On the recordDecember 12, 2012
I'd like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) for yielding time to me and for bringing us together. Mr. Speaker, when the 113th Congress starts next year we'll be greeting many new colleagues, and that means we'll have to say goodbye to some of our current colleagues, both Republican and Democrat. The California Democratic Congressional Delegation is saying goodbye to six members: Representatives Stark, Berman, Woolsey, Filner, Baca, and Richardson. While in Congress, these Members served as strong advocates for their constituents, for California, and for our country. For their many years of service, these six Members have amassed a depth of institutional knowledge that will be missed come next Congress. First of all, I want to pay tribute to my good friend, Congressman Howard Berman. Howard Berman has served for 30 years. I first met Howard when he was living in my hometown of Sacramento. He was serving in the State legislature at the time. His daughter, Brinley, and my son, Brian, were in prekindergarten together, so we would see each other as we dropped off our kids. Little did we know then that we would end up being friends, both serving here in Congress. You know, we've all learned a lot from Howard. We've learned to depend on him, his counsel, and his advice. His knowledge and leadership, particularly on foreign affairs, have been invaluable to Congress.…
