Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Charles ``Chuck'' T. Manatt, California lawyer, banker and political visionary who recently passed away at the age of seventy-five.

Manatt was born on June 9, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to William Price Manatt, and Lucille Taylor Manatt. Although born in Chicago, he grew up in Audubon, Iowa, helping his father care for the family farm. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Future Farmers of America. Following high school, Manatt attended Iowa State College, where he met fellow student Kathleen ``Kathy'' Klinkefus.

On December 29, 1957 Chuck and Kathy married and moved to Washington, DC where Chuck attended the George Washington University School of Law. Three years later, the couple moved again to Los Angeles where he founded a law firm with his long-time friend and colleague, Thomas Phelps. The start-up began as a six-man group of savings and loans lawyers and swelled to more than 100 lawyers by the early 1980s. Today, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP has over 350 in offices in New York, California and Washington, DC.

While in Los Angeles, Mr. Manatt also began to forge relationships with several of the Democratic National Committee's most influential leaders. In the aftermath of the 1980 elections, when Ronald Reagan was overwhelmingly elected to the White House, Chuck, who had been DNC finance chairman, openly campaigned for the position.

In 1981, Mr. Manatt claimed Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. He reinvigorated the party. On the eve of the 1984 Democratic convention in San Francisco, presidential nominee-in-waiting Walter Mondale tried to replace Manatt with Carter administration official, but backed off after an internal outcry. That year, Ronald Reagan handily secured the Presidential nomination, but Manatt and the Democrats fared better in 1992, when he was co-chairman of Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. Clinton went on to win the Presidency and later appointed Manatt as ambassador to the Dominican Republic, where he served from 1999-2001.

During the course of his prestigious career, Manatt served on the boards of the Mayo Foundation, the National Museum of American History, the Wesley Foundation, the National Legal Center for the Public Interest and the National Endowment for Democracy. He was also the founding chair of First Los Angeles Bank, was elected chair of the California Bankers Association, served on the board of directors of FedEx Corp., and was a member of the board of directors of Oak Value Management, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in paying tribute to the life of Charles Manatt as we offer our condolences to his family and celebrate his memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Fred Donald ``Don'' Giacomazzi, who passed away on August 18, 2011 at the age of seventy-three. Don was a distinguished dairyman and community leader who always placed the utmost importance on kinship, family, and friends.

Don was born on October 26, 1937 to Fred and Lilia Giacomazzi in Hanford, California. He grew up working on his family's dairy, which was established by his grandfather, Luigi Giacomazzi in 1893, and is one of the oldest operating dairies in California. He became active in the family business and learned the value of hard work early in his childhood. Don also became active in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America during his youth, demonstrating his passion for agriculture.

Upon graduating from Hanford High School in 1955, Don studied at College of the Sequoias, and then transferred to California State University, Fresno, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Years later, in 1966, Don married Jacqueline Giglio and they had four children and five grandchildren.

Don spent his adult life as a farmer in Kings County, California. In 1969, he and his father formed Don and Fred Giacomazzi Farms,

which is currently run by Don's son, Dino, producing a fourth- generation family dairy operation. Don's passion and commitment to agriculture was evident in his enthusiastic membership and leadership within a number of dairy organizations. Don was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association for 22 years and served as president for five years, a member of the California Milk Advisory Board for 12 years, and chairman of the Kings County Western United Dairymen for four years. In addition, his family was named Dairy Family of the Year in 1998. In 2008, he and his wife Jackie were honored as the Distinguished Dairy Couple at the 52nd annual Salute to the Dairy Industry Dinner in Hanford, California.

A truly notable son of the San Joaquin Valley, Don also found time to enrich the community as a member of the Kings County Citizens for a Healthy Environment. Balancing his time and service to dairy and agriculture issues, Don also served as a member of the school board for 30 years and 4-H club leader, clearly exhibiting his personal vested interest in youth and education programs in agriculture.

Whether he was spending time with his family and friends, or serving our community, Don will be remembered as a man filled with compassion and joy. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jackie; his mother Lilia; his four children Gina, Dino, Cara, and Mia; sister Patricia; five grandchildren; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Fred Donald ``Don'' Giacomazzi, an honorable and respected man with an unwavering commitment to our community and his loving family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Jesse E. Cooley, Jr., who passed away on July 20, 2011 at the age of 79. He will be remembered for his savvy business sense, impressive musical abilities, and his great service to Central Valley families.

Jesse E. Cooley, Jr. was born on November 2, 1931 in Fresno, California. He attended Edison High School where he was class president, played on the football team, ran for the track and field team, sang as a member of the Boys Glee Club, and played as lead drummer for the school band.

Upon graduating from high school, Mr. Cooley embraced his passion for music. He found work playing as a member of the Cal Tjader jazz band, which served as the beginning of his music career. His talent provided him the opportunity to play with jazz legends including Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Jack Teagarden.

In addition to having an impressive musical repertoire, Mr. Cooley was also a proud and respected businessman. Mr. Cooley's father, Jesse E. Cooley, Sr., opened the first Black-owned mortuary in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1953, Mr. Cooley followed in his father's footsteps when he teamed up with his business partner, Andrew Riolo, and opened the first Black-owned mortuary in Solono County, California. Three years later, Mr. Cooley returned to Fresno and immersed himself in the family business. In 1959, Mr. Cooley and his father opened the second branch of their business in Bakersfield, California to serve the residents of the southern Central Valley. The family business expanded north in 1971 when they opened a third location in Stockton, California.

As a member of the San Joaquin Valley business community for more than 50 years, Mr. Cooley was able to help thousands of individuals during times of great sadness. The great amount of trust Central Valley families placed in Mr. Cooley and his business is exemplified by the 10,000 services he hosted; most notably, the family of civil rights activist Cesar E. Chavez and the family of Major General Vang Pao.

Whether he was playing music for his family and friends, or serving our community, Mr. Cooley will be remembered as a man filled with compassion and joy. He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse E. Cooley III. He is survived by his wife Barbara Taylor-Cooley; sons, Stephen R. Cooley, David A. Cooley, Phillip M. Cooley, and Corey D. Cooley; his daughters, Lisa C. Oliver and Christie M. Cooley; his sister Dorythea Cooley; and numerous friends and community members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Jesse E. Cooley, Jr., an honorable and respected man with a commitment to bringing peace and comfort to families during their most difficult time. May his legacy continue to live on in our community and in the lives of those he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Joseph ``Joe'' Peter Fischer whose life was tragically taken on August 11, 2011, in Sanger, California, at the age of one-hundred. Mr. Fischer was a proud veteran of the California Army National Guard and a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an organization dedicated to improving communities. His vibrant spirit will be deeply missed.

Mr. Fischer was born on February 15, 1911, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He relocated to Fresno, California's Fig Garden Village as a child with his parents and siblings. It was in the great San Joaquin Valley that he learned the value of hard work. He grew up working on his family's small farm, picking figs and caring for farm animals; his fondest memories included those of him and his mother working on the pastures. He eventually began working on automobiles and ultimately showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by opening a mechanic shop.

A true American patriot, Mr. Fischer proudly served his state and country in the 185th Second Infantry California Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1933. Mr. Fischer recognized the importance of serving his country and his time in the California Army National Guard served as a testament to his character and his commitment to the preservation of freedom and democracy.

Upon completing his military service, Joe continued his support of his community by always maintaining an active role in his neighborhood. Most notably, his involvement and membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles, demonstrated his desire to promote peace, prosperity, and hope. It also demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of Sanger, California, the community he resided in and became a beloved member of.

Mr. Fischer was a loyal friend and cherished confidant to those he knew. He was passionate for the ideals and values in which he believed in. He served as a role model for the entire community and was a respected voice among his colleagues and friends.

Mr. Fischer is survived by his sisters Mary Morgan, Alyce Holland, Betty Babcock, and son Joe Fischer, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of Joseph ``Joe'' Peter Fischer, a man who lived a life full of energy and love. His bravery and determination will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Tom Clark of Bakersfield, California, who passed away on July 23, 2011 at the age of 65. Tom was a great champion for the people of Kern County, California and a respected voice in the development of water policies. Most importantly, Tom will be remembered for being a loving family man and loyal friend.

A second generation Californian, Tom was born on October 21, 1945 in Bakersfield, California. He graduated from North High School in 1963. Three years later, he married his wife Karen and they were blessed with two children, Krista and Jeff. Tom joined the United States Army where he served our Nation at Fort Irwin, California and received an honorable discharge in 1970 with a rank of Sergeant E-5.

A loyal son of the Central Valley, Tom attended Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. Tom decided to further expand his horizons and attended the University of Pittsburgh on a full scholarship, where he earned a Master of Science in Water Supply--Water Pollution Control in 1974.

Tom began his water career in 1974 with the Kern County Water Agency as a Water Resources Planner where he was responsible for contract administration and planning. His tenacity and passion led him to do work for Nickel Enterprises and La Hacienda, Inc., where he helped establish the Rio Bravo hydroelectric plant on the Kern River. In 1986, Tom returned to the Kern County Water Agency and served as Assistant Manager. In 1989, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager, and in 1990, he was named General Manager.

Tom's legacy will live on through a series of groundbreaking water deals that he helped broker. Before Tom stepped in as General Manager of the Kern County Water Agency, Kern County had perhaps the most unreliable water supply in the State. Through his hard work, Tom was able to secure a much more stable supply for the people of Kern County.

In an industry where tensions run high, Tom's character was able to shine. He was well-liked by his colleagues--even the ones who did not agree with him. Tom was a pillar in the community and could be relied on to provide leadership and creative management skills to find solutions to some of the Valley's most pressing problems. Of note was the way in which he handled disputes over the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. He was consistently an advocate for the Central Valley, while being able to understand and respect other points of view.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Thomas ``Tom'' Clark, a man with passion and persistence who accomplished great things for the people of California. He enriched the lives of all those who knew him and will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Jack G. Stone of Hanford, California who recently passed away at 93 years of age. Over the course of his life, Mr. Stone proved to be tirelessly devoted to confronting the challenges and issues affecting the agriculture and water community in the Central Valley. His contributions to the community and to California agriculture will be remembered.

Jack was born to L.M. ``Stoney'' and Elaine Stone on November 11, 1917 in Corcoran, California. During his youth, the Stones moved from Corcoran to Hanford, California, where Jack first became aware of the precarious balance between land, water and farming in Western Kings County and Tulare Lake. He continued to learn about the challenges facing the area while attending Hanford High School and subsequently went on to study engineering at the University of California, Davis.

Upon his graduation from UC Davis, Jack enlisted in the United States Army to serve the country during the second World War. He became a captain and went on to successfully command an Army Engineer Corps in the European Theater. When the war ended, Jack returned home and married his elementary school sweetheart, Hilda Orchard. The pair settled on a farm in Five Points, California where Jack founded J.G. Stone Land Co., and started a family soon thereafter.

Over the years, Jack became well known as a reckoning force in the agricultural community and gained the deep respect of his peers. In the early 1970s, Jack was elected to the Westlands Water District Board of Directors, where he served for an astounding 21 years. The Board of Directors confronted many challenges, and Jack was there to stand against the federal acreage limits for irrigation in the early 1980s, to help increase the land limits from 160 acres per farm to 960 acres, and to help guide the district through the turbulent time of the Kesterson Refuge. Through all those years, Jack remained steadfast in his desire to better the agricultural community.

It goes without saying that Mr. Stone was a one-of-a-kind man. Agriculture was a true passion for Jack and he was an enthusiastic supporter of its preservation throughout Fresno and Kings County. In addition to his work in the community, over the years Jack amassed more than 10,000 acres of land, which he continued to farm until as recently as this spring. His son, Bill Stone, carries on his father's mission at J.G. Stone Land Co., ensuring that Jack's legacy will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Speaker, it is with honor and respect that I ask my colleagues to rise with me in paying tribute to Mr. Jack G. Stone: a true gentleman and visionary for the agrarian way of life.

Madam Speaker, this rule and the bill will further drive a wedge between the two parties rather than bringing us closer to an agreement, which we must have. It's been a week since the bipartisan discussions over the $4 trillion ``grand deal'' broke down, and we've seen little progress toward a solution since then.

Missing in today's debate is a bipartisan approach toward our Nation's fiscal health. We must have a bipartisan approach. We can cut through the partisan rhetoric with a balanced package. For me, that means implementing the Simpson-Bowles recommendations to reduce spending by $4 trillion over the next 10 years, lowering tax rates, ensuring solvency of Medicare and Social Security, and stabilizing our debt.

The House should also consider a clean balanced budget amendment, H.J. Res. 2, which says the country can't spend more than it takes in. This amendment and the Simpson-Bowles recommendations must be coupled with a debt limit increase to get us through the next 18 months.

It's time for cooler heads to prevail. With the clock ticking down, our Nation's first-ever default is at hand. We cannot afford to wait a minute longer. Default is not an option.

Mr. Speaker, it has been one week since bipartisan discussions over the $4 trillion ``grand deal'' broke down yet we have seen little progress toward a smaller package of spending cuts that would allow us to raise the debt limit and begin getting our fiscal house in order.

It's easy to point fingers and cast blame--and there's certainly plenty to go around--but fundamentally I believe the reason we have seen so little progress is that the American people aren't looking for a short-term solution or a small gesture. They want a ``grand deal'' that will put us on a fiscally responsible path today and for the future.

We all have our own ideas about our nation's fiscal priorities, but what is missing in today's discussion is a bipartisan, centrist approach to addressing our nation's fiscal health, such as the recommendations by the Simpson-Bowles National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

No one party has all the answers, and no one party can do this alone. It's time to put our economy back on the path to fiscal sustainability, and this House should consider the Simpson-Bowles recommendations that aim to accomplish that goal by reducing spending by $4 trillion over 10 years, lowering tax rates, ensuring the solvency of entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security and stabilizing the debt.

To compliment the $4 trillion Simpson-Bowles plan the House should also consider a clean balanced budget amendment. H.J. Res. 2, is identical to legislation that passed the House in 1995 with 300 votes and I plan to support it if the House take it up. It is a commonsense approach to ensuring long-term fiscal responsibility by operating the federal government's finances in the same way every American family and even all 50 states must do.

This clean balanced budget amendment, coupled with the Simpson-Bowles recommendations and a debt limit increase to get us through the next 18 months, is a package I believe would find broad bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress.

Yesterday the House debated Speaker Boehner's debt limit proposal, which was yet another example of the partisanship that has paralyzed Washington and disgusted the American people. Leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has said the Speaker's two-step approach to the debt limit could still result in a downgrade of our nation's credit rating because of the uncertainty it would create. I simply cannot bring myself to vote for legislation that would yet again call into question the full faith and credit of the United States.

With the possibility of a credit downgrade by national and international bond rating agencies looming over our head, kicking this can further down the road could mean a greater burden on the American people and American businesses in the form of higher interest rates, higher mortgage payments, negative impacts on retirements savings and higher student loans. This is unacceptable and--more importantly-- completely avoidable.

It's time for cooler heads to prevail in order to resolve this economic crisis. A balanced approach that includes the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction recommendations, a clean balanced budget amendment and a one-step, 18-month increase of our nation's debt limit could be the bipartisan solution that has been elusive through all of the partisan rhetoric. With the clock ticking down to our nation's first ever default we cannot afford to wait a minute longer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, which occurred on July 20, 1974. In violation of international law, Turkish troops occupied the northern part of Cyprus, and established an armed force that continues to occupy nearly over one third of Cyprus' territory.

The invasion and continuing occupation of the northern part of the island has resulted in the continuing presence of a force of thousands of Turkish troops, mass violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Cypriot people, and the destruction of cultural and religious artifacts. On September 28, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H. Res. 1631 which calls for the protection of religious sites and artifacts from and in Turkish- occupied areas of northern Cyprus, as well as for general respect for religious freedom.

Over the years, Cyprus has proven itself to be a reliable partner of the U.S. Throughout the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Cyprus has provided over-flight and landing rights to United States aircraft and port access for U.S. ships. Furthermore, during the Lebanon crisis of 2006, Cyprus served as the principal transit location for people evacuating Lebanon, including some 15,000 U.S. citizens.

Cyprus and the U.S. also share a deep and abiding commitment to upholding the ideals of freedom, democracy, justice, human rights, and the international rule of law. It is time for Turkey to share this goal with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and work earnestly and constructively with the Cypriots for a true reunification of the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Such a solution would not only serve the best interests of all Cypriots, but ultimately the interests of the U.S. in promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The aim remains to work towards a solution which will establish a bicommunal, bizonal federation with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

I rise in opposition to the underlying bill and to a provision of this bill that, I think, is highway robbery, plain and simple.

Once again, my friends on the other side of the aisle are ignoring an opportunity to invest in their infrastructure, to create more jobs and to build a modern, 21st century system of transportation that utilizes our highways, our air transportation system and, yes, our rail in the state of high-speed rail systems that are part of America's future.

I support providing, like I think the majority of my colleagues do, the funding for the Mississippi Delta--we should and we must--as we have with every area that has experienced a disaster over the history of our Nation, but there are other ways to provide that funding.

In May of this year, Secretary Ray LaHood--a colleague of ours, a Republican--announced that $368 million of our tax dollars would go to California to invest in the San Joaquin Valley in order to construct the Nation's first true state-of-the-art high-speed rail system. It's a system in California that the people support. In 2008, Californians went to the polls, and voted overwhelmingly for a $9 billion bond measure to construct high-speed rail that will create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the State and that will create economic opportunities not only in the San Joaquin Valley but throughout California.

But this provision steals that money and the promise of new jobs right from the hands of the people it is intended to benefit.

The Great Recession hit my region of the country probably harder than almost any other place in America, with double-digit unemployment levels that exceed 20 percent. Too many people can't find jobs to keep roofs over their heads or can afford decent, healthy diets; but at a time when everyone in Washington says we should be focused

on job creation, this provision is the only one I can see that's about job destruction.

High-speed rail will create over 600,000 construction jobs over the life of the project over the next 10 to 20 years in California, but this provision says ``no.''

High-speed rail will create 450,000 permanent jobs over the next 25 years, but this provision just says ``no.''

High-speed rail will spur economic development by connecting our San Joaquin Valley with the Bay Area and southern California to create a system that will provide high-speed rail for 80 percent of California's population, but this provision just says ``no.''

High-speed rail will improve our air quality and will reduce traffic that clogs our freeways. Of course, this provision just says ``no.''

High-speed rail has proven to be a smart investment over the five decades that it has been developed in Europe and Asia, but this provision says ``no'' to America and ``no'' to California.

High-speed rail will ensure that California is competitive well into the 21st century, but this would attempt to block that area to move into the next phase of a 21st century system of transportation.

The people of California want high-speed rail--they voted for it and the jobs that it will create--but this provision, of course, just says ``no.''

Now, we've talked about our current financial situation. These are difficult times for America. There is no doubt about that. We must focus on our deficit, and we must come together in a bipartisan fashion. Yet I submit to any of you to tell me that we have a more difficult time today than we had in the 1860s, when our Nation was being torn apart by the Civil War--when inflation was running rampant, when deficit spending made our situation today look tame by comparison, when we had the first issue of paper money, and when a lot of people doubted the credibility of that paper currency.

Yet we had a great Republican President, the Emancipator, during that time in our Nation's history when our country was being torn apart--who had boldness and a vision and who had decided we were going to build a railroad across the country and invest in our Nation even though we were in that Civil War. That's what he did.

So this provision attempts to take on an effort, notwithstanding the difficult financial challenges that we have, to in essence say what President Lincoln said in the 1860s: We can do better. We can build a transcontinental railroad.

President Obama believes we can get ourselves out of this financial situation by working together and, at the same time, by investing in our Nation's infrastructure, just as President Eisenhower did in the 1950s when he decided to embark upon the effort to build interstate freeway transportation that we all benefit from today.

This provision was slipped into law. So, ladies and gentlemen, I ask that we defeat this provision and that we keep our faith to the voters of California.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Garamendi and I rise today to congratulate Mr. James D. Boyd on an exemplary 50 years of public service to the State of California. For five decades, Mr. Boyd has been a pioneer in the fields of renewable fuels, air quality, new vehicle technologies, bio-energy and climate change. He deserves great praise for his involvement and expertise, which has resulted in California becoming a leading example for the rest of the nation.

Jim graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and a minor in Mechanical Engineering. He immediately went to work for the California Department of Water Resources, where he served as principal budget reviewer for the administration of major state public health and health care programs, as well as appeared before committees of the state legislature as principal advocate for these programs' budget needs.

From 1970 to 1976, Mr. Boyd worked at the California Health and Welfare Agency as the Deputy Director, and then as the Assistant Secretary of Operations. In the latter role, he directed operational, administrative and fiscal policy for eight agencies with more than 30,000 employees and a budget exceeding $3 billion. These departments operated the state's programs for Health (Public Health, Medicaid, Mental Health), Employment, Rehabilitation, Social Welfare, Corrections, and Youth Authority.

Following his tenure at the California Health and Welfare Agency, Jim was appointed chief executive officer of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). From 1981 to 1996, he directed the nation's largest state air pollution-control program, which included the adoption of regulations that required the use of cleaner burning gasoline and diesel fuel, lowering emissions of cars and trucks, and the implementation of electric vehicles on California roads. Due in large part to these efforts, the state now has the highest number of hybrid electric vehicles in the world. During his time as CARB's CEO, he successfully served under five chairmen and three governors with contrasting political views, which is a significant testament to his professionalism and problem-solving skills.

For the past decade, Mr. Boyd has served on the California Energy Commission, where he oversees transportation programs, and an annual $100 million investment in alternative and renewable fuel and vehicle technologies. Because of his expertise, Jim was appointed by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu to the National Petroleum Council to comprehend and explain the circumstances and fixtures surrounding transportation fuels of the future.

Jim has accomplished many feats in his careers including organizing California's first Bioenergy Interagency Working Group, as well as California's first Joint Agency Climate Change Team, which predated any current mandates pertaining to the issue. He has been honored for contributions to the field of air pollution control and serves on several nonprofit and public-private boards. For instance, his participation with the Baja Board of Governors and the Swedish government on renewable energy resulted in two Memorandums of Understanding between the State of California and Baja, and California and Sweden.

Additionally, Mr. Boyd was appointed California's liaison to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2002 and became knowledgeable about issues facing nuclear power plants, particularly seismic vulnerability. Because of this experience, Jim was able to testify before Congress in the wake of Japan's Fukusima nuclear disaster in April 2011.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Garamendi and I ask our colleagues to rise and thank Mr. Jim Boyd for his tireless dedication to the health and well-being of the great people of California, his decades of strong leadership, and for continuing to seek creative and cost-effective solutions to some of the state's most pressing issues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Mr. Cardoza, to pay tribute and honor the life of Daniel Edward Webb, who passed away at the age of 49, on Sunday, June 19, 2011. Dan and I had known each other for several decades and I greatly cherished our friendship. We say good bye to Dan as a brother, uncle, friend, avid forester and dedicated public servant.

Born in Mariposa, California, July 3, 1961, Dan was the fifth of eight children. He spent several summers in the Sierra Nevada in the Youth Conservation Corps which sparked a lifelong admiration for the outdoors. His affinity for the mountains seemed to have been born with him, and his passion never wavered, no matter how removed his environment. Dan went on to graduate from Kingsburg High School, and attended Reedley College, where he was both active in the Forestry Program and served as student body president. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During this time, he continued to spend his summers in the mountains and eventually went to work for the United States Forest Service as a Park Ranger. Dan had many stories to tell about his time in the Forest Service, and I was fortunate to hear a great deal of them, including the time when he helped Jane Fonda find her way while on a hike in Kings Canyon National Park.

Dan also had strong political interests that were harmonious with his dedication to public service and the environment. At one point, he worked for Congressman Richard Lehman, serving the San Joaquin Valley in the areas of agriculture, water, and public safety. Afterwards, he came to work for me as my District Director, and then joined me in the California State Senate as a policy advisor to the Senate Agriculture and Water Committee. Following his time with me in the State Senate, Governor Gray Davis appointed Dan as his deputy secretary to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Having successfully completed many years of public service, Dan used his knowledge and political skills to launch a successful consulting career, specializing in biotechnology and agricultural science.

Dan will best be remembered by those who knew him for his wit, humor, love of people, and his simple generosity. He gave of himself freely, whether it was in offering food to the homeless or helping a friend repair a water pipe, and for that selflessness, we honor him.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother Agnes, his father George Sr., and infant brother Andy. He is survived by siblings George Webb Jr. of Granite City, Illinois, Sheila Yokota of Kingsburg, Lisa Inouye of Kingsburg, Mark Webb of Leander, Texas, Colleen Webb of Ventura, and Byron Webb of Merced.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great humility, honor and respect that Mr. Cardoza and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Daniel Webb: a dedicated public servant, a forester, a brother, a friend--a great American.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain James R. Knapp upon his retirement from the United States Navy.

Captain Knapp is the Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station, Lemoore (NAS Lemoore). He has served the United States Navy with distinguished service during the 27 years of his naval career. His devotion to the Navy and the Nation is inspiring.

My initial experience with Captain Knapp began in 2008, when his service commenced as Commanding Officer for Naval Air Station Lemoore, which is located in my 20th Congressional District in Kings County, California. From our initial meeting, a great working relationship was formed. Whether we needed clarification on a question or a follow up on issues regarding the base, the Captain was always professional, knowledgeable, courteous and helpful.

Captain Knapp attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Captain Knapp was commissioned as an Ensign for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program and completed advance flight training in 1986, receiving his orders to the ``Rough Raiders'' of VFA-125 for F/A-18 FRS training. His naval career was commensurate with his education, earning his Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He has over 3,500 flight hours in the F/A-18A-E series and 1,258 arrested landings on 11 different flight decks, six of which remain in active service. Furthermore, Captain Knapp participated in the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Operation ``Iraqi Freedom'' 2003 deployment. Prior to his serving as Commanding Officer at NAS Lemoore, Captain Knapp served as Chief of Staff of Strategy, Plans and Assessment Directorate of the Multi-National Force-Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq.

In his illustrious career, Captain Knapp received many awards which include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8 awards).

It is fitting that the President of the United States has presented Captain James R. Knapp with the Legion of Merit for his outstanding leadership. I ask that excerpts from the Citation be printed in the Record:

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of

outstanding service as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station

Lemoore, California from September 2008 to June 2011. Captain

Knapp's tenure as Commanding Officer of the world's largest

Naval Air Station was exemplified by visionary leadership,

mission accomplishment, and an unrelenting drive to improve

the lives of Sailors and their families. Despite fiscal

restraints and ever-changing requirements, his proactive

engagement across the spectrum of strategic imperatives at

Naval Air Station, Lemoore resulted in sustained five-star

support to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, which has

significantly contributed to the lethality of the U.S.

Pacific Fleet. His tremendous foresight and business acumen

prevented airfield encroachment and his direct involvement in

water usage issues in the western San Joaquin Valley

instilled new hope for local farmers and the regional

economy. His personal involvement in the local community was

highlighted by the establishment of a perennial Community

Relations Program which contributed over 11,000 man-hours

towards numerous noteworthy projects, further strengthening

the relationship between the air station and the local

community. Additionally, his overwhelming concern for his

sailors was demonstrated by personally performing over 320

Career Development Boards, directly contributing to the

professional, financial and personal growth of each Sailor in

his command. Captain Knapp's superior performance of duties

highlights the culmination of 27 years of honorable and

dedicated service. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment

and loyal devotion to duty, Captain Knapp reflected great

credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the

United States Naval Service.

Captain Knapp is a man of outstanding character and we will remain grateful for his unwavering dedication and exceptional insight during his career at NAS Lemoore and to our country. On behalf of the United States Congress, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for his hard work, selfless service, and dedication to the United States Navy. I want to personally wish Captain Knapp much continued success and my best wishes to his wife, Nancy and his children; daughter, Lauren, sons, Will and Ryan, as they embark on their new endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mendota High School Chess Team, home of the mighty Aztecs, on their first place victory at the CalChess State Championships held recently in Santa Clara, California. This event drew more than 1,300 students from over 100 schools from across our great Golden State.

This victory is especially fitting as it clearly embodies the classic ``underdog'' tale. Mendota is not where you would normally expect to find the state's top high school chess team. As their coach Vaness French explained, ``I taught my kids a long time ago, don't be frightened by the bedazzled or the bling-bling . . . I have never told them we couldn't win.''

A small agricultural community, Mendota is located in the western portion of California's Central Valley. I am proud to represent this community with its population of 10,000. Historically known for its reputation as The Cantaloupe Center of the World; sadly Mendota has recently become known to many in our nation for its chronic high unemployment rate, at times hovering near 45%. Most residents of Mendota are hard working migrant farmworkers and earn, on average, one- third of what other Californians earn. Culturally, chess is not a game played in the homes of many Mendota families, who are busy simply trying to make ends meet.

Yet, despite these tremendous odds, the students from Mendota High School returned home as state champions, winning first place in the Premier Division and earning eight team and individual medals and trophies.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work, dedication and spirit of strategic competitiveness that runs through each and every one of these impressive students. I congratulate students Julian Estrada, Chrispen Reyes, Luis Castillo, Felipe Beltran, Jessi Mendez, Kevin Romero, Sergio Mayares, Milton Arroyo, and Edwin Brioso and Coach Vaness French on their great victory and ask that you join me in wishing continued success to all those at Mendota High School who worked so tirelessly on this victory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in with my colleagues in the introduction of legislation that we will be discussing later this afternoon: the Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act of 2011.

First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues who spoke a moment ago, Congressman Tim Murphy and Congressman Tim Walz, both who talked so importantly on the need to get our Nation's energy house in order.

Since the long gas lines of 1973, policymakers on both sides of the aisle have attempted various efforts to pursue an energy policy that would reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. And what has been lacking through all of those efforts since 1973 is a long-term plan that has bipartisan buy-in which we can stick to both in the near term and longer term to reach those goals. Why hasn't it happened? Because, unfortunately, too often here in these Chambers the lost art of the political compromise has gone away.

But today, with the introduction of the bipartisan Infrastructure Jobs and Energy Independence Act of 2011, we have an opportunity to come together as a House, to come together as a Nation. This is what the Bipartisan Energy Working Group has done over the last few months to really put together a piece of legislation that reflects past efforts, commonsense ideas that will enhance our path toward energy independence and national security through the following means. First, it would increase the production of domestic oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. It would also increase sources of alternative energy utilizing clean energy technologies whenever possible. In addition to that, it would dedicate a fixed percentage of the royalties that we receive from oil and gas that is derived from Federal lands both onshore and offshore, the second-largest source of revenue to our Nation's Treasury, to the following purposes:

First of all, it would invest in our infrastructure revitalization and renewal that provides more jobs that are sorely needed. It would invest in conservation programs. It would invest in environmental restoration projects. It would invest so importantly in renewable energy research and development so that once again we can regain the lead around the world. It would invest in clean energy technology as well as increasing development of existing as well as traditional energy sources, like improving our transmission lines. And it would provide energy assistance for those most in need. Sharing a portion of such royalties with producing States also would provide an incentive for those States. And it would increase the diversification and efficiency of America's transportation system, among other things.

As a Nation, we must work together toward realistic energy policy. At the end of the day, we cannot afford to take any energy sources off the table. As many of you know, I am a firm believer in using all of the energy tools in our Nation's energy toolbox. And that's what we need to do. Conventional energy, together with renewable resources and a strategy for energy conservation, will best serve our long-term energy needs--the best management practices our Nation has to offer.

As we create new comprehensive energy policy to reduce our dependency on foreign sources of energy, reducing our dependence on those nations, it will make a big difference in America. I believe it's important for us to understand and agree to realistic transitional timelines as we embark upon this bipartisan energy policy both in the near term and the long term.

Finally, I look forward to cooperating and collaborating again with the members of the Bipartisan Energy Working Group and other Members of Congress to address ways in which our Nation's energy sources can best be utilized to help us secure that balanced energy future in the 21st century, which is what all Americans want us to do. I believe this legislation that we will introduce this afternoon will put us along that path for a long-term secure energy future for America in the 21st century.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to two heroic officers from Naval Air Station (NAS), Lemoore who tragically lost their lives on Apr. 6, 2011. LT Matthew Ira Lowe, 33, and LT Nathan Hollingsworth Williams, 28, were killed last Wednesday during a training mission when the F/A-18F Super Hornet they were flying crashed into an agricultural field near NAS Lemoore.

California's 20th Congressional District is home to many individuals who serve and have served in our Armed Forces. NAS Lemoore is a proud and honored naval community. The

crash that took the lives of Lieutenant Lowe and Lieutenant Williams is a tragic reminder that the men and women of our Armed Forces put their lives at risk every single day in defense of our beloved country.

LT Matthew Ira Lowe was from Plantation, Florida. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School on Feb. 21, 2003, and reported to Strike Fighter Squadron, VFA, 122 on July 9, 2009. He was designated a pilot following naval aviation training from Nov. 2002 until July 2006. Following his training, Lieutenant Lowe was assigned to VFA-94 based at NAS Lemoore. During his career, Lieutenant Lowe earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Lieutenant Lowe was most recently training to become a pilot for the elite Blue Angels exhibition team. LT Matthew Lowe is survived by his parents Ira and Pamela Lowe of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and two siblings.

LT Nathan Hollingsworth Williams, of Oswego, New York, received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Rochester in New York on May 28, 2004. He reported to VFA-122 on Jan. 25, 2010, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer following training from Aug. 2004 through Feb. 2007. Lieutenant William's first squadron assignment was with VFA-213 based in Norfolk, Virginia. In Afghanistan, Lieutenant Williams served aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing air support for U.S. ground troops. After returning from Afghanistan, Lieutenant Williams was chosen to be a flight instructor at Lemoore Naval Air Station, training other flight officers on the Super Hornet, and was also selected for the West Coast Super Hornet Demonstration Team. During his career, Lieutenant Williams earned the Air Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

LT Nathan Williams is survived by his wife, Meredith; his parents, Alan and Gay Williams, of Oswego; and his brothers, Jeffrey and Seth, of New York City.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my colleagues to join me today for a moment of silence to remember both of these heroic men. May the families and friends of LT Matthew Ira Lowe and LT Nathan Hollingsworth Williams know our thoughts and prayers are with them during this most trying time, and may they know we are extremely proud of their distinguished service to our country.