Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I join with my colleague and friend on the other side of the aisle in support of this measure. Specialist Keith

Grace, Jr. was a hero. All of us thank his family for his service and his sacrifice, and I ask that everyone vote in favor of this measure to rightfully name this post office in his honor.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Renee Theriault Webber upon her retirement from the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) after thirty years of dedicated service. As the Division Manager for the SCWA's Environmental and Public Affairs Division, Ms. Webber made significant contributions to the conservation and management of environmental resources and water use in Sonoma County.

Ms. Webber has devoted her professional life to environmental conservation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from California State University, Sacramento. She is a member of both the Association of Environmental Professionals and the California Native Plant Society.

Among her innumerable contributions while with the SCWA, Ms. Webber coordinated the development of a national coalition to secure Congressional authorization for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. Established in fiscal year 2000, the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund aims to protect, restore, and conserve Pacific salmon and steelhead populations as well as their habitats.

In addition to her work with the SCWA, Ms. Webber was also a principal manager of the North Bay Water Reuse Program. This program brings together three counties and ten water and sanitation agencies to address water supply shortages by working to develop recycled water as a new water supply source. When fully implemented, the North Bay Water Reuse Program will produce 33,000 acre-feet of recycled water per year in order to maximize the water supply in the North Bay.

Ms. Weber is credited by her colleagues as being able to see both sides of an issue and then build consensus among those with differing opinions. Ms. Webber's leadership in environmental management and water reuse is greatly appreciated and will certainly be missed. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor and thank Ms. Webber for her public service and wish her a most enjoyable retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rich Salvestrin, the recipient of the Napa County Farm Bureau's 2014 Agriculturist of the Year Award. Mr. Salvestrin has been, and continues to be, a tireless advocate and fierce supporter of agriculture in the Napa Valley. It is therefore appropriate that we recognize and thank Mr. Salvestrin today for his unwavering support and relentless efforts to preserve and promote agriculture in Napa County.

Mr. Salvestrin was born and grew up in St. Helena, California. His education in agriculture began at an early age. By the time he was ten, he was helping his father and grandfather prune vines on the family vineyard. Mr. Salvestrin went on to attend California State University, Fresno, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture. After completing his degree, Mr. Salvestrin returned to his family's vineyard, where he applied his education and experience to expand the family business from a grape growing operation to include winemaking.

Mr. Salvestrin has worked with the Napa County Farm Bureau for nearly three decades to advance agriculture in the Napa Valley. Soon after joining the Bureau in 1985, Rich joined the Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher Program, where he completed the Ag Leadership program in the early 1990s. Rich began serving on the Napa County Farm Bureau's Board of Directors in 1994 and notably, he served as the president of the Napa County Farm Bureau from 1999-2001.

Rich has been a leader in protecting the Napa Valley's farmland and watersheds. He was a crucial supporter of the Napa Green/Fish Friendly Farming Program. He also serves as a board member on the Napa County Winegrape Pest & Disease Control District. And as a member of the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter Action Team, he helped to control an invasive species that threatened the region's livelihood.

Mr. Speaker, Rich Salvestrin's leadership in the wine industry and viticultural preservation is greatly appreciated by the entire Napa community and we wish him further success in an already distinguished career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Art Ibleto for his induction into the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Hall of Fame. Art's contributions to our community are innumerable and far- reaching; therefore, it is appropriate that we honor and recognize him today.

Art was born and raised in Sesta Godano, Italy, which is where he first cultivated his life-long love for good Italian cooking. When World War II erupted, Art served as a young demolition specialist in Italy, planting explosives under bridges, railroads and in highway tunnels to hinder the Nazi advance. After the war, Art made his way to Sonoma County in search of a brighter future and immediately immersed himself in the Sonoma County agriculture community. When he first arrived in the U.S., Art worked in the field picking vegetables at the Ghirardelli Ranch in Petaluma, which is where he met his wife, Vicki Ghirardelli. Since then, he has gone on to contribute to our agriculture community in many ways. From being an experienced meat cutter and farmer, to growing quality grapes and making superb wines, it's hard to think of an area of agriculture that Art hasn't left an indelible mark on.

In addition to his agricultural endeavors, Art is perhaps best known for his role as the beloved ``Pasta King''. For the past fifty years, Art has shared his gift for cooking authentic Italian food through his renowned Pasta King catering business. Art the Pasta King has been by my side at more of my events than I can count. He volunteers to cook at more community events and for more charitable causes than I could possibly list here. Art is truly committed to giving back to our community, to an extent that most of us will only ever hope to emulate. Art's unwavering passion and dedication to our community is an inspiration to all. And in turn, Art is beloved by all in our community.

But most importantly, I know Art as my friend who loves his family, his friends and our community. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure and honor to recognize my good friend Art Ibleto today.

Mr. Speaker, on July 14, I was absent due to airline delays between California and Washington, DC and was unable to cast my vote for Rollcalls 405 and 406. Had I been present I would have voted:

Rollcall No. 405--``yes'': To amend chapter 15 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Register Act), to modernize the Federal Register, and for other purposes. (386-0)

Rollcall No. 406--``yes'': To provide for the establishment of a body to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation that can strengthen the domestic science and technology enterprise and support United States foreign policy goals. (346-41)

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, the tax provisions that are being considered today include the much-needed Conservation Easement Incentive Act, a bill I introduced with my friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gerlach). As a matter of fact, I have worked on this issue ever since I have been here. The last time that we introduced the bill, it was Mr. Camp and I who carried the bill.

It is important, and since its first passage in '06, farmers, ranchers, hunters, and conservation groups alike have waited a long time for the security provided in this measure. It needs to be extended, and it needs to be made permanent. Conservation easements help protect valuable natural resources and scenic open spaces by allowing private landowners to permanently retire the development rights on their land. This bill keeps farmers and ranchers on the farms and on the ranches.

This provision is more than just about landowners, however. More than 70 percent of our wildlife gets food and shelter from our privately owned working farms, ranches, and forest lands, but we are losing these habitats to development at an alarming rate of about 5,000 acres per day. As an outdoors person--a hunter, a fisher--I am well aware of the importance of having places to hunt and fish and of the importance of that to our communities. I also know that many outdoor recreational activities depend on maintaining viable fish and wildlife habitats.

It is also important for clean habitats. Our urban areas benefit from this--watersheds, for instance, right outside of New York. If it weren't for this type of measure, we wouldn't have clean watersheds. New York City and the surrounding areas wouldn't have water. This incentive helps maintain healthy wildlife populations, hunter access, and healthy communities. It is not just land trust and government agencies that depend upon this. All types of charitable groups--Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, Pheasants Forever--depend on this type of legislation.

As much as I support this measure--as I said, it is my bill--as much as it is important to the country, the fact remains that it is not paid for. This is an incredibly popular bill. There has never been a time that we have introduced it when it hasn't had over 200 coauthors. As we know, during these divisive political times, it is hard to get 200 of us on this floor to agree on what time it is. This bill has over 225 coauthors this year, but, again, it is not paid for. The fact of the matter is that this, in combination with the other fiscally irresponsible measures that the committee has marked up, realizes an $825 billion shortage. It is not paid for.

I support the measure, but I don't support it in the fashion that it has been drafted. We need to pay for it, and we need to pass it. We need to do it right.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this amendment. The proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is not a workable solution to California's water challenges.

We have a serious statewide drought in California, yet the BDCP doesn't do a single thing to alleviate this drought. Further, the current BDCP is flawed, hurts wildlife and puts the interests of South- of-Delta water contractors ahead of North-of-Delta farmers, fishers and small business owners.

Until we have a plan that is transparent, based on sound science and developed with all stakeholders at the table, the federal government shouldn't be wasting taxpayer dollars on this proposal.

We must remain focused on solutions to the statewide drought in California and not on a misguided plan that will risk billions in California tax dollars and thousands of jobs. I support this amendment and thank my colleague for raising this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The French Laundry, a renowned fine-dining restaurant in Yountville, California, as it celebrates twenty years of service on July 6th. Since its opening, The French Laundry has consistently served diners only the most delectable, high-quality and inventive dishes. This exemplary establishment certainly deserves to be recognized and honored today.

Under the leadership of Chef Thomas Keller, The French Laundry has earned world-wide acclaim. By September 1994, Michael Bauer of the San Francisco Chronicle awarded The French Laundry a four-star rating. Since then, The French Laundry has continued to receive awards and recognition at an impressive pace. The French Laundry has earned a 3- star rating from the Michelin Guide every year since 2007. Wine Spectator has bestowed its Grand Award upon The French Laundry for seven consecutive years. The restaurant has been named as one of the ``Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants'' by the San Francisco Chronicle in addition to being ranked #1 in ``The World's 50 Best Restaurants'' by Restaurant Magazine. And this just to name a few of The French Laundry's impressive accolades.

Mr. Speaker, The French Laundry has contributed to, if not defined, Napa Valley's tradition of, and reputation for, fine dining. On behalf of a grateful district, I thank Chef Thomas Keller and his entire staff for their unwavering dedication, passion and creativity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) (S. 1681).

The FY2014 IAA includes provisions to ensure that men and women of our Intelligence Community (IC) have the resources, capabilities, and authorities necessary to protect our nation and its citizens, while ensuring critical and continuous Congressional oversight of the IC.

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) passed H.R. 3381, its companion bill to S. 1681, last November. Unfortunately, the House never acted on it, and the HPSCI passed a combined FY2014/ FY2015 IAA (H.R. 4681) containing many of the same provisions as the HPSCI-passed FY14 IAA and S. 1681, with some important additional provisions. The FY2014/FY2015 IAA recently passed our body with overwhelming support.

The FY2014 IAA contains a provision I authored and was originally included in the HPSCI-passed bill, requiring a report, within 90 days of enactment, on the extent to which the IC has implemented the Inspector General of the IC's recommendations contained in the May 2013 report, entitled ``Study of Intelligence Community Electronic Waste Disposal Practices.''

This provision is also included in FY2014/FY2015 IAA requiring a report in unclassified form, with a classified annex as necessary. Because H.R. 4681 is unlikely to be enacted before this report is due, I encourage the Director of National Intelligence to submit this report in unclassified form, with a classified annex as necessary.

Of great importance to the citizens of my district is another provision I authored for H.R. 4681, which directs the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A) to conduct an assessment of the security of our nation's oil refineries and related rail transportation infrastructure. It directs l&A to make recommendations on how to improve intelligence collection and sharing of information to better protect those facilities and the surrounding communities from any harm.

My district is home to several oil refineries, which employ thousands of people and provide well-paying middle class jobs. They are a key part of the regional economy. As domestic oil production continues to increase in the region, I have heard from several of my constituents about their growing concerns regarding the security of the shipment and storage of crude oil and subsequent refined products.

Constituents have reported tanker cars parked in their communities covered in elaborate graffiti. If a vandal has the opportunity to deface a tanker car, imagine what could be done by someone with more sinister motives?

I take all concerns my constituents share with me seriously, and I believe we have the responsibility to protect our workers, our domestic refineries and our communities from potential threats.

While I support the passage of the FY2014 IAA, I will continue to work with my colleagues on the HPSCI and in the Senate to ensure that the FY2015 IAA continues my refinery and rail infrastructure security provision.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Helena Public Library as it has been awarded second place in the Library Journal's 2014 edition of their ``Best Small Library in America'' contest. This award, which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, recognizes libraries across our country that serve a population of less than 25,000 and yet, still offer outstanding and comprehensive services to the public. St. Helena Public Library is the first library in California to be honored with this award.

St. Helena Public Library has made a concerted effort in recent years to ensure that they are providing the services that our community needs most. In doing so, they have developed new programs and practices in order to better serve the older adult and Spanish-speaking populations in our St. Helena community. For example, St. Helena Public Library now offers classes on general computer skills and social media in addition to offering technical support for personal electronic devices. Furthermore, the library has increased their Spanish language materials and has developed a Spanish website, Facebook page and e-newsletter. In an effort to build connections between the Spanish and English speaking communities the library sponsored a salsa making contest, which was a smashing success. The library also demonstrates a steadfast commitment to fostering a love of reading in our children. I've seen first-hand with my granddaughter the library's outstanding programs for children and how they have worked successfully to enhance our children's ability and desire to read.

Mr. Speaker, it is important that we recognize the St. Helena Public Library for all they do to provide our community with access to knowledge and information. On behalf of a grateful community, we honor and thank the St. Helena Public Library today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Philmore Graham, who passed away on June 12, 2014, after 75 remarkable years.

Born in North Carolina, Mr. Graham went on to graduate from Tennessee State University, serve our country in the Air Force and finally, build a career at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Notably, he was the first, and to this day remains the only, African American to hold the position of supervisor at Mare Island's Department of Nuclear Energy. Throughout his life, Mr. Graham was steadfastly dedicated to bettering the lives of young people in our community, particularly the lives of young African-American men.

Mr. Graham founded the Continentals of Omega Boys and Girls Club in Vallejo, California, in 1966. What began as six young boys meeting in Mr. Graham's garage has become a thriving organization that enriches the lives of approximately 300 boys and girls today. He mentored scores of young people, offering them support and encouragement and instilling in them the values and principles they needed to succeed. Mr. Graham provided academic support, encouraged involvement in sports and taught young people the importance of perseverance, hard-work and self- respect. Mr. Graham's unwavering passion and dedication to ensuring that our youth had every opportunity to succeed is an inspiration to all. And in turn, Mr. Graham was beloved by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

For his good work, Mr. Graham was named the NAACP's Outstanding Citizen of the Year, was awarded the Good Neighbor Award, Salute to America Lifetime Merit Award, Profile of Excellence Award, Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the ``Who's Who'' among Black Americans and was repeatedly named the Omega Man of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor and thank Mr. Graham for his life of service to a grateful community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Soroptimist International of Napa, which on June 12, 2014, is holding its Diamond Anniversary to commemorate 75 years of service to the women and girls of Napa County.

``Soroptimist'' is a term derived from Latin that means ``best for women.'' As such, the mission of Soroptimist International is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs that aim to empower women and girls economically.

Soroptimist International of Napa has awarded $250,000 in grants to programs that support, protect and empower women and girls throughout Napa County over the past 20 years alone. Such programs include Napa Emergency Women's Services, Community Resources for Children, Girls on the Run, and the Mariposa Project. The collective impact of these programs has expanded opportunities and enriched the lives of countless women and girls in Napa County.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 75 years Soroptimist International of Napa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Napa County. On behalf of a grateful community, I honor and thank Soroptimist International of Napa today for their important work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Capitol Hill Ocean Week to highlight the importance of oceans to our country and to my state of California.

Important industries in California rely on a healthy ocean ecosystem. In California alone, more than 145,000 jobs are supported by the commercial and recreational fishing industry, which generate more than $25 billion in sales annually.

Proper management is critical to ensuring the survival and success of these industries, and the Magnuson-Stevens Act plays an important role in conserving and managing our fishery resources.

Unfortunately, the current legislation to reauthorize the Magnuson- Stevens Act, H.R. 4742, rolls back key conservation provisions that have been working to increase fish populations and improve our coastal communities. Further, this bill does nothing to address the emerging challenges facing our fisheries.

I join my colleagues in urging the House to pursue a reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that is based on the best available science, builds on the progress that we have already made, and will preserve the health of our oceans and fisheries for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andy and Betty Beckstoffer, the recipients of the Land Trust of Napa County's Acre by Acre Award. Andy and Betty have dedicated their lives to the preservation and conservation of land in Napa County, which is both honorable and deserving of recognition.

Andy is the founder and owner of Beckstoffer Vineyards and its subsidiaries, which own approximately 1,000 acres of vineyard land in Napa County, 1,000 acres in Mendocino County, and 1,000 acres in Lake County. Andy and Betty have permanently preserved over 400 acres of Napa County land by placing nine separate properties in conservation easements with the Land Trust. From the 44-acre Carneros Creek and Las Amigas conservation easements, which protect rural viewshed and watershed areas in the Carneros area, to 181 acres of their Georges III vineyard in prime Agricultural Preserve area, the Beckstoffers have provided us with outstanding examples of the use of conservation easements to preserve the natural values of land. Andy once said of his work, ``we started as farmers, then became grape growers, and now are stewards of the land.''

Andy and Betty Beckstoffer are the recipients of numerous awards for their grapegrowing, including Grower of the Year from Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Agriculturist of the Year from the Napa County Farm Bureau. They were also awarded the Award for Wine Industry Leadership by the U.S. Congressional Wine Caucus, and the Wine Award from Copia, the American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts. Andy and Betty Beckstoffer have five children together, David, Dana, Tuck, Kristin, and Steven.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor and thank Andy and Betty Beckstoffer for their commitment to our community and to preserving our beautiful lands. Their unyielding dedication to philanthropy and land conservation is inspirational and a testament that two people can make a significant difference in our community.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment authored by myself and Mr. Huffman from California.

Our amendment would help support the USDA Office of the Inspector General by providing them with additional resources to protect our Nation's food supply.

In February of this year, Rancho Feeding, a slaughterhouse bordering my district, recalled 8.7 million pounds of beef that it produced in the year 2013. That is no small recall. Unfortunately, the USDA was slow to share information about the nature of the recall and what would happen to the beef already processed by the Rancho facility.

From the beginning of this recall, public safety has been our number one concern. We can't let food get out that puts the health and safety of the American people at risk. That is why it is important that the Office of the Inspector General have the support it needs from Congress to do its job and ensure our food is safe. This amendment provides them with that additional support.

Jobs, businesses, and livelihoods are on the line. The longer this investigation drags on, the more uncertainty businesses face. Following the results of the investigation, USDA must put in place practices and procedures that prevent this type of recall from occurring in the future.

I want to thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Huffman, for working closely with me on this issue. He and I both represent ranchers affected by this recall. He has shared my frustration during the past few months.

If you support protecting our food supply and ensuring the integrity of USDA programs, then I urge you to support this amendment.

I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman).

I thank the chairman and ranking member for cooperating with us and working with us on this very important matter, and I yield back the balance of my time.