Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Stephen H. Elmore who was posthumously selected as the 2014 Farmer of the Year by the Imperial County Farm Bureau and will be presented with the Tenth Annual Jim Kuhn Memorial Farmer of the Year Award as a tribute to his exemplary record of agricultural and community leadership.

Before passing away in 1999, Mr. Elmore was a distinguished agriculturalist who had half a century of experience in agriculture with The Elmore Company, Stephen H. Elmore Company, Desert Sky Farms and Echo II. Under his leadership, they grew numerous amounts of crops of all shapes and sizes such as sweet corn, sugar beets, tomatoes, wheat, onions, melons, potatoes and many more.

Throughout his life, Mr. Elmore was highly respected by his community, employees and family. He was known for his innovative water management practices and active participation with well-regarded organizations such as Imperial County Farm Bureau, Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, and the Western Growers Association, among others.

Furthermore, Mr. Elmore never hesitated to support local youth activities such as Brawley and Westmorland Little League, Brawley Parks and Recreation Youth Sports, and the Boys and Girls Club of Brawley. He will always be remembered by all those that were lucky enough to experience his goodwill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief Benny G. Benavidez for his outstanding and invaluable service to the Imperial County community and to congratulate him on his retirement. Throughout his 37-year public service career, Chief Benavidez exhibited dedication to the Imperial County Probation Department's staff and clients, while keeping a steadfast commitment to improving services in Imperial County.

Chief Benavidez began his career in Imperial County Probation as a Juvenile Hall Officer in the 1970s. During his career, he served in many capacities for the Imperial County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In his leadership position at the Imperial County Probation Department, Chief Benavidez practiced and preached ethical conduct, professionalism, knowledge, loyalty and evidence-based practices. He also created a new mission statement that embodies the driving force and tempo for all officers, enhanced officer training, established the Day Reporting Center, a one stop shop for services and referrals, improved Juvenile Hall Medical Services and brought a wealth of resources to the area through his collaborative efforts.

Chief Benavidez was heavily involved in the community he served. He routinely attended Imperial County Board of Supervisors meetings, Law Enforcement Coordination Council meetings, Community Corrections Partnership meetings and local events designed to bring awareness to the resources available in the community to reduce recidivism, motivate behavioral change and advocate for victims. With a degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, Chief Benavidez continues to be a valuable asset to the Imperial Valley College faculty as a Correctional Science instructor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Erik Franzen for his outstanding and invaluable service to his community and the United States of America, as he embarks on a new mission at his next command, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach.

Commander Erik Franzen began his naval career in 1991 after graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and was commissioned through the NROTC program.

In 2010, Commander Erik Franzen reported onboard the Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro as the Executive Officer. He later assumed command of the installation on July 1, 2013 and spearheaded several infrastructure improvements to NAF El Centro. These enhancements included a complete remodel of the Naval Exchange Building and the Take 5 coffee shop, an overhaul of the sports complex, installation of artificial turf on the sports field and sundry improvements to workspaces throughout the base.

As a result of Commander Erik Franzen's guidance and leadership, NAF El Centro has increased in mission capability, improved customer service to visiting detachments and seen a tremendous boost to the overall morale of the base. I applaud Commander Erik Franzen for his distinguished service to NAF El Centro, the Imperial Valley, and the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank DeClerq for the outstanding commitment and dedication he has demonstrated to the community of San Diego throughout his 35 years of service in the Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Frank DeClerq has been an advocate for the San Diego City Firefighters and their families. He earned the rank of Fire Captain in the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. As a fearless leader he has worked with the Fire Department Management, elected officials, and industry experts to advocate for the enhancement of firefighter health and safety.

Frank DeClerq believes that a firefighter's sworn duty to serve their community extends to their off duty time as well. He has consistently demonstrated this belief by supporting numerous charities such as: the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the San Diego Burn Institute, San Diego Firefighter Aid, San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, San Diego Youth Sports, and Local 145 Holiday Giving Programs for Low Income Families, among others. Frank DeClerq has not only influenced the welfare of firefighters of Local 145 as their leader, but also promoted the welfare of our residents throughout San Diego and the region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the religious and faith-based communities in our Nation that have come forward to demand that we treat the children coming to our country with love and respect and not deny them their due process rights.

Here are some of the words of the faith-based community themselves. This is from the Evangelical Immigration Table, which includes the National Association of Evangelicals, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and many, many more.

``The antitrafficking law is working according to its design,'' the religious leaders said. ``It should not be changed to address the current temporary situation.''

We hear from Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas. ``The question for us is: How do we want to be remembered, as yelling and screaming to go back or as using the teachings of our traditions to have compassion and love and grace for the lives of God's children?''

Lastly, Pope Francis writes, ``A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone.''

I hope to have that. I thank President Bush for signing the law and standing by it in this hysterical moment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Oberg for his outstanding commitment and dedication of 29 years of service to law enforcement, specifically the California Highway Patrol, the community, and his service to the United States of America.

Scott Oberg began his law enforcement career as an officer when he joined the California Highway Patrol El Centro Area Office on May 23, 1985 after graduating from the academy. Soon after, Scott Oberg served as a Field Training Officer from 1988 until 2002; during this time he trained seventeen officers, served on the Critical Incident Investigations Team from 2009 until 2012, as Court Officer from 2011 to 2013, and currently serves as a Front Desk Officer.

Additionally, from 1992 to 1996, Scott Oberg served on the elite Imperial County Narcotics Task Force, where he participated in 24 undercover investigations and assisted in many seizures and arrests. Furthermore, Scott Oberg has an exemplary record of approximately 21,000 citations issued, 1,000,000 patrol miles, 12,000 motorist services, 900 collisions investigations, 425 DUI arrests and 95 felony arrests.

I applaud Scott Oberg for his distinguished service to California, the Imperial Valley community, and California's 51st Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David R. Green for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community, his service to the United States of America, and congratulate him on his retirement.

David R. Green began his healthcare administration services career in 1974. During his 40-year career he served as chief executive officer at seven Southern California hospitals and was an administrator of five different skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, David R. Green served on a number of healthcare boards, including but not limited to, the California Hospital Association Board and CHA Rural Hospitals Board.

During David R. Green's tenure at the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC), which began in 2003, officials completed construction of a two-story, 60-bed addition consisting of a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit. He also expanded the emergency department, surgical suites and outpatient services with the acquisition of the Oncology/Hematology of Imperial Valley clinic and the Imperial Valley Wound Healing Center, and the hospital's laboratory underwent an extensive renovation.

David R. Green has exhibited dedication to ECRMC's patients and staff and commitment to expanding and improving healthcare services in Imperial County the last eleven years. I applaud David R. Green for his distinguished service to California, the Imperial Valley community, California's 51st Congressional District, and the nation.

Offered By: Mr. Vargas

Amendment No. 19: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the greatest amateur racing traditions in the United States, the All- American Soap Box Derby. The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program that has run in the United States since 1934. Cars competing in the Soap Box Derby are unpowered and rely completely on gravity to accelerate. During its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, when automobile manufacturers were national sponsors and famous television and cinema stars made special guest appearances at these races, as many as 70,000 people throughout the United States gathered each August to cheer on hundreds of young participants.

San Diego's first Soap Box Derby took place in 1939. In 1946, San Diegan Gilbert Klecan became the first West Coast participant to win the All-American World Championship, which is held every July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. In those years, it was not uncommon to have as many as 300 cars racing along 6th Avenue downhill from Laurel Street. In the early 1970s, after automobile manufacturers pulled their sponsorship, the derby gradually faded in many cities. However, in the early 1990s the Kiwanis Club of San Diego Harbor and the Kiwanis Club of San Diego revived the derby and held races throughout the city. Then in 2002, Ben Hueso, now a California State Senator, and community advocate James Justus began organizing Soap Box Derby races in Sherman Heights, where it is now held annually.

Every year, San Diego holds two races attracting hundreds of people from throughout the County. These races are held within the 51st Congressional district. A Rally Race is held late April in Encanto, and in late May, the San Diego Soap Box Derby Championship is held in Logan Heights. There are three racing divisions in both the San Diego and the All-American competition where boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, compete. Though many things have changed since the first San Diego Soap Box Derby in 1939, the goals of the program have not: to teach youngsters basic workmanship skills, the spirit of competition and the commitment to finish a project once it is started.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego on its 125th anniversary and to recognize its long service to the African American community. Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego was one of the first African American Baptist churches in San Diego to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the African American community.

Throughout the years, Calvary Baptist Church has honored its history through faith, forgiveness, fellowship, friendship, and family and community union. As it did 125 years ago, Calvary Baptist Church continues to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the African American communities throughout San Diego.

Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego has prospered, reaching new heights physically, financially, and spiritually. I would like to commend Calvary Baptist Church of San Diego on their 125th anniversary and thank them for their enormous contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the great democratic Jewish State of Israel, one of our strongest partners for peace and stability, for its 66 years of independence.

Since its founding on May 14, 1948, Israel has been a beacon of democracy and prosperity and America's stalwart ally in the often tumultuous Middle East.

As the historic home of the Jewish people, Israel has stood for hope in the face of persecution, freedom from oppression, and opportunity for its diverse population.

We were the first nation to recognize Israel's independence, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building stronger bonds between the United States and Israel.

I am fully committed to our special relationship, which is based upon our shared values and common interests. Mr. Speaker, on this joyous day, I am honored to congratulate Israel on its 66th Independence Day.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we returned from our district work period, or spring recess, although really what it was for most of us was the opportunity to be back during Passover and the week leading up to Easter. And for those of us like myself that love celebrating our faith, we go to our synagogues and churches to hear more about the things we believe.

This time, what I heard most from religious leaders was how we were letting down the teachings of the Holy Scriptures by not doing what was commanded in Leviticus 19:

You shall treat the alien who resides with you no

differently than the natives born among you.

Or, what we hear Jesus teaching in Matthew 25:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and

you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

Let's heed what our religious leaders are pleading with us to do and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on my colleagues to expand the deferred action guidelines to provide deportation relief for the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents and DREAMers. Earlier this month, I joined some of my colleagues in asking President Obama to use his prosecutorial discretion at all levels of immigration enforcement proceedings.

A majority of my colleagues and I are committed to comprehensive immigration reform and have demanded a vote on the House Floor. It is imperative that the House put politics aside and work together to reach a compromise that will benefit our country, strengthen our economy, and allow 11 million people to step out of the shadows. The House must enact immigration reform that is fair and reflects the highest values of our nation. We are a country of immigrants and how we treat those who aspire to be citizens reflects our democracy's commitment to uphold the moral principles upon which our nation was built.

As we continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform, we cannot ignore the fact that families and communities are being torn apart on a daily basis. The impact of watching a parent, sibling or child being ripped away from the family unit is crushing and causes untold damage. We must restore judicial discretion and expand deferred action guidelines to provide deportation relief to immigrants who have done nothing wrong but seek a better life for their children, their families, and themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dr. Timothy J. Winters, Pastor Emeritus who led the Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego from 1973 to 2013 and offered spiritual guidance to thousands of people within the region.

Pastor Winters came to San Diego by way of the United States Navy, in which he served until his honorable discharge. Following his career with the U.S. Navy, Pastor Winters became a San Diego Police officer for over 10 years. Some of those who served with him spoke warmly of his ``no nonsense'' attitude on the job and the leather jacket he became known for wearing almost as a part of his uniform.

Pastor Winters presided over the Bayview Baptist Church when it built the 40,000 square foot Martin Luther King, Jr. Christian Center, which houses its ever-expanding Christian Education ministry and the Nubia Leadership Academy. Pastor Winters was a minister of vision who expanded the Bayview Baptist Church from 60 families to a congregation of more than 2,500 followers.

Pastor Winters is survived by his wife, Mrs. Betty Winters, daughters Phyllis and Tori, grandchildren, extended family members, close friends, including Senior Pastor Terry Wayne Brooks, and the Bayview Baptist Church family.

Pastor Winters was an exemplary member of our community and showed an admirable commitment to improving the spiritual lives of residents within San Diego County. I would like to commend him for his leadership and thank him for his contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Southwestern Community College student journalism publications. Southwestern College, in Chula Vista, California, is one of our region's premier journalism programs whereby students publish a newspaper and a magazine for the students and surrounding community members. With the journalism students' dedication, Southwestern College has asserted itself as one of the top college newspapers in the nation with their newspaper, The Sun. Additionally, these dedicated journalism students devoted off-time hours to design, create and publish a magazine, El Sol. They were also instrumental in finding the funding in order to publish their student magazine. Southwestern College has reason to be proud of their Journalism Department's accomplishments and the hard work and dedication of student advisor Max Branscomb, Ed.D., should also be recognized. As the recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists National Journalism Teacher of the Year award, Dr. Branscomb's dedication to the field of journalism is creating an environment whereby the results of his instruction are motivating students toward careers in journalism. In honor of Dr. Branscomb and the Southwestern College students in the Journalism Department, I do hereby recognize February 6, 2014, as the ``Southwestern College Journalism Students Day'' in the City of Chula Vista.