Floor Statements

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. Brad Hudson is one of these individuals. On August 9, 2011, Brad will be honored at a Riverside City Hall reception as he ends his tenure as the City of Riverside's City Manager.

Brad Hudson came to the City of Riverside after serving as the Assistant County Executive Officer of the Economic Development Agency where he was responsible for broad activities and operations throughout the county.

Earlier, Brad spent more than 14 years with the County of Riverside, where he began as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Eastern Riverside County. Additionally, Hudson proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He received his B.S. degree from California State University, Fresno, and an MPA from the University of San Francisco.

Appointed as City Manager by the City Council, Brad has acted as the Chief Administrative Officer of the City. He enforces the laws and carries out the policies of the Council through the control and direction of City Departments. In addition, during his time as City Manager, Brad made numerous recommendations to the Council on legislation, fiscal matters, capital improvements and other City policies, and he oversaw the responsibilities of the Communications Officer and the Intergovernmental Relations Office. Riverside City Council members have extensively praised Hudson for accomplishing so much during his six year tenure, particularly a long list of public works projects known as the Riverside Renaissance. After Brad leaves Riverside, he will take the helm as the City of Sacramento's Chief Executive. As such, he will provide leadership to ensure the smooth operation and management of all City Departments.

In light of all Brad Hudson has done for the community of Riverside, we wish him the best as he moves on to his next professional endeavor. Brad's tireless passion for the community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Brad a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he ends his time as City Manager for the City of Riverside.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

I appreciate the gentleman's shared desire to reduce spending, however, I must oppose this amendment. As the minority pointed out, to meet the 2012 302(b) allocation, we cut the Energy Star program by $27.5 million, funding for the Energy Star program down to $48.2 million, which is below the 2006 level. And we believe that significant cuts took place in this program, as they should have been taken. And with that we reluctantly oppose the amendment, and would ask for a ``no'' vote.

I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I do this extremely reluctantly because I am very supportive of the DERA program, but I can't support the offset.

The DERA program, as the gentlelady is aware, was not in the administration's mark, and in this underlying bill, we provide for $10 million for the DERA program. As she well knows, throughout the country this is a way to remove old diesel engines that pollute, and this is something that actually works.

It's not a program; it's not a study; it's not some academic exercise. It's actually something that cleans up the air, so it's something I am very much supportive of. But right now EPA's Buildings and Facilities accounts are cut by nearly one-third. We have cut back these accounts substantially, and so we just can't support the offset in the bill.

I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Reclaiming my time, the program has already taken a substantial hit, a $20 million hit, as a matter of fact. Almost every other program in our bill has taken substantial hits.

We're serious about reducing spending. If we had the additional money, I'm sure the chairman would have added more money in the DERA account in the first place if we had the extra money to do so, because it's an extremely successful program, something that I certainly support. I understand the gentlelady's conviction, but we just don't have the money to take care of this offset, so we have to oppose the amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Fiscal Year 2012 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. I would like to thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Moran for being excellent leaders on the subcommittee. It has been a pleasure to work with both of them. I especially commend the 22 oversight hearings that our subcommittee held this year. The subcommittee works hard, and we have done our due diligence in putting this bill together.

The FY 2012 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill recognizes the current economic environment and the past 4 years of out-of-control spending. It is $2.1 billion below last year's level, and $3.8 billion below the President's 2012 request. It is a focused and lean bill which supports funding for duties which are clearly the responsibility of the Federal Government and makes tough decisions about how we allocate taxpayers' dollars.

The bill fully funds Federal firefighters and Forest Service Wildland Fire Management. It ensures our national parks, which belong to the American people, remain fully operational in 2012. And it includes $30 million for diesel emissions reduction grants to retrofit old diesel engines with cleaner burning ones, a program that has been successfully implemented across the United States and is contributing to cleaner air.

The bill also reduces the EPA inflated budget back down to the 2006 level and cuts $46 million in requested funding for burdensome regulation of greenhouse gases, which means control of carbon dioxide, a regulation unilaterally adopted by the administration

that is making the U.S. less competitive in the world and sending American jobs overseas.

Finally, yes, Mr. Chairman, there are many spending reductions in this bill, including programs I support. However, we have to start somewhere to bring economic sanity back to the budgeting process, and this is one of the first of many steps to come.

In conclusion, I am pleased to support this bill. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Madam Chairman, before I came here to Congress, I was in the restaurant business. We had to please the customers that we served. We certainly couldn't give them an inferior product. Only in Washington, D.C., would we spend more and get less. The gentleman from California has referenced $500,000 a year more in cost, and if you did a survey of the people who used those products, it would be dismal.

I had the experience of putting a fork in a hot piece of meat one day, and it melted. That is ridiculous. We in Congress should not give inferior products to people who work here and serve here, and spend more money for it.

So with that, Madam Chairman, let's just do the commonsense thing here and get a product that works and spend less money.

Mr. Chairman, I certainly rise in strong support of this fiscal year 2012 Defense appropriation bill. I want to particularly thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks and their staffs for a fantastic job. Thank you very much for your hard work and a great bill.

This bill is a great example, when it comes to our national defense, that we work together as Americans, not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but as Americans. At a time that we're in a number of conflicts around the world, it's important that we show that we stand united in support of our troops and against our enemies.

There was a point made about what's the longest war. I would say the longest war in American history is the Cold War. We were in that war for well over

40 years, and we're at war today against terrorism and radical elements out there that are trying to kill us and to maim us and to harm our national interests.

This is a long-term commitment, and I certainly congratulate this committee for doing the job that's necessary.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the fiscal year 2012 Defense Appropriations bill. Chairman Young, Ranking Member Dicks and the staff on both sides have worked together to produce a very good bill that supports our warfighters, plans for the future, and funds current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, while also taking into account the fiscal restraints of the current economy.

I think every Member would agree that our troops deserve the absolute best we can give and this bill reflects that they are our top priority by providing a 1.6 percent pay increase. The bill also provides for important health research--from traumatic brain injury to psychological treatment--in order to help troops transition from battle to home.

The defense funding bill also ensures our military has the necessary equipment to succeed not only in the present, but in the future as well. The bill replaces the C-17 that went down in Alaska last summer, provides for the procurement of 32 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, funds the building of 10 Navy ships, and provides for the purchase of 48 Reaper UAVs.

Finally the bill accounts for the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, ending the bad habit of ``emergency'' funding bills that were rarely subjected to regular order and often loaded up with non- emergency items. The bill is $9 billion less than the President's request--a reflection of our times and the realization that no department in the Federal Government is exempt from budget cuts.

Again, I rise in strong support of the FY12 Defense Appropriations bill. I commend Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks for their hard work and urge my colleagues to vote in support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, United States Army Special Forces Sergeant Aaron J. Blasjo. Today I ask that the House of Representatives to join me to honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Aaron was born in Riverside, California and graduated from Ramona High School in 2004. He was determined to be in the Special Forces and after graduation he promptly enlisted in the United States Army. Aaron was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His most recent deployment was his third tour in Afghanistan, where he served in the Special Forces canine unit. About Aaron, his grandfather, Wesley Blasjo, stated, ``I think he wanted to do something for his country. He liked the camaraderie and all the things that go along with Special Forces.''

Aaron was a member of the Palm Baptist Church and traveled to Africa on a short missionary trip to help others. A youth pastor at the church remembers Aaron as serious but caring member of their church community.

In 2009, he married Crystal Thompkins in Riverside. Two months ago, Aaron became a proud father to his son, Talon Blasjo, which was one of the highlights of Aaron's life. On May 29, 2011, the day before Memorial Day, Aaron was killed in action in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 25 years old. In addition to his wife Crystal and son Talon, he also leaves behind his mother and father Daniel and Roberta Blasjo; and his extended family.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Aaron, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. 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. The day they learned of Aaron's death was probably the hardest day the Blasjo family has ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain, and what words I offer only begin to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation.

Sergeant Blasjo's wife, son and parents have all given a part of themselves with the loss of Aaron, and I hope they know that their husband, father, and son, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a constituent and patriot, Ronald Shugart Barbre who passed away peacefully at his home on May 15, 2011 after a brave battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.

Ron was born December 20, 1934 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles. His father, Thomas Russell Barbre, was the 39th captain in the history of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and his mother, Sarah Shugart Barbre, was a homemaker. He grew up in the Athens District of Los Angeles and graduated from Washington High School.

He attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a naval ROTC scholarship and graduated with a degree in International Relations. Even though she was a graduate of cross town rival UCLA, he married the love of his life, Nancy on June 23, 1957 while on active naval duty. They initially lived in Bremerton, WA while he finished his active duty, and upon honorable discharge, moved to Balboa Island before settling in Fullerton, CA. In 1969, Ron and Nancy moved to the new community of Yorba Linda, CA where they raised their family and were active members of Rose Drive Friends Church.

After his active duty military service, he earned his MBA from USC and embarked upon a successful sales career in the publishing business. He carried the first issue of Electronic Component News (ECN) and helped develop this publication in the burgeoning electronics industry for Chilton Publishing. By the time he retired in 1998, he had risen to the role of regional vice president for Chilton-ABC Publishing.

Ron helped form the Orange County chapter of the Business and Professional Advertising Association (BPAA) where he annually organized the annual tennis tournament. He became a Certified Business Communicator (CBC) through the organization and assisted countless students interested in the advertising and publishing business. He also became known as ``Mr. Closer'' and developed the art of the ``power lunch''.

Ron led a very active life as a competitive tennis player and indefatigable hiker & biker. He was an avid reader who loved history and biographies, and was always a faithful and active member of his church.

Following the loss of his first wife, Nancy, to cancer in 1993, he moved from the hills of Yorba Linda to the coastal community of San Clemente where he married his second wife, Joyce. His dream retirement was one in which he could play as much tennis as he wished, ride his bike in flat areas, and walk on the beach every day. With Joyce, Ron joined the San Clemente Presbyterian Church where they each found a new life together.

In retirement he spent time volunteering at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, as a docent at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, and travelling the world with Joyce and many friends. He also consistently spent time with his family on both coasts and with Joyce's family of 4 children and 9 grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his wife Joyce of San Clemente; son Brian (Birgit) of Gloucester, MA; his son Brett (Jean) of Yorba Linda; his grandson Daniel of Gloucester, MA; his sister Josephine Cullen of Rolling Hills Estates; his sister Jeanette Pickering of Ventura; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, step-children & step-grandchildren, and friends and colleagues coast to coast. He was predeceased by his first wife Nancy, his parents Tom Sr. and Sarah; his sister June Wagner and his brothers Tom Barbre, Jr. and Robert Shugart.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of Chairman Ryan's FY 2012 budget. For the first time in several years, this budget tackles our fiscal reality and stops burying our collective heads in the sand. Let's start where we all agree: We are in dire financial trouble. But if we make some adjustments now, we will set our country on a long-term path of fiscal solvency. That's exactly what the Republican budget does.

President Obama and my friends on the other side of the aisle lament the lack of tax increases in our budget. First, let's remember that we already have a deeply progressive tax structure. The top 5 percent of earners pay 60 percent of Federal income taxes collected. Yet our President and my friends on the left want to tax them even more.

There seems to be a trifecta of economic strangulation under President Obama: increased regulation without congressional consent, skyrocketing energy prices and the doubling of gas prices, and now an attempt to increase taxes. How can businesses survive in this environment? We're not just talking about a precipice of fiscal solvency in our country; we're talking about the death of the American entrepreneur as we know it if we go down the path outlined by the President.

Thankfully, there is a better way, the only way. The Republican budget recognizes that we must end the relentless drive to seize wealth and redistribute it. This is an alternative to the class warfare tactics of the left that pits one American against another. The Republican budget is a fair, pro-growth plan rather than a punitive tax plan. Make no mistake, the budget includes tax reforms to simplify our Tax Code, broaden the tax base, create a more fair and equitable system that will provide certainty.

The Ryan budget reflects the most basic American principles. It provides for the strong defense of our Nation, ensures the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens remains solvent, and it gets government out of the way of the American free enterprise system and makes sure that entrepreneurs can survive.

The budget demands that we as leaders step up and make a choice between what's popular and what's right. I choose right.

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. Brian Hawley is one of these individuals. On March 24, 2011, Brian was honored as the ``Volunteer of the Year'' at the 111th Inaugural Celebration of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Brian Hawley is Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Luminex. Founded in 1994, this privately held, global, growing, and consistently profitable company develops distinctive data storage products based on proven technologies that tackle the complex challenges of storing, archiving, distributing and protecting data.

In 2002 and 2003, Luminex was named to the Deloitte Fast50 list as being one of the fastest growing technology companies in Southern California. In 2003, Luminex was one of the select few companies named to both the Inc. Magazine ``Inc. 500'' and Deloitte ``Fast 500'' as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the United States.

Along with his co-founders, Luminex received the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in technology, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Small Business Eagle award, the UC Riverside Bourns College of Engineering Honored Alumni Award, and was honored as a California Small Business of the Year.

Luminex has twenty-seven employees headquartered in Riverside, California and additional development offices in San Diego, California and Beaverton, Oregon.

Prior to co-founding Luminex, Brian owned and managed Computer Systems International, a consulting firm specializing in corporate business computing and software development in a variety of industries.

Brian has served on the Riverside's High Tech Task Force, is past chairman and a founding member of the Riverside Technology CEO Forum, a past chair of the Science Technology Education Partnership, and is currently Chair of the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee.

Brian has participated in the Chamber's annual advocacy trip to Sacramento, advocating for the best interests of the region. He was called upon by the California Chamber of Commerce to testify in support of a bill that allows employees greater flexibility in their work week.

In light of all Brian has done for the community of Riverside, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce named Brian their Volunteer of the Year. Brian'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.

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. Debbi Guthrie is one of these individuals. On March 24, 2011, Debbi will be honored as the ``Citizen of the Year'' at the 111th Inaugural Celebration of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Debbi Huffman Guthrie is retired from her 27 year career as the third-generation owner of a roofing company established by her grandfather in 1921. Since 1993, Debbi has served as a Director with Provident Bank, a publicly-traded, community bank established in Riverside in 1957. Debbi is the current and former member of numerous organizations including: member, Riverside Community College District Capital Campaign Executive Committee; Chair, Riverside Aquatics Complex Fundraising Committee; Chair, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Inaugural Ball Committee; Chair, ATHENA of the Inland Valleys Committee; Member, Board of Directors--Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; Member, Riverside Sport Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Committee; Trustee, University of California Riverside Foundation; Chair, University of California Riverside A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management Dean's Leadership Council; Chairwoman, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; Chair, Governmental Affairs Committee and Leadership Riverside Program, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; President and Member, Kiwanis Club of Riverside; President, Riverside Community College District Foundation; State Director, ATHENA Foundation; March Air Force Base Military Affairs Committee (Honorary Commander's Program); Inland Empire Council Boy Scouts of America, Distinguished Citizens Committee; and Junior League of Riverside.

Debbi is the recipient of many awards including: the 2010 Riverside YWCA Irene Bonnett Volunteer of the Year; the 2010 Riverside Downtown Partnership Roy Hord ``Volunteer of the Year;'' the 2003 Association of Agency Executives, Spirit of the Non-Profit Award; the 2003 Gold Key Award, Soroptimist Club; the 2001 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award; the Riverside Community College Inaugural Community Service Award; the 2001 Kiwanis International George Hixson Fellowship Award; the 2001 President's Award, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; the 2000 Management Leader of the Year, Private Sector, UC Riverside A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management; and the 1999- 2000 Volunteer of the Year, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

In addition to her continued involvement with Provident Bank and her volunteer commitments in Riverside, Debbi now lives part-time in southern Utah where she takes pride in working with her husband to manage their 1300 acre ranch. She enjoys being with her family, horseback riding, house-boating on Lake Powell, hikes in Zion National Park and international travel with friends. Debbi is a native of Riverside and attended Ramona High School and California State University, San Bernardino. Debbi and her husband, Jim, have four adult daughters and four grandchildren.

In light of all Debbi has done for the community of Riverside, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce named Debbi their Citizen of the Year. Debbi's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. 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 community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, we rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Senior Airman Michael J. Hinkle II. Today we ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died while serving our country.

Hinkle grew up in my hometown, Corona, California, with his father Michael Hinkle Senior and stepmother Cynna Hinkle. He spent summers in Michigan with his mother and stepfather, Robert Jakowinicz.

Senior Airman Hinkle followed in his father's footsteps joined the Air Force in December of 2005 and his first overseas post was in Okinawa. In 2008, Hinkle reenlisted with the Air Force and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, in November of 2008. Airman Hinkle deployed to the 386th ECS from the 28th Communications Squadron at Ellsworth in November. At a memorial service held by the members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing for a fallen Marauder on March 19, Hinkle's fellow service members paid tribute to his constant smile and easy going attitude. Major James Hewitt, 386th ECS commander, stated:

``Even though Mike's life was short, it was full of

accomplishments and honor. Mike joined (the Air Force) and

immediately headed off to become a cyber transport systems

journeyman. There could not have been a better career field

for Mike to join. Mike loved computers, networking and

gaming. He loved being a COMM geek.

Airman Hinkle's fellow Airmen fondly remembered him for his positive attitude; Hinkle was known for stepping up to the plate and helping out whenever he was needed. Airman Hinkle accomplished so much during his short time and he will be dearly missed by his unit and all who knew him. He was buried in Michigan earlier this week. Airman Hinkle was 24 years old. He is survived by his father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, five stepsiblings and a brother.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Senior Airman Hinkle, who bravely chose an honorable life of

military service. 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. The day the Hinkle family learned of the death of their son and brother was probably the hardest day they have ever faced and our thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude go out to the family and friends of Airman Hinkle. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words we can offer only begin to convey our deep respect and highest appreciation.

Senior Airman Hinkle's family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and we hope they know that his service and the goodness he brought to this world will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a friend of mine, Joseph ``Joey'' Alioto who passed away peacefully at his home on March 21, 2011 after a brave battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed.

I knew Joey through one of his many passions, Alioto's Restaurant which started as a fresh fish stall on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf in 1925. He was often found greeting guests at the door with a big smile. He had a quick wit and a generous nature that was always welcoming.

Joey has joined his parents, Antoinette and Nunzio, and his sister, Michelle, and is survived by his wife of 36 years, Judy Alioto, and their four children Nunzio, Marc, Alexa, and Joey; his two siblings, my friend Francesca, Rose Marie Violante and her husband Cosmo; his mother-in-law, Ada Barone, his sister-in-law, Sister Claire ``Bonnie'' Barone, his brother-in-law, Joseph Barone and his wife Maricela. Uncle Joey was blessed with the love and support of his five nieces and nephews--Rochelle and her husband Kenneth Simurdiak, Matthew Violante, Gina and her husband Eric von Esmarch, Alessandro and Giancarlo Barone, and his five great grand nieces and nephews.

Joey generously contributed his time and resources to many local civic events and causes including Fisherman's Wharf Merchant Association, Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District, JIGs (Just Italian Guys), Kevin Collins Foundation, The Olympic Club, One Child at a Time, Ronald McDonald House, Salesian Boys' & Girls' Club, St. Ignatius Booster's Club, St. Ignatius Alumni, St. Ignatius Fathers' Club, Special Olympics, Toys for Tots Foundation, and numerous local school fundraisers. He served as President of the Port Tenants Association and the Fisherman's Wharf Merchant Association. In April of 2009, he was

given the esteemed honor of being named the ``Man of the Year'' for the Salesian Boys'' & Girls' Club. He was a person of great humility who constantly showered those around him with the abounding generosity of his heart. He will always be remembered for his passion for life, his love of music--especially opera, his sense of humor, and his generosity of heart.

Yesterday a memorial service celebrating Joey's extraordinary life was held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. Joey will always be remembered for his incredible work ethic, generosity, love of family, and sense of humor. His dedication to his family and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Joey's family and friends; although Joey 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. Brian Hawley is one of these individuals. On March 24, 2011, Brian will be honored as the ``Volunteer of the Year'' at the 111th Inaugural Celebration of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Brian Hawley is Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Luminex. Founded in 1994, this privately held, global, growing, and consistently profitable company develops distinctive data storage products based on proven technologies that tackle the complex challenges of storing, archiving, distributing and protecting data.

In 2002 and 2003, Luminex was named to the Deloitte Fast50 list as being one of the fastest growing technology companies in Southern California. In 2003, Luminex was one of the select few companies named to both the Inc. Magazine ``Inc. 500'' and Deloitte ``Fast 500'' as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the United States.

Along with his co-founders, Luminex received the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in technology, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Small Business Eagle award, the UC Riverside Bourns College of Engineering Honored Alumni Award, and was honored as a California Small Business of the Year.

Luminex has twenty-seven employees headquartered in Riverside, California, and additional development offices in San Diego, California, and Beaverton, Oregon.

Prior to co-founding Luminex, Brian owned and managed Computer Systems International, a consulting firm specializing in corporate business computing and software development in a variety of industries.

Brian has served on Riverside's High Tech Task Force, is past chairman and a founding member of the Riverside Technology CEO Forum, a past chair of the Science Technology Education Partnership, and is currently Chair of the Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee.

Brian has participated in the Chamber's annual advocacy trip to Sacramento, advocating for the best interests of the region. He was called upon by the California Chamber of Commerce to testify in support of a bill that allows employees greater flexibility in their work week.

In light of all Brian has done for the community of Riverside, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce named Brian their Volunteer of the Year. Brian'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.

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. Debbi Guthrie is one of these individuals. On March 24, 2011, Debbi will be honored as the ``Citizen of the Year'' at the 111th Inaugural Celebration of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

Debbi Huffman Guthrie is retired from her 27-year career as the third-generation owner of a roofing company established by her grandfather in 1921. Since 1993, Debbi has served as a Director with Provident Bank, a publicly traded, community bank established in Riverside in 1957. Debbi is the current and former member of numerous organizations including: member, Riverside Community College District Capital Campaign Executive Committee; Chair, Riverside Aquatics Complex Fundraising Committee; Chair, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Inaugural Ball Committee; Chair, ATHENA of the Inland Valleys Committee; Member, Board of Directors--Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; Member, Riverside Sport Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Committee; Trustee, University of California Riverside Foundation; Chair, University of California Riverside A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management Dean's Leadership Council; Chairwoman, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; Chair, Governmental Affairs Committee and Leadership Riverside Program, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; President and Member, Kiwanis Club of Riverside; President, Riverside Community College District Foundation; State Director, ATHENA Foundation; March Air Force Base Military Affairs Committee (Honorary Commander's Program); Inland Empire Council Boy Scouts of America, Distinguished Citizens Committee; and Junior League of Riverside.

Debbi is the recipient of many awards including: the 2010 Riverside YWCA Irene Bonnett Volunteer of the Year; the 2010 Riverside Downtown Partnership Roy Hord ``Volunteer of the Year''; the 2003 Association of Agency Executives, Spirit of the Non-Profit Award; the 2003 Gold Key Award, Soroptimist Club; the 2001 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award; the Riverside Community College Inaugural Community Service Award; the 2001 Kiwanis International George Hixson Fellowship Award; the 2001 President's Award, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce; the 2000 Management Leader of the Year, Private Sector, UC Riverside A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management; and the 1999- 2000 Volunteer of the Year, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce.

In addition to her continued involvement with Provident Bank and her volunteer commitments in Riverside, Debbi now lives part-time in southern Utah where she takes pride in working with her husband to manage their 1300-acre ranch. She enjoys being with her family, horseback riding, house-boating on Lake Powell, hikes in Zion National Park and international travel with friends. Debbi is a native of Riverside and attended Ramona High School and California State University, San Bernardino. Debbi and her husband, Jim, have four adult daughters and four grandchildren.

In light of all Debbi has done for the community of Riverside, the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce named Debbi their Citizen of the Year. Debbi's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. 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 community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the campus of the University of California at Riverside, and the science community, has been extraordinary. UCR has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated professors who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to, not only educate their students, but also pioneer new advances in the fields of science and technology. Dr. Joe Norbeck is one of these individuals. Today, a retirement celebration in honor of Dr. Norbeck is being held at the Bourns College of Engineering, the Center for Environmental Research & Technology (CE-CERT).

In 1970, Dr. Norbeck earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska and four years later earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry from the same institution. He joined the University of California, Riverside, in January 1992 after working as head of the Chemistry Department, Research Staff, at the Ford Motor Company. Dr. Norbeck heads the UCR Environmental Research Institute and is the Yeager Families Professor of Environmental Engineering. His is also the former Director of CE-CERT.

Dr. Norbeck has published more than seventy-five papers in theoretical chemistry, atmospheric modeling, vehicle emissions, and advanced vehicle technology. His most recent research included the relationship between vehicle emissions and air quality, development of renewable fuels, and development of advanced vehicle technology.

Dr. Norbeck was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1999. He received the South Coast Air Quality Management District Clean Air Award in 1995, the Valley Group Award in 1997 for Excellence in Environment and Research, and was elected as local leader for the City of Riverside and received the Regional Leader of the Year Award in 1998. He has held a gubernatorial appointment as an Air Quality Expert on the California Inspection/Maintenance Review Committee and is a member of several other committees including the Cal/EPA Environmental Technology Partnership Task Force, the Executive Research Advisory Committee of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and Scientific Review Committee for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

In light of all Dr. Norbeck has done for the U.C. Riverside, our community, the region and the state, we wish him the very best as he moves onto the next stage of his life. Dr. Norbecks' tireless passion for learning and education has contributed immensely to the betterment of U.C. Riverside and its students. His contributions in the fields of chemistry, emissions and air quality have been extraordinary and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many fellow educators, community leaders, students and many others are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires from