E156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 7, 2012 Centreville, Virginia, on the occasion of his re- physical chemistry from the University of Cali- plify patriotism in everything they do. There is tirement at the end of February after 38 years fornia at Berkeley, and a B.S. in chemical en- no question that changing the unsustainable of public service with the Internal Revenue gineering from Purdue University. She pub- trajectory of this nation will take sacrifice from Service. lished eight scientific papers and received one us all, but continually singling out federal em- Throughout his tenure with the IRS, Mr. patent. In 2003, she became Vice President of ployees is an ineffective and unjustified re- Falcone provided an example of model leader- Government Affairs and Policy at the Univer- sponse to the nation’s fiscal struggles. ship through his work in both tax administra- sity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Although I have serious concerns with the tion and later in support operations. He served UT Southwestern Medical Center is one high- federal employee pay freeze, I ultimately voted in various roles such as Director of Facilities est acclaimed medical school, research, and for this legislation because Congress must and Operations, Director of Real Estate and hospital complex in Dallas, Texas. lead by example and freeze our own pay first. Facilities Management, IRS Human Capital I was sworn in as a Member of Congress in I would like to remind my colleagues that long Officer, and the first acting Chief of Mission 2003 and that is how I met Dr. Weber in her after we are all gone, federal employees will Assurance. During his career, Mr. Falcone as- role with UT Southwestern Medical Center. continue to selflessly serve this nation, as they sisted with many successful initiatives, includ- With her support and leadership, we were able have since its inception. Repeatedly singling ing the reorganization of the IRS following the to create a Health Care Fellowship between them out is no way to thank them for their passage of the Restructuring and Reform Act my office and UT Southwestern Medical Cen- dedicated contributions. I am hopeful that fu- of 1998. He also played a role in establishing ter. This successful program has provided ture deficit reduction efforts in this body will the Mission Assurance organization following what has become a very well regarded oppor- focus on more realistic methods of savings the September 11th terrorist attacks. That ef- tunity for Medical Doctors to have a front row that truly address the drivers of our debt so fort instituted new safeguards for the tax ad- seat in Congress to participate in the health that we can foster an environment of job cre- ministration and assured the safety of its em- care policy process. We have also partnered ation and prosperity in this country. ployees, facilities, and information systems. In with UT Southwestern Medical Center on sev- f addition, Mr. Falcone assisted in reducing the eral joint events on their campus in Dallas. TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND SERV- size of the IRS’ real estate portfolio to realize The Fellowship and events could not have ICE OF OFFICER STEVEN DION operation efficiencies. been successfully executed without the guid- GREEN, SR. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join ance provided by Dr. Weber and the leader- me in recognizing Mr. Falcone for his lifelong ship at UT Southwestern. service to our constituents. His distinguished On February 8, 2012, Dr. Weber will be HON. JO BONNER career and accomplishments serve as a re- leaving UT Southwestern after nine years in OF ALABAMA minder of the great value of public service to government affairs. Her contribution to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our country, and I congratulate him on his re- NASA’s space program and UT Southwestern Tuesday, February 7, 2012 tirement. Medical Center has been unprecedented and Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a f her departure will soon leave a void in many heavy heart that I rise today to honor the serv- hearts. It is my great privilege to recognize Dr. ice of a fallen hero, Officer Steven Green of IN RECOGNITION OF DR. MARY Mary Ellen Weber for the ingenuity and com- the Mobile, Alabama Police Department, who ELLEN WEBER mitment she has shown to the people of UT recently gave his life in the line of duty. Southwestern, NASA, and our Nation. On February 3, 2012, Officer Green, age HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS f 36, was fatally wounded while transporting a OF TEXAS robbery suspect. Mobile feels the deep pain of TO EXTEND THE PAY LIMITATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the loss of this young, dedicated protector of FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS the peace. His untimely death has deeply sad- Tuesday, February 7, 2012 AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES dened our community and even moved others Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to SPEECH OF from around the nation to add their many honor a remarkable woman, Dr. Mary Ellen voices to the long list of those offering condo- Weber. She is a veteran Astronaut, an instru- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN lences to his family. ment-rated pilot, a world-class skydiver, and OF VIRGINIA Officer Green dutifully served the Mobile Po- Vice President of Government Affairs and Pol- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lice Department and the people of Mobile icy at the University of Texas Southwestern Wednesday, February 1, 2012 since May 2010. He was stationed to the De- Medical Center at Dallas. partment in the First Precinct and was on as- As a NASA Astronaut for ten years, Dr. Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I don’t signment in the Fifth Precinct at the time of his Weber inspired and awed our nation by com- think there is anyone in this country who sup- death. pleting two Space Shuttle flights, 297 earth or- ports increasing pay for Members of Con- A native of Mobile, Officer Green was a bits, and traveling 7.8 million miles. Among the gress. I certainly don’t, which is why I voted in graduate of Blount High School where he dis- youngest Astronauts ever to venture into favor of H.R. 3835 on Wednesday. Through- tinguished himself as an outstanding athlete space, she served as a pioneer for space ex- out my tenure in this body, I have continually and member of the Varsity Football team. ploration by flying aboard the Atlantis on mis- voted to cut, freeze, and otherwise limit pay After high school, he contributed his consider- sion STS–101. The mission was a critical for Members. With so many folks across Vir- able athletic talents and love of sports to the early construction project for the International ginia’s First District and the nation struggling service of young people by coaching Little Space Station, in which she spent over eight- to feed their families or find a job, Congress League Football. een days in space. She helped launch $200 has got to lead by example and show that it Mr. Speaker, there is a special calling for million communications satellite into Earth is serious about tackling this country’s eco- those who would lay down their lives to guar- orbit when she flew aboard Discovery in 1995 nomic woes in a responsible manner. antee the safety of others. Those who answer on mission STS–70. After holding prestigious An important part of being responsible, how- this call to serve with courage and conviction positions relaying reports to NASA’s highest ever, is the ability to be fair, and I fear that often don’t seek the limelight or reward . . . directors, she was awarded the NASA Excep- H.R. 3835 sets an unfair precedent by tar- they do what they do because they know it is tional Service Medal. geting a particular group of public servants right. Officer Steven Green was just such a Not only is she a veteran in space, but she who are already tasked to do so much for person. is an avid skydiver and pilot. She shares a their country: federal employees. Government Officer Green is survived by a very large world record for the largest freefall formation workers have been under a pay freeze since and loving family, including his dear wife, Val- with 300 skydivers. She has logged over December of 2010, and this legislation would erie, and their lovely children, Jasmine, 4,000 skydives, and received twelve silver and extend that freeze through 2013. These hard- Tariyah, and Steven, Jr. bronze medals from the U.S. National Sky- working patriots serve our nation on a daily On behalf of the people of Mobile and South diving Championships. In addition, she is an basis, whether it be keeping our skies safe for Alabama, I offer my deepest condolences to instrument-rated pilot with over 600 hours in travelers with the FAA or supporting our each of them and to all of Officer Green’s NASA’s jet aircraft. troops on the front lines of the war on terror many family, friends and fellow officers. You Dr. Weber was destined to share her knowl- with the CIA. From the lowest GS–1 to the will never be far from our hearts as we all re- edge of science. She received an M.B.A. from highest GS–15, the federal workforce is full of flect upon the devoted service of Officer Southern Methodist University, a Ph.D. in dedicated and committed citizens who exem- Green. May God bless you all.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Feb 08, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07FE8.022 E07FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS February 7, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E157 SUPPORTING NATIONAL Today, the New York Health Department Senior Vice President of Producer Affairs and MARRIAGE WEEK announced that new HIV data shows a 41% Government Relations at CDI, a role he held drop in deaths among black persons living until he was named CEO in 2007. Under his HON. J. RANDY FORBES with HIV/AIDS in New York between 2001 and leadership, CDI profits reached record levels. OF VIRGINIA 2010. Though this is promising new informa- From 1984 to 1993, Cotta served as the CEO of Western United Dairymen, the largest IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion, the black community is still disproportion- ately affected by this disease. More than producer trade association in the state. From Tuesday, February 7, 2012 107,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV, but 1980 to 1984, he was the CEO of United Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in thousands more don’t know they’re infected. Dairymen of California, a producer trade orga- support of National Marriage Week, which is New York City’s AIDS case rate is almost 3 nization, until it merged to form Western observed each year from February 7th to 14th. times the U.S. national average. Brooklyn United Dairymen. During National Marriage Week, organizations alone has the highest population of any bor- Cotta testified before the U.S. Congress and and individuals across America collaborate on ough in New York City and has one of the the California Legislature on behalf of the programs designed to strengthen marriages, highest HIV infection rates among Black and dairy industry. At the request of the Secretary reduce the divorce rate, and acknowledge the Latina women in the country. According to a of Agriculture, he participated in world trade institution of marriage as a vital factor in pro- Brooklyn based research institution, in 2008 missions to open the U.S. dairy market over- moting family and community stability. Al- nearly 30% of people living with HIV/AIDS in seas. though it is important that we devote ourselves New York City, who died, were Brooklyn resi- Previously, he worked as a sire analyst for to strengthening our marriages each day of dents. American Breeders Service, a classifier for the the year, National Marriage Week provides an African Americans are more likely to be di- Holstein Association of America and a prin- important opportunity for us collectively to agnosed late in the course of HIV infection, ciple in Genetics, Inc. For several years, he pause and reflect on the crucial role that mar- less likely to be connected with care and less was a dairy consultant with many successful riage plays as the foundation of a strong and likely to be prescribed the necessary preventa- dairies on feeding, breeding and management healthy society. In so doing, it is my hope that tive and life preserving anti-retroviral medica- systems. we will be inspired to work even harder to pro- tions. Blacks are also most likely to die from Cotta graduated with honors from California tect this sacred institution. HIV-related causes. State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, Marriage is ordained by God and provides These are sobering statistics, but they offer with a degree in Dairy Husbandry. He cur- innumerable benefits to spouses and their chil- us the opportunity to spread awareness and rently owns and operates Cotta Farms and is dren. Studies suggest that married men and take action to provide the community with the a partner in Terra Bella Farms, both almond women experience greater financial stability, help they need. The Affordable Care Act, farming operations. longer life spans, and a decreased risk of de- which I fully supported, is a fantastic oppor- Cotta currently sits on the following pression—particularly among married mothers. tunity to provide assistance to African Ameri- boards—U.C. Davis Deans Advisory Council, Children in married families also reap a host cans as well as others suffering from this dis- California State University Chancellors Agri- of benefits, including increased physical ease. It stops providers from denying cov- culture Advisory Council, Sacred Heart School health, lower rates of alcohol and substance erage to HIV positive children and adults as Foundation, and the Innovation Center for abuse, and a reduced risk of physical, sexual, well as providing increased access to Med- U.S. Dairy. In addition, he sits on the and emotional abuse. icaid and other prescription assistance pro- Globalization Operating Committee for the I remain committed to the conviction that grams. However, until this act is fully imple- U.S. Dairy Export Council. Past board seats include—California Cream- traditional marriage is worth protecting. The mented, we must work hard and work together ery Operators Association (Chairman), Dairy data demonstrates what many of us have long to educate and provide access to care for Cares Board (Chairman) California Dairy Re- known: marriage between a man and a those who need it most. search Foundation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, woman is one of the cornerstones of strength We cannot let the black community continue National Holstein Foundation, DairyAmerica of our country, and is the foundation of fami- to bear the most severe burden of all racial (Chairman) and Challenge Dairy Products. lies across America. I encourage you to join groups. We must stand together to support the Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending me in celebrating National Marriage Week by community and take action against the stigma Richard L. Cotta for his hard work in the Cali- renewing your dedication to your spouse, and surrounding HIV/AIDS. We must ensure our fornia Dairy Industry and in congratulating him considering ways in which you can strengthen youth receive comprehensive education about upon his retirement from the California Dairies, your commitment and devotion each day. the disease to help prevent infections in future Inc. f generations. Until we put an end to AIDS, we must remain united to achieve the common f NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS goal of prevention and treatment for all. NEW YORK CITY NATURAL GAS AWARENESS DAY f SUPPLY ENHANCEMENT ACT HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS HONORING MR. RICHARD L. COTTA SPEECH OF OF NEW YORK HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JEFF DENHAM OF NEW YORK Tuesday, February 7, 2012 OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, today is National Monday, February 6, 2012 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and I rise to Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the highlight the struggle of the African American Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to opportunity to speak in support of the ‘‘New community against this terrible disease. The acknowledge and honor Mr. Richard L. Cotta York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement theme for this year is ‘‘I am My Brother’s/Sis- on his retirement from the California Dairies, Act’’ (H.R. 2606). This bipartisan legislation ter’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS’’. HIV is a crisis Inc., and to thank him for his dedication to the will authorize the Secretary of Interior to allow in the Black Community and has been for thir- agriculture community. the construction and operation of natural gas ty years. Since 2007, Richard L. Cotta held the title of pipeline facilities in the New York portion of African Americans are disproportionately af- President and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. the Gateway National Recreation Area. fected by this disease. According to the CDC, (CDI). He spent his entire career in the dairy My southeastern Queens district includes an estimated 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 32 industry in virtually all aspects of the dairy part of the Gateway National Recreation Area black women will be diagnosed with HIV infec- business—from the dairy farm to genetics, to near Kennedy Airport, including the Jamaica tion at some point in their lifetimes; and an Af- dairy processing and dairy politics. Bay Wildlife Refuge. I have long supported ef- rican American woman is 15 times more likely Cotta’s career at CDI began in 1993, when forts to improve the environment in and to be living with HIV than a white woman of he joined San Joaquin Valley Dairymen—a around Gateway as well as to enhance Gate- the same age. The CDC also notes that in dairy processing and marketing cooperative— way’s facilities. 2007, HIV was the ninth leading cause of as its General Manager. I join with Congressman GRIMM and Con- death for all blacks and the third leading In 1999, San Joaquin Valley Dairymen gressman TURNER in thanking Resources cause of death for black women and black merged with Danish Creamery and California Chairman HASTINGS, Ranking Member MAR- men aged 35–44. Milk Producers to form CDI. Cotta was named KEY, Subcommittee Chair BISHOP and Ranking

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Feb 08, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07FE8.004 E07FEPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS