Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6633. As the original author of E-Verify in 1996, I have monitored the development of the program closely over the last 12 years. It has evolved from a humble five-State pilot program to a program that is available nationwide with over 78,000 employers participating.

All employers in the United States are required by law to hire legal workers. E-Verify is the only tool available to employers to check the work status of newly-hired employees. It is timely, user-friendly, free to employers, and 99.5 percent accurate. In fact, 94.2 percent of checks to the system receive an instant green light to work.

To date, for fiscal year 2008, over 5 million queries to the system have been run successfully. A total of 3.2 million queries were made for fiscal year 2007, and 1.7 million queries were made for fiscal year 2006. Two States, Arizona and Mississippi, have made E-Verify mandatory, and almost all 50 States have legislation pending that would require the use of E-Verify at some level in the State. Individuals who receive a tentative non-confirmation have eight business days to contact the Social Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security to start the process to clarify that status.

DHS has also implemented the Photo Tool program for noncitizens who are authorized to work in the United States. The Photo Tool allows employers to check the photo presented on the employment authorization document with a photo in the DHS database.

As the State of Arizona has demonstrated, E-Verify prevents individuals here illegally from obtaining work, and it solves the problem of deportation, since most people choose to self-deport when they are unable to find a job. E-Verify has proved it is effective, and it is imperative we do not let the program expire on November 30 of this year.

H.R. 6633 extends E-Verify for an additional 5 years and requires two GAO reports that I believe will reaffirm the effectiveness and accuracy of this program. This legislation codifies the annual payment agreement between the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to ensure that SSA is receiving the funds necessary to run E-Verify.

I commend Representative Giffords for her sponsorship of the bill. I thank Subcommittee Chairwoman Lofgren, Ranking Member King, Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith for their work on this effort as well. The American people have voiced their strong support for E-Verify. I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 6633 and extend E-Verify for an additional 5 years.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of House Resolution 1296, 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 numerous organizations and individuals who help 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, this is no guarantee that every child will have a support system to rely on. Thankfully there are many caring organizations that provide for children in need.

Even children with solid support systems benefit from youth-serving organizations. They enrich their lives through activities such as sports, the arts, philanthropy and further education outside the classroom.

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the 50 bipartisan cosponsors. I would also like to thank the gentlelady from Orange County, my Democratic lead cosponsor, Loretta Sanchez, for her efforts on behalf of this resolution. In addition, I would like to extend a special thanks to the Education and Labor Committee leadership and staff for moving the bill

quickly. And I look forward to working with the Senate to have a companion resolution pass in the Senate Chamber. It is my hope that the administration will, by Presidential proclamation, also designate September as National Child Awareness Month so that the many child- focused programs of the Federal Government might be also highlighted.

Finally, I commend the many local and national youth-serving organizations and charities dedicated to the well-being of children.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam 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. Larry Parrish is one of these individuals. On July 24, 2008, a retirement dinner will be held in honor of Larry's 16 years of service as the county executive officer for Riverside County.

As the county executive officer, Larry manages county finances and operations, consistent with the policies established by the Board of Supervisors. In January 1995, supervisors centralized Mr. Parrish's managerial role by expanding his oversight of the many and diverse services provided to the county's 1.4 million residents. Under Larry's leadership, county departments have charted an aggressive course to meet the board's vision of targeting scarce resources to sustain high- priority services despite State reductions to local funding.

Mr. Parrish's 32-year career in county government includes key positions with both local and statewide focus. His experience as a county executive spans nearly 15 years, having served in this capacity in both Santa Barbara and Orange Counties. Prior to coming to Riverside County, he also spent 2 years as a Sacramento-based legislative advocate. Mr. Parrish entered county government in the probation field, rising to become chief probation officer for the counties of Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara.

For 8 years, Mr. Parrish served as a school board member of Santa Cruz City Schools. He was an instructor at Cabrillo Junior College in Santa Cruz County and a lecturer at the U.C. Irvine Graduate School of Management. He has also served as a Finance Corporation Board Member for the California State Association of Counties. Larry received a B.A. in sociology from Northwest Nazarene College, Nampa, Idaho.

In 1996, the University of California at Riverside named Mr. Parrish Public Management Leader of the Year. Mr. Parrish and his wife, Kathie, currently reside in Rancho Mirage, California. He has two grown children, one granddaughter and one grandson.

Larry's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Larry 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 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. Michael Warren is one of these individuals. On July 3, 2008, Michael retired after 14 years as the Chief of the Corona Fire Department and a celebration will be held this Saturday, July 12, 2008, in his honor.

Michael Warren was the Fire Chief for the City of Corona since May 1994 and also served as the Emergency Services Director for the City of Corona. In addition, Chief Warren serves as the Operational Area Mutual Aid Coordinator for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The Corona Fire Department currently employs a staff of 146 members and operates the suppression activities for the city from seven fire stations. In addition to being the Fire Chief, Chief Warren has served as the Acting Police Chief and Acting Utilities Director for the City of Corona. In his capacity as Fire Chief along with the ``Acting'' assignments he has worked closely with all of the other municipal departments creating collaborative solutions to city wide problems.

Chief Warren previously was the Deputy Chief for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection/San Bernardino County Fire Department and Mutual Aid Operational Area Coordinator, and served with the U.S. Forest Service. He has over 36 years of experience in the fire service, serving on major emergency incidents throughout the United States. Chief Warren was a member of the National Emergency Incident Management Team. He has presented discussions on large scale emergency incident management to other state emergency organizations including the State of New York and at the International Association of Fire Chiefs conference.

Chief Warren was the President of the California Fire Chiefs Association from 2004-06, and held the Legislative Director position for the California Fire Chiefs Association. In addition, he serves on the Governor's Homeland Security Public Safety Advisory Council. Chief Warren was a member on the Public Safety Policy Committee for the League of California Cities, Vice Chair of the Inland Empire Affiliate of Burn Institute, is an active member of the board on Alternatives to Domestic Violence, and the Rotary Club. He was appointed to the California Emergency Council in 2006 by Governor Schwarzenegger. At the request of the Governor, Chief Warren has been Chairing the Blue Ribbon Commission Task Force since 2004.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Chief Warren was asked to serve as one of ten national experts on a nationwide program to assist other states in developing their own mutual aid programs and systems. He has worked with Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Tennessee and is currently working with Utah, Nevada, Hawaii and Alaska. In the State of California, Chief Warren participates in discussions relative to amendments and changes to California's Mutual Aid program. In that capacity he also works directly with Federal Cooperators. Having served his entire career in the California Fire Service, he has participated in the development of ICS in the early 1970s up to and including the most recent discussions on revisions to the State's plan.

Chief Warren attended Chaffey College and Northern Arizona University, attaining degrees and certificates in professional forestry, fire science and police science.

Chief Warren's expertise and tireless passion for the well-being and safety of the community has contributed immensely to the betterment of the City of Corona and the State of California. I am proud to call Michael 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 educational 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. Dr. Susan Rainey is one of these individuals. On July 31, 2008, Dr. Rainey will end a decade of service to the students and families of the Riverside Unified School District, and her retirement will also mark the end of a 40-year career in education. On July 23, 2008, a dinner will be held in Dr. Rainey's honor.

Dr. Rainey has been with the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) since July 1998 and led the District through many challenges and achievements. Under her leadership, RUSD schools have consistently achieved academic gains. RUSD has built nine new schools and modernized many others. Two of the schools have been named No Child Left Behind National Blue Ribbon Schools and 23 schools have earned the California Distinguished School Award. Individually, many students have excelled in sports, academics, and the arts. Under Dr. Rainey's leadership, each student has been afforded every opportunity for success through such programs as the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

Prior to joining RUSD, Dr. Rainey worked for the Yucaipa, Palo Alto, Redlands, Monrovia, Brea-Olinda, Hemet and Charter Oak school districts. She also has been involved in numerous professional and community organizations including: the Rotary Club of Riverside; American Heart Association; Association of California School Administrators; California City School Superintendents; Riverside Association of School Managers; California Association of large Suburban School Districts; and

the United Way. Dr. Rainey also serves as a docent at the Mission Inn in Riverside.

The success of the Riverside Unified School District can be attributed to the strong and inspiring leadership of retiring District Superintendent Dr. Susan Rainey. RUSD has produced National History Day and California State Science Fair, Envirothon, and Mock Trial winners, innumerable California Interscholastic Federation champions and world class artists and musicians. RUSD is home to several Riverside County principals and teachers of the year who have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.

Dr. Rainey's tireless passion for education has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Dr. Rainey a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members, teachers, administrators and students are grateful for her service and salute her as she retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the Inland Empire in California are exceptional. The Inland Empire 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. Maurice Calderon is one of these individuals. On June 27, 2008, there will be a ceremony for Maurice as he retires from the position of vice president of minority development at Arrowhead Credit Union in San Bernardino, California.

Born and raised in Banning, California, Maurice learned the rich traditions and values of his Hispanic heritage and has used those lessons throughout his professional life. This treasured background guided Mr. Calderon in his unwavering commitment of professional and public service to the people of the Inland Empire. An elected school board member for 9 years in Banning, followed by an elective seat as a Mount San Jacinto Community College district trustee for another 9 years, Mr. Calderon was in the wonderful position of public service.

Maurice is an active member of numerous business, education, and community groups. He is a member of both the Inland Empire Hispanic, and African American, Chambers of Commerce. He is a member of the board of trustees of the University of California, Riverside Foundation, and the San Bernardino Valley College Foundation. Maurice is also a director for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, president of Sinfonia Mexicana and chairman of the Inland Empire Hispanic Leadership Council.

Maurice has been honored to receive many awards from community and service groups over the years including ``Father of the Year'' from the city of Banning. He has also received ``Citizen of the Year'' from the city of Beaumont and Phi Delta Kappa, Riverside. Maurice was named the inaugural ``Hispanic of the Year'' and ``Influential Latino of the Year'' in 1998 by the Inland Empire Hispanic Chamber, and Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine, respectively. Mr. Calderon was also named ``Influential Latino of the Year'' and was a distinguished medal recipient for the Northside Impact Committee of Redlands in 1996. Maurice was also the inaugural recipient of the California Credit Union League Diversity Award, and was named to the Southern California Native American and Latino Hall of Fame. In April of 2004, Maurice was honored as the recipient of the 2004 Reconocimiento Ohtli Award, an award given by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which recognizes those who have proven their excellence, are role models for the society, and have contributed most successfully to the well-being of the communities of Mexican origin in the United States. Maurice was awarded the Black Rose Award for 2004 from the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation for his dedication and service to the community. On September 1, 2005, the city of Banning acknowledged Maurice Calderon and the entire Calderon family for over 100 years of community service by naming a street Calderon Way in their honor. In November of 2005, Maurice received the California Credit Union League PAC 2005 Advocate of the Year Award during the League's annual meeting in Anaheim, California. In 2008 Maurice received the Sinfonia Mexicana Award for Service for serving as president from 2001 to 2008. In May of 2008 Maurice received the Esperanza Award from the California Chicano News Media Association.

Mr. Calderon has received certificates from the University of Georgia and Indiana University in savings and loan graduate programs. He also received an associate of arts degree from Mount San Jacinto College with honors. Married to Dorothy Calderon for 47 wonderful years, Maurice has two children and four grandchildren. Maurice's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the Inland Empire. I am proud to call Maurice 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, the American people recognize that expanding our offshore energy exploration is long overdue. Unfortunately, my Democratic colleagues have failed to reach this obvious conclusion, so let me offer them some help.

This is our country. This is our country's Outer Continental Shelf. There is oil and natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf that belongs to us, the American people. As offshore oil production increases, our domestic oil supply increases. As oil supplies increase, prices will decline. Let me repeat that for my Democratic colleagues.

This is our country. This is our country's Outer Continental Shelf. There is oil and natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf that belongs to us, the American people. As offshore oil production increases, our domestic oil supply increases. As supplies increase, prices will decline.

Hopefully, for the sake of the Americans that are suffering at the gas pump, our Democratic colleagues can learn what everybody else in the world has known all along: If you have energy resources, use them.

Madam Speaker, 2 years ago, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle told the American people they had a commonsense plan to bring down gas prices. Unfortunately, we still haven't seen this commonsense plan, so I would like to offer my own.

This is a drill bit. The drill bit goes into the ground. Oil comes out of the ground. Oil goes to a refinery. Gasoline comes out of the refinery. More gas, price comes down.

Let me repeat that for those on the other side who seem not able to understand that.

This is a drill bit. The drill goes down into the ground. Oil comes out of the ground. Oil goes to the refinery. Gasoline comes out of the refinery. More gas, price comes down.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a wonderful individual from the community of Riverside, Timilie Woodruff, who passed away at her home on May 15, 2008. Timilie was a remarkable woman who was deeply devoted to her family and community.

Timilie was born on November 19, 1940, in Safford, Arizona where she attended Safford High School as well as The University of Arizona. She moved to the City of Riverside in 1969. For the past fourteen years Timilie worked as the Project Coordinator for the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Her duties included organizing meetings for ten committees including agendas, notification, reports, minutes, and wanted information. She maintained and produced all correspondence for the President of the Chamber, kept and scheduled his calendar, answered phones and dispensed information to chamber callers. She also put together and choreographed weekly luncheons with major Riverside industries, Chamber Board, and local government officials. Timilie staffed the community leaders ``Monday Morning Group'' activities and ``Leadership Riverside'' program and managed schedules, meetings, files, correspondence, and logistics.

Before her job with the Chamber of Commerce, Timilie worked for the University of California, Riverside Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. Timilie handled everything from welcoming new students to serving as an advisor the Student Alumni Association. Timilie also previously worked for the United Way of the Inland Valleys, Riverside and for the American Heart Association, Riverside County Chapter.

Timilie was a valued member of the community and she will be sorely missed. She was a great mother, daughter, grandmother, companion and friend. Timilie is survived by her life partner of 15 years, Paul McAdam; sons, Lenny and Chris; daughters in-law, Vickie and Debbie; mother, Isabel Nelson; brother, Story Nelson; and 5 grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Timilie will always be remembered for her ready smile, her positive attitude and the joy she brought to the people around her. Thank you and God Bless.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of individuals--heroes--who are receiving the recognition and honor they deserve for their service to our country. Operation Recognition is operated by the Riverside County Office of Education with assistance from the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services. The program awards high school diplomas to veterans who missed completing high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean war, or the Vietnam war, or due to internment in WWII Japanese-American relocation camps.

A recognition ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, for the following individuals who received their high school diplomas through Operation Recognition:

Gary Anderson, Jess David Atilano, George R. Baca, Mark Chandler Banks, Clyde A. Bell, Kenneth M. Cable, Joseph Carpini, Franklin Delano Coffey, Michael DeCosta Jr., William Deile, Juan V. Espinoza, Lind Torrey Fiveland, Ronald Ascension Fraijo, Henry Joe Garcia, Peter James Garcia, Eugenio Gomez, David Diaz Gonzales, Marcelo Gonzalez Jr., Richard L. Goorey, Richard R. Granado, Carl F. Hawkins, Donald E. Hawley, David W. Heard, Noel Heft, Walter Edward Hetzel, Keith A. Hograve, Richard Jaramillo, Norman L. Keepers, Michael J. Lambert Jr., Phillip A. LeGault, Estepan J. Luna, Richard E. Marruffo, Augustine G. Martinez, George Mello, Fred G. Mora, Frank Guadalupe Munoz, Manuel Munoz, Frank R. Munro, Richard G. Nelson, George O. Peterson, Clayton Lawrence, Pringle Kent; Eugene Ransdell, William S. Rivera, Steven Michael Roberts, William Holst Rodgers, David Paul Rogers, Harold Richard Roselli, Glen Harlen Routh, Albert Ortiz Salsedo, Victor M. Sartoresi, George M. Valencia, and Anthony Zamora.

Our country owes a debt of gratitude to all the above recipients for their service and sacrifice. I salute all the above individuals and congratulate them on receiving their high school diploma.

Madam Speaker, I have received congressional authorization in the House-passed version of 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: Congressman Ken Calvert.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

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 House-passed version of 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: H.R. 5658.

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, California 92521.

Description of Request: I have received congressional authorization in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (NDAA FY09) for a requested project in the amount of $3,000,000 for 3-D-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, 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an extraordinary young woman from Riverside, California. Otana Jakpor may only be 14 years old and

a sophomore at Woodcrest Christian High School but she is already establishing herself as a promising scientist. Otana is the Region IX recipient of the 2007 President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) for a science project titled ``Indoor Air Pollution: The Pulmonary Effects of Ozone-Generating Air Purifiers.''

Young people from around the country are invited annually to participate in the PEYA program, which is aimed at encouraging individuals, school classes, summer camps, youth organizations and public interest groups to promote environmental awareness and encourage positive community involvement. One award is given for each of the Environmental Protection Agency's 10 regions. (EPA Region 9 includes California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii.) On April 17, 2008, President Bush presented the award to Otana at a White House Ceremony.

Ms. Jakpor decided to focus her project on indoor pollution after she read a Consumer Reports article titled ``New Concerns about Ionizing Air Cleaners.'' The article reported that certain models of ionizing air cleaners emit high amounts of ozone, but it did not include any research data. Otana's findings indicated that indoor air purifiers, neck air purifiers and ionizers emit high amounts of ozone, one result was 15 times higher than the level of a State 3 smog alert.

Ms. Jakpor's findings were significant and on September 27, 2007, she presented them to the California Air Resources Board at a hearing on indoor air purifier pollution. The Board voted to adopt a regulation to limit ozone emissions from air purifiers to less than 0.050 parts per million, and now California is the first state in the nation to regulate ozone generators.

Recognition for her scientific achievements are not new to Otana, she has received the NAACP Los Angeles ACT-SO Competition Gold medal in Medicine; eight awards from the RIMS Inland Science and Engineering Fair for both her freshman and sophomore projects; and fourth place award in the Pharmacology/Toxicology Category in the Senior Division for her research on ozone at the California State Science Fair. She is a spokesperson for the American Lung Association and has appeared on the Discovery Channel.

Ms. Jakpor is first in her class at an excellent and competitive school and has a 4.33 Grade Point Average. It is an honor to recognize Otana for all her achievements at such a young age. I commend Ms. Jakpor for her hard work, commitment and outstanding educational achievements. I have no doubt she will continue to contribute to the science community and look forward to hearing about the incredible discoveries of Otana Jakpor in the years to come.

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. Cynthia Schneider is one of these individuals. On May 17, 2008, Cynthia will be recognized at the Corona-Norco Family YMCA's 13th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards Dinner and will receive the YMCA Distinguished Service Award.

Cynthia is senior vice president, director of marketing for American Security Bank, headquartered in Santa Ana, California. She was instrumental in the business case that convinced the bank to open its loan and marketing administration offices and build a new branch office in Corona. For more than 30 years, Cynthia has managed the marketing functions of various Southern California financial institutions, as an officer and as a private consultant. She specializes in improving financial performance through consultative sales training and gaining corporate visibility through strategic marketing and public relations programs.

Cynthia has worked in Corona for 10 years and has been a resident for 8. During that time she has become an active community volunteer. She is a longstanding member of the Corona Chamber of Commerce; has served on their board for 7 years and was chairman of the board in 2006. She currently chairs and is a contributing writer for the Chamber's Corona Business Monthly magazine and heads their legislative action committee. She is the founder and organizer of the Chamber Missions to China and has run the program for 3 consecutive years. Cynthia was recognized by Soroptomist International in 2006 as a Woman of Distinction for her international contributions.

Cynthia was also instrumental in the grassroots campaign by the Corona Chamber of Commerce to help the homeless. The campaign inspired community members to contribute $100,000 during a 6-week period in 2006 to keep the doors of the homeless shelter open over the holidays. Cynthia has also served for 6 years on the board of directors for the Foundation for Community and Family Healthy, is currently president of the Circle City Rotary, and proudly serves on the board of the Corona/ Norco YMCA.

Cynthia's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Cynthia a fellow community member, American and friend. I salute her and thank her for her service as she receives the prestigious YMCA Distinguished Service Award.

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. John Couts is one of these individuals. On May 17, 2008, John will be recognized at the Corona-Norco Family YMCA's 13th Anniversary Distinguished Service Awards Dinner and will receive the YMCA Distinguished Service Award.

John Couts is President of Couts Heating and Cooling, Inc., a mechanical contracting company that has operated in Corona for thirty years. Cents Heating and Cooling, established in 1978, owes its long- standing success to its simple, yet driving business philosophy: honesty, integrity, and putting the best interest of the customer first. Couts Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a Union Contractor providing heating, ventilating and air-conditioning services in addition to mechanical piping and energy management controls to commercial, industrial, medical and educational facilities.

The story of Couts Heating and Cooling is a small business success story that began with a team of four family members and a determination to succeed. From their entrepreneurial beginnings, the business has evolved into a major corporation, employing 200 people. A major component of the growth of Couts Heating and Cooling has been their unwavering commitment to family-owned values.

John's life has been woven into the fabric of the City of Corona for more than three decades. He and his wife, Carolyn, raised and educated two daughters in Corona. For many years both Carolyn and John were active in booster and fundraising activities for cheerleading and athletics, spending countless hours supporting their daughters' endeavors. As their children grew into their own lives, John's contributions to the community evolved from school and athletic events into community causes.

John currently sits on the Board of the Foundation for Community and Family Healthy were he has been instrumental in spearheading and promoting an annual giving program that will provide long-term funding for the Foundation's countless outreach programs. As a business owner, not only has John been extremely active in industry and trade associations at a local and state level, he has also been a member and active supporter of the Corona Chamber of Commerce. For the past eight months, John has shared his professional expertise as a member of a selectively chosen group of business owners who comprise the Chamber's Legislative Action Committee--monitoring and lobbying to pass legislation that will have a positive impact on Corona businesses. John and Carolyn also support numerous philanthropic causes and give generously to support community programs funded by non-profit agencies.

John's tireless passion for the high quality of his business and community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call John a fellow community member, American and friend. I salute him and thank him for his service as he receives the prestigious YMCA Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an exceptional town in my congressional district. The town of Norco, California, was dedicated on May 13, 1923. Founded by a dynamic entrepreneur, Rex B. Clark, and funded by his wife Grace Scripps Clark, daughter of powerful newspaper mogul James Scripps. This 15-square-mile community of Norco began as a California agricultural powerhouse and today is known as ``Horse Town U.S.A.'' Clark's original concept was to develop a community of ``go-getters'' whereby a man could live and feed his family off the land. With a town motto of ``Acres of Neighbors,'' the dream was wildly successful as Norco brand tomatoes, grapes, berries, lettuce, chickens, and other produce were sent all over the United States.

A chance discovery of hot mineral water in 1926 led Rex Clark to yet another dream: The Norconian Resort Supreme--a 700-acre masterpiece that opened to worldwide acclaim on February 2, 1929, complete with 60- acre manmade lake, magnificent golf course, Lake Casino, hotel, spa, separate chauffeurs' quarters and the only Southern California AAU Qualifying outdoor pool until the 1932 Olympic games. Hollywood flocked to the resort and stars such as Clark Gable, Norma Shearer, Buster Keaton and Joan Crawford were regular visitors at what may well have been the finest resort of its kind on the west coast. MGM and Fox Studios held company picnics on the site as did Disney Studios who held a famous party in 1938 to commemorate the success of ``Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs''.

On May 20, 1928, the lavish swimming and diving pools opened to greet the 1928 USA

Men and Women's Olympic Swimming and Diving Team. Swimmer Cecily Cuhna highlighted the day with setting a world record. If a swimmer or diver participated in the 1928, 1932 or 1936 Olympics those athletes competed, trained or exhibited at the Norconian Resort.

Many more memorable events and activities occurred in the coming years and in the most unlikely of places: the poultry town of Norco. On December 8, 1941, the depression-weary resort became one of the preeminent naval hospitals in the Nation and at its peak in 1945 serviced 5,000 wounded, sick and battle-weary sailors and marines. The first patients were casualties of the infamous Pearl Harbor attack and recuperated in the exquisite hotel rooms. The Naval Hospital quickly set the standard in a number of areas which included the treatment of polio, use of penicillin to conquer malaria and tuberculosis, and the development of prosthetics and occupational therapy.

Norco was also the birthplace of wheelchair basketball on the wheels of the fabulous ``Rolling Devils.'' The stars, who once were guests of the former Norconian Resort, turned out ``for the boys''; Gary Cooper, Abbott and Costello, The Three Stooges, Marlene Dietrich, Jack Benny, Bob Hope and dozens of other stars entertained wounded heroes from battles in the Pacific. Eleanor Roosevelt was also a visitor, as was Helen Keller, and ball club owner Bill Veeck, a wounded marine, guided his Cleveland Indians to a World Series Championship from a hospital bed in Norco.

Norco citizens rallied behind the war effort with record bond sales and patriotism on many occasions raising thousands of dollars more than cities ten times larger in size and population. After World War II and Korea, Norco once again became an agricultural powerhouse, but, with the closing of the Naval Hospital in 1957, the entire area went into an economic tailspin. However, in 1963 a long forgotten real estate agent scrawled the words ``Horse Property for Sale'' on a piece of white butcher paper and very quickly Norco became the home to horse lovers. Incorporated in December of 1964 to protect its ``rural lifestyle,'' Norco is home to a community fiercely devoted to the equestrian lifestyle with large properties, extensive open space and a horse trail on every street--120 miles of horse trails to be exact.

Over the weekend of May 9, 10, and 11, 2008, Norconians will remember their past and celebrate a truly unique Southern California Equestrian lifestyle. It is an honor to represent the town of Norco in Congress and I congratulate the town and residents on 85 years of service to their country and community.