Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues from California, Mr. Radanovich, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Cardoza to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of Judge Robert H. Oliver. After more than 15 years, Judge Oliver is stepping down as Chairman of the California State University, Fresno Board of Governors in September of this year.

During his tenure with the University, Robert worked tirelessly to improve the Foundation Board, and its service to both the school and the community by increasing the orderly annual contributions to the University Advancement Division, as well as developing a strong executive committee structure within the organization. It is because of these endeavors and others like them that Robert was able to serve the second longest term as Chairman in the 76 year history of the foundation. It goes without saying that his dedication to the community is to be commended.

Due to his vast wisdom and knack for educating others, Robert was frequently called upon to lecture on or moderate discussion of a diverse variety of issues including: domestic violence, the history of traditional jazz in America, juvenile justice, and leadership in the volunteer sector. Throughout his distinguished career, Robert has served on numerous committees, boards, and panels such as the Fresno County Interagency Council for Children and Families, the Rotary Club of Fresno, and the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California. His service and work have been recognized by countless awards and honors, not the least of which is his recognition as an ``Outstanding Alumnus'' from both the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno and Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco.

Throughout his career, Robert Oliver has proven to be a highly effective leader who was always committed to excellence in public service. As he gets ready to spend more time on other causes and endeavors of interest to him, we thank him for his service and we wish him continued success and best of luck for the future.

I thank my dear friend, Congressman Mike Ross from Arkansas, for his leadership not only in the Congress but among our fellow Blue Dogs.

I rise this evening to speak on behalf of a comprehensive effort to really address America's energy needs.

We have certainly heard a lot of political posturing that has taken place over the last year about various types of energy proposals, and I think the sad fact is that the American public is not looking for a Democratic nor are they looking for a Republican-Democratic energy package; they are looking for an American energy package, one that addresses our near-term needs with the energy crisis that we are experiencing today, one that focuses on our interim challenges that we face, and one that focuses on the long term, over the next 20 years, because Americans realize that it has taken a number of decades to put us in the hole that we are in today, and that certainly overnight we can't a la Harry Potter wave a magic wand hoping that our energy challenges will simply be wished away. It simply is not possible, and the American public knows that.

What they do expect is their elected representatives, Democrats and Republicans, to come together, put partisan differences aside, and sit down and try to figure out how we reduce our dependency on foreign sources of energy, as Congressman Ross mentioned a moment ago, reaching almost 70 percent now of the energy that we consume in America each year; almost 70 percent imported from foreign sources.

To put it another way, this year, Americans will transfer in excess of $750 billion. Let me repeat that. We will transfer in excess of $750 billion of American wealth to purchase our energy needs. Talk about digging a hole.

And where does that wealth go? It goes, in the form of petro dollars, in some cases, to sometimes friends of us, and then sometimes into the pockets of petro dictatorships which certainly wish us no good in the world of the geopolitics that we live in today.

We have certain countries in the Middle East that are playing both sides of the terrorist aisle. So, in that sense, we are really financing both sides of the war on terror. We're trying to, obviously, eliminate terror in our world, but yet we have countries in which we are purchasing our energy from who play both sides of the fence and use that, almost like the Mafia did in terms of protection money.

So, Americans want us to put together the kind of comprehensive energy policy that I think our Nation deserves, an Apollo-like program that really sets goals over the course of the next 10 years, short-term goals, interim goals, and long-term goals that will not just reduce our dependency on foreign sources of energy, but on fossil fuels, using all the new technologies that are out there that, in fact, will create more American jobs; that will create cleaner air, that can also be exported in terms of technologies around the world.

So is there such an effort going on? I'm pleased to tell you, tonight, yes, there is. There is such a bipartisan effort. It began back in early June with a group of Republicans and Democrats sitting together, one night a week, for 6 weeks, talking about what we thought was the art of the possible, the common sense that Americans expect us to use when we're here on the floor of the House and we're in committee. And as a result of that, we produced the National Conservation, Environmental and Energy Independence Act, introduced with 28 Democratic cosponsors and 28 Republican cosponsors on the day that we left session in July. Today we have over 120 cosponsors.

Now, this isn't a Blue Dog proposal. This isn't a Democratic proposal. This is not a Republican proposal. This is a bipartisan work product of like Members doing what Americans expect us to do, and that is, sit down and figure out solutions and compromises to some of the most difficult challenges we face as a Nation.

Now, what's this bill do? It's a simple bill. It's 34 pages long. It's three titles. The first title is offshore and onshore leasing and other energy provisions. It basically opens up the Outer Continental Shelf within 25 to 50 miles, giving States an opt-in provision, that could be modified in other ways, that we believe, over a course of the next 20

years, will develop $2.6 trillion. Conservative estimates. These are based upon what the Mineral and Management Services estimated the last time they surveyed Federal lands, both on and offshore. When they last surveyed lands on and offshore in the 1980s, using old technology, not the new technology that has 3-D seismology that we use today to determine carbon footprints of oil and natural gas, in those days, what they determined existed in the Gulf of Mexico today, as a result of literally hundreds of leases that have been let in the gulf, we have developed, in that time period of over 20 years, 3\1/2\ times more energy resources than was estimated to be there by Mineral and Management Services in the 1980s. Using those same conservative estimates we base this $2.6 trillion that would be realized as a result of opening up these Federal lands, both on the Outer Continental Shelf and on land.

Now, what would we do with this money? Well, we have the same royalty program that exists today, in which energy companies bid for leases that come up on a regular basis, and then, of course, these energy companies pay a lease, if they successfully bid on a parcel of leases; and then after they do their due diligence and determine if it's worth, in fact, drilling and utilizing the oil and the natural gas, then they pay a royalty. So we get monies three ways. We get monies when the energy companies first bid on the leases, then we get money when they lease the land that they have successfully bid on, and then, if they decide to determine to drill for oil or natural gas, we get the royalties. $2.6 trillion, we think, is the conservative estimate.

Where would we spend that money. We'd put 30 percent of it in the general fund. That would, over the time period, amount to $780 billion. For States that decided to participate they would receive an equal 30 percent or $780 billion. How many of our States could use that money to invest in the infrastructure? That $780 billion could be so helpful in dealing with our national debt.

We would also put 8 percent for the conservation reserve. We'd also put 10 percent for an environmental restoration reserve account. We'd put 15 percent for renewable energy reserves.

We all want to get off of our addition to fossil fuel. Even the President here said that in his State of the Union speech. But we can't wish our way from fossil fuel. We have to be able to finance the renewable fuels. This would do that.

It also would provide 5 percent for carbon capture sequestration and to regenerate nuclear waste. We shouldn't be storing it at Yucca Mountain. We ought to be regenerating it like other countries do. There is energy in that waste, and it could be utilized on those plants.

And, also, we need to look at conservation. We need to apply energy standards in residential and commercial buildings that is low-hanging fruit, and provide also support for low income home energy assistance programs for those people who are on fixed incomes, those who are working poor, those who most need the support for to conservation. That's the first title.

The second title would provide funding for cleaner energy production and energy conservation incentives. In other words, we would provide continuation of tax credits for existing renewables, for solar, for wind, for the cellulosic fuels, for the new technologies, like, that we think will be so important in creating the new American industries of jobs and energy; and to include bio diesel and other renewable fuels that include the hybrid vehicles that our colleague, Congressman Ross, spoke of that he and I and others have actually had the opportunity to drive.

This is what we ought to do. This is taking existing innovative efforts in renewables and funding them, financing them, because that's how you get there from here. This is the interim strategy.

The third title of the bill is a portion of the bill that I am going to let my colleague and good friend, Congressman Nick Lampson discuss, because it's an important part that deals with the near-term issues. It involves the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and it dedicates some of those revenues and the conservation to energy research programs. This will have an immediate effect in lowering the prices of the existing gasoline, diesel and other fuel oils that we are, currently Americans are hard hit with.

Let me close by saying that this measure has the support of 18 Blue Dogs as cosponsors. Certainly, a large percentage of my Blue Dogs colleagues are supporting this, or they are supporting Congressman Green's proposal or Congressman Mike Ross' proposal. But the Blue Dogs share a common desire to put the partisan politics behind us and really do America's business in addressing our long-term, interim and short- term energy needs.

Be sure of one thing. This energy crisis that we are in today will be with us for the foreseeable future. We are just one international crisis away from rationing fuel in America. We saw what happened in Russia's invasion of Georgia just a week ago and the implications on that for energy policy.

Nigeria provides 10 percent of some of the sweetest, cleanest crude that we import in America. You would think, well, maybe 10 percent's not too much; we could live without Nigeria's oil.

Well, let me tell you something. That 10 percent of the oil we receive from Nigeria provides 36 percent of all the gasoline consumed on the East Coast. We know the problems that we have in Nigeria today and the Delta and the instability there, as in other parts of the world. So, Americans expect us to look at a short-term, interim and long-term energy policy.

Ladies and gentlemen, my colleagues, my Blue Dog friends understand that we must use all the energy tools in our energy tool box, and that's what these series of proposals attempt to do, to use, as my parents taught me, a long time ago, Jim, use just some good common sense. You know, Jim, if you use good common sense you can get a lot done and you work with people and you don't care who gets credit. Well, that's what these proposals are all about, to use all the energy tools in our energy tool box for the near-term, the interim and the long-term energy needs of our country.

And with that, I yield back the balance of my time to my colleague, Mike Ross and my fellow Blue Dogs. Thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a special man, Abraham Sheingold of Monterey, California. Abraham recently passed away at the age of 91 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife of 66 years, Sylvia, his son Larry and his daughter Janet.

Mr. Sheingold was born on February 17, 1917 in New York City. He earned his bachelor of arts and masters degree from the City College of New York. Abe joined the faculty of the Naval Postgraduate School in 1946, migrating with the school to Monterey when it was moved there from Annapolis in 1951. He was a professor of electronics, department chair and dean of academic admissions until his retirement in 1986.

Abe was a gifted teacher. His command of the English language coupled with his gentle manner and sense of humor made him a favorite with students and prompted frequent invitations to speak at Navy School functions, both during his tenure at the school and after his retirement. His knowledge of subject matter was evident in the textbook he wrote. These accomplishments contributed to his receiving the honor of Distinguished Professor.

Abe continued his involvement in the Naval Postgraduate School after his retirement through his service on the board of the Naval School Foundation, where he set up scholarship funds and honoria for faculty members. In

addition, he helped establish Congregation Beth Israel on the Monterey Peninsula during the early fifties. He was an active member of the congregation, serving several terms as its president.

Abe loved to travel. He and his wife, Sylvia, took trips throughout the United States and traveled to Europe, Asia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada. The couple moved to Sacramento 2 years ago to be near their children. He is remembered by his family and friends from around the country and the residents and caregivers at Sunrise Assisted Living in Sacramento.

It goes without saying that Mr. Abraham Sheingold was an honorable man with a commitment to his family, friends and community that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. My heart goes out Abraham's wife and children. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a special man, Sidney Harvey Craig of Santa Fe, California, who recently passed away at the age of 76 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife Jenny, 5 children and 13 grandchildren.

Mr. Craig, affectionately known as Sid, was born on March 22, 1932 in Vancouver, British Columbia and was raised in Alhambra, California. After attending Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Craig transferred to Fresno State College and graduated with a major in business and psychology. While at Fresno State he taught dance classes at the Arthur Murray dance studio. Upon graduating from Fresno State he joined the Arthur Murray dance studio and before long owned several franchises and served on its board of directors.

At the age of 22 years old he was stationed in San Diego serving in the U.S. Navy. During the same time he became friends with Hal King, who introduced him to horseracing. King would later become Sid's business partner, trainer and racing manager until he died in 1991. Sid's love for horses led to him owning a number of successful thoroughbreds. In 1995 Sid and his wife Jenny purchased a 237-acre thoroughbred horse-racing stable in Rancho Santa Fe. Several of their thoroughbreds raced in the Belmont Stakes and the Kentucky Derby, and one set a Del Mar track record for 1\1/4\ mile.

After moving to Australia with his wife Jenny in 1982 they started Jenny Craig International, the successful weight-loss program which went public on the New York Stock Exchange after only two years. At the height of their careers, Sid and Jenny oversaw more than 650 Jenny Craig centers in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Twenty-three years and 4 million dieters later, they eventually sold the Jenny Craig centers to Nestle.

In 1992 Mr. Craig returned to his alma mater and made a significant donation to the Fresno State School of Business, which was renamed in his honor to the Sid Craig School of Business. In 1993, Fresno State President John Welty also gave him an honorary degree of doctorate for his contributions to the university, his commitment to others and its students. And to this day, the community of Fresno credits Sid and Jenny Craig's generosity for helping the Sid Craig School of Business become one of the top 100 business schools in the country. Mr. Craig was known for his philanthropist style with business, his generosity and for his passion for horseracing.

Sid Craig will be remembered by many for his success in business, his generous philanthropy, and for his passion for horseracing. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man. His presence will be missed in our community and by many others whose lives he so graciously touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of Steve Thompson. After more than 30 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he is retiring on August 2nd.

Steve Thompson served as the Director of the Service's California and Nevada Region. In this post he oversaw Service programs in California, Nevada and Klamath Basin that administered the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and managed 51 national wildlife refuges, and three national fish hatcheries.

Prior to coming to Sacramento, Thompson was based in Atlanta as the Regional Chief for the National Wildlife Refuge System in the Service's Southeast Region. Prior to serving in Atlanta, he spent three years as the Branch Chief for Resource Management for the National Wildlife Refuge System Headquarters in Washington, DC

Thompson began his career with the Service as a wildlife biologist at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns, Oregon, moving on to the Puget Sound National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, Washington, and Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge in Fallon, Nevada, before becoming refuge manager at Laguna Atacosa National Wildlife Refuge in Rio Hondo, Texas.

In 1994 Thompson was chosen as the first ``Refuge Manager of the Year'' by the National Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Refuge Association. In September 2007, he earned the Distinguished Executive Award, the highest Presidential Rank Award given to career Senior Executive Service employees.

Thompson, was born in Nevada and raised in both Nevada and California, where he graduated in 1976 from Humboldt State University with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife management. He is a competitive swimmer, avid birdwatcher and hunter.

Throughout his career at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mr. Steve Thompson has been well known for his balanced, common sense approach. His partnership philosophy and demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders will be missed. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, I wish him continued success and good luck in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Donald Ray Tow of Selma, California, who recently passed away at the age of 74. He leaves behind the love of his life of 44 years, Marie, along with 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Tow was born on June 2, 1934, in Checotah, Oklahoma, but was raised in the Central Valley. As a teenager Don moved from Bakersfield to Selma, California, and graduated from Selma High School in 1952. Upon graduation from Selma High School he attended Reedley College prior to joining the U.S. Air Force in 1953. While in the Air Force Don proudly served his country in Korea.

After returning from Korea he continued his education at Fresno State College, where he received his master's degree in education. His first job was at Eric White Elementary in Selma, California, as a sixth grade teacher. After teaching for 13 years he went on to become a principal at Washington School in Kingsburg, California. In 1990, he moved on to Roosevelt Junior High, also as a principal.

He was devoted to his community, serving on the Selma Unified School Board, the Selma City Council, and most recently as mayor of the city of Selma. Mr. Tow not only had a passion for education but also for sports and especially for baseball. His huge interest in sports drew him to coaching in the Selma Little League. One of his favorite pastimes was family outings to Morro Bay, and Dinkey Creek, and watching his grandchildren at their sporting events.

It goes without saying that Mr. Donald Ray ``Don'' Tow was an honorable man with a commitment to family, friends and the community that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. His passion for family, education, and his community will be remembered by all who knew him. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, what the American people want is for us in a bipartisan effort to come together and use all the energy tools in our energy tool box to, in fact, solve America's energy problems. Such an effort is being sponsored today in part by the House Renewable Energy and Efficiency Caucus, of which I am a member.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are important tools for reducing our reliance on imported oil and addressing climate change. In my home State of California in 2007, 23.5 percent of our electricity came from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric facilities. We've made a lot of progress. The Fresno- Yosemite Airport near my district recently installed solar panels that provide 40 percent of the airport's need for electricity. At my alma mater, Fresno State, we've built shaded parking using solar panels that provide over 20 percent of the energy necessary for the university. We also have dairy farmers and utility companies partnering together to generate electricity through methane gas.

This is the kind of partnership and cooperation and collaboration we need. This is an exciting time for renewable energy and energy efficiency. I encourage all to visit this very important expo and forum in the Cannon Office Building.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Owen Michael O'Sullivan on the cerebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Owen and Geannine O'Sullivan were married 50 years on June 14, 2008. They raised 4 children and have 12 grandchildren.

Owen was born in 1935 in New York City, NY, where he lived with his parents, two brothers and a sister. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes H.S. in 1953 where he studied trombone and further developed his love of music. After attending what is now known as the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Owen was drafted into the Army where his musical skills helped him become a member of the U.S. Army Band.

Geannine Bernard O'Sullivan was born in New York City in 1935. Subsequent to completing high school, Geannine was admitted to the Fashion Academy in NYC. After successfully graduating, she worked as a designer and illustrator in the city. Here she learned how designs turned into the reality of actual production. To this day, she still uses her talent and skills in the design and hand sewing of beautiful St. Nicholas dolls.

Owen met Geannine on a blind date before going overseas. However, they remained pen pals until his return in 1956. They eventually moved to Morris County, NJ, where Owen, having started in the printing industry, opened his own advertising agency, Graphicus 14. His agency grew, as did their family. Four children later, the agency became O'Sullivan Advertising/Public Relations located in Morristown, NJ. Geannine became president of Special Occasion Dresses for Children.

Owen and Geannine, devout Catholics, also gave back to their community. Their endless charity and community involvements, as well as their strong values, were known in many organizations such as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, interfaith groups and Catholic church groups. One of Owen's proudest achievements was when he was made a Knight of Malta. Presently Owen and Geannine are active on the board of the Caring Basket Gala of Assumption College for Sisters. Owen is the Charter Chairman and Geannine is a strong backup and Committee member. Over the last 7 years, they have raised over $630,000 and helped save the college.

Nothing, though, was more important in their lives then their sense of family. ``Family always comes first,'' they always said, and that was demonstrated almost daily throughout their 50 years together.

Congratulations again to Owen and Geannine O'Sullivan. Their story is reflective of the American dream, the children of immigrants, working hard and playing by the rules to create better lives for themselves and their children. As a result, they have made their community, their church, New Jersey, and our Nation a better place to live for future generations.

I want to thank Congressman Kind for his hard work in this very important legislation.

I rise tonight in strong support of H.R. 6580, the Hubbard Act, named after Jason and his brother Nathan Hubbard, to fix a flaw that exists, as Congressman Nunes so well stated, in the Department of Defense's sole survivor policy that really originated from the Sullivan Act that was referenced during World War II when the Sullivan family lost all of their sons in a naval combat action during World War II.

Right now, the Department of Defense allows a remaining son or daughter serving in the military to be removed from combat or to accept an honorable discharge. However, as we found with the circumstances facing the Hubbard family, military benefits like signing bonuses or access to the GI Bill can be taken away. This is not right. Jason Hubbard of Clovis, California was put in this situation after tragically losing both of his brothers. This legislation would allow a member who voluntarily separates honorably, under the sole survivor aspect of the law, to qualify for programs like the GI benefit, to be allowed the use of the commissary and base exchange, and entitled to benefits of the veteran home loan and other entitlements that our veterans who serve their country so honorably deserve. It was tragic to find that after the circumstance, that there was a request that he return his signing bonus benefit, but Congressman Nunes stepped in and, with the Secretary of the Army, changed that.

The legislation that we are about to pass here reflects veterans throughout our country. Our Central Valley, the San Joaquin Valley in California, has a proud history of men and women who have worn the uniform and defended our country in a troubled world, both in the 20th century and the 19th century, and of course today in the conflict in the Middle East, in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Hubbard brothers now are a part of this honorable military history that all our veterans share in, and like the Sullivan brothers, are being recognized for their service.

This bill is fully paid for, and therefore PAYGO compliant. I want to thank Chairman Rangel for his willingness to make this extra effort. In multiple conversations that many of us had with the chairman, he understood clearly, as a fellow veteran, the importance of this legislation. Congressman Kind also showed leadership in his efforts. And of course as Congressman Nunes noted, without Senator Feinstein and Senator Chambliss' help, we would not have gotten the measure out through the Senate.

Finally, my good friend, Congressman Devin Nunes, has been tenacious on this piece of legislation, representing his constituents and the Hubbard family, but more importantly, all veterans throughout the United States. The passion and the leadership which Congressman Nunes demonstrated on this bill is reflective of his passion for his constituency and for our country.

So I want to thank Congressman Nunes for his hard work on behalf of the Hubbard family, Nathan and Jarrett, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, to their family and to their brother Jason, who we have named this legislation on behalf of.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Fowler, California on the celebration of their 100th anniversary this past June 15, 2008.

The City of Fowler owes its name to Thomas Fowler, the first businessman to ship cattle from the Central Pacific Railroad line ten miles south of the city of Fresno, California in 1872 where Fowler now exists. The city was officially incorporated on June 15, 1908.

Among the many historic highlights for this thriving community include establishing a large irrigation canal from the Kings River and incorporating it as the Fowler Switch Canal in 1881; having the sole store owner in town, Mr. John Gentry assume the role of Postmaster in 1882 instituting the first rural delivery in the entire area, and being home to the oldest house of worship of the Armenian Apostolic Faith anywhere in the United States through St. Gregory's Armenian Apostolic Church established in Fowler in 1908.

Relying mainly on agriculture as a significant economic base, this small town in the San Joaquin Valley is known for harvesting citrus fruits, grapes, and fresh market fruits among other crops. Fowler is also the home of processing fruit plants which are part of their thriving industrial business corridor that continues to expand.

Commonly referred to as ``one of Fresno County's best kept secrets'' the residents of Fowler are proud of the small-town feel to their community and the family-centered lifestyle. Fowler's local leaders praise their `well-kept neighborhoods, attractive downtown, highly acclaimed school district and quality affordable housing' as gemstones of their community.

It is indeed a pleasure for me to congratulate the City of Fowler on their centennial celebration as I am truly honored to represent this little city in the House of Representatives. I wish the community continued success and many more years of tradition for all who already live here and those who choose to make Fowler their home in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the life of an industrious and generous man in the agricultural community of California, Richard Garabedian of Fowler, California. Richard recently passed away after a valiant battle with cancer at the age of 76 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years Eleanor, three children and several grandchildren.

Mr. Garabedian was born on June 13, 1932 at his family's 24 by 24 farmhouse in Fowler, California. His parents, having escaped Ottoman Turkey in 1912, immigrated to the U.S. where they first settled in Massachusetts. The family moved to Wisconsin where they soon realized the snow didn't suit them well. The warm climate of the Central Valley of California beckoned them and they settled in Fowler, California. Richard attended Del Rey Grammar School and graduated from Selma High School. After graduating from high school Richard attended Fresno State College. During the Korean War, Richard served with the U.S. Army for two years.

Richard's strong work ethic and his ability to foster action put him at center stage within the California raisin industry. Richard was well known for his strident advocacy on behalf of the raisin industry and raisin growers in particular. He served as chairman of the Raisin Administrative Committee and on the Raisin Bargaining Association Board for 26 years. Through his travels on behalf of the raisin industry, Richard was able to accumulate a broader grasp of the complexities of culture and economics as they relate to the raisin industry both locally and nationally, and abroad. Though Richard's efforts were not always in line with the thinking of others in the industry, all acknowledge that Richard's ardent efforts stemmed from his deep desire that all raisin growers receive the best monetary return due them for their earnest efforts. His tireless efforts on behalf of raisin growers continued until the day he passed away.

It goes without saying that Mr. Garabedian's dedicated involvement in the raisin industry gained him a respected reputation and enormous appreciation from the Central Valley raisin farmers. Richard worked hard and seemed to expect nothing in return. This same generous spirit was evident in Richard's love for his family. I am honored and humbled to join his family today in celebrating the life of this amazing man. His presence will be dearly missed in our community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Nunes, for the introduction of this resolution. He has the university in his congressional district. Congressman Radanovich and myself share the same sort of pride and enthusiasm for the university, and all three of us work very closely with the institution, we think one of the finest academic institutions in the country. Congressman Bishop, we thank you for your kind words.

We want to recognize today the Fresno State baseball team, the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs of the West, on their victory over the University of Georgia last month to claim the 2008 NCAA Division I baseball championship of the country. Obviously, as Congressman Nunes mentioned, I am a proud alum of the University of California at Fresno State, or as we like to refer to it, the Bulldogs.

What Fresno State accomplished in their road to victory winning the national championship has all the makings of a movie. The Dogs came into the tournament, it was noted, fourth regional seed, and along the way beat prestigious powerhouse universities like Rice, the University of North Carolina, two big wins. They are the first, as was noted, fourth seed to reach the finals and win the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship in any sport in the history of our country.

As a matter of fact, they are the lowest seed to win a national championship, including professional sports. They went from underdogs to wonderdogs. The team played on the road for 40 straight days and 40 nights. Forty days and 40 nights they played away from home, first going to Baton Rouge to win the WAC tournament, then going back to Long Beach to win the Western tournament, and then to the super-regionals in Phoenix to win that tournament, beating the University of Arizona twice, with their record of 30-2, the University of Arizona in their home stadium; yet the Bulldogs prevailed to put themselves in the College World Series Finals.

What's important to note about this long trek, this incredible journey, is that there were five Bulldogs who made this year's College World Series All-Tournament Team. They were Erik Wetzel, Steve Susdorf, Steve Detwiler, Justin Wilson, and Tommy Mendonca. Congratulations to all of them. They were all Californians.

These truly are student athletes in the finest sense of the word. I suspect the majority of these folks will never play professional baseball, although I suspect they all might want to, and we wish them the best in their endeavors. But these were student athletes who are getting a college education and, in the meantime, enjoying those wonderful aspects of student sports for their university and for their own pride of accomplishment.

Tommy Mendonca, from Turlock, California, was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player and was recently named to the 2008 National Collegiate Team. He comes from a strong Portuguese family, that both Congressman Nunes and I share, and we enjoyed watching him play all season long.

The character, the camaraderie, the preparation, and the ultimate performance of the success of this team flows from Coach Batsole and his wonderful staff that really made a difference.

When the team started out 8-11 at the beginning of the season, expectations diminished, but they didn't let that, with a series of injuries, put a damper on their spirit, and that spirit of the Bulldogs came back. Go Dogs!

I want to thank my friend Congressman Nunes for introducing this resolution and my dear friend Congressman Radanovich for his support for the university. This is a great time that we share for the Valley and for the University of Fresno State.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a special man, Yoshito Takahashi of Fresno, California. Yoshito recently passed away at the age of 88 years old. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years Yoshiye, three children and three grandchildren.

Mr. Takahashi was born on June 16, 1920 at his family farm in Clovis, California where he lived all his life. He was the eldest son of eight children of Yoshibei and Shizuyo Takahashi, Issei immigrants from Japan. He attended Clovis Grammar School and graduated from Clovis High School.

During the outbreak of World War II, Yoshito and his family were sent to a U.S. Internment camp in Poston, Arizona, where they remained until 1945. Upon returning home to Clovis, Yoshito and his brother Ted went into farming together. Takahashi Farms was born, becoming a recognized brand in the Fresno-Clovis metropolitan area. In addition to raising stone fruit, melons, vegetables, and berries, the brothers were also engaged in a custom grape harvesting business. Yoshito continued to farm with his brother until 1992 when he retired. Yoshito was a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, the Central California Freestone Peach Association and Treasurer of the Nisei Farmers' League. He was also a supporter of the Central California Nikei Service Center for seniors.

Yoshito was an active member of his church, the community, and many professional and civic organizations. He served as president of the Fresno Buddhist Church, Secretary-Treasurer of the Clovis District Coordinating Council, the Clovis High School Agriculture Advisory Committee, Director of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, and he served on the Board of Directors with the Fresno County Cancer Society, Fresno Community Hospital, Community Medical Foundation and the Clovis Rotary Club. He was the Founding Director of the Community Hospitals of Central California and Co-Chairperson of the Clovis Unified School District Foundation.

Yoshito's community involvement was felt throughout the valley and was recognized by many. In 1977, he was named Clovis ``Citizen of the Year'' and, in 1979 he was inducted in the Clovis Hall of Fame for his longstanding support and service to the community at large. Yosihto's strong community ties and service-centered activities led him to receive regular recognitions by numerous local leaders as well as state and federal representatives.

It goes without saying that Mr. Yoshito Takahashi was a humble man and as well as a forever farmer at heart. His love for the outdoors led him to places such as the nearby Sierras and many destinations abroad. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man. His presence will be missed in our community and by many others whose lives he so graciously touched.

I thank the gentleman from California, a colleague, a good friend and an avid supporter of the California State University of Fresno, as we all are in the Valley delegation.

Mr. Speaker, we are proud to recognize the Fresno State baseball team, the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs on the West Coast, on their victory of the University of Georgia last night, the other Bulldogs, to claim the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Division Championship I-A Baseball National Champions. Obviously, as my good friend Congressman Nunes indicated, I am a proud alumnus today.

The Dogs came into the tournament as the fourth seeded team and along the way beat Rice University, had two big wins over the University of North Carolina, and they are the first number four seed to reach the finals of the NCAA championship in any sport. It is truly historic in collegiate athletics. They went from the underdogs to the wonder dogs, and they accomplished this after spending over 40 straight days away from home. Leaving Fresno on May 14, they finally came home today.

They won five elimination games, including a 19-10 win over Georgia during the championship series.

This team was a pure joy to watch on the field. We saw outstanding defensive plays, 15 home runs by the offense, and they had American riveted to their televisions and radios to hear them win last night's game. It was an exciting month for anyone who is attached to the University or our San Joaquin Valley, or those who just happens to love our Nation's pastime, baseball.

The character, camaraderie, preparation, and ultimately the performance and success of the team flows from their head coach Mike Batesole and his wonderful staff. This year he was chosen 2008 Collegiate Coach of the Year in baseball.

One unique thing about this team is that every player is from California. In fact, many of the players come from surrounding communities; in my colleagues' districts, Nunes, Radanovich, and Cardoza, and the like, they came from Clovis, Hanford, Bakersfield, and Turlock. Fresno State athletics takes pride in recruiting local talent from high schools and junior colleges.

These young men are models for student athletes around the Nation. Seven seniors and one junior will graduate within nine semesters. Steve Susdorf was given the Western Athletic Conference All-Academic awards four times in his career with the Bulldogs. These classroom accomplishments should be commended. These are truly student athletes at their finest.

There were five Bulldogs who made this year's College World Series All-Tournament Team. They are Erik Wetzel, Steve Susdorf, Steve Detwiler, Justin Wilson, and Tommy Mendonca. Congratulations to them.

Tommy Mendonca from Turlock was also named the Collegiate World Series Most Outstanding Player, and was recently named to the 2008 National Collegiate Team. He comes from strong Portuguese Valley roots, and we enjoyed watching him play.

Finally, we again want to congratulate the Fresno State team on a season well played. We tip our hat to the University of Georgia for an outstanding series, and all the teams that played this season.

I just want to thank the gentleman for yielding. We want to congratulate all of those who are a part of the University and these fine students athletes for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Richard Darmanian of Fresno, California, who recently passed away at 81 years of age. He leaves behind his best friend and loving wife of 59 years, Armon, six children, and several grandchildren.

Mr. Darmanian was born on November 21, 1926, in Sacramento, California, but was raised in the Central Valley. As a youngster, he lived on a farm where his passion for farming came to life.

Upon graduation from Caruthers High School he attended Fresno State College and earned his B.A. degree in history and a master's degree in guidance and counseling.

Upon graduating from Fresno State in 1952, Mr. Darmanian began his teaching career at Roosevelt High School, where he taught mathematics, history and government. Mr.

Darmanian was also counselor and dean of the boys at Roosevelt High School. In 1959 he purchased a small farm in the Sunnyside area, where he built a home and raised a family for many years.

In 1969 he became the assistant principal at Edison High School and then moved on to become the principal in 1972. He was also the principal at Hoover High School, and he served as district administrator in the Instruction Division from 1984 until 1988, where he was responsible for all the Fresno Unified School District's high schools.

Mr. Darmanian not only had a passion for education but also for his Armenian community where he was both very active and an influential member. In 1950, he became a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, ARF, in which he served several terms as a member of the Regional Executive Committee and the Central Executive Committee. From 1952 to 1970 he served as regional secretary of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia, Armenian National Committee. Also, as one of the founding members of the Armenian Community School that opened its doors in 1976, he served as chairman of the board of education for 6 years.

His strong values and community ties led him to serve as a long-time member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Board of Trustees, as well as a member of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America, where he was appointed to the Education Council of the Armenian Schools under the jurisdiction of Western Prelacy during the period of 1990 and 1994. He was also a member of the California State University Fresno Armenian Studies Advisory Board.

Richard enjoyed the simple things in life and loved to be surrounded by his family, friends and colleagues from the Armenian community. He was especially proud to see the younger Armenian generation alongside with him engaged in activities that were dear to his heart. Those who were close to him are better people today thanks to his influence on their lives.

It goes without saying that Mr. Richard Darmanian was an honorable man with a commitment to family, friends and the Armenian community that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. His passion for family, education, and the Armenian culture will be remembered by all who knew him. I am honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.