Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to a committed community advocate, Kaya Tuncer. Kaya, an experienced Turkish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist from California, passed away on January 7, 2012, at the age of seventy-four.

Kaya was born and raised in Turkey, moving to the United States at age 19 with only 80 dollars in his pocket. He put himself through college, first at Santa Ana College, then gaining a degree in civil engineering from University of California Berkley and an MBA from University of Southern California. Kaya's strong determination to succeed in the United States paid off. Kaya continued to live in the Los Angeles area for 49 years.

Kaya began his successful business career as founder and chairman of the ESBAS Company, which was responsible for developing and operating the largest industrial park in Turkey, called the Aegean Free Zone. Kaya was a strong supporter of Turkish-American relations and devoted his life to creating a cultural understanding between peoples from both nations.

His success as a businessman propelled him to give back to his home country of Turkey by inaugurating Space Camp Turkey in June of 2000. Kaya also created a foundation called Global Friendship through Space Education. Kaya's generosity allowed 150 students and teachers to attend National Space Camp Week each year. Since Kaya began the foundation, over 5,300 students from 27 countries have been awarded scholarships. Kaya's foundation shows his dedication to improving the lives young adults by expanding their experience and understanding of science.

Today, the Global Friendship through Education foundation has developed a yearlong

educational program to connect students and teachers in America with their counterparts in Turkey. This program has helped to create friendships as well as foster cultural understanding. Due to his tireless philanthropic efforts, Kaya was awarded the ``Advancement of Education in Turkey Award'' in 2002 by the Turkish-American Scientists in Washington DC as well as the ``Turkish-American of the Year'' in 2003.

Kaya is survived by his wife, Mary Mills Tuncer, his two daughters; Deniz and Ayshe; as well as two granddaughters. He leaves with cherished memories of a loving family. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Kaya's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate, Kaya Tuncer.

Mr. Speaker, if Congress does not act soon, 160 million Americans will see a tax increase at the end of the month. Working families in my district rely on the payroll tax cut to make their mortgage payments or put food on the table. We need to get to work right now on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance for a full year.

Fourteen million Americans are without jobs. Families need our help; they are hurting. But instead of working together to create jobs, Republicans continue to push a partisan agenda that further divides us.

This week, we have yet another bill to repeal the health care reform. Let's stop these misguided bills. Let's get to work on the agenda that creates jobs and strengthens the middle class. We must work together.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great leader and role model Ernest Salgado, Sr. Ernest, the eldest member of the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians passed away on January 23, 2012 at the age of ninety-one.

Ernest was born on the Soboba Indian Reservation, in Riverside County, California. He attended high school at Sherman Indian High School, where he was an outstanding athlete and played on the championship baseball team.

When Indians became citizens in 1924, Ernest was the first of his tribe to fill out the U.S. census form. Ernest served his country honorably as a soldier in the Army, where he had an expert shot, having picked up the skill from deer hunting with his grandfather. During World War II, Ernest participated in the landing at D-Day in 1944 and would later pass on the value of service to ones country to his son, Richard who served in the Vietnam War.

After serving his country, Ernest served his tribal community by working at Sherman Indian School and by serving on the Soboba tribal council during the 1970s. During his time on the Soboba tribal council, Ernest provided great leadership in rebuilding his tribal community and has fostered understanding and respect for Native People in everything that he did. His son Robert Salgado Sr. would later serve on the Soboba tribal council as Chairman of the tribe. As a young man, I have the privilege of knowing Robert and meeting the Soboba Tribe during baseball games on reservations. In my time spent with them, the Soboba tribe always welcomed me and treated me like family.

Ernest is survived by his children, Ernie Salgado Jr., Robert Salgado Sr., Richard Salgado Sr., Lorraine ``Raina'' Maciel, Francie Diaz and Rose Salgado; his brothers and sisters, Nella Salgado Heredia, Frances Bentiste Arres, Alice Bentiste Helms, Henry ``Sonny'' Bentiste and William ``Billy'' Bentiste, as well as a loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer and are with Ernest's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay tribute to Ernest Salgado, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a thankful heart that I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant and truly exceptional Member of Congress--Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

In her time as a Member of Congress, and before that--as a Member of the Arizona State Legislature, Gabby has been a shining example of what a public servant can be.

From supporting our veterans, to working to bring greater fiscal stability and championing home-grown energy--her accomplishments have been many.

But perhaps even more amazing is what Gabby has shown all of us about perseverance and the strength of the human spirit.

We all remember the horrible attack that took place on January 8, 2011, and the impact it had on every single one of our communities and families.

We also remember the bravery of the heroes and first responders, who saved lives on that day.

Gabby's courage, strength, and resilience remind all of us that the human ties of family, and friendship that connect us are much more important than the ideological and political differences that can divide us.

As we recognize Gabby, let's also take a moment to remember the individuals who lost their lives in this heinous event that occurred in Tucson last January.

In particular, I hope we can all keep a special place in our thoughts and prayers for Christina Taylor Green and her family.

Christina was a nine year old child, who had been recently elected to the student council at Mesa Verde Elementary School.

She was beginning to show an interest in civics, and went to the Congress on Your Corner event that day in order to get a chance to meet her Congresswoman.

Christina had great hopes and aspirations for her future. Sadly, all of that was taken away from her in the blink of an eye.

Let us stand together to honor the lives Christina and everyone else who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones they leave behind.

Again--I want to thank Rep. Giffords for her outstanding service to her constituents in Arizona, and to the nation as a whole.

The best wishes and prayers of Barbara and I go out to Gabby, her husband Mark, and her family and friends, on continued happiness and a complete recovery.

Mr. Speaker, it has been more than a year since the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives. What do the American people have to show for it? We still have not passed a single bill to create jobs. We have had a vote to end Medicare as we know it. And we have had a vote to slash college fund aid for the American young people.

Fourteen million Americans are without jobs. Families are hurting, and they need our help. Let's get to work now on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for a full year.

Many of my constituents rely on unemployment benefits to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. I urge the conference committee to get started and work on it today.

Forget about the tax break for millionaires and billionaires and companies that ship jobs overseas. Let's create jobs and help the middle class, and extend the payroll tax and unemployment benefits today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to a devoted public servant, Ruben Ayala. Ruben, a former State Senator from California passed away on January 4, 2012, at the age of eighty- nine.

Ruben was born and raised in segregated Chino, California, to Hispanic parents. During his youth, he attended Chino High School and was widely respected for his strong athletic ability. After high school, Ruben served honorably in the 1st Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II.

After his service in the Marine Corps, Ruben attended the National Electronic Institute of Los Angeles, where he studied television repair. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Irene. Ruben worked in television repair in Chino, and later the insurance industry, until starting his political career in 1955 with his election to the school board.

In 1962, Ruben continued his career as a city councilman in Chino. Two years later, in 1964, Ruben became Chino's first elected mayor, where he began to leave his lasting impression on the community. From 1974 until 1998, Ruben served admirably as a State Senator, becoming the first Mexican-American to serve in the Senate since 1911.

I had the privilege of knowing Ruben and Irene personally. I also had the honor of serving with Ruben in the California State Legislature. During our service together, I quickly discovered that Ruben was widely respected by both Democrats and Republicans, who looked to him for advice and counsel because of his ability to lead and his hard working reputation. Ruben's success as a Senator opened doors for Latinos and Latinas in California. Ruben encouraged and inspired me to run for his Senate seat, when his career ended due to term limits.

In our time working together on important water and transportation issues, I saw first-hand Ruben's commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents. His immense passion and devotion for his hometown led him to create legislation to build the Peripheral Canal as well as to establish the California Conservation Corps. Through his commitment to public service, Ruben inspired hope for a better future for the next generation. Due to his remarkable service to Chino, a High School was named in his honor, as well as a park in Chino.

Ruben was preceded by the death of his wife, Irene in 2008. He is survived by his sons; Bud, Maurice, and Gary. He leaves with cherished memories a loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Mayor pro tem Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Ruben's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a beloved community member and tireless advocate, Ruben Ayala.

First of all, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to welcome our troops back; and as we welcome them back, let's make sure we take care of them while they're here in the United States as well and make their lives a lot better.

Mr. Speaker, it's time to stop showboating and get to work. If Congress does not act by the end of the year, 160 million Americans will face a tax hike next year and another 60 million people will lose unemployment benefits.

Failure to extend unemployment benefits has a real impact on men and women across every State, people like Norma Lopez from my district in Ontario. While Norma has been looking for work, her unemployment benefits have kept her from getting foreclosed and has helped her make car payments.

Unfortunately, the Republican proposal is full of poison pills and amendments that make the bill dead on arrival in the Senate. Republicans are asking seniors to pay more for Medicare and they're leaving the unemployed out in the cold, yet they refuse to ask millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share.

Stop the political games. People's lives are hanging in the balance. They deserve help. Let's work together on a compromise bill that will help all of us.

Mr. Speaker, 160 million Americans stand on the brink of a tax hike. Republicans in Congress need to get serious about working together on a bipartisan package to extend the payroll taxes for the middle class and renew unemployment benefits.

The Republican extender package reduces eligibility for unemployment benefits by 40 weeks. It would require everyone receiving benefits to have a GED. My dad, who only had a third-grade education, would not be eligible. And it cuts $21 billion from affordable health care programs, causing 170,000 Americans to become uninsured.

Republicans are asking seniors to pay more for their Medicare, and they're asking the Federal employees to have serious cuts or salaries frozen until the year 2015. Yet they refuse to ask millionaires and billionaires to pay one more cent. No taxes, no jobs.

Let's pass a responsible plan to extend the payroll tax and unemployment benefits before it's too late.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for S. 384, legislation that reauthorizes the semi-postal breast cancer research stamp for four additional years.

I want to thank my friend, Senator Dianne Feinstein, for sponsoring this bill.

I am proud to serve as lead sponsor on H.R. 466, the counterpart legislation for S. 384, that was introduced here in the House of Representatives.

The breast cancer research stamp has been of critical importance in the battle against breast cancer--both in raising awareness of the diseases, and raising tens of millions of dollars for important research activities.

Since 1998, the U.S. Postal Service has sold over 903 million ``semi- postal'' breast cancer research stamps.

The sale of these stamps has resulted in over $72 million being raised that has gone directly to supporting breast cancer research at the National Institute of Health.

If Congress does not act by the end of the year--the authorization to sell the breast cancer research stamp will expire within a few short weeks.

Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is considered the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women nationwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 2.5 million women in the United States are living with breast cancer today.

The research money raised by the breast cancer stamp makes a real and immediate difference in the lives of women diagnosed with breast cancer--and gives all of us hope that one day we can live in a world without this devastating disease.

The awareness the stamp creates is also critical--as we continue to stress the importance of preventative measures and early detection with America's women.

I urge my colleagues to join me in reauthorizing the breast cancer research stamp tor another four years, and vote ''yes'' on S. 384.

Let's stand with America's our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters--and vow to continue to work towards a world without breast cancer.

Madam Speaker, this year will be a very difficult holiday season for millions of Americans looking for jobs. Sadly, these families are not getting the help they deserve from the Republicans here in Congress.

We have now reached 337 days of Republican control here in the House, and we still do not have a jobs plan from the Republicans.

Benefits for over 6 million unemployed Americans are about to expire. And now, to make matters worse, Republicans are creating uncertainty for the 160 million middle class families by stalling and extending the payroll tax cut.

Why are these Americans forced to wait? Because Republicans refuse to ask those making more than a million dollars to pay their fair share. Millionaires are not paying their fair share.

We must act now on those lifelines of the middle class and allow the Bush tax cuts for the ultrarich to expire. No new taxes, no jobs. No new taxes, no new jobs. We must pass a responsible tax plan that extends the unemployment benefits and gets the economy moving again.

Madam Speaker, with the unemployment in the Inland Empire above 13 percent and home foreclosures at a record level, families in my congressional district are hurting. And now, if Congress does not act soon, these struggling families will face a $1,000 tax increase. And why are our families facing this deadline? Because the Republicans refuse to ask those making more than a million dollars a year to contribute their fair share.

The Republican obsession with extending the Bush tax for the ultra rich has led to the failure of the supercommittee. We all know the Bush tax cuts were a horrible failure. They didn't produce jobs here in the United States. They didn't create any new jobs. They dug us into a $15 trillion debt. And now the Republicans want to permanently extend this madness.

It can't just be my way or the highway. Let's stop this gridlock. Let's pass a jobs bill. Let's work together on a balanced budget.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Res. 364, legislation to designate room HVC 215 of the Capitol Visitor Center as the ``Gabriel Zimmerman Meeting Room.''

I want to thank my colleague from Florida, Representative Wasserman Schultz, for introducing this important legislation.

Gabe Zimmerman was a young man who dedicated himself to the betterment of his community, and lived a life of service to others.

This led him to work for Representative Gabby Giffords--first as a field organizer and constituent service director, and later as a community outreach director.

We all know of the tragedy that occurred on January 8, when Gabe and 5 other individuals were forever taken away from this world.

But what many of us don't know is the type of life Gabe Zimmerman lived.

Gabe was integral in working with local charities, like Child and Family Resources, the YWCS, and the Comstock Foundation.

He was a loving son, brother, and fiance--and a dedicated public servant.

I urge all my colleagues to honor the life and service of this tremendous young man, and vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 364.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to join me in celebrating the City of Rialto's 100th Birthday. Rialto has a long, rich history, and has grown into a city that is home to over 100,000 people. I have been fortunate enough to raise my family in Rialto. I am proud to live in this city, represent these people, and join them in celebrating this momentous event.

Ancient artifacts and traces of a village indicate that Native Americans inhabited this area between 1500 AD and 1800 AD. What happened to these people and settlements still remains a mystery. In 1769, the King of Spain awarded areas of Rialto as land grants to Spanish Dons. Following the cession of California to the United States, Mormons became the next wave of settlers in the San Bernardino valley. By 1854 some of these early pioneers settled in Rialto, constructing ranches and farms in their wake. This period gave birth to the international distribution of Muscat Grapes and the building of the oldest structure in Rialto.

The Semi Tropic Land and Water Company purchased 25,000 acres of land in 1887. The company helped develop and christen the town site. Hattie Merrill, daughter of the former Governor of Iowa, Samuel Merrill, named the town site after the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy. Within the same year, a railroad connector line was constructed in Rialto. Towns were located every 2,600 yards along the line, connecting Rialto to towns from San Bernardino to Pasadena. That year alone over 25 new towns were built. During the same year, a group of Methodists settled in Rialto. They originally came to build a college, but soon began to grow citrus in the beautiful climate of Rialto. Their farms quickly expanded to acres of citrus groves. In 1888, the Brooke School was built to educate the growing population. Many credit this group of Methodists for developing the Town of Rialto.

By the late 1800s, Rialto became home to a blacksmith, lumber yard, and a cement pipe manufacturing company. The first citrus association was established, and the first citrus packing house was built. Rialto's reputation for beautiful homes with shaded drives began to grow, and so did the population. In 1891, the Rialto School District was formed, and in 1907 the Chamber of Commerce was established. Over the next four years, the population grew to the point that the town supported 40 businesses and a newspaper. In 1911, Rialto was officially incorporated as a City.

For many years thereafter, the City of Rialto continued to grow, shipping citrus to every area in the country. Today those train tracks still run through the City, but are used on a much smaller scale--the area has matured and modernized. Throughout these changes, Rialto remains a great place to raise a family. My children grew up attending school and playing sports in the area. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve this community both at the local and national level. My son, Joe Baca, Jr. still lives in Rialto and has the opportunity to serve our community as a City Council Member. On behalf of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer, we would like to join our neighbors in celebrating Rialto's 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3010.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the contributions of America's first people in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. Throughout history, Native Americans have made countless advances for our Nation and our society and our culture.

The constitutional separation of powers we have in our government is based on the structure of the Iroquois nation. Jim Thorpe brought home two Olympic gold medals in 1912. Navajo code-talkers helped us win the Pacific campaign in World War II. Ira Hayes became a national hero, raising the flag at Iwo Jima. Jim Plunkett is one of only four men to win both the Heisman Trophy and the Super Bowl MVP award.

As a Member of Congress, I've introduced a bill to establish Native American Day in California. And in 2009 I introduced legislation signed by President Obama designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.

We must never take for granted the rich history and culture of our first Americans. This November, I encourage everyone to honor the contributions of our tribal communities and recognize Native American Heritage Month.