understanding and harmony among persons of all faiths. An active participant and leader in interfaith collaboration, activities, and discussion, ICCF hosts a number of activities and programs designed to fulfill its goals. ICCF has developed diversity training seminars to provide insight into Islam and the local Muslim community. For example, in 2005, after consultation with Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, ICCF began providing diversity training to police officers in an effort to increase awareness and knowledge of cultural differences. In 2007, ICCF, the California Health Department, and the Marin Abused Women's Services Center led two training seminars to discuss and advocate the prevention of domestic violence.

In addition to its cultural diversity training efforts, ICCF has also served our community by providing family support services. In partnership with Child Protective Services, CPS, ICCF has ensured that children who are removed from their homes because of safety concerns are able to maintain their cultural norms and traditional practices.

ICCF has worked tirelessly to improve the well-being of our entire community. They have worked with Fresno's Poverello House, an organization that serves the hungry, homeless, and destitute, to collect food and distribute it at schools and homeless areas. Additionally, they have joined efforts with the Marjaree Mason Center, a widely recognized non-profit center for victims of domestic violence, to educate and empower some of our Valley's most vulnerable residents.

As one of the premier faith and culture centers in Central California, ICCF has welcomed students and faculty from a number of educational institutions, including Fresno State, University of Phoenix, Fresno City College, as well as local school districts. Often, visitors learn about the teachings of Islam, women in Islam, as well as Islamic perspectives in areas related to anthropology, sociology, and economics.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and recognizing ten years of worship, leadership, and community involvement. The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno accurately reflects the best of what America has to offer--diversity, understanding, and service.

Mr. Speaker, we all have our own ideas on how we should balance the budget, but missing in today's debate is a bipartisan approach to solve our Nation's fiscal problems. No one party has the answers. We can do this not through a Republican- nor a Democratic- proposed budget, unless we are willing to demonstrate bipartisanship.

That's why I'm opposing both the Republican and the Democratic proposals. These are not an answer to our Nation's fiscal problems. Instead, the Simpson-Bowles approach reflected in the Cooper-LaTourette substitute is the preferred approach that we need to follow.

Last night's votes and today's votes will once again demonstrate that the Congress is tone deaf. It's time to put our economy back on a path to fiscal sustainability and pass the Simpson-Bowles measure that last night fell far short. I suggest we cut $4 trillion from the deficit over 10 years with spending cuts and tax reform to ensure solvency of entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security. It's time that we act in a bipartisan fashion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise 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 to honor the life of Dr. Rodney A. Anderson, a noted professor at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) who passed away on March 7, 2012. Dr. Anderson served as a political science professor and mentor for hundreds of students. He characterized the best of what our nation's education system has to offer--he was wise, kind, and worked tirelessly to ensure that his students were successful.

Dr. Anderson grew up on his family's farm where he learned the value of hard work. Dr. Anderson attended Geneva High School, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America and excelled in extemporaneous speaking competitions. Upon graduating from high school in 1984, Dr. Anderson pursued a bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. After graduating with high honors, he earned his master's and doctoral degrees in political science at the Ohio State University.

In 1996, Dr. Anderson joined the Fresno State Political Science Department and worked there until his passing. Throughout his career, he taught 200 students in five classes every semester. American politics, statistics, political behavior, and comparative politics were among the subjects Dr. Anderson taught.

Many of Dr. Anderson's students have gone on to graduate school or rewarding careers as attorneys, teachers, staff members for the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, or consultants. Henry Adams famously said, ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.'' As an alumnus of the Political Science Department at Fresno State, I know firsthand the importance of a dedicated teacher who serves as an academic guide, moral paradigm, and mentor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and service of Dr. Rodney A. Anderson, a principled man and treasured member of the Fresno State community. Dr. Anderson's life was not only filled with personal milestones, but his dedication to his work and students was admirable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of one of our Nation's most principled and generous business leaders, Mr. Pete P. Peters. Sadly, Mr. Peters passed away on March 13, 2012 at the age of 94. His remarkable impact on California's San Joaquin Valley will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

The son of Armenian immigrants, Pete was truly a shining example of the American Dream. With hard work and perseverance, he and his family were able to become business leaders and generous community benefactors.

Mr. Peters, and his brother Leon, were both notable entrepreneurs; he was a self-trained engineer who pioneered a design for a stainless steel circular tanks that have been used for decades by winemakers worldwide. His innovative spirit and passion allowed the brothers to run Valley Foundry and Machine Works as a family operation.

Upon his retirement in 1989, Mr. Peters immersed himself in our community and was active in a number of organizations. He oversaw the Leon S. Peters Foundation and served as chairman of the Pete P. Peters Foundation. While he did not have the opportunity to go to college, Mr. Peters was an ardent advocate for higher education and felt it was necessary for young Americans have the opportunity to go to college, regardless of their financial circumstances. As a result, he was an enthusiastic supporter of colleges and universities in the San Joaquin Valley, including: California State University, Fresno (CSU Fresno), Fresno City College, and Reedley College.

Mr. Peters was also a supporter of Community Regional Medical Center, Valley Public Television, the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, and the San Joaquin Valley Winemaking Association. His numerous gifts to our Valley enhanced thousands of lives.

Recognizing his immense contributions to the San Joaquin Valley, California, and our Nation, CSU Fresno conferred on him an honorary doctoral degree--the CSU's highest honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Pete P. Peters. His humility and unwavering commitment to the improvement of our community not only made him an asset to the San Joaquin Valley, but a role model for our entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, once again I rise on behalf of the thousands of Armenian Americans in my congressional district to remember the evening of February 27, 1988, when a murderous campaign began against Christian Armenian civilians living in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. Tragically, police in nearby Baku ignored the atrocities and allowed the rampage to continue for three days.

Azerbaijani rioters murdered, raped and maimed Armenians, throwing women and children from windows and burning victims alive. While some estimate that more than 30 individuals were killed and more than 200 injured, others estimate that hundreds were murdered. The Soviets banned journalists from entering the area and, for two decades, Azerbaijani authorities relentlessly covered up, ignored and whitewashed these tragic events.

Even worse, many believe the atrocities were officially sanctioned by Azerbaijani authorities to send a clear message to the Armenians, who were peacefully demonstrating against Azerbaijani repression and discrimination in Nagorno Karabakh just days before the massacre.

The anniversary of this horrifying moment in history serves as yet another call to action to build a more peaceful and just world. The United States must stand firmly against repression and human rights abuses.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today with my colleagues, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Denham, to honor the life of United States Marine Sgt. Justin Avery Everett. Sergeant Everett passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in a tragic helicopter accident during a night training exercise near Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona. He was 33 years old. Sergeant Everett's patriotism, bravery, and selfless service to his country will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

A proud son of California's San Joaquin Valley, Sergeant Everett was born in Chowchilla, California to James and Patsy Everett. Sergeant Everett grew up in Fresno, California with his siblings: James, Jason and Jeremy. He graduated from Reedley High School in 1996 where he won numerous wrestling medals. After high school Sergeant Everett served as a youth group leader at the Church of God Prophesy in Fresno. His commitment to service was evident as a young man. He exemplified a selfless, noble nature and a commitment to a cause greater than his own.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, Sergeant Everett joined the United States Marine Corps in 2002. During his 10 year service, he was deployed on two tours of duty in Iraq. He served as a Pilot and a Crew Chief with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard a UH 1Y Huey. At the time of his death, Sergeant Everett was preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan in July 2012.

In addition to his legacy as a U.S. Marine, Sergeant Everett will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He is survived by his parents and his brothers, who are also helicopter pilots. Shortly before his death, Sergeant Everett and his wife, Holly, celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. The couple have two children, a 5-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.

Mr. Speaker, we offer our most heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to Sergeant Everett's loved ones. I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Nunes, Mr. Denham, and me in honoring his courageous and heroic service in the United States Marine Corps. His dedication to preserving freedom and democracy will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Stewart A. Resnick as he is honored by the Ag One Foundation at California State University, Fresno. Hosted by the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State, the Ag One Foundation was established in 1979 to ``benefit, promote, and support the college and its programs.'' The Ag One Foundation hosts an annual Community Salute where distinguished individuals are recognized for their commitment to the success of Fresno State students and California agriculture. This year, the Ag One Foundation is recognizing Mr. Resnick, not only for his impressive business ventures, but also for his admirable commitment to the growth of California's San Joaquin Valley and innovative agricultural practices.

Mr. Resnick grew up in New Jersey and headed to California with his family in the 1950s. Mr. Resnick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, as well as a law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While a student, Mr. Resnick demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his first business, a janitorial services company. Since then, he and his wife Lynda have worked tirelessly to cultivate a number of thriving companies.

Mr. Resnick and his wife own and manage Roll International and its companies, including: Teleflora, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Paramount Citrus, Paramount Farms and Farming, Suterra, JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery, and Landmark Vineyards. He is a longtime supporter of the arts, education, and health care. Mr. Resnick and his wife have been loyal advocates for California's San Joaquin Valley. They have been generous in their support of Children's Hospital Central California--in 2006, Paramount Farms made a gift of $4 million to the hospital. In addition, they founded the Paramount Bard Academy, in the southern San Joaquin Valley city of Delano. The school opened its doors in August 2009 and serves students in grades 6 12.

Further demonstrating their commitment to education, the children of their employees are afforded scholarship opportunities to support their scholastic endeavors and encourage academic excellence. The program has awarded more than $2.2 million in scholarships to 450 students. In late 2011; Paramount Farms completed the renovation of a 7-acre park in Lost Hills, a small city in Kern County, California. Renovation of this park led to a revitalization of community resolve and togetherness. Time and time again, Mr. and Mrs. Resnick have proven to be formidable allies for the communities in which there employees live and work.

Mr. Resnick's commitment to philanthropy is truly telling of his character--reliable, generous, and compassionate. He has truly been a champion for the San Joaquin Valley and its residents. His contributions to California's heartland and our nation truly reflect the best of what America has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Stewart A. Resnick for his impressive business acumen and his deep commitment to improving the San Joaquin Valley. His pioneering work and dedication to making meaningful contributions to the Central Valley make him a role model and source of pride for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Lieutenant Colonel Clifford George Ford, distinguished veteran of the United States Air Force, loyal friend, and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Cliff passed away on January 18, 2012 at the age of 81. Through his thoughtful nature, zest for life, and dedication to service, he leaves behind a wonderful legacy.

Cliff was born on April 16, 1930 in Lohrville, Iowa, and grew up on farms in Iowa and Minnesota, alongside his two brothers and two sisters. It is during his childhood that his lifelong love of nature developed. After graduating from Lake City High School at the age of 17, Cliff made the decision to serve our great Nation in the United States military. Cliff's time in the United States Air Force took him all around the world, including: Japan, Germany, England, and Taiwan. While living in Yakota Air Base, Japan, Cliff met the love of his life, Rose. The two married on February 10, 1951.

Cliff spent the majority of his life serving our country in a number of capacities while in the Air Force. Throughout his service, Cliff demonstrated courage, determination, strength, and empathy--he truly illustrated the best of what America has to offer. In 1975, Cliff retired from the United States Air Force and spent the remainder of his life in Atwater, California. Retiring in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley afforded Cliff the opportunity to purchase an almond orchard and pursue his lifelong passion for agriculture.

Cliff's legacy will live on through his service to our Nation, his work in our Valley, and through his children: Christine, Linda, Michelle, Anita, Chuck, Valerie, Melissa, and Hilary; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Perhaps what was most telling of Cliff's character was the importance he placed on family and kinship. Cliff leaves his family with many warm and cherished memories.

In a note to Cliff, his grandson wrote, ``every person is an example of the people they have spent their life with.'' As we reflect on Cliff's life, let us aspire to lead a life like his--one filled with resolve, self-reliance, and love.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Lieutenant Colonel Clifford George Ford, an honorable and respected man with an unwavering commitment to his loving family and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Roelof van Ark, who will soon end his term as the chief executive of the California High- Speed Rail Authority (CAHSRA). There is no textbook on how to build high-speed rail in America; it has never been done before. For the past two years Mr. van Ark has written the first chapters of that book by dedicating himself wholly to building the nation's first true high- speed rail system in California. He deserves our recognition and true appreciation for all the work he has done for California and our nation.

For three decades, Mr. van Ark has worked on high-speed rail and other transportation systems throughout the world. Before becoming only the second chief executive since the Authority was formed in 1996, he led ALSTOM Transportation, Inc., for five years. Mr. van Ark previously worked in Germany and South Africa for Siemens Transportation Systems, a global leader in high-speed rail systems. During his more than 20 year tenure with Siemens, he successfully constructed complex infrastructure projects such as the ``Skytrain'' in Bangkok, several subways throughout China, and high-speed rail lines in Germany. He ended his time with Siemens while working in Sacramento as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

His lifetime of experience enabled him to bring such tremendous expertise and leadership to the implementation of California's high- speed rail project.

I applaud Roelof van Ark for his years of tireless work on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the state of California. Mr. van Ark has truly laid the groundwork for the nation's first high- speed rail system, and I hope he will join me in riding the first train that departs from San Francisco en route to Los Angeles via the San Joaquin Valley. All Californians will be better off due to the service and sacrifice of this great leader.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to stand with me in thanking Roelof for his work in advancing modern modes of transportation within the United States and around the world. Please join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication and success of Mr. Roelof van Ark and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors.

I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 1837.

California's water system is broken. For too long, the San Joaquin Valley, which many of us represent, has borne the brunt of the water challenges facing our State. We have a water system designed for 20 million people. We have 38 million people today living in California. By the year 2030, we could have 50 million people. My district was and is ground zero for the hydrological and regulatory drought that occurred in 2009 and 2010. I was in the food lines in which farmworkers, sadly, found themselves because there wasn't sufficient water to employ them.

My constituents who rely on water for their livelihoods are looking to Congress to see that we are listening and that we care to work on real solutions that impact their futures. The politics of water are not new in California nor in the West. They've existed for decades. I would hope that at some point we could put the politics aside. This debate is too important. It has been put off for too long.

For the farmers, the farmworkers, and the farm communities that I represent, I urge my colleagues to support this rule on a bipartisan basis.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to discuss a matter of great importance to my constituents in the San Joaquin Valley, and that's the future of our water supply. More importantly, it's our Nation's food supply and, therefore, an important part of the world's food supply.

H.R. 1837 is not perfect and has issues I think the authors should seriously consider, but I am supporting the legislation today because of a number of important provisions it contains.

Titles 1 and 3 of the legislation aim to address the biggest challenges for water policy in California. In 2009 and 2010, valley communities suffered through a hydrological and regulatory drought that was insufferable. This year, we are again faced with below-average snow pack in the mountains and may see as little as a 30 percent allocation for water in our area.

My congressional district is the most impacted in California by this shortfall. Farmers, farmworkers, and farming communities that live in my district is what I'm talking about. Our water system is broken in California; but while we're trying to fix it, we need operational flexibility while we continue to work on the long-term issues of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan.

We should be discussing more constructive ways in which we can work together.

Title 2 of this measure repeals and replaces the San Joaquin River Restoration Act. After 18 years of litigation, the parties involved decided to reach an out-of-court settlement agreement. We can all dispute that, but it was those 22 districts' local government that we respected who asked them to codify their out-of-court settlement agreement. I note that the Friant Water Authority continues to oppose title 2 of the bill, as do many of the districts who were involved with the writing and the negotiation of the settlement agreement.

Now, we do have problems with the implementation of the program-- Congressman Cardoza and I will tell you--from the schedule, to costs, to third-party impacts, to the fulfillment of the water management goal, which is critical to the water users. These issues need to be addressed. But simply repealing the settlement agreement won't solve any of these problems, in my view. In fact, I'm certain they'll be back in court the next day, and that's not solving a problem.

We have had a long history of working on a bipartisan basis in California and in the San Joaquin Valley among our Representatives on water. It frustrates me to see the division on the House floor that has politicized this situation and arguably does nothing for the people that I represent. I have always been willing to work on both sides of the aisle, with the Senate, and with the administration to get things done for our valley; and I have done that throughout my career. But unless we are willing to work with Senator Feinstein, who I know wants to be helpful, I predict that this measure today, as it is proposed, will never be heard in the United States Senate. Therefore, it will never bring an additional single drop of water to our region that is desperately in need of more water.

I think we can do better for our constituents by working together on a bipartisan basis with both Houses to develop and implement solutions both in the long term and the short term. These are the efforts that really will increase our water supply, which all Californians need and deserve to have.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Maxey for receiving the E. Floyd Forbes Award, which is the National Meat Association's highest honor. Established in 1946, the National Meat Association has been instrumental to the success of the meat industry by providing a number of services to its members, including one-on-one regulatory assistance and legislative representation.

The National Meat Association's E. Floyd Forbes Award is named after the president of the National Meat Association's predecessor organization, the Western States Meat Packers Association. Each year, the E. Floyd Forbes Award is given to an individual of exemplary moral character, who has provided impressive and unrelenting service to the National Meat Association, as well as the meat and poultry industry.

Jim Maxey's advocacy and passion for agricultural issues, specifically the meat and poultry industry has made him a distinguished community and industry leader. A native son of California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, Jim understands firsthand the value of hard work and has a deep understanding of what it means to build and run a successful business.

Jim grew up on a small family cattle ranch in Fresno, California. It was at this time that he was able to gain an intimate grasp of the inner workings of the meat industry--both the live and processing sides of the business. Upon graduating from California State University, Fresno, Jim became an invaluable part of the family business, and was involved in all aspects, including: beef packing, beef processing, and cattle feeding. His love of agriculture led to a fulfilling career, one where he was able to serve his community and colleagues at the same time.

Jim has served as President and Board Chairman of the National Meat Association. Currently, he is serving as a member of the Cattlemen Beef Board. Jim's breadth of experience gives him a unique combination of intellect an enthusiasm, which has allowed him to serve the National Meat Association admirably.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jim Maxey for being the recipient of the National Meat Association's E. Floyd Forbes Award. His consistent devotion to providing quality products and exceptional service should be commended. His is truly a source of pride for our community and our nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the housing crisis facing Americans. In California's San Joaquin Valley, we know firsthand the pain the housing crisis has caused our families and communities as foreclosure rates have continued to hover well above the national average.

The $25 billion settlement announced last week gives significant relief to homeowners; but it's not the wholesale, systemic change necessary to put our housing market back on solid ground.

Homeowners are tired of waiting for meaningful change, and tweaks are not enough. Enacting the HOME Act and a homeowner's bill of rights would go a long way toward stabilizing the market and leveling the playing field for the future. We know it's essential to get our economy back on track.

Restoring economic security starts with passing meaningful policies that rebuild the foundation of our communities and the American home. After all, the American home is the single largest investment that the average American family makes in their lifetime. It's part and parcel of the American Dream and the foundation of America's middle class.