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“RECOGNIZING DEPARTING MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA DELEGATION” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H6741-H6751 on Dec. 12, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING DEPARTING MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA DELEGATION
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Palazzo). Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 5, 2011, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to pay special tribute to several members of the California Democratic delegation whose service in Congress is shortly coming to an end.
These six members served this House and their constituents with distinction and dedication, and they deserve our admiration and gratitude for the hard work that they have done on behalf of California and our country: Representative Joe Baca, who was elected in 2002, served for 10 years from the 43rd Congressional District; Representative Howard Berman, who was elected in 1982, served for 30 years, most recently from the 28th District; Representative Bob Filner, sworn in this month as mayor of San Diego, was elected in 1992 and served for 20 years from the 51st District; Representative Laura Richardson was elected in 2007 and served for 5 years from the 37th District; Representative Pete Stark, the outgoing dean of our delegation, was elected in 1972, and served for more than 40 years from the 13th District; and Representative Lynn Woolsey, who was elected in 1992 and served for 20 years for the Sixth Congressional District.
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There is much that can be said about the distinguished careers of our departing colleagues, but I'd like to offer a few remarks about the work that I have personally joined them in during their time here in the Congress.
Representative Howard Berman has served in the House for 30 years, and I am honored to name him among my closest friends in this body. During his service, he has worked on a wide variety of issues, but he was especially known as the champion of human rights and for standing up for the middle class, for the working class, and for the poor in our country.
As the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2007 to 2010, Mr. Berman made great progress on behalf of the less fortunate. He was a leader in securing the reauthorization of our global HIV/AIDS program to help provide access and preventative services and treatment for millions around the globe. He also authored legislation removing Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress from the U.S. terrorism list, on which they had been unjustly placed for many years. Finally, he was a leader in raising concerns about human rights abuses by autocratic governments around the world. Particularly, he was a key leader in bringing additional disclosure to the trade in conflict minerals that has financed the ongoing violence in the Congo.
Mr. Berman will be remembered as a strong friend of Israel. He was passionate about the need to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East, and through his work, he forged a broader coalition on behalf of Israel in the House of Representatives.
Also, I want to recognize Mr. Berman's work on behalf of immigration and the treatment of those who have immigrated to this country and his work on behalf of migrant workers and farm workers all across the United States. For that effort, he received the first annual Farmworker Justice Award by the Farmworker Justice Fund in 2000.
Like Mr. Berman, our dean, Congressman Pete Stark, has spent his entire distinguished career in Congress advocating on behalf of those whose voices were often drowned out in Washington by the influence of the moneyed interests.
Over the last 40 years, Congressman Stark has been one of the foremost advocates in the effort to ensure that all Americans are able to access quality, affordable health insurance. I am honored to have been one of the three principal coauthors in the House of the historic Affordable Care Act, which will provide access to quality insurance for nearly every single American. I can personally attest to the critical and key role that Mr. Stark played in drafting that law and making sure that the law provides needed relief for working families.
This was a crucial accomplishment, yet it was far from Mr. Stark's only accomplishment in the field of health care. As the former chair and ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee for many years, he was a leader on health care reform.
He was the lead author of the original COBRA insurance bill, which ensured that workers faced with losing their jobs would not also immediately lose access to needed health insurance. Those of us who have gone through this recent downturn and recession in this country know from the testimony of our constituents how vital the access to COBRA health insurance is to the health security of their families and to the financial security of their families. He also pioneered the efforts to make modern IT systems available and acquired within the health care systems of this country that will help us improve the outcomes of health care and that will, hopefully, drive down the cost of health care, allowing for the provision of better care for patients.
He, I think along with Sam Gibbons from Florida, pioneered the idea that there should be Medicare for all. He beat on that drum for a very long time, and it was the right drum to beat on. It wasn't achieved, but it did lead to the improvement of health care and to the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
He has also been, obviously, a fearless campaigner on behalf of fairness in our Tax Code. It's unfortunate that he is retiring from the Congress. Since 1986, we've addressed this issue, and maybe there will finally be a chance to get something done in the next Congress, but he paved the way on so many of these issues.
Finally, in my remarks at this moment, I would like to highlight the work of an outstanding Democrat on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey.
Congresswoman Woolsey is a friend of working families everywhere. She knows her struggles. Four decades ago, she was a single working mother who was supporting three children. She knows what it is like to worry about the economic security of families. Later, as a human resources manager, she saw how important employee benefits were to workers in good times and in bad--things that working families are still fighting for, like paid leave, paid sick leave, a secure retirement, and health care.
Serving as chair and ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, Lynn Woolsey was instrumental in helping to get the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed into law, and she successfully fought for new family leave protections for military families dealing with a military deployment or injury. Lynn Woolsey was a partner to ensure that coal miners are kept safe and healthy on the job. She even went underground in the coal mine with our late colleague Donald Payne in order to acquire firsthand knowledge of how the workplace works and the environment in which those miners go to work every day.
In the classroom, Lynn Woolsey continued to fight for women and working families. She was a tough advocate, making sure that women were represented in the STEM field careers and that young women had access to the sciences and to technology and to math and to engineering. Lynn Woolsey worked to ensure that kids had access to an early education, to a well-rounded curriculum, and to services that met their social and emotional needs.
American families have benefited from Lynn Woolsey's fierce advocacy. That's our advocate, Lynn. I will miss her contributions on the Education Committee in the years to come.
She has also fought tirelessly to protect the environment, most especially the Marin and Sonoma Coast and the San Francisco Bay. Hopefully, the President will follow her lead and will designate further protections of our ocean and marine habitat in that area of our very precious coast.
I, for one, am very grateful to these Members for the work that they have done for America's middle class and for those who struggle to join our middle class, for the work that they have done on behalf of their constituents and on behalf of the citizens of this country. They all came here to achieve success on behalf of their constituents and on behalf of this country, and they have succeeded. I want to thank them so very much for their service, for their sacrifice, for their ingenuity, for their innovation, and I would say, with regard to these three, for their spirited, tough, harsh, relentless pursuit of what they believed in terms of public policy.
On my own behalf, on behalf of our delegation, and on behalf of the tens of millions of constituents that we represent in California, I want to thank Representatives Baca, Berman, Filner, Richardson, Stark, and Woolsey for their service and their dedication.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to pay a special tribute to several members of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation whose service in Congress is shortly coming to an end.
These six Members served this House and their constituents with distinction and dedication and they deserve our admiration and gratitude for the hard work that they have done on behalf of California and our country.
Rep. Joe Baca, who was elected in 2002 and served for 10 years from the 43rd Congressional District; Rep. Howard Berman, who was elected in 1982 and served for 30 years, most recently from the 28th District; Rep. Bob Filner, sworn in this month as mayor of San Diego and who was elected in 1992, served for 20 years from the 51st District; Rep. Laura Richardson, who was elected in 2007 and served for five years from the 37th District; Rep. Pete Stark, the outgoing dean of our delegation, who was elected in 1972 and served for 40 years from the 13th District; and Rep. Lynn Woolsey, who was elected in 1992 and served for 20 years from the 6th Congressional District.
There is much that could be said about the distinguished careers of these departing colleagues, but I would like to offer a few remarks about the work that I have personally joined them in doing.
Mr. Berman has served in the House for 30 years and I am honored to name him among my closest friends in this body.
During his service, he has worked on a wide variety of issues, but he is especially known as a champion for human rights and for standing up for the middle class, for the working class and for the poor in our country.
As the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in 2007 through 2010, Mr. Berman made great progress on behalf of the less fortunate. He was a leader in securing reauthorization of our global HIV/AIDS program to help provide access to preventative services and treatment for millions around the globe.
He also authored legislation removing Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress from the U.S. terrorism list, on which they were unjustly placed on for many years.
Finally, he has been a leader in raising concerns about human rights abuses by autocratic governments around the world. In particular, he was a key leader in bringing additional disclosure to the trade in conflict minerals that have financed ongoing violence in the Congo.
Mr. Berman will be remembered as a strong friend of Israel who was passionate about the need to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East. His vast knowledge of and experience with world affairs has been an asset to Congress and the Administration and the American people and I expect that we will continue to benefit from his experience in the years to come.
Meanwhile, Mr. Berman has also been a leader on a number of issues through his long tenure on the Judiciary Committee. I would particularly like to call attention to his efforts to establish a more humane immigration system. He has fought to ensure that people who come to our country in search of a better life and to achieve the American Dream are treated with respect and are given the opportunity to use their talents to better themselves and their communities.
For these efforts, he was appropriately awarded the First Annual Farmworker Justice Award by the Farmworker Justice Fund in 2000.
Like Mr. Berman, our Dean, Mr. Stark has spent his entire distinguished career in Congress advocating on behalf of those whose voices are too often drowned out in Washington by the influence of the moneyed interests.
Over the last 40 years, Mr. Stark has been one of the foremost advocates in the effort to ensure that all Americans are able to access quality, affordable health insurance. I am honored to have been one of the three principal co-authors in the House of the historic Affordable Care Act, which will provide access to quality insurance for nearly every single Americans. I can personally attest to the critical and key role that Mr. Stark played in drafting that law and making sure that the law provides needed relief for working families.
That was a crucial accomplishment, yet it was far from Mr. Stark's only accomplishment in the health care field. As the former chair and ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee for many years, he has been a leader on health care reform.
He was the lead author of the original COBRA insurance bill, which ensured that workers faced with losing their jobs would not also immediately lose access to needed health insurance. Additionally, his legislation to improve our health IT system was incorporated into the 2009 Recovery Act, which is already helping improve the cost and quality of health care in communities across the country.
And he founded the idea of using Medicare as a model for national health insurance for all Americans, not just for seniors. He was ahead of his time when he first proposed this idea but he was right on track.
Mr. Stark has also been a champion on the Ways and Means Committee for tax fairness. He was one of the leaders in shaping the bipartisan, landmark 1986 tax reform bill. Ever since, he has been a leader in keeping up the fight to see that that our tax code does not benefit Wall Street CEOs at the expense of working families. He will be the first to admit that he has not always won those fights, and any examination of the tax code that needs to be reformed is proof of that. But he always fought for average Americans and he deserves our appreciation for doing so.
Finally, I want to highlight the work of the outstanding Senior Democrat on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Ms. Woolsey.
Congresswoman Woolsey is a friend of working families everywhere. She knows their struggles. Four decades ago, she was a single-working mother, supporting three children. She knows what it's like to worry about the economic security of families. Later as a human resource manager, she saw how important employee benefits were for workers in good times and bad. Things that working families are still fighting for, like paid leave, paid sick days, a secure retirement and health care.
Serving as the chair and ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, Rep. Woolsey was instrumental in helping to get the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed into law and successfully fought for new family leave protections for military families dealing with a military deployment or injury.
Rep. Woolsey was a partner to ensure miners are kept safe and healthy on the job. She even went underground in a coal mine with our late-
colleague Rep. Donald Payne to acquire first-hand knowledge of how that workplace works.
In the classroom, Rep. Woolsey continued to fight for women and working families. She advocated for women to be represented in STEM careers. And, Rep. Woolsey worked to ensure kids had access to an early education, a well-rounded curriculum, and services that met their social and emotional needs.
American families have benefited from Rep. Lynn Woolsey's fierce advocacy but I will miss her contributions on the Education and Workforce Committee in the years to come.
She has also fought tirelessly to protect the environment, most especially the Marin and Sonoma coast and the San Francisco Bay. She worked to protect our oceans and marine habitat--and to support all of the jobs that are associated with a healthy ocean and thriving fisheries. And she has been a great partner in our efforts to ensure that California's rivers and the Bay-Delta are managed sustainably.
I, for one, am grateful to these Members for the work they have done for America's middle class and for those who struggle to join it.
The wealthy and powerful have always had a lot of friends in Washington. Apparently it is not hard to be on their side. But the middle class and the working class and the poor have not always been so lucky, not always ending up on the winning side of the ledger in Washington Policy fights. But they should know that these departing Members have always fought for what is right for our economy and for our country.
On my own behalf, and on behalf of our delegation and the tens of millions of constituents we represent in California, I thank Reps. Baca, Berman, Filner, Richardson, Stark and Woolsey for their service and their dedication.
It is my pleasure to recognize other members of our delegation who wish to speak this afternoon.
Now I would like to recognize other members of our delegation for the purposes of receiving their remarks.
Mr. Honda.
Mr. HONDA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart but with great admiration that I rise today to remember and to thank my departing California Democratic colleagues whose service will be concluded at the end of the 112th Congress.
Pete Stark, the outgoing dean of our delegation, is well-known for speaking his mind and for standing up for what he believes in while giving a voice to the concerns of many who often feel as though they have none.
He has helped millions of Americans keep their health insurance coverage after leaving their jobs. He ensured that people who visit emergency rooms receive help regardless of their ability to pay, and he promoted innovations in health information technology and the Affordable Care Act. He enacted legislation to increase the number of computers in our schools. He has been a champion on broad environmental issues, such as battling ozone depletion and carbon emissions, and he has been a committed proponent of peace. I am honored to be inheriting portions of Pete's district in Newark and Fremont, and hope to continue his legacy of service to those communities.
A brief word on his son, ``Fish,'' who wrote and had published an op-
ed piece which indicated to the constituents the true side, the real side, of Pete Stark, his father.
Howard Berman is widely known as a leader on Foreign Affairs. What will stand out in my mind, however, is his help, while chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, in moving through the committee and the House H. Res. 121. It was a resolution calling upon Japan to apologize and to acknowledge the tragedy endured at the hands of its Imperial Army during World War II by over 200,000 women in Asia who were forced into sexual slavery. Howard shares my commitment to achieving justice for those who have suffered atrocities in the past. His leadership will be missed. I also want to thank him for his leadership on the issue of Pat Tillman, a soldier who, it was said, lost his life in a firefight when, in fact, he was killed through fratricide. I appreciate that.
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Lynn Woolsey came to Congress with a compelling story about how, with a helping hand from her government, she was able to raise three children by herself and have a successful career serving the people of Marin and Sonoma counties. She has been a tireless voice for family-
friendly policies, for protecting the coastline of northern California, and for bringing our troops home and ending the misguided wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lynn was a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and I call her the mom of the Progressive Caucus. With her passionate voice on progressive issues, she will be missed. Her leadership will be missed, and there will be a great vacuum for us to fill in the future.
Bob Filner played a central role in the years-long odyssey to secure a measure of justice for Filipino veterans who fought alongside U.S. troops in World War II but were denied benefits they earned through their service. After the war, the United States Congress broke the promise it had made to these veterans. For decades to follow, they struggled to secure fair treatment similar to that afforded to the men who fought alongside them. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Bob Filner was in the middle of this fight. I wish him well as he moves on to a new phase of his service to the people of San Diego.
Jose Baca, or Joe Baca, has been a friend of mine for a long time, since school boards and other elected offices, but especially since we served together in the California State Assembly to the Halls of Congress. Joe was chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus while I was chairman of CAPAC, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and we stood together to fight against harmful English-only and anti-
immigrant legislation and amendments. We also share a commitment to protecting the rights of Native Americans, particularly tribal sovereignty. Joe has been a good friend, and I'll miss seeing him regularly on the House floor, but perhaps in a couple of years, we may see him again.
I will also miss Laura Richardson, whom I have had the pleasure of working with as a member of CAPAC on anti-bullying issues and in the fight to ensure that LGBT families are recognized in our immigration laws.
Dennis Cardoza, our friend who had the dubious honor of taking over my office in 503 Cannon when he first got here as I moved to slightly larger accommodations. He was a strong voice on behalf of his Central Valley constituents.
We also are bidding farewell to a large number of our California Republican colleagues who have served for many years--Brian Bilbray, Mary Bono Mack, David Dreier, Elton Gallegly, Wally Herger, Jerry Lewis, and Dan Lungren. While we all certainly haven't agreed on many policy issues over the years, I know that they were as committed to their constituents as I am. And I thank all of them, my California colleagues who will be leaving at the end of the 112th Congress, for their service and I wish them well.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. If I might inquire of the Chair as to the time remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 46 minutes remaining.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Thank you, and I now recognize Congresswoman Lois Capps.
Mrs. CAPPS. I would like to thank my colleague, George Miller, for setting aside this hour. He just asked about the amount of time, and I will take that to heart as I make my comments because we could all go on for great lengths about all of these dear people who won't be with us in the next Congress. And I add my congratulations for their service, Republicans and Democrats, all of us alike, but I will speak now for the six of our Democratic colleagues who will not come back.
I want to start with our dear friend, Lynn Woolsey, to whom I get compared. My progressive constituents often say to me, Now, Lois, why don't you vote more like Lynn Woolsey?
She was one of the first people I met. Her story is compelling as a woman Member of Congress. I don't know how it would be to raise kids by yourself. She is a good voice and advocate for all mothers, all working families, and particularly those who carry extra burdens themselves. She's put her heart and soul into her work in Congress, and it shows.
As I met you early on when I came here, you were kind and befriended me. I know that you have served your constituents in the same passionate way, and I thank you for the role model you've provided me.
Howard Berman has provided another kind of role model for me. My husband, before me, came to Congress, in part, to work on Middle Eastern issues; and there's a go-to person in this Congress that I have always relied upon for advice and support in that area, and that's Howard Berman. He's a Congressperson's Congressman, in my opinion. My Human Rights Watch folks have held him in such high esteem.
It has been a very great honor to serve almost as a neighbor to him. With his district in the Central Valley, San Fernando Valley, and mine on the coast, it has been a real joy to have him as a colleague here. I will treasure always his role in getting me elected and also keeping me here.
I also came to Congress from the health care field, and so the name I heard often was Congressman Pete Stark. He's been here since the seventies, knows all about health care and through all of the intricacies.
I'm pleased, Mr. Stark, that you have been here through the passage of the Affordable Care Act. That's a crowning jewel for you and for all of us. But you've been through many health care ups and downs through the years. You've been a role model for me being on the Ways and Means Committee and in my role on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Thank you for your service and your friendship.
It's hard to go through this list, Mr. Miller. This is a wonderful privilege to say thank you. The countless hours that you could add up for the service to constituents and the tremendous leadership within this body and these Members who have given their all and now will not be back in the 113th, it's important to say their names and to honor them and give them credit for what they've done.
Joe Baca has been a fixture for the Central Valley and agriculture, as someone who has agriculture number one in my district as well, but we can't say his name without thinking of the baseball team. There's much to remember Joe Baca for, such as his contributions in agriculture and on the Financial Services Committee as well.
My former colleague now, Bob Filner, who has already assumed another position within our government as mayor of San Diego. When I think of Bob Filner, I think of veterans' issues, and also the fact that he was a college professor before he came to Congress, as my husband was, and they reached out to each other in that capacity. He has worked hard on veterans' issue. I have about 50,000 veterans in my district. So the GI bill is often something I can give him credit for but also work with my veterans with.
Finally, Laura Richardson. When I think of Laura, it's my daughter's name, but I also think of her beautiful singing voice. I know that I shouldn't say that first to my colleague who has shown tremendous leadership within Congress as well, but she'll take her beautiful voice with her. I have been able to work with Laura on transportation issues as they relate particularly to our ports because she is known for her work with the Port of Long Beach, and I have ports in my district as well. She also will be missed on the women's softball team.
We are friends here. We are colleagues here. We bring our human qualities, and we bring our leadership skills. The California delegation makes me proud every day, and in the next Congress, it will be the memories and the service that has been given to us from these colleagues of ours. That's why I thank you, Mr. Miller, for setting aside this hour for us to share our thoughts. Thank you.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Thank you.
Before I yield, I turned around and saw that Andrew and Fish and Hannah are here, so welcome the Stark kids.
I yield now to Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
Ms. LEE of California. Thank you very much. I, too, want to thank you, Congressman Miller, for yielding me time and for organizing this Special Order tonight.
First to Congressman Pete Stark, who's our departing dean of the California delegation, Congressman Stark represents a district right next door to my district in the East Bay of California, northern California. I have to say that I have known Congressman Stark since I was the president of the Black Student Union at Mills College in the early seventies. I'll never forget this. I wrote my then-Congressman Stark a letter on behalf of the students at Mills College with a request, and he responded so quickly and adhered and replied to that request in a positive way. So on behalf of all of those students then, Congressman Stark, and on behalf of myself today, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for demonstrating what exemplary constituent service was all about.
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I think I've known Congressman Stark probably longer than most Members here because I had the privilege to work with the great statesman, Congressman Ron Dellums, and got to know Congressman Stark during that period.
Our districts, we're so proud to represent. We always say we have some of the most outspoken and well-informed and engaged people in this Nation. And Congressman Stark certainly has been at the forefront of making sure that his district became closer to our Federal Government and brought the government to the people of his district.
So the East Bay thanks you, Congressman Stark, northern California thanks you, and our entire delegation thanks you for so many years of great public service.
I was fortunate to be on the House Foreign Affairs Committee with Chairman Howard Berman, and I tell you, Howard Berman's understanding of global affairs is unmatched.
Also, I just have to say, he was such a tremendous asset in our global fight against HIV and AIDS, and really got it so early and helped us negotiate and put together the bills that have been so successful in moving us towards an AIDS-free generation.
I just also have to say with regard to Chairman Berman, I appreciate his fairness and his objectivity and his commitment to global peace and security. It's really an honor to have served with him, and I'm going to miss him because I truly honor him as my friend. And I know all of us are going to miss him, but I know that we will work with him in the future on so many issues that he cares about.
Congressman Filner is leaving a strong legacy of support for our Nation's veterans, who have benefited tremendously from his intricate knowledge and impassioned advocacy. Also, I just have to remind us that Congressman Filner was a Freedom Rider during the civil rights movement, and he brought the spirit of justice to his work here in Congress.
Congressman Filner has done an exemplary job as ranking member and chair of the Veteran's Affairs Committee, as we have heard earlier. And our entire caucus can be proud of his outstanding leadership on that committee. As the daughter of a veteran, you know, I understand very deeply those obligations that our Nation has to those men and women who have served.
I had the privilege and the honor to help Bob in his campaign, so I've been in San Diego with Bob. And I tell you, the love and the affection that his constituents have for Congressman Filner is just really unparalleled.
I want to congratulate him for his magnificent win. It was a tough campaign, but he did an unbelievable job, and that's because people in his district really knew him, and he had provided the level of services that allowed him to be elected now, as we will call him very soon, Mayor Filner.
Joe Baca, Congressman Baca really has been a voice for the poor and the underserved during his entire career, not only here in Congress, but in the California legislature. I was privileged to work with Joe on many, many issues, and he has been a consistent voice, both in the California legislature and now here in Congress, for protecting low-
income families from unfair, predatory credit practices.
He's used his seat on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Financial Services Committee to advance the needs of the most vulnerable Americans. He also consistently has played a role in raising funding levels for food stamps and nutrition programs to feed over 44 million hungry Americans.
As a member and former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he was a powerful voice against anti-immigrant laws and always worked to build bridges on the reality of our history as a Nation of immigrants and not based on ideology and rhetoric.
We'll all miss his principled leadership and his passion for serving as a voice for the voiceless in Congress.
And my fellow Congressional Black Caucus member, Congresswoman Laura Richardson. She has many accomplishments in her brief time here in Congress. She's worked so hard to improve our Nation's transportation infrastructure, has been an advocate for the inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses, and has opened up economic opportunities and strengthened our schools.
I know that she's going to move forward to make more contributions in public service because she's focused and a dedicated elected official.
Finally, I just have to pay tribute to my sister-in-arms, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey. And I can't say what a bittersweet season this is in seeing you leave after so many years of working hand-in-hand on behalf of peace.
I just have to say that Lynn Woolsey has finally made sure that this body recognizes that peace is patriotic, and she's spoken 444 times on the floor as it relates to the need to bring our young men and women home, and I look forward to our continuing work.
She's been a role model for me, and I just have to say, finally, in conclusion, that she understands personally the importance of safety nets. And she brought the House the perspective that comes from relying on public assistance during lean times in her life.
She gave me the courage to talk publicly about my time on public assistance, which was so difficult for me before Lynn's encouragement.
So, to all of our departing California Members, I'm going to miss all of you so much, but I know we'll see you at home, and you're going to continue to fight the good fight.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I'd like now to recognize Congresswoman Doris Matsui.
Ms. MATSUI. I'd like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) for yielding time to me and for bringing us together.
Mr. Speaker, when the 113th Congress starts next year we'll be greeting many new colleagues, and that means we'll have to say goodbye to some of our current colleagues, both Republican and Democrat.
The California Democratic Congressional Delegation is saying goodbye to six members: Representatives Stark, Berman, Woolsey, Filner, Baca, and Richardson. While in Congress, these Members served as strong advocates for their constituents, for California, and for our country.
For their many years of service, these six Members have amassed a depth of institutional knowledge that will be missed come next Congress.
First of all, I want to pay tribute to my good friend, Congressman Howard Berman. Howard Berman has served for 30 years. I first met Howard when he was living in my hometown of Sacramento. He was serving in the State legislature at the time. His daughter, Brinley, and my son, Brian, were in prekindergarten together, so we would see each other as we dropped off our kids. Little did we know then that we would end up being friends, both serving here in Congress.
You know, we've all learned a lot from Howard. We've learned to depend on him, his counsel, and his advice. His knowledge and leadership, particularly on foreign affairs, have been invaluable to Congress. His absence from this Chamber will be strongly felt, and he will be sorely missed, but will forever be a friend.
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has been a strong advocate--I wouldn't say harsh--strong, for families during her time in Congress. She was also one of the founding members of the Out of Iraq Caucus, where she acted as a leading proponent of bringing our brave servicemen and -women home from war. Congressman Woolsey fought for those whose voices were often not heard, and her advocacy and spirit will be very much missed.
As the dean of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, Congressman Pete Stark has been a leader and a mentor to many Members from California over the years. He has been a champion on health care issues for a very long time, and his work on the Affordable Care Act improved the law and helped ensure all Americans access to quality, affordable health care. We'll always remember his very important contribution.
Congressman Bob Filner was the ranking member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs and dedicated his career to helping ensure our returning veterans have the services they need and were promised before serving our country. We'll miss him here in Congress, but I know he'll make a mark as mayor in the city of San Diego.
Joe Baca has been a strong advocate for California's expansive agriculture industry while in Congress. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of the workers themselves, making sure they receive the civil and legal rights they deserve.
Congresswoman Laura Richardson has worked hard to keep America safe as a member of the Homeland Security Committee. Her commitment to the safety and security of our country and her constituents was unwavering, and she will be missed next year.
California is a large State with many needs and priorities, but our delegation is strong. During their time in office, these Members have been esteemed colleagues, and it has been an honor to work alongside of them. Their knowledge, passion, and commitment to public service will be greatly missed in these Halls. And I wish to thank each of them for their service and wish them the best in their next adventure.
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Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I now yield to Congresswoman Anna Eshoo.
Ms. ESHOO. I want to thank the gentleman from California, my dear friend Mr. Miller, for organizing this Special Order tonight so that we can take some time, which is the most precious thing, really, that God gives us, is time, and pay tribute to our colleagues who have spent their time being giants in terms of representation and fighting on behalf of their constituents, bringing honor to the House of Representatives and to our country--some of the best exports of the Bay Area and our State of California.
I want to start with the dean of our delegation, Congressman Pete Stark. We salute you, Pete, for all that you have given and done. It's an extraordinary record of 40 years in the House of Representatives. Your name has been synonymous with health care consistently for all of that period of time; for fighting for a place in that health care system for people that are unknown to so many in our society and rejected. You have made room for them in the emergency room and wrote a law that no one would be mistreated. In fact, they had to be treated before they were asked whether they had health insurance or not.
Your record is replete with great and good things. On behalf of your constituents, on behalf of those that so much of society has overlooked, I know that those blessings will come back to you in a very rich and meaningful way as you depart this place. We will miss you. I thank you for your personal kindnesses and for all the wonderful things that you have done. The Bay Area delegation will miss you enormously.
Next, I want to pay tribute to Congressman Howard Berman. This is really hard to do. Congressman Berman's name is synonymous with the following: with farm workers and their rights and with human rights around the world. Anyone that has met and worked with him respects him. It matters not what side of the aisle they have ever come from or what country they come from or what agency they have worked in. Howard Berman has been an indispensable Member of this Chamber. When he took over the leadership of the Foreign Relations Committee, we saw a new and inspired leadership there demanding a recognition of the Armenian genocide. He served as the original cosponsor of that legislation. His record is replete with distinction.
Howard, we will all miss you in a very, very deep and special way. This House will miss you because you brought honor to it in everything that you have done. So it is bittersweet. No, it's just bitter. There isn't any sweetness to it. When I speak of you, I really can't bring enough words to one of the most distinguished records over 30 years that any Member of Congress could ever put together, and that the American people thank you and freedom-lovers and human rights advocates around the world appreciate and bless your name. And I know that, together with Janis, Brinley, and Lindsey, you haven't seen the last of us. We're going to keep coming after you.
To Lynn Woolsey, my classmate, we came here and we couldn't even find our way to the credit union, we were so terrified. But together we came. Lynn has brought an exceptional voice to families and to women, so often women heading up those families. And she spoke through the prism of her own experience, which is the most powerful story that anyone can ever tell. No one could ever say to Lynn Woolsey, You don't know what you're talking about. Because they knew that she lived it, that she had experienced it. And she came here to change so many women's lives and the lives of families in terms of education for women and girls and for stronger family benefits.
I could go on and on. She brought great voice and vision to the unfortunate policy--the march to folly--when we invaded Iraq. She came to this floor over 100 times to speak against that invasion. We are all in her debt for her conscience, for her integrity, for her wonderful voice, for her friendship, and for her love of the environment of the coast of California, which if there is ever the magical touch of Almighty God, you see it there. She has called on the President and the Congress to make sure the protections will be there in perpetuity. We will remember you in perpetuity. I ask that every blessing you have brought to your constituents in this House will come back to you.
To Bob Filner, to Joe Baca, Laura Richardson, Dennis Cardoza, and to our Republican colleagues Jerry Lewis, Elton Gallegly, Wally Herger, Mary Bono Mack, Brian Bilbray, Dan Lungren, and David Dreier, we thank you. I thank you for your service to the people of this country in this, the House of the people, the magnificent House of Representatives.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I would like to now to yield to the Democratic leader, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
Ms. PELOSI. I thank you for yielding, Mr. Miller. I know that we have a time limitation so I will begin by associating myself with the remarks of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, who spoke so beautifully and knowledgeably about our colleagues from California who are leaving.
I rise today to thank all my colleagues who are our friends and our partners from the great State of California. The Members we honor in this Special Order demonstrate the extraordinary diversity of our great Golden State. They hale from northern and southern California, from the Bay Area to the greater Los Angeles area to San Diego. They bring California's wide range of interests and aspirations to the floor of the House every day. Working side by side with the entire California delegation, their service has strengthened the Golden State. The commitment of our departing Members has strengthened the Congress. Their achievements have advanced the character of our country. Each of these Members has brought a unique voice to the table. Yet each shares the same core values: a devotion to public service, a dedication to opportunity, a belief and a promise of America.
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey spent her career fighting to improve the education of our children, the economic security of their families, and the protection of our workers, as well as our coastline, as Congresswoman Eshoo mentioned. With her departure--I won't say retirement, because she is not a retiring person--the Bay Area loses a powerful advocate in Congress and the Nation loses a tireless progressive leader. It was, I think, Mr. Miller said 400 times that Lynn Woolsey came to the floor to speak against our involvement in the war in Iraq.
Thank you, Congresswoman Woolsey.
So it's about the patriotism of this Congress and of the participation as patriots of our colleagues from California, whether it's the education of our children, whether it's the health of our people, as demonstrated by Congressman Pete Stark. We all owe you, Pete Stark, a great debt of gratitude. He has been a fixture in the fight to build and strengthen the pillars of health and economic security for the American people. From his seat on the Ways and Means Committee, to the House floor, he always remained a fierce fighter for Medicare and a passionate advocate for the Affordable Care Act because he believes that health care is a right for all Americans, not a privilege just for the few.
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His legacy will live on in stronger support for the well-being of our seniors, our families, and our middle class. I hope it is a source of pride--I know it is to your family--that so many of your colleagues respect you so much and honor your leadership and service here.
As has been mentioned, Congressman Filner left us. He is already the mayor of San Diego. He was a Freedom Rider, who fought for civil rights and equality. He was a Representative of San Diego, who never wavered in support of our veterans, and he served as the chair of that committee. We wish him well as mayor of San Diego.
Congresswoman Richardson has dedicated her time in Congress to rebuilding our infrastructure, advancing the dream of high-speed rail, securing our borders, and protecting our environment. We wish her well as she goes forward.
Congressman Berman--we go from B to W, Berman to Woolsey, and every wonderful thing in between. Congressman Berman's imprint can be found on legislation across the broad spectrum of issues before the House. Many of us knew him long before he came to Congress, knew of his work, working with the farmworkers, working in labor law to protect the rights of workers.
In two particular areas, his expertise is simply unsurpassed. He is a true expert on international relations, a past chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, ranking member now; a champion of aid to Israel; the fight against HIV/AIDS; and the toughest Iran sanctions in the history of our country. He is a senior member of the Judiciary Committee who, it is safe to say, understands intellectual property, understands its importance. It is even mentioned in our Constitution. He understands the challenges and the opportunities it presents. In every venue and every arena, he has been a proud advocate for Los Angeles and California, a cherished leader for the entire House.
Joe Baca is a lifelong public servant. He was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He served in the California State Legislature. In Congress, he made his mark in standing firm against harmful anti-immigrant measures and in leading the effort to expand food stamps and nutrition assistance for those who need it most. That is such a simple sentence, but it's fraught with meaning. He put a lot of work and leadership into the farm bill. Joe Baca came from humble beginnings, yet his accomplishments are truly significant.
The list goes on and on of our colleagues that Congresswoman Eshoo mentioned. For all of these Members, public service has been a calling, a cause, and a core facet of their character. California has been proud to have them as our Representatives in Congress. For those of us who served with them, it is an honor for each of us to call you
``colleague''; for some of us a very, very special honor to be considered your friend.
We all wish each of you much success in the years ahead. We look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our great Golden State of California. Your service in Congress added to the luster of our Golden State.
Thank you, and congratulations.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I thank the Leader.
If I might inquire of the Chair of the time remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 15 minutes remaining.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Next I would like to recognize Congressman Sam Farr.
Mr. FARR. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, George Miller, for setting aside this time.
You've heard from a lot of my colleagues. I think what is interesting about this moment in history is this is probably the largest retirement ever of any delegation at any one time. California is losing 25 percent of its incumbent delegation, seven Republicans and seven Democrats. That's 14 people that have been here. Of the seven Democrats, they were here for historical moments--of electing Nancy Pelosi from California, the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives; and here to pass the first-in-history comprehensive health care bill, led by Californians, I might add, and led by the dean of our delegation, Pete Stark.
Pete Stark is one of the oldest, longest serving Members of Congress. He has been here 40 years. I think there are only two, three people that have served here longer. He's watched this delegation come and go since 1973. He is here tonight with his beautiful family.
Pete, of all the people coming into Congress, is the only one that just came right from the private sector. Most of us got elected to the local and State governments, but Pete came here with a background in MIT, in engineering, and then a degree from Berkeley in business administration. In 1963, he founded the Security National Bank of Walnut Creek, which became, during the war years, known as the progressive bank and the bank that was going to loan to people that weren't otherwise getting loans. He became a very popular leader in his community and built the bank into a $1 billion financial institution. Having a background in the Air Force and other civic activities, he ran for Congress and got elected and has been here, as I said, for 40 years.
He is here tonight with his children. He has four daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. He is married to Deborah Roderick, also of California. We're going to miss Pete. He's been a fixture for this Congress through all the big issues.
He is followed by Howard Berman from southern California, with a background in UCLA, a law degree from UCLA. I was a staff member when he was a California State legislator. He came there for the background in VISTA. After the assembly, he got elected to the House and has been the leading ranking Democrat, probably the most trusted person in all of Congress for foreign affairs; and with his background in labor, in issues for farmworkers in California and the advancement they've made under Federal law. But also, as the Leader pointed out, he's one of the few persons that really understands the intricacies of patent law, copyright, trademark, all those things very vitally important to the entertainment industry, the electronics industry, and the information technology industry. He's been a senior member on all of that. We're going to miss him deeply, deeply. I feel like a son of Howard Berman. I supported his speakership way back when he ran for the State assembly. I'm going to miss him.
Lynn Woolsey has served 10 terms. She is senior to me. I got elected 6 months after Lynn got sworn into office. I remember how proud I was of her background in local government, in roles that she's played in Sonoma County, in Marin County. She's been, I think, on the floor speaking more than anybody else--as pointed out, 440 times speaking for peace. She's going to leave this body known as the ``lady of peace'' and will be here in history forever and ever. I remember the night that Bill Clinton gave his State of the Union address and recognized the backgrounds, the humble and unusual backgrounds of people that get here, that Lynn Woolsey was the first woman elected to Congress who, as a single mom, had to be on welfare and how she had worked her way out of that, and was a leading role model to show that there are opportunities for you, for all people in this great country. But the lady of peace is the most important of all.
Bob Filner, he had a background in local government. He went back to local government. After being involved in school districts, he is now the mayor of San Diego. He came here with his background of being a Freedom Rider and in the civil rights movement and led the Veterans' Committee here.
As we pointed out, Joe Baca will always be known as the captain of our baseball team. He did so well in that, but he also had a proud background, as the Leader said, in the Army as a paratrooper. The list goes on and on.
Laura Richardson is leaving us. I would also mention before this, the early resignation of Dennis Cardoza.
That's seven Democrats. We're going to miss them greatly. Thank you for allowing me to speak in favor of their great service to the United States Congress.
congressman pete stark
Congressman Pete Stark has served in Congress since 1973. A senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, he is currently the Ranking Minority Member of its Health Subcommittee. Stark previously served as the subcommittee's Chairman from 2007 to 2010 and 1985 to 1994, and previously as Ranking Minority Member from 1995 to 2006.
Before being elected to Congress in 1972, Stark was a successful businessman and banker. Upon entering Congress, he served on the House Banking and Currency Committee. After completing his first term, Stark was named to the Ways and Means Committee, whose scope includes taxes, Medicare, Social Security, trade and public assistance.
From 1981 to 1984, Stark served as Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. As Chairman, Stark became known as one of the Nation's foremost advocates of tax reform. He later served a critical role in shaping the historic tax reform act of 1986. In the years since, he has been a vocal voice for tax fairness and opposed the addition of corporate loopholes to our Nation's income tax laws.
In January of 1985, Stark became the Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. As Chairman, he presided over major reforms to the Medicare system. While cutting billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse, Stark expanded benefits for tens of millions of Medicare beneficiaries, provided COBRA health continuation benefits to workers, and made numerous improvements in the quality of our Nation's care.
As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee from 2007 to 2010, Stark helped write the health reform law that is bringing quality, affordable health care to millions of Americans.
Stark champions universal health care, and speaks out for peace, freedom of choice, and protecting our environment. He is a tireless advocate for children, families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities, as well as the residents of the 13th Congressional District.
A diverse area stretching along the east side of the San Francisco Bay, the 13th Congressional District runs from Alameda to Fremont.
Stark is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, with a degree in engineering and the University of California, Berkeley with a Master's degree in Business Administration, MBA.
In 1963, he founded Security National Bank in Walnut Creek. The bank grew from a small storefront operation to a a $1 billion financial institution with branches in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Stark sold his interest in the bank after his election to Congress.
Before his business career, Stark served in the U.S. Air Force. His other civic activities have included: Director, Common Cause; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Starr King School of Ministry; Board Member, Housing Development Corporation; Board Member, Council for Civic Unity, and many others.
Stark has four daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren. He is married to Deborah Roderick Stark of San Lorenzo.
congressman howard l. berman
Born in Los Angeles, California, Howard Berman attended U.C.L.A., where he received his B.A. in 1962 and his LL.B in 1965.
Upon his graduation from law school, Howard Berman began his career in public service with a year's work as a VISTA volunteer. From 1967 until 1973, he practiced law in Los Angeles, specializing in labor relations. In 1973, he was elected to the California State Assembly.
In his first term in the state legislature, then-Assemblyman Berman was named Assembly Majority leader, the youngest person ever to serve in that leadership capacity. He also served as Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and the Policy Research Management Committee of the Assembly. In 1982, Berman was elected to Congress, where he was named to the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees.
Congressman Berman is the Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, meaning he is the most senior Democrat serving on the committee. During his tenure on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Berman negotiated a five-year, $50 billion reauthorization of our global HIV/
AIDS programs, authored legislation that removed Nelson Mandela and other members of the African National Congress from the U.S. terrorism list, and passed a bill to strengthen U.S. assistance to Israel. His top priorities include improving America's diplomatic strength through a reauthorization of the State Department, assistance to fight terrorism in Pakistan, and improving the efficiency of U.S. foreign aid.
As the second highest ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, Berman plays a key role in shaping the copyright, trademark, and patent laws that are of vital importance to the entertainment, biotechnology, broadcasting, pharmaceutical, telecommunication, consumer electronics, and information technology industries. Berman is a member of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet.
Berman is particularly well-known for his ability to form bipartisan coalitions. Together with Republican Henry Hyde, Berman wrote a law authorizing embargoes on nations that support terrorism. With Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, he wrote amendments to the False Claims Act that have saved over $20 billion in taxpayer money since 1986.
``There a few House members who have made such an imprint on legislation in so many areas as Howard Berman,'' says the Almanac of American Politics. The Almanac goes on to call Berman ``one of the most aggressive and creative members of the House and one of the most clear-
sighted operators in American politics.''
Congressman Berman and his wife, Janis Gail Berman, have two daughters, Brinley and Lindsey.
congresswoman lynn woolsey
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey is in her 10th term as the representative from California's 6th District, just north of San Francisco. Her district includes all of Marin, and most of Sonoma County.
As president of Americans for Democratic Action, Congresswoman Woolsey is a vocal and visible leader on progressive issues, particularly those dealing with education, children and families. A passionate and outspoken opponent of the Iraq war, she helped move public opinion against President's Bush's failed Iraq policy. She introduced the first resolution calling for our troops to be brought home and has been called the ``the unofficial matriarch of the
[antiwar] movement in Congress,'' by the San Jose Mercury News.
Congresswoman Woolsey is also active on labor and education issues. She is a senior member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections. She also serves on Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Congresswoman Woolsey was the author of a recent law authorizing workers six months of job protected leave in order to care for injured family members serving in the armed forces, as well as legislation to protect workers from exposure to dangerous chemicals.
One of Congresswoman Woolsey's top priorities is a legislative package called ``The Balancing Act,'' which aims to help parents balance their work and family responsibilities. Her proposal calls for: paid family leave; public universal pre-school; major investments in child care; universal school breakfast; benefits for part-time workers; and telecommuting incentives.
Congresswoman Woolsey is also a senior member of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and serves on the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment, where she works to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and promote the use of clean, efficient energy sources. In the current Congress, she has reintroduced her legislation to add the Sonoma coastline to the National Marine Sanctuary Program, thus protecting it from oil and gas drilling.
Having lived and raised her family in California's North Bay for over 40 years, Congresswoman Woolsey understands the concerns of Sonoma and Marin County residents. She frequently says they are the most important voice she listens to; and she not only listens, she responds. Her Washington office alone receives and answers over three thousand letters, phone calls, and emails from constituents each week.
Congresswoman Woolsey dedication to family issues and her belief in a strong social safety net are rooted in her personal history. As a young mother struggling to raise three children by herself, she needed public assistance just to make ends meet, even though she was employed.
The experience of needing a helping hand from her government has shaped her commitment to family-friendly policies.
Woolsey was born on November 3, 1937 in Seattle, Washington. Now living in Petaluma, California, she is the mother of four grown children and a grandmother of five.
congressman bob filner
Bob Filner's adult political career began when he was 18 years old during the Civil Right Movement. He spent several weeks in the Mississippi State Penitentiary as a Freedom Rider. ``My political optimism stems from those times. I believe by our individual involvement, we can change history! And, my commitment to a world free of racism and discrimination continues today.''
Just after receiving a Ph.D. in the history of science from Cornell University, he moved to San Diego and began a 20 year long teaching career at San Diego State University. Always the activist, he challenged his college students that their ``grand'' thoughts were futile unless they put them into action in order to help people and make the world a better place. And it's a lesson he continues to impress on others while in the United States Congress.
In the late 1970s Filner was frustrated with the local school board after announcing that his children's school was going to close
(daughter, Erin and son, Adam). He felt his children weren't getting the education and attention they deserved. This led to his first run for San Diego School Board Member in 1979.
Filner's ``back to basics'' approach toward education--including mandatory homework--won wide support among parents all across San Diego. During his time the board hired a more responsive Superintendent, test scores went up, and million of dollars in bureaucratic waste was eliminated.
Therefore it was no surprise that under his leadership on these issues he was selected as School Board President in 1982.
This increasing civic involvement led to his election to the San Diego City Council in 1987 where he began taking on issues such as bringing good jobs to San Diego and broadening its economic base. He created the city's first Economic Conversion Committee and wrote the city's Economic Conversion Plan. He found creative ways to fight neighborhood crime, including the introduction of Police Walking Patrols and a Citizen Graffiti Patrol with the area's first 24-hour graffiti hotline.
Recognizing his ability to work with his colleagues, the council members selected him as Deputy Mayor in 1991.
In 1992, Filner was elected to the United States House of Representatives. In his first term in Congress, he was one of only a handful of freshman legislators to get legislation passed--for example a critical law amending the Clean Water Act, allowing San Diego to save billions of dollars.
Almost immediately upon his arrival in Washington, his request for an appointment to the Veterans' Affairs Committee was granted. And in 2006 was elected by his Democratic colleagues as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Since January 2007, Congress has increased the Veterans Healthcare budget by 60%--the largest increase since the VA was created 79 years ago. Other victories include VA Home loans increased by 50%; the G.I. Bill was reinstated to meet the same level of education benefits, adjusted for cost-of-living increases, as that offered by the original World War II-era bill; benefits for Filipino-American veterans granted and legislation is pending for Merchant Marine veterans of World War II benefits. Filner says, ``This is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much for us--we owe it to them!''
The 51st District--stretching the whole California/Mexico border, from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona--is one of the most diverse regions in the nation! It encompasses the southern portion of the City of San Diego, the South Bay cities of Chula Vista and National City, and all of Imperial Valley. The district's population is approximately 55% Latinos, 15% African-Americans, 15% Anglos and 15% Filipinos.
For 9 terms now, he has worked hard to both enhance his district's advantages while meeting its challenges. For example since many families in his district, and across the nation, suffer from sub-
standard medical treatment, he has worked to provide affordable healthcare for border communities and all Americans.
While always looking for ways to embrace the opportunities the region provides, he does not back down from challenges specific to border communities.
His work on U.S.-Mexico relations led President Clinton to ask Filner to join him on an international mission to meet with former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. Again in 2004, with President Vicente Fox, he stepped forward to encourage increased cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. He took the lead in securing critical funding and support for the International Waste Water Treatment Plant in the Tijuana River Valley, as well as the New River in the Imperial Valley with the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
He serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as the Senior Democratic Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, a member of the Highway and Transit, Water Resources and Environment, and Aviation subcommittees. As Congressmen, he has brought home billions of dollars to improve roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. At the same time he is constantly looking to the future in support of high-speed rail projects that would link San Diego with other areas of the state and Arizona and he secured funding to study suitable locations in Imperial Valley for the site of a new regional airport. Although these forward looking projects have been in the works for a long time, how appropriate they're labeled the
``Jobs Train.'' Not only would San Diego become a major national distribution hub, thousands of jobs in San Diego and Imperial Valley would be created!
Congressman Filner has built his career by ``walking his own talk''--
``Grand thoughts are futile unless they are put into action in order to help people and make the world a better place.'' Help him to continue this work for a better California--and a better America! He cannot go it alone!
Congressman Joe Baca
Rep. Joe Baca has represented California's Inland Empire in the House of Representatives since winning a special election in 1999. He serves on the House Agriculture Committee, and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Horticulture. He also serves on the House Financial Services Committee.
Rep. Baca served as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, CHC, during the 110th Congress (2007-2008). During this time, he successfully blocked harmful English-only and anti-immigrant amendments offered in the House. He also guided the CHC in its efforts to ensure the contributions of Latino and Native America veterans were recognized in the PBS documentary ``The War.'' In addition, Rep. Baca used his leadership position to pass record breaking funding levels for food stamps and nutrition programs to feed over 44 million hungry Americans; and helped secure new funding for minority serving institutions, including over $200 million in new grant funding. He currently chairs the CHC Corporate America Task Force.
Rep. Baca continues to advocate in Congress on issues that impact the poor and underserved, including nutrition, housing, health, veterans' affairs, and issues affecting the Hispanic and Native American communities. He has used his experience in Congress to help secure over
$154 million in federal appropriations assistance for education, public safety, transportation, and water projects. Congressman Baca is also the primary sponsor of the PROUD Act, legislation that puts responsible immigrant high school graduates on an expedited path to U.S. Citizenship.
Personal History--Joe was born in Belen, New Mexico, the youngest of 15 children in a house where little English was spoken. Joe worked shining shoes at age 10 and later worked as a laborer for the Santa Fe Railroad. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1966-68. Following military service, Joe earned his associates degree from Barstow Community College and his bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University, Los Angeles. In 1979, he became the first Latino elected to the board of Trustees for the San Bernardino Valley College District. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1992, where he became the first Latino Speaker pro Tempore, and was elected to the State Senate in 1998.
Joe and his wife, Barbara, began their own business, Interstate World Travel, in 1989. They have four children--Rialto City Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie and Jennifer.
Awards--Rep. Baca has received many honors for his public service. Recent awards include the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute Edward R. Roybal/Henry B. Gonzalez award for Public Service, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President's Achievement Award, the National Farmers Union Presidential Award for Leadership, the Walter Kaitz Foundation Diversity Advocate Award, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Coalition of Minority Employees Award of Excellence. He has been listed as one of the top 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in America by Latino Leaders Magazine. He also has two local parks named after him: the Joe Baca Senior Field at the Empire Center in Fontana and the Joe Baca Field at the Rialto Boys and Girls Club. In addition, the ``Joe Baca Middle School'' at 1640 S. Lilac Avenue in Rialto, California, is expected to open its doors in 2013.
Congresswoman Laura Richardson
Congresswoman Laura Richardson represents California's 37th District, which includes the communities of Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill, as well as parts of the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. She was sworn in to Congress in 2007 and is currently serving her 3rd term.
Congresswoman Richardson served the Long Beach community as a city councilwoman for six years before being elected to the California State Assembly in 2006. Following a special election in 2007, she immediately began serving in the House of Representatives, and as such, Congresswoman Richardson has the rare distinction of having served in government at the local, state, and federal level in the span of less than one year.
The Congresswoman currently sits on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, where she works to improve the Nation's highways, railways, airports, and seaports while overseeing the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA. She is a member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, the Highways & Transit Subcommittee and the Railroads, Pipelines & Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.
Congresswoman Richardson is also on the House Committee on Homeland Security. In this role, she works to protect America's borders and ensure the Nation is prepared for and able to effectively respond to any disasters that may arise. She is the Ranking Member for the Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Subcommittee and also sits on the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee.
In addition to her House Committee assignments, the Congresswoman is a founding member of the California High-Speed Rail Commission, where she has worked to secure funding for a project that has the potential to create 450,000 permanent jobs statewide over the next 25 years.
In January of 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, DERA, which Congresswoman Richardson authored. The legislation extends a voluntary national and state-level grant and loan program that creates jobs, saves lives and significantly improves the Nation's air quality. DERA is widely considered one of the most cost-effective federal programs in the Nation. The EPA has estimated that in California alone, the program averages more than $13 in health and economic benefits for every $1 in funding. Without the signing of Richardson's bill, the authorization for DERA would have expired at the end of the fiscal year.
Congresswoman Richardson graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and received an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. She spent 14 years working in the corporate sector at Xerox.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).
I want to, also, as Congresswoman Eshoo and Congressman Farr acknowledged, that there's others in our delegation from the other side of the aisle who will also be leaving after this session of Congress: Brian Bilbray, Mary Bono Mack, David Dreier, Elton Gallegly, Wally Herger, Jerry Lewis, and Dan Lungren. I've been here long enough that I've fought with all of them, I've legislated with all of them, and we've had accomplishments together.
I think Jerry Lewis and I had the longest floor debate in the modern Congress over the creation of the desert national parks, the Mojave Desert national parks. When we were all done, we immediately turned around. He was opposed to it, I was for it, but he immediately turned around and made sure that the public had access to it, that there would be improvements, visitor centers. And that's the way legislation goes.
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I think very often the public doesn't understand, but Members of Congress do, that this isn't just a working relationship. Over time you get to know one another's families, you know their children's successes, their children's desires, their illnesses and the troubles that befall families, because we're like all other American families. It happens here. People don't think of that when they think of the Congress. And you build relationships, friendships and dependencies on one another's expertise to help guide us through all of the issues that we will confront in a congressional year.
Congressman Stark and I entered public life together by running against one another back in 1969, man against machine. You figure it out: I don't know who was the man and who was the machine, but I knew then who it was, this very popular banker and this law school dropout, but other than that I was doing well. But it's a long span and a lot of friendships, and it's about family and our ability to talk with one another.
I would like, at this moment, to yield to Congressman Stark for any remarks that he might have.
Mr. STARK. I want to thank the gentleman for yielding. One of the previous Speakers, Mr. O'Neill, mentioned that, and you forgot to mention this, but Tip O'Neill said that I probably had one of the best 5-minute speeches of any new Member of Congress, and if I could only learn to deliver it in less than 20 minutes, I'd have a great career here.
George is right: we ran against each other. And when you grow up in the Bay Area and you have people like Barbara Lee who leads in courage in being the lone vote against one of the unpopular wars, you learn what courage is and you learn with people who fight for children, for minorities, for all of the people in our area who need help. I'm just proud to have worked with them.
They've said that I'm the fifth oldest Member of Congress. That's absolutely wrong. I am the 430th youngest Member of Congress, and I just want to make sure that you get that straight in the Record.
Thank you, George. I'm honored, and I am particularly honored to be part of this great Bay Area delegation. In our 10 districts surrounding the Bay Area, we have, I think, the finest legislative group in the United States. Thank you very much.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Thank you very much. I know, as we all know in this life, Members leave the Congress, they don't leave public policy, they don't leave public life, and I expect we will be hearing from them as they leave the Congress in their future endeavors. I know that Mr. Bilbray still wants to clean up the salt in the Salton Sea, and I know that Dan Lungren probably still wants to take down Hetch Hetchy. I'll be glad to join him on both efforts on that one, and I know Wally Herger still brings the concerns about the watersheds of the great northern parts of our State. So this relationship goes on, their advocacy goes on, and that's true on both sides of the aisle.
Ms. Woolsey, if you would like to say anything.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Thank you, George, for doing this. Thank you for honoring those of us that have been here and now are leaving.
I arrived feeling very green and feeling very good 20 years ago. I had no idea how little I knew about how to get something done in the Congress. I knew where I had burned in my belly, I knew what issues were important to me, and those issues have stayed important to me for the last 20 years. But I had the advantage of working with some very wonderful senior Members who generously helped me along, and I had the privilege of having very talented staff who built the stage that I could dance on. You can't do that unless it's teamwork, and I thank everybody that has been a part of these last 20 years. It's been quite a ride, and I'm glad I did it. Thank you very much, George.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Thank you so much. Thank you for your service.
Mr. Speaker, that brings to a conclusion our delegation's honoring those Members who are leaving. I would just say, and this is not news to Members of the House, but on a bipartisan basis, this is a very, very spirited and rambunctious delegation on both sides of the aisle, and a lot of seniority is leaving the Congress with this delegation, a lot of expertise. But I'm very proud to have served with all of them and for their contributions and the sacrifices they made in public office on behalf of public policy that they strongly believe in and became advocates for.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time. I want to recognize Mr. Berman who is here and thank him again for his service.
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