March 31, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1867 Peck committed suicide during a police participating in the ice dancing trained within their grasp. As one Olympic fig- shootout. in metro Detroit in one of three rinks: ure skater so aptly put it, ‘‘To be able There is legislation pending before the Detroit Skating Club, Novi Ice to come up here and feel stiff and white the Senate that, if enacted, could pre- Arena, and Arctic Edge in Canton, as a ghost but stare fear in the face is vent future convicted domestic abusers which is where the Gold and Silver what I’m all about.’’ That’s the true from evading background checks to Medal teams trained. This reflects the Olympic spirit we tune in to watch, buy murder weapons. These bills could level of coaching and talent that re- and that is a fitting way to describe be the critical difference in preventing sides in . the grit, grace, and athletic prowess we another domestic argument from be- There were many inspired perform- witnessed day after day in Sochi. This coming something so much worse. We ances at these games. Fittingly, the is why I am delighted to honor these owe it to the memory of victims of do- couple that captured our imagination athletes here today by placing their mestic violence around this country to for the second straight , names in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. take every step possible to prevent and Charlie White, capped f similar incidents in the future. I urge their Olympic career with a capti- TRIBUTE TO CATHY MYERS my colleagues to pass gun safety legis- vating, Gold Medal performance in ice lation that closes the gun show loop- dancing, adding this to their Silver Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I wish hole. Medal performance in 2010 and their to recognize and thank Cathy Myers— a valued member of my staff who left f team Bronze in Sochi. The list of ice dancers with strong ties to Michigan is Senate service today after 35 years on 2014 OLYMPIANS long and includes , Alex Capitol Hill. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, every 4 Shibutani, , , Cathy has worked in Congress since years elite athletes from across the , , Kaitlyn Wea- 1979 when she was hired to serve as a globe gather together to share their ver, , Alexandra Paul, secretary in the office of Congressman prodigious talent and skill with a Mitch Islam, , Luca Samuel Devine of Ohio. She subse- world audience through friendly com- Lanotte, Charlene Guignard, Marco quently held the same position in the office of Congressman Gene Snyder of petition. This year’s Winter Games in Fabbri, , Fabian Kentucky, and first came to the Senate Sochi, was no different. Indeed, Bourzat, Pernelle Carron, Lloyd Jones, in 1983, when she took a job as sec- it is a tradition families across the Na- , , retary to Senator Bob Kasten of Wis- tion have gathered together to watch , , Isabella consin. on TV and shared for generations. Tobias, Deividas Stagniunas, Danielle In 1993, Cathy went to work for New We are transfixed by the Winter O’Brien, Greg Merrian, Cathy Reed and Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg, serv- Olympics and the athletes who take Chris Reed. ing as his executive assistant for 18 part for many reasons. We enjoy the in- Olympic hockey also showcased the years. Senator Gregg is well-known in tense competition that is the hallmark talent Michigan has to offer. Players the Granite State for his service to of the games. We enjoy the gravity- with ties to Michigan represented a constituents, and Cathy played an in- defying athletes who only seem to get number of different countries. They in- dispensable role in helping him stay in more daring with each passing year. cluded Americans Ryan Miller, Ryan close contact with the people of New And, we enjoy the speed and precision Kessler, Cam Fowler, Jimmy Howard, Hampshire. that is required to excel at the Olympic Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, Justin When Senator Gregg retired, I was so level. There are also many personal Faulk, Kevin Shattenkirk, Ryan Suter, pleased that she agreed to continue and heartwarming stories of triumph James van Riemsdyk, Max Pacioretty serving the people of New Hampshire as and perseverance that are highlighted and Dan Bylsma. Those who skated for a member of my Washington staff. at the games. They remind us of what other countries included Henrik Cathy has been so helpful to me as I is possible. We witness athletes both in Zetterberg, Daniel Alfredsson, Niklas have gotten my Senate office up and victory and defeat, but always at their Kronwall, Jonathon Ericsson, Johan running. She does a tremendous job best. We admire their journey and the Franzen, Jonas Gustavsson, Pavel keeping the trains running on time, Olympic spirit that is embodied by Datsyuk, Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco, and I have been so deeply grateful for each of them. Duncan Keith, Chris Kunitz, Mike Bab- To become an Olympian is no easy her dedicated service. cock and Brian Lebler. Each made a During the 3 years Cathy worked as a task. Each athlete has sacrificed much significant contribution and provided member of my staff, I have also appre- to earn a spot at the Olympics. These us ample reason to be proud. ciated her personal warmth and gen- games and the performances we bear In addition to these incredible ath- erous spirit. Cathy is perhaps best witness to are often the capstone of ca- letes are Narumi Takahashi, Ryuichi known in my office for the candy dish reers that have spanned many years Kihara, Jeremy Abbott, Valentina she keeps on her desk, which is always and are the product of an enormous Marchei and who com- stocked with chocolates. It is no secret amount of training, dedication, and peted admirably in . Jes- that Cathy has a sweet tooth, and she focus. This year, as in years past, we sica Smith, Jilleanne Rookard, Shani has been so kind to share her candy glimpsed into the lives of these ath- Davis, Jordan Malone, Kyle Carr, Chris with the rest of the office. letes, which includes parents, coaches Creveling and Anthony Lobello graced Cathy Myers has served the people of and family members who shaped these the speed skating track. And there New Hampshire and the Senate with athletes from the very beginning, were snowboarders Karly Shorr, Danny honor and distinction. On behalf of all spending countless hours and effort in Davis and Nick Bumgartner whose those whose lives Cathy has touched in training, travelling from competition style and flair was unmistakable. the Granite State and on Capitol Hill, to competition, and molding young Rounding out Michigan’s contribu- I wish her the very best as she starts athletes into the competitors we see tion in Sochi was Lauryn Williams, a this new chapter in her life. before us. Summer Olympic star who became the The Winter Olympics seamlessly first woman, and fifth person overall, f blends the events and traditions we to medal in both the Summer and Win- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS have come to enjoy for many years ter Olympics. Her Silver as part of a with newer, fresher disciplines that two-person bobsled team was one of the leave us in awe and bravely test our most memorable moments of the TRIBUTE TO ZEV YAROSLAVSKY limits. Young people are shaped by games. ∑ Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I these moments. Some will even grow I join many across Michigan in con- wish to honor Zev Yaroslavsky, who is up and follow this impressive path. gratulating each of these athletes. It retiring at the end of this year, after a Michigan was well-represented at the was gratifying to watch and reminds us distinguished and illustrious career 2014 . One area all, especially young people across spanning 40 years as a public servant in where Michigan shined was in ice danc- Michigan, that reaching for the stars, the State of California. We wish to ex- ing. Impressively, 15 of the 24 teams or in this case the Olympics, is firmly tend to Mr. Yaroslavsky our sincere

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:18 Apr 01, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G31MR6.009 S31MRPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S1868 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 31, 2014 congratulations for the decades of dedi- DC, that promotes the development of progress. We often think of these lead- cated service that he has given to his democratic institutions in burgeoning ers as people unconnected to our States Nation, his State, his city, and his democracies. He has monitored three and constituents. But as I have known county. international elections for NDI: Roma- our university leaders in Alabama, Mr. Yaroslavsky was first elected to nia (1990), Mexico (2000), and Ukraine such is not the case. They are men and the Los Angeles County Board of Su- (2004). He also has conducted seminars women of stability, common sense, and pervisors in 1994 and is in the final year on democratic institution-building in management skills. Dr. Thomas was no of his fifth term on the Board. He has Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Bosnia- exception. served as chair of the Board, which is Herzegovina. Dr. Thomas was a native of the won- rotated annually among the super- While these are just some of Zev derful small Alabama town of Russell- visors, four times. For the past 20 Yaroslavsky’s significant accomplish- ville. His integrity, work ethic, and na- years, he has represented the Third ments, on behalf of the U.S. Senate and tive ability were outstanding, and he Supervisorial District, where he will be the State of California, we extend our translated those qualities into three remembered as a devoted public serv- heartfelt gratitude for his inestimable degrees in biological science from Har- ant who amassed numerous accom- contributions throughout his renowned vard University, where he was a mem- plishments and innumerable awards. career. With sincere best wishes, we ber of the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Mr. Yaroslavsky represents nearly 2 congratulate Mr. Yaroslavsky upon his Xi academic honor societies. In 1961, he million residents in his district. His ef- retirement from the Los Angeles Coun- became a member of the biology fac- forts primarily have focused on fiscal, ty Board of Supervisors. We are pleased ulty at the University of Alabama. health care, transportation, the envi- to join his many co-workers, family, In 1981, Dr. Thomas became the presi- ronment, veterans affairs, homeless- friends, and associates in wishing him dent of the University of Alabama. Dr. ness, and the arts. Prior to rep- health, happiness, and continued good Thomas is credited with tripling UA’s resenting the Third Supervisorial Dis- fortune in his future endeavors.∑ research funding, leading a major fund- trict, he served on the Los Angeles f raising campaign, raising admission City Council from 1975 to 1994 to which and curriculum standards, building he was elected and re-elected six times. ASSOCIATION OF JEWISH AGING economic development initiatives that As a Los Angeles City councilman, SERVICES saved local jobs and improving rela- Mr. Yaroslavsky honed his fiscal skills ∑ Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I wish tions with the State legislature, result- as the respected chair of the Council’s to recognize an important meeting tak- ing in increased State funding for the Finance Committee, and he also earned ing place in Jacksonville, FL. The As- university. He also established a uni- a reputation as a politician who was sociation of Jewish Aging Services— versity-wide honors program and initi- willing to take on issues that others AJAS—is holding its 54th annual con- ated the highly successful Presidential would not, including the highly con- ference this week. Scholars program to help recruit top troversial excessive use of force and in- The theme of this year’s conference students to University of Alabama. telligence gathering policies of the Los is ‘‘Bringing the Future Home.’’ AJAS In the words of University of Ala- Angeles Police Department. As coun- has set itself apart as the central ad- bama’s current chancellor, Robert cilman, he also co-authored two land- dress for Jewish eldercare. This theme Witt, ‘‘From his days as a teaching fel- mark initiatives with his colleague, reflects AJAS’s commitment to mak- low at Harvard to his tenure at the the late Councilman Marvin Braude: ing a positive impact on the lives of helm of three of America’s premier Proposition U (1986) which cut by half seniors and emphasizes the importance public universities, Joab Thomas was the commercial development rights ad- of keeping seniors in their homes. It at the forefront as a leader in higher jacent to residential neighborhoods, also indicates the growing importance education. His research focus and em- and Proposition O (1988) which repealed of continuing to plan for the future and phasis on excellence inspired all of us a drilling permit previously issued to demonstrate the value of and necessity who were fortunate to follow in his the Occidental Petroleum Company. for providing resources for Jewish footsteps.’’ Most notably, a few of his major ac- aging services. Dr. Thomas was an outstanding uni- complishments as supervisor include As chairman of the Senate Special versity president and was held in the authoring the 1996 Proposition ‘A’ park Committee on Aging, I am well aware highest esteem and affection by the bond that resulted in the preservation of the need to make sure our long-term many people he served so ably. I ask of rural open space and the develop- care system is meeting the needs of our my colleagues to join me in honoring ment of urban parks throughout the aging population. As our Nation’s sen- Dr. Thomas for his dedication and county. He also authored the 2002 Prop- iors continue to age in to the need for many contributions to public univer- osition ‘B’ trauma tax, approved by greater supports and services, we must sities.∑ over 73 percent of county voters, which evolve to meet the cultural, social, and f is largely credited with stabilizing the physical needs of Jewish seniors. In county’s health care finances. fact, we have shined a spotlight on this TRIBUTE TO EDITH MILDRED Mr. Yaroslavsky was the driving issue in the Aging Committee. TAYLOR force behind the Orange Line busway Conversations such as those at ∑ Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I would across the San Fernando Valley which AJAS’s conference this week are ever- like to take a few moments to recog- opened in 2005 to record ridership more critical to ensure that as a Na- nize the 102nd birthday of an incredible (22,000 daily boardings). He led the ef- tion we continue to innovate and adapt Virginian, Edith Mildred Taylor. Edith fort to rebuild and modernize the world our existing system to meet the de- was born on April Fools’ Day in 1912, famous Hollywood Bowl amphitheater mands of America’s seniors.∑ which could help explain her lifelong which re-opened in 2004, and he was in- f good nature and reputation for well-ex- strumental in the development of Walt ecuted pranks, including once wrapping Disney Concert Hall, the home of the REMEMBERING JOAB L. THOMAS a live mouse as a birthday gift for her L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, which ∑ Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish teenaged sister. opened in 2003. He has also helped fund to commemorate and celebrate the life Edith was born on a farm in Culpeper major investments in the L.A. County and contributions of Dr. Joab Langston and has lived there for all of her 102 Museum of Art and the County’s Mu- Thomas of Tuscaloosa, AL, who served years. As a young widow, she raised seum of Natural History. He is re- as chief executive officer of three of Sarah Ellen Taylor while working at garded as the county’s fiscal watchdog, the country’s well established public the Culpeper Baptist Nursing Home, insisting that it live within its means. universities, including the University caring for seniors and undoubtedly Since 1991, Mr. Yaroslavsky has also of Alabama, Pennsylvania State Uni- brightening the days of many. After been associated with the National versity, and North Carolina State Uni- many decades of service to Virginia Democratic Institute for International versity. We too often fail to appreciate seniors, she retired to care for her 90- Affairs, NDI, a non-governmental orga- the contributions our university lead- year-old father, who also lived into his nization headquartered in Washington, ers make to our State’s and Nation’s 100th year.

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