Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

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. Robert A. Wolf is one of these individuals. On March 27, 2008 at the 108th Inaugural Dinner, the Riverside Chamber of Commerce will recognize Bob as the 2007 Citizen of the Year.

Bob is a principal in many firms active in the financing, development, building and sale of real estate both domestically and internationally, with banking and venture relationships in Western Europe and Japan.

Bob obtained a bachelors degree in business administration and concentrated his continuing education on the field of development. Areas of study and successful completion include real estate law and development, financing, marketing, syndication, business law, group investment and construction techniques. Bob has been successful in international financing, joint ventures and marketing programs. Bob has worked in all facets of development including superintendent, project manager, project engineer, sales manager, and broker before becoming a chief executive officer. This background has helped Bob to draw upon his experience when making any decision regarding a development or investment. He has also had ``hands-on'' experience in the approval processes at every level of government and is a recognized expert in the field of real estate development, infrastructure and financing. He is a nationally known and sought after speaker on these topics.

Bob has served as Vice Chairman of the City of Moreno Valley's Planning Commission, the County of Riverside Flood Control Commission for Zone Four, and Planning Commissioner for Riverside County. He has recently served as Undersecretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency for California, and has served as Chairman of the California Transportation Commission.

Bob is the author of ``How to Become a Developer'', a step-by-step description of the development process and the people involved, which was written for people who wish to enter the profession. Published by Crittenden Books, the book received excellent reviews including one from the Los Angeles Times. Bob and his family reside in Riverside, California, where they continue to be active and respected members of the community.

Bob's tireless passion for community development has contributed immensely to the betterment of Riverside, California. Bob served his country honorably in Vietnam and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

Madam 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. Paul Gill is one of these individuals. On March 26, 2008, a celebration will be held in honor of Paul Gill's retirement--and of the next chapter in his life of public service as the Chief Operations Officer of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Paul Gill is the Senior Vice President, Regional Operations, for American Dental Partners, a leading dental practice management services organization. He is responsible for supervising California operations, and building a strong dental network for the West Coast. Since 1993, Paul served as the Administrator for Riverside Dental Group.

Prior to coming to Riverside Dental Group, Paul served as Community Development Director for the City of Moreno Valley. In that capacity, he managed the city activities of Planning, Building, and Code Compliance.

Before his position with the City, Paul served more than 23 years in the United States Air Force, last serving as the Wing Commander at March Air Force Base, California. In the Air Force, Paul served in various commands throughout the country and overseas as a pilot, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and at various levels of operational staff and command. He has flown approximately 4,000 hours, of which more than 800 were in combat.

Paul has a B.S. degree from Duquesne University, an M.S. from Syracuse University, as well as an M.A. from Creighton University. Among his community activities, he served as Chairman, March Joint Powers Authority Technical Advisory Committee, Director of the Silver Eagles, and the LeMay Foundation. Paul has also served as Chairman of Riverside County's Airport Land Use Commission, Chairman of the Silver Eagles, Director of Riverside County's Regional Hospital Foundation, the Monday Morning Group, and the Moreno Valley Action Committee. He and his wife Mary Anne have four grown children.

Paul's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. I am proud to call Paul a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires from the Riverside Dental Group. I wish Paul and his wife all the best as they embark on a new adventure in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They will be sorely missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an event that has been instrumental in shaping the community in southern California, the Swallows' Day Parade. The historic return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano is celebrated each spring as the world focuses on this wonder of nature. This year, March 29, 2008, commemorates the 50th annual celebration of the Swallows' Day Parade in Orange County, California in the beautiful City of San Juan Capistrano.

Orange County's oldest city, historic San Juan Capistrano is home to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The mission was founded more than 200 years ago in 1776 as the seventh of 21 California missions to serve as the center of the community, and stands today as a monument to the rich cultural history of southern California. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is believed to be the oldest church in California, and is one of only two standing chapels still in use where Father Junipero Serra is known to have celebrated mass.

The migration of the swallows of Capistrano has become a symbol for nature's changing of the seasons and welcoming of spring. The cliff swallows, upon their arrival begin building their nests under the eaves and ruins of the old stone mission and other buildings throughout the Capistrano Valley. The location has remained an ideal nesting place for the swallows because the area provides an abundance of insects on which they feed.

The species of cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, a small, long-winged songbird, leaves Goya, Argentina at daylight around the 18th of February, arriving in Capistrano about the 19th of March. This 30-day journey covers nearly 7,500 miles, as the swallows continue through the Gulf of Mexico along Central America to the Yucatan Peninsula, turn west to the Pacific, fly over Baja California until they arrive in San Juan Capistrano and the agricultural valleys of southern California.

Each year on St. Joseph's Day, March 19th, the Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebrates the legendary return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. In 1936, the Fiesta de las Golondrinas was first celebrated when a popular radio host broadcasted from the mission to announce the return of the swallows. The Swallows' Day Parade during the Fiesta de las Golondrinas continues today as an integral part of the festivities, and is recognized as the largest nonmotorized parade in the country.

I take this opportunity to honor the historic city of San Juan Capistrano, as well as the tireless efforts of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association and the overwhelming support of the community in southern Orange County, California. I ask you to join me in celebrating the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano and the rich cultural heritage of the 50th annual Swallows' Day Parade.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an organization whose contributions to the community of Riverside, CA, have been exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and outstanding businesses that enrich the lives of their employees, produce quality products, and help make Riverside a wonderful place to live and work. On Saturday, March 27, 2008, at the 108th Inaugural Dinner, Johnson Machinery will be recognized by the Riverside Chamber of Commerce as the 2007 Business of the Year.

Ruel Johnson purchased Freeland Tractor & Equipment Company in 1940. The country was emerging from the Great Depression and business was slow, however, as the Nation recovered, so did the equipment industry. Agricultural businesses purchased new farming machinery and contractors purchased equipment to build new houses, roads, and freeways.

Over 60-plus years of business, customer equipment needs have changed from primarily agricultural to heavy construction and industrial use. In 1986, the company changed its name to Johnson Machinery Co. to reflect this evolution. The company has grown from the original 12 employees to over 600, and remains dedicated to offering the best quality product and service to its customers. This dedication earned Johnson Machinery the rank of Platinum dealer in 2007, after achieving Gold Level dealer for 3 consecutive years; a first in Caterpillar history. Johnson Machinery is now comprised of five divisions.

The geography of the Inland Empire ranges from mountains with elevation as high as 10,000 feet to deserts. Due to this diversity, the industries served by Johnson Machinery are also wide ranging. Some of the major industries are: residential development, industrial development, underground and infrastructure, landscaping, cement plants, mining, sand and gravel, railroad, agriculture, resort and golf communities, and heavy construction and earth moving.

The power division, Johnson Power Systems, started as Johnson Industrial in 1977, and has nearly doubled in size since 1989. It provides on and off highway, and marine engine service as well as power generations sales, service and rentals.

In 1990, Johnson Machinery Co. acquired Eveready Pacific, a heavy- duty machine shop in the La Sierra area of West Riverside. The increased need for specialized service work caused the operation to outgrow its current facility. In 2000, Ever-Pac was moved to a new, larger facility right behind the home office on East La Cadena in Riverside.

Johnson Machinery Co. entered the material handling market in 1976 and in 1992, the Hyster product line was acquired. To reflect the new acquisition, the division changed its name to Johnson Lift/HYSTER. Johnson Machinery introduced Johnson Rental Services in the fall of 1998 and opened the first rental store in Temecula, CA.

It is my pleasure to recognize Johnson Machinery, Mr. Bill Johnson and his family and their world-class employees for over 67 years of exceptional service as well as thank them for their contributions to the community of Riverside, CA. Johnson Machinery not only provides quality products and services to their customers but also provides a positive place to work. I know that many community leaders are grateful for Johnson Machinery and salute them as they receive this prestigious recognition.

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. John ``Terry'' Mylne is one of these individuals. On December 30, 2007, John's term representing Western Municipal Water District on the Metropolitan Water District board of directors ended. He was recently recognized for his dedicated service and retirement at a December board meeting of the Western Municipal Water District.

A fourth generation Riverside native, Terry Mylne represented the District for 29 years. He served as a Western board member from 1978 to 1995 and was on the Metropolitan board representing Western since 1993.

Prior to and during his tenure with the District, Terry excelled in every endeavor. He obtained his bachelor's degree in engineering and master's degree in business administration from Stanford University, before beginning his career as manager of irrigation science for the Toro Company. He was elected to serve as a Western board member from 1978 to 1995, and served as Western's representative on the board for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California since 1993.

Terry was appointed to many Metropolitan committees during his years representing Western's interests, including serving as chairman of the finance and insurance committee, engineering and operations committee, land committee, committee on legislation, subcommittee on annexations, the facility naming ad hoc committee, and the electric industry restructuring ad hoc committee.

Terry is an active member of the Association of California Water Agencies; he has also served as director of its municipal water district section, its Joint Powers Insurance Authority board, its executive committee, and as a member of its directors and building committee.

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

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. Becky Gunnoe is one of these individuals. On January 19, 2008, Becky received the city of Corona's top honor when the Corona Chamber of Commerce named her Citizen of the Year for 2007 at the organization's 93rd annual awards and installation dinner at the Eagle Glen Golf Club.

Becky Gunnoe exemplifies the word ``volunteer.'' For more than 20 years, Becky has touched the lives of many people through her volunteer work in many programs and services in Corona. As a founding member in 1996, Becky was the catalyst for the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) coming to Corona, including funding, training, and attracting volunteers. TIP is a group of specially trained citizen volunteers who provide ``emotional first aid'' to victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. The volunteers are called to a crisis scene or to a local hospital by authorized police officers, firefighters or hospital personnel. Now in its 11th successful year, the program has a close working relationship with all the local emergency agencies because of Becky's continued efforts. She is responsible for training not only the volunteers, but also the emergency personnel.

Becky has also served on the Corona Fire Safety Foundation Board, CFSF, for the past 5 years, and currently is its president. She has also been with the Community Police Community Partnership, CPCP, since October 1997 and served as president from 1999 to 2001. A joint fundraiser of these two organizations called the Great Taste has enabled these partnerships between the community and the city to enhance and expand public safety for the benefit of residents.

Becky was one of the first volunteers trained and has been a trainer for the past five years for the City of Corona Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team program, CERT, which supplements city resources in the event of a disaster or other major emergency. CERT volunteers are trained in emergency procedures and are duly registered as disaster service workers in accordance with the California Government Code and the City of Corona Municipal Code. Becky has also been actively involved with the Advisory Board of Alternatives to Domestic Violence, ADV, and the Coalition of Family Preservation for almost 10 years. She has also served on the Riverside County Board of Alternatives to Domestic Violence, ADV, for 2 years and served as president in 2005. In addition to all her community activities, Becky also takes care of her husband, Dr. Charles E. Gunnoe, a former Chamber president and winner of the Citizen of the Year award in 1997.

In light of all Becky Gunnoe has done for the community of Corona, the City of Corona named Becky their Citizen of the Year. Becky's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. She has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call her a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she receives this prestigious award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Circle Seals Controls, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in Corona, California. On November 29, 2007, I was proud to attend the anniversary celebration.

Circle Seal has a long, proud tradition of quality manufacturing in southern California. Circle Seal's home for the last 15 years is also my hometown--Corona. The state-of-the-art facility has 300 employees and provides equipment for military and commercial aircraft, U.S. Navy ships, the Space Shuttle, and other rocket and missile applications.

The evolution of the industrial defense base has allowed the U.S. government to get out of the manufacturing business and let contractors, who can do it better and cheaper, provide essential platforms and components. Without Circle Seal's expertise, our F-18s, Global Hawks and V-22s don't get off the ground. Right now, our troops are relying on the products made by Circle, and the pride the employees take in their work is a part of the success on the battlefield. I thank Circle Seal for all their hard work and their relentless pursuit of excellence.

Circle Seal's past successes have ensured a continued relationship with the U.S. government--I'm proud to see that the company also contributes to the C-17, the KC-767 Tanker and the Navy LCS programs. Their demonstrated reliability and quality are exactly what the government needs. I look forward to a continued strong relationship with Circle Seal and, again, I commend the company on their anniversary and--most importantly--the people who make Circle Seal a valued and integral part of the community.

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. William ``Bill'' Densmore is one of these individuals. On January 12, 2008 he will be honored at a retirement dinner.

Bill was born October 17, 1945 in Turlock, California and he was raised in the small town of Newman, California with a population of 2,500. He graduated from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley in 1967. Bill also attended Hastings College of the Law from 1967 to 1969. Bill served his country honorably in the United States Coast Guard from 1969 to 1973. In 1973, he was employed by the Riverside County Department of Veterans

where he is now retiring from after 34 years of excellent service. He became Director of the Department in 1989.

Bill has achieved many successes during his time as Director--not only for the Riverside County Department of Veterans but for the entire community of Riverside. He founded the Interagency Coalition on Homeless Veterans and hosted ten annual Homeless Veterans Care Fairs to publicize the plight of homelessness. Bill remains active as an advocate for homeless veterans, serving on the City's Homeless Task Force, the FEMA Local Board, and advocating with the JPA at March Air Force Base for a permanent facility for U.S. vets, and homeless veterans service provider. Bill also founded the Riverside National Cemetery's (RNC) Memorial Honor Detail, an all-volunteer organization providing military honors for veteran burials at RNC. Bill founded Vets Express, a free transportation service for veterans traveling from Blythe and the Coachella Valley to the VA Medical Center in Loma Linda. He worked to name a stretch of I-10 the Veterans' Memorial Freeway and successfully advocated for the placement of three VA Outpatient Clinics in Riverside County. Bill also founded the Annual Salute to Veterans' Parade in the City of Riverside.

Bill has worked on several memorials and monuments task forces, including the Villegas Memorial, the Riverside County Wall of Honor, the Riverside County Veterans' Memorial, and the monuments and memorials at the Riverside National Cemetery. As a member of the Veterans' Advisory Committee, he instituted the annual David Goldware Friend of the Veteran Award, the Legislative Breakfast series, and regular county-wide veterans' benefits workshops. Bill has advocated for and staged events at RNC as a way of introducing RNC to more Inland Empire residents.

Bill has also served on the GoRiverside Committee to promote the use of public transportation and he conducted the first county and state veterans' needs surveys, published the results with the help of the San Bernardino Veteran Service Officer, and distributed the surveys statewide to elected officials and veterans advocates and leaders. Bill continues to serve on the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery Committee to assist in restoration of this historic landmark in the city of Riverside and has served two four-year terms on the city of Riverside's Planning Commission.

Bill Densmore's tireless passion for veterans and community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. Bill has been the heart and soul of our veterans community events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Air Force SSgt Alejandro Ayala. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Alejandro had a lifelong fascination with the military. He attended Arlington High School in Riverside, CA, and joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Immediately after his graduation in 1999, Alejandro joined the United States Air Force. Alejandro Ayala attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and then was assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, where he met his wife Megan, whom he married in 2003. Alejandro was subsequently assigned to the 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. On Sunday, November 18, 2007, Alejandro died of injuries he received from a vehicle accident in Kuwait while serving with forces fighting in Iraq. He was 26 years old.

In reading about Alejandro's life, I was impressed by his devotion to family and the military. Alejandro's brother Cesar describes Alejandro as his inspiration for joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Alejandro is survived by his wife Megan; two young children, Alexandra and Matthew; parents Faustino and Ilda; twin sister Liset; sister Angelica; and brothers, Cesar and Francisco.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Alejandro, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Ayala family had to lay Alejandro to rest was probably the most difficult moment the family has ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words I offer only begin to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation.

Staff Sergeant Ayala's wife, children, mother, father, sisters, brothers and all his relatives have given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one. I hope they know that the goodness Alejandro brought to the world and the sacrifice he has made will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to his community, the United States Navy and our country has been exceptional. The Naval Surface Warfare Center located in Corona, California has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated leaders and John Fishell is one of these individuals. I am sorry that I will not be able to attend his retirement ceremony which will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

John began his career at Corona in 1972 as a Missile Flight Analyst, soon after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas, El Paso. His early career involved traveling the globe analyzing missile tests for the Navy. John was the on-board missile analyst for the first 22 missile tests on the USS Norton Sound (AVM-1), the development test ship for today's state- of-the-art Aegis combat system. Thirty-five years later, this missile system is America's mainstay defense system on the Fleet of Aegis Destroyers and Cruisers. In addition to being a missile flight analyst, various groups that John led early in his career developed several of the foundational databases and analysis software the Navy uses to assess its combat and weapon systems today.

As Associate Head of the Measurement Science Directorate in 1993, John was appointed to coordinate all 1995 Base Re-alignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts at Corona. From 1993-1995, he led the team that made the case for Corona's military value to the Navy. John and his team were successful in articulating Corona's military value and why its function needed to remain in Norco in order to maintain its value to the Navy. The Navy recognized John's leadership during the BRAC process and awarded him the Navy Award of Merit for Group Achievement.

Following several leadership roles at Corona, John was promoted to Head of the Measurement Science Directorate in August 1995. As director of the Navy's top metrology calibration directorate, he worked to significantly increase the metrology research and development program funding. He served as MS director until his promotion to Corona's top technical director position in January 2002.

During John's tenure as technical director, he has overseen significant facilities improvements at Corona. In 2002, the Measurement Science and Technology Laboratory (MSTL)--a 39,000 sq. ft. environmental laboratory--was completed. The MSTL is a top facility that supports Navy and Marine Corps weapons and interface gages, force and dimensional calibration standards, and electro-optics research and development. In 2008, Corona will complete the $11.5 million extension of the Joint Warfare Assessment Laboratory, one of the Navy's premiere analysis labs. This 39,000 square-foot expansion significantly increases the secure analysis workspace to 87,000 square feet and will aid the base's primary mission: Assessing the warfighting capability of ships, aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems for the Navy and other Armed Forces. John has also overseen planning for three additional labs in the future, as part of a long-term plan to enhance Corona's facilities.

In addition to Corona's facilities, John has led many institutional transformations that have helped Corona meet today's demand for its technical services, while positioning the organization to meet future requirements. In 2004, John guided Corona's growth from four departments to six, resulting in cost savings to the Navy and better alignment of technical capabilities for naval programs.

John has been instrumental in creating long-term professional development programs at Corona that will strengthen the organization for years to come. Under his direction, Corona embedded a systemic Employee Development Program to institutionalize professional development for future generations of Corona employees. These efforts were recognized by the University of the Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business' highest recognition, The Outstanding Leadership in Executive Education Award. The development program has also received international acclaim as a case study for its proactive and innovative approach to managing leadership development, career, and succession planning. During John's time as the senior civilian, Corona has also been recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work For in the Inland Empire.

In addition to strengthening Corona's workforce, John has been a strong proponent of being active in professional organizations. He served as Measurement Science Conference President and in various liaison positions for National Conference of Standards Laboratories International. He was also a founding member of the Inland Empire Chapter of the American Society of Naval Engineers and its Chairman from 1995-96. From 2001-2003, he served on the National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation Board of Directors and has served as the Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) Conference Co- chairman since 2001 and STEP's Vice President of Operations since 2003.

I've known John for many years and am sincerely grateful for all the work he has done for our Nation, our community, NSWC, Corona and for STEP. His absence will be deeply felt in our community. I also congratulate John for receiving the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for exemplary service to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division. I commend John for his many years of excellent service and wish him health and happiness in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Norco, California are exceptional. Norco 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. Herbert Higgins is one of these individuals. On December 4, 2007, Herb will be honored at a dinner in honor of his retirement from the Norco City Council.

Herb has served on the Norco City Council for 8 years and served as mayor in 2002 and 2005. Prior to being a councilmember, Herb served on the Planning Commission from 1998 to 1999. Councilman Higgins has also served on the Audit Committee, the Norco Chamber of Commerce, the Riverside Child Safety Committee, the Water Task Force, and the Western Riverside Regional Wastewater Authority.

Mr. Higgins has achieved several accomplishments during his tenure on the Norco City Council including: initiating the charter system of government for the city of Norco, instigating the testing of Wyle Labs for the health of our children, developing the Community Action Group and starting the All Volunteer Programs in Norco and the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

Herb's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Norco, California. Herb has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events, and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires. I wish him and his lovely wife Doris all the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Norco, California, are exceptional. Norco 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. Harvey Sullivan is one of these individuals. On December 4, 2007, Harvey will be honored at a dinner in honor of his retirement from the Norco City Council.

Harvey has served on the Norco City Council for 8 years and has lived in Norco for 15 years. This year he served as mayor. Prior to being a councilmember, Harvey was an electrician. Mayor Sullivan has served on the Norco Schools Committee, Riverside County Library Taskforce, Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, CDA board member, Water Taskforce Committee, United Norconians for Life Over Alcohol and Drugs, UNLOAD Committee, Fee Study Committee for area fees, Alternate Trail Materials Committee, Beautification Committee, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Riverside Transit Agency, and the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority.

Mr. Sullivan has been a tireless advocate in promoting Norco as ``Horsetown USA,'' was instrumental in bringing the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition to Norco in 2009, has worked with Desert Power to bring solar energy to all of Norco's major city facilities, and

has used Norco's unique lifestyle as an economic driver to promote economic development in the community. In his spare time, Harvey enjoys horseback riding, camping, fishing, and skiing.

Harvey's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Norco, California. Herb has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American, and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires. I wish him and his lovely wife Mynon all the best.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 2614 is a relatively modest, yet important step towards meeting the long-term water needs for the West. Water recycling is an approach that more and more communities are tapping to meet local and regional water demand. To address the continued growth of water users, communities are truly maximizing the use of every drop of water.

H.R. 2614 authorizes Federal participation in conjunction with two water reclamation projects, one located in my congressional district and one located in the 41st Congressional District of California. Both projects are located in the greater Inland Empire, a region heavily dependent on imported sources of water.

The City of Corona Water Recycling and Reuse Project will enable the city of Corona to provide recycled water to parks, landscape maintenance districts, schools, landscaped freeway frontages and any other project that does not require potable water. The project will also reduce the need for increased water imports and construction of additional drinking water infrastructure.

The project will consist of three reservoirs and two pump stations along with retrofitted user irrigation systems. Additionally, 27 miles of pipelines are needed since recycled water is required to be kept completely separate from drinking water and uses a dedicated system of pipelines. The city plans to retrofit approximately 200 sites including schools, public parks and landscape areas, freeway landscaping, golf courses, and commercial landscaping.

The Yucaipa Valley Water Supply Renewal Project will maximize the various water resources in the Yucaipa Valley. The new facility will contain an advanced filtration (reverse osmosis) system and a brine pipeline to remove salinity, contaminants, and organic compounds from the water supply in the Yucaipa Valley. The brine pipeline will extend nearly 20 miles to the existing Santa Ana Regional Interceptor brine pipeline.

The completed project will minimize the amount of water imported from northern California, maximize the use of higher quality water, reduce withdrawals from ground water supplies, and provide a long-term, drought-proof water supply. The full project is expected to reduce demands on the California State Water Project by over 4 billion gallons per year, which is a sufficient quantity of water for 27,000 families of four each year.

I want to thank the city of Corona and city of Yucaipa for developing innovative, water-saving projects that truly benefit our entire region. I also want to thank my good friend Grace Napolitano, the Chairwoman of the Water and Power Subcommittee, for her leadership and support of my legislation. I know she shares my belief that water recycling is an important tool in addressing growing water needs in the West. Madam Speaker, I think it is crucial that we recognize and assist communities that are working to reduce their reliance on imported water and I urge all colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2614.