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H.R. 754 will support critical U.S. intelligence capabilities by increasing resources for our country's counterterrorism efforts while also providing needed flexibility to the Central Intelligence Agency to hire the analysts that it needs.

Some may know that on April 5, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan released a budget plan for the fiscal year of 2012. Chairman Ryan's proposed budget cuts would privatize Medicare, forcing seniors into the private health insurance market to shop for coverage with a government voucher.

High gas prices have reignited a familiar debate about drilling off California's coast, with everyone playing their usual part and the outcome pretty much predictable.

Republicans urge energy independence. Democrats warn of coastal devastation. And while the House today will approve an offshore drilling bill that includes part of California, the effort almost certainly will sputter out on the Senate side of Capitol Hill.

Still, political purpose is being served.

Mr. Chairman, according to this bill's drafters, the legislation would not require leasing permits in the northern California planning area, which is the coastline of my district. My amendment merely makes that clear.

Drilling on the north coast of California is a disastrous idea, and the legislation must be clear that it is not acceptable to drill off California's north coast. Because this amendment is a clarification of the legislation's intent, there is no cost associated with it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with both pride and sadness today with my colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to honor one of Sonoma County's pioneering leaders. Jess Stonestreet Jackson passed away April 12, 2011, at his home in Geyserville, California. From the wine industry to local philanthropy, Jess Jackson touched lives across the North Bay, and he was admired and respected for his devotion to our region.

The winner of the competition will represent California's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. Capitol, where his or her artwork will be displayed for one year.

“These six young men and women are extremely talented artists with bright futures,” said Thompson. “I think it's important to recognize and encourage young artists. The Congressional Art Competition gives our community the opportunity to do that.”

The public is invited to join veterans and students who participated in Mendocino County's first Veteran's History Project to a reception at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 16 at the Veterans Memorial Building in Ukiah. Congressman Mike Thompson, who spearheaded the VHP in Mendocino County, will talk about why recording the stories of our war veterans is so important.