Floor Statements

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and the ranking member, for your good work on this legislation.

I, too, stand in strong support of the conference report, H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010.

As a conference committee member, I know this piece of legislation represents a monumental step forward in our fight against Iran's nuclear arms quest. These sanctions are a dramatic improvement. These tough new petroleum and financial sanctions will put further restrictions on the ability of the Iranian regime to continue their nuclear aspirations and their oppression of the Iranian people that has been

well documented before and since the elections 1 year ago. These sanctions will send a strong signal that our Nation will not stand for the development of this regime's nuclear arms program, especially with such violent threats against our ally, Israel, and others in the region.

This legislation is an important part of the solution, as we keep all our options on the table, to our longstanding concern about the prospect of a nuclear Iran. I encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1457) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the one-year anniversary of the Government of Iran's fraudulent manipulation of Iranian elections, the Government of Iran's continued denial of human rights and democracy to the people of Iran, and the Government of Iran's continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous materials on this resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution today, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

House Resolution 1457 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on the 1-year anniversary of the Government of Iran's manipulation of the Iranian elections, the continued denial of human rights, and their continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. And I would like to thank my friend, Congressman Judge Poe of Texas, for joining me in the introduction of this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, just over a year ago, on June 12, 2009, the world watched as Iran's rulers manipulated and stole an election for their chosen candidate, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Thousands of Iranians took to the streets following that sham presidential election that had been orchestrated for the regime. Following that, we all know what happened. So we speak in this resolution on the anniversary of that disputed election result because I believe, and those who are supporting this resolution believe, that Congress must reaffirm its commitment to supporting democracy and freedom around the world, including in Iran.

We know that as the street protest continued against the fraudulent election and it intensified, the Government of Iran, its riot police, and members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps engaged in a brutal crackdown on the Iranian people. Sadly, many Iranians were injured, imprisoned, or killed.

Human rights in Iran, we know, have deteriorated precipitously over the years since the first election of President Ahmadinejad. But since that disputed presidential election last year,

Iran's slide into what is clearly a brutal dictatorship has sharply accelerated. Iran's Revolutionary Guard, its militia, and its police arbitrarily arrest thousands of peaceful protesters and dissidents, including students, women's rights activists, lawyers, and journalists, in a clear effort to intimidate their critics and stifle dissent. This regime obviously cannot withstand these critics.

But as champions of freedom and democracy, the United States must, must condemn these abuses of this Iranian regime whenever possible as we witness such actions around the world. It is in our Constitution, and it is one of the reasons why we still remain a beacon of light around the world as we stand up for human rights, human rights that have sadly been abused in Iran by this regime.

But it's not just in our Constitution. In the Koran it states: Help one another in a righteousness and goodness way. Help not one another when in sin and aggression.

Clearly, this despotic regime in Iran is engaged in full-time sin and aggression of its own people. But this quote, of course, is from the Koran, which is the book of the major religion of the people of Iran. Yet they violate their own faith in this way.

Madam Speaker, the people of the United States stand behind the people of Iran, who simply want to live their lives in peace and freedom, free of the brutal oppression of their government. Let us be clear: At the end of the day, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is nothing more than a bully and a dictator. His regime uses every tactic they can to subdue and terrorize their own people.

And we need to recognize this phony regime for what it is. It's a killer of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of press. And I believe that when history is written, that the record of this terrorism regime in the 21st century will compare, sadly, to those same brutal dictatorships that we witnessed in the 20th century. I am talking about Hitler, Stalin, Tojo, and Mussolini. That is the level of despotic dictatorship that we are witnessing today in Iran.

So, therefore, this resolution before us confirms Congress's support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, and civil liberties. It condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses against the people of Iran by their government, and it urges immediate release of all political prisoners detained by this regime.

House Resolution 1457 also calls for freedom and democracy for the people of Iran, including fair, democratic, and independent elections, unlike the ones that were held a year ago. Finally, this resolution condemns the Government of Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons capability and a ballistic missiles program, for clearly we know what they are intended for.

This is especially timely, Madam Speaker, since later this week the House is expected to vote on the conference committee report H.R. 2194. We hope by the end of this week, certainly by next week. The Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 is an important measure. I am proud to be a conferee on the conference committee. This piece of legislation represents, I think, a monumental step toward our fight against Iran's nuclear proliferation. These sanctions reinforce and go far beyond the enacted United Nations sanctions aimed at persuading Iran to change its conduct that was voted on over a week ago.

These tough new petroleum and financial sanctions will restrict the ability of Iran's regime and its thugs to continue their nuclear aspirations and their oppression of the Iranian people. The legislation also increases penalties for sanction violations and bolsters the U.S. trade embargo against Iran. These sanctions will send a strong signal that our Nation will not stand for the escalation of this regime's aims at a nuclear arms program, especially with violent threats against our strategic ally Israel, and the threat of that ally and its impact throughout the regions of Europe and Southeast Asia, along with the Middle East.

Clearly, their medium-range missiles are capable of reaching all of those countries within that area, and, therefore, we stand with Israel and our allies. These sanctions are a powerful step forward. We must continue to take all necessary actions and to keep every option on the table to prevent nuclear arms races in that region.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important resolution and to send a strong message to Iran and the entire world that America will not stand by while these human rights abuses continue and they continue to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) for his good remarks, as always.

I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Madam Speaker, I, too, want to thank my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her strong bipartisan comments on a resolution that there is strong bipartisan support for, as witnessed by the statements here this afternoon.

Make no mistake about it, Madam Speaker, and to those who are listening. This resolution is about human rights violations in Iran. This resolution is about the despotic, sham regime that is currently governing in Iran that is oppressing the people of that country. This resolution speaks to the higher values and goals that are enshrined in our country's Constitution and Bill of Rights, those freedoms that we hold most dear, that are at the end of the day the basis for all human rights, not just in our country but throughout the world.

Therefore, today, the Congress must speak to these human rights violations that are existing in Iran. Today, the Congress must voice its opinion on the despotic rule of this regime, and by passing this resolution in a bipartisan fashion, we will not only put the House of Representatives firmly on record as to the year anniversary of the sham election that took place in Iran, but we will also reiterate our strong support for sanctions against this country that, in fact, is violating these human rights and that is turning its back on the rest of the world.

Make no mistake about it. The Iranian Government today, not its people but the Iranian Government today, is, in my view, the largest concern not only in the Middle East but throughout the world in terms of achieving peace that we all hold most dear. The goals of peace in the Middle East and throughout the world are at greatest risk by the actions and the activities and the supports of terrorist activities by this Iranian regime, whether it be to Hezbollah, whether it be to Hamas, or whether it be to other terrorist groups that it supports in so many different ways because they know at the end of the day they cannot support the family of nations throughout the world in expressing freedoms that we hold most dear.

So I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 355, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 353, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the Honorable L. Bryce Chase. On June 2, 2010, after 29 years, Justice Chase retired as Judge of the North Kern Municipal Court in Delano, California.

Mr. Chase was born in Eugene, Oregon on March 30, 1945. He moved with his family to Shafter, California in 1949, and then to Delano, California in 1954. Upon graduating from Delano High School in 1962, Bryce attended Bakersfield College and Linfield College. He then attended University of Southern California, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Bryce served in the United States Army from 1967-1969, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Gordon, Georgia. In 1972, he began law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Bryce graduated with his Juris Doctorate degree in 1975 and was subsequently admitted to the California State Bar. He was a Legal Clerk and Associate Attorney with M. Dwain Smith from 1975 until 1977, when he began his sole private practice in Delano, California.

Mr. Chase became a judge of the Delano-McFarland Justice Court in 1981. The Delano-McFarland Justice Court became the North Kern Municipal Court in 1990, and Judge Chase continued to serve as a judicial officer. As a judge, Bryce was involved in several county-wide programs. He established the first self-funded court and community service program in Kern County, served three terms on the Kern County Trial Coordination Committee and one year on the Administrative Structure Committee for Kern County. In addition, Judge Chase was also Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Uniform Rules of Court for Kern County, served on the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and is an active member of California Judges Association.

Judge Chase has always played a large role in the community of Delano. He has been an active member of the Delano Kiwanis Club and Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation since 1982, where he served as President for both organizations. He is a member of the First Baptist Church and has been honored for his community service by Proteus Training, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Past Lieutenant Governor Leo McCarthy and yours truly, when I was a member of the California State Senate.

Madam Speaker, it goes without saying that Judge Chase's dedication and accomplishments to the community of Delano have gained him respect and appreciation from all who have worked with him and know him. We owe L. Bryce Chase a magnificent collective thank you. I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Judge Bryce Chase for his productive years of public service to the community of Delano.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. Thomas A. Crow, Chancellor of the State Center Community College District as he prepares to retire after 20 years of dedicated service to the higher education community. Throughout Dr. Crow's time at the State Center Community College District, enrollment has grown to include nearly 40,000 students, facilities have expanded and a strong commitment to the Workforce Development Programs has been forged.

Tom is a San Joaquin Valley native, born in Fresno, California. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno where he earned his bachelor's and master's Degrees. He attended Arizona State University in Tempe where he was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy in education. In addition, he completed his post-doctoral studies in Kinesiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Tom has spent his career with the State Center Community College District working as a selfless public servant. During Dr. Crow's tenure with the State Center Community College District, he has served in a variety of capacities including Vice chancellor and assistant to the Chancellor. Prior to joining the State Center Team, Dr. Crow served as president of Reedley College for 7 years and as the superintendent for the Fowler Unified School District; both located in the heart of Central California.

Dr. Crow believes in a strong community commitment and has been actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations including the Rotary Club of Fresno, Fresno Business Council, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Jobs Initiative, Fresno Compact, and the Workforce Investment Board. The leadership that Tom has shown to the community of Fresno has been steadfast during his time of service.

Dr. Tom Crow serves as an outstanding example for those who truly want to make a positive difference for students everywhere. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today and join in expressing appreciation for Chancellor Thomas Crow's service to the field of education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Dave Koehler on his 20th Anniversary as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust.

Dave is a native of the San Joaquin Valley, born in Fresno, California. He is a graduate of Fresno High School and California State University, Fresno. Dave and his wife Sharon are the proud parents of two sons, Shannon and Spence.

Dave has always been an integral part of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust. He began as a member of the Board of Directors, has served as the Chair of the Education Committee, and was subsequently named as the Executive Director.

Under Dave's leadership as Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust, the organization has grown immensely. The acquisition of the Parkway lands, which began in the late 1980s, continues to be a positive work in progress. Presently, the Parkway Trust has acquired 3,500 acres of protected lands which includes the Scout Island Regional Outdoor Environmental Education Center and the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies. These River Parkway Trust jewels serve as points of interest for all individuals visiting the Parkway.

As a result of Dave's dedication and tenacity, in conjunction with staff and volunteers, several ecological reserves and trails have been established along the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam and California State Highway 145. The Parkway Trust has become a valued foundation of knowledge for all those who are interested in learning more about the river. Visitors from across our great state and nation are able to enjoy the history and importance of the majestic San Joaquin River.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today to express our appreciation for Dave Koehler's diligent work as Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust and, on behalf of the thousands of visitors to the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust Lands, thank him for his continued dedication and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce legislation to help put our dairy legislation on track and prevent future dairy crashes like the one we're now in. The Daily Price Stabilization Act is not just about trying to elevate dairy prices. It's about returning stability to the dairy industry. I was raised on a dairy farm, and we know that dairy boom and bust cycles have always existed. But in the past decade, booms have gotten shorter and the busts longer and more severe. These highs and lows have forced many dairies to shut down. In the last 2 years, we've lost over $12 billion of equity in the industry; and, sadly, some dairymen have taken their own lives.

This unsustainable cycle must stop. Dairies can no longer survive on milk checks that are lower than their cost of production. Our bill gives dairymen the option to grow as they see fit, provides incentives to better align supply and demand. Mr. Speaker, we must take swift action now to protect our local dairy farmers across the Nation. I encourage my colleagues to join in this effort.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Association of California Water Agencies on the occasion of their 100th anniversary, aptly recognized as ``A Century of Leadership, Vision for the Future.''

The Association of California Water Agencies, ACWA, was established in 1910 after five irrigation districts united as one voice to lay the groundwork for developing California's water supply and delivery system. The Association represents the interests of its members at the State and Federal levels, and assists them in promoting the development, management, and use of quality water in an environmentally balanced and cost-effective manner. Since its inception, the work of the ACWA has been reflected in scores of local, regional and statewide water projects.

As the largest coalition of public water agencies in the Nation, the ACWA has become a leader on California water issues and a respected voice in both the legislative and regulatory arenas in Sacramento and Washington, DC. In 1991, the ACWA expanded its offices to the District of Columbia to advocate for California water communities on Federal issues. Since that time, the ACWA has participated in efforts that led to enactment of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996; efforts to keep MTBE out of drinking water; efforts leading to the issuance of the CALFED Record of Decision; efforts to derail a Federal chlorate cleanup exemption and produced ``No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California's Water Future'' for the California congressional delegation, among other achievements.

The Association of California Water Agencies has been a guiding force in California's water policy for the past century, and they continue to help shape the laws, policies and regulations that affect the State's urban and agricultural water users. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Association of California Water Agencies for their advocacy and leadership on California water issues, and commending them for the role they have played in developing the State's water policies and regulations. Again, congratulations to the Association of California Water Agencies on their centennial.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Chi State Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International on the occasion of holding their State Conference in Fresno, California, in 2010.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was founded in 1929 by Dr. Annie Webb Glanton with the overriding goal of providing guidance and inspiration to women educators in pursuing excellence in their professional lives. This service oriented group offers opportunities to enhance leadership development for women at local, regional, and international levels.

As an international honorary society of over 107,000 key women educators in 16 countries, Delta Kappa Gamma Society mentors women educators, provides mutual support and interaction in all educational fields at all levels. Delta Kappa Gamma helps women pursuing professional careers in education by offering financial aid to help them attain their graduate education.

It is truly an honor that Delta Kappa Gamma has selected Fresno, California, for their 2010 State Conference. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Chi State Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International as they continue to promote excellence in education and professional growth in women educators.

Mr. Speaker, April 24 marked the 95th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Last Saturday I participated with the Armenian community in Fresno to commemorate this horrific tragedy.

I, once again, call upon this body to pass the Armenian genocide resolution. In my remarks before the Foreign Affairs Committee markup of House Resolution 252, I indicated that historians have clearly documented this event. Back home, as I grew up, my Armenian friends told me of the stories of the systematic approach to eliminate the Armenian communities from their farms, their homes, and their lives. It was the first genocide of the 20th Century. They believe it and so do

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Robert ``Bob'' Weston Follett. On March 31, 2010, Robert Weston Follett, an accomplished pilot and active leader in the San Joaquin Valley community, passed away suddenly at the young age of 57. He leaves behind the loves of his life, is wife Naomi, daughter Lindsay and son Zack.

Bob Follett was a proud native of Lemoore, California. He was a 1970 graduate of Lemoore High School where he was twice elected class president and played football for the Lemoore Tigers. As fullback on the freshman team, he had the distinction of scoring the first touchdown in Tiger Stadium when it opened. Mr. Follett went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from California State University, Fresno and soon thereafter began his aviation career with Wofford Aviation in Fresno by fueling aircraft, becoming a charter pilot, managing the company and later proudly becoming the owner of Wofford Aviation.

As a charter pilot Bob had the privilege of flying former President Ronald Reagan, U.S. Senator John McCain, and many other elected officials and celebrities. Furthermore, he was renowned as an expert pilot with 37 years experience, who helped explain how air tragedies occurred. Recently, Bob commented for the national news about the potential dangers of flying in California's Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

Throughout the community, Bob was well-known as ``Mr. Fixit'' as a result of his keen ability to build anything with his own two hands. Larger than life, he was a take-charge guy who loved to organize events. He could be found planting a community garden, at a Cal Tailgate party, a Rotary lobster feed or with the Clovis High football team at their team dinners. Bob Follett and his family were loyal members of the Cal football family during the time his son Zack played for the Cal Bears.

As a loving father and supportive husband, Bob and his cherished wife Naomi were always seen at sporting events supporting and cheering on their children Lindsay and Zack. He was a true pillar of support for their children and a faithful mentor to their friends as well.

Bob's loss leaves a void which can never be filled. Bob Follett will forever be remembered for his generosity and gregarious spirit that impacted the lives of all those whom he met. His enormous heart and lifelong commitment to his family and friends will forever be his legacy. I count myself fortunate to be one of Bob's many friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a man whose life and passions exemplified the well honored work ethic and spirit of fortitude, fairness, decency and citizenship that has made our nation great. Many things have contributed to the agriculture industry's prominence in our nation and the world, but one significant underlying factor in awareness of California's premier agricultural contributions to this great society has been the presence of individuals such as Roy Isom. On April 15th, 2010, agriculture and the entire Central Valley of California, lost a valuable friend and ally in Mr. Roy Isom, a radio icon in Fresno, California, the man colleagues called the hardest working person in broadcasting.

Roy Isom was a fixture in Central Valley California broadcasting for more than 40 years. Mr. Isom was known in the Central Valley by many as the ``voice of agriculture'' producing daily, an hour-long morning agricultural news show, reporting the concerns and activities of farming and agribusiness. Roy genuinely understood agriculture and its issues, talking regularly with farmers. Roy Isom was dedicated to agriculture.

Mr. Isom was a good hearted and good natured newsman who came to KMJ in Fresno in 1981 after a long stint in television news, including KFSN ch. 30. He started as farm news editor, but later added the title of news director to his resume. Colleagues marveled at his work ethic. He would come to work at 1 o'clock in the morning and then ``maybe'' leave at 3 in the afternoon, only to come back to work the next day seemingly unaffected by it. Though he arrived to work so early, he'd refuse to be pulled off a story until that story was told--and told well.

Roy Isom was known for his fair and balanced reporting. There was no one who didn't like or respect Roy. Though passionate about his craft, he was never pushy. Former KMJ general manager Al Smith reported, ``He was never a gotcha news guy. He was a guy who just wanted to get the facts ma'am.'', always done in a respectful way. Roy could masterfully paint a mental picture for listeners when on the scene of breaking news events.

Over the course of 45 years, Mr. Isom covered countless major breaking stories. Roy covered some of the most important stories our Valley has ever seen, most notably the recent dire water crisis facing our Central Valley farmers and their communities. His collection of media badges and awards speak volumes. He was named the California Farm Bureau Agricultural Reporter of the Year in '94. In 2005, Roy received the ``Heavy Puller Award'' from the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

Cancer may have claimed Roy's life at 72, but longtime friend and broadcaster Dennis Hart reports Roy went out just the way he'd planned; working until the very end. He's one of those rare people that got to do just that.

Roy Isom is survived by his wife of 45 years Pat Isom; son, Richard Isom; daughters Jennifer Isom Schmidtke and Catherine Isom; and seven grandchildren; all of Fresno. Mr. Isom will be long remembered for his love and dedication to his family and to the broadcast industry, and for his tireless efforts in doing his job, especially on behalf of Valley agriculture. A memorial scholarship in Roy's name has been set up with the Ag One Foundation at California State University, Fresno. Roy Isom will truly be missed by family, friends and the entire Central Valley Region. I will greatly miss Roy. Here's to a truly honorable and great man!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the career of Roy Isom, a broadcasting legend in the San Joaquin Valley from California. Known as the Voice of Agriculture for over 40 years, Roy was a force in the broadcasting industry, relentless in reporting on issues that mattered the most to our communities.

Roy began his career at KFSN channel 30 and KYNO radio before moving to KMJ radio, where he spent the last 28 years. He was known as a workhorse, and his colleagues fondly remembered how he would begin his days at 1 a.m., getting ready for the farm report. Roy's hard work translated into stories and reports that were critical to making sense of what was going on in our valley and the Nation.

Whether it was reporting the first lunar landing or breaking down the agriculture news of the region, Roy's style and ethics serve as a role model to our younger generation of reporters and broadcasters because he was. Today, Roy is remembered by his family and friends and colleagues. Everyone who new Roy, including myself, had a tremendous respect with him. I join with all the people of our valley in celebrating Roy's life and contributions to broadcasting.

I want to thank the gentleman from Tennessee, my colleague and good friend, Representative Cohen, for his hard work not only on behalf of the people of Tennessee, but our Nation, in ensuring that good work is done. I do appreciate serving with you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1104, to honor the National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which occurs this week from April 18 through April 24.

As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, Congressman Ted Poe--who just spoke and really stated it very clearly. He, who in a previous life served as a judge in Texas, saw firsthand the challenges of trying to ensure that justice was served, not just to the criminals, but to ensure that the victims of those crimes, as he sat and listened in his court on a daily basis, were understood and that in ways that justice needs to, that they were reached out to. I want to congratulate my colleague, Congressman Ted Poe, for his previous service and his service today on behalf of not just Texans, but all Americans and those who care deeply about the

impacts of crime and the victims that those crimes have created.

This year, the theme is Fairness, Dignity, and Respect, three things which all victims deserve; fairness, dignity and respect. Last week, the Victims Rights Caucus hosted--Congressman Poe and I and other members--the Victims Rights Caucus Award ceremony to honor six individuals throughout the country for their outstanding accomplishments in the field of victim services and victim advocacy.

The National Crime Victims' Rights Week helps us all to be more aware and to acknowledge and to celebrate all the providers who are there for victims of crime, and to support the criminal justice professionals who provide critical assistance to victims all across our Nation.

I know, having been involved in California--as all of my colleagues in their own respective States--that these professionals, each day, on a 24/7 basis throughout the week, see the horrific impacts of these crimes.

Crime knows no bounds, and crime victims deserve our support and services to help them cope. They are our neighbors, they are our friends, they are our family members, those who are victims of crimes. And as was noted earlier by my colleagues, the VOCA fund that was created by Congress in 1984 and signed into law by President Reagan has for decades now reached out and provided necessary funds for over 4,000 organizations throughout our country to provide support for those victims of crime.

So I want to encourage my colleagues to support this resolution to show crime victims that we stand together in a bipartisan fashion for that fairness, for that dignity, and for that respect, and that we will continue to be supportive of commonsense approaches to assisting these individuals in their time of need.