Costa Bill to Honor Former Fowler Postmaster Clears House

Washington, DC – Rep. Jim Costa's bill to rename the Fowler post in honor of former Postmaster Cecil E. Bolt's for his 27 years of service won approval from the House of Representatives today. Bolt who passed away in 2007 was a pillar of his community who has been remembered for quiet acts of kindness that extended to personally delivering packages to Fowler families on many Christmas Eves and beyond. Costa's bill H.R. 4389 awaits Senate action. Both California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer have sent letters encouraging its speedy adoption.

For a video of Costa's remarks, click here. Costa's remarks (as prepared) are below.

"I appreciate the gentle lady yielding me the time to speak on the naming of this post office in Fowler, California on behalf of Cecil E. Bolt, who was the Postmaster there for many years.

Today is a great day for the city of Fowler. Over a year ago, its City Council came to me and asked that we dedicate and name the post office at Fowler in honor of the Postmaster who served the city and community so well for so long.

Fowler is a wonderful community in my district of just over 5,000 people. In fact, our colleague Congresswoman Jackie Speier's mother was born in Fowler.

Today, we name the Fowler post office in honor of Cecil E. Bolt. Bolt was born and raised on Idaho, but like many he came to California. After graduating from Boise High School, Gooding College, and Links Business College, Bolt moved to Fowler, California, in 1939.

Just prior to World War II, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 75th Artillery Unit in Alaska. Cecil was part of what Tom Brokaw affectionately called "The Greatest Generation".

In 1942, Bolt married the love of his life, Naomi Opal Gourley, and together they raised two loving daughters: Dorothy Jane and Kathy Jean.

Bolt returned to Fowler after the war and was appointed Postmaster, a position he held for 27 years.

He was known for his dedication and friendly demeanor; he even at times personally delivered packages to Fowler families on Christmas Eve. Everyone knew Cecil.

His decades of public service extended far beyond the walls of the post office, which is a center of this community. Bolt volunteered every day for more than 17 years at Marshall Elementary School, where his service helped shape a generation of young people.

He was also a faithful and active member of the Presbyterian Church of Fowler, where he also served as a Sunday School teacher and a Kids Club volunteer.

For his service, he received Fowler's "Citizen of the Year" award in 1969 and the "Silent Servant of the Year" award in 2004. Sadly, Cecil Bolt passed away in 2007.

The city of Fowler and those who were lucky enough to meet him are undoubtedly better off thanks to the good service of Postmaster Bolt.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we pass the underlying bill without reservation to recognize Postmaster Cecil E. Bolt and his dedication to his family, the community of Fowler, and the United States Postal Service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time."