Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and honor a young student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Holly Borg of Santa Cruz has just been named one of the top honorees in California by the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers in each state and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Borg is being recognized for founding her school's Interact Club and serving as the Governor of Interact's District Council. Under Holly's leadership, the district raised more than $100,000 to support ShelterBox International, an organization that provides long-term shelter for families affected by disaster.

Given the challenges we face today, it is vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contributions that these young citizens have made. Youth volunteers like Ms. Borg are inspiring examples to all of us, and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow.

The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued, and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past 17 years, the program has become the nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and more than 100,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

Ms. Borg should be extremely proud to have been singled out from the thousands of dedicated volunteers who participated in this year's program. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world, and deserves our sincere admiration and respect. Her actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities, and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I heartily applaud Ms. Borg for her initiative in seeking to make her community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has had on the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marcia Gambrell Hovick, who passed away on January 31, 2012 at the age of 89. Marcia's long life was devoted to the theater. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1922, she began taking ballet lessons at the age of three, went on stage in children's theater at the age of four, and was playing piano when she was five. Right from the start, all who knew her recognized her talent.

Marcia graduated from Austin High School, in Austin, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama at Mills College in Oakland, California, and married Jack Hovick, a medical student. Jack became an obstetrician, and in 1956 they settled their growing family in Monterey, California. Together they had four children: Christopher, Nicholas, Kirsten, and Gwyneth, who preceded her in death.

Marcia soon was organizing a children's theater group, The Children's Experimental Theatre. Marcia said, ``Children's theatre . . . is a truly awesome, transformational experience. It gives to children a kind of confidence, a location of themselves in the world, an ability to really notice each other, a feeling of mutual dependence and satisfaction.''

Marcia wrote most of the plays she used in these productions. Many scripts available for children at the time were what she called ``patronizing, simple-minded, phony.'' ``What children are interested in,'' she said, ``is truth. We can't always provide the truth, but at least we can give them a stab at it.'' She carried this exploration of truth forward in the monologues she wrote and performed herself, giving meaning to those women's lives. She also created the Traveling Troupe that brought theater into schools, and founded Staff Repertory Players.

Mr. Speaker, Marcia Gambrell Hovick was a teacher, director, actor, monologist, and writer. She touched many lives in her community, including my own daughter's, and was devoted to nurturing children and exploring truth through her art. It is a privilege and a high honor on behalf of her beloved community to recognize her life. She will be missed and I know I speak for the whole House in honoring the life of this dedicated and talented woman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joanne B. ``Joey'' Lasnik, who passed away January 4, 2012. Lasnik was a longtime community activist, volunteer, leader, daughter, grandmother, and friend.

Lasnik was an active member of the Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women, the Monterey County Overall Economic Development Commission, the Monterey County Democratic Women's Club, a leader on the National and local level of the Girl Scouts, the Salinas branch of NAACP, and the American Association of University Women, she served on the committee for the Fort Ord Task Force, and the advisory Board of KHDC. In 1981 Joanne was the first woman ever to be named foreman of the Monterey County Grand Jury. Joey proudly served four terms on the Hartnell College Board of Trustees.

Joey always strived to enhance the status of women and seniors throughout her professional life as the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center for Salinas, Executive Director of the Alliance on Aging, a Board member of the Salinas Senior Center, and Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Salinas Valley. She was instrumental in developing the vision to build a one-step state of the art Senior Center in Salinas. Joey had a talent for grant writing, passion for education, and beliefs in fairness and equality. She helped to train others to continue and expand on her work. She is considered an important mentor to many women.

Joanne had many tremendous accomplishments from her Bachelors in Education for the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Masters in Science from Purdue University, to all of her volunteer work, helping to organize women's shelters and partaking in numerous community groups. In addition, she was an accomplished needle-pointer, seamstress, and creative cook, but most of all she was a proud parent to Leslie, Jay, Mark, her daughter in law and beloved grandchildren as well as her ``adopted'' sons from Japan she hosted for over 10 years.

Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in mourning the passing of this dedicated and loving woman. Her life was a gift to her community, a shining example to be emulated by those who she inspired to continue her work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Rama Khalsa, who retired as the Director of Health Services of Santa Cruz County in the state of California. Not only was she a leader in the field of health services, but also in mental health. During her thirty- five years of service in the health care field, Rama was an advocate for reducing the costs and improving the quality of health services for low-income and uninsured residents of the county.

Her career began in 1976 as a Juvenile Court Psychologist in the San Bernardino County Probation Department, and then segued into mental health which has been her career. She has won numerous awards, participated in many research projects, has been awarded honors and doctorate degree, but is most proud of her accomplishments in the field of community access to mental health services.

She was a founder and first Chair of the Health Safety Net Clinic Coalition of Santa Cruz County, promoted the potential of Health Information Technology in the last decade, and was a key leader in the development of the local children's health coverage program for Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Merced Counties.

During my tenure in the California State Legislature we worked together on the revision of the California Mental Health Master Plan Act to upgrade services and make mental health treatment more accessible in our state.

Rama has been an active member of the Board of Directors of Central Coast Alliance for Health, served on various committees, and has given her time for the Health Services Agency, Health Improvement Partnership Council, Safety Net Clinic Coalition, Health Information Technology, and Santa Cruz Health Information Exchange.

After thirty-five years of public service, Rama hopes to spend more time painting, traveling, volunteering, enjoying classical and Celtic music and spending more time with her two children, Siri and Dayal, in her retirement. She also plans to continue with health advocacy, grant writing and policy work.

Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House and the entire mental health community in California as I commend Rama Khalsa for all she has done and all she will undoubtedly continue to do. I extend my most sincere thanks and warmest wishes for her success and much happiness in her retirement. We are all blessed by her public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program. Since its inception 13 years ago, the program has placed some of Australia's best and brightest university students, who have exhibited a passion for civic engagement and public service, with House and Senate offices for two-month full-time internships annually. These internships have enabled me and my staff, who have participated since the program's inception to share in our common values and ideals, while at the same time learning more about the Commonwealth of Australia.

It is an understatement to say that the United States and Australia are close allies globally, or that we share many political and economic traits. We are in many ways akin to extended family, sharing much tied history and culture. It is in this spirit that the program was launched 13 years ago to further such relations. Since its beginnings, the program has seen more than 130 young Australians walk the halls of Congress, and it is with the utmost pride that I recognize the importance of the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program in the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. Jessica Boddington joined my office on January 3, 2011 from the University of Queensland, where she is simultaneously pursuing degrees in International Relations and in Economics. During her time in my office, Jess has proven herself to be a caring, intelligent and dedicated intern, and I am honored to host her. In addition to serving my constituents with professionalism and respect, she has attended hearings and briefings, drafted legislative correspondence and assisted my staffers with a variety of individual projects.

Founded and directed by former House and Senate staffer, Eric Federing, the program fosters cultural and educational exchanges between the United States and Australia. Mr. Federing deserves distinguished praise for his efforts in coordinating this program, as well as for the support he provides to its individual participants. Outside of working in Congressional offices, the interns are given the opportunity to explore our brand of American democracy through panel discussions with political correspondents, representatives from various government offices and professionals at non-government agencies.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express how remarkable the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program is, and I once again extend my sincere appreciation to Mr. Federing for managing this program. As United States Members of Congress we have a responsibility to serve our constituents well, but also a unique opportunity to reach out to a myriad of people across the globe. As such, I would encourage all of my colleagues to open their doors to students from overseas, so that we can share our culture and democratic institutions. I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the contributions of the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program and, again, thank Jess Boddington for her admirable participation and diligent work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a good friend and great leader who passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2011. His energy, intelligence, and dedication served the City of Santa Cruz since 1976, when he co-founded the Resource Center for Nonviolence. In 1991, Scott began his political career, serving on the Santa Cruz City Council from 1991 to 1998 and again from 2001-2003. He also served as the mayor of Santa Cruz in 1994 and 2004. Throughout his life, Scott demonstrated a strong commitment to his community and he will be dearly missed. I am proud to honor my friend and his service to the City of Santa Cruz and to the rest of the world.

Scott was born in Nebraska on December 9, 1948, and grew up in San Jose, California. He began his advocacy for international peace while attending the University of California at Santa Cruz when as a freshman he first traveled to the Israel-Palestine region. Middle

Eastern issues were at the forefront of Scott's advocacy and he led some 25 delegations to the Middle East with increasing success over three decades of involvement. Since the mid-1970s Scott attempted to amplify the voices of Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to participating in a nonviolent struggle for lasting peace. Scott's tenacity and passion provided the foundation from which the Resource Center for Nonviolence has continued to prosper to this day. His later heavy involvement with the Washington, D.C.-based group Interfaith Peace Builders only adds to his great strides toward world peace. His lifetime of humanitarian service was honored in 2010 when he received the Pfeffer Peace Prize.

The Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 was a jumping off point for Scott's local political career. Several affordable housing activists, afraid the disaster would result in a lack of affordable housing, recruited Scott to be their voice and run for city council. During his time in elected office, he worked to construct low-income housing, build a community soccer field, pass a resolution against the first Iraq war and permanently preserve several greenbelt properties on the city's perimeter. His intelligence and passion challenged and taught those who served alongside him to do their very best for Santa Cruz.

Throughout all of these great achievements, Scott had the stalwart support of his loving family. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Kristin (Kris), his two sons, Peter and Benjamin and his daughter Megan, who served in this Chamber as a Congressional House Page. His entire family actively supported his work by door-to-door canvassing and later travelling to Israel and Palestine. Scott described his family, and his wife Kris in particular, as his bedrock. The support she gave him made possible his lifelong humanitarian and political success.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House of Representatives, I would like to extend our Nation's deepest condolences to Scott Kennedy's family for their loss. I would like to honor his great struggle for peace and his service to the City of Santa Cruz. He was a treasured Mayor, father, and husband and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This campaign draws attention to the impact of violence against women around the world.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign of activism. It lasts for 16 days and starts on November 25, which is the International Day Against Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The campaign highlights the links between violence against women and human rights, and stresses that this type of violence is a violation of human rights.

Since 1991, over 3,700 organizations in approximately 164 countries have participated in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Violence against women remains a serious problem both domestically and throughout the world. It has been estimated that nearly a billion women globally will be beaten, raped, mutilated or otherwise abused during their lifetimes. That is 1 in 3 women. Those statistics are extremely frightening for both men and women and are simply unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the call to end violence against women and girls around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and distinguished career of Dr. Robert Curry. Dr. Curry, a prominent professor of hydrology and geology at both the University of California at Santa Cruz and California State University at Monterey Bay, has spent his entire professional life teaching generations of students how human activity can change the earth's surface. He has also spent countless hours, many without pay, working for conservation organizations on issues ranging from soil conservation, wetland preservation, water quality, to endangered species protection. Dr. Curry is truly a modern renaissance man. He has mastered many disciplines, including hydrology, geology, fluviual geomorphology, climatic history, wetland delineation, forest ecology, and geologic hazard evaluation. It is important we honor his vision, dedication, and tenacity in doing as much as humanly possible to protect the natural environment from unnecessary harm.

Dr. Curry is a native Californian, raised in the Sierra Nevada area of eastern California where both sets of grandparents instilled in him a love of natural history, hiking and camping. Dr. Curry and his three younger siblings, Barbara, Judy, and Joe as well as aunts, uncles and many cousins have deep roots in the land. He ultimately completed his doctoral dissertation on the climatic history of the Sierra Nevada and his parents are now buried at high elevation in what is now a Wilderness Area.

Dr. Curry studied at the undergraduate and masters level at the University of Colorado. He later earned a Ph.D in Geology and Geophysics at UC Berkeley, where he helped draft California's Forest Practices Act. Dr. Curry subsequently taught for over 45 years, beginning at UC Santa Barbara. He later served as Provost and professor at UC Santa Cruz before joining the California State University Monterey Bay faculty where he created the Watershed Science curriculum.

Perhaps his most significant contribution was the cooperative authorship of Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act. In 1969, Dr. Curry served as the initial science advisor to the U.S. Senate Public Works Committee following its review of the Santa Barbara Oil Spill. Working with Senator Ed Muskie, chairman of the Air and Water Pollution Subcommittee who was drafting the National Environmental Policy Act, Dr. Curry's work lead to the clause that says if public funds are used to develop information about projects of national interest that could guide public policy, the information must be released to the public. This became the basis for the Environmental Impact Statement, which has served the public by bringing transparency to the policy process.

Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in honoring the career of this remarkable scientist and conservation leader. California, and indeed the world, are better for his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Barbara Cornett, who is retiring from her work as a member of the Monterey County Board of Education, a role she has filled with great integrity since December 2003.

Mrs. Cornett's career in California public education spans six decades. She has served as a classroom teacher, school nurse, director of special education and assistant superintendent with Salinas Union High School District before retiring in 1992.

A clinical nurse as well as an educator, Mrs. Cornett is respected by both the medical and educational communities for her understanding of the needs of the special education students.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Vanderbilt University, and Master of Arts, School Administration, at San Jose State University. As a member of the Monterey County Board of Education, Mrs. Cornett served as its liaison to the Special Education Local Plan Area and the Monterey County Schools Insurance Group.

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that the Monterey and Salinas school systems will continue to thrive because of her longstanding work. Barbara deserves our deepest gratitude and our most heartfelt wishes for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Balanced Budget Amendment. The purpose of Congress is to serve the American people and this Amendment is an unforgiveable disservice to our constituents. Let's look at the facts: the American people want jobs. But this amendment would destroy some 15 million jobs, double unemployment, and contract the economy by an estimated 17%. The American people want security. But this amendment requires draconian cuts to critical lifelines like Medicare, Social Security, and veterans' benefits. The American people want a future for their children. But this amendment blocks investments in education and infrastructure, elevates the risk of federal default, and as Reagan's Economic Advisor Bruce Bartlett said would unquestionably cause another recession. But here's the one thing this Amendment would do for the American people: reinforce their belief that Congress can't get anything good done.

This legislative body is better than that. And it is better than this amendment, which is nothing more than political theater. And at a time of 9% unemployment and a contracted economy, there is no excuse to waste taxpayer dollars on petty political gamesmanship.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and get down to the serious legislative business of restoring order to our fiscal house. I have joined with many of my Democratic colleagues in fighting to stabilize the economy, create jobs, and build a better future for our children and grandchildren. And I will not stop this fight until we have rebuilt our economy so that the men and women of America can get back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the pastoral accomplishments of the Reverend H.H. Lusk, Sr. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Reverend Lusk has served as a minister and professional community organizer in the City of Seaside, California for over 50 years.

In the 1950s while living in Memphis, Reverend Lusk attended both Henderson Business College and the Right School of Religion. In 1984, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Religions and Organization Behavior from the University of San Francisco. Later, he earned a Master of Science degree in Management and School Administration from Pepperdine University.

After arriving in Seaside, California, Rev. Lusk began ministry at Bethel Baptist Church. Over the course of the last fifty years, he has become an important religious and community leader. Reverend Lusk has served in many positions, including Vice Moderator of the St. John District Association, which covers California, Nevada, New Mexico and parts of Africa. In addition he has served as either a leader or member of such community organizations as the Monterey Peninsula Ministerial Alliance, the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, the Seaside Club International, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., and the National Alliance for Black Observation Day. He has also been active in community education and economic opportunity.

In December 1992, Reverend Lusk was one of 100 ministers to be selected to be a part of the Cross Cultural Pastors Association for Peace delegation in Seoul, Korea. As a result of this trip, he received a vision for Bethel to organize ``Home Cell Bible Study Groups'' throughout the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas. In February 1993, Reverend Lusk accepted an invitation from President Nelson Mandela to be a part of the First African National Conference in history to be held on South African soil. Reverend Lusk was also asked to be one of the monitors for the election held in Johannesburg in 1994.

Among the many awards and honors bestowed upon him are the Outstanding Service Award of the Anti-Poverty Council, the NAACP Man of the Year Award, the Seaside Chamber of Commerce Award, the Elvita Lewis Foundation Award, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Award, The California Legislative Resolution Commendation, and a Congressional recognition for Outstanding Contributions to the Community.

Reverend Lusk is married to the former Bettye L. Jones. They have three sons, Herb Lusk II, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hendrick H. Lusk and Harold H. Lusk, both of Seaside. Reverend and Sister Lusk, Sr., reside in the city of Seaside, California.

Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in congratulating Rev. Lusk on his long service in ministry and his many accomplishments.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I want to thank my co-chair, the chair of the committee who we just heard from, Mr. Kingston. We get along very well, and it's wonderful to work with him.

But I'd also like to thank the chair of the committee, Mr. Rogers, and the ranking member, Mr. Dicks, for letting us do our work in a professional manner, a professional and intellectual manner, which I think is the way we want to have political compromise. You allowed us to do that work, and I think that this report is a good report, and that's why I'm asking my colleagues to support it.

I didn't vote for the original bill; but this conference report is much better, and that's why I urge its support. There are many good things about this bill, especially in comparison to the version that originally passed the House last summer.

I was very pleased that we were able to go to the Senate level for the Food and Drug Administration, which is an increase of about $334 million over the House bill because to increase the funding of FDA's important work on medical countermeasures, that is very important. Medical countermeasures is critical to America's ability to face down biological, radiological, and other similar widespread public health threats. Without it, we'd be vulnerable to germ warfare. That's why I advocate its robust funding.

I might add, this isn't just science fiction that we see in movies. This is real, and this program is really vital to our future security.

In the USDA, the Department of Agriculture, particularly in the domestic food programs, remember, this is the biggest program in America that deals with the War on Poverty. And it's very good what we've done in here. This prevents hunger, improves nutrition, and grows healthier people in this country.

This conference report actually provides $36 million more than the Senate level for the WIC, the Women, Infants and Children program. It increases $570 million over the House bill for low-weight babies and for those kinds of programs that will grow healthier babies, healthier people in this country.

Then there's the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which we used to call food stamps. Many people may not realize it, but the SNAP program serves 15 percent of our fellow Americans during these difficult times. Fifteen percent of Americans. Over 40 million Americans are now depending on food stamps. That number is up by 7 million people over the last year. Why? Because the economy's downturn has created a lot of hardship for families. That's why the funding level of the SNAP program is so very, very important and why I'm happy that the funding level is a lot more than it was in the original House bill. This is also good news for the working class and distressed families of the United States.

Then we have a program in the Commodities Supplemental Food Program, which is also the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. We've also funded that at a higher level. This is good news because it helps particularly the elderly who have suffered a debilitating life event like a tornado or flood or disaster and they need access to food and nutrition outside of the regular system. I'm so glad we're able to beef up these domestic programs for food assistance.

Then we have the international programs that help our international allies who need food assistance in the Food for Peace program. There's the well-known McGovern-Dole program, which provides donations of agricultural commodities and financial technical assistance for feeding and nutrition projects in low-income countries, countries that suffer from the culture of poverty, which could lead to all kinds of distressed, and certainly even to where we have to send in troops to bail out these countries. So this is a good prevention.

The conference report gave a lot more than what was in the original House level. There's a lot of good in this conference report. But, frankly, I have to say that there's one part that I'm really disappointed with. Under the Dodd-Frank program, we tasked to construct regulations to protect consumers. The President asked for enough money to get the new review process up and running.

Thank you very much for yielding.

And we didn't give it enough money to do that. And then in the last thing, we dropped some crazy part into this program, which I think has gotten a lot of negative attention this week and deserves it, and that is that we, without any discussion or going to the rule, it pre- determines that the new regulations on tomato paste and tomato puree and sodium can be part of the school nutrition program. They didn't consult with us. That's wrong, and that shouldn't be done.

But it's a good compromise bill. It's good. It means food for Americans; it means certainty for our farmers. It means help for the hungry around the world. I ask my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Chair, I am strongly opposed to the National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. This misguided bill is unworkable in practice and will compromise officer safety and public security. Furthermore, this bill flagrantly treads on the rights of states to legislate and enforce public security within their own states.

It is very troubling that at the very time where we all have the responsibility to be more aware of our public security, my colleagues have introduced a bill that values Wild West ``shoot 'em up'' swagger over reasonable measures to protect public safety.

This bill will make it easier for criminal gun traffickers to travel to gun markets across the country with loaded weapons, without concern for any police scrutiny. Gun traffickers who have concealed carry permits would be able to bring cars or backpacks full of loaded guns into destination states and simply present their permit if stopped. As a practical matter, to arrest the traffickers, law enforcement would have to observe them in the act of selling guns. Far too many U.S.- purchased weapons make it into the hands of criminals in Latin America, and H.R. 822 would only exacerbate this problem.

Mr. Chair, while I support gun rights for law abiding citizens for sport and collection, I simply cannot support this bill.

I hope my colleagues will join with me and the California Police Chiefs Association, along with other national law enforcement organizations, to defeat this misguided and destructive legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren Ejima, Tom Fujimoto, Asa Hanamoto, Mas Hashimoto, Hiroshi Ito, Thomas Sakamoto, Marvin Iratsu, and William H. Omoto for their courageous service to our Nation during World War II as part of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).

Established on November 1, 1941, MIS graduated 6,000 service members during World War II to provide critical Japanese language capabilities to the American military. These brave servicemen and women provided translation, interpretation and code breaking services in the essential Pacific Theater, which contributed significantly to our Nation's victory.

Primarily comprised of Nisei, second-generation Japanese-Americans who faced crushing prejudice and discrimination in the United States at the same time many of their family members were serving their country, this exceptional group has received honors and commendations of the highest level. In 2000, the Military Intelligence Service received the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest possible honor for a military unit, and in 2010 the 6,000 graduates of the MIS were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given in this country. The Gold Medal ceremony conferring this honor was held this week in the U.S. Capitol and was attended by many of these courageous men. At the end of the war, General Charles Willoughby, Chief of Staff for Military Intelligence under General MacArthur, said that ``The Nisei shortened the Pacific War by two years and saved possibly a million American lives and saved probably billions of dollars'' during the conflict.

Initially run out of an airplane hangar on Crissy Field in San Francisco, the Military Intelligence Service was forced to relocate to Camp Savage in Minnesota in 1942 after President Roosevelt ordered the relocation of Japanese on the West Coast into internment camps. The language school continued to grow rapidly from its base at Camp Savage, and by 1944 had moved again, to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, to accommodate its increasing enrollment. After the war ended the MIS moved to the Presidio in Monterey, California, where it continued to provide essential language services to the Department of Defense.

By the 1970s the Military Intelligence Service's name had been changed to the Defense Language Institute, and all of the Department of Defense language programs were consolidated to the Monterey location. From there the program grew into the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, which celebrates its 70th anniversary on November 5, 2011 with a ball in Monterey.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be paying tribute to this outstanding group of Japanese Americans who selflessly served our Nation during World War II. I know I speak for the entire House of Representatives in honoring these heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren Ejima, Tom Fujimoto, Asa Hanamoto, Mas Hashimoto, Hiroshi Ito, Thomas Sakamoto, and Marvin Iratsu for their courageous service to our nation during World War II as part of the Military Intelligence Service, MIS.

Established on November 1, 1941, MIS graduated 6,000 service members during World War II to provide critical Japanese language capabilities to the American military. These brave servicemen and women provided translation, interpretation and code breaking services in the essential Pacific Theater, which contributed significantly to our nation's victory.

Primarily comprised of Nisei, second-generation Japanese-Americans who faced crushing prejudice and discrimination in the United States at the same time many of their family members were serving their country; this exceptional group has received honors and commendations of the highest level. In 2000, the Military Intelligence Service received the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest possible honor for a military unit, and in 2010 the 6,000 graduates of the MIS were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given in this country. The Gold Medal ceremony conferring this honor was held this week in the U.S. Capitol and was attended by many of these courageous men. At the end of the war, General Charles Willoughby, Chief of Staff for Military Intelligence under General MacArthur, said that ``The Nisei shortened the Pacific War by two years and saved possibly a million American lives and saved probably billions of dollars'' during the conflict.

Initially run out of an airplane hangar on Crissy Field in San Francisco, the Military Intelligence Service was forced to relocate to Camp Savage in Minnesota in 1942 after President Roosevelt ordered the relocation of Japanese on the West Coast into internment camps. The language school continued to grow rapidly from its base at Camp Savage, and by 1944 had moved again, to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, to accommodate its increasing enrollment. After the war ended the MIS moved to the Presidio in Monterey, California, where it continued to provide essential language services to the Department of Defense.

By the 1970s the Military Intelligence Service's name had been changed to the Defense Language Institute, and all of the Department of Defense language programs were consolidated to the Monterey location. From there the program grew into the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, which celebrates its 70th anniversary on November 5, 2011 with a ball in Monterey.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be paying tribute to this outstanding group of Japanese Americans who selflessly served our nation during World War II. I know I speak for the entire House of Representatives in honoring these heroes.