Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution. It may seem peculiar, but, frankly, I think that the military does not need this resolution. It is not broken out there. They are having the ability to recruit. Even despite the negative news from Iraq, the recruitment numbers are up for all the services.

What this resolution does is sort of breaks this feeling in America that democracy allows divergence of opinion and that the people that own the real estate should have a voice in who can visit that real estate. We do not have any nationally owned universities, yet this resolution requires equal access for all military recruiters at institutions of higher education. I think we are getting into a really slippery area here because you are going to create within those campuses huge debates that students are going to say, we don't like this stuff being jammed down our throats. We and the faculty and the trustees of a university ought to be able to decide who can visit our campus, as they do in all other things.

For example, here in Washington, D.C., Catholic University does not allow pro-abortionist recruiters to come and talk on the campus, and here you are going to require, regardless of what the issue should be, that military recruiters have to be allowed on campus. I think it is a very slippery slope. I do not think we need to go there, because the recruitment numbers are not down. I think the military has historically stood on its own feet to do very well in recruiting without getting Congress involved mandating that they have to be on campuses. I think you are going to have a negative reaction.

I would urge Congress very carefully to think about this and to vote ``no'' until we get a better thought on how we want to mandate democracy in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 36.

It is a standard practice for institutions of higher learning to include a non-discrimination policy as part of their mission. These policies affirm that they do not tolerate discrimination on any number of issues: race, sex, religion, age, disability, social class, and sexual orientation. These non-discrimination policies were created so that all people in our country have the opportunity to be an equal and respected member of higher education communities.

Unfortunately the military has established a discriminatory policy, Don't Ask Don't Tell. This policy unfairly excludes homosexuals from military service on the basis of their sexual orientation alone. For example, numerous military linguists who are critically needed in the Global War on Terrorism have been discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell. Supporters of H. Con. Res. 36 say that denying military recruiters access to college campuses is a national security threat, but they are completely missing the big picture. The real national security threat is the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that forces our military to discharge gay servicemen and servicewomen regardless of their job performance.

I strongly believe that the non-discrimination policies of colleges and universities should be respected and I urge my colleagues to vote against this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John L. Freitas, who is retiring after 18 years as Executive Director of the Carmel Foundation in Carmel, California. The Carmel Foundation was established in 1950 with the purpose of providing ``. . . for the residence, health, care and good living and the welfare and well being of persons in and about Carmel who are advanced in years and not otherwise sufficiently cared for.''

Under John's direction, the foundation procured vehicles to provide the residents and members with the independence that mobility affords. Facilities were outfitted with fixtures and appliances designed for both able and disabled people. More than fifty classes and programs were made available to enrich the lives of the members. A new computer learning center was added and became so popular that one thousand members graduated from its classes in the first 5 years, proving John's faith in the interest and ability of these seniors to learn difficult new skills.

John Freitas' strong sense of community and fine balance with his board made it possible for the Carmel Foundation to continue to add enrichment programs. In-home supportive services, assistance with accounting, home safety checks, a weekend meal program, parties and potlucks are just a few of the elements that enhance their members' quality of life and ensure a loyal following. This loyalty flows over to the employees, who can see every day that what they do makes a tangible difference in the lives of all the people.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud John Freitas' many accomplishments, and commend him for the tremendous amount of personal time, thought, and dedication he put into this project. I join the Carmel community in honoring this truly remarkable man for all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monterey County's new Emergency Services Center. This state-of-the-art essential services facility houses the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Office of Emergency Services, as well as the consolidated 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, which serves public safety agencies and virtually all 420,000 residents of Monterey County. The need for this facility and its coordinated, integrated approach to emergency and communications services was starkly highlighted during the floods that devastated the county in 1995. Harry Robins, Emergency Services Manager, identified the necessary improvements in planning, budgeting, fiscal constraints, design, construction and installation of equipment, never wavering in his commitment to the vision of what this facility should be, and what it would mean to the people of Monterey County.

Joining the county mid-stream in this planning effort was Emergency Communications Director Lynn Diebold, who solidified community backing and obtained fiscal support from every city and public safety agency served by the unique thirty-year partnership known as ``County Comm''. The final piece of the support and funding puzzle was achieved when I was able to secure approval for a HUD technology grant of nearly one million dollars. This funding ensured that the facility would be properly equipped to handle the day-to-day calls for police, fire and emergency medical calls for service, as well as improved the county's ability to respond regionally, with all local and State agencies, during any wildland fire, flood, earthquake or man-made disaster. These Federal grant funds were used to purchase essential telecommunications equipment and planning expertise, critical to meeting the joint missions of Emergency Services and Emergency Communications.

The County Board of Supervisors, City Mayors and Councils, Fire District Boards and public safety organizations throughout the county are justifiably proud of their partnership with each other and the Federal government on this important regional project. Board of Supervisors Chair Lou Calcagno remarked at the official opening in August 2004, that he was ``particularly pleased that in these challenging fiscal times, this facility was built on time, on budget and is 100 percent paid for.'' He added, ``With no financing or bonds to pay off, this project is a testament to the good planning and hard work of county staff and the support and financial participation of our partner cities and Federal government''. City of Monterey Mayor, Dan Albert, who serves as the Chair of the Emergency Communications Policy Advisory Council, acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the 911 dispatchers and staff who handle over 600,000 911 and non-emergency telephone calls and more than 500,000 dispatch incidents annually.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to be able to do my part in helping secure funding for this project. I join my colleagues in celebrating the opening of this building that has so many significant benefits to the county, and in thanking all those who work here for their commitment to the welfare of their fellow citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc., affectionately called CHISPA, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. CHISPA is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 Community-based Housing Development Organization, whose California housing projects have served Monterey County's lowest- income population for 25 years, and is the largest private nonprofit housing developer in the area.

CHISPA's Self-Help program allows participants to become homeowners through building their houses themselves. Since 1990, CHISPA's Self- Help program has built 483 homes for approximately 2,560 people in Monterey County alone. This laudable program allows large low-income families to build their own homes with three to four bedrooms, double car garages, vaulted ceilings, landscaped front and back yards, sprinkler systems, and oak cabinets. Working 40 hours per week under the guidance of a construction supervisor, families are able to realize their dream home.

Another worthy CHISPA program is the Moderate Income Housing program in which first-time home buyers receive financial assistance. Beneficiaries of this program include city employees, entry-level professionals, and teachers.

CHISPA Housing and Management, Inc., CHMI, Housing and Maintenance Specialists ensure that houses are of the highest quality by overseeing all construction activities. Program participants learn both construction and maintenance techniques, in addition to valuable management skills. CHISPA contributes to social well-being not only by enabling families to construct beautiful homes, but also by providing participants with a deeper sense of community.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud CHISPA's many accomplishments, and commend them for the tremendous effort they dedicate to enabling families to own their own home. I join the entire community in honoring this truly remarkable organization for its achievements in making the American Dream a reality for so many of our citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dan Hudson, a valuable member of the Monterey community who passed away on October 11, 2004, after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was an entrepreneur with a love of storytelling, but is perhaps best known for his creation of the Monterey County Post.

Dan was born on January 7, 1951, in Berkeley, CA, but soon returned to his family's home on the Monterey Peninsula. He spent his youth exploring the Central Coast, and was well known for his love of adventure. After graduating from Robert Louis Stevenson High School, Dan created Hudson & Company, in the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel, CA. He attended the Monterey College of Law, but after his graduation in 1994 decided instead to go into the newspaper business.

The Monterey County Post was the result of this decision, which he designed particularly to serve the residents of Monterey County. The lead article dealt with Carlos, a former gang member, and instantly made a name for the paper as taking a serious, in-depth approach to crime and illegal drugs. Dan wasn't afraid to tackle controversial issues, and though the paper had a conservative leaning, he welcomed opinions from everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Dan Hudson's many accomplishments, and I commend him for his dedication to his community and friends. He was a remarkable figure, and his memory will live on in the many people whose lives he has touched. I join the Monterey Bay community, and friends and family in honoring this truly admirable man and friend for all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor MG Salve H. Matheson, who passed away January 8 at the age of 84. Major General Matheson's life-long dedication to military service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and dedication, even in trying times.

Born in Seattle, Major General Matheson and his family moved to Monterey in 1920. After graduating from UCLA, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During World War II, Major General Matheson participated in D-Day at Normandy, the liberation of Holland, the storm of Hitler's ``Eagle Nest'' and the defense of Bastogne. The heroics of his unit were forever immortalized by historian Stephen Ambrose in the 1992 novel ``Band of Brothers.''

During the Korean War, Major General Matheson continued to play key roles in major military operations, such as the amphibious landings at Inchon and Wonsan. In the Vietnam War, he commanded the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division and participated in the Tet Offensive. Major General Matheson continued his military career in Korea in the late 1960s by commanding the 2nd Infantry Division along the demilitarized zone.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Major General Matheson for his distinguished career. His contribution to our country is immeasurable. MG Salve H. Matheson has left a legacy of leadership and service to his community that will not soon be forgotten. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel J. Vercoe, who passed away on October 6th at the age of 89. Mel's life-long dedication to activism and public service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and service in our community.

Mel was a 1933 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School in Washington State. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1963 with his wife Dolores and his two children Ken and Linda.

As an architect and contractor, Mel was involved in the construction business for over 50 years. Mel was well known for his many ``Letters to the Editor'' which appeared in the Monterey Herald and other local newspapers. A politician at heart, Mel always gave his take on issues to help the community.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Mel for his honorable service to our country and his contributions to our community. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong and heartfelt support of H. Res. 39. This resolution underlies the moral fabric of our global society: We must never ever forget and we must be ever vigilant to prevent the hatred that led to the creation of concentration camps like Auschwitz.

The resolution rightly urges that we rededicate ourselves to the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination and anti-Semitism. Clearly, such a call to arms is needed now more than ever. For example, the State Department's Report on Global Anti- Semitism states, ``anti-Semitism in Europe increased significantly in recent years.'' Genocide in Rwanda, the ethnic massacres in Bosnia and the mass killings of children in Russia reminds us that not every corner of the world or country is committed to respecting the dignity of its citizens. As we solemnly remember the sacrifice of 12 million people who were persecuted and died because of their ethnicity, political or religious beliefs, we must fight anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination with renewed vigor. We will be judged poorly by history itself if we do not.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rodney Gilsen Kennedy- Minott, who passed away December 15th at the age of 76. Rodney's lifelong dedication to academia, activism and public service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and dedication, even in trying times.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Rodney moved to Massachusetts in his teenage years. Though college bound, the lure of military service led him to enlist after high school, serving in the US Army occupation force in Japan. After his time in the service, he set out to finish his education at Stanford University, eventually earning his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. In 1965, he moved back to his native Portland, where he taught as an Associate Professor and worked as a staffer for former Congresswoman Edith Green. Two years later, he moved to California State University at Hayward where he became the Associate Dean of Instruction, a Professor of History and Head of the Humanities Department.

Rodney's keen interest in politics led him to early support for President Jimmy Carter's campaign in 1974. He was later lauded as an impressive character for standing up to the Army Corps of Engineers and Federal bureaucracy on behalf of the campaign and became quite close to the President.

Rodney went on to serve as the Ambassador to Sweden from 1977 to 1980, judged ``the most effective and successful US Ambassador to Sweden in more than twenty years'' by Nobel Prize winners Gunnar and Alva Myrdal. In 1993, he was selected by the US Navy to implement an interdisciplinary curriculum to educate naval officers at the Naval Postgraduate School about environmental issues. Rodney also developed a program to train naval officers to be diplomatic staff at US embassies.

Throughout his life, Rodney remained an active member of the community. He was a past board member of the West Coast Region of the Institute of International Education and the University of San Francisco's Pacific Basin Studies Program, an Associate Fellow of the

Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, a member of the World Affairs Council Monterey, the Monterey Bay Chapter of the Organization of American Historians, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, and the American Foreign Service Association.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Rodney for his honorable career and his contribution to our society. Rodney consistently went above and beyond the roles bestowed upon him, and has left a legacy of leadership and activism. Our thoughts go out to his three children, Katharine, Rodney Jr., and Polly. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean Richard (Dick) Barelli, a dedicated public servant who passed away on October 1st, 2004. He was a valuable member of the Monterey Bay community and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Dick Barelli was born in Hammond, Indiana on February 25, 1937 to Dean and Anne Barelli. After graduating from Notre Dame University, Dick served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army at Monterey County's own Fort Ord. Dick then earned his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, and in 1970 moved to Monterey to become one of the first Monterey County Assistant Public Defenders. He went into private practice, and was a founding member of the Monterey College of Law in 1972. Dick was appointed Superior Court Judge of Monterey County in 1977, where he served for five years. Although Dick retired in 1982 he has served as Deputy County Counsel for the past nine years, and was actively involved in the Monterey County Bar Association, where he served as President.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Dean Barelli's many accomplishments, and I commend him for his lifelong dedication to his community and friends. I knew Dean Barelli during my time as a Monterey County supervisor, and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I join the Monterey Bay community, his friends and his family in honoring this truly admirable man for all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my family and the constituents of the 17th District of California, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families of the tsunami natural disaster. As the number of victims continues to increase, America is united in mourning the staggering loss of lives-- many, many of whom are children.

In the last week, the millions of people affected by the tsunami have faced terrifying obstacles. But the global community stands in solidarity with the 12 affected nations. While the United States and other governments have promised humanitarian aid, private citizens in the United States have also shown an amazing outpouring of generosity and compassion. In my own congressional district, which has experienced a number of natural disasters, a number of compassionate people are reaching out to the South Asia disaster victims. For example, the Salinas Rotary Club, along with other Rotary Clubs across the country, is organizing to supply ``Shelter Boxes'' that contain basic necessities like tents and sleeping bags.

Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed on an unprecedented global scale. The international community has pledged $2 billion, with a contribution of $350 million from the United States, but it is clear that more will be required of many. I intend to support an emergency funding bill for U.S. tsunami aid and I urge the President and the Republican leadership to be generous, as the world community was to the United States in the wake of 9/11.

In addition to our efforts to help the survivors of this tragedy, we must also work to ensure that we can better alert people to similar events in the future. The United States should lead the world in implementing a global ocean observing system. The recently-released U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy final report noted the importance of using observation systems to help us to prevent the loss of life and property and be better stewards of the oceans. One of my priorities in the coming year will be to continue pushing for implementation of the U.S. Commission recommendations.

Millions of people were left homeless and facing terrifying obstacles as a result of this tsunami. But I hope they can take some solace in knowing that people across the globe stand in solidarity with them. Not only have governments promised extensive support, but private citizens everywhere are digging into their own pockets to give what they can. This outpouring of generosity and compassion is amazing and reaffirming. No matter cultural differences or physical distance, in times of crisis we always come together to help one another. As the New Year begins, I pray for the quick recovery of those affected by the disaster and hope that the compassion shown during this crisis continues far into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

I remember Bob Matsui from younger days. We were all Sacramentons. I was newly married. Shary and I went to Sacramento to work in California State politics. And there in Sacramento was this new enthusiastic political community rising because California had just amended its constitution to set the legislature to hire full-time staff, and so it was a can-do city.

And in the midst of this was this young graduate from the University of California who was a big champion of Berkeley and the Cal Bears, and he chose to run for city council. And a wonderful staff member named Steve Thompson introduced Bob to everybody, and Steve was a staff member and active in Democratic clubs and political social life. My wife, Shary, was working for John Moss, who was the predecessor to Bob Matsui. He was the Congressman at the time; and when John Moss retired, the city Democrats were split over who to support for that seat: the mayor, Phil Isenberg, a great popular person in Sacramento; or the young Bob Matsui. And it was a raucous grass roots primary battle. Bob won, and as they say, the rest is history.

It is a shock that Bob is gone. He was too young, too talented, too much going for him as a new grandfather to have been taken from us. As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, he raised a record amount of money for the congressional Democrats. We counted on him to lead us into battle against the President's proposals to privatize Social Security.

When one is speaking about Bob, one has to talk about Doris, who conquered Washington politics in her own right and ended up in the Clinton White House. She and Bob were a classic political couple, really well known in D.C. as well as Sacramento. My heart goes out to Doris and the family, to Brian, Amy, and little Anna.

Bob's congressional district is one of the most significant in the United States because he represents the best staffed, most productive, best known political celebrities in the Nation's biggest State capital, Sacramento. He was the Congressman for the Federal tax issues relating to California's tax needs. I remember that Bob Matsui had to carry the tax exemption for State legislators' per diem. Can my colleagues imagine the likes of Jess Unruh, Willie Brown, Jerry Brown, and the entire 120 members of the senate and assembly counting on his ability to convince Chairman Rostenkowski that the California State legislators should have something that no Member of Congress had, a tax exempt per diem 7 days a week for the entire legislative session? Bob had every legislator in California breathing down his throat. Their power in Sacramento meant absolutely nothing here in Washington. They needed Bob to do it for them. No one thought he could pull it off, not against Rosty. But he did.

California Democrats had a lot of political sorrow this last year. They lost the governorship in a recall election, lost many seasoned politicians like John Burton and Willie Brown and John Vasconcellos and Bryon Sher, just to name a few notables, to term limits. They lost in the unexpected death of former State senator Henry Mello and even lost their long beloved staffer, Steve Thompson. And now Congressman Bob Matsui is lost to us all, the biggest loss of all.

Bob was a Member's Member. His death has sent the State capital into a frenzy trying to decide who will run in the special election to replace him. Congress is abuzz with who will take his seat on the Committee on Ways and Means. The political world is wondering who will succeed him as Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

But the fact of the matter is that no one can take his place. The son of Japanese immigrants, whom our own government interred, he rose to be one of our Nation's most respected Congressman. No one will take his place. They can only try to emulate what his service means to the American spirit of public service in a democracy. When the Nation is experiencing what most people will certainly remember as a horrible year in the annals of modern history, a year that encompasses war, pestilence, and disease, thank God we had the goodwill of Bob Matsui, a real American role model.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Melcher, a prominent record producer and songwriter and a personal friend of mine, who recently passed away. I send the deepest sympathies to his wife, Terese, his son, Ryan, and his mother, Doris Day.

Anyone who knew Terry would claim that he was a talented man. He started his career in the music industry as a solo singer, but later he and future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston paired up and formed the group Bruce & Terry. They made several hits together and then went on to become part of the group, the Rip Chords. Together the Rip Chords recorded the 1964 hit, ``Hey, Little Cobra''.

Also, during this successful time, Terry's career included producing. He produced the top selling version of Bob Dylan's ``Mr. Tambourine Man'' and others, including the Byrds' ``Turn, Turn, Turn'' while with Columbia Records. He also worked his magic with the Mamas and the Papas, Wayne Newton, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Ray Cooder. In addition to his work Terry took time to be involved in the community; he was a board member of the Monterey Pop Foundation and a producer of the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. This event rose to fame as stars such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding emerged onto the national scene.

However, Terry was probably best known for his work with the Beach Boys, who once recorded an album at his studio in Carmel Valley. Terry co-wrote the song ``Kokomo'' and performed on their album ``Pet Sounds''. ``Kokomo'' was used in the movie ``Cocktail'', where it garnered a Golden Globe nomination in 1988 for best original song.

Terry continued his involvement with entertainment throughout his life and was the executive producer of his mother's shows: ``The Doris Day Show'', on CBS from 1968 to 1972 and then later, in the mid-80's, ``Doris Day's Best Friends''. He continued his involvement in the community and helped run his mother's charitable activities, including the Doris Day Animal Foundation. He was also a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Speaker, Terry Melcher was a man who shared his gift of music with others and valued the Central Coast community. I would again like to extend my deepest sympathies to Terry Melcher's family at their loss.

Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman Lois Capps, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman George Miller, Congressman Michael Honda, Congressman Joe Baca, Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman Tom Lantos, Congressman Pete Stark, Congressman Bob Filner, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Howard Berman and Congresswoman

Maxine Waters join me as I rise in honor of a good friend and outstanding public servant, former California State Senator Henry Mello. Henry passed away on September 4, 2004, but will always be remembered for his dedication to the communities of the Central Coast. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on in many ways.

The son of Portuguese immigrants, Henry was born in 1924 in the rural community of Watsonville, where his mother's family had been farming apples since 1874. He had an eye for business and left Hartnell College after one year to work with his family on the apple farms. At the age of 29, Henry founded John C. Mello and Sons Cold Storage and ran it for 20 years before selling it to Del Mar Food Products in 1973. By this time Henry had found his true calling: public service.

In 1966 Henry officially began his political career with his election to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. He was not afraid of politically charged issues, and in 1972 composed a motion disapproving the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. Because of his dedication to his constituents and his commitment to the Monterey Bay area, he was elected to the California State Assembly, serving from 1976 to 1980. Henry was then elected to the State Senate, rising quickly to prominent positions, including the majority whip from 1981 to 1992 and the majority leader from 1992 until he left the legislature in 1996.

While in the legislature, Senator Mello was an ardent supporter of many vital segments of our population, especially senior citizens. Senator Mello authored legislation to enact the first programs focusing on Alzheimer's-Respite Care, Adult Day Health Care and the Multipurpose Senior Services Programs. He founded the Senior Legislature and passed legislation to combat elder abuse. In the 20 years that Senator Mello served in the legislature, he authored more than 120 bills on aging and long-term care that have become the law of the land in California.

However, Henry's service and advocacy extended far beyond just one subject. He was also a strong supporter of our ocean's health, authoring legislation to protect fisheries, working to keep off-shore oil away from California's coastline, and petitioning for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He has created many lasting legacies on the Central Coast, including Wilder Ranch and Grey Whale State Parks, which are enjoyed by thousands of people each year. He also supported the creation of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz, which has made tremendous strides in organic and sustainable farming practices worldwide.

When Fort Ord was slated to be closed by the U.S. Army, Senator Mello introduced legislation to create the Fort Ord Reuse Authority to help the state and the region handle the largest base closure in U.S. history. He was also proactive in transferring this area into civilian use, and helped create the California State University, Monterey Bay on the former base. He was a co-author of the Mello-Roos Act of 1982, which provided funding for education and other public projects through tax-exempt bonds. Following the Loma Prieta earthquake, Henry secured a temporary sales tax increase to help the devastated communities of the Central Coast, a measure which proved to be invaluable to the local governments in their efforts to rebuild. In his hometown, he is perhaps best known to the general public for helping to raise funds to rebuild the performing arts center in Watsonville after it was destroyed in the earthquake. It was opened in 1994 as the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts, which was particularly fitting because Senator Mello was known for contributing his musical talents on the piano for many state and local functions.

Mr. Speaker, Henry Mello was the consummate public servant and master of the art of compromise. His legacy to the State of California is felt through the landmark legislation that he passed as well as through those whose lives he touched personally. Many of us in the California Congressional Delegation worked closely with Henry throughout our public service careers, and we all wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Helen, and his sons Stephen, John, Michael and Timothy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated and passionate public servant, my friend, the Honorable Bruce McPherson. Senator McPherson recently left office after eight years representing California's fifteenth district in the California State Senate. He has served the residents of the Monterey Bay Area as a state senator since 1996, and had previously served two terms as a member of the State Assembly for the 27th district. Though term limits have ended his career as a State Senator, Bruce leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and bipartisanship that I wish to honor here today.

Senator McPherson spent twenty-six years in the newspaper business with the Santa Cruz Sentinel, always staying active in the community that he loved. However, it was after I stepped down from my seat in the Assembly to run for Leon Panetta's seat in Congress that Bruce heard the call of elected office. After a successful campaign, he became the first Republican to represent Santa Cruz in the legislature since 1976, and since then has continued to win every local election in which he has run.

While in the legislature, Bruce has focused on several key issues, chief among them was education. In fact, while still a private citizen, he took the lead to enhance local education programs, such as creating a literacy program for the county while he was president of the local Rotary Club. This commitment continued as he worked to pass two state school bond measures, and worked annually to lower class sizes and keep them low. His position as Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Committee was a platform for him to work cooperatively within his chamber, as well as with the Assembly and Governor's office on difficult budget decisions.

As one of the Monterey Bay Area's legislators, Senator McPherson also put environmental issues in the forefront of his agenda. He supported the statewide ban on oil drilling off our coasts; helped with the purchase of over 7,000 acres in north Santa Cruz County for preservation; and authored legislation to protect water quality in our oceans.

Looking to take his message statewide, Bruce ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2002, a role he took on with a personal passion after the tragic loss of his son, Hunter. After this unimaginable loss for Bruce and his wife, Mary, they continued their positive and issues-oriented campaign in their son's name.

Mr. Speaker, Bruce McPherson leaves the California Senate having accomplished many goals for his constituency and for the state. As he looks forward to spending time with his family, I wish to honor his work and dedicated public service, and to wish him happiness and success for the future.