Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dave Wood for being inducted in to the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame. Dave has been a pioneer and true leader for the Cattle Industry for the past 40 years. It is fitting that a man who has dedicated his whole life to bettering an industry be recognized by his peers.

Dave has worked for Harris Ranch since he graduated from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo in 1970. Originally hired on as a feedyard pen rider, Dave quickly worked his way up to the feedyard manager and then the company's chief operating officer. In 1989, Dave was named chairman of beef operations for Harris Farms and has held that position ever since.

During his time with the company, Dave has helped to build Harris Feed Company into the largest feeder on the West Coast and the 16th largest in the Nation. Annually they finish about 250,000 head of cattle, with a one-time capacity of 120,000 head. Under Dave's leadership, the company has taken great pride in its animal welfare. Harris Feed Company has invested in the installation of shade structures and automated sprinkler systems to control dust and to help keep the cattle cool.

Maintaining his unwavering devotion to excellence, Dave worked to ensure that Harris

Ranch's clients receive only the best quality beef. Dave helped develop the ``Partnership for Quality'' which was created in response to consumer demand for consistent, high-quality beef. The program now consists of about 70 families, all of whom are dedicated to the highest quality genetics, management practices and calf process and verification strategy. Individuals like Dave Woods have helped make America's beef industry one of the most trusted in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work and dedication my good friend, Dave Wood, has demonstrated over the past 40 years. His passion and diligence speaks to his character and truly exemplifies the best of what America has to offer. I congratulate Mr. Wood for this great achievement and ask that you join me in wishing him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I am joined by my colleagues Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Denham, Mr. Honda, Ms. Matsui and Mr. Schiff, to pay tribute to the outstanding military service and patriotism of the Japanese American men and women who served in the United States military during World War II. Over thirty-thousand second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry, also known as ``Nisei'' served in the various branches of the U.S. military while their families were living in barbed-wire enclosed internment camps scattered throughout remote regions of the country.

On February 19, 1942 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 9066, essentially allowing the forcible relocation and internment of Japanese Americans across the United States; citizens and non-citizens alike. As a result, more than 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry, mainly from parts of Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona, were detained for nearly three years without charges or trials and without the basic civil liberties guaranteed to all Americans by the Constitution.

Prior to that, on January 19, 1942, six weeks after the Imperial Japanese Navy's attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans were reclassified by the Selective Service as enemy aliens, ineligible to be drafted. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of War chose to activate the 100th Battalion, a racially-segregated unit composed of Nisei volunteers from Hawaii who passed loyalty tests to fight in the European Theater. This unit became known as the Purple Heart Battalion due to its high casualty rate. With these Japanese-Americans setting the example, the War Department established the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a racially-segregated unit composed of Nisei volunteers from confinement sites.

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which came to include the 100th Infantry Battalion, spearheaded numerous battles, fought valiantly and courageously and is widely regarded as the most decorated unit in American history for its size and length of service, with seven Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars and more than 4,500 Purple Hearts. The 442nd is forever linked to the 36th Texas Division, when it rescued the ``lost battalion'' in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France during the fall of 1944. Japanese American troops were also part of the advance Allied troops that liberated the Dachau concentration camp.

When the war ended and the United States declared victory, President Harry Truman, presented the 442nd Regimental Combat Team with its seventh President Unit Citation on the White House lawn and aptly observed: ``You have fought not only the enemy, but prejudice and you have won.''

Along with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, another cohort of Japanese-Americans served in the Military Intelligence Service (''MIS''), made up of approximately 6,000 Nisei soldiers attached to combat units in the Pacific Theater. These soldiers intercepted radio transmissions, translated enemy documents, interrogated enemy prisoners of war, volunteered for reconnaissance and covert intelligence missions, and persuaded enemy combatants to surrender. Eventually, some of these MIS soldiers went on to serve during the post-war occupation of Japan, assisting with the country's transition to a democratic form of government, and helping to maintain a stable relationship between Japan and the United States.

On October 5, 2010, the United States Congress unanimously passed Public Law 111 254, the law conferring the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor, to members of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service. President Obama signed the law, and on November 2, 2011, Members of Congress presented these medals to a number of Nisei veterans at Emancipation Hall in Washington, DC.

Approximately 500 Nisei soldiers from Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare Counties served in the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, Counter Intelligence Corps, Women's Army Corp and other military units, including:

S. Sgt. Kazuo Komoto of Sanger (MIS), the first Nisei Purple Heart recipient of World War II; Sgt. Mac Nobuo Nagata of Sanger (MIS), Legion of Merit recipient who led the 1st linguist team to Southwest Pacific Command; S. Sgt. Kazuo Otani of Visalia (442 RCT) and PFC Joe Nishimoto of Caruthers (442 RCT), recipients of the Medal of Honor and among 24 Nisei soldiers from Central California killed in action.

PFC Jay Shiroyama of Laton (442 RCT), one of eight men from I Company that first made contact with the 121 men of the 141st Texas Regiment (Lost Battalion); PFC Tom Uyeoka of Salinas (522nd Field Artillery Battalion), settled in Fresno after the war, and helped liberate Jews at the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp; and S. Sgt. Mikio Uchiyama of Fowler (MIS and CIC), an attorney during the war crimes trials in Japan, who later became the first Asian-American judge in Fresno County.

On February 19, 2012, the Central California District Council of the Japanese American Citizens League, the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in America, with the support of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, Veterans of Foreign Wars Sierra Nisei Post 8499, Nisei Farmers League and Sun-Maid Growers of California, will host a Day of Remembrance observing the 70th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, and honoring all Nisei veterans of World War II with a local ceremony for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join the Central California District Council of the Japanese American Citizens League, to commemorate and pay tribute to all the Nisei soldiers of World War II, who not only fought fascism abroad but prejudice at home, and won.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge John and Diane Carbray for their dedication to the community of Fresno. John and Diane are the recipients of the 2012 Al Radka Award. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have made contributions to the Fresno community through the game of baseball. The Carbrays have been instrumental in bringing big time baseball back to Fresno and worked tirelessly to help build one of Fresno's crown jewels, Chukchansi Ballpark. As distinguished members of the Fresno community and devoted leaders, John and Diane are certainly deserving of this award.

It was John and Diane's love for sports that brought them together. They first met while working with the San Jose Earthquakes. In 1983, they founded Projects West Entertainment, a company that would go on to put on more than 400 concerts over 20 years throughout the country in different athletic venues.

The Carbrays were first introduced to Fresno by Mr. Bob Freitas, who at the time was working as a Minor League Baseball executive. He contacted them to see if they were interested in buying bleachers that were left from the departing Fresno Giants/Suns Baseball Team who moved to Salinas in 1988. Both John and Diane had no idea that this initial introduction to Fresno would eventually lead them down a road to bringing baseball back to Fresno.

It was 1991 when the Carbrays began working to bring a team back to Fresno. In seven years, after working on community support and building partnerships, John and Diane were able to introduce the Grizzlies to Fresno. Together with William Connolly, Jack Emerian, Dave Cates, and Tim Cullen they created the Fresno Diamond Group. They all invested their time, expertise and ultimately themselves into making what once was a dream a reality.

The 2012 season will be the Fresno Grizzlies 15th anniversary and their 11th playing downtown.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud John and Diane for their many years of work to help make Fresno a better community and congratulate them on this well- deserved recognition. I invite my colleagues to join me in applauding and expressing appreciation for John and Diane Carbray and their many contributions to California's San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my California delegation colleagues Mr. Lungren, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Farr, Mr. Denham, Ms. Richardson, Mr. Baca, Mr. Herger, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Filner, Ms. Lofgren, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Nunes, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Schiff, Ms. Lee, Ms. Loretta Sanchez, Ms. Eshoo, Ms. Chu, Ms. Speier, Ms. Linda Sanchez, Mr. Becerra, Ms. Hahn, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Honda, Mr. McClintock, Mr. Calvert and Senator Feinstein, to pay tribute to Mr. Jack King on the occasion of his retirement from the California Farm Bureau Federation. For more than 35 years, Jack King has worked on behalf of our nation's farmers and ranchers to ensure that they have a voice in our nation's capital. His passion for agriculture has made him a strong and effective advocate

for the American Farm Bureau Federation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin taught Jack the value of hard work, and the important role agriculture plays in America--specifically when it comes to feeding and clothing our families and supporting our economy. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Jack began his career in agriculture with the university's cooperative extension office. Jack then went on to work for the Wisconsin Council of Agricultural Cooperatives and the Wisconsin Council of Agriculture. In 1973, Jack ventured west and joined the California Farm Bureau Federation as assistant manager of the information division.

Jack expanded his work with the Farm Bureau, and in 1985, he became news services director for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Based in Illinois, Jack managed internal and external communications and often worked in conjunction with the Washington, DC office to ensure that legislators were connected with farmers and ranchers. In 1994, Jack returned to California to serve as manager of the California Farm Bureau Federation's National Affairs Division. He served as a direct link between farmers, ranchers, and Members of Congress.

Jack's tremendous contributions and dedication can be measured in a number of ways. Notably, Jack made approximately 200 trips to Washington, DC. His deep commitment was based in his belief that legislators needed to hear directly from farmers and ranchers in order to understand their contributions and the difficulties they face. Specifically, Jack has been dedicated to working on comprehensive immigration reform, natural resource regulations, and renewable energy.

Of course none of these accomplishments would be possible without the love and support of Jack's wife, Mary Ann; their sons, Carl, David and Bryan; and two grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in recognizing Jack King's enthusiasm and work ethic. His devotion and loyalty to our nation's farmers and ranchers make him a source of pride for our community, state and nation. We thank Jack for his work on behalf of farmers and ranchers in California and all across the country, and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations to Scott Costa, as he concludes his tenure as State President of the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California. This prestigious organization is one of California's oldest and largest groups committed to promoting and preserving the memory of John Rodrigues Cabrillo, who discovered our great State in 1542. Scott's dedication to the Cabrillo Clubs, community service, and education makes him a role model and a source of pride for our community.

Scott grew up in southern California and graduated from Antelope Valley High School. Upon completion of his studies, Scott pursued a career in the hospitality industry, where he managed and sold hotel properties in El Paso, Texas, as well as Sacramento and Fresno, California. Not only is Scott a successful and savvy businessman, he is also a tireless advocate for the people of our community and California.

Demonstrating his commitment to community service, Scott joined Sacramento Civic Club No. 5 in 1999 as an Honorary Member. Honorary Members are recognized for having made ``outstanding contributions to the welfare and advancement of the Portuguese in California.'' In 2005, he became an Affiliate Member, and was eventually eligible to serve as a subordinate club officer. Scott was elected to serve as President of the Sacramento Club and completed five consecutive terms. An Active Member of the Cabrillo Civic Club by 2008, Scott was elected 2nd Vice President at the State Council Convention in 2009, which led to the State Presidency in 2011.

Continuing its long tradition under Scott's leadership, the Cabrillo Clubs of California have proudly served California's students by providing over 175 $500 scholarships to high school seniors throughout the State. In addition, members have volunteered over 130,000 hours in a year.

Scott Costa is the proud father of Kay Lee Hinds and Rebecca Jackson of Austin, Texas; Billy Ingraham of Seattle, Washington; and Lisa and Michael Gavin of San Jose, California, grandfather of seven, and soon- to-be great-grandfather of one. He has lived at the Costa Family Farm since 2002 and has become proficient in the farming of a vineyard.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Scott for his diligent work and many years of dedicated service to the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California. I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Scott Costa's commitment, dedication, and success and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the life of my dear friend and celebrated dairyman, Doug Maddox. One of our Nation's most principled and innovative farmers, Doug passed away on December 19, 2011, at the age of 75. Doug's immense impact on the San Joaquin Valley, California, and our Nation will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

Doug was born in Hanford, California, under what he described as ``dirt-poor'' conditions. From the time he was six years old until he was in college he picked cotton by hand and was an integral part of his family's farm, which was located in Laton, California.

Doug was passionate in everything he did. Although his family did not operate a dairy farm, Doug's entrepreneurial spirit led him to enter the dairy industry after a neighbor gave him a bull calf. Doug's neighbor gave him this bull calf with the condition that Doug attend college. This gift changed Doug's life. By the time he graduated high school, he had two calves and two heifers. Upon graduating from high school, Doug attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he was an active and dedicated student. Doug left college with 14 cows and 14 heifers.

Doug went on to establish RuAnn and Maddox Dairies in Riverdale, California. The name RuAnn is a combination of his parents' names: Rufus and Annie. Over the years, Doug and his family grew their operation to one of the largest in the Nation. RuAnn and Maddox dairies have over 5,000 registered Holstein cows, with over 12,000 total animals. Doug also farmed 10,000 acres, 5,000 of which included almonds and vineyards, with the remainder used as cropland for the dairy herd.

Doug had an unwavering love for the San Joaquin Valley and was well aware of the issues it faced. Not only did he work tirelessly to ensure the success of his business, he also dedicated his time to ensuring the health of our Valley. He committed time to visit Washington, D.C., to discuss dairy legislation with members of Congress. In addition, Doug advised the Riverdale District School Board, the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA), the California Department of Food and Agriculture State Board, the California Milk Marketing Producer Review Board, and Holstein Association USA. He was past president of both California DHIA and Holstein Association USA. Doug also demonstrated his passion for agriculture by mentoring future farmers and leaders.

Doug's many accomplishments did not go unnoticed. He was honored by Cal Poly as an Outstanding Alum in the School of Agriculture. He was also honored by the National Dairy Shrine as the Distinguished Cattle Breeder, by Holstein USA as the Elite Breeder, and as Outstanding Dairy Producer by the World Agriculture Exposition in Tulare, California, one of the largest in the world.

Doug always placed the utmost importance on loyalty and friendship. Through times of adversity, Doug could always be counted on to provide advice and counsel. He is survived by his loving wife Matilda; his four children, Steve, Patrick, Julia, and Liz; and his beloved grandchildren, many of whom are active in the family business.

Doug's unique combination of knowledge, dedication, and resolve remains unmatched. Doug's jovial demeanor will forever be remembered. He was a first class gentleman who always aspired to help his industry, his State, and his country. As we reflect on the relationships Doug formed and the partnerships he made, let us aspire to lead a life like Doug's--one filled with determination, compassion, and love.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Clinica Sierra Vista, a comprehensive health care organization, for 40 years of impeccable service to the people of Central California. For four decades, Clinica Sierra Vista has worked to provide all-inclusive, primary care to medically underserved populations, particularly migrant and seasonal farm workers.

Located in California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, Clinica Sierra Vista's health centers have served the people of the Central Valley since 1971. The health care network includes 23 primary care community health centers (14 in Kern County, 8 in Fresno County, and 1 in Inyo County); six dental centers; one medical mobile clinic; one dental mobile clinic; six behavioral health centers; and three Family Resource Centers. Clinica Sierra Vista has come a long way since its modest beginnings in a storefront warehouse in rural Lamont, California. Today, Clinica Sierra Vista has more than 900 employees and is one of the largest non-profit health organizations in the nation.

Clinica Sierra Vista has a reputation for providing high quality service, while efficiently managing costs. At Clinica Sierra Vista, no one is ever denied service based on their ability to pay and the patient's well-being is always Clinica Sierra Vista's goal. Accomplishing such a task requires innovative thinking and steadfast leadership. The board members, staff, and health care professionals who have contributed to Clinica Sierra Vista's success should be proud of their work, which is reflected in the health of the community.

In addition to providing primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care to Central California's urban and rural communities, Clinica Sierra Vista also provides lifesaving health education and health promotion programs. These initiatives are instrumental in ensuring that the Valley's communities can have healthy and productive futures.

Clinica Sierra Vista's board and staff recognize that obtaining a healthy community means working closely with external partners, including: government agencies, neighborhood groups, elected officials and community leaders. As one of the largest comprehensive community health centers in the state, Clinica Sierra Vista serves as many people as possible, while maintaining a clear and comprehensive understating of their patient's needs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Clinica Sierra Vista as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The formation and success of Clinica Sierra Vista has been vital to ensuring that members of Central California's urban and rural communities have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care. By maintaining a steadfast focus on the health and future of the San Joaquin Valley and California, Clinica Sierra Vista has been a leader in health care and an asset to the people of the California's Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Thompson, Mr. Farr, Mr. Miller, Mr. Garamendi, and Mr. Cardoza to pay tribute to the life of David Lowry Widell who recently passed away at the age of 44. His advocacy and passion for Central California's wetlands, wildlife, and water issues made him a distinguished community leader and notable conservationist. He served our great state in a number of capacities, most recently as the General Manager and Governmental Affairs Director for the Grassland Water District.

Dave was born on May 17, 1967 in Watsonville, California, and was raised in the agriculturally rich city of Los Banos, California. Dave grew up hunting and fishing, and it was at this time that his deep appreciation for the Valley's wildlife and resources developed. His love of the Valley led to a fulfilling career, one where he was able to seek political solutions to some of Central California's most pressing issues.

Dave's reverence for the San Joaquin Valley was enhanced by the knowledge he gained through his education. Upon graduating from Los Banos High School in 1985, Dave studied at Modesto Junior College, and then transferred to the University of California, Davis, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History in 1990.

Dave spent his adult life working in the public's best interests. He served our nation in the United States Air National Guard and served our state in several capacities, such as a field representative for former Assembly Member Rusty Areias, and later as Assistant Secretary at the California Resources Agency. Dave also worked for the City of Los Banos as Planning Commissioner, and Director of the Merced County Farm Bureau Board. In 1992, Dave joined the Grassland Water District and served as Assistant General Manager.

Prior to returning to the Grassland Water District in 2007 as General Manager, Dave dedicated his time to a number of organizations, and served in a number of roles, including Chief Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs at the California Waterfowl Association and as Director of Conservation Policy for Ducks Unlimited. Dave's breadth of experience gave him a unique combination of intellect and enthusiasm, which allowed him to serve the San Joaquin Valley--and its people, water, and wildlife--with tact and influence.

Whether he was working on issues important to the Valley or spending time with his son Ty, currently a student at Purdue University, Dave lived a full and rich life. His dedication and service will leave a lasting legacy, and we will miss his insights and his humor.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in paying tribute to the life of David Lowry Widell, a respected and joyous man with a steadfast commitment to protecting the Central Valley's natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Don L. Riding, Fresno Field Office Director with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After 39 years of dedicated service, Don is retiring so he can spend more time with his family.

Don began his career in 1972 with the federal agency we then called Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). He was based in El Paso, Texas as an Immigration Inspector. In 1975, Don was transferred to the INS Baltimore, Maryland office as a Criminal Investigator, where he investigated immigration fraud. Don was promoted in 1980 to Course Developer/Instructor at the Immigration Officer Academy in Glynco, Georgia. He remained at the Academy for 2 more years before he became the Port Director at Laredo, Texas in 1982. In 1984, our community was lucky when Don was transferred to Fresno as Officer in Charge. He has remained in Fresno ever since and was promoted in September 2003 to Field Officer Director for the now U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Fresno. Don has been doing a tremendous job in Fresno for almost three decades.

Before the INS, Don spent two years in the U.S. Army and then two years on a church mission in Brazil. Don received his B.A. degree from Brigham Young University in 1972. I applaud Don Riding for his many years of tireless work on behalf of the United States government. I know he will enjoy more time with his wife, Donna, his five children and four grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that in addition to his countless gifts to our community, Don has been a true champion for my constituents. In my office the majority of our constituent casework is immigration issues. These are sensitive cases that can sometimes take a great deal of time to resolve. My Fresno staff has worked closely with Don Riding on immigration issues for twenty years and proudly recollects Don always being available to discuss cases and work together on issues of concern. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication and success of Don Riding and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in honor of our troops who served honorably not only in Iraq but who continue to serve throughout the world in

protecting our freedoms. They've done a job well done.

In addition, I rise today to honor the Unilever National Parks Congressional Internship program in partnership with the Student Conservation Association.

For 11 years, this program has engaged the next generation of conservation leaders by facilitating internships in national parks and on Capitol Hill for 63 top-notch young professionals. The program has served as an important stepping stone in their public policy and conservation careers.

It is with great sadness that this program has come to an end; but I have had the privilege, along with my colleagues, in working with seven of the Unilever congressional interns in my office.

I commend the Unilever and Student Conservation Association for sponsoring such an innovative program, and I thank all of the interns for their dedication and service. I wish them all the best in their future careers as they add value to the fabric of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the No Veteran Dies Alone program at the veterans hospital in Fresno, California.

During the holiday season, it is appropriate to give thanks. Members of the military follow the sacred oath of ``leave no man behind.'' The No Veteran Dies Alone program follows the ethos that ensures all veterans know that they are not forgotten in their remaining days.

Men and women, some of whom work at the hospital, volunteer their time to care for those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. military. This innovative volunteer program helps our veteran hospice patients spend their final days in friendship and warmth.

During the holiday season, may we seek to lead lives as compassionately as the volunteers who selflessly serve our veterans in the No Veteran Dies Alone program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Georgia Faye Baker who passed away on November 24, 2011 at the age of 95. Georgia was a loyal friend, loving mother, and respected community leader who touched the lives of many in the great San Joaquin Valley. Georgia was born on March 30, 1916 to James and Susan Herd in Ozark County, Missouri.

Georgia made her way to Madera, California in 1938, where she quickly became an icon and a source of inspiration due to her involvement in the community. On April 14, 1946, Georgia married Aubrey Baker, the love of her life. Together they worked on several projects to improve the quality of life in Madera, the place they called home. They were married for 55 years until his passing in 2001.

Through her leadership and willingness to serve, Georgia became a role model for her friends and neighbors. For 33 years, she was a committed and reliable member of the Madera Community Hospital Board. Her membership demonstrated her dedication to fostering and preserving the health and safety of residents throughout Central California, and her compassion and concern for our community served as a testament to her extraordinary character.

A principled and engaged citizen, Georgia was very active in local, state, and national elections. She served on a number of state committees and boards, including the Madera County Fair Board. In addition, Georgia was also an energetic member of the Democratic Party. In 1960, her wisdom and capability allowed her the opportunity to campaign with President John F. Kennedy during his bid for the presidency.

In 1991, the State of California honored her strength of character and zest for life when she was recognized as ``Woman of the Year.''

A generous and graceful woman, Georgia was a faithful parishioner at the Madera Trinity Episcopal Church and would often be seen attending weekly services at the historic site. Her long-lasting participation in our community and commitment to the well-being of future generations will ensure that her legacy lives on for years to come.

Georgia lived an exemplary life and will undoubtedly be missed by many. She is survived by her daughter, Claudia Steinauer; her sister, Mable Russell; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and five great great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Georgia Faye Baker, a beloved leader and true champion for the people of Central California.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3010, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011.

As a cosponsor of this legislation, I understand that this is not about eliminating existing regulations; it's about making sure that regulations do not eliminate the ability of businesses to thrive to create jobs in places like the San Joaquin Valley that I represent, especially during these difficult economic times.

Many major regulations can cost upwards of $100 million dollars to the industries affected by the rule. But they also impact consumer costs as well. While business people in my district are carefully watching their bottom line, ill-advised regulations can hamper the ability to create jobs and get our economy going. So this legislation is also about jobs.

This legislation ensures that regulations are fully vetted before they are put in place. Despite the best intentions, we often see bureaucrats proposing rules without any practical knowledge of how they will work in the real world. H.R. 3010 guarantees that the business communities, farmers in my district can know, when regulations are being proposed, that they can have a seat at the table to explain how it would affect their work and be implemented.

This legislation, therefore, is also about transparency and accountability. Agencies would be required to provide information to the public about the potential economic impacts of the proposed regulations.

As the President said this September in his jobs speech, we should have no more regulation than the health and safety and the security of the American people require. Every rule should meet that commonsense test.

This legislation helps us ensure the executive branch regulations will meet that commonsense test. By modernizing our regulatory process, we can guarantee that regulations are enacted that truly are in the best interest of the public, the business, and the American people.

I don't think that I can give you a specific on a health regulation. I think what we're really talking about here is the impact of risk assessment versus risk management to ensure that we provide the best protection for health and safety when we implement regulations.

The current proposed rules, I mean some work better than others. Some are implemented better than others.

I think the current point that you made earlier about the proposed issue with regards to certain commodities show that the current regulatory system is working.

No. I want to ensure that we meet good standards and good tests, and this legislation, I think, does that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jon Marthedal, a third generation farmer from Fresno, California. Jon has been named Agriculturalist of the Year by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Jon has been instrumental in enhancing the San Joaquin Valley by advocating for business opportunities and encouraging innovation in our community. A distinguished farmer and leader, Jon is certainly deserving of recognition by the Chamber.

Marthedal Farms has been a family operation since its inception in 1903. Upon immigrating to the United States from Denmark, Harold Marthedal, Sr. purchased 20 acres of property. Years later, his son Harold Jr. took over and worked to expand the size of the farm. Today, Marthedal Farms is operated by Jon and his son Eric. They manage about 700 acres of raisin grapes, table grapes, and blueberries.

Jon has been an important part of the agricultural community for many years. Upon earning his degree in Agricultural Business from California State University, Fresno, he began his career at Sun-Maid Growers in 1978. In ten years, he became Director, and then served as Vice Chairman before becoming Chairman in 1999. Through his progressive and innovative work, Jon has become a respected voice in matters pertaining to California agriculture.

Jon's passion and commitment to agriculture has been demonstrated by his enthusiastic membership and leadership within a number of agriculture-based organizations. He serves as Secretary of the Raisin Administrative Committee, Vice Chairman of the Agricultural Council of California, Chairman of the California Blueberry Commission, and is a member of the Board Restructuring Committee for CoBank--a lender to cooperatives. For over 100 years, Marthedal Farms has been an integral part of maintaining the San Joaquin Valley's status as the breadbasket of the world.

Jon and his wife Sandy have three children. Whether he is spending time with his family and friends, or serving our community, Jon has always been known to be a man of principle and integrity.

I applaud Jon for his many years of work and congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition from the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in applauding and expressing appreciation for Jon's work.

I rise in support of the bipartisan balanced budget amendment. I want to thank my colleagues, Congressman Goodlatte and others, who have worked on this effort, and really urge my colleagues that this is the time that we need to come together to act on behalf of the better interest of our Nation.

Clearly, a majority of the citizens I represent in the San Joaquin Valley agree that Washington needs to get its fiscal house in order.

We all want a balanced budget, but too few are willing to make an agreement that will move us toward that goal. That's why the passage of the constitutional amendment requiring the Federal Government to live within its means is an important step. But it is only a step.

To balance our budget, Members of both parties still have to come together to set priorities and, yes, make compromises and shared sacrifices to produce fair, balanced budgets each year. And never has the need been ever so clear.

Our national debt recently surpassed the GDP for the first time since World War II. Each American's share of the debt is now greater than their average salary. Congress could have acted sooner, but we haven't; and we can no longer afford to wait.

The bipartisan passage of this balanced budget amendment is an important and necessary step toward a sound fiscal future, and as a cosponsor, we should pass this measure. But we also should reach a larger agreement with the supercommittee that's fair and balanced on entitlement reform and revenues. If we do so, we will begin to restore the confidence by the American public that we can work together to get our economy back on track and create the jobs that all Americans want.