Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in the midst of a statewide drought emergency, the Central Valley experienced considerable rainstorms this week.

While communities across my district are incredibly grateful for this rainfall, we know this relief will be short lived.

Farmers are desperate for water to grow their crops. Rural towns continue to face water shortages.

We are grateful for this rain. We need this rain. But we need this administration to understand the dire nature of our situation and take appropriate measures to capture our most precious resource.

I have asked time and time again for support from the House majority to address this issue.

I have expressed the urgent need for action to prepare for exactly the opportunity that has been pointlessly wasted this week.

The families in my district cannot continue to wait. I ask my colleagues yet again to join my efforts to improve water infrastructure and water management in California.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Miss Kaylynn Gonzales for her beautification of Valley Animal Haven in Lemoore, California.

Miss Gonzales is a Girl Scout Cadette from Hanford, California. This year, she led a team in beautifying Valley Animal Haven, a local pet adoption center. For this project, Miss Gonzales taught herself to paint and draw. Together, her team created and painted wooden cartoon animals for the facility's meet and greet pens. She also restored aging tables, chairs, and benches in the visitor's areas and installed new bark mulch in the meet and greet area. Miss Gonzales raised money to fund this project by selling cookies and collecting donations.

Miss Gonzales selected this project because she is committed to raising awareness for responsible pet ownership and the importance of adopting from local shelters. In beautifying Valley Animal Haven, Miss Gonzales hopes to encourage more adoptions from the shelter. Her work is greatly appreciated by the Valley Animal Haven community and those who share her honorable mission.

In recognition of her efforts, Miss Gonzales was awarded the Girl Scout Silver Award by the Girl Scouts of the USA, Central California South Council, Troop 3049. This is the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive at the Cadette level.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Miss Kaylynn Gonzales on this important achievement and recognizing her service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 25, 2021, I missed votes due to unavoidable flight delays. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 332 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 333.

Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress

Barragan (Beyer)

Boyle, Brendan F. (Jeffries)

Buchanan (Waltz)

Butterfield (Kildee)

Cardenas (Gomez)

Cleaver (Davids (KS))

Costa (Correa)

Crist (Castor (FL))

Davis, Danny K. (Underwood)

DeFazio (Brown)

DeSaulnier (Beyer)

Doggett (Raskin)

Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA))

Fulcher (Johnson (OH))

Green (TN) (Joyce (PA))

Grijalva (Stanton)

Jackson Lee (Cicilline)

Johnson (TX) (Jeffries)

Kahele (Jacobs (CA))

Kelly (IL) (Blunt Rochester)

Khanna (Lee (CA))

Kind (Connolly)

Kirkpatrick (Stanton)

LaHood (Miller (WV))

Lawrence (Beatty)

Lawson (FL) (Soto)

Lieu (Beyer)

Luetkemeyer (Long)

Malinowski (Pallone)

McEachin (Wexton)

Meng (Jeffries)

Mfume (Brown)

Moulton (Wexton)

Pascrell (Kildee)

Payne (Pallone)

Porter (Wexton)

Rodgers (WA) (Joyce (PA))

Rush (Underwood)

Schneider (Wasserman Schultz)

Scott, David (McGovern)

Sires (Pallone)

Smucker (Joyce (PA))

Takano (Cicilline)

Thompson (PA)

(Reschenthaler)

Trahan (Lynch)

Walorski (Bucshon)

Watson Coleman (Pallone)

Williams (GA) (Jacobs (CA))

Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carol Chandler for her contributions to the agricultural community.

Carol Chandler was called to give back to her community from an early age. After receiving degrees from the University of California at Davis and California State University at Fresno, she began teaching in the Central Valley, including at Fresno City College. She continued her passion for agriculture and community as a partner of Chandler Farms, a fourth-generation family farming operation in Selma, California.

Chandler has continued her philanthropic work throughout her life. She belongs to the La Feliz Guild of Valley Children's Hospital and received the Tapestry Award by Common Threads for her outstanding achievements in agriculture.

Chandler has earned several awards and recognitions during her career. She was named Woman of the Year by the California State Legislature in 1992 and 2002, Agriculturist of the Year by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in 2004, and Agriculturist of the

Year by the California State Fair Board of Directors in 2020.

This year, Chandler was recognized by Western Growers with the 2021 Award of Honor.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Mrs. Carol Chandler on this award and recognizing her contributions to the Central Valley community.

Mr. Speaker, this month the current administration made the reckless and undeniably partisan decision to begin reconsultation of the 2019 biological opinions.

In its place, the proposed interim operations plan represents a huge step backward in California's effort to protect, restore, and enhance the delta ecosystem and provide reliable water supplies.

The 2019 BiOps were built on years of research, comprehensive peer reviews, and the best available science. They advise the most efficient use of water resources while continuing to protect at-risk species.

These BiOps also allow for greater water availability for the Central Valley farmers that feed the world. Questioning these expert findings is antiscience.

I led the entire Republican California delegation in expressing our grave concern to the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce.

As the California drought worsens, communities in my district face water shortages and farmers are unable to maintain their crops.

I implore my colleagues and this administration to stand up for these suffering families and farmers, stand up for science, and reject this outrageous decision.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to again request an urgent response to the California drought crisis.

Members of Congress have been back in Washington for legislative business for over one week, and still, my colleagues in the majority refuse to take up this issue.

My legislation, the NEED Water Act and the RENEW WIIN ACT, are critical steps to addressing California's ongoing drought and the water shortages farmers and communities continually face in the State.

Water is the top issue for many families in my district. Securing this vital resource for our farmers and ensuring communities have a clean, reliable source of water has always been a priority of mine in Congress.

It is disappointing that the House majority does not share my priority of taking care of families in rural California and supporting farmers that feed our entire Nation.

I implore my colleagues to step across the aisle to work with me to address the suffering of families and farmers in California. Communities in my district and across the State urgently need our help.

Mr. Speaker, last year, California set a record for the most acres burned in a single year, 4.1 million acres.

Already in 2021, devastating fires have burned through 1.6 million acres of our State. Hundreds, if not thousands, of residents are currently under evacuation orders, uncertain if they will have a home to return to once the orders are lifted.

With another heat wave on its way, fighting the flames will be even more challenging, and the risks are even greater.

Each year, California wildfires destroy our communities and put first responders and our firefighters in danger. As these men and women sacrifice their safety, it is imperative we provide firefighters with the latest and

most advanced firefighting technologies.

Containerized aerial firefighting systems provide ground crews with dependable cover from the air by providing a rapid surge of retardant to attack these fires from multiple points of contact.

These fires can spread and expand at alarming rates, making rapid and aggressive containment strategies absolutely critical.

We must provide firefighters with the tools and resources to do their courageous work effectively and safely.

Billions of dollars are spent each year on recovering and restoring the environment and helping to rebuild communities after wildfires.

By investing in technology to increase our capacity to fight fires, we can reduce the recovery spending and preserve California's renowned parkland and countless families' homes and irreplaceable belongings.

As California faces several devastating wildfires burning through our communities and beloved forestland, I ask my colleagues and the U.S. Forest Service to consider investment in containerized aerial firefighting systems and other technologies and resources.

We have a responsibility to protect our communities, our environment, and the firefighters who run toward danger and sacrifice their safety for the safety of others.

To do so, we must equip these brave men and women with the tools they need.

Again, I ask the Forest Service and my colleagues to examine the latest aerial firefighting capabilities as well as additional resources to protect our state and communities.

Mr. Speaker, for the last six weeks, I was working in my district, meeting with constituents and local officials. The top issue of concern was overwhelmingly centered around California's drought. But this is not a concern to my community alone.

Our farmers cannot continue to grow food for the American families without water. The consequences of this drought and for our entire Nation cannot be understated. Even leaders outside of California are taking notice.

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman, as well as USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, visited the Valley in August to witness the absolute disaster at hand. It is critical that the House majority follow the lead of those who have seen the suffering firsthand and act immediately by supporting legislation such as my bills, the RENEW WIIN Act and the NEED Water Now Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fortieth anniversary of the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and their efforts to expand economic growth, investment, and prosperity in Fresno County.

The EDC was established in 1981 to promote job and business growth in Fresno County. Efforts have included marketing Fresno County as the premier location to grow core industries, facilitating state selection for companies new to the county, and assisting in retaining and expanding local businesses. The organization has also supported local business by publishing reports, hosting annual events, promoting networking opportunities, and sharing resources and information to clients and stakeholders.

Since its foundation, the EDC has maintained a commitment to excellence and innovation. The EDC was awarded the 2018 International Economic Development Council Gold Award for the New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Expanded Subsidized Employment program.

The Fresno County Economic Development Corporation has played a vital role in growth and success of business in Fresno County and is committed to solidifying the economic strength of the county into the future.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the EDC's fortieth anniversary and recognizing their contributions to the Fresno County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Flores for his outstanding professional football career and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tom Flores, born in Fresno and raised in Sanger, California, was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8, 2021. After playing as quarterback for Fresno City College and then University of the Pacific, Flores began his professional career with the Calgary Stampeders of Canadian Football League. Although he would be cut in 1958 and cut from the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1959, Flores won the starting quarterback position with the American Football League's Oakland Raiders in 1960.

During his career, Flores also played for the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, winning his first Super Bowl as quarterback with the latter in 1969. Following his retirement, Flores worked as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders, later being named head coach for the Raiders in 1979 and leading the team to Super Bowl victories in 1980 and 1983.

After working as the President and General Manager of the Seattle Seahawks, Flores went on to lead the Seahawks as head coach for three seasons before spending over 20 years as a radio analyst with the Raiders.

Despite his incredible success, Flores never forget his roots. His foundation, the Tom Flores Foundation, raised nearly 2 million dollars for Sanger Unified School District art, science, and athletic programs. In addition to being the first Hispanic quarterback in the American professional football, Flores is also the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history. The son of immigrants, he is an inspiration to countless young athletes in the Central Valley and all over the country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tom Flores and honoring his contributions to the NFL and the Central Valley.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Deputy Phillip Campas who passed away in the line of duty on July 25, 2021.

Deputy Campas began serving the Kern County Sheriff's Department in February of 2016. He held a variety of positions within the department including patrol deputy, recruit training officer, and SWAT team member. He provided firearms training and mentoring for all armed staff. In addition, Deputy Campas served the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. His commitment to protecting the Kern County community and the citizens of the United States was unwavering and a true sign of heroism.

Deputy Campas demonstrated great courage and bravery while protecting the residents of Kern County. During his final mission, Deputy Campas lived up to his reputation of fearlessness in his rescue efforts and leaves behind a legacy of incredible dedication and selflessness. The Kern County Sheriff's Department and his entire community mourns this great loss.

Deputy Campas is survived by his wife Christina, his two daughters, and his stepson. He is remembered as a hero of Kern County, a true public servant, and a beloved member of his community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Deputy Sheriff Phillip Campas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my extreme disappointment in the majority's unwillingness to address the western drought.

A couple weeks ago, I introduced three amendments to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, each of which would make strides toward alleviating the devastating drought in California.

My first amendment, which would extend funding authorizations for water storage projects under the WIIN Act for 1 year, would allow California to make the most of our wet years and ensure families and farmers have a clean, reliable source of water in times of drought. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

My second amendment would codify the 2019 Biological Opinions, following the most accurate and best available science. Following the science and putting the needs of people before fish should really be a no-brainer. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

My third amendment would create a grant program to fund the acceleration and completion of repairs to damaged canal infrastructure facilities to enable farmers to comply with State pumping limits. My colleagues in the majority voted ``no.''

Real people need our help, and it is clear the majority is unwilling to provide it. I will not stop fighting to bring a solution to the Central Valley.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my frustration with the majority's unwillingness to get involved in drought recovery and prevention in the Western United States.

I am frustrated that my colleagues in the majority care so little about real people suffering from a lack of water. Some of my constituents have been forced to bathe with bottled water. Some of my constituents have been forced to abandon entire fields of crops because they simply don't have enough water for them. Some of my constituents can't drink the little water they have in their wells because the water contains arsenic and isn't safe to drink.

Madam Speaker, this isn't a looming crisis. We are in the middle of a crisis. I am here today with several of my colleagues in the minority, most of which that hail from the Western States, and I know they share the same frustration as me.

We have repeatedly called for hearings to be called on the Western drought, with no answer from the majority. We have tirelessly written letters to Biden administration officials and Western Governors requesting help, with no backing from the majority. We have introduced bills and put forward amendments to help prevent future droughts, with no consideration from the majority.

Madam Speaker, how many times do we have to tell our colleagues in the majority that my constituents and the constituents of many of my colleagues here today are hurting?

We are tirelessly trying to bring action in every way possible. We just ask that you work with us to get it done. This shouldn't be political. This is about real people and the desperate need for access to clean and reliable water.

Madam Speaker, this isn't the first time you have heard from me on this issue, and it certainly will not be the last.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Miss Penelope `Penny' Saltray as she is named an Honorary Firefighter for the Hanford and Kings County Fire Departments.

Penny Saltray, a seven-year-old citizen of the City of Hanford, California, dreams of one day becoming a firefighter. She currently battles the life-altering symptoms of a diagnosis no other person in the world shares. Despite her conditions and the daily obstacles she must overcome, Miss Saltray maintains remarkable desire, excitement, and curiosity about a career as a firefighter.

Firefighters put their lives in danger to help others. They exhibit incredible courage, drive, and character while serving their community. Much like a firefighter, Miss Saltray battles dangerous threats every day with inspiring strength and determination. She truly has the heart of a firefighter.

Miss Saltray's resilience, passion, and positive attitude perfectly represents the spirit of Hanford and what it means to be a firefighter. By being sworn in as an honorary firefighter for the Hanford and Kings County Fire Department, Miss Penny Saltray has rightly achieved her dream.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Honorary Firefighter Miss Penny Saltray for her strength and ambition to serve.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant Olan Armstrong on his retirement from the City of Arvin Police Department after 43 years of service.

Born and raised in Arvin, California, Lieutenant Armstrong has dedicated his life to serving his community. While attending Arvin High School, Lieutenant Armstrong was as an active member of the Arvin Police Explorers program which prepares youth for law enforcement careers through assistance with community events. After graduation, Lieutenant Armstrong went on to lead a successful career within the Arvin Police Department while dedicating countless hours to various volunteer organizations.

During his career, Lieutenant Armstrong worked as both a volunteer ambulance driver and volunteer fireman for the City of Arvin and surrounding areas. He has also coached and umpired the Arvin Little League, served as coordinator for the Arvin Police Explorer Program, and served as board member for the Bear Mountain Recreation Department.

Lieutenant Armstrong truly dedicated his life to volunteerism and community service. He made great efforts to serve the City of Arvin throughout his lifetime and has remained an integral part of the community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Lieutenant Olan Armstrong for his lifetime of service to the City of Arvin, California, and congratulating him on his recent retirement.