[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING MR. JOAQUIN ESQUIVEL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS APPPOINTMENT AS 
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FEDERAL WATER POLICY AT THE CALIFORNIA NATURAL 
                            RESOURCES AGENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Joaquin 
Esquivel on his appointment to serve as Assistant Secretary for Federal 
Water Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency.
   Mr. Esquivel has served on U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer's staff for 
over 8 years, most recently serving as Legislative Assistant and 
Director of Information and Technology. During his time with Senator 
Boxer, Mr. Esquivel has developed policy expertise in a variety of 
issues critical to California including water policy, agriculture, 
tribal issues, and the Salton Sea. Among his many contributions to 
federal water policy, Mr. Esquivel has been instrumental in the 
creation of comprehensive drought resiliency legislation and helped 
write the Water in the 21st Century Act (W21).
   A native to the Coachella Valley, Mr. Esquivel grew up in La Quinta. 
His parents both worked for Coachella Valley Unified School District 
and his grandparents were farmworkers. After graduating from La Quinta 
High School, Mr. Esquivel went on to earn a bachelor's degree in 
English at the University of California, Santa Barbara, fulfilling his 
passion for literature and its ability to reflect and catalyze social 
change. He then took a chance to pursue his dreams, stepping out of his 
comfort zone; in 2007 he moved to Washington, D.C., where he first 
started with Senator Boxer as an intern.
   Mr. Esquivel's talent and success are an example of how our local 
youth can go on to make a difference for their communities. 
Furthermore, growing up in the Coachella Valley, he understands 
firsthand the unique struggles that our district faces with the decline 
of the Salton Sea. He has been a true champion of the Salton Sea, 
coordinating Senator Boxer's efforts on this impending issue and 
shepherding authorizing language that would allow the Army Corps of 
Engineers to help with its restoration.
   Mr. Esquivel's other legislative accomplishments include 
spearheading ideas and legislation to protect pollinators across 
California, which are essential to our state's almond production and 
other agricultural industries. Furthermore, as the Senator's lead 
staffer on tribal issues, Mr. Esquivel has worked to ensure the more 
than 100 federally recognized tribes in California have a voice in 
Congress.
   I am proud to recognize Mr. Esquivel's contributions to our nation's 
water, tribal, and agricultural policies, and I look forward to seeing 
the vision and leadership he will bring to State of California.

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