Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Chairman Maurice Lyons. Maurice passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. A long time resident of Riverside County, he was a pillar of the community and he will be deeply missed.

Maurice was born January 21, 1950, in Riverside County as one of nine children and raised a Morongo Tribal Member. He grew up on the Morongo Indian Reservation where he would later attend Banning High School. Maurice quickly became involved in the betterment of the Morongo Indian Reservation following his completion of school when he gained a job as a machine operator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he would remain a dedicated employee for over seventeen years.

Maurice's investment back into his community did not stop with his work, as he also became actively involved in public service beginning in 1994. Maurice served as Tribal Housing Commissioner, Chairman of the Morongo Head Start Parent Policy Committee, and Chairman of the Board of the National Indian Child Welfare Association. He was elected Tribal Chairman in July 2001 and faith in his leadership remained for years to come as he was reelected as Chairman in 2003, and again in 2005.

He worked closely with state and federal legislators on Native American and Morongo tribe related issues affecting government and economic development. Through his leadership, he made it a priority to improve the quality of life on the reservation through a betterment of youth programs created to preserve local Indian culture and customs. With a deep commitment to his history and heritage, Maurice kept the Morongo culture alive by encouraging education of youth in language and tradition.

Maurice quickly became a voice for Riverside County. He served on the Riverside National Cemetery's governing board and was instrumental in establishing the MIA-POW monument which has become a fixture in the community. He represented the Morongo tribe with the National Indian Gaming Association, which hosts 70 member states, and with the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, a regional federation of 13 tribal governments. He was honored by the Council of Energy Resource Tribes for his national leadership in preserving tribal sovereignty.

Maurice was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Lyons; children, Tammie Lynn Lyons, Ernest Lewis Lyons, Melissa Renee Lyons, Maurice William Lyons, Joseph Rafael Lyons, Onoalyse Onjaleeen Lyons, Joshua Nicholas Bau Lyons, Isabella Ryanne Lyons, Kyle Munson, Andre Petkov, Angel Raelyna Gonzales, Erika Gonzales; 13 grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. On Saturday, October 19, 2013, a Memorial Service honoring Maurice's extraordinary life was held at the Morongo Reservation Community Center.

Maurice will always be remembered for his devotion to family, caring nature and selfless giving. He demonstrated an incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family, and I can personally attest to Maurice's professionalism and positive attitude. These achievements and qualities are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Maurice's family and friends. Although Maurice may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Perris, California and greater Riverside County are exceptional. Riverside County has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Parameshwaran ``Ravi'' Ravishanker is one of these individuals. This year, Mr. Ravishanker will end his tenure as the Deputy General Manager of the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) after over 20 years of service.

Under his guidance as Assistant General Manager and Deputy General Manager, Mr. Ravishanker has helped EMWD become an industry leader in water and wastewater management. He is responsible for having helped EMWD reach a historic water rights settlement with the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, which was signed into law by the President of the United States on July 31, 2008. This settlement has resulted in the recharging of an overdrawn groundwater basin, helping to secure water reliability in the region for future generations.

Mr. Ravishanker has been instrumental in the surface and groundwater basin plans for the Santa Ana Watershed and San Jacinto Watershed, which have a combined population of just fewer than five million people. He helped initiate the implementation of three groundwater desalination facilities, a multipurpose wetlands facility and five wastewater treatment facilities. In addition, Mr. Ravishanker helped develop a water resources management plan that helped maximize state and federal funding opportunities, resulting in a more sustainable water supply portfolio for the District.

Mr. Ravishanker previously served as a United Nations Consultant and the Deputy General Manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority. He has dedicated his career to the water industry and has always worked with a commitment to resource and environmental sustainability.

In light of all Mr. Ravishanker has done for the city of Perris and the greater community, it is only fitting that he be honored for his many years of dedicated service. Mr. Ravishanker's tireless passion for the industry in which he serves has contributed immensely to the betterment of Riverside County and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I commend Mr. Ravishanker for his tireless work with the Eastern Municipal Water District. I know that many are grateful for his service and salute him as he prepares to end his tenure later this year.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, let's be clear--everyone in this body wants to end this government shutdown. We are all aware of the significant impacts the shutdown is having around the country; and I am pleased that, today, both sides have finally come to the table, and hopefully we will reach a compromise here in the next day or so. Today, we are here to consider a solution that aims to ease the urgent and substantial impacts to Indian Country.

House Joint Resolution 80, the American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Education, and Safety Act, provides immediate funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian Health Services. As a member of the House Appropriations Interior and the Environment Subcommittee, I am well aware that Indian Country was already experiencing significant challenges before the shutdown as it adjusted to reduced spending levels. Now, with the Federal Government shutdown, Native American tribes across the Nation are facing even more uncertainty. These tribes are now being confronted with different decisions about which services they can continue to provide without government resources. Just a few examples: tribal programs for home health care for the elderly and disabled, bus service for rural areas, and infrastructure projects that were suspended indefinitely. I believe we must take action and reopen these critical government operations throughout Indian Country.

I am thankful that my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and the House Republican leadership share my belief. Specifically, I want to thank my good friend from Idaho, Mike Simpson, for bringing this bill to the floor and for his terrific leadership as chairman of House Appropriations Interior and the Environment Subcommittee.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this important bill on behalf of all Americans in Indian Country. Let's pass this bill and reach an agreement to get our entire government back to work for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Town of Winchester, one of the oldest communities in Riverside County. On October 5, 2013, the town will celebrate its 125th anniversary. Winchester has a rich and colorful past, and will continue to contribute to the landscape, diversity and history of our county and the State of California.

Settlers came to Winchester in the late 1800s for its warm weather and open space abounding with potential for growth. Rich and fertile farm lands and natural resources kept the early settlers in Pleasant Valley and helped create the thriving community it is today. The Angelo Domenigoni and Gaudenzio Garbini families first settled in the area in 1879.

These early settlers established a town site, which they named Winchester, after the widow of Horace Winchester, Mrs. Amy Winchester. Shortly thereafter, in 1880, the first post office was established, and original settler, Angelo Domenigoni appointed the first Postmaster. Soon, other families including the Patterson, Rice, and Haslam clans joined the community. These early families agreed that a Methodist Church should be established, and after much support from the town, in 1887 a church was built at the site of Rock House.

In pursuit of establishing a town of likeminded people, landowners Amy Winchester, Elizabeth Rice, Dennis O'Leary and Reverend J.G. Miller hired T.M. Parsons to draw a map of their proposed town site, which was submitted to the County of San Diego on January 23, 1888, and is still used to this day. In 1893, the County of Riverside was formed and Winchester became a census-designated place of the new community. F.L. Loveland of Winchester was given the honor of serving as the first supervisor for Riverside County.

The citizens of Winchester continued to make significant contributions to the county throughout its development. In 1896, F.T. Lindenberger of Winchester was elected to the California State Assembly. Mr. Lindenberger had been a long standing fixture within the town, owning a farm known as ``Olive Green,'' located at the cross of Lindenberger and Newport roads. Dr. Charles S. Dickson, M.D., the neighborhood doctor, became one of the first Coroners of Riverside County in 1898. From 1890 to 1929, Tilla Patterson Hudson served as a station agent for the Santa Fe Railroad. Concurrently, Ms. Hudson served as a Wells Fargo agent from 1890 to 1919, making her the longest serving female Wells Fargo agent in California.

I salute the community of Winchester on their 125th anniversary, a community that has significantly contributed to the active, historical, and thriving nature of Riverside County. Though small in size, it has added mightily to the county and state in which it resides. I am honored to represent Winchester in the House of Representatives and look forward to continuing to serve its residents as the Member of Congress for the 42nd District of California.

Mr. Speaker, today marks the second day of the government shutdown, a shutdown that I and my Republican colleagues absolutely oppose. The shutdown has been made necessary because our friends on the other side of the Capitol refused to negotiate or compromise. So, in an effort to find some common ground, House Republicans are introducing narrow funding bills for government services that are completely noncontroversial.

Americans who planned their vacations around a national park are severely disappointed this week. I was pleased that I was able to take constituents from my hometown on a tour of the Capitol this morning because all the other D.C. tours had been canceled.

Many Americans around the country have been simply forced to cancel their plans. Yesterday a group of World War II veterans that you heard about, American heroes, bypassed the barricades outside the World War II Memorial in order to see the memorial that was built in their honor.

Other World War II veterans scheduled to visit the memorial next week were told by the National Park Service that they would be arrested if they attempted to view their memorial. This is not right.

We have a chance to come together on a bipartisan basis, to alleviate some of the hardship of this shutdown.

The bill before us, H.J. Res. 70, would fund the operation of the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the Holocaust Museum, the National Gallery of Art.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, reopen our parks, honor our veterans, show the American people we can work together.

Mr. President, tear down these barricades.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the Corona Road Race. On September 14, 2013, the race will celebrate its centennial. The Corona Road Race has a rich and colorful past, which has contributed to the diversity and history of our county and to auto racing at-large.

Designed by civil engineer H. Clay Kellogg, Grand Boulevard, the road set as the centerpiece in the city of Corona, provided the perfect circular shape and venue for the first Corona Road Race. Spanning three miles, the track was set up for a variety of races including the 102 mile ``Light Car Race,'' the 251 mile ``Heavy Car Race,'' and the 301 mile ``Free-For-All Race.'' With the right setting and prizes totaling over $10,000, racing legends including Earl Cooper, Teddy Tetzlaff, Barney Oldfield, Eddie Rickenbacker, and Bob Burman flocked to Corona for a chance to make history. On September 9, 1913, the first ever Corona Road Race was held, hosting thousands of fans and drivers from throughout the world.

With stiff competition and an impressive lineup, the ``Free for All'' proved the most exciting race, with $5,000 up for grabs, and a chance at an additional $1,000 should the winner break the world record. Amidst cheering fans, Earl Cooper sped to victory and claimed the title as first winner of the Corona Road Race.

Due to the success of the 1913 Road Race, organizers quickly began planning for a second race to take place the following year. Bigger than ever, the Race returned on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1914. With new safety measures, an even bigger pot of $12,000, and a five foot fence, which gave the track its distinguishable look, the Corona Road Race took new form. News and wire services covered the day from start to finish, broadcasting to cities all over the United States, making the race an event for the whole family and nation. Once again hosting the best in international auto racing and loyal fans, the Corona Road Race was met with more success than ever. Crowds roared as Eddie Pullen took his last lap and finished first.

Due to a shift in race season, from fall to spring, the third annual Corona Road Race was delayed until 1916. On the day of the race, April 8, the city of Corona experienced record-breaking heat waves. While twelve cars entered the race, only five completed it. With numerous overheating vehicles and several tire blowouts, disaster was imminent. As racer Bob Burman rounded the 97th lap, his car plunged into onlooking spectators, killing him and two members of his crew. Though a beloved event rich with history, the tragic incident of the 1916 Corona Road Race, lack of financial success, and complaints from neighbors led to the end of the race and a tradition the city of Corona and the nation had grown to love.

Today, a monument indicating the start and finish line of the Road Race remains at the cross of Grand Boulevard and Washburn in Corona, a constant reminder of the glory days of the Corona Road Race. Though tragic events led to its demise, the Corona Road Race was an important element in launching Corona to national recognition, and furthering the sport of auto racing. I am honored to represent Corona and its rich history in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Arloene Watts. Arloene passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013. A resident of Corona for over half a century, she was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed.

Arloene was born August 13, 1922 in Carson, Oregon, before moving with her family to Minnesota. Arloene grew up on the family farm, where her work ethic and values were formed. In 1941, she moved to Auburn, California to attend school at Sierra College. She and her husband, Ed, were married shortly thereafter in 1943. In 1957, the pair packed up and moved to a small town in Southern California--Corona. Arolene began her community work almost immediately, taking on roles with the Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts of America, and in parent-teacher groups.

Arloene's passion for service took shape early, and she became a champion for the development of women's rights in business throughout the community. With experience in personal finance and secretarial training, Arloene started her own business, an employment agency, in 1963. During a time when less than four percent of American businesses were owned by women, Arloene became a pioneer. Her knack for career planning led the business to become very successful, eventually leading to its sale in 1990 after having Arloene at the helm for 27 years. She continued to pave the way for women in the community over the years, becoming the first woman to serve as Corona Planning Commissioner. In addition, she earned a spot by appointment on the Temescal Valley-El Cerrito Community Plan Advisory Committee. Her continued interest in business development within the city led her to become actively involved in the Corona Chamber of Commerce, becoming its first female president in 1974.

It is hard to imagine that Arloene would have any free time on her hands, yet she always found time for her community. She served as Trustee of Circle City Hospital, Director of the local YMCA, and Executive Director of Corona-Norco United Way. In addition, Arloene was President of Soroptimist International of Corona, and President of the Women's Improvement Club. She was also a dedicated member of the Corona-Norco Unified School District's Partner in Education Program and the Inland Empire Better Business Bureau. It is no surprise that Arolene was the recipient of numerous community awards including Corona Citizen of the Year, Award of Merit-Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Citizen of the Year-Corona Jaycees, Outstanding Citizen-Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Distinguished Citizen of the Year-Boy Scouts, Woman of the Year-73rd Assembly District, YMCA Ira D. Calvert Distinguished Service Award, and the Women of Distinction Award for her achievements in helping advance the status of women in Corona.

Arloene is survived by the love of her life, her husband, and their three children: son, Edwin, of Massachusetts, and two daughters, Michelle, of Corona, and LaJune Hughes, of Oklahoma.

On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, what would have been her 91st birthday, a memorial honoring Arloene's extraordinary life was held. Arloene will always be remembered for her incredible work ethic, generosity, advancement of women, contributions to the community and love of family. Her dedication to her work and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Arloene's family and friends; although Arloene may be gone, the light and goodness she brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Chairman, I join the gentleman in opposition to this amendment.

I understand the gentleman's concerns about what's happened in Afghanistan, what is happening in Afghanistan. Many of us have been to Afghanistan many times. That country was totally destroyed by the Russians during the prior war. They were left with nothing. It is probably, if not the poorest, one of the poorest countries on the face of the Earth, rubble on rubble.

And when we leave, and we are going to leave Afghanistan in 2014, what we're saying is we're going to give them the basic parts of energy production, which is what the primary source of this money is going to develop.

So I reluctantly oppose the gentleman's amendment, and join the gentleman in his opposition.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, the Afghan National Army Special Forces are the most capable component of the Afghan National Security Forces and have made significant strides toward becoming an independent and effective force in Afghanistan.

The only path forward to getting out of Afghanistan is to make sure that we have an effective army, special force, that can do the necessary work to make sure that the fragile Afghan governance that is there survives.

The purpose of this amendment is not to limit the Afghan Special Forces but to further restrict the use of the helicopter it employs to support its mission. The development of the Afghan Army Special Operators remains a critical component of the overall operation structure and strategy to sustain the transition to Afghan security lead.

In other words, if we want to get out of there by 2014, 2015, the Afghan Air Force must succeed. And it has a history, whether we like it or not, with the Mi-17. It's more efficient to expand its fleet and build on their existing knowledge of maintaining that fleet than to completely shift to an entirely different aircraft.

Additionally, U.S. helicopters are more technologically advanced. They're a better helicopter, I'll agree. But it would further prolong the timelines of getting the AAF where they need to be to completely take over the program.

The Mi-17 has been certified by the Department of Defense and is to be the right aircraft for the missions in Afghanistan. The Mi-17 has a long history in Afghanistan and was designed for the high altitude terrain there.

So I reluctantly oppose the gentlelady's amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, again, we're not talking about a helicopter manufacturer that would suffer. It's the combat unit in Afghanistan that would be devastated and unable to fulfill its mission, and if it's not able to fulfill its mission, then we will not have a capable military to take over when the United States leaves in 2014.

I'm not going to defend Russia or their foreign policy and what they're doing in Syria, but we do want Afghanistan to succeed. So I reluctantly must oppose the gentlelady's amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentlewoman's amendment.

I'm the first to admit that the Department of Defense should not be immune to reasonably based reductions. We should be doing that. That's exactly what we've been doing the past few years and will continue to do this year.

This bill that we are deciding today and tomorrow is $3.4 billion below the President's request. In fact, over the past 3 fiscal years, this committee has produced defense budgets which totaled $71 billion below the request, only $32 billion of which has been due to sequestration.

The Department is already facing another $44 billion arbitrary reduction in spending if we don't stop sequestration from going into effect in FY 2014. Any further immediate and arbitrary reductions would likely bring the Department to a grinding halt, perhaps past the point of recovery.

Specifically, reductions could require reducing/canceling training for returning troops; canceling Navy training exercises; reducing Air Force flight training; delaying or canceling maintenance of aircraft, ships, and vehicles; and delaying important safety and quality-of-life repairs to facilities and military barracks.

Finally, the allocation of this bill is essentially in line with both the Ryan budget, as well as the Defense authorization bill. National security should not be subject to partisan politics. Instead, we should show our support for these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much and continue to do so.

I strongly oppose this amendment, and I yield to my friend, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky).

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, again, I rise in opposition to this amendment. We have made significant cuts in our national defense and continue to do so. We are at lowest levels as a percentage of GDP expenditures for our national security in a long time.

I would rise in opposition to this amendment, would urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

This cut is not required by any treaty. There is no strategic analysis, as the gentlelady said. There is no estimate of how this would affect the balance between the United States and other nuclear powers.

Events over the last several years, as well as through analysis, such as that done under the Nuclear Posture Review, have confirmed that we need to maintain and revitalize our nuclear deterrent.

I rise in strong opposition to this reckless amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Murrieta are exceptional. The City of Murrieta has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Raj Narayanan is one of these individuals. On July 20, 2013, Raj will be honored as the ``Citizen of the Year'' at the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration.

Raj is the epitome of the values that the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce holds true, with a focus on strengthening the local economy, providing networking opportunities, promoting the community, representing business and government, and political advocacy. Currently, Raj serves as a Board Member of the Chamber, where he will soon serve on the Ambassador and Membership Committees. He is a highly motivated community builder and hardworking professional with proven organizational abilities. During his time at the Chamber, Raj has proven to be an effective leader.

Raj's involvement and vision have grown during his time serving on the Murrieta Chamber Board. Raj has always been quick to accept a challenge, especially if it means betterment for the community. He is co-chair for both the Chamber Golf Tournament and Chamber Installation Dinner. While serving as co-chair for the Chamber Golf Tournament, Raj effectively rebranded the tournament as the ``Brew Masters Tournament'' and successfully raised more money than in previous years. His success does not stop there. As co-chair of the Installation Dinner, Raj has tirelessly worked to rebrand the event as the ``Awards Celebration'' hosted at the Pechanga Resort and Casino with the hope of growing it annually. Raj has always been eager to help new Chamber members and is an active volunteer in Chamber events, including the Murrieta Chamber Reverse Drawings and the Special Olympic Games Bocce Ball Tournament.

In addition to the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Raj is a member of many other community organizations whose programs help fundraise for businesses and organizations in the area. These organizations include the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Young Professionals. He was recently appointed to the Advisory Council of the Assistance League of Temecula Valley. He has helped events come to life through multiple planning stages, including the Boys and Girls Club Annual ``Field of Dreams'' Dinner, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk which raised over $90,000, and the Reality Rally. Raj has also been a participant in the Murrieta Veteran's Day Parade, Field of Honor, Boys and Girls Club ``Our Kids Rock'' fundraiser, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Walk/Run. He is also an active participant in the Temecula Noon Rotary Club where he serves as a member of the International Committee and is the Membership Co-Chair. For the Past three years, Raj has been committed to his title as ``Food Chair'' for the annual Rotary Taste of the World Fundraiser, which helped generate over $40,000 in 2013.

In light of all Raj has done for Murrieta, the Murrieta Chamber of Commerce named Raj their Citizen of the Year. His tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Murrieta and the surrounding area. He has been the heart and soul of many organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member and American. I know that many are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Norco, California are exceptional. Norco has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Beth Groves is one of these individuals. This year, Beth will end her tenure as the City Manager for the city of Norco after four years of service.

Beth's passion and commitment for providing for the community began early. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied arts, she went on to hone her talent, receiving a Masters in Public Administration from California State University Long Beach, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Laverne. Beth began her career as Community Relations Coordinator for Mission Hospital, in Mission Viejo, California, and eventually landed a position in the City Manager's Office of Corona, where she served from 1996 to 2008, ultimately becoming the City Manager of Corona. It is the expertise and knowledge gained through these experiences that have allowed to Beth lead Norco for the past four years in such a dynamic manner.

Under Beth's leadership, the city administration has actively promoted and supported the community. Beth is credited with many accomplishments during her time, including negotiating the Silverlakes agreements, establishing a new animal shelter despite many budget restraints, and maintaining the Preservation and Development Zone (PAD) program by working closely with both the planning director and historic commission. She has also encouraged economic development and a family- centered entertainment atmosphere by increasing filming and events that have taken place within the city.

In 2002, Beth received the ``Woman of Distinction'' Award in the category of International Good Will and Understanding from Soroptimist International of Corona, and the title of ``2007 Distinguished Citizen of the Year'' from the Temescal District of the Boy Scouts of America. She has also served as a Community Council Member for the Corona-Norco Chapter of the American Cancer society. The highlights of her extensive volunteer experience include The Foundation for Community and Family Health, Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV), Inspire Life Skills, and Peppermint Ridge.

Beth is no stranger to Southern California, having been a Corona resident for many years, where she is a mother to two adult sons and is a member of the Crossroads Christian Church. At the conclusion of her time as City Manager, Beth will remain a fixture in our community, serving as a full time professor at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, CA.

In light of all Beth has done for the city of Norco and the greater community, it is only fitting that she be honored for her many years of dedicated service. Beth's tireless passion for public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona and Norco and I am proud to call her a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she moves forward.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of the Energy and Water appropriations bill on the floor, which I think appropriately reflects the need to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly in light of our current budgetary problems.

Total funding in this bill represents a decrease of $2.9 billion below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and $700 million below the post-sequester level. While funding is reduced, this bill still provides critical resources for important projects and programs that ensure our Nation continues to have access to affordable, reliable, and clean water and energy.

The bill also provides much-needed funding for our country's flood control projects that are constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. My own district, California's 42nd District, is home to the Santa Ana River Mainstem project, which is one of the largest Corps projects west of the Mississippi River. I am pleased that the Corps and the Energy and Water Subcommittee continue to recognize the project's importance to providing adequate flood protection to the southern California region.

Additionally, in southern California, we recently lost 2,200 megawatts of power generation with the permanent shutdown of the San Onofre nuclear power plant. A significant generation shutdown of this nature creates tremendous uncertainty for ratepayers through our region.

Of course, energy production challenges are by no means exclusive to southern California. That is exactly why the energy programs funded in this bill are necessary. I am particularly pleased that our subcommittee has funded energy programs by taking an all-of-the-above approach that includes renewable, nuclear, and fossil fuels.

Americans rightfully expect affordable access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy and water. As a member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, I believe we have done our best to meet those expectations with this bill, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the bill.

In closing, I just want to thank Subcommittee Chairman Frelinghuysen, as well as Chairman Rogers, for their leadership and crafting a good, responsible bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Janet M. Johnson. Janet passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. A resident of Corona since 1968, she was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed.

Beverly was born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Samuel N. and Elsie C. Miller. She attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade and graduated from Huntingdon High School. In the early 1950s, she and her sister Rachel moved west to Santa Monica, California, where Janet worked as a secretary at General Electric and the University of California, Los Angeles. At a dance at the Avalon Ballroom, she met her future

husband, Glenn E. Johnson and on November 7, 1953, they were married at the Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Monica. After living in Santa Monica, Janet and Glenn relocated to La Mirada before settling in Corona in 1968.

Janet and Glenn contributed generously to many civic causes, and she always found time for her community. She was active in several organizations, including the Buena Park Lionesses, Women's Improvement Club, Red Hats Society, Republican Women, California Republican Association (CRA), Navy League, Corona Heritage Park, Croquet Club, Model A Club, Packard Club, Ford Retractable Club, Bible Study Fellowship and Joy Bible Study. Janet's faith was important to her and she attended many churches throughout southern California: First Baptist in Buena Park, Riverside Baptist Temple, Faith Baptist in Corona, Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente and finally Crossroads Church in Corona.

Janet is survived by her husband Glenn; four children: Sandra Rowe (Rick), Linda Rither (Ross), Kirk Johnson (Dolly) and Eric Johnson; four grandchildren: Jessica Scautling (Kevin), Becky Cass (Drew), Cody Johnson and Morgan Rither; three great-grandchildren: Kassie Scautling, Kolten Scautling and Derik Cass; and one sister-in-law Louise Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings: Dallas Miller, Dorothy Miller, Beulah Rose and Rachel Nagel.

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, a memorial honoring Janet's extraordinary life will be held. Janet will always be remembered for her incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. Her dedication to her family, work, and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Janet's family and friends; although Janet may be gone, the light and goodness she brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Mike Raahauge. Mike passed away on May 6, 2013 after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He was a pillar of the community in Corona and will be deeply missed.

The story of Mike's shooting range, Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, began with his father, Linc, who had operated a pheasant hunting facility in Dixon, California in the 1950s. While on a family trip to Disneyland, Linc got lost and ended up on Highway 71. He believed the area would be ideal for pheasant farming, and in 1971 Mike helped his father move the facility to southern California after signing a lease with the Orange County Water District.

Mike's father had always wanted to move south because the region had a larger population. The family's first hunting facility, which hunted pheasants and ducks, opened on Bluff Street in Norco, California. Target traps were set on the balcony of the clubhouse and alongside a dirt road which overlooked the basin below with views of the Santa Ana River. The range was eventually moved to River Road in Corona. Throughout the years, the Raahauges offered chukar, quail and other upland game hunting. After his father's death in 1989, Mike, his wife Elaine, and their son Pat continued to operate the range as a family business.

Today, about 2,000 men, women and children annually come to Raahauge's to take the hunter safety course required to obtain a hunting license. Mike said of the program, ``Of everything I do here, that's the most important . . . It makes it a safer world. There are guns in our society. People need to know how to handle them safely. We're giving them a safe way to deal with guns.''

About 1.5 million rounds are fired by shotguns in sporting clays at the property in a year, and ten police agencies including Anaheim, Fullerton and Buena Park practice at the pistol range. It is also home to many shooting groups such as Shooting Sports Alliance, The Cowboys, LUHT Steel Challenge, Gen X and Running Gun, The Appleseed Project, SoCal Top Guns Youth Shooting, NRA Shooting Programs and Firearms Training Associates. The ranch also hosts events for local wildlife and conservation organizations such as the Cowboys, who turn the ranch into the Old West twice each year to compete with old cowboy guns. In 1982, Mike worked together with gun manufacturers to create the Hands On Shooting Sports Fair, which began that year and still occurs every first weekend in June in Corona.

Carolyn Morse, the office manager for Raahauge's, said that Mike's success came from his desire to get boys and girls and women involved in what was traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport. In fact, the most prominent girl to pick. up the sport at the range was Mike's daughter, Cindy, who competed as part of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team in Sydney. Mike said his time spent in Australia watching his daughter take fifth place in women's skeet shooting was the ``highlight of my life.'' Cindy was trained by 1984 Olympic Bronze Medalist Dan Carlisle, who lives in Houston but still makes frequent appearances at the range to give private lessons. Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, also took shooting lessons at the range.

Mike is survived by Elaine, his wife and partner of 48 years; his son, Pat, who has three sons and two daughters; and his daughter, Cindy Shenberger, who lives in North Carolina with her husband, Kevin, and their two daughters.

Mike was a great American patriot who will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. His dedication to her family, work, and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Mike's family and friends; although Mike may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Cindy Roth is one of these individuals. On May 9, 2013, Cindy will be honored with the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award for her service as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce.

Cindy's relationship with the Chamber began through a work experience program after working under then-Senator Bob Presley out of high school. She later worked for the Chamber as a receptionist while attending Riverside Community College. Soon, she was taken under the wing of the Chamber's former President and Riverside City Councilman, Art Pick. When Pick died in 1999, the selection committee selected Cindy as President.

Under Cindy's leadership, the Chamber has actively promoted and supported the community, fostered growth among its members and engaged federal, state and local representatives to become the third largest Chamber in southern California and the eighth largest in the state. It is currently composed of over 1,300 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals. Following in the footsteps of her predecessor, she has also reached out to women business owners and encouraged them to get involved in the local economy.

Cindy's dedication is not only to local business, but also to the wider community. She serves with numerous organizations, including the Monday Morning Group of Western Riverside County, the Science and Technology Education Partnership, the Raincross Exchange Club, the Foundation Board of Trustees for La Sierra University, and the Honorary Commanders of March Field. She has received the 1996 Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Arlington, the 2000 Athena of the Inland Valleys Award, and was previously honored as the 2003 Woman of the Year by Assemblyman John Benoit.

I have come to know Cindy well through many years working together on a variety of projects in Riverside, and it has been an honor to work with her on behalf of the community. I can personally attest to Cindy's incredible work-ethic, professionalism and positive attitude. Throughout her career, Cindy has been supported by her husband, California State Senator Gen. Richard Roth, USAF and her daughter, an alumnus of the University of California, Riverside.

In light of all Cindy has done for Riverside, the Mission Inn Foundation will honor her with the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside. Cindy's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Riverside County. She has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call her a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Raul Ruiz to pay tribute to a hero from our Congressional districts, Sheriff Larry D. Smith. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember Sheriff Smith, who dedicated his life in service to our community. On Friday, April 19, 2013 Larry passed away at the age of 68 at his home in La Quinta, California after fighting a long battle with cancer and pneumonia.

Larry received a bachelor's degree in public management from Pepperdine University. His 36-year career in law enforcement began in 1966 in the small town of Blythe, California near the Colorado River, where Larry was a deputy sheriff. As he earned promotions throughout his career, he brought up many deputies through the ranks, including current Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff. In 1987, Smith was promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff in Riverside County. As Chief of the Corrections Division, he oversaw the financing and construction of two modern jails, including the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley that opened in 1993.

As Larry was completing his law studies and planning on retiring to open a practice, then-Sheriff Cois Byrd encouraged him to run for Sheriff of Riverside County. He was challenged in his first term, but ran unopposed for his second. During Larry's tenure as sheriff, he presided over a department that currently has 3,000 deputies and polices 17 cities, in addition to 300 square miles of unincorporated areas. He also helped the county acquire land from the federal government that eventually became the Ben Clark Training Center near March Air Reserve Base, where law enforcement officers and firefighters from throughout the state train. The county's largest jail, the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, bears his name. Larry was also the first man to serve as both sheriff and coroner after the two departments merged.

Larry served our community for eight years from 1994-2002, and was the 11th of 13 men to serve as sheriff in the department's 120-year history. He was succeeded by Sheriff Bob Doyle. Even after Larry had retired, he would still offer his counsel to his successors on corrections, a field in which he was considered an expert. He also mentored other sheriffs as President of the California State Sheriff's Association and strongly advocated education for his deputies.

According to his wife Toni, Larry's approach to his career was influenced by his Midwestern roots. She said, ``He was a very dignified, humble man. He was an Illinois farm kid who saw good in everyone . . . He always talked about doing things for the right reason, not just in big things or in small things, but in all things.''

Larry was also active in the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, where he mentored pastors on running an organization, and programs for those battling addiction. A scholarship will be established in his name to help people afford to attend the Ranch Recovery Center in Desert Hot Springs, which provides treatment alternatives for drug and alcohol abuse, according to his wife.

On Saturday, May 4, 2013 a memorial service will be held at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church in Palm Desert, California. Smith is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.

The dangers our police officers face every day often go unnoticed and without remark. Each story is unique and humbling for those of

us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. In the case of Sheriff Smith, he was blessed to have the love and strength of his family to help him along the way. I extend my condolences to Larry's family and friends; although Larry may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.