Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the majority party's Iraq supplemental appropriations bill.

It is baffling that at the precise moment when the surge in Iraq is producing positive results, the majority party would like to pull the rug out from underneath our troops.

Violence is down. Sunnis in al Anbar have allied with U.S. forces against al Qaeda. Baghdad is regaining some sense of normalcy.

By no means can we declare ``victory'' but our troops can rightfully claim progress. Despite these positive developments, the majority party wants to withdraw our forces--as if the enemy won't follow us home.

I ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle: are they prepared to take responsibility for the disastrous consequences of an early withdrawal?

Are they prepared to witness the chaos and destruction in Iraq?

Most importantly, are they willing to pass this responsibility on to the next generation of Americans who may be forced to finish the job we did not have the courage to complete?

My colleagues are right: we have made a significant financial and personal investment in Iraq. Let us have the courage of our convictions to see it through.

I urge my colleagues to reject this bill and pass a clean supplemental bill that provides support to those who are fighting and dying. We owe them that much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. This Agreement has a positive and significant impact on small business. More than 50,000 companies exported goods from California since 2005. This trade agreement is an important element which contributes to the growth of the California and American economy.

While the positive aspects of trade far outweigh the negatives, Congress must be firmly committed to help minimize any harmful effects that may come from greater trade. Since 2000, southern California has seen a 40 percent increase in container traffic on roads and rails, which is causing serious transportation problems for both business and constituents in my district. Congress must take a closer look

at infrastructure as it relates to trade. There are many barriers to trade, but transportation infrastructure should not be one of them.

This Agreement will also level the playing field of trade with Peru. Under the current trade preferences in place 99 percent of Peru's imports enjoy duty-free access to the U.S. In contrast, only 2 percent of U.S. agricultural products enjoy duty-free access to the Peruvian market. Once the Agreement enters into force, 90 percent of the current trade in U.S. agricultural products will enjoy duty-free access while the remaining products will be gradually phased out. California's exports have grown over 183 percent since the ratification of the U.S.- Chile Free Trade Agreement and I fully expect the U.S.-Peru Agreement to bring similar success to the California economy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Riverside, California has been exceptional. The Riverside educational community has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent for the betterment of our children. Maxine Frost is one of these individuals. On December 8, 2007, Maxine will be honored at a retirement dinner after serving 40 years as a member of the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education.

Mrs. Maxine Frost graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in history and has been a resident and active member of the Riverside community since 1958. Mrs. Frost's interest in education began with her involvement in the education of her children. She was an active mother who served on various school committees. In 1967, the President of the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education selected Maxine to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education. During her tenure, Mrs. Frost witnessed history including the desegregation of the Riverside school district. Maxine went on to serve on the California School Boards Association and in 1981 she was elected President of the organization.

During her tenure on the Board, Maxine has been elected by her fellow board members to serve as board president, vice-president and clerk. One of Maxine's many success stories is the creation and development of the AVID program: Achievement Via Individual Determination. AVID offers average students the opportunity to take college prep classes while teaching them study techniques and teamwork.

Mrs. Frost's involvement in the community is not limited to education; she has also dedicated her time to many other organizations that improve our quality of life including the Riverside Art Alliance, Junior League of Riverside, League of Women Voters and the National Charity League. One reflection of Maxine's many contributions to the community are the countless awards and honors she has received over the years. Recently the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education voted to name a school after Maxine, a vote which required the Board to make an exception to its policy which requires that a person be deceased for two years before a facility can be designated.

Mrs. Maxine Frost's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. She has been the heart and soul of the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education and many other community organizations. I am proud to call Maxine a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for her service and salute her as she retires.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Eric D. Cottrell. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible man who died in service to his country.

Eric, born January 25, 1986, graduated from Rubidoux High School. Eric, an Army Medic, was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. Cottrell, who joined the Army in 2004, was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Staff Sergeant Cottrell was killed by a roadside bomb on August 13, 2007, in Qayyarah, Iraq.

In reading about Eric's life I was impressed by his devotion to his fellow soldiers. He had clearly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers because they called him ``Doc.'' Eric was right there on the front lines, ready to help his brothers-in-arms who had been hurt. The recent tribute to Eric's life and sacrifice at Fort Bliss, Texas demonstrated Eric's impact on his fellow soldiers and how deeply he will be missed.

Staff Sergeant Cottrell is survived by his parents, Alan Waters and Mannie Cottrell of Riverside, California; his wife, Sherri Cottrell of El Paso, Texas; two daughters: Megan Cottrell and Brandy Cottrell, both of Pittsview, Alabama; two sons: James Christensen and Eric Cottrell, both of Pittsview, Alabama; and two brothers: Norris Alan Waters of Pennyslvania and Christopher Waters of Hawaii.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Eric, 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 Eric's family had to lay him to rest was probably the hardest moment the 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 deep respect and highest appreciation.

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

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 865, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree, as amended to H. Res. 257, which supports the goals and ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 866, on the motion to suspend the rules

and agree to H. Res. 643, which recognizes September 11, as a day of remembrance, extending sympathies to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and their families, honoring the heroic actions of our Nation's first responders and Armed Forces, and reaffirming the commitment to defending the people of the United States of America against any and all future challenges.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, California National Guardsman Eric Holke. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Eric grew up in Riverside and Crestline, California. He graduated from Rim of the World High School in 1995 and was interested in working with children. Before Eric was deployed in December, he worked with autistic children and was attending college in hopes of becoming a teacher. Specialist Holke had a strong sense of duty: he had served two tours previously, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. During his tour in Iraq he was injured but dedicated himself to getting better so that he could reenlist, which he did. Specialist Holke was called up in December 2006 and on July 15, 2007 he was killed in action in Iraq.

In reading about Eric's life, I was impressed by his devotion to family, friends and children. He is survived by his wife Cassidhe and son Steven. Our community has lost a great man and Cassidhe and Steven have lost a wonderful husband and father.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Eric, 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 Holke family had to lay Eric to rest was probably the hardest moment the 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 deep respect and highest appreciation.

Specialist Holke's wife, son, relatives and friends have given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that Specialist Holke, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will be remembered.

Since 2000, foreign trade has increased by more than 20 percent. During that same time, more than 7 million new jobs have been created. Simply put, free trade works.

I strongly urge Congress to move forward with passing the recently negotiated trade agreements with South Korea and Colombia. These agreements will bring down barriers in two of the fastest growing markets in Asia and South America. American business sectors such as automobiles, agriculture, textiles and services will be allowed unprecedented access. In addition, favorable trade environments will be created for intellectual property, telecommunications and workers.

As Congress continues to examine its trade policy, we should not forget to take a close look at what we can do here at home to maximize the benefits of free trade while minimizing its impacts.

Mr. Speaker, since 2000, southern California has seen a 40 percent increase in container traffic on road and rails. This is causing serious transportation problems for both businesses and constituents in my district. The Nation must address this concern so that businesses can receive their goods efficiently and Americans are not overwhelmed by increased freight traffic. Fortunately, free trade affords us the resources we need to address its infrastructure impacts so that the prosperity it creates is shared by all.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Army Private First Class Joshua Stephen Modgling. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Joshua, born January 3, 1985 in Rapid City, South Dakota, was the son of Air Force parents. Joshua grew up all around the country, including my congressional district. His mother, Julie Montano, resides in Mira Lorna, California where Joshua attended high school. Joshua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His unit conducts missions out of Forward Operating Base Falcon to find improvised explosive devices. Joshua was driving an armored Buffalo mine sweeper on June 19, 2007, when he was killed by a bomb. On July 6, 2007, he was laid to rest next to his brother, Ryan, at Riverside National Cemetery.

In reading about Joshua's life, I was impressed by his devotion to family and love of sports. Joshua's father, Keith, describes a young man who developed an early interest in explosives; an interest that found a home as a combat engineer in the Army. He is survived by his parents; his sisters Kellilynn, Courtney and Michelle; brothers, Christopher and Kenneth; stepfather, Serefino; and grandmother, Virginia.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Joshua, 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 Modgling family had to lay Joshua to rest was probably the hardest moment the 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 deep respect and highest appreciation.

Private First Class Modgling's mother, father, sisters, brothers and all his relatives have given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their son, brother, and grandson, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an organization whose contributions to the community of Riverside, California are 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, July 14, 2007 Bourns, Incorporated will celebrate its 60th Anniversary.

Bourns, Inc. was founded by Marlan and Rosemary Bourns--two exceptional individuals who are also celebrating sixty years of marriage--six decades ago. They started out in a 384 square foot space in Altadena, California. The goal of the company was to provide a method of accurately determining an aircraft's pitch attitude which would solve a crucial problem for pilots. The success in providing this method catapulted them onto the world stage--they became a global corporation and manufacture a range of products that impact almost every aspect of today's electronics industry.

Bourns, Inc. moved their headquarters to Riverside, California located in my congressional district and have nine other locations around the world. Throughout the years, Bourns has prided itself on quality, value and innovation. Their product line now includes precision potentiometers, panel controls, encoders, resistor/capacitor networks, chip resistors/arrays, inductors, transformers, resettable fuses, thyristor-based overvoltage protectors, line feed resistors, gas discharge tubes, telephone station protectors, 5-pin protectors, industrial signal, irrigation and petroleum protectors, CATV coax protectors, signal data protectors, indoor and outdoor POTsplitters, network interface devices, and integrated circuits.

Bourns, Inc. is a multiple recipient of the Supplier Excellence Award, Top Supplier Award, Outstanding Performance Award, Preferred Supplier award, among others. They serve a wide-range of industries including Automotive Electronics, Test and Measurement, Medical Electronics, Consumer Equipment, Telecommunications, and Portable Electronics. Bourns, Inc. continues to grow, innovate and lead.

It is my pleasure to recognize Bourns, Inc. and its world-class employees for sixty years of exceptional service as well as thank them for their contributions to the community of Riverside, California. Bourns, Inc. not only provides quality products to their customers but also provides a positive place to work. I know that many community leaders are grateful for Bourns, Inc. and salute them on their 60th Anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute a group of individuals whose dedication and sacrifice for our country are exceptional. On Saturday, June 23, 2007, the City of San Juan Capistrano, located in my congressional district, will host a pre- deployment send-off for its adopted Mines and their families. I regret I will not be able to attend the event to shake the hands of these outstanding men and women as they deploy to Iraq.

The 1st Battalion, 11th Marines have existed since World War I and have participated in every U.S. conflict since. Their mission is to provide continuous, all-weather, close artillery support to infantry and armor forces conducting combat operations.

Military service is not easy but it is necessary. These Marines have chosen a profession that demands sacrifice and they go forth willingly to serve a greater purpose. In the months ahead, the battalion will be facing challenging and dangerous missions. My thoughts and prayers are with each of them as they embark on their deployment and also with their families who have a different burden to bear in their absence. I look forward to the day when I can welcome home each member of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines and witness the happy reunions of families separated for too long.

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. Chancellor France Cordova is one of these individuals. On Wednesday, June 27, 2007, Chancellor Cordova will be honored at a farewell dinner in her honor.

Chancellor Cordova began her dynamic career conducting anthropological field work in a Zapotec Indian pueblo in Oaxaca, Mexico, after graduating cum laude from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in English. She went on to obtain her Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology. For 10 years, Cordova worked as a staff member of the Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. In 1989, Cordova moved across the U.S. to serve as department head of astronomy and astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University. In 1993, Cordova accepted a position as the Chief Scientist at NASA which she held until 1996. In this role, she served as the primary scientific advisor to the NASA Administrator and the principal interface between NASA headquarters and the broader scientific community.

In 1996, Cordova returned to her home state of California to serve as professor of physics and vice-chancellor for research at UC Santa Barbara. In 2002, Chancellor Cordova accepted the position of chancellor at the University of California, Riverside and the university has undergone dramatic changes under her leadership. The campus itself has been augmented and improved with the addition of new state-of-the-art buildings and parking for students. Academically, Chancellor Cordova has worked towards bringing a school of medicine to UCR which is expected to become a reality in the near future.

Chancellor Cordova's tireless passion for education has contributed immensely to the betterment of the University of California, Riverside. Many students, community leaders and residents are thankful for her service and leadership. I am proud to call Chancellor Cordova a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many are grateful for her service and salute her as she moves to Indiana to lead Purdue University as their new chancellor.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Army Private First Class Cameron Payne. Today on Flag Day, as we honor the history of ``Old Glory,'' I ask that the House of Representatives also honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Cameron grew up in Corona, California where his wife, children, mother and brother still reside. Private First Class Payne enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was a man with goals for his life and his family. Private First Class Payne completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia and was stationed at Fort Riley. He was deployed to Iraq in February and on Monday, June 11, 2007 Private First Class Payne was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq. He was 22 years old.

In reading about Cameron's life, I was impressed by his devotion to family. The Press Enterprise describes a man that cared very deeply for his mother and brother. Private First Class Payne was also a proud and loving husband and parent. He dreamed of moving his new family to the Seattle area. He leaves behind his wife Julie and two daughters, Annaleese and Kylee. He also leaves behind his mother Jackson and brother Cody.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Cameron, 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. When the Payne family learned of Cameron's passing, it was probably the hardest moment the 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 deep respect and highest appreciation.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Army SSG Thomas Michael McFall. Today on Flag Day as we honor the history of ``Old Glory,'' I ask that the House of Representatives also honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Thomas grew up in Riverside, where his father still resides. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, home-based in Fort Lewis, Washington. Staff Sergeant McFall was a career soldier who understood the dangers of his job. He joined the Army in 1994 and has been stationed all over the world, including South Korea, Panama, Japan and Afghanistan before deploying to Iraq in April. On May 28, 2007, Sergeant McFall was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.

In reading about Thomas' life, I was impressed by his charismatic and caring nature. The Press Enterprise describes a man that would take in other soldiers who had nowhere to go during Christmas time. Sergeant McFall was also a proud and loving husband and parent. He leaves behind his wife Emily and three children Austin, Elizabeth and Matthew. He also leaves behind his father Thomas, stepmother Sherry, mother April and stepfather Charles as well as several brothers and sisters. Staff Sergeant McFall was laid to rest Friday, June 8, 2007 at Riverside National Cemetery.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Thomas, 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 McFall family had to say farewell to Thomas was probably the hardest day the 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 deep respect and highest appreciation.

Staff Sergeant McFall's wife, children and family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their husband, father and son, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will be remembered.

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. Dr. Geraty is one of these individuals. On June 7, 2007, he will be honored as the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce's Citizen of the Year at a celebration dinner.

Dr. Larry Geraty has led an impressive and interesting life. As a child he traveled with his missionary family who lived and worked in China, Burma, Hong Kong, Lebanon, England, Germany, France, Israel, California, Maryland, Michigan and Massachusetts. After his young travels, he obtained his bachelors degree from Pacific Union College and went on to the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Larry served as a pastor before being invited to join the Andrews Theological Seminary faculty. He studied Hebrew Bible and biblical archaeology at Harvard where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree. Dr. Geraty then returned to Andrews Theological Seminary as Professor of Archaeology and History of Antiquity where he taught for 13 years. He also led a series of major archaeological expeditions to the Middle East.

In his distinguished academic career, Dr. Geraty has received many honors including a Fulbright Fellowship and serving as advisor on archaeology to former Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan. Dr. Geraty has served as a leader on several societies such as the Vice President of the American Center of Oriental Research in Amman, Jordan. He has lectured all over the world and is a contributing author to several publications.

In 1985, Dr. Geraty became President of the Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, where he earned the reputation as a progressive academic administrator. For over 14 years, Dr. Geraty has served as President and Professor of Archeology at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. During his time in Riverside, Dr. Geraty has become a staple of the community through his leadership and generosity. He served on several boards including the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, United Way of the Inland Valleys, Mayors Higher Education/ Business Council, Raincross Club, Monday Morning Group, World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California, Riverside Arts Council and the Riverside Youth Action Executive Policy Board.

In 2000, Dr. Geraty received the P.E. MacAllister Award for Excellence in Field Archeology from the American Schools of Oriental research, and in 2001, he received the Charles Elliott Weniger Award for Excellence at Pacific Union College.

In light of all Dr. Geraty has done for the community of Riverside, including serving as the 2006-2007 Chairman of the Board, the Riverside Chambers of Commerce has named Dr. Geraty their Citizen of the Year. Dr. Geraty's tireless passion for community service, education and faith has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Riverside, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.