Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of a good friend, who was one of Sonoma County's notable environmental activists and a conscience for social justice, Adrienne Swenson. Adrienne was 81 when she died in January of pulmonary disease. Adrienne touched the lives of thousands through her successful environmental conservation efforts, her commitment to social justice, and her work for the Democratic Party.

I knew Adrienne through all of these arenas and agree with her friends and colleagues, who are universal in their praise.

``She was a remarkable woman. She was a person committed to the idea that society could be improved,'' said David Thatcher, who along with others, helped Adrienne found the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County. ``She was a tower of strength in so many ways.''

But what was so remarkable about Adrienne was that in all her interests she always had a wider context in mind. Her work with the local United Nations community, her commitment to the peace process, her participation on the county planning commission--she integrated them all in the interest of trying to make a better society.

Born in San Francisco, Adrienne spent her life in California, except for 2 years in Spain when she and her husband, Len, and their three children lived what she once called ``the good life,'' traveling about Europe, studying art and learning Spanish.

A trip to Yosemite later introduced her to what became her favorite activities--family camping, backpacking, and birding. This led to her lifelong devotion to environmental issues, which interest she shared with her husband, a longtime Sierra Club leader.

Later, Adrienne served on the Manhattan Beach City Council while living in southern California, and on the Sonoma County Planning Commission after moving back to northern California. ``She really set a standard,'' said Bill Kortum, a member of the board of supervisors, which appointed her. ``She was always very well informed.''

Politically, Adrienne was active in the Santa Rosa Democratic Club and served on the Democratic Central Committee for nearly 20 years.

But where Adrienne really left her legacy was the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County.

``She had an incredible sense of justice in the face of overwhelming injustice,'' says Elizabeth Stinson, the center's director. ``She worked tirelessly for more than 30 years in every capacity you can think of.''

She was vehemently anti-war and opposed the occupation of Iraq. Standing on the corner at Mendocino and College avenues almost every week with a group of women, all dressed in black, she protested until she could no longer stand.

Madam Speaker, Adrienne Swenson would want us to carry on her work here in Congress, to be inspired by her tenacity and willingness to confront difficult subjects, knowing the world is better for her contributions to it.

Madam Speaker, on March 5, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for Rollcall No. 91-102.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 91--``Yes''--To redesignate Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park in the State of Ohio as ``Wright Brothers-Dunbar National Historical Park'', and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 92--``Yes''--Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008.

Rollcall No. 93--``Yes''--Condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 94--``Yes''--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 95--``Yes''--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 96--``Yes''--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1014, Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 97--``Yes''--Cyndi Taylor Krier Post Office Building.

Rollcall No. 98--``Yes''--Expressing the sense of Congress that Earl Lloyd should be recognized and honored for breaking the color barrier and becoming the first African-American to play in the National Basketball Association League 58 years ago.

Rollcall No. 99--``Yes''--Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 100--``No''--Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 101--``Yes''--Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act.

Rollcall No. 102--``Yes''--Sgt. Michael M. Kashkoush Post Office Building.

Madam Speaker, on March 4, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 88-90.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 88--``yes''--To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease certain lands in Virgin Islands National Park, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 89--``yes''--To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the Alta-Hualapai Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the development of a cancer treatment facility.

Rollcall No. 90--``yes''--To provide for the release of certain land from the Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area in the State of Nevada and to grant a right-of-way across the released land for the construction and maintenance of a flood control project.

Madam Speaker, on February 28, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 85-87.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 85--``yes''--John ``Marty'' Thiels Southpark Station.

Rollcall No. 86--``yes''--Sgt. Jason Harkins Post Office Building.

Rollcall No. 87--``yes''--Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville Memorial Post Office Building.

Madam Speaker, today I rise with great pleasure to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Larkspur, California, one of the most beautiful cities in my district, and one of only three cities whose distinctive character have gained them listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Larkspur received this official recognition because it typifies the smalltown look of turn-of- the-19th century California.

From its origins as part of a Mexican land grant through its logging days to its late 19th century status as a risque resort, Larkspur became just a small town where the well-off came to escape the freezing San Francisco summers.

Larkspur, like many Marin County towns, evolved after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. ``What really started Larkspur was the earthquake,'' explains Helen Heitkamp, member of the city's Heritage Preservation Board and a local historian who helped write the book Larkspur Past & Present, A History & Walking Guide. ``After the earthquake, the people who had summer cottages came to stay and that started that first big push.''

But becoming a city wasn't as easy as it sounds, says Mayor Kathy Hartzell.

``They held their vote in August, 1907 and in February 1908, the county said OK. On March 1, 1908 the city was incorporated.'' However, one of the town's leading residents, Jean Escalle, brought suit against the city on the grounds there was inadequate notification of the election and the polls closed too early! It wasn't until 1911 that the courts ruled in favor of Larkspur. Escalle, by the way, went on to serve as a city council member, the mayor notes.

Noted for its beautiful setting, the Larkspur of the early 20th century wasn't as pretty as it is today. Clear-cut logging had decimated the forests and denuded the hillsides. In fact, says Heitkamp, ``when the city was first formed, you needed a permit to cut trees because the hills were bare and they were trying to grow trees.''

At that time, too, the original highway was mapped so that the main street through downtown Larkspur--called Magnolia Avenue--served as the major access road for much of Marin. Its character now, through restrictions by the Historic Register, looks much the same as it did 100 years ago.

A walk along Magnolia Avenue--from Mission Revival-style City Hall to the 1930s Art Deco-style Lark Theater three blocks away--encompasses the history of Larkspur. Along the way is the false-front building where the Silver Peso, the town's only bar, now resides. Built in 1890 as a blacksmith's shop, its walls still show the original double doors where wagons and buggies came in and out. The building next to it--the one that now houses the pool table--was the city's first firehouse. On the corner down the street stands the Blue Rock Inn, built in 1895, whose rooms have since been converted to apartments. On the street level, celebrities can often be seen dining at the sidewalk tables of its French restaurant, the Left Bank Brasserie. Downtown Larkspur, also designated as a State historic site, spans more than a century of architecture.

Preservation efforts begun in the 1970s have not only kept the smalltown character but have controlled new development. Heitkamp notes that these efforts also helped Larkspur maintain its beautiful surroundings. No longer set among tree stumps, the city is now resplendent in oaks, redwoods, madrones and other trees. Larkspur citizen groups have bought up the hills, Heitkamp says, ``so that our backdrop for the city has also been preserved.''

Of course, a city is more than its architecture, its setting, or its natural environment. Most of all, a city is its people. I am proud to say that the people of Larkspur are as charming, diverse and beautiful as the city itself.

The year-long centennial celebration will kick-off on Saturday, March 1, with a gala birthday party and parade from City Hall to Hall Middle School. The ``Meet Me in Larkspur'' centennial activities will continue throughout the summer and culminate with the city's famous Rose Bowl Dance, a tradition that made Larkspur a romantic destination for many years.

I am proud to represent the people of Larkspur, Madam Speaker, and I ask that you join me in congratulating them on their accomplishments of the past 100 years and wishing them the best for the next century.

Madam Speaker, on February 27, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 78-84.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 78--``yes''--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act. Rollcall No. 79--``yes''--On Approving the Journal. Rollcall No. 80--``yes''-- Providing for the consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act. Rollcall No. 81--``yes''--Providing for the consideration of H.R. 5351, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act. Rollcall No. 82--``yes''--Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. Rollcall No. 83--``no''--Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. Rollcall No. 80-- ``yes''--Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008.

Madam Speaker, National Peace Corps week is a time for us to honor the immeasurable contributions and service of the current 8,079 Peace Corps volunteers. Through mutual respect and understanding, these men and women have committed themselves to improving our country's relationships with the rest of the world, and I rise today to applaud their dedication to communities in the 74 countries in which they have admirably served.

When President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps 47 years ago, he set out to provide ordinary men and women with an opportunity to strengthen developing countries devastated by the effects of poverty, disease, and war. Since then, more than 190,000 volunteers have served in 139 countries, and the Peace Corps' long-lasting impact has continued to reverberate throughout the world.

Peace Corps volunteers have mobilized to combat some of the world's most urgent humanitarian crises, including providing crucial assistance to communities in need of post-conflict relief and reconstruction as well as countries overwhelmed by natural disasters. These men and women have helped economically depressed communities develop new business plans, struggling farmers improve their crop production, and families devastated by HIV/AIDS receive the care they need. These volunteers have overcome significant challenges by fostering new bonds of friendship, and they deserve to be commended for their service and passion.

To date, the 6th District of California has produced around 400 Peace Corps volunteers, including the following 33 current volunteers: Libby A. Bersot, who is working in Botswana; Tracey M. Bolch, Gambia; Jamie L. Bowen, Mali; Jennifer M. Busick, Bolivia; Catherine G. Carlton, Zambia; John Cervett w Cervetto, Kyrgyzstan; Joseph P. Deschenes, Albania; Fionah Dominis, Swaziland; Tameron A. Eaton, Eastern Caribbean; Benjamin S. Fryer, Nicaragua; Jillian D. Geissler, Guatemala; Robyn M. Grahn, Honduras; Emilie J. Greenhalgh Stam, Cameroon; Alexis S. Guild, Guatemala; Donald F. Hesse, Jordan; Jessica D. Holloway, Armenia; Michelle Kong, Guatemala; August L. Konrad, Kenya; Anna F.

Kuhn, Tanzania; Abigail M. Lafrenz, Bulgaria; Bridget M. Leddy, Kyrgyzstan; Frank E. Lester, Kenya; Kyle B. Lopez, Bolivia; Alissa P. Mayer, Dominican Republic; Sydney F. McCall, Bolivia; Julia A. Montgomery, Vanuatu; Morgan C. Montgomery, Honduras; Travis W. Pittman, Ghana; Jacob E. Rich, Peru; Richard C. Rystrom, Ukraine; Jessica F. Souza, Cape Verde; Katherine L. Theiss-Nyland, Malawi; Kyla H. Wall- Polin, Bulgaria.

Madam Speaker, the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Peace Corps is an achievement that we should all commemorate. I rise today to celebrate the leadership and accomplishments of these compassionate men and women who have committed themselves to promoting global peace, diplomacy, and understanding.

Madam Speaker, every day our Nation's first responders work tirelessly to protect and aid victims of disasters across our country. We have an absolute responsibility to make sure our police forces, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and public health personnel have the resources they need to effectively confront and overcome threats at the local, State, and national levels.

California's Sixth District is blessed with thousands of dedicated men and women who bravely serve their communities with distinction and honor. I rise today to commend the exemplary leadership of the Fire Department at the United States Coast Guard, USCG, Training Center at Two Rock in Petaluma, California, for their unwavering dedication to improving firefighter health and safety. Fire Chief Alfredo Ramos and the firefighters at the USCG Training Center have reduced fires and firefighter risks throughout the Bay area by providing world-class training to local first responders. We cannot expect local communities to be the first to respond to an emergency unless they are given the resources and training to do so, and the USCG Training Center has been instrumental in this effort.

Madam Speaker, fire departments throughout the country have helped provide our Nation's firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics, and other first responders with the tools they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. Today, I am proud to recognize the courageous and committed firefighters at the USCG Training Center in Petaluma who have made immeasurable contributions to public safety, and they deserve our deepest thanks.

Madam Speaker, on February 26, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 72-77. Had I been present I would have voted: rollcall No. 72--``yes''--On Approving the Journal; rollcall No. 73--``yes''--Providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 3521, to improve the Operating Fund for public housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; rollcall No. 74--``yes''--Providing for consideration of the bill, H.R. 3521, to improve the Operating Fund for public housing of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; rollcall No. 75--``yes''-- Sires of New Jersey Amendment; rollcall No. 76--``yes''--Meek of Florida Amendment; rollcall No. 77--``yes''--Public Housing Asset Management Improvement Act.

Madam Speaker, on February 25, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 69-71.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 69--``yes''--Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3-7, 2008, as ``School Social Work Week'' to promote awareness of the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the community as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as productive citizens.

Rollcall No. 70--``yes''--Supporting the goals and ideals of ``Career and Technical Education Month.''

Rollcall No. 71--``yes''--Honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the United States.

Madam Speaker, for almost three decades Tom Lantos was been a passionate voice in the U.S. Congress, and a tireless advocate for human rights around the world. Chairman Lantos' commitment to human rights was forged by his own life's experience, by the violence and tragedy that he saw as a young man in Hungary. His commitment to issues such as ending the genocide in Darfur will be remembered by all those who have served with him throughout his long career in public service.

The Bay Area, and the Foreign Affairs Committee, will sincerely miss his passion and dedication, and his unrelenting commitment to not only helping those in need, but making sure that respect for human rights is at the forefront of our Nation's foreign policy. My heart goes out to Annette, his partner for almost 60 years, as well as his two daughters, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, on February 7, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to record my votes for rollcall Nos. 32-42.

Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 32--``yes''--Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 33--``yes''--Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4137) to amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 34--``yes''--Calling for a peaceful resolution to the current electoral crisis in Kenya.

Rollcall No. 35--``yes''--To extend for one year parity in the application of certain limits to mental health benefits, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 36--``yes''--Petri of Wisconsin Amendment No. 4.

Rollcall No. 37--``yes''--Petri of Wisconsin Amendment No. 5.

Rollcall No. 38--``yes''--Davis of Illinois Amendment.

Rollcall No. 39--``no''--To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 40--``yes''--To amend and extend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes.

Rollcall No. 41--``yes''--Congratulating Lee Myung-Bak on his election to the Presidency of the Republic of Korea and wishing him well during his time of transition and his inauguration on February 25, 2008.

Rollcall No. 42--``yes''--Recovery Rebates and Economic Stimulus for the American People Act of 2008.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of Mary Isaak, a Petaluma activist who was committed to the noble struggle of helping the less fortunate overcome homelessness. Mary died of congestive heart failure last month at the age of 88, leaving an enduring legacy to the people of Petaluma, California through the establishment of COTS--the Committee on the Shelterless.

After receiving a music degree from the University of Oregon, Mary moved to Berkeley, where she met her future husband, who later tired of the area and moved his family to what was then rural California--to the egg basket of the State, Petaluma. There, Mary raised five children and taught at Live Oak High, the small school she started on their 22-acre ranch.

Mary's life of community service continued in the late 1980s, when she and Laure Reichek noticed the increasing number of homeless in the area and determined to obviate the problem. In 1988, they founded COTS. I was on the Petaluma City Council during this time and had the good fortune to work with Mary and Laure in facilitating the establishment of this incredible organization, dedicated to housing homeless families.

``It eventually took on a life of its own,'' says John Records, COTS current executive director. ``It activated something in the community and it gave people the opportunity to help. It offered a way to get involved.''

In a town of 55,000 residents, the nonprofit registered more than 50,000 volunteer hours last year alone. These volunteers helped prepare and serve more than 100,000 meals besides working on other programs the facility offers.

The community embraced COTS because Mary set an example, volunteering for countless tasks and remaining on the board of directors.

``Even as she aged and became less strong, she continued to be involved,'' Records notes.

In 2004, COTS recognized Mary's vision and commitment by naming its new housing facility in her honor--the Mary Isaaks Center. The center houses beds for 300, provides between 50,000 and 100,000 bed-nights per year, and its kitchen offer more than half a million pounds of food each year to the hungry and homeless of Petaluma. Other programs thrive, as well. For example, recently COTS added an innovative pilot trauma center to its services.

Madam Speaker, it is impossible to measure the impact Mary Isaak's work has had on the individuals--both homeless and volunteers--and on the community of my hometown of Petaluma. She leaves to the community a legacy of compassion and involvement that the world would do well to follow. She will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise, along with Congressman Mike Thompson, to recognize the gentleman honored by the City of Sonoma as 2008 Alcalde--Honorary Mayor of the Year, Sy Lenz. The honorary position of Alcalde has been bestowed each year since 1975 on a person who has enhanced the welfare of Sonoma by his or her unselfish contributions to the community.

As Alcalde, Sy will be given a silver-headed cane as a symbol of his distinction and will appear in parades, grand openings and other special events throughout the year.

Although Sy and his wife, Harriet, have lived in Sonoma since 1989, when they moved here to be near their daughter, Sy leapt directly into community service. He used his talents as a retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel and executive recruiter to volunteer on the strategic plan for the local school district. He also became active in the Kiwanis Club and with La Luz Center, a local nonprofit serving immigrants, as well as founding and developing Congregation Shir Shalom.

``One project I worked on was an attempt to establish an in-town teen club,'' Sy says. ``We raised thousands of dollars hopefully to find a site, and although it remained out of our reach, it lead to the creation of the ``No-Name Cafe'' at Sonoma Valley High School.''

Sy's service is not limited to the younger generation. He has participated in delivering holiday meals to seniors and shut-ins, and was part of the effort to create the Senior Shade Program which provides senior citizens transportation to and from the town's holiday parades and a shady place from which to watch.

Most recently, Sy has served as president of the board of directors of SOS--Sonoma Overnight Shelter--which he and other members of the community started in an effort to extend a helping hand to the homeless and working poor who need assistance with restoring their self- sufficiency. It is a project he has dedicated himself to.

First of all, Sy points out, it is a shelter; it is designed for those who are temporarily homeless. ``Most of the time the people we're dealing with are women or single moms,'' says Sy. These are usually women who have been dependent upon a man and suddenly find themselves alone or alone with children and without life skills needed for independent living. They may stay with family or friends for awhile until that becomes untenable and then they are out on the streets. ``And this,'' Sy says, referring to the astronomical Bay Area real estate prices, ``is a tough place to find an affordable space.''

His compassionate service is one reason Sonoma Mayor Joanne Sanders chose Sy for Alcalde. She has known Sy for 20 years and says, ``When it's driving rain, late at night, and the phone rings, he's the kind of guy who'll go out and find a place for someone to stay. He's an unsung hero.''

Madam Speaker, we would like to join with the City of Sonoma in recognizing the contributions Sy Lenz has made to the lives of the residents of the Sonoma Valley area.

Mr. Chairman, I'm pleased that today the House passed H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. This bill makes great strides towards helping our Nation's students and families afford college.

The rising cost of college is making the opportunity of a quality education further and further out of reach for far too many of our students. In March, the University of California and California State system raised their tuition for the fifth time in 6 years. This year, students at a school like Sonoma State, in my district, will be required to pay nearly 10 percent more for tuition. With recent budget shortfalls in many States, including California, more increases in tuition appear to be on the horizon. The Federal Government, States, and universities need to work together to both control costs and provide better access to financial aid to ensure that everyone has the chance for a college education.

This bill will help with both college costs and financial aid for our neediest students, and that's why it's such an important bill. Through this bill, States will be encouraged to do their part in keeping college costs down, and universities will be encouraged to be more transparent with important information like projected tuition and fees and average financial aid. This will help ensure that students and their families are not caught unaware by college costs. This bill also assists our Nation's neediest students by increasing the maximum Pell Grant that can be awarded and giving more nontraditional students access to this important source of aid. In addition, this bill encourages more students to go into important fields that serve the public interest, such as teaching, nursing, and firefighting, by offering loan forgiveness in exchange for their invaluable service.

Particularly pleasing is the inclusion of three programs that I championed and which should make a real difference in the lives of our Nation's students. The first is the Patsy T. Mink Fellowships, which will provide fellowships to women and minorities to help them attain graduate degrees in underrepresented fields. This program will encourage more women and minorities to go into underrepresented fields, and at the same time, will increase the amount of women and minorities who become professors in these fields. Congresswoman Patsy Mink was my mentor and friend and was a leader on women's equality and opportunity. This program is in honor of her work on the inclusion of Title IX in the Higher Education Act and will further ensure equality in higher education.

As a former human resources manager, I know that it can be difficult to find workers to fill all the empty positions. Often, applicants don't have the necessary skills or background to fill available positions. It's critical that we find a way to provide our workforce with the skills and education to fill the gaps. That's why programs like Bridges from Jobs to Careers and Business Workforce Partnerships, which I also championed, are so important.

The Bridges from Jobs to Careers grant program will provide competitive grants to community colleges to improve remedial education by customizing programs to the career and academic goals of students and making it possible for students to move more quickly through remedial classes and to courses related to their degree, certificate program, or career. We need to help students realize the end goal of their education program. Helping schools improve remedial education will help many students get in and out of school with the skills and education they need to succeed.

The Business Workforce Partnerships grant program will encourage the development of partnerships between colleges and businesses to work together to provide workers with for-credit worksite learning opportunities and more flexible schedules. By allowing workers to work and attend school, more of them will have access to the certificates and degrees that will lead to better jobs and higher salaries. These workers will also be able to better fit the needs of our changing workforce.

Thank you, Chairmen Miller and Hinojosa, for your leadership on the Higher Education Reauthorization Act. I look forward to working with you and our colleagues to continue to make college more affordable for our Nation's students.