Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Ernest Eugene ``Gene'' Yeager, a successful businessman, philanthropist, outstanding community member and close personal friend of mine. On Sunday, September 5, 2010, Gene passed away at the age of 85. Although Gene has passed on from this life, he leaves a lasting legacy of generosity and accomplishment that will never be forgotten.

More than 700 people gathered to pay tribute to Gene at the California Baptist University quad, just behind the center that bears his name. The two-hour service brought together people throughout the community that Gene touched during his life, including industry leaders, former employees, friends and family members. Gene's life tells the tale of a man who turned his business empire into a conduit for blessing the lives of people around him.

Gene Yeager was born in Riverside in 1924. He graduated from Poly High School in 1942 and studied engineering at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. After World War II ended, he returned to Berkeley, where he received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Together with his two brothers, Richard and Jacques, they went to work for their father, Ernest Louis Yeager, who founded E.L. Yeager Construction Company in Riverside in 1919. Gene ran the public works side of the operations business which worked on projects to improve major freeways, dams and bridges. The brothers turned the business into one of the largest public works and private construction companies in the United States, and one that changed the landscape of Southern California.

With Gene at the head, the Yeager Company rebuilt two bridges that collapsed in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, built the Highway 91/ Interstate 15 interchange in Corona, built the dam at Lake Perris and helped erect the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

After Richard was killed in a traffic accident in 1979, Gene and Jacques continued to run the company until 1995, when they sold it to a group of senior managers. In 2002, the business was sold to Skanska, the Swedish construction giant.

Through the years, Gene had become a leader and an industry icon. He is remembered just as fondly by his construction workers as he is with the people at Skanska, because of his intense work ethic and generous heart.

After retiring in 1995, Gene set about traveling the world with his wife, spending time with his family and generously making donations to worthy causes in the Riverside area, including a $1 million endowment to fund environmental research and scholarships at the University of California at Riverside.

In fact, his charitable work earned him ``guardian angel'' status in Riverside. Everyone that knew Gene, knew that he gave from the heart, and did so without any desire for recognition.

In addition to his wife, Billie, Mr. Yeager is survived by sons Ken, of San Jose, and Tom, of Riverside; daughters Beth, of Norco, and Louise, of Newport Beach; stepchildren Terri, of Riverside, and Doug Moore, of Rancho Cucamonga; brother Jacques, of Riverside; nephew Jacques Jr., of Riverside; and 13 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

On behalf of all those who knew him, it is an honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Gene Yeager. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Derrill Yaeger, a close personal friend and prominent attorney in the Inland Empire. On Sunday, September 5, 2010, Derrill passed away at the age of 83. He will be deeply missed.

Derrill was born on April 2, 1927, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended La Sierra Academy and served as a surgeon's assistant in the Army Medical Corps in World War II. He went on to receive a business degree from La Sierra College and became the founding manager of the Alumni Association of the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Derrill eventually resigned from the Alumni Association to pursue a law degree, and while attending law school at night at the University of Southern California, Derrill worked as an investigator for the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney. Upon graduation, he joined the Corona firm established by Walter Clayson in 1910, where he practiced business and real estate law for 45 years. He became a principal shareholder with the firm which is now known as Clayson, Mann, Yaeger and Hansen.

Known for being in his office by 4:00 a.m. many mornings, Derrill built a legacy of well-planned residential and commercial development in Corona, Riverside and Beaumont, and became a leading expert in real estate law and development. His clientele ranged from La Sierra and Loma Linda Universities, to 3M Corporation and the Bren Company. He even served as personal attorney to musician and television star Desi Arnaz for many years.

Through one of his projects, Derrill worked to lift a moratorium on major land development in Corona and worked with the city to create a thriving community south of Ontario Avenue. He also helped Loma Linda University market 300 acres of sheep pasture for development that included homes and a medical plaza, and also provided support for the University's endowment.

Outside of his law career, Derrill remained very active in his community. He was a member of the Loma Linda University Board for 16 years, served on the Board of Directors and as legal counsel to Corona Community Hospital and the Versacare Corporation and later the Versacare Foundation. He also served as the President of the La Sierra University Alumni Association where he was awarded alumnus of the year. La Sierra University even renamed its new entrance road ``Yaeger Way'' in Derrill's honor. He was also a member of the Corona Lion's Club for many years. In May 2000, Derrill was given the ``Humanitarian of the Year'' award at Loma Linda University in recognition of his generous donations and tireless efforts on behalf of the University.

As a longtime member of the Victoria Club in Riverside, Derrill served as Club President from 1994-1995. A decade later, Derrill had the proud honor of witnessing his son, Kurt Yaeger, serve as president from 2005-2006, which was a rare honor.

Though his professional accomplishments were many, Derrill will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and generosity, which was felt by those around him. Undoubtedly a busy man, Derrill tried to balance his professional life with his personal life, and often acknowledged that spending time with his family was what gave him the most joy. His children fondly remember the cherished time they spent as a family over the dinner table on Sunday nights, a tradition kept through the years.

Derrill is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances; daughter, Nedra Yaeger; daughter-in-law, Andrea; and grandchildren Jacqueline, Elizabeth, Emily and Adam. Sadly, Derrill's son Kurt recently preceded him in death.

On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Derrill Yaeger. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 36th Anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the Republic of Cyprus. In 1974 Turkey illegally invaded the northern part of the island nation Cyprus, and that occupation continues today. As a member of the Hellenic Caucus, I recognize and support the Republic of Cyprus as the sovereign political government of the island. This position is supported by the United Nations, and since 1974, more than 75 resolutions have been adopted by the U.N. Security Council calling for the return of the refugees to their homes and properties and for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from Cyprus.

In 2006, I cosponsored H. Res. 603, which urged the U.S. government to advocate for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish forces from the territories of the Republic of Cyprus. I will continue to support Cypriots as they seek a peaceful solution to the conflict dividing the island. It is my prayer that these two countries can find a solution to serve the best interest of all the people in the region, and one day live in peace.

Madam Speaker, I stand in strong support of House Resolution 1219, a bipartisan resolution which expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that National Child Awareness Month should be established in the month of September.

September is traditionally ``back-to-school'' month, a time when families focus on preparing children for the coming school year. Recognizing September as National Child Awareness Month will heighten the American public's attentiveness to the importance of our children's health, education, safety and character development through the ongoing efforts of the numerous organizations and individuals who help to protect and nurture them. With this resolution we express our support for a month-long effort to recognize the importance of children in our society as they grow into responsible citizens.

It is widely recognized that a strong, supportive family unit is the most important factor in the well-being of a child. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that every child will have a support system to depend on. Thankfully there are many organizations that provide for the most disadvantaged children in communities across the country. Even children with solid support systems benefit from youth-serving organizations which enrich their lives through activities such as sports, the arts, philanthropy and further education outside of the classroom.

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the 40 bipartisan cosponsors and to the gentlelady from Orange County, California, the Democratic lead sponsor, Loretta Sanchez and her staff, for their efforts on behalf of this resolution. In addition I would like to extend a special thanks to the Education and Labor Committee for moving the bill quickly. It is my hope that Senators Feinstein and Burr will quickly pass a companion resolution in the Senate chamber and that President Obama will by Presidential Proclamation designate September as National Child Awareness Month so that the many child-focused programs of the federal government might also be highlighted.

Most importantly, I commend the many local and national youth-serving organizations and charities dedicated to the well-being of children across the Nation and the world.

Madam 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. Colonel Thomas Magness IV is one such individual. On July 1, 2010, Colonel Magness will be honored at the Change of Command Ceremony as the 58th Commander, Los Angeles District, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Colonel Magness was born in Fort Campbell, KY. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and began serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. He later earned a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His professional military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and the Command and General Staff College.

Colonel Magness has served in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX; the 1st Armored Division in Germany; and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX. He has been a platoon leader, battalion supply officer, company commander, and battalion operations officer. He deployed with the 1st Armored Division as part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Colonel Magness served as the District Commander for the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Colonel Magness was a Senior Service College Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin. Colonel Magness has served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at West Point. He has also served two tours as an observer/controller (trainer) at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA where he led the Sidewinder team, preparing engineer and maneuver support units and their leaders for combat operations.

Colonel Thomas H. Magness assumed command of the Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July 10, 2007. Upon assuming command of the Los Angeles District, Colonel Magness understood the importance of managing water resources in a more comprehensive manner. Working closely with local watershed stakeholders, Colonel Magness took an innovative and forward looking approach to developing Corps of Engineers water resource projects. Among his many accomplishments while Commander, Colonel Magness played a significant role in advancing the construction of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project, which is one of the largest Corps of Engineers projects in the Nation. When completed, the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project will provide Orange County with dramatically enhanced flood protection.

Colonel Magness' military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and the Army Commendation Medal (four awards). He has been awarded the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is an Accredited Professional for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Colonel Magness is married to the former Michelle Carnes of Killeen, Texas. They have two daughters, Jenna and Shelby.

Colonel Magness' tireless commitment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and his role as Commander of the Los Angeles District has contributed immensely to the betterment of southern California. I am proud to call Colonel Magness a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many people are grateful for his service and salute him as he completes his tour as the 58th Commander, Los Angeles District, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I also wish him well as he assumes command on July 8, 2010 to help rebuild northern Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to our country are exceptional. The United States has been fortunate to have dynamic and devoted men and women who willingly and unselfishly dedicate their lives in service to our country. Colonel Robert E. Crowley is one such individual. Saturday, June 26, 2010, is Colonel Crowley's change of command ceremony at March Air Reserve Base in California, when he passes on his duties as Commander of the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade and retires from the United States Army. Colonel Crowley assumed command of the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade on August 9, 2008. The brigade, headquartered at March Air Reserve Base, California, consists of four Civil Affairs Battalions located in California and Arizona.

A native of New London, Connecticut, Colonel Crowley was commissioned an Infantry Officer in 1982 through the University of New Hampshire Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program and qualified as a Civil Affairs Officer in 1994. His previous commands include Commander, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) and Chief of Civil-Military Operations, United States Southern Division, HQDA. His overseas assignments include: Iraq, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, Bosnia, and Macedonia.

Colonel Crowley's military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer Course, the Joint Combined Warfighting Course, and the National War College. Prior to his current assignment as the Commander of the 358th Civil Affairs Brigade, Colonel Crowley was assigned to the National Defense University in Washington, DC, where he earned a Master's of Science Degree in National Security Strategy and was selected distinguished graduate. In addition to his master's degree, Colonel Crowley holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Colonel Crowley's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.

Colonel Crowley is the proud father of Elizabeth, Sarah, and Robert E. Crowley, III.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Colonel Crowley, who choose to live their lives in service to our country. He joins a unique brotherhood that, from the first shots at Lexington during our own revolution, has stood to protect us and defend the ideals of freedom and democracy. I know we are all grateful to Colonel

Crowley for his lifetime of service and salute him as he retires after 28 years of honorable service in the U.S. Army.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Leslie Alan Richter, an accomplished athlete, successful businessman, outstanding community member and close personal friend of mine. On June 12, 2010, Les passed away at the age of 79. Though Les has passed on from this life, he leaves a lasting legacy of generosity and accomplishment that will never be forgotten.

Born in Fresno, California, on October 6, 1930, Les attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he played football and graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1952. Before starting a career in professional football, Les served 2 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In 1954, he started with the Los Angeles Rams, who traded a record 11 players in order to get Les. He played linebacker and place kicker for the Rams for nine seasons--eight of those being All-Pro. In 1982 he entered the College Football Hall of Fame, and he is still considered one of the greatest linebackers in professional football.

After retiring from football, Les' interests turned to auto racing, and from 1963 to 1984 he ran the Riverside Raceway in Riverside, California. He then moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, where he worked for NASCAR for 10 years, and was named executive vice president of competition in 1986, and the senior vice president of operations in 1992. He is largely recognized as one of three key race track executives that helped guide and advise NASCAR founder ``Big Bill'' France, who made NASCAR the success it is today. Les built various tracks around the NASCAR circuit and was influential in helping expand the sport's national appeal. After leaving NASCAR, Les returned to Riverside, where he oversaw the development of the Auto Club Speedway.

Aside from his professional endeavors, Les was known for contributing to the community of Riverside. In fact, Les was an original member of the Monday Morning Group, a group of civic and business leaders who come to Washington every year to meet with legislators from southern California to further the goals of the Inland Empire region. Additionally, Les chaired the board of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce and also served on the Riverside Community College District board of trustees.

Les is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Anne Guerrucci; and three grandchildren.

Although Les was known for his great success in his profession, he will be remembered for his gentle manner, humility and great sense of humor. I have personally been influenced by Les, and consider him one of my most valued mentors.

On behalf of all those who knew him, it is an honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Les Richter. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the American people who deserve an answer about the out-of-control spending policies coming out of Washington. For the first time, the House has failed to produce a budget. There is no plan for how the majority will spend the American taxpayers' hard-earned money for fiscal year 2011.

For American families, if they don't get a budget and pay the bills, there are real consequences. Unfortunately, the majority continues to turn a blind eye to future consequences as they push spending to a record $3.8 trillion in fiscal year 2011 and widen the deficit to a record $1.5 trillion this year.

House Republicans stand ready to make tough choices in order to rein in spending. Recently, we introduced a measure on the House floor to freeze Federal civilian pay, which will save about $30 billion over 10 years. The program was selected by the American people through the innovate YouCut initiative. The American people have spoken: stop the spending frenzy, budget for the future, and return fiscal sanity to Washington.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose service to his country and family are exceptional. On December 17, 2009, U.S. Navy Commander Peter J. Carty passed away after a two-month battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed.

Commander Carty was born in September 29, 1965 in Portland, Oregon, to parents William and Janet Carty. He grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania with his siblings David, Jeanmarie, Robert, Timothy and Elizabeth. He graduated from high school in 1983 and attended the Virginia Military Institute. He graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, Peter was commissioned into the United States Navy as an officer and was assigned to the USS Jarrett (FFG-33) stationed at Naval Station Long Beach. Peter continued his career in the Reserves, eventually earning the rank of Commander.

In 1994, Peter received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California and went on to work as the Western Regional Manager for Parker Hannifin Corporation. Peter is survived by his wife, Carmina; his son, Andrew; stepdaughter, Lauren; parents, and siblings. Peter joins his older brother David who passed away in 2008 after a battle with cancer.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men like Commander Carty 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. Commander Carty was a true patriot who will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but his legacy and service to our great nation will always be remembered.

On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks on June 14th, Flag Day, as a tribute to the life and legacy of Commander Peter Carty.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an individual from my Congressional District who was recently named the 2010 Riverside Unified School District Teacher of the Year. Matt Schiller, a teacher at Poly High School, was one of three teachers honored last month at an event in Riverside, California.

Matt graduated from U.C. San Diego in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and received his teaching credentials and a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from U.C. Riverside in 2002. While

pursuing his master's degree, Matt became a teaching assistant and realized his passion for teaching science.

After graduating from U.C. Riverside, Matt completed his student teaching at A.B. Miller High School in Fontana, and taught physical science and biology at Westlake High School. He also taught chemistry through U.C. Riverside's Faststart summer program in 2008 and 2009. Matt has been teaching chemistry and earth science at Poly High School in Riverside since 2004.

Being recognized for his outstanding efforts is not new to Matt. In fact, he was awarded the Walton B. Sinclair Award in 2001 for being an outstanding student teacher at U.C. Riverside, and he also received the ``Special Friend to Special Education'' award from Conejo Valley Unified School District in 2003 for his work with the Information Technology Academy at Westlake High School. Additionally, he received special recognition for his collaboration with students in publishing a scientific article on protein structure.

True to his character of never settling for the status quo, Matt resurrected the Advanced Placement chemistry class which had not been available at Poly High School for several years. In his first year of teaching, more than 60 percent of his class passed the AP test. A 60 percent passing rate is still better than the national average, but that did not stop Matt from pushing himself to help even more of his students succeed. In 2009, that number grew to 92.3 percent, which is an incredible testament to Matt's dedication.

Matt has also taken the initiative to improve his contact with parents. He regularly emails the parents of his students with upcoming test information and packets of work, as well as routine grade checks so parents can stay in tune with their child's progress.

Matt has shown diversity in his non-science interests as well. In 2006 he started a photography club at Poly High School to share his interest in photography. The club has grown from a handful of students to nearly 100 students. And at the end of each year, the students display their work in a gallery in downtown Riverside.

Additionally, Matt coaches the Mock Trial club, and has led his team to the state competition two of the last six years.

Matt has said that the most important part of teaching is giving back to the community and his students; his actions have spoken much louder than his words. Matt has truly shown that he is an exemplary educator.

Matt Schiller's tireless passion for science and education has contributed immensely to the betterment of his students and the entire community of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Matt a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many students, parents, and faculty members are grateful for his service and join me in congratulating Matt on receiving this prestigious award.

Madam Speaker, June 8, 2010 was primary Election Day in my state of California, which necessitated my remaining in my congressional district on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, through Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Consequently, I was unable to return in time for rollcall votes 337 through 346.

I ask the Record to reflect that had I been present I would have voted as follows:

1. On rollcall No. 337, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 8) (H.R. 1061, Hoh Indian Tribe Safe Homelands Act).

2. On rollcall No. 338, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 8) (H. Res. 518, Honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation).

3. On rollcall No. 339, I would have voted ``no'' (June 9) (Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule for H.R. 5072--FHA Reform Act of 2010 (H. Res. 1424).

4. On rollcall No. 340, I would have voted ``no'' (June 9) (On Agreeing to the Resolution Providing for the consideration of the bill H.R. 5072, the FHA Reform Act).

5. On rollcall No. 341, I would have voted ``no'' (June 9) (H. Res. 989--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should adopt national policies and pursue international agreements to prevent ocean acidification, to study the impacts of ocean acidification, and to address the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coastal economies).

6. On rollcall No. 342, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (H. Res. 1178--Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to compile the cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office which are included in reports filed by committees of the House on approved legislation and post such estimates on the official public Internet site of the Office of the Clerk).

7. On rollcall No. 343, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (On the Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4173--Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 which instructs the House Conferees to end the culture of bailouts embedded in the bill.

8. On rollcall No. 344, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (H. Res. 1330--Recognizing June 8, 2010, as World Ocean Day).

9. On rollcall No. 345, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (H.R. 5278--To designate the ``President Ronald W. Reagan Post Office Building'' in Dixon, Illinois).

10. On rollcall No. 346, I would have voted ``aye'' (June 9) (H.R. 5133--To designate the ``Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill and Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz Post Office Building'' in Carlstadt, New Jersey).

Madam Speaker, on June 8th I regret I was not present to vote on H.R. 1061 and H. Res. 518. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both bills (rollcall Nos. 337-338). Today, had I been present, I would have voted: rollcall No. 339--``no''; rollcall No. 340-``no'' rollcall No. 341-``no''; rollcall No. 342-``aye'' rollcall No. 343-``aye''; rollcall No. Vote 344-``aye''; rollcall No. 345- ``aye''; rollcall No. 346-``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate an individual from my Congressional District who will be presented with the 2010 Father of the Year Award next week in Riverside, California.

The purpose of the Father of the Year Awards is to honor fathers who have remained a positive role model for their children while also making a positive difference in their community.

Ramon Alvarez is one of those fathers. He is married to his wife Araceli and together they have three children. He is also President of Alvarez Lincoln-Mercury and Alvarez Jaguar, and throughout his successful career, Ramon has made a strong commitment to local and civic activities.

I am proud to call Ramon a fellow community member and American. And today, I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate an individual from my Congressional District who will be presented with the 2010 Father of the Year Award next week in Riverside, California.

The purpose of the Father of the Year Awards is to honor fathers who have remained a positive role model for their children while also making a positive difference in their community.

John Gless is one of those fathers. He has been married to his wife Janet for 52 years, and has four children and 11 grandchildren. As owner and founder of Gless Ranch, John has been an active member of the California farming community and avid supporter of numerous charitable organizations.

I am proud to call John a fellow community member and American. And today, I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate an individual and dear friend from my Congressional District who will be presented with the 2010 Father of the Year Award next week in Riverside, California.

The purpose of the Father of the Year Awards is to honor fathers who have remained a positive role model for their children while also making a positive difference in their community.

Marion Ashley is one of those fathers. He has been married to his wife Mary for 54 years, and has 6 children, 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. As a lifelong resident of Riverside County, he has worked for decades to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.

After years of working in the private sector, both at a national accounting firm and in real estate investment, Marion decided to become more involved in public service. In 1973, he served on the Riverside County Planning Commission and in 1992 was elected to a seat on the board of the Eastern Municipal Water District. In 2002, he was elected to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, a position he still holds today.

As Supervisor of the 5th District in Riverside, Marion oversees a budget of $4.5 billion and sets public policy for more than two million people. In addition, he is the only Supervisor who has served as Chairman of: the Board of Supervisors; the Western Riverside Council of Governments; and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments.

Throughout his many roles, Marion has made family and public service his top priorities. His dedication to the people of Riverside County has not gone unnoticed, and he has become a respected leader on critical regional issues. Marion himself has said that he and his wife hope to build a community in which his children and grandchildren enjoy the same quality of life he has known in Riverside County, and I cannot think of someone who has worked so tirelessly in that effort.

I am proud to call Marion a friend, fellow community member and American. And today, I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition.