Floor Statements

I thank the Chairman.

My friend's--and he is my friend, Mr. Moran--amendment is certainly misguided and costly and a step backwards. Let's talk about the facts.

The House composting program in the last Congress increased our operating costs by half a million dollars a year, all for the luxury of using, remember, weak utensils that literally melted in your soup, and ineffective cups, soda cups, not including the extra paper insulators to keep your hands from burning once you use those ineffective paper cups. The cups, by the way, were two to three times more expensive than polystyrene foam cups.

And the environmental benefits. Peer reviewed studies confirm that foam food and beverage containers--which are recyclable and, by the way, are still used by McDonalds--use significantly less energy and water than their supposed eco-friendly alternatives. They use fewer raw materials, create less solid waste, and the carbon emission differences are nominal.

If Mr. Moran would like to eliminate polystyrene in the House he needs to be right upfront with the American people and let them know how much this is going to cost them. In fact, this product costs less and is a better product. And I think that's something that we ought to do here in the government is find ways of saving money and produce a better outcome.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a good friend of mine, Arthur Hubert Webb. Hubert passed away Friday, May 25, 2012, at his home in Riverside, California. A resident of Riverside, California, for 78 years, he was a pillar of the community and will be deeply missed.

Hubert was born May 5, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Albert A. and Rebecca B. Webb. After graduating with honors in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, Hubert served honorably in the United States Army for two years. Hubert joined Albert A. Webb Associates in 1955 and served for 56 years, becoming President in 1984 and Chairman of the Board in 2000.

Hubert was an expert in water resources engineering, aiding clients such as Western Municipal Water District, Jurupa Community Services District, Crestline Lake Arrowhead Water Agency, City of Norco, and Edgemont Community Services District and shaping the dramatic growth of Southern California through his work. He was instrumental in designing 36,500 feet of pipeline and three pump stations to deliver water from the Riverside and Gage Canals to Western Municipal Water District's agricultural system. Hubert also served as the Chief Technical Advisor for the Riverside/Corona Feeder Project which stored water in wet years in the San Bernardino Valley ground water basins and delivered water during dry years to communities in Riverside County.

As a Professional Engineer in the State of California, he was active in the American Society of Civil Engineers, California Society of Professional Engineers, American Water Works Association, National Ground Water Association, California Water Environment Federation, Federal Water Environment Federation, and National Society of Professional Engineers. In 2008, Hubert was recognized as a Water Hero Award recipient for his donation of valuable and historical water resource documents from the library of Albert A. Webb Associates to the Water Resources Institute's archives.

Hubert was preceded in death by his wife Diane S. Webb. He is survived by his daughter Sandra Webb (Roger Prend); sons, Scott Webb and Steve Webb (Suzanne Anderson); sister Mary Webb (Gene Schaefer); 8 grandchildren; companion Diana Lingren, his nephew Matt and many other nieces and nephews.

On Thursday, June 7, a memorial service celebrating Hubert's extraordinary life will be held. Hubert will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. His dedication to his family, work, and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Hubert's family and friends; although Hubert 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 Jurupa Valley are exceptional. Our area has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make their communities a better place to live and work. Elliott Duchon is one of these individuals. On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Duchon was recognized as the Citizen of the Year by the Jurupa Valley Chamber of Commerce for his work as the Jurupa Unified School District Superintendent.

In 1974, Duchon graduated from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) with a Master's Degree in Education and Psychology. After graduation, he was an elementary teacher for the Jurupa Unified School District where he also served on school planning committees, including the school site council. After three years of teaching, Duchon was self employed and served as a consultant to the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools where he performed land use studies and demographic research and analysis to form a

Long Range Facility Plan for the 22 school districts in Riverside County. In 1981, Duchon became a Systems Planning Analyst for the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) where he performed planning and administrative duties related to the management of a fourteen building, $20 million facility construction program.

After two years as the Systems Planning Analyst, Duchon became the Instructional Computing Project Manager for the Inland Empire Teacher Education and Computer Center within RCOE. In this role, he was responsible for an array of services related to the instructional uses of education technology. The services were provided to the 58 school districts in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In 1985, Duchon was promoted to Director of the Region 13 Teacher Education and Computer Center where he was responsible for the two-county staff development program in all areas of the curriculum. In 1991, he was promoted again to Director of Administrative Services for RCOE where he was responsible for administration and management for the Department of Administrative Services, which included the Geographic Information Center, internal and external support for school facilities development, school district elections, staff support to the County Committee on School District Organization and other management services. After ten years as the Director, Duchon was promoted to the Riverside County Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Administrative Support Services, Division of Information Technology/Governmental Relations. In 2001, Duchon became the Deputy Superintendent for the Jurupa Unified School District and after three years became the Superintendent of Schools for the District.

As Superintendent, Duchon was responsible for all aspects of operating a 20,000 student school district with over 2,000 employees and a $160 million budget. His major accomplishments include a District Academic Performance Index (API) that has risen 100 points during his tenure; the District has four Distinguished Schools and two Title I Achieving Schools; a 100% rating of Highly Qualified Teachers; the completion and opening of a new high school; the establishment of an Early College High School Academy with Riverside Community College; the District has received three Golden Bell awards; and the student achievement gap has narrowed. During his time, Duchon has been recognized by the Region XIX Association of California School Administrators as the 2007 Superintendent of the Year; recognized as the West Riverside School Administrators 2006 Superintendent of the Year; and recognized by the Riverside County, California School Bilingual Educators chapter as the 2006 Superintendent of the Year.

In light of all Elliott Duchon has done for the students, parents and community of Jurupa Valley it is only fitting that he be honored as the Superintendent of the Year. Elliott Duchon's tireless passion for education and public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our community and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members 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 communities of Corona and Norco are exceptional. Our area 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. Dr. Kent Bechler is one of these individuals. At a retirement reception on May 23, 2012, Kent will be honored for his work as the Corona-Norco Unified School District Superintendent.

For the last five years, Dr. Kent Bechler has been the superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), the ninth largest school district in California serving more than 54,000 students. Prior to heading the Corona-Norco Unified School District, he served as superintendent in Walnut Valley Unified and Duarte Unified School Districts. Dr. Bechler has served K 12 education for 32 years.

Since assuming the CNUSD Superintendent position, he has guided the district through many challenges and many accomplishments. With collaboration and problem solving, the district has survived the state budget crisis by successfully implementing a retirement incentive program that eliminated the need to impose layoffs. To address overcrowding, the district opened two new elementary schools, and began expansion of campus facilities as six schools through modernization projects.

Under his leadership, the district has experienced a steady increase in academic scores for students, the development of a planned systemic professional development program, gains in technology including 13 grants, collaborative labor agreements that have not only maintained but enhanced the district fiscally, and leadership development and professional collaboration time.

In March, Corona-Norco Unified School District was named one of four American school districts selected as a 2012 finalist for the one million dollar Broad Prize for Urban Education. The Broad Prize for Urban Education is the largest education prize in the country, honoring school districts that demonstrate the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement, while reducing achievement gaps among poor and minority students.

Dr. Bechler has extensive training experience in management, leadership, systems, policies and procedures, strategic planning, labor relations and developing collaboration and teamwork within organizations. He is well known for developing trusting relationships, team building and resolving organizational conflict. His academic work includes teaching adjunct classes at the university level and consulting with educational institutions, business and other organizations. He was recently named the 2012 California State Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.

Dr. Bechler received a Bachelor's Degree in social work from Azusa Pacific University, a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from California State University, Los Angeles and his Doctorate of Education from Claremont Graduate University.

Dr. Bechler was born in Saginaw, Michigan and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He has traveled extensively throughout South America, New Zealand, Australia, and Mainland China playing basketball. He resides in Upland with his wife Karen and together they have three children and two grandchildren.

In light of all Kent Bechler has done for the students, parents and communities of Corona and Norco, it is only fitting that he be honored as he retires from the School District. Dr. Bechler's tireless passion for education and public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our communities and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires and moves onto the next phase of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to southern California are exceptional. Southern California 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. Brian Moore is one of these individuals. At a luncheon on May 31, 2012, Brian will be honored for his work as the original Deputy District Engineer for Project Management in the Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. After 35 years of service with the Corps of Engineers, Brian will be retiring.

As the Deputy District Engineer for Project Management, Brian serves as Deputy to the Commander and Senior Civilian in the District and directs the Programs and Project Management Division. The Division is responsible for management of all the District's major programs and projects. The Los Angeles District covers projects for civil works, military, and environmental programs in Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona and has a workload of more than a billion dollars in fiscal year 2009. The Programs and Project Management Division has nearly 100 project managers, schedulers, and budget analysts assigned to the management of more than 400 projects in navigation, flood control, environmental restoration, military construction, and environmental cleanup.

The Division also manages more than $300 million in projects for other agencies such as Department of Homeland Security, the Veterans Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others. Mr. Moore has over 35 years of experience with the Corps of Engineers in planning, construction, and project management. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and holds a Master Degree in Water Resources Systems from Cornell University. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of California.

I have come to know Brian well through many years working together on a variety of public projects in southern California. I can personally attest to Brian's incredible work-ethic, professionalism, and positive attitude. Brian is married to Dr. Nancy Moore who is a research engineer at Rand Corporation in Santa Monica. Both he and Nancy are avid skiers and Mr. Moore also enjoys golf.

In light of all Brian Moore has done for southern California, it is only fitting that he be honored as he retires from the Army Corps of Engineers. Brian's tireless passion for public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and the state and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires and moves onto the next phase of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the educational community are exceptional. The University of California at Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their university, and community, a better place to learn, live and work. Charles Louis, Vice Chancellor for Research at UCR, is one of these individuals. After eight years of dedicated service, Charles will be retiring from UCR.

Dr. Louis' biomedical research on the role of calcium as an intracellular signaling molecule, which has been funded by the National Institutes of Health for over 25 years, uses a range of different approaches including cell physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and biophysics. His current research program focuses on the role of gap junctions in the development of cataracts in the lens of the eye because an elevation in cytosolic calcium concentration which closes these cell-to-cell channels is one of the critical early steps in the development of lens cataract formation. Dr. Louis is Chair of the Executive Committee of the Council of Research Policy and Graduate Education (CRPGE) of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) serving on the Board of Directors of APLU, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Government Relations (COGR); he has served on many peer-review grant committees as well as the boards of biotech industry associations in both Minnesota and Georgia.

Dr. Louis served as Vice President for Research at Georgia State University from 2000 2004, having previously served on the faculty at the University of Minnesota for over 20 years where he held a number of administrative positions that included Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics from 1998 2000 and Assistant Vice President for Research and Associate Dean of the Graduate School from 1994 1998. He previously held faculty appointments at the University of Connecticut Health Center, and Leeds University in England.

Dr. Louis received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, his Doctorate of Philosophy in Biochemistry from Oxford University, and post-doctoral training at Stanford University.

Dr. Louis' many accomplishments at UCR have included the growth of sponsored funding last year to $115 million, the establishment of a very successful Office of Technology Commercialization, and the management of the ever-increasing compliance demands that have been placed on universities by the federal government. He led the successful accreditation of UCR's human research protection program, and has worked on higher education committees of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and of the Council of Government Relations. We have benefited from his advocacy and strong voice for ensuring that UCR receive its fair share of research funding available from UCOP VP Research, and for his excellent working relationships with many UCR faculty that have included the establishment of a number of very successful collaborative research programs with Chinese research institutions.

In light of all Dr. Louis has done for the science community and education it is only fitting that we take a moment to thank him for his life's work. Dr. Louis' tireless passion for knowledge, science and education has contributed immensely to academia. Dr. Louis' contributions to his field will continue to resonate and I know that many individuals are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires and moves on toward the next phase in his life.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Baca Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. This amendment would provide needed funds for the U.S. Geological Survey to complete a comprehensive study of perchlorate contamination in the Rialto-Colton Basin in California.

This perchlorate contamination is a direct result of U.S. Army activities in the region beginning in 1942 for the inspection, consolidation, and storage of ordnance bound for the Port of Los Angeles and the use of perchlorate salts and solvents in these activities. Perchlorate is a known toxin that impairs thyroid function and can cause a broad array of adverse health conditions.

Contamination in the ground water has been measured at 1,000 times the EPA drinking-water standard for perchlorate. And the EPA is currently involved in a massive $25 million dollar effort to clean up the contamination. However, an in depth analysis of the perchlorate plume in the basin has not yet been conducted. For the efforts of the EPA and other agencies to be ultimately successful, we must know the full scope of the problem.

The study supported by this amendment will provide much needed data regarding the extent of groundwater contamination in the Rialto-Colton Basin. This information is invaluable to providing a safe reliable water supply to the residents of the Inland Empire and to cleaning up environmental contamination 70 years in the making.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to two good friends of mine, Ray and Judy Ober. Ray and Judy passed away just 21 days apart from each other, a testament to their love for one another. Ray and Judy were a pillar of the community in Riverside, California and they will be deeply missed.

Judy was born in New York, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley, while Ray was born in Hollywood and raised in Van Nuys, California. They lived a blessed life in Riverside for 53 years and raised all four of their children there. Ray and Judy owned Ober Graphics, Inc. for many years, where Ray was the ``premier graphic artist of Riverside,'' while Judy went back to school and eventually earned her bachelor's degree from Cal Poly Pomona at the age of 49. After graduating, she passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and went to work at Macher and Clark, where she worked for over 20 years. Their chosen careers, Ray a talented artist and Judy a CPA, may have appeared to be in stark contrast, but were the perfect recipe for a loving, lasting marriage.

Ray and Judy were long time members of Canyon Crest Country Club during the 1970s and 1980s where they played tennis and socialized with many great friends. Ray and Judy enjoyed spending time at their beach house in Newport and trips to Las Vegas. They took their children on many family vacations, celebrating their love of life. Judy held officer positions in various clubs including treasurer of the Riverside County Republican Party and president of the Riverside Soroptomists. Ray's passions were genealogy and ``playing the ponies.'' In their more recent years Judy enjoyed playing golf with her golf girlfriends, going on vacations with her high school girlfriends, spending time with her sisters and friends and playing games with her grandchildren. Ray more recently enjoyed photography, visits from his family and friends and trips to Pechanga. Judy and Ray were both amazing, multi-faceted, rare human beings who will be incredibly missed by all who knew them.

I am particularly thankful for the friendship I shared with both Ray and Judy. They were great supporters and, most importantly, dear friends. I will miss their generous spirit, kind nature and enduring friendship.

On April 15, 2012, there was a combined service celebrating the lives of Ray and Judy. They will always be remembered for their generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. Their dedication to their family and community are a testament to lives lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Ray and Judy's family and friends; although they may be gone, the light and goodness they 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. Gordon Bourns is one of these individuals. On March 28, 2012, Gordon will receive a prestigious honor when the Riverside Chamber of Commerce names him the 2011 Citizen of the Year at the organization's annual awards and installation dinner.

Gordon Bourns joined Bourns, Inc. in 1973 and has managed various business units and operations within the company since that time. He was elected Chairman of the Board in December 1988 by the company's Board of Directors, and was also elected President in 1990.

Mr. Bourns now serves as the company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bourns heads a worldwide electronics corporation, which manufactures more than 3,000 different products at 12 domestic and international facilities, with over 4,000 employees worldwide. Mr. Bourns is the son of the cofounders of Bourns, Inc., Marian and Rosemary Bourns.

Mr. Bourns represented Bourns, Inc. in 1994 when the Corporation received the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Inc' Magazine. Mr. Bourns currently focuses much of his attention on strategic planning to accomplish the company's strategic plans, which will double the sales and profits of Bourns over a five- year period. Mr. Bourns has led the Bourns commitment through the Six Sigma and Bourns Production System quality process to assure the company meets or exceeds customer requirements and specifications, while anticipating future needs through the continuous improvement of people, processes, products and services.

Mr. Bourns has been an active participant in community affairs. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the UCR Foundation and is the past chairman of that board. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering at UC Riverside and as Chairman of the Board of Visitors at California Baptist University. He is also Chief Financial Officer of the School Board for the Woodcrest Christian School System. Mr. Bourns, an Eagle Scout, is a past recipient of the Inland Empire Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award.

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

Madam Chairman, since defense was brought up, I'm happy to defend our national defense.

I rise in strong support of the FY 13 Republican budget. It's a responsible budget that recognizes that we cannot continue on our current fiscal trajectory. It also acknowledges the importance of a strong defense.

Let's not forget: we're still a Nation at war. We have 90,000 combat forces deployed in Afghanistan as we're sitting here, and while we have no intention of staying there indefinitely, we must ensure that our troops have the equipment and support they need to accomplish the mission. We must also ensure that promises made to our veterans are kept.

We have emerging threats and turmoil across the globe. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dempsey told us during a hearing on the defense budget that this is the most dangerous time that he has experienced in his long, decorated career, which is 38 years.

This is not a time for further cuts, which can fundamentally destabilize and increase the risk to our forces and the ability to secure the homeland. The President's budget provides the bare minimum for our forces for FY 2013, and would devastate them in latter years, with a planned $487 billion in cuts over 10 years.

The GOP budget ensures that Congress fulfills the constitutional requirement for a strong national defense. It also recognizes the fiscal reality that we face by incorporating the recommended efficiencies provided by former Secretary Gates and current Secretary Panetta.

The GOP budget also addresses the devastating impacts that sequestration, both the method and the amounts, would have on our ability to protect our vital national interests around the globe.

Make no mistake. Sequestration would decimate our military and signal to the world that we are ceding American military superiority. This is an unacceptable choice, and the GOP budget rejects sequestration as a means of addressing our fiscal challenges.

Instead, the GOP budget tackles sequestration head-on by thoughtfully and responsibly dealing with the real drivers of our national debt: mandatory spending programs.

The choice is clear. We can either continue to bury our collective heads in the sand, as the President's budget does, or we can be honest with the American people and make the hard choices now that will ensure America continues to be the beacon of opportunity and success.

I urge my colleagues to vote for the FY 13 Republican budget.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a good friend of mine, Dr. Charles ``Chuck'' Gunnoe. Dr. Gunnoe passed away March 10, 2012, in Corona, California, with his wife Becky and his family at his side. Chuck was a pillar of the community in Corona, California, and he will be deeply missed.

Chuck was born September 25, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Andrew Benton and Anna Gunnoe. After honorably serving in the United States Air Force, Chuck earned his medical degree from Indiana University. Chuck worked as a family physician for 54 years. Chuck, and his wife Becky, were known throughout the community and Dr. Gunnoe was the longest practicing physician in Corona. Chuck considered himself a country doctor and was inspired by his hometown doctor in Indiana who would make house calls. Dr. Gunnoe moved to Corona in 1956 after completing his residency at Riverside General Hospital and took over the practice of a local doctor.

Chuck was a visionary in Corona; he immediately saw the need for more medical services in the community and purchased land that would become the site for the second hospital in Corona. After many years of work, that hospital would become part of the Corona Regional Medical Center. As a physician, Dr. Gunnoe never rushed with his patients, would visit some at home if they were unable to come to the office, and gave many his home telephone number. That kind of service and commitment to the health of his patients is rare today. Dr. Gunnoe retired in 2010, having been a doctor to three generations of Corona residents. He would still see some patients in his home after he retired; his dedication to his patients as steadfast as ever.

It is hard to imagine that Chuck would have any free time on his hands yet he always found time for his community. He was past president of the Corona Chamber of Commerce, its Citizen of the Year in 1996, founder of the local Jaycees, and owner of Deerfield Station, a gourmet restaurant. In his free time, Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling in his motor home, playing tennis, golf and bowling.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Becky Gunnoe of 35 years; daughters, Dawne (David) Malone, Janis Tedesco, Laura Leigh (Michael) Gunnoe-Pass; sons, Bryan A. Gunnoe, Charles E. (Susan) Gunnoe, Jr.; sister, Mabel Pugh; seven grandchildren, Dylan and Nicolas Tedesco, Jessica, Danielle and Jake Gunnoe, Michael Benton and Sean Christian Pass, and three great-grandchildren, Sienna, Jonah and Sebastian.

On Friday, March 16, 2012, a memorial service was held celebrating Chuck's extraordinary life. Chuck will always be remembered for his unwavering care for his patients, incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. His dedication to his work, family and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to

Chuck's family and friends; although Chuck 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 a community leader and friend of mine, Richard Milanovich. Richard was the longtime chairman of Riverside County's Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. On Sunday, March 11, 2012, Richard passed away at the age of 69 with his family at his bedside at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage. He will be deeply missed.

In 1942, Richard was born on the Soboba Reservation in the San Jacinto area and grew up in subsidized housing in Palm Springs. At that time, the tribe was almost entirely dependent on government help, eating out of government-issued cans. As a boy, he attended Cahuilla Elementary School and Palm Springs High School. After high school, he served honorably in the United States Army and in 1972 he returned to the Palm Springs area. He unsuccessfully ran for Tribal Council three times between 1972 and 1978. Finally, in 1978 he was elected to the Tribal Council and in 1984 he was elected Chairman. From 1984 to 1989, Chairman Milanovich helped craft groundbreaking land-use agreements with city of Cathedral City, city of Rancho Mirage, and Riverside County, modeled on an agreement struck with city of Palm Springs in the late 1970s, while he was a member of the Tribal Council. The intergovernmental deals were among the first of their kind and served as a model for Tribes throughout the rest of the country.

Richard Milanovich was an early proponent of allowing California tribes to have gambling on tribal lands. After the successful negotiation of the land-use agreements with local cities, Richard moved forward and in 1998 the Agua Caliente tribe, along with other tribes, pushed and passed Proposition 5 which allowed for gambling on tribal lands. Although the proposition was ruled unconstitutional, the tribes were able to later negotiate pacts with then-Governor Gray Davis and a subsequent proposition passed which put the pacts in place. Richard would later win another battle in 2008 when the voters approved a casino-expansion deal.

Richard never lost sight of the poor conditions that he grew up in and early on decided to become a champion for his people. He led the Agua Caliente tribe for nearly three decades and helped California tribes become self-sufficient moving many out of poverty through the success of the Indian casinos. Richard successfully negotiated on the local, state and federal level to advance the priorities of the Agua Caliente tribe and throughout his career he remained humble, compassionate, and engaging.

Richard Milanovich changed the course of history for California and, most importantly, for the Indian community in California. He saw circumstances that disadvantaged the Indian people and set about to change them. Milanovich never wavered in his commitment, and despite all obstacles persevered for the betterment of his tribe and the entire Indian community in California. His leadership, vision and uncompromising compassion were truly an inspiration to his people and testimony to his character.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, a memorial service celebrating Richard Milanovich's extraordinary life was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Milanovich will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the Indian Community and love of family. His dedication to his work, family, and tribe are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to his family and friends; although Richard may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. Chair, as the author of the 2004's Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental Improvement Act, also known as CALFED, I strongly supported H.R. 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. This bill is an important step in preventing onerous regulations from creating another manmade drought like the one that devastated farms and families in California's San Joaquin Valley in 2009 and 2010. As a result of this man-made drought, many farmers lost their livelihoods and many communities saw unemployment rates top 50 percent as jobs dried up with their water.

With California once again faced with record low precipitation this year, we cannot wait to act. Among other things, H.R. 1837 would restore water deliveries to communities by codifying the Bay-Delta Accord and protects and secures private property and senior water rights. This bill will ensure communities will no longer have their water cut off and diverted due to heavy-handed environmental regulation and litigation that attempts to place fish before farmers and families.

This bill protects over 30,000 jobs and strikes a common sense balance between environmental regulations and environmental realities to ensure that California's Central Valley will never again be plunged into man-made drought. I commend my colleague Representative Devin Nunes of California for his leadership in crafting this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Janet Cleghorn. Jan passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she will be deeply missed.

Jan was born July 20, 1936 in Los Angeles, California. She was the daughter of Howard B. Everett and Florence Mae Hunt. On February 3, 1956, Jan married her high school sweetheart John Cleghorn. John would later serve as Corona's Chief of Police. Jan cherished her role as wife, mother and homemaker for 56 years.

Jan loved family, friends, crafting, RV traveling, decorating her home and more recently ``Facebook social networking.'' She was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter SI, Corona- Riverside U.S. Navy League, Corona Heritage Foundation (Museum Docent Heritage Park), Trilogy RVers and Friday Night-Dinner Group.

Jan is survived by her husband, John Cleghorn, father, Howard B. Everett, son, David Cleghorn, daughter, Nancy (Tim) O'Gorman, daughter, Karen (Roger, Sr.) Minnick, grandchildren, Roger (Angela) Minnick, Jr., Elijah Minnick, Jonah Minnick, Melissa O'Gorman, Joseph O'Gorman, great-grandchildren, Berkleigh Minnick and Max Minnick. Memorial Services to celebrate Jan's life were held at Trilogy Lodge Ballroom, Tuesday, February 28, 2012.

Jan will always be remembered for her devotion to family, caring nature and selfless giving. Her dedication to those she loved is a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Jan's family and friends; although Jan 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, Frank Emerson. Frank passed away peacefully at Corona Regional Medical Center on Saturday, February 25, 2012 with his wife, Belvia and son, Bob at his side. Frank was a pillar of the community in Corona, California and he will be deeply missed.

As a young man, Frank attended the University of Redlands on a basketball scholarship and after college decided to join the Army. Frank then decided to go into the family business and ran Emerson's Men's Wear successfully for many years. Frank took on a partner, long time employee Jim Pauly, to help with Emerson's Men's Wear. Frank was a successful businessman and dedicated community servant. Frank served on many civic groups through the years, including the Corona Planning Commission. His life was a testament to his family who had settled in Corona in the early 1900s.

Frank leaves behind his wife of 53 years Belvia, Daughter, Elizabeth Jenkins of Texas; son, Robert ``Bob'' Emerson of Corona and their respective families. He was preceded in death by his son Donald. He also has five grandchildren and many other family and friends who will miss Frank's big heart and quick smile.

On Friday, March 9, 2012, a memorial service celebrating Frank's extraordinary life will be held. Frank will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, generosity, contributions to the community and love of family. His dedication to his work, family and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Frank's family and friends; although Frank may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.