June 15, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1047 education program. He returned to Le Grand age living, working, and enriching the quality over 120,000 wetlands in California, and in 1983 as Superintendent of Schools, a posi- of life in Southern California. worked to keep the farming culture strong. I tion he held until 1991. Dr. Duran’s career with Mr. Speaker, Americans of Caribbean herit- would like to submit for the RECORD the fol- Merced College began in 1991 when he be- age have made a positive impact on virtually lowing letter dated May 16, 2012, from Val came the Vice President for Administrative every aspect of American life, including the Dolcini, the State Executive Director of the Services. arts, science, business, education, athletics, USDA Farm Service Agency in California. This Dr. Duran chaired the Community College military, and government. For example, in the letter illustrates just a few successes of USDA League of California’s 2010 Commission on area of government and public affairs America over the last 150 years and, with our support, the Future. He has served as President of the has benefitted from the contributions of Colin their accomplishments will continue in the fu- California Community Colleges (CCC) Chief Powell, a former Secretary of State and Chair- ture. Executive Officers Board of Directors and man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.N. Ambas- USDA AT 150: FARMS, FOOD, JOBS President of the CCC Economic and Work- sador Susan Rice; former Members of Con- One hundred and fifty years ago, in the force Development Program Advisory Com- gress Mervyn Dymally of California, and Shir- midst of a great Civil War, President Lincoln mittee. He was a member of the Hewlett/Irvine ley Chisholm of New York, and current Con- signed legislation to establish a Department of Foundation Task Force on Basic Skills Devel- gresswoman YVETTE CLARKE of New York; Agriculture to ‘‘acquire and to diffuse among opment, the CCLC Board of Directors, and Kamala Harris, the Attorney General of Cali- the people of the United States useful informa- has served as Staff Developer for the Cali- fornia; and Maryland Lieutenant Governor An- tion on subjects connected with agriculture fornia School Leadership Academy. thony Brown. . . . and to procure, propagate, and distribute In addition, Dr. Duran has been involved in American art and culture has been enriched among the people new and valuable seeds numerous community organizations and initia- by the legendary performances of Sidney and plants.’’ tives, among them include the Greater Merced Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, and Armed with these broad mandates, the High Speed Rail Committee, the Merced Sheryl Lee Ralph; the writings of authors ‘‘People’s Department,’’ as he called it, set County Regional Arts Council, the Mercy Med- W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm Gladwell; the about to serve American farmers and a mostly ical Center Board of Directors, and the Merced music of Grace Jones, Gil Scott-Heron, and rural American landscape. School Employees Federal Credit Union Board Christopher Wallace, ‘‘The Notorious B.I.G.’’; At that time, half of all Americans lived on of Directors. His professional associations in- and the prowess of great athletes like Carl farms, compared with about 2 percent today. clude the UC Merced Foundation Board of Di- Lewis, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Sandra The U.S. population in 1862 was about 31.4 rectors, the CSU Stanislaus Community Advi- Richards-Ross, Dwight Freeney, and million and today, that number has increased sory Board and Center for Public Policy Stud- Ndamukong Suh. tenfold to almost 313 million people. ies. He is a member of the California Associa- Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that on Since its inception, the department has con- tion of Latino Superintendents and a director June 29 the Caribbean Heritage Organization tinued to fulfill Abraham Lincoln’s original vi- sion to touch the lives of every American, of the California Dollars for Scholars Program. will be holding the 2012 Caribbean Heritage Dr. Duran and his wife, Dr. Rose Mary Salute to Hollywood and the Stars gala in Los every day in almost every way. Now, the mod- ern USDA works in food science, agricultural Parga-Duran have two children in college. Dr. Angeles honoring industry stalwarts Sheryl research, nutrition assistance, bio-fuel produc- Parga-Duran is presently serving as the Dis- Lee Ralph, Antonio Fargas, Lorraine Tous- tion, economic and community development, trict Superintendent for the Merced City saint, and Rob Edwards. natural resource conservation, international School District. Upon his graduation he is I also wish to recognize the leadership of trade, credit and a host of other issues. the Institute of Caribbean Studies. The ICS looking forward to becoming engaged in the By any measure, it’s been a very successful has been very effective in advocating on be- community as well as watching his children 150 years for the USDA. Americans benefit continue to grow into adulthood. He also is half of the Caribbean American community from safe, abundant and reasonably priced looking forward to spending more time with his and each year it hosts a Legislative Con- food. We produce 85 percent of what we con- eldest daughter and two grandsons who live in ference Week as part of the month long cele- sume and therefore enjoy food security. Southern California. bration. The conference focuses the attention Our food, fuel and fiber industries provides Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join of policy makers and experts on issues of par- employment for more than 20 million Ameri- me in honoring Dr. Benjamin Duran for his ticular concern to the Caribbean American cans, and agricultural exports continue to post dedication to Merced College and our commu- community such as trade, job creation and significant trade surpluses, which, in turn, nity as a whole. economic empowerment, Haitian disaster relief have generated almost 1 million jobs alone. f and economic reconstruction. I congratulate Looking to the future, the USDA must con- the ICS, the Caribbean Heritage Organization tinue the legacy of contributing to the strength IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 289 ‘‘COM- in my home county of Los Angeles, and the and health of the nation by becoming a more MEMORATING CARIBBEAN AMER- many community organizations and volunteers modern and effective service provider. We ICAN HERITAGE MONTH’’ across the nation for their efforts in making must tighten our belt, just as many Americans Caribbean American Heritage Month the suc- are doing with their household budgets. HON. LAURA RICHARDSON cess that it is. In the past few decades, American agri- OF CALIFORNIA During this month I hope all Americans will culture has become one of the most produc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES join with me in celebrating the remarkable his- tive sectors of our economy, thanks to farm- Friday, June 15, 2012 tory, culture, and contributions of Caribbean ers, ranchers and growers adopting tech- Americans to our nation’s past and future. nology, reducing their debt and effectively Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise f managing risk. today in strong support of H. Res. 289, which The USDA is adopting these same strate- celebrates June as Caribbean American Herit- HONORING THE 150TH ANNIVER- gies in its Blueprint for Stronger Service, an- age Month and recognizes the significant con- SARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT nounced by Secretary Tom Vilsack earlier this tributions of Caribbean Americans that have OF AGRICULTURE year. The blueprint aims to build a modern made strengthened our country and made it and efficient service organization that is close- better. HON. MIKE THOMPSON ly aligned with technological innovations—and This month also marks the 50th anniver- OF CALIFORNIA better suited to respond to 21st century agri- saries of independence for the Caribbean na- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cultural challenges. tions of Jamaica and of Trinidad and Tobago. The challenges ahead are many, both for Although a half century has passed since they Friday, June 15, 2012 the USDA and American agriculture. But by gained their independence, the struggle they Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, focusing on a strong safety net for farmers waged to win their freedom still stands as a I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of and ranchers, supporting policies that encour- testament to the ideals of our own great na- the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). I age sustainable productivity, and promoting vi- tion. represent the city of Davis, which is home to brant markets that help feed consumers at I am privileged to represent a large segment the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). home and abroad, the ‘‘People’s Department’’ of Los Angeles County, which is home to the The USDA has a natural partner in UC Davis will continue to help create jobs, support work- second largest foreign-born population of any given its outstanding history of agricultural re- ing families, strengthen rural communities and major metropolitan area. There are an esti- search and outreach. In California, USDA has build on the success and productivity of the mated 500,000 Americans of Caribbean herit- reduced crop pests and disease, protected American farmer.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:30 Jun 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15JN8.003 E15JNPT1 rfrederick on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 15, 2012 HONORING MEMBERS OF THE Passing The DREAM Act makes our country CELEBRATING 50TH WEDDING AN- MAINE DEPARTMENT OF THE stronger, fairer, more just. And it will also NIVERSARY OF C.H. ‘‘BUDDY’’ AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY make our Nation more prosperous in the long AND JEANETTE BELLAMY term by providing incentives and opportunities HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD for higher education for thousands of students HON. VIRGINIA FOXX OF MAINE who each year are unable to attend college OF NORTH CAROLINA because of their immigration status. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Congressional Budget Office estimates Friday, June 15, 2012 that The DREAM Act will reduce the deficit by Friday, June 15, 2012 Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to $1.4 billion over the next 10 years through in- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize recognize the members of the Maine Depart- creased tax revenue. Similarly, a study con- a significant milestone in the lives of two of my ment of the American Legion Auxiliary, in ducted by UCLA also estimates that DREAM constituents. On June 24th, C.H. ‘‘Buddy’’ and honor of their tremendous work on behalf of Act beneficiaries have the potential to gen- Jeanette Bellamy, celebrate their 50th wed- the ‘‘Operation: Military Kids’’ program. erate from $1.4 trillion to $3.6 trillion in income ding anniversary. Our men and women in uniform put them- throughout their working lives. Buddy and Jeanette were both born in rural selves at risk every day to defend our freedom Each year, approximately 65,000 students South Carolina; Buddy just outside of Loris and security. It is our duty as citizens to honor graduate high school without the possibility of and Jeanette in Dillon. He was the only son their sacrifices and the sacrifices made by continuing their education due to their immi- and she the youngest daughter of families their families. In this spirit, Operation: Military gration status and less than 10 percent of who were familiar with hardship and difficult Kids was established to support children and these students will go on to pursue college. circumstances. In fact, it was one of those dif- youth who have family members deployed Not only do these talented, law-abiding young ficult circumstances that brought their lives to- around the world. 945 community members individuals lose out on their extraordinary po- gether. Buddy was hospitalized after suffering representing over 43 national, state, and local tential, but as a Nation we also run the risk of a severe injury in his work as an auto me- organizations came together in 2011 to remind losing out on a tremendous amount of eco- chanic. In the hospital, he was treated care- our military children that they are not alone. nomic growth. fully and brought back to health by a young Mr. Speaker, The DREAM Act gives these I am pleased to congratulate the members nurse named Jeanette. During the time that students the opportunity to continue their aca- of the Maine Auxiliary, and the rest of the she cared for him, a friendship began that demic pursuits, be officially recognized by the Maine American Legion family, on securing 24 would soon lead to love. country in which they have spent most of their kayaks and supporting equipment for the Op- Soon after, Buddy began working for Trail- lives, and realize everything the American eration: Military Kids program. This was a re- ways as a driver, and was able to see every Dream has to offer. Young, undocumented im- markable effort by the community. The one of these great United States in the proc- migrants who have just graduated from high kayaks, valued at over $24,000 all together, ess. Jeanette continued nursing and has con- school deserve the opportunity to follow their will be put to use in Maine’s western moun- tinued to focus her life on the caretaking of tains at the Maine Army National Guard Youth dreams and should not have a ceiling placed on their future because of decisions made by those in need. Camp in Bog Brook, ME. Buddy and Jeanette were married in Dillon, Today, we celebrate the tremendous suc- others and circumstances entirely beyond their control. South Carolina in 1961. They started a family cess of the American Legion’s fundraising ef- with the birth of daughter Sharon and then forts and the incalculable joy those kayaks will During my visits to schools in my district, one of the most ethnically diverse in the Na- sons, Scott and Dean, soon after. Eventually bring to Maine’s military families. the Bellamy family settled in Clemmons, North Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratu- tion, I have had the opportunity to meet many Carolina in the Fifth Congressional District, lating the members of the American Legion students who will benefit greatly from the pas- where they still reside today. They are proud Department of Maine Auxiliary for their dedica- sage of this legislation. These students have grandparents and have been blessed with tion to our military families. grown up attending schools in the United eight wonderful grandchildren. f States and are intimately woven into our Na- tion’s fabric. It is time that we recognize these Mr. Speaker, Buddy and Jeanette Bellamy SUPPORT FOR H.R. 1842, THE students’ achievements and allow them to are proud Americans who are role models for DREAM ACT step out of the shadow that prevents them us all. They enjoy the simple things in life that from pursuing their dreams. living in a country like ours offers them, includ- HON. LAURA RICHARDSON The Washington Post recently published an ing shagging to Carolina beach music. They OF CALIFORNIA article on a young woman named Heydi Mejia, love their family and, most importantly, they IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES whose story exemplifies the type of situation love each other. It is my distinct pleasure to represent them in Congress and to recognize Friday, June 15, 2012 we can hope to avoid by passing The DREAM Act. Young Heydi has lived in America from them today for this wonderful milestone in Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise the age of 4, graduated in the top 10 percent their lives. today in strong support of H.R. 1842, The of her class and had plans to attend college f DREAM Act. I call up the House Republican to become a nurse and return to serve her EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL leadership to bring this important legislation, community. Her life was turned upside down which reflects fundamental American values of when nine immigration officials showed up at DISTRICT—ASAP REGIONAL opportunity, responsibility, and community to her house this past December ordering her AWARD the floor. The DREAM Act provides an oppor- back to Guatemala, a country she barely tunity for certain young men and women who knows, and to which she never pledged alle- HON. SILVESTRE REYES demonstrate the responsible behavior nec- giance. OF TEXAS essary to earn the chance to become a natu- I was delighted to hear yesterday that Heydi IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ralized citizen. and her mother have been granted a 1-year Friday, June 15, 2012 The DREAM Act recognizes that there are a reprieve from deportation by the DHS, but this limited number of young people who, through situation should not have arisen in the first Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to no fault of their own, have been living in the place. It should not take a front page article in congratulate El Paso Independent School Dis- United States illegally since childhood. For the The Washington Post to keep a hardworking trict (EPISD) on receiving a regional award for vast majority of these young men and women, and successful young woman from being de- combating obesity and promoting healthier the United States is the only country they ported. habits among its students. have ever known and is the one to which they Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my col- Physical activity is an essential component have always pledged allegiance. leagues to support The DREAM Act. We are of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with By providing those who have demonstrated a nation of immigrants, built on the backs of healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of good moral character the ability to integrate those who risked everything for the dream of chronic diseases, including heart disease, can- fully into American society through military a country that accepts all those who are will- cer, and stroke, which are the three leading service or a college education, The DREAM ing to work hard and make something of causes of death. Physical activity helps control Act rewards responsible and productive be- themselves. I believe America is still that weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, pro- havior while at the same time invests in the fu- country, and it is our fundamental duty to pro- motes strong bone, muscle and joint develop- ture prosperity of our great Nation. vide a better life to those willing to work for it. ment, and decreases the risk of obesity.

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