Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of San Clemente, California are exceptional. San Clemente 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. Truman Benedict is one of these individuals. On February 19, 2009, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will honor Truman with their ``Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award.''

Truman Benedict moved to San Clemente in 1949, along with his wife Betty. A credentialed teacher educated at Whittier College in Los Angeles, Truman first began teaching seventh graders at Las Palmas. A Superintendent who had originally come to the ``village,'' as San Clemente was known, in 1944, selected Truman for the job of seventh grade teacher.

While renting a place on Avenida Pelayo, Truman continued for five years to teach at Las Palmas School where he worked for $180 a month. Truman Benedict became Principal of Las Palmas School, and in 1956 was named Superintendent of the San Clemente Elementary School District, which included Las Palmas and Concordia schools.

In 1965 when the Capistrano Unified School District, encompassing San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach and San Clemente, was formed, Truman was named Assistant Superintendent in charge of curriculum and the certifying of teaching personnel. He eventually became Superintendent, then Deputy Superintendent of the district. From there Truman went on to serve as a San Clemente City Councilman, City Mayor and member of and volunteer for many civic groups.

Teaching came natural to Truman Benedict. As the smallest person in Los Angeles to ever play varsity basketball, Truman expected a lot of himself, and said that he was inspired by teachers who expected a lot out of him in return. Truman became a teacher because he enjoyed school and working with kids. It follows that in his career he was most often called upon to handle the older and brightest children.

In addition to his distinguished career as an educator and public servant, Truman is also a patriot; he served four years in the U.S. Armed Forces as P38 pilot. He was married to his wife Betty for 45 years until she passed away. Truman and Betty have two daughters, Sally and Nancy, and four grandchildren. The Truman Benedict School is named after him and Truman was named the 1990 San Clemente Citizen of the Year.

Truman's tireless passion for community service and education has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of San Clemente, California. I am proud to call Truman a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives the ``Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award.''

Mr. Speaker, in 1996, I created the E-Verify program, and I will not idly stand by while a coalition of pro-amnesty groups and their allies in big business kill this program in the dead of night. The American people have repeatedly voiced their support for employment verification; yet, we find that, once again, special interests win out.

While nearly 1 trillion taxpayer dollars are going to be spent in this Reid/Pelosi stimulus plan, there is no assurance that the job it created will go to American workers. Amendments to reauthorize the E- Verify program, which expires on March 6 and requires any entity receiving stimulus funds to participate in E-Verify, both of which had been accepted in the House Appropriations Committee, were stripped out of the bill without discussion or debate.

The one candle in the darkness of this disastrous bill was the reauthorization requirements to use E-Verify. Now, we are left with legislation that places the interests of illegal immigrants above those of hard-working American families and leaves this bill at the foot of future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Army Private Grant A. Cotting. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Grant grew up in Corona, California and attended Santiago High School for three years before graduating from Buena Vista High School in 2007. During his senior year, Grant was part of the ROTC program and hoped to have a career in the military. School officials and counselors remember Grant fondly--he was a quiet student who never hesitated to lend a hand to fellow students.

Private Cotting enlisted in the Army after graduation and was assigned to the 515th Sapper Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A sapper company handles demolitions, laying and disarming mines, and other combat engineering tasks. On January 24, 2009, Grant was killed in Kut, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Grant leaves behind his parents, Craig and Amanda, and four younger brothers, Branden, Nick, Scott and Lucas.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Grant, 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 news of Grant's death was probably the hardest day the Cotting family has ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice goes out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words I offer only begin to convey my deepest respect and highest appreciation.

Private Cotting's family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their son and brother, the goodness he brought to this world, and the sacrifice he has made, will always be remembered.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this so-called stimulus bill which seems only to stimulate one sector of our economy-- the government.

As a person who was a small business person--a realtor and restauranteur and a member of small business organizations--I can tell you that most small businesses out there are in opposition to this legislation.

There is no doubt that our country is going through some difficult economic times. There are many steps Congress can and should take to get our economy back on a path to prosperity. Unfortunately, it appears that the majority party is using our current economic woes to grow government spending to epic and historic proportions.

By way of comparison, in 1934, government spending reached about 11 percent of GDP in response to the Great Depression, and if passed, this stimulus bill will increase government spending to 23 percent of GDP. The question remains, what will all this spending get the American people? Will it truly provide more middle class jobs or improve infrastructure? The answer, sadly, is no. The bill provides a mind- boggling $365 billion for Labor, Health and Human Services programs.

The strategy under this bill is to throw billions of dollars in every bureaucratic direction, cross our fingers, and hope for the best. Not only are we wagering our future with this bill, but we're crossing a point of no return. This bill moves us dramatically closer

to a welfare state. It is forcing people who are the backbone of our economy, the middle class, into a troubling kind of public dependency.

Mr. Chairman, let us take time to truly do what is right for the American people and provide targeted and limited stimulus through tax cuts and spending on ready-to-build infrastructure that will really put Americans back to work immediately. That's what my constituents want, that's what they deserve.

Let's not exploit this economic crisis to push legislation that will increase the size and scope of the Federal Government above and beyond anything our country has seen in its 233 years.

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 dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make our Nation a better place to live and work. Dr. Raymond Orbach is one of these individuals. On January 23, 2009, Dr. Orbach's term serving as the first Under Secretary of the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy will come to an end.

Dr. Orbach began his academic career as a postdoctoral fellow at Oxford University in 1960 and became an assistant professor of applied physics at Harvard University in 1961. He joined the faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA, 2 years later as an associate professor and became a full professor in 1966. From 1982 to 1992, he served as the provost of the College of Letters and Science at

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Frank Nelson is one of these individuals.

Frank Nelson has been a Realtor in the Corona area for 17 years. He is the current

Board President for the Inland Gateway Association of Realtors and he also served as President in 1998. Frank has served the Realtors as the Federal Political Coordinator and State Director for 14 years, and is the 14th district Vice President.

Frank has also served as Chairman of Land Use and Vice Chairman of Property Management and Land Use for the California Association of Realtors. He is a member of Federal Issues, Local Government Relations, and served on a special task force for Private Transfer Tax and presently is serving on the Department of Real Estates for rewriting questions for the California Department of Real Estate license exam.

I also have a personal connection with Frank. He lived across the street from my mother, Marsha, and would often look in on her while I was away. Frank epitomized a good neighbor who was always there to lend a helping hand.

Frank's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Frank a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as his term ends as the Inland Gateway Association of Realtors Board President.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Jeff Miller is one of these individuals. On November 4, 2008, Jeff was elected to serve as the Assemblyman for the 71st California Assembly District and I congratulate Jeff as he moves to the next stage of public service.

Jeff Miller was elected to his first term on the Corona City Council in November of 2000 and currently serves as Mayor. He was reelected and served as Mayor in 2004. Mayor Miller is a member of the Council's Transportation & Legislative Committee and he also represents the Council on the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC). He is also currently Chairman of the 91 Freeway Toll Road Advisory Committee.

Jeff Miller is an active member of the Corona community. He is Vice President of the Corona Heritage Foundation, a Governing Board member of Corona Regional Medical Center, a Board member of the Corona/Norco YMCA, founder and member of the Riverside County Young Republicans and a past member of the City's Parks and Recreation Commission. Jeff is currently Chairman of the Riverside County Republican Party.

Jeff Miller, and his wife Debora, have two children. Jeff has owned an insurance company for 22 years and has an office in Corona. He graduated from the California State University in Fullerton and holds a degree in Criminal Justice.

Jeff's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Jeff a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he takes office as a California Assemblyman.

Madam Speaker, I have received authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 for two projects in California's 44th Congressional District which are described as follows:

Requesting Member: Congresman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: S. 3001.

Account: Standards Development--Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, NAVY.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division.

Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division, 2300 Fifth St., Norco, CA 92860.

Description of Request: I have received congressional authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (NDAA FY09) for a requested project in the amount of $2,000,000. The authorization is for a project which would continue work in the areas of Primary and Depot Maintenance calibration standards. Specifically the work will be done in the technology areas of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC), electro-optics, and physical-mechanical. The purpose of the work is to ensure measurement accuracy in support and maintenance of new advanced technology weapon systems, current weapon systems and associated support equipment. Specifically, the funding also continues efforts of calibration standards (hardware) in support of Nanoscale Dimensional Standards using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Standards developed through this ongoing program provides continued measurement support and capability to ensure that our nation's advanced weapon systems operate as designed and detectors accurately recognize threats.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: S. 3001.

Account: Defense Wide--Research, Development, Test & Evaluation.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Nonoscale Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside.

Address of Requesting Entity: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521.

Description of Request: I have received congressional authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (NDAA FY09) for a requested project in the amount of $3,000,000 for 3D- electronics technology. This project aims to take advantage of recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices to begin to address the issue necessary to take the electronics industry beyond the two-dimensional silicon based devices and wiring and to develop high density, 3D- electronics technology together with associated packaging, protable power sources and heat dissipation solutions. UC Riverside has substantial expertise in the development of nanomaterials that offer extraordinary properties when properly engineered for these applications. The proposed effort will fund technology development studies in the following five areas: 3D integration of RF and Digital technologies; materials development for thermal management; materials development for 3D wiring; materials development for multi-technology isolation; and development of process equipment for advanced 3D processes and materials manufacturing. The availability of new approaches to very high density electronics and compact power sources that are built from the new generation of nanomaterials will greatly aid the DoD mission in providing advanced electronics and power in the battlefield.

Madam Speaker, I have received congressional appropriations in H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, FY 2009, for three projects in California's 44th Congressional District which are described as follows:

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: H.R. 2683.

Account: Standards Development--Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division.

Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division, 2300 Fifth St., Norco, CA.

Description of Request: The stated project has received a congressional appropriation in the amount of $2,800,000. The appropriation is for a project which would continue work in the areas of Primary and Depot Maintenance calibration standards. Specifically the work will be done in the technology areas of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC), electro-optics, and physical-mechanical. The purpose of the work is to ensure measurement accuracy in support and maintenance of new advanced technology weapon systems, current weapon systems and associated support equipment. Specifically, the funding also continues efforts of calibration standards (hardware) in support of Nanoscale Dimensional Standards using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Standards developed through this ongoing program provide continued measurement support and capability to ensure that our Nation's advanced weapon systems operate as designed and detectors accurately recognize threats.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: H.R. 2683.

Account: Defense Wide--Research, Development, Test & Evaluation.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside.

Address of Requesting Entity: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA.

Description of Request: The stated project has received a congressional appropriation in the amount of $2,400,000. This project aims to take advantage of recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices to begin to address the issue necessary to take the electronics industry beyond the two-dimensional silicon based devices and wiring and to develop high density, 3D electronics technology together with associated packaging, portable power sources and heat dissipation solutions. UC Riverside has substantial expertise in the development of nanomaterials that offer extraordinary properties when properly engineered for these applications. The proposed effort will fund technology development studies in the following five areas: 3D integration of RF and Digital technologies; materials development for thermal management; materials development for 3D wiring; materials development for multi-technology isolation; and development of process equipment for advanced 3D processes and materials manufacturing. The availability of new approaches to very high density electronics and compact power sources that are built from the new generation of nanomaterials will greatly aid the DoD mission in providing advanced electronics and power in the battlefield.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: H.R. 2683.

Account: Defense Wide--Operations & Maintenance.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: March Joint Powers Authority.

Address of Requesting Entity: 23555 Meyer Drive, Riverside, CA.

Description of Request: The stated project has received a congressional appropriation in the amount of $1,200,000 for the purpose of demolishing existing structures on the northeast corner of the former March Air Force Base. The demolition of the buildings is necessary due to structural deficiencies, ADA compliance or prohibitive cost to meet modernization and current building code requirements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to two individuals whose ongoing dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California have been exceptional. Corona 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. Sylvia and Leroy Fleming are two of these individuals. On September 23, 2008, the Temescal District Boy Scouts of America will host the 2008 Distinguished Citizens Dinner in honor of Sylvia and Leroy.

Sylvia has lived in Corona since 1947 and attended Corona schools including St. Edward Catholic School and Corona Senior High School where she graduated with the class of 1962. Leroy came to California from Iowa in 1963. Sylvia and Leroy met while attending Chaffey College and they were married August 1, 1964. Leroy worked for the Orange County Food Service until Sylvia opened the Via-Ery Park N' Eat Catering in 1974 with two trucks. They now load 60 catering trucks serving the Inland Empire.

Sylvia has been involved in the community for many years. She was president of Triple M, a previous branch of the Women's Improvement Club, a commissioner for the Corona Parks and Recreation, and served on the board of the Corona-Norco PTA Council. She also served as Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for Community Health and was a member of Soroptimist International of Corona where she served as President. Sylvia is the recipient of the Status of Women Award and Women Helping Women Award. She was also a member of the St. Edward School Board and received the Seton award from the Diocese of San Bernardino. Another award Sylvia has received is the Distinguished Graduate Award from the National Catholic Educational Association. Sylvia is a Eucharistic Minister for St. Edward Catholic Church and a member of the Catholic Daughters. She is owner of Sylvia's treasures, a business that donates all profits to charity.

Leroy as well has been involved in Corona for several years; he is a member of the Corona Host Lions where he has served as President. He has received the Outstanding Member of the Year Award and Lion of the Year Award. Leroy is instrumental in securing most of the food for the annual Pancake Breakfast held in September. In 2003, Sylvia and Leroy received the Citizens of the Year Award from the Corona Chamber of Commerce. Leroy and Sylvia are also members of the Navy League of Corona and Leroy spends a significant amount of time raising funds for various charitable organizations. Sylvia and Leroy have three children, two sons-in-Iaws and six grandchildren.

Sylvia and Leroy's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Sylvia and Leroy fellow community members, Americans and friends. I know that many community members are grateful for their service and salute them as 2008 Distinguished Citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Matt Logan is one of these individuals. On September 23, 2008, the Temescal District Boy Scouts of America will host the 2008 Distinguished Citizens Dinner in honor of Matt Logan.

Matt Logan has been the coach of the Centennial Huskies for 11 years. Centennial is currently ranked number 17 in the country and Matt has an overall record of 108-3. In the last eight seasons the Huskies have posted an incredible record of 90-15, which includes four CIF Championships, seven League Championships, a trip to the State Championship Bowl Game, and a 22 game winning streak.

Matt's coaching honors include: the 2007 Press Enterprise Sportsmen of the Year; NFL/ABC 2007 Coach of the Year; 2004 CalHiSports State Coach of the Year; the 2002, 2004, and 2007 Riverside County Coach of the Year; four-time CIF Coach of the Year; six-time League Coach of the Year; and two-time NFL Coach of the Week. Matt was selected to coach in the 2007 Southern California Bowl, the 2002 and 2003 Inland Empire All- Star Classic, the 2004 Cal/Florida Bowl, and the 2004 Shrine Game. During Coach Logan's tenure, there have been over 50 players to earn college scholarships.

Before becoming the Head Coach, Matt served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Huskies when they reached the CIF Finals in 1996 and the CIF semi-finals in 1995. Prior to Centennial High School, he coached at Esperanza High School and at Mater Dei High School. A 1985 graduate of Norco High School, Matt lettered in football, basketball and track and he was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997. After high school, Coach Logan went on to play running back at Fullerton College and then at Chico State University. He graduated from Chico State in 1990 with a degree in Business. After a couple of years in sales, Matt returned to college and in 1995 received his Teaching Credential from Cal State Fullerton. In 2001, he graduated with a Masters Degree in Education from Azusa Pacifica University. In addition to his Head Coach responsibilities, he teaches Physical Education at Centennial High School. Matt and his late wife Donna, have three beautiful daughters; Lindsey who is 16 and a Junior at Centennial, Samantha who is 13 and Madison who is 12 years old.

Matt's tireless passion for coaching and mentoring has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California and to Centennial High School. I am proud to call Matt a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute them as a 2008 Distinguished Citizen.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have made it clear that they support all-of-the-above energy solutions that increase the production of American-made energy, including offshore energy. Unfortunately, the Democrats' so-called energy bill is anything but an all-of-the-above energy bill.

The Democrat bill claims to expand offshore drilling, and yet it expands drilling in areas where there isn't any oil.

The energy bill also requires the States to opt in to allow offshore energy exploration off their coast. However, it doesn't even provide them with a share of the royalty revenues.

I think the American people would agree that we should be providing coastal States with incentives to produce energy, not discourage them. I strongly oppose any effort to treat California as a second-class State, and I am frankly surprised that the Speaker would support a bill that denies our State royalty revenue benefits that other States currently enjoy.

This bill does nothing to increase production of nuclear power, nothing for hydropower, and nothing to increase refining capability. This bill is hardly change we can believe in. In fact, this bill isn't change at all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the city of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona 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. Corona Police Chief Richard Gonzales is one of these individuals. On September 12, 2008, Richard Gonzales will retire as the Corona Chief of Police.

A native Californian, born in Los Angeles, Richard makes his home in Corona with his wife Terry. Richard was sworn in as Corona's Police Chief on February 17, 1998. Previously, he spent 26 years the Los Angeles Police Department, beginning in 1972 as a patrol officer and retiring in 1998 as Captain III overseeing a staff of 170 at Hollenbeck Division. Prior to this he was the commanding officer of the 77th Street area.

Chief Gonzales holds a Master of Arts Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, both from Cal State Long Beach. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia and in 2001 he attended the FBINA LEEDS Training. He has attained an ``Executive'' POST Certificate. He previously taught a POST supervisory course at the Ben Clark Training Center in Riverside for the Sheriff's Department and a POST supervisory LDSP course at Golden West College.

During his tenure as Chief of Police for the city of Corona, Gonzales oversaw the growth of the department from 114 officers to 189 officers. In addition, he advocated for the acquisition of a mobile command post, computers for patrol cars and an indoor shooting range that is 25 lanes wide. Chief Gonzales has been an excellent public servant who has consistently provided for the safety and well-being of the community of Corona.

Chief Gonzales is also actively involved in community youth activities as a board member of UNITY. His hobbies include golf and jogging and he is a member of his department's Baker-to-Vegas running team. Chief Gonzales has actively instituted partnerships with the local school district, ministerial groups and other service organizations to keep our community safe and raise the quality of life we share here in Corona. In 1999, Chief Gonzales was honored by the Inland Empire Hispanic Image Awards as ``Public Safety Person of the Year'' and in 2001 received the Ira Calvert Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. In July, 2003, he received the ``Law Administrator of the Year'' award from the California School Resource Officers' Association.

Richard's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Richard a fellow community member, American, and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside County, CA 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. Borre Winckel is one of these individuals. Borre is retiring as the Executive Director of the Building Industry Association, BIA, for Riverside County.

Born in the Netherlands, Borre arrived in the U.S. in 1977 following his family's acquisition of property in Temecula, CA. Borre was educated at Boston University and received joint degrees in Print Journalism and Public Communication. After graduation, Borre joined Chase Manhattan Bank's New York City Head Office as a Press Spokesman and Speechwriter for the Office of the Chairman. Chase decided Borre was better suited for banking and placed him in their prestigious corporate finance credit training program in Wall Street.

Following Wall Street, Borre's mixed-use land development activities led him to join the Riverside County BIA Chapter, which he has run as its Executive Director since 1996. The County's volume of building permit activity--highest in the State of California--places him center stage on many growth and development related issues. Under his leadership, Riverside County BIA became the region's leading private sector participant in major transportation planning and funding projects; air and water quality issues; endangered species conservation planning and residential green building programs. Borre is frequently quoted in the major media and is a sought after as a conference speaker.

Some of the BIA accomplishments under Borre include: membership at the Riverside Chapter flourished, tripling in size to over 700 members; in coordination with city and county officials, the BIA helped develop the Riverside County Integrated Project, RCIP, a three year planning effort to simultaneously prepare environmental, transportation, housing and development guidelines for future population growth; and worked with officials and outside groups to establish the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, MSHCP. In 2007, Borre convinced the County Board of Supervisors to initiate a streamlining strike force to speed up the entitlement and permitting process. As a result, County entitlement and permitting processes are already more fluid and predictable.

Borre is a resident of San Juan Capistrano and is married to Kay Sutton-Nagel. They have three children, Emilie, Sophie and George, Jr. Borre's tireless passion for the community of Riverside County has contributed immensely to the betterment of the Inland Empire. I am proud to call Borre a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a church whose dedication and contributions to the community of southern California are exceptional. Southern California is fortunate to have dedicated religious organizations that willingly and unselfishly give their time to make their communities a better place to live, work and worship. From August 24, 2008 to August 27, 2008 Amos Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal, C.M.E., Church in Riverside, led by Pastor Julio A. Andujo, will serve as host for the 2008 Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Church Conference.

The Conference will take place at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, California. The Right Reverend Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the C.M.E. Church will convene the annual conference.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church came into existence following the issuance of the historic Emancipation Proclamation, which signaled the movement from slavery to freedom, and gave former slaves the dignity and honor to worship in their own church.

On December 16, 1870, in Jackson, Tennessee, 41 delegates from the Colored Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South organized their own separate and independent religious organization, chose a name for their Church and met all the requirements of the American Methodism.

The C.M.E. Church successfully met the challenges of providing higher education by establishing such historically African-American colleges as Lane College, Jackson, Tennessee, 1882; Paine College, Augusta, Georgia, 1882; Texas College, Tyler, Texas, 1884; Miles College, Birmingham, Alabama, 1905; and the Phillips School of Theology, 1958, Atlanta, Georgia.

Through the years the C.M.E. has shown a remarkable sensitivity to the spirit of changing times as evidenced by the 1954 resolution by the General Conference to change the name from the ``Colored Methodist Episcopal'' to the ``Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.''

The C.M.E. Church has continuously shown a commitment to higher education, civic pride and spiritual leadership. Under Bishop Williamson's leadership, the 9th Episcopal District has embraced his ``One Church One School Community Partnership Program'' which involves churches and schools in partnership to teach young people to value life and learning.

The Christian Methodist Church is truly a pillar in the community of Riverside, California and throughout the state and country. I commend the members and leadership of the C.M.E. for their dedication to worship, to their neighbors and to the Christian way of life.