Congressional Record, Volume 158 Issue 160 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)

[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H6741-H6751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

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

[[Page H6742]]

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.

{time} 1730

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.

[[Page H6743]]

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

[[Page H6744]]

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.

{time} 1740

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

[[Page H6745]]

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.

{time} 1750

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

[[Page H6746]]

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.

{time} 1800

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

[[Page H6747]]

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.

{time} 1810

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

[[Page H6748]]

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

[[Page H6749]]

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

[[Page H6750]]

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.

{time} 1820

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

[[Page H6751]]

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.

____________________