E874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 29, 2014 Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- While my colleagues and I draft education anniversary of the Republic Day, and to distin- tember 30, 2015, and for other purposes: reform legislations, we cannot be on the guish the many achievements of Azerbaijan Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Chair, I thank ground in every community: staffing after- along with the remarkably valuable partnership the gentleman from New York, Mr. CROWLEY, school programs, coordinating back-to-school between the United States and Azerbaijan. for his bringing attention to an important pro- supply drives or organizing domestic violence f gram that deserves the support of this body. seminars. Our success as a nation is, in no The importance of Science Technology Engi- small part, due to the leadership and passion CONGRATULATING THE HONOREES neering and Math (or STEM) education has of citizens who are helping people lead OF THE ELLSWORTH CHAMBER been recognized by this administration and healthier and more purposeful lives—those OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL members of Congress from both sides of the who focus on student achievement to foster AWARDS DINNER aisle. Investment in these fields will prepare innovation and creativity. The Alpha Xi Omega our students for good paying jobs and Chapter has improved the social stature of HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD strengthen our economy by ensuring that our Dallas’ youth by cultivating and encouraging OF MAINE workforce stays competitive in a globalized high scholastic and ethical standards. Be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES world. Entrepreneurs with specialties in these cause of their work, the next generation of fields are creating exciting new start-ups and leaders is energized to innovate and move the Thursday, May 29, 2014 jobs while more established companies are country forward. Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to being encouraged to reshore jobs in this coun- Mr. Speaker, I have been a Member of this recognize the honorees of the Ellsworth try when our workers are better trained. In organization for more than 40 years, and I can Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Din- short the value of STEM education is univer- say with great pride that the City of Dallas is ner. The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce sally understood. a better place because of the dedicated and serves the people and business communities Madam Chair, the gentleman’s colloquy al- selfless service of the distinguished women of of the region, working hard to strengthen eco- lows us the opportunity to demonstrate con- The Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of the Alpha nomic opportunity throughout the area and the gressional intent to support STEM education, Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Their un- state. particularly in our Nation’s Hispanic Serving paralleled and unprecedented community in- Each year, the Ellsworth Chamber of Com- Institutions. HSIs serve an important popu- volvement will impact the Dallas community merce recognizes local businesses, business lation and educate students of all back- for years to come. They epitomize the power leaders, and individuals who promote and ad- grounds. The program directed the National of an engaged citizenry and reflect our na- vance a vital and healthy business environ- Science Foundation to help create additional tion’s great tradition of service. I ask my col- ment. These individuals and businesses are capacity for STEM education in these institu- leagues to join me in recognizing their service committed to strengthening opportunity, pros- tions of higher learning. The National Science today in the U.S. House of Representatives. perity, and community service in Maine. Foundation directs investment in American in- f The 2014 award winners are: Merrill Enter- novation and is uniquely equipped to focus ef- RECOGNITION OF THE 96TH ANNI- prises, Top Drawer Award; Eleanor Jones, Cit- forts on bringing more students into these im- izen of the Year; Friends and Family, Cus- portant fields. VERSARY OF REPUBLIC DAY IN AZERBAIJAN tomer Service Award; Shinbashi, Revitalization This amendment supports a worthy program Award; and Z Photography, Chamber New that returns a value to our students and the Business of the Year. economy that is well beyond the investment. HON. HENRY CUELLAR These recipients are among the best that f OF TEXAS Maine has to offer. Through their leadership IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING THE 85TH ANNIVER- and their incredible commitment to their com- SARY OF ALPHA XI OMEGA Thursday, May 29, 2014 munities and to the region, Maine is a better CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in place in which to live and do business. ALPHA SORORITY, INC., DALLAS, recognition of the 96th anniversary of Republic Mr. Speaker, please join me again in con- TEXAS Day in Azerbaijan on May 28. Azerbaijan is a gratulating the Ellsworth Chamber of Com- secular, modern, Muslim country, which prac- merce and the award recipients on their out- HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON tices broad religious tolerance. Established in standing service and achievements. OF TEXAS May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Re- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES public was the first republic in any majority- Muslim country. In 1920 Russia occupied CONFERENCE REPORT WATER RE- Thursday, May 29, 2014 Azerbaijan and several Azeris lost their lives SOURCES REFORM AND DEVEL- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. fighting for their independence. After years of OPMENT ACT (H.R. 3080) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 85th living under Soviet rule, Azerbaijan reclaimed Anniversary of the Alpha Xi Omega Chapter of its independence in 1991 following the col- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incor- lapse of the Soviet Union. OF MINNESOTA porated—the first Greek letter sorority for Afri- Over the last twenty-three years, the Repub- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES can-American women. The Alpha Xi Omega lic of Azerbaijan has strengthened its sov- Thursday, May 29, 2014 Chapter was established in Dallas, Texas on ereignty and independence, and has devel- June 6, 1929. Since its inception, its members oped into one of the fastest growing econo- Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, had I been have provided outstanding community service mies in the region. Azerbaijan is also a present, I would have voted in support of the throughout the City of Dallas. They have dis- staunch ally and strategic partner of the Water Resources Reform and Development played a constant commitment to serving United States in the decisively important Cas- Act (H.R. 3080) Conference Report. Unfortu- those in need through varied volunteer activi- pian region. As a valuable international ally, nately, I attended the funeral for a family ties—from tutoring children, raising money to Azerbaijan provided aid to the United States member and missed the vote. fight cancer, increasing awareness to combat directly following the devastating events of 9/ The Water Resources Reform and Develop- AIDS, supporting research for sickle cell ane- 11, assisting the United States on matters of ment Act authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of mia to feeding the hungry. international security. Engineers’ mission, ensuring our nation’s wa- Through programs of service, they encour- Azerbaijan resides in one of the world’s terways have the resources to improve infra- age young men and women to develop high most dangerous neighborhoods, with Russia structure and create jobs while providing flood standards of character and excellence in edu- to the north and Iran to the south; however, protection and environmental restoration. Long cation. They support a myriad of other pro- the U.S. and Azerbaijan have developed a overdue, the conference report to H.R. 3080 grams, including: health and social services steadfast relationship through the opening of will ensure economic growth for years to for women and children and the development Caspian energy sources for development. come. of art, cultural and educational groups. They Making significant contributions to the energy I’m pleased that the conference report in- understand the great price of liberty—the duty security of Europe, Turkey, and Israel, Azer- cludes my language addressing the threat of of each of us to give back freely. They under- baijan has materialized as a fundamental play- Asian carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio stand that by investing their time, energy and er in global energy security. River basins and tributaries. The Fish and talent, they strengthen the very fiber of our Again, it is my pleasure to honor the Repub- Wildlife Service in coordination with the Army Nation. lic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 96th Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service,

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These federal agen- After completing her studies, Ms. Taylor have marshalled their resources to reward out- cies will provide critical technical assistance, began her career in the political arena working standing students, teachers and administrators coordination, best practices, and support to for California State Assemblymember and in local schools for the past 22 years. slow and eventually eliminate the threat posed California Board of Equalization Member Every month during the school year, the Ro- by Asian carp. Johan Klehs. She later served as the District tarians highlight one K–12 school in the com- I want to thank the coalition of governmental Director for former California State munity. Each teacher and student, chosen by agencies, private, and non-governmental orga- Assemblymember Ellen Corbett and as the their principal, is recognized publicly with their nizations that have supported my bill. Particu- head of Government Relations for California family and colleagues in attendance. Without larly, I want to thank the Upper River Services, State University, East Bay. exception, the awardees are dedicated to their LLC, Water Ways Council, National Wildlife In addition to Ms. Taylor’s work in public of- academic work and to community service in Federation, and Trout Unlimited. fice, she worked closely with many non-profits and out of the school setting. I look forward to working with these groups and community groups. At the East Bay Com- Over the past two years, it has been my and the Administration to implement this lan- munity Foundation, Ms. Taylor helped simplify pleasure to participate in special celebrations guage and to ensure that our communities the process for submitting grants by devel- recognizing the individual achievements of stu- have the resources and tools they need to oping a ‘‘one-stop’’ shop website for non-profit dents and teachers from 11 Danville schools. better respond to the dangers posed by these organizations. This website has garnered rec- From Creekside Elementary School, the Ro- invasive species. ognition and won awards, and it remains a tarians honored students Mackenzie Michel and Griffin Snyder and teachers Kristen Berg f shining example of government and non-profit collaboration. Ms. Taylor also had an exten- and Nancy Rugani. From Hidden Hills Ele- IN HONOR OF OUR BRAVE sive nonprofit fundraising background, having mentary they honored student Lohith Dasari VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY worked for the San Francisco Museum of and teacher Sherri Wright. From John Baldwin Modern Art. Elementary they honored students Lauren HON. AL GREEN Moreover, Ms. Taylor was an advocate in Batza and James Goldberg and teachers Chara Rodrigues and Dawn-Monique Elkin. OF TEXAS the community and nation on women’s health From Tassajara Hills Elementary they honored IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES issues. She worked with the National Amer- ican Red Cross, raising more than $6 million students Kayla Sapir and Lauren Spain and Thursday, May 29, 2014 for the ‘‘Help Can’t Wait’’ program. She was teachers Sia Yfantis and Jeanie Small. From Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, also named the American Red Cross Commu- Dougherty Valley High they honored students every Memorial Day, Americans come to- nity Service Hero for her efforts to educate Seunghwa Madeleine Han and Nicole Giles gether to honor the brave individuals who women about the risks of heart disease. Ms. and teachers Megan Keefer and Duane have selflessly given their lives for our contin- Taylor actively volunteered for the American Ingram. From Del Amigo High School they ued prosperity, founding ideals, and democ- Heart Association and the Mended Hearts Or- honored students Josh Gorski and Cole Ortiz racy. Every American is indebted to their serv- ganization. and teachers Bill Collins and Carole Edwards ice and should be inspired by these exemplars Ms. Anne Taylor served as District Director Van Muijen. From Diablo Vista Middle School of courage. in my Oakland office for over five years, co- they honored student Anya Nutakki and teach- The month of May is also Military Apprecia- ordinating district outreach, including town hall er Janet Darrimon. From Charlotte Wood Mid- tion month. As we honor our fallen veterans, meetings, forums, community events and dle School they honored student Connor Kay we must not only speak to their accomplish- workshops. Ms. Taylor was the lead staff and teacher Kathleen Martins. From Coyote ments, but actively reaffirm our appreciation member on the American Recovery and Rein- Creek Elementary they honored student and commitment to the veterans among us. vestment Act and worked tirelessly to secure Ashmit Gaba and teacher Stephanie Preston. Throughout our nation’s history, veterans have more than $1.9 billion in Stimulus funds for the And from Greenbrook Elementary School, they contributed to the strength and resilience of district. honored student Robert Corritone and teacher our great democracy like no other group. We Ms. Taylor’s contributions to the residents of Kristen McDevitt. In addition to these out- must express our gratitude by ensuring that the East Bay were enormous. With true com- standing students and teachers, the Danville- they as well as their families receive the bene- passion and commitment, she touched the Sycamore Valley Rotarians honored members fits they need, deserve, and have earned. lives of thousands of people. Not only was she of the school district administration Chris Wil- Therefore, we must continue to support, as- a true public servant and phenomenal woman, liams and Kirby Hoy for their outstanding work sist, and hold the Department of Veterans Af- she was deeply passionate about her commu- in support of K–12 education. fairs accountable. The assistance and medical nity, Alameda, where she loved the 4th of July In recognizing the hard work of our stu- treatment the agency provides to our veterans parade and the Alameda Point Antique fair. dents, teachers and administrators, we distin- as well as their families must always be ac- Today, California’s 13th Congressional Dis- guish what works in education and help find cessible and of the highest standard. trict salutes and honors an outstanding indi- ways to replicate the very best practices. I in- Mr. Speaker, in closing, as we honor our vidual and dedicated public servant, Ms. Anne vite my colleagues to join me in congratulating veterans on this Memorial Day, I call on our Taylor. Her invaluable service to improving the the students, teachers and administrators who entire nation to reaffirm its commitment and lives of the underrepresented and underserved have been honored, and in thanking the leave no veteran behind. This is the least a will live on in the endless legacy of her life’s Danville-Sycamore Valley Rotarians for their grateful nation can do. work. I offer my sincerest condolences to her exceptional dedication to education and com- f many loved ones, friends and colleagues she munity service. touched over the course of her incredible life. f HONORING ANNE LOUISE TAYLOR May her soul rest in peace. TO HONOR NEVADA CIVIL RIGHTS HON. BARBARA LEE f LEADER BOB BAILEY COMMENDING THE DANVILLE- OF CALIFORNIA HON. STEVEN A. HORSFORD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SYCAMORE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB OF NEVADA Thursday, May 29, 2014 HON. GEORGE MILLER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, May 29, 2014 Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise OF CALIFORNIA today to honor the exceptional life of Ms. Anne IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, today, I Louise Taylor, a devoted mother, sister, friend would like to honor Nevada civil rights leader Thursday, May 29, 2014 and colleague. With her passing on March 31, Bob Bailey, who passed away on Saturday. 2014, we look to the outstanding quality of her Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Bob was a tireless advocate for equality in life’s work as a public servant. Speaker, I rise today and invite my colleagues Nevada. Born on August 15, 1957 and raised in Ala- to join me in commending the members of the In the ‘50s and ‘60s, Vegas was as seg- meda, California, Ms. Anne Taylor graduated Danville-Sycamore Valley Rotary Club for their regated as the Deep South. Bob saw injustice from Alameda High School. She went on to longstanding, strong support of K–12 Edu- all around him and became a staunch advo- graduate from the University of Maryland cation in the 11th Congressional District in cate for equality.

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