Mike Honda: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart but with great admiration that I rise today to remember…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart but with great admiration that I rise today to remember and to thank my departing California Democratic colleagues whose service will be concluded at the end of the 112th Congress. Pete Stark, the outgoing dean of our delegation, is well-known for speaking his mind and for standing up for what he believes in while giving a voice to the concerns of many who often feel as though they have none. He has helped millions of Americans keep their health insurance coverage after leaving their jobs. He ensured that people who visit emergency rooms receive help regardless of their ability to pay, and he promoted innovations in health information technology and the Affordable Care Act. He enacted legislation to increase the number of computers in our schools. He has been a champion on broad environmental issues, such as battling ozone depletion and carbon emissions, and he has been a committed proponent of peace. I am honored to be inheriting portions of Pete's district in Newark and Fremont, and hope to continue his legacy of service to those communities. A brief word on his son, ``Fish,'' who wrote and had published an op- ed piece which indicated to the constituents the true side, the real side, of Pete Stark, his father. Howard Berman is widely known as a leader on Foreign Affairs.…”