[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
    REMEMBERING LARRY FISHER FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS COMMUNITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. DeSaulnier) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Larry Fisher.
  Throughout his life, Larry showed incredible dedication to his 
community. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Southern 
California. After his graduation from USC, he served as executive 
director of the California Democratic Party. In 1966, he joined Braun 
and Company and rose through the ranks to become CEO of this 
international public relations firm, which eventually became Braun and 
Ketchum.
  In his retirement, Larry moved to the bay area with his wife, Betty, 
and briefly worked as director for Options Recovery in Berkeley, 
California, assisting people through the process of recovering from 
addiction. He then became the spiritual director, working with clients 
to help them find new meaning in life.
  Sadly, Larry passed away this year. Our hearts are with his wife, 
Betty; their children, Timothy and Lara; and the rest of their family. 
Larry will be remembered for his outstanding character and community 
contributions. Please join me in honoring Larry Fisher for his 
incredible impact on his community, his State, and the country.


                Incredible Accomplishments of Amit Elor

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Amit Elor for making history as the youngest wrestler from 
Team USA to earn an Olympic Gold Medal.
  Amit was born and raised in Walnut Creek, California, and has been 
wrestling since the age of 4. In 2022, Amit won under 23, then under 
20, and senior world titles, making her the youngest U.S. senior world 
champion in wrestling. She went on to win those titles again in 2023, 
making her the only wrestler in history to win these three titles 2 
years in a row.
  In August, Amit won an Olympic Gold Medal in the women's freestyle in 
her weight group. Her astonishing skill and unwavering dedication to 
the sport make her an inspiration for the next generation of girls' 
wrestling.
  Our community is incredibly proud of Amit, and it was a delight to 
root for her during the Paris Olympics alongside California's 10th 
Congressional District. Please join me in congratulating Amit Elor on 
her incredible accomplishments and the many more to come.


                   Honoring the Life of Bette Boatmun

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
work of Bette Boatmun.
  Bette was a trailblazer for women in leadership in the community, 
water agencies in California, and in special districts. She was a 
native New Yorker who settled in Concord, California, with her family 
of six. In 1974, Bette was appointed to the Contra Costa Water 
District's Board, and she served in that seat for over 46 years. She 
was instrumental in implementing many significant projects, such as 
building the Randall-Bold Water Treatment Plant and expanding Los 
Vaqueros Reservoir.
  Bette was passionate about bringing more women into elected office 
and into the water industry. She was an active member of many 
organizations, including the Concord branch of American Association of 
University Women, Soroptimist International of the Americas, and many 
others.
  In 2020, the Association of California Water Agencies presented her 
with a lifetime achievement award for her lasting contributions to 
California water.
  Sadly, Bette passed away last week, on September 19, and our hearts 
are with her family. Bette will be remembered as a remarkable leader 
and a true visionary when it came to water conservation and women in 
politics. Please join me in honoring Bette Boatmun for her incredible 
impact on our environment, her community, the State of California, and 
this country.

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