Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Hills College Lemoore on the occasion of the Dedication Ceremony of the Golden Eagle Arena, its new, state-of-the-art facility which will provide a venue for the expanding educational and athletic programs. The new 52,000 square-foot arena will provide a home to the Golden Eagles basketball and volleyball teams, while also facilitating class space for enhanced physical education.

Golden Eagle Arena represents the third phase of growth for West Hills College Lemoore. The college has grown substantially since opening its doors in 2002. With the construction of the new arena approved by the Lemoore City Council in 2006, tireless work has been put in to developing a center that can host a variety of athletic and academic events. The state-of-the-art lighting, sound and technological equipment found within this facility provide an ideal venue for a variety of performances. The versatile flooring ensures that the hardwood basketball court will remain in pristine condition and promote longevity for this grand investment. This 2,700 seat stadium will enrich student life and enhance the Golden Eagle spirit. Even though nascent, the Golden Eagle Arena has already been home to various high profile, national, public servant guest speakers.

West Hills College Lemoore has done nothing short of a job well done. After more than eighteen months of construction, the Golden Eagle Arena is complete. The perseverance of the Lemoore campus faculty, administration, students and community support has prevailed with this crown jewel in these tough economic times. In particular, I would like to commend the dedication of President Don Warkentin, Chancellor Frank Gornick, and the Board of Trustees: Mark McKean, Bill Henry, Nina Oxborrow, Steve Cantu, Edna Ivans, Jeff Levinson and Jack Minnite. Without the unwavering commitment of these individuals, projects and facilities like the Golden Eagle Arena would not be possible.

Mr. Speaker, I have been a proud supporter of the West Hills Community College District since my days in the California State Legislature. It is beautiful to see how this rural, community college meets its goal to serve its students with a diverse set of programs and curricula, while providing entertainment and enrichment venues such as the Golden Eagle Arena. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending West Hills College Lemoore and the community of Lemoore who have worked tirelessly to make the Golden Eagle Arena possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of Naval Air Station Lemoore (NASL) and the Century Anniversary of United States Naval Aviation. The NASL has been home to many historical milestones and an asset in providing safety and security for the people of the San Joaquin Valley, California, the Western Front and our great nation.

On July 8, 1961, NASL was commissioned and began its operation under the command of Captain Howard M. Avery. At the time, the commissioning ceremony included over 110,000 people and the military asset was worth $100 million. Over its 50 year history, the base has seen its fair share of challenges to maintain the support of the Western Front. Initially a small 1,460-acre Army Airfield, the base has grown to a 31,000-acre state of the art facility that provides housing to its residents.

NAS Lemoore has been a pioneer in firsts. The first flag ceremony was held in front of the administration building in September 1960; the first 800 Capeheart units were built in 1961; and the first night landing with Commander Vernon Binion and Lieutenant Commander Thomas Dreis in October 1960 on the 13,500 foot runway. Perhaps a less mentioned piece of history in the Navy is the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVE). The first WAVE officer was a woman from Honolulu in February 1961, Lieutenant Junior Grade Sue Ann Rice; long way from home taking a chance to serve her country and found her way to our community of Lemoore.

Naval air stations are an integral part of the United States Military. As of 2010, our nation boasted 19 naval air stations with a concentration in California and Florida. In a world of post September 11 vigilance, these stations provide the Navy with a stationary base of operations for aircraft-related testing and training. Since 1998, the principal mission of NASL is to support Strike-Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet and its mission to train, man, and equip West Coast Strike-Fighter squadrons. Throughout its history, the United States has seen many wars, presidents and difficult times. Nonetheless, its armed men and women have consistently been there to protect us.

Today we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Naval Air Station Lemoore and the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation. This anniversary is not only a great tribute to this important military base, but also an excellent time to thank our men and women in uniform who continue to protect the people of our great country every day. I ask my colleagues to recognize today the protectors of freedom, the sentinels of our shores and the falcons of our skies, the brave soldiers of the United States Navy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Reynaud ``Rey'' Wallace of Fresno, California, as he celebrates his retirement from the Fresno Police Department. For 30 years, Mr. Wallace has served the Fresno community proudly. Not only did he work to keep our neighborhoods safe, but he also served as a mentor, coach, father figure and friend to many people in our community.

Mr. Wallace was born on October 18, 1952, to Carl and Ernestine Wallace in Montgomery, Alabama. The eldest of six children, Mr. Wallace grew up immersed in sports and was an avid baseball, basketball and football player. Mr. Wallace graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena, California, and eventually made his way to Fresno.

In 1981, Mr. Wallace joined the Fresno Police Department. During his time with the department, Mr. Wallace served as an innovator and educator. His inventive spirit led to the creation of the Fresno Police Activities League, better known as PAL, in 1992. Fresno PAL seeks to prevent juvenile crime and violence by establishing relationships between law enforcement personnel and Fresno youth. Mr. Wallace spent seven years in PAL where he coached teams and served as a consultant for the national PAL program. He oversaw programs in Oregon, Santa Barbara, Ojai, as well as others in the San Joaquin Valley. Many current police officers were in the PAL program while it was under Rey's purview.

Following his time in PAL, he became a member of Southwest Problem Oriented Policing, where he continued to use his leadership and collaboration skills to protect and improve the lives of those he served.

Mr. Wallace's unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community has earned him recognition from his colleagues and community members. In 1985, he was named the Northwest District Officer of the Year, and in 2007, he was recognized as the Officer of the Year for the Southwest District. In addition, Mr. Wallace was awarded the Life Saving Medal of Valor, the Medal of Merit and the National Exchange Club's Book of Golden Deeds Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Reynaud ``Rey'' Wallace for his years of service to the Fresno Police Department and to the people of Fresno, California. I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Wallace's commitment, dedication, and success and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors.

Thank you very much. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his explanation of what truly is a bipartisan effort.

Mr. Speaker, I do rise, like my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to support H.R. 1861, titled the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act of 2011.

Those of you who are watching on C-SPAN, take note: this is a bipartisan effort. It's the kind of thing I think most of you in this country want us to do in Congress every day. This measure--and the four important points to note that we all concur in and what America wants us to do is provide us a path to energy independence, it revitalizes our Nation's transportation, water infrastructure and other investments in our infrastructure that equal jobs, jobs, and jobs. It reduces the deficit with no new taxes, and it is a bipartisan effort, one that is supported on both sides of the aisle.

Several years ago, I joined with my colleagues from both sides to develop this sensible energy policy that acknowledges the challenges for our Nation's energy, both in the short term, the near term, the medium, and the long term, over the next 20 years. Similar to what we have done in previous Congresses, we formed this bipartisan energy working group, which includes my colleagues, Representative Tim Murphy, who just spoke, Congressman Tim Walz, Congressman Bill Shuster, and myself and other Members whom you will hear talk about why we feel this is the path we ought to pursue.

The Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act was developed by Members who are speaking here today, sitting down and talking to one another--not by lobbyists. We hammered this plan out over a period of months, having worked off of previous efforts in legislation that was introduced in previous Congresses. This is what's needed in Washington, and unfortunately, too often, it doesn't happen--the art of the political compromise. These aren't Republican or Democratic ideas, these are simply good, commonsense ideas that put America's energy future first.

Time and time again, I see too many Members rising on the House floor focusing on their talking points, giving the stump speeches. That's nice, but it doesn't comport with the reality of the challenges we face today in many instances. This legislation, however, does. Sound bites like ``drill baby drill'' or ``use it or lose it'' may sound good to certain constituencies, but I do not believe they constitute an energy policy.

This legislation, H.R. 1861, constitutes a real energy policy over the next 20 years. Let me talk about what this measure would do to enhance our path. First, it would expand domestic energy production on the Outer Continental Shelf. Secondly, it would advance alternative energy, including wind, solar, biomass, wave, geothermal, and other clean alternatives. Third, it would rebuild our Nation's roads, bridges, dams, water, and sewer systems--that, as Congressman Murphy indicated today, is estimated to have a pricetag of over $900 billion. Fourth, it would develop clean coal energy technology, which we have an abundance of supply in. Fifth, it would develop ways in which we can finance nuclear energy technologies. Sixth, it would expand the use of energy-efficiency products and alternative fuel vehicles. Seventh, it would restore and protect our Nation's wildlife refuges, national parks, lakes, and waterways.

And how would it do all this? It would help also to assist in paying off our national debt. Why? Because the funds that we receive for energy on fossil fuels, both onshore and offshore on federal lands, is the second-largest single source of revenue that comes to the United States Treasury outside of the taxes we pay. It's the revenue that we would derive by expanding energy sources onshore and offshore that would go to pay for these efforts.

As a nation, we have to work towards a realistic energy policy. Our economy needs it. We can no longer afford to take any energy sources off the table. And while we tackle these problems, we have to rebuild our aging infrastructure. H.R. 1861 does that by dedicating these funds to that effort without raising taxes. As many of you know, I'm a firm believer in using all the energy tools in our energy toolbox, conventional energy together with renewable resources. A strategy for energy conservation while upgrading our transmission lines will best serve our long-term energy needs.

In closing, I'd like to continue to work with my colleagues on this collaboration. As was noted, since our first energy crisis in 1973, we have had a host of energy plans by previous Congresses and previous administrations. What's different between this and those efforts? I'll tell you what's different. We have not had the ability to get together, in a bipartisan fashion, to agree on one energy policy, stick with it, and implement it over the next 20 years.

H.R. 1861 allows us the path to do that. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to ensure that, once and for all, we put America first, put our politics behind us, and introduce-- not only this introduction, but to do everything we can to enact H.R. 1861 both in the House and in the Senate and get this to the President's desk.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Thank you, Congressman Al Green and Judge Ted Poe, for organizing this Special Order to recognize the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

While I think I speak on behalf of all of us that we wish such a month were not necessary to commemorate, it is important that we educate not only our colleagues but Americans on the tremendous challenges and difficulties facing Americans who are dealing every day with domestic violence. Today, all of us stand up for the victims of those heinous crimes, victims who too often suffer under the shadows.

In Fresno just last week, I visited Central California Legal Services to announce a $500,000 grant that is to focus on victims of domestic violence in the San Joaquin Valley. What I saw and what I heard is, sadly, a reminder of what continues to occur throughout the country as I've worked with these folks for many years. There is an added burden today with the tough economic times that we're living in that has strained families because unemployment is higher than it should be. Unstable economic conditions oftentimes mean higher stress and more incidences of domestic violence.

At the same time, we are reducing the kind of support at the Federal and State levels to provide for organizations that help these victims of crime. While more women and men and children suffer from domestic violence, less support remains to help them, so Congressman Judge Ted Poe and I founded the Victims' Rights Caucus in 2006 to be a bipartisan voice for victims' rights in Congress.

One of the major initiatives that the caucus works on is the protection of the Violence Against Women Act, otherwise known as the V- A-W-A, VAWA. It was established in 1994 to grant funds for programs to State and local and Indian tribal governments.

Today this fund seeks to encourage the collaboration among law enforcement, judicial personnel, and public-private service providers for the victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Another goal of this fund is to increase public awareness of the domestic violence and address the needs of these folks who are victims of sexual and domestic violence that occurs within our communities.

This fund has been a source of much resource, because it's been able to provide support for more victims to report domestic violence to the police, often one of the most difficult cases that our local law enforcement agencies will tell you that they deal with on a daily basis.

They also provide monies for the rate of nonfatal domestic violence, and this has helped decrease violence in many areas across the country. It also has reduced the amount of acts of crime of killing an intimate partner. Last year the decrease was 24 percent. Oftentimes, sadly, these domestic violence cases result in death.

Although much progress has been made, obviously much more needs to be done. Crime victims, it's been said before, but I'll say it again, are our mothers. They're our fathers. They're our sisters. They're our brothers. They're our friends and they are our neighbors. They are people that we all know of. They deserve our support. They deserve the vital services to help them cope during these horrific time periods within their lives.

As National Domestic Violence Month continues, let us all do everything we can to encourage folks to attend events, to recognize and honor those who are at the vanguard of trying to protect those who are victims of violence: those good people who serve them, who are out working in this area, like the Central California Legal Services foundation; those who are in law enforcement; those who are in our justice system; those who are in every way working in our communities to help those victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Only through education and awareness will our communities be able to ultimately put an end to this domestic scourge and respond more effectively to those victims.

I want to thank Congressman Green again for his efforts, and Congressman Poe and my other colleagues who have spoken so well today. Today's Special Order, let it be a call for all of us to action, to continue advancing the rights of victims across the Nation and to protect the Violence Against Women Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 90th birthday of Mr. John J. Areias, a respected leader, distinguished dairyman, and wonderful father, grandfather, and friend. His contributions to our community have been immeasurable and have made the San Joaquin Valley a better place to live.

John J. Areias was born on April 27, 1921 to Jesse Areias and Genevive Silva Areias, who emigrated to the United States from Portugal's Azore Islands. John, his parents, and eight siblings settled in Volta, California, where they operated a small dairy. A proud product of the Central Valley, John graduated from Volta Elementary School as the valedictorian and then Los Banos High School, where he was a part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and served as Senior Class President.

As a young man, John's passion for agriculture was evident. In high school, he traveled with the FFA to the International World Fair in Treasure Island and to the California State Fair to show cattle. It was also at this time that he met the love of his life, Mary, whom he later married. One of John's fondest memories is driving his future bride around in his 1939 Plymouth Deluxe Rumble Seat Convertible.

Soon thereafter, John and Jess, his brother, went into the dairy business. Their pioneering spirit made them innovators in the dairy industry; their dairy was the first Grade A dairy in the Los Banos Dairymen's Association. Eventually, John and Jess became the operators of one of the largest dairies in California, shipping approximately 150 cans of milk every day. Despite their massive success, their dairy operation remained a family business at heart--their children would often ride along in the milk truck during deliveries. John's success allowed him the opportunity to operate ranches throughout the west side of Merced County, California, which included 6,000 acres of land and 4,500 head of cattle.

Through all of his professional endeavors, John has found time to serve his community. A devout Catholic, he served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was active in the Portuguese Fraternal Order. His consistent involvement in our community makes him an invaluable asset to the people of the Central Valley.

John's wife, Mary passed away in 1980 after a brave battle with cancer. Together they have four wonderful children: Marcia, Lucia, Kathleen, and Rusty, all of who have accomplished great things. John is also the proud grandfather to Evan, Nina, Bianca, Alexis, and Austin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank John for his wonderful contributions to our Valley. His commitment to family, community leadership, and hard work is admirable and makes him a role model for our entire community. I join the rest of John's family and friends in wishing him a blessed 90th birthday and continued health and happiness in years to come.

Madam Speaker, as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, let us all take a moment to celebrate the Hispanic community and their contributions throughout the United States.

The story of Hispanic Americans is truly the story of America and all its groups. Their dream is the American Dream.

In America, if you work hard and play by the rules, dream big, there is absolutely no limit to what you can achieve. Hispanics have succeeded in every walk of life, and the success of their community strengthens the very fabric of our Nation.

Let us all recommit ourselves to working on issues that are important to the Hispanic community, which, after all, are the same issues important to all Americans: creating good jobs, expanding access to higher education, and mending our broken immigration system. When we reflect upon America's history, we are a Nation of immigrants from the past and present.

Let us work together today as Democrats and Republicans so that every citizen in America can achieve the American Dream.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement, as well as the Panama and Colombia agreements before us today.

Economic growth depends upon a number of factors, including growing access to foreign markets. These agreements do that. Foreign goods enter our country under few restrictions, but around the world our products face product tariffs and other prohibitive barriers to trade. The current situation is neither free nor fair trade.

This changes that. The barriers are against our products. This reduces and eliminates those barriers.

The pending agreements will allow American products to better compete globally and drive job creation here at home. That's why I support these agreements.

Perhaps no industry stands to gain more than agriculture throughout America, and especially in California, the number one agricultural State in the Nation. Passage of these agreements with South Korea means American-grown raisins, asparagus, almonds, pistachios, and wine will benefit from immediate duty-free access to the world's 12th-largest economy. Many other crops, including citrus, will also benefit. Recognizing the agreement's potential to create over 70,000 American jobs, it's been endorsed by the United Auto Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers, and many of the agricultural trade associations.

With Panama, American exports will gain duty-free access to Latin America's fastest-growing economy. The agreement with Colombia will eliminate most barriers to trade for U.S. products entering Central and South America, its third-largest economy, and strengthen our ties with a key ally in that region.

Simply put, expanding access to emerging foreign markets will boost agricultural revenue and, in turn, help put Californians back to work.

But simply passing these agreements is not enough. We must build on the current and future administration's accountability to ensure these trade agreements are enforced. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while other countries forge their own pacts with emerging markets. Increased exports mean more jobs for here at home and for America.

I ask you to support these measures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding service and dedication of the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger on the occasion of his retirement from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. For the past 20 years, Judge Wanger has served the people of California admirably--maintaining a commitment to justice, fairness, and the law. Moreover, he has been fair-minded and knowledgeable when hearing cases related to the San Joaquin Valley's water and environmental issues.

Judge Wanger received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern California

in 1963 and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law in 1966. Upon graduation, he served our great nation in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1967. Judge Wanger established his roots in Fresno, California in 1967, where he served as deputy district attorney until 1969. For the next two decades, Judge Wanger worked as a first-rate attorney and always maintained a keen passion for justice.

He exhibited foresight and leadership when he joined Mr. John Loomis and Mr. Dan Eymann in founding San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) in 1969. SJCL is a community treasure--it has given capable individuals in the Valley access to a quality legal education. He served as an adjunct professor at SJCL from 1970 until 1991 and as Dean from 1980 until 1983. His tenacity and enthusiasm have made him a mentor and leader in the Fresno legal community. For years, he has been admired for his steadfast adherence to the rule of law and indisputable commitment to our community.

Judge Wanger has not only been recognized as a scholar of the law, but he has also been revered as a man of principle and integrity. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated him to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. He was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. The Eastern District of California extends from the Oregon border to the Tehachapi Mountains. Many of the cases Judge Wanger has presided over have involved the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and his most notable rulings have been deeply relevant to the San Joaquin Valley's water and environmental issues.

Judge Wanger and his wife Lorrie Anthony-Wanger have five sons and seven grandchildren. Following his retirement, Judge Wanger will return to private practice as partner in the new firm of Wanger, Jones & Helsley PC.

It is a great honor to commend my friend, Oliver W. Wanger, for his years of service to the people of California. We have been lucky to have a hard-working legal scholar serve our great state for the past two decades.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the service and career of the Honorable Oliver W. Wanger. His passion for the justice and fervent adherence to the law has not only made him a fair and effective judge, but also a vibrant asset for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor and pay tribute to the outstanding service and dedication of the Honorable Judge Oliver W. Wanger on the occasion of his retirement last week from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.

For the past 20 years, Judge Wanger has served the people of California admirably and courageously, maintaining a commitment to the justice and fairness of the law. Moreover, he is extremely knowledgeable and always attempted to balance the scales of justice when hearing cases in general, and specifically cases dealing with California's water and environmental issues.

During his tenure, District Court Judge Wanger has developed a mastery of complex Federal and State water and endangered species laws, putting forth many substantial rulings of several hundreds of pages in length that required painstaking attention to detail. Some of the most noteworthy in recent years were his findings with respect to operations of the Central Valley project and the State water project that convey water supplies throughout California, including the San Joaquin Valley and southern California for urban use and for agricultural use.

Were it not for Judge Wanger's attention to the letter of the law, farmers, farmer workers, and farm communities in the valley would have continued to suffer from job losses and uncertainty during the most recent drought period, while Federal agencies and this administration clung to flawed science and regulations that were destructive.

Judge Wanger has worked tirelessly on these issues, often putting in 75 to 80 hours a week. His retirement now leaves only two active judges in the already understaffed district court, which extends from the Oregon border to the Tehachapi Mountains south of Bakersfield. In a letter to Chief Judge Anthony Ishii regarding his coming retirement, Judge Wanger expressed grave concerns over the immense and unbearable workload that his departure will create. Let me read from his letter:

The impacts on these judges is best understood by my last 5 years: 161 jury trials to verdict; 5,465 courtroom hours; 3,554 terminal and civil cases; with an individual caseload approaching 1,200 cases in a 5-year period.

Judge Wanger also went on to say: Now who will handle these cases? Despite our pleas to and Congress' express recognition of the need, the continued refusal to create new desperately needed judgeships for the Eastern District of California has created a hardship for the Federal court. It has been more than 31 years since a new district judge position was created in Fresno, a division with over 2.5 million people. The

continued erosion of the Eastern District Court's ability to provide the public with a timely and effective Federal judicial service is a burden on our Nation, and the litigants should not suffer.

What Judge Wanger pointed out is it's not only a disservice to the men and women who serve the court, but the individuals throughout the region and the businesses whose cases are delayed years in some cases. This surely was not what our Founding Fathers had in mind for our country when they ensured that all Americans have a right to a speedy trial. As we know, justice delayed can oftentimes be justice denied.

Although the problem is not unique to the Eastern District of California, it is where the problem is most pronounced with by far the Nation's largest caseload per judge. Legislation has been introduced in the House and the Senate to create additional judgeships in district courts where the need is greatest. Unfortunately, it has not been acted on. It is past time for the Congress to act on these bills to ensure that all branches of government are, in fact, working for the American people.

In closing, I want to publicly thank Judge Oliver Wanger for his service to our Nation.

United States District Court,

Eastern District of California,

Fresno, California, August 31, 2011.

Re Retirement from Judicial Service.

Hon. Anthony W. Ishii,

Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of

California, Fresno, CA.

Dear Judge Ishii: It is with great regret that I will

retire as a District Judge effective October 1, 2011, under

the provisions of 28 U.S.C. Sec. 371(a) having attained the

age and met Sec. 371(c)'s requirements to receive the annuity

and benefits prescribed by law.

I served more than 20 years--the last five as a senior

judge--and my intent was lifetime service. Obligations to my

family now transcend my ability to continue in the judiciary.

Necessity compels re-entry to the private sector.

I recognize that my departure will leave only two active

judges in our already understaffed EDCA judiciary. My

foremost concerns are for my fellow judges who labor under

such formidable and unmanageable workloads and the public who

need our court.

The impact on these judges is best understood by my latest

five year case statistics: 161 jury trials to verdict (32 per

year); 5,465 courtroom hours (1,093 per year); and 3,554

terminated criminal and civil cases (711 per year); with an

individual caseload approximating 1,200 cases. Included are

many complex water and environmental lawsuits affecting

endangered species and California's water supply.

Who will now handle these cases?

Despite our pleas to and Congress' express recognition of

the need, the continued refusal to create new desperately

needed judgeships for BDCA has created a hardship for all who

depend on the Federal court. It has been more than 31 years

since a new district judge position has been created in

Fresno, a division with over 2.5 million people. The

continued erosion of BDCA's ability to provide the public

with timely and effective federal judicial service is a

burden our nation and litigants should not suffer.

My best wishes for the future and thanks to you and all our

judges and loyal court staff members who do such outstanding

work.

Sincerely,

Oliver W. Wanger,

United States District Judge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Chateau du Sureau of Oakhurst, California, on the celebration of its 20th anniversary. The Chateau du Sureau has been instrumental in bringing visitors to see the wonders of the high Sierra Nevada and our San Joaquin Valley. It has also served as vibrant example of what can be accomplished with drive and remarkable business talent.

A truly notable highlight of Central California, the Chateau du Sureau is nestled just sixteen miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park. Since its founding in 1991, the Chateau du Sureau has embraced the natural beauty of the Sierras and coupled it with the glamour and luxury of old European traditions. The Chateau du Sureau's magical atmosphere has attracted visitors from all around the world including Europe, Asia, and the entire United States.

The Chateau du Sureau has been widely successful because of its dedication to its guests. Not only has the Chateau du Sureau been applauded by its guests for its impeccable service and attention to detail but it has also received notable and distinguished awards. The Chateau du Sureau received the American Automobile Association's (AAA) Five Diamond Award and the Forbes Five-Star.

Mrs. Erna Kubin-Clanin is the proprietor of the Chateau du Sureau. Erna first opened her award-winning restaurant, Erna's Elderberry House in 1984. Business was so successful; she built the Chateau du Sureau to accommodate the many visitors who traveled from all over the world. Her years of tireless commitment and highest regard for her guests have not only made her a successful business woman, but also made her a beloved member of our community.

I applaud the Chateau du Sureau, Mrs. Erna Kubin-Clanin, her husband Dr. Rene Clanin, and their entire staff for maintaining exquisite accommodations and elegance beyond expectations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me as we stand and shine a spotlight on the Chateau du Sureau as they celebrate twenty years of pride and progress.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank our Republican colleagues for giving us time to speak on this important bill.

As we've discussed, H.R. 2401, the underlying bill, is one that is important and appropriate that we consider at this time. I support the underlying legislation. And also as my colleague, Congressman Matheson stated, while it's okay to have strong feelings on this measure, it's not appropriate to overstate in fact what this legislation does.

This measure requires the creation of an interagency committee to study the effects of the current and proposed regulations put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency that together have major effects not only on our way of life but on our economy, our economy which at this point in time is in a very fragile recovery period.

For too long, constituents that I represent, farmers, farm workers and small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley, have had to shoulder the burden of mounting regulations of the EPA. They've worked hard to meet stricter standards, and we're making progress. We've made great progress in cleaning up the air quality in the valley, even while the population is growing more rapidly than any other place in the State. Yet common sense must prevail. At some point it's time to put the brakes on regulations and understand the effects on consumers, on energy, on manufacturing industries, on electricity, on fuel prices, and our country's competitiveness in the global market.

Recently, the administration has acknowledged that many regulations are having an effect on our economy. It's time that they step up to the plate and work with the Congress for common sense to prevail.

I thank Congressmen Matheson and Sullivan for introducing this important measure, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it. It's not an either/or choice. We can have clean air and we can have a good, commonsense decision-making process. The two are not mutually exclusive, as some of my colleagues are suggesting. I urge that you vote for this measure. It's a commonsense way to work through these difficult issues.

Mr. Speaker, September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and we celebrate as members of the Hispanic community the contributions that have been made to the United States throughout our history.

The story of Hispanic Americans is truly the American story. Our dream is the American Dream. In America, if you work hard, play by the rules and dream big, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Succeeding in all walks of life and serving as patriots in the American Armed Forces, Hispanics have enriched in so many different ways our way of life. Their advances in universities from their knowledge and talent have continued to play a vibrant role as we strengthen the fabric of America. Hispanic Americans' commitment to faith, family, hard work, and perseverance adds to that rich diversity and vibrancy. It makes our country a melting pot like no other place in the world.

Today and every day, we should take time to note and to celebrate the wonderful contributions of the Hispanic community in the San Joaquin Valley and across America.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Gabriel ``Gabe'' Terronez, who passed away on July 8, 2011 at the age of seventy-one. Gabe was a distinguished boxer, educator, and community leader who always placed the utmost importance on hard work and leading by example. He served as a role model for an entire community and will be deeply missed.

Gabe Terronez was born on March 24, 1940 to Jesus and Paula Terronez in Cameron, Texas. His family settled in the great San Joaquin Valley where his athletic gifts were able to flourish. While a student at Corcoran High School, Gabe earned championships in wrestling and in track. Not only did Gabe possess superior athletic talent, he was also a man of outstanding character.

In 1957, Gabe joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his Nation proudly. During his time in the Marines, Gabe won the Inter- Service Boxing championship. In 1960, Gabe competed in the Olympic trials and was also a number five world-ranked welterweight with a 32-8 record and 19 knockouts.

Following his seven-year career, Gabe decided to broaden his horizons and pursue an undergraduate degree. He used his earnings from professional boxing to help pay for his college tuition. After attending Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, Gabe earned a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish.

Gabe spent his adult life serving the public in a number of capacities. Upon graduating from college, he worked for then-governor, Ronald Reagan, as a community relations consultant. Gabe later went on to work for the University of California, focusing his time on migrant and at-risk adolescents as a youth development specialist until his retirement in 1992. Gabe served as an exceptional role model for these young men and women because he was an example of the American Dream. By working hard and showcasing determination in all of his endeavors, Gabe encountered great success in his life.

Gabe was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Huerta Terronez. He is survived by his children Stephanie, Dante, Desiree, Damien, and Nicole; his grandchildren Nicholas and Mia Elizabeth; and his siblings, Cecil, Lupe, and Janie.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Gabriel ``Gabe'' Terronez, an honorable and respected man whose talent and passion were not only exhibited in the boxing ring, but also in his unwavering commitment to our community and his loving family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Linda S. Adams on the occasion of her retirement as the State of California's Secretary for Environmental Protection. More than thirty years of service to California and its residents make her most deserving of this honor.

Linda was appointed as Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006, by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her appointment was historical, as she was the first woman to ever be appointed to this position. As California's EPA Secretary, Linda had a number of responsibilities which helped ensure the well-being of the people of California. During her time as secretary, Linda oversaw the activities of the Air Resources Board, State Water Resources Control Board, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Department of Pesticide Regulation, and approximately 5,000 employees.

Upon her appointment, Linda began to do innovative work to address climate change and global warming. She was selected by Governor Schwarzenegger as the lead negotiator on Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. She was instrumental in launching the Green Chemistry Initiative, which calls for a more comprehensive look at California's chemical policies, as well as California's biomonitoring program which seeks to find links between environmental contaminants and human health. She has since continued to work closely with a number of states and countries to develop climate initiatives to achieve the greatest global reductions.

Before her service as Secretary of California's EPA, Linda functioned as the director of the California Department of Water Resources and as a member of Governor Gray Davis' staff. Prior to becoming a member of Governor Davis' staff, Linda served Californians for 20 years as a staff member for the California State Legislature. Of note was her time as chief consultant to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources. During her time as a legislative staffer, she worked diligently on assisting the passage of Proposition 204, the Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act.

Linda has spent her life working on behalf of the people of California and has been a longtime friend of California's Central Valley. She has worked on several air quality issues--a deeply important issue to the Central Valley, and most recently served as a member of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.

I applaud Linda for her many years of diligent work on behalf of all of the people of California and the Central Valley. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Linda on her retirement and thanking her for her innovative approach to enriching the lives of all Californians.