Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Trefethen Family Vineyards for the award they have received from Decanter Magazine honoring Trefethen's 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as the best North American Red Bordeaux Varietal. This is a remarkable and worthy achievement reflecting Trefethen Family Vineyards' rich history of superb winemaking in the Napa Valley.

Trefethen Family Vineyards was established in 1968 when Gene and Katie Trefethen purchased the historic Eshcol Winery and surrounding vineyards in the Oak Knoll district to create a new estate. The family restored the original winery building, which was constructed in 1886 and is the only remaining example of a three-floor, gravity flow winery in the Napa Valley. In 1988, the old winery building was listed on the National Register of Historic places.

In 1973, John and Janet Trefethen opened a modern winery on the property and began producing small batches of premium wines with the help of vineyard manager Tony Baldini. Trefethen Family Vineyards 1976 Chardonnay was recognized as ``Best in the World'' at the 1979 Wine Olympics in Paris. Since then, Trefethen Family Vineyards has continued to produce wines of the highest quality, as reflected in this latest, international award.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we congratulate Trefethen Family Vineyards and the Trefethen family for the award they have received. This award is fitting testimony to the family's commitment to excellence and their dedication to helping build on the Napa Valley's reputation as the world's premier wine region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the special efforts of Lynne and Bernie Butcher to restore and revitalize the Tallman Hotel, one of the most historically significant--but long neglected--structures in Lake County, California.

The original Tallman Hotel was built in the 1870s as a stage stop in the town of Upper Lake by Lake County pioneers Rufus and Mary Tallman. The hotel was part of a fullservice facility consisting of hotel, livery stable and saloon designed to serve passengers traveling to Clear Lake and the nearby hot springs resorts. In 1895, the Hotel burned to the ground but was re-built by Tallman the next year. The Blue Wing Saloon next door was closed and torn down during Prohibition in the early 1920s. The economic fortunes of the Hotel declined and the building was essentially abandoned in 1962.

The Butchers bought the derelict hotel in 2003 and were determined to authentically restore the building to its former glory. Using period photographs as a guide, they also rebuilt the Blue Wing Saloon and Cafe next door. Great care was taken to retain, recondition and reuse original materials and to maintain the essential soul of the old hotel building. In recognition of their success, the Butchers recently received an annual preservation award from the California Heritage Council.

The hotel is now drawing tourists into the county and the cafe is a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The Butchers have not only beautifully restored a historically significant building, but the project has also acted as a catalyst in the economic revitalization of the Town of Upper Lake and the entire north shore region of Lake County.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, at this time it is appropriate that we recognize and acknowledge the dynamic work of my friends Lynne and Bernie Butcher in restoring the historic Tallman Hotel. Their efforts have brought a wonderful building back into use, and in doing so they have provided new energy and excitement in northern Lake County.

Mr. Speaker, my district--California's First Congressional District--provides ample evidence of the importance of renewable energy. My district is home to The Geysers, the largest complex of geothermal power plants in the world--which can generate enough energy to run over 750,000 homes. My district is also home to California's best wine country and wineries that use solar systems to generate all of their electricity.

This legislation extends and improves Federal incentives for renewable energy production so that States across America can follow California's lead.

We extend the tax credit for the production of biomass, geothermal, wind, and many other types of renewable energy. We extend the solar investment tax credit for 8 years providing long-term stability to that industry. We expand existing and create new incentives for taxpayers to make their homes and their businesses more energy efficient. And we make an investment in technology known as ``smart meters''--tools that will allow consumers to better manage their electricity usage during peak hours.

I have some concerns with the language in this section that refers to net metering, but I am confident that we can use the conference process to clarify these specific provisions.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation makes a critical investment renewable energy, and it does so without increasing the Federal deficit by a dime.

The new Democratic Leadership has made a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and this legislation meets the rigorous Pay-As-You-Go requirements of the 110th Congress.

I am proud of this investment in alternative energy and I urge an aye vote on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, keeping kids healthy today means that the government will inherit a healthier Medicare population tomorrow. Investing in our children is both common sense and it's cost- effective.

It was very difficult to watch the former majority allow the national debt to grow to record heights. Today, I am proud that the new Democratic leadership has said no to deficit spending.

The CHAMP Act is emblematic of that shift. It is completely paid for. The CHAMP Act guarantees that both eligible children and Medicare seniors can access qualify health care.

Make no mistake. Without this legislation, 5 million new kids won't be able to get health care, and millions more already in the program will see their benefits cut.

Without this legislation, physicians will take the biggest rate cut in the history of the Medicare program.

Without this legislation, Medicare benefits that are critical to rural communities will expire.

Today, with the passage of the CHAMP Act, Congress has taken an historic step. So be a champion for kids, be a champion for seniors and be a champion for common sense.

Vote ``aye'' on the CHAMP Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Anne Salazar from the Napa Valley, who is retiring from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates after 20 years working at Conn Creek Winery and Villa Mt. Eden premium wineries, and has helped establish these both as two most desirable destinations in the Napa Valley.

Ms. Salazar immigrated to the United States from England in 1960 and arrived in the Napa Valley in 1979. Growing up in Europe, wine was always present in her life, and after arriving in the Napa Valley she translated her interest into a long career in Napa wines. She began her work as Assistant Hospitality Manager at Domaine Chandon in 1980, but her excellent work and passion for wine earned her a quick promotion to Hospitality Manager in 1982. In 1987 she was hired by Conn Creek and Villa Mt. Eden Wineries as Hospitality and Guest Services Manager, and she has remained there since that time.

In her position with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Ms. Salazar has been crucial to developing the brand for the very special wines they produce in the Napa Valley. Ms. Salazar's love of wine and expert touch have educated many visitors about the more than 45 ``90+ scores'' which these wines have received in major wine publications. Her excellent work has earned the esteem of her coworkers, and has provided excellent guidance throughout the continued development of these two wineries.

Beyond her work in the wineries, Ms. Salazar has made significant contributions to our community in the Napa Valley and beyond. She is an active member of the Silverado Wine Trail Association, and for many years she has helped with the fundraising for the City of Stockton's Pixie Woods children's park. In her free time she is an avid hiker and reader, and looks forward to spending lots of time with her children and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we rise to honor Ms. Anne Salazar and congratulate her on her retirement from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, where she has been an important part of their success for many years. Anne is a friend and during her tenure in the Napa Valley she has earned the admiration of many, and her presence will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. General Vallejo was instrumental in the creation of a free California and

the drafting of the State constitution, and was the first great legislator from northern California.

Mariano Vallejo was born on July 4, 1807 in Monterey, then the capital of Spanish California. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Vallejo joined the newly formed Mexican Army in California, where he served for the remainder of Mexican rule. As a successful commander, Vallejo was given command of the Presidio in San Francisco, where he was charged with defending northern California and pushing back against Russian advances along the coast. He founded a presidio in Sonoma as a military outpost to extend Mexican influence into the northern Bay Area. He also began construction of a casa grande in the town square, part of which remains today.

In 1835, Vallejo was drawn into politics when his nephew Juan Alvarado, falsely claiming to act on orders from Vallejo, precipitated an uprising against the unpopular Mexican Governor. The uprising was successful, and Vallejo traveled to Monterey where he was appointed Comandante General of the Free State of Alta California. Subsequent recognition by the Federal Government in Mexico City confirmed this, and General Vallejo remained in charge of California's military.

As the military commander of northern California, General Vallejo witnessed firsthand the incompetence of Mexican Federal rule, and he became convinced of the need to remove California from Mexico. His interest in promoting the settlement and development of northern California made him reluctant to enforce the Mexican laws dealing with foreigners moving into the area, and he often issued passports on the spot to new groups of settlers crossing into California. In 1842 General Vallejo was removed from military command in California and replaced by Manuel Micheltorena, who presided over the decline of order in the State, ultimately leading to revolt against Mexican rule.

On June 14, 1846, the Bear Flag Revolt began outside General Vallejo's casa grande in Sonoma, and he was taken prisoner and removed to Sutter's Fort in the Central Valley. He remained there for more than a month, and upon agreeing not to participate in the war with Mexico, he was allowed to return home. In early 1849 during American military rule, spurred by increasing chaos from the Gold Rush and the sudden massive flow of people into the State, Vallejo joined other residents of the area to form a council for governing northern California. This quickly translated into election to represent the Sonoma area at the State constitutional convention in Monterey.

At the State convention, Vallejo pressed the other delegates on a number of key issues, including banning slavery in the State, which succeeded, and voting rights for Native Americans who owned property, which failed. He also gave generously from his personal wealth to offer support for the establishment of a legal commission. Finally, he was part of the delegation that brought the proposed constitution to the military governor, Bennett Riley, for final approval. After voters in California approved the new constitution and California was admitted to the United States as the 31st State, Vallejo was elected as a State senator.

During his time in the State Senate, Mariano Vallejo led a number of initiatives to continue the work he had done at the State's constitutional convention. He sponsored an act which would have allowed better government for the Native American population, and he spoke strongly against a measure which would have excluded free Blacks from the State. He also led the effort to establish a tax to fund free schooling in California. Finally, he donated land for the State Capital to be established at the north end of the Bay Area. This area, now the city of Vallejo, was the site of the capitol from 1852-53, but was moved thereafter to Sacramento.

After his departure from public life, Vallejo oversaw his remaining business ventures even as his lands were eaten away by claims from new settlers moving into the State. Later in his life he finally had the opportunity to travel to the eastern United States, where he saw Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston, satisfying a life-long desire to witness the birthplace of American democracy. His final contribution to California was a vast set of collected writings on Native Americans and californios, which is now in the collections of the University of California.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the remarkable life of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and acknowledge the contributions he made to the establishment of statehood for California.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a proud corporate citizen from California's First Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Fetzer Vineyards, an environmentally conscious grower, producer and marketer of wines, has been named a 2007 Brand With a Conscience in recognition of its sustainable practices and social responsibility in winemaking.

Candidates for this award, given annually by the Medinge Group, an international think-tank on branding and business, are evaluated on the basis of reputation, accountability and an assessment of expressed values of sustainability. Fetzer has long been known as an environmentally responsible brand and joins companies such as Whole Foods and the Virgin Group in receiving this honor.

Initiatives to improve the winery's energy efficiency and sustainability practices began in the 1980's with the Fetzer family and have continued to thrive with the support of Brown-Forman Corporation, its parent company since 1992. Among its many accomplishments, the vineyard has reduced its waste by 93 percent since 1991, is annually recognized as one of the top ten recycling companies in California and has been using 100 percent renewable power since 1999. Fetzer is also known for its extensive use of solar power, bio-fuel and its adoption of company-wide recycling programs. Fetzer has the largest solar array in the wine industry, consisting of 4,300 solar panels covering 75,000 sq ft.

This most recent accolade compliments a collection of awards recognizing Fetzer's commitment to environmentally conscious practices. In 1999 Fetzer received the Business Ethics Magazine Award for Environmental Excellence and the United States Environmental Protection Agency Climate Wise Partnership Award. In 2003, California's Environmental Protection Agency selected Fetzer to receive the Governor's Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership. Fetzer Vineyards has been acknowledged as Salmon Safe and touted for Fish Friendly Farming practices. In 2007, Fetzer received its 13th WRAP (Waste Reduction Awards Program) award.

Fetzer is renowned for its triple-bottom line business approach, evaluating the impact of business decisions upon the employees and the environment along with economic considerations. As the largest grower of organic wine grapes in northern California, Fetzer carries on its tradition of using healthier vines and a more natural wine making process to produce wines that are recognized as being good for the planet and good for the palate.

With this award, Fetzer will serve as a model for companies striving to establish environmentally conscious business practices both locally and on a wider national and international scale.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Fetzer on its recognition as a 2007 Brand With a Conscience and to applaud its tireless efforts as a world-class organization and champion of sustainable business practices. I am proud to represent them.

Mr. Speaker and Members, our strategy in Iraq isn't working. It wasn't working 3 years ago, and it won't be working another year from now. This isn't about defeat; it is about reality.

Our troops have done a fantastic job. But to risk more lives, more wounded, and to spend more than the half trillion dollars we have already spent far exceeds any gain we can expect.

The best thing to do is to get our troops out, and get them out immediately, and to make the Iraqis take control of their country. But, today, I will vote for this bill which is a realistic shift in strategy that every Member should be able to support.

Our focus should be on protecting our home front, stabilizing Afghanistan, and stamping out terrorism across the globe. And we need to start looking ahead by developing a containment plan to keep Iraq's civil war from spilling over into other countries throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, that is the only way to achieve victory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Joseph Health System, which has received a prestigious 2007 Great Workplace Award from the Gallup Organization recognizing the company as one of the twelve best places to work worldwide. St. Joseph Health System operates hospitals and clinics throughout California and is an important healthcare provider for residents of California's First District.

The First District is home to three of St. Joseph's hospitals: Redwood Regional Hospital in Fortuna, St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, and Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa. I have had a long and productive working relationship with these hospitals--as has my wife, Jan, who fondly recalls her days working in Queen of the Valley with Sister Ann.

These hospitals have been fixtures in the North Coast health care delivery system for decades. St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka opened in 1920 in response to the influenza epidemic. It was the first full- service hospital in that area, staffed by 18 Sisters and one lay nurse. Today, St. Joseph Health System is the second largest employer in Humboldt County.

Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa is recognized as one of the region's premier treatment centers. Founded over 40 years ago, today it specializes in cardiovascular medicine and a full range of cancer prevention, diagnostic, and treatment services.

St. Joseph Health System is one of the ministries of the St. Joseph Sisters of Orange, a religious order dedicated to social justice, education, and healthcare. In addition to the order's work at St. Joseph Health System, they are a sponsoring religious order of Loyola Marymount University and provide funding for Taller San Jose, a center for the empowerment and education of Latino young adults living in poverty.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we congratulate St. Joseph Health System for receiving a 2007 Great Workplace Award, and acknowledge the contributions they have made to the health of citizens throughout California and the other states in which they serve.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Art Finkelstein from the Napa Valley, who is being honored with the first annual Al Brounstein Meritorious Award during the L'Chaim: To Life! Weekend. Mr. Finkelstein is receiving this high honor for his substantial contributions both to winemaking and to the Jewish community of the Napa Valley.

Mr. Finkelstein was born in Chicago and grew up in Rock Island, Illinois before he moved out west for college. In Los Angeles, where he was a student at the University of Southern California, Mr. Finkelstein became involved with amateur winemaking while pursuing a career as an architect. Having won numerous awards for his wines, he moved to the Napa Valley and opened Whitehall Lane Winery with his brother in 1979.

Mr. Finkelstein has a well-deserved reputation around the Napa Valley as a superb winemaker who enjoys crafting small lots and unique, individual wines. After selling Whitehall Lane in 1988, Mr. Finkelstein and his wife Bunny opened the smaller Judd's Hill Winery to focus on winemaking, not management. This hands-on setting allows him to concentrate on the art of winemaking, seeing the process through from planting to bottling. He has also founded Judd's Hill Microcrush, which allows customers to participate in the winemaking process from grape selection to press and storage, creating a small lot of wine crafted by that individual. In keeping with his love of winemaking, Mr. Finkelstein taught Small Winery Development for several years through Napa Valley College's Small Business Development program.

Beyond the winery, Mr. Finkelstein has for many years been a prominent presence in the Napa Valley community. He has taken the lead in numerous causes throughout our valley. He has been active on the Little League baseball board in St. Helena, and is a trustee with the Jewish Community of Napa Valley where he helps facilitate many of the organization's good works in the arts and education throughout the valley.

Mr. Finkelstein is a trustee of the Congregation Beth Shalom, and has served as Vice-President of the Congregation. He was on the search committee that brought Rabbi David White to the congregation, and assisted with religious services during the transition.

Together, the Finkelstein family has been a social presence in the Napa Valley and I have long valued their friendship. His son Judd and daughter-in-law Holly have joined Art and Bunny at the winery, adding a new level of energy and enthusiasm to the family's new endeavor.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we congratulate my friend Art Finkelstein for the award he is receiving, and thank him for his substantial contributions to winemaking and to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Manuel Rodriguez of Lake County for his years of dedicated public service on behalf of the citizens of Lake County. He has ably worked in the Social Security Administration, assisting local residents in managing their benefits, and his work has been of great importance to many.

Mr. Rodriguez was born in Los Angeles, and served 5 years in the United States Air Force before receiving an associate of arts degree in history. He has worked for the Federal Government in the Social Security Administration for 28 years, during which time he has excelled in a variety of roles. His work for Social Security has been marked by an exacting attention to detail, and a commitment to ensuring that when interruptions do occur to a citizen's benefits, the problem is corrected as expeditiously as possible. His patience and work ethic have been of the utmost importance to many people who depend on his expertise to sustain their primary source of income.

Beyond his work in the office, Mr. Rodriguez has been an active member of his community, lending his efforts to a number of local organizations. He is a member of the Parish Council at the United Christian Parish in Lakeport, and has been a dedicated supporter of the many different programs this ministry offers. He has also been a longtime volunteer at the Lake County Passion Play.

In his retirement, Mr. Rodriguez looks forward to traveling with his wife Michele, and enjoying more time with his step-children, Grant and Terre Basham, who also live in Lakeport. He intends to return to school to obtain a minister's license.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Mr. Manuel Rodriguez for his many years of service at the Social Security Administration. He has been a dedicated public servant of the highest caliber, and he has done exemplary work on behalf of the citizens of Lake County.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

I rise in opposition to this and any amendment that proposes to lift the moratorium on oil and gas leasing off our coast.

The moratorium has been a bipartisan, multi-State, bicoastal agreement for over 25 years, and as mentioned has been renewed annually since the 1980s.

The north coast of California along my district, and I want to point out that my district has the longest run of coastline, the most miles of coastline of any district in the lower 48 States, I want you to know that people don't want this moratorium lifted. And the businesses that operate up there can't afford to have this moratorium lifted. An oil or a gas spill off my district's coast could devastate one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the world, as well as the economy that depends upon it.

My north coast district is part of an upwelling zone found along the west coast. It's one of only four of these upwelling zones in the entire world. These upwelling zones bring nutrient-rich water to the surface, and they support an incredibly abundant and productive marine life, including fish. The ecosystem also supports some of the largest and the most economic fishing industries in the world. A spill in this area would be absolutely devastating.

The north coast of California also supports a large tourism industry, and that industry is vital to our local economy, our State economy, and it contributes mightily to our national economy. It's dependent upon pristine coves, pristine beaches and spectacular views, all of which would be threatened if this moratorium were to be lifted.

In addition, given the rural and rugged nature of my congressional district, an oil or a gas spill would be disastrous to an even greater extent because of the limited accessibility to get in and clean that up, as well as the limited resources that would be readily available for cleaning up a disaster of this magnitude.

Mr. Chairman, the north coast waters provide economic and biological benefits to our entire country, and they must be protected. Lifting this moratorium, as pointed out by previous speakers, does nothing to lessen our dependency on oil and gas. And more important, it does nothing to increase the research and use of alternative energy sources.

This amendment, and all of the other amendments that are proposing to lift this moratorium, need to be rejected.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Davie Pina who is being honored by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers as their Grower of the Year on Friday, June 1, 2007. Mr. Pina is being recognized for his outstanding contribution both to the wine grape industry, and to the larger community of the Napa Valley.

Mr. Pina is a sixth generation farmer in the Napa Valley, where he was born and raised. After attending California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, he took over and has substantially expanded the vineyard management business begun by his father, John Pina, Sr., over 40 years ago. Today he operates the thriving vineyard management group and is a partner running Pina Napa Valley winery as well as involving himself in numerous groups in the community.

Pina Vineyard Management has been at the forefront of sustainable farming practices in the Napa Valley for many years, incorporating ecologically friendly agricultural techniques with sophisticated technology to help clients ensure the long-term quality of their vineyards. Mr. Pina's environmental consciousness extends beyond his work in the vineyards, as he has cochaired a local environmental project referred to as the Rutherford Dust River Restoration Team that is working to restore the watershed of the Napa River as it passes through the Rutherford area. He is part of an excellent leadership team that has brought about significant and ongoing changes to the quality of the habitat along the river.

Mr. Pina has also served as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department for the past 18 years. During this time he has taken on numerous responsibilities, including storing the department's fire engine on his own property while spearheading the project for a permanent Silverado Fire Station that opened in 2006. As a professional vineyard manager, he was keenly attuned to problems in the industry, and last year he helped organize local farm managers, and ultimately facilitated the Vineyard Managers Facilities Ordinance. This important work has allowed the legalization of vineyard management operations, and will help ensure regulation and quality in Napa Valley agriculture.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Mr. Davie Pina for the hard work he has done on behalf of the Napa Valley. As a respected manager and now winemaker, he has advanced the reputation of Napa Valley grapes and wine, and he has also been a model citizen and superb steward of the land he lives on.

Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleague Rep. Lynn Woolsey with great pleasure to honor Helga Lemke on her 18 years of service with Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County. Since 1989, when she was hired as the agency's Executive Director, Helga has shown a steadfast commitment to increasing opportunities for low income residents of Sonoma County to gain self-sufficiency and contribute to their communities. We have found Helga to be fiercely focused on fighting poverty, wonderfully competent in running this large, multi-program agency, and yet very down-to-earth and authentic.

Helga has spent her entire career helping others, from her internship with the National Community Action Foundation nearly 40 years ago through her work at the United Nations to the present. One of the tenets she holds to dearly, says colleague John Way, is making a difference. He notes, ``I have heard her often say that one of the most enriching things about her work is having someone tell her, `What you've done has changed my life.' ''

Helga's well-earned appointment to Director of Programs for the California Department of Community Services reminds us how much she has accomplished for our community. For one, she transformed a struggling nonprofit into one of the largest and most respected agencies in the county. She also initiated an award-winning staff diversity training program and a community-acclaimed annual conference on poverty, at the same time leading a staff of 225 at more than 20 sites with an annual budget of more than $11 million.

Despite all this, Helga has still made time for public service. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors appointed her to the Workforce Investment Board and Youth Council; the Santa Rosa City Mayor has appointed her to the Mayor's Task Force on Gangs; and she has also served on numerous boards, including Roseland University Prep School. She has also testified before Congress on Head Start issues, where her expertise was valued.

Madam Speaker, we have appreciated working with Director Lemke on the many issues faced by the Sonoma community and thank her for her dedicated service. Her passion and energy are an inspiration to all of us who work with families. Congratulations on your appointment, Helga.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Virginia Hinshaw during her time as Provost and Executive Vice-Chancellor at the University of California, Davis. In this role, Dr. Hinshaw has provided superb guidance to the ongoing development and refinement of the University's academic program while overseeing many aspects of campus financial and operational planning. Dr. Hinshaw has made significant contributions to the UC Davis Community and she will be missed as she continues her career as Chancellor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Dr. Hinshaw received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Auburn in 1966 and 1967, before working as a clinical microbiologist at the Medical College of Virginia. She returned to Auburn and received her Ph.D. in microbiology in 1973. She spent the next decade studying influenza viruses in humans, other mammals, and particularly migratory birds. She has studied the markers of transmission for individual viruses, and conducted early research on identifying markers of interspecies transmission of these viruses.

In 1985 Dr. Hinshaw was hired as an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she was recognized with a number of awards honoring her unusually vibrant teaching and participation in the larger community of Madison. After promotion to professor in 1988, she served first as an Associate Dean for Research before being appointed Associate Vice-Chancellor in 1994. In 1995 she was promoted to Vice Chancellor for Research, and she was in charge of research and graduate education, overseeing thousands of students.

Dr. Hinshaw arrived at UC Davis in 2001, and has directed a wide variety of programs and departments during her time there. As sole member of the governing body of the UC Davis health system, she has helped direct the continued development of programs at the UC Davis Medical Center while also ensuring that it has remained financially sound. In addition, the medical school has opened a number of new facilities during her tenure. Her work on campus has been visible through the replacement of temporary classroom buildings with more permanent facilities, including increasing the number of teaching labs for undergraduates.

In addition to her accomplishments as an administrator, Dr. Hinshaw is well known around the university for providing a personal touch to the administration. Many people have commented on her empathy and interest in working with individuals to help resolve their problems, and each year she took the additional step of teaching a freshman seminar where she could engage younger students.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Dr. Virginia Hinshaw for her leadership and vision during her time as Provost and Vice-Chancellor at UC Davis. Her work has led the development of the university in many different areas, and even as she moves on, her work will continue to yield great rewards for the community.