Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Oscar Gutierrez, who passed away on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Oscar was a devoted husband and father, a distinguished attorney, and a cherished friend whose life was defined by service, integrity, and compassion.

Mr. Gutierrez was born on November 13, 1983, in Glendale, California. He earned his bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Southern California before receiving his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. He went on to build an exceptional career as a personal injury attorney, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike through his skill, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to justice. Throughout his career, he fought tirelessly for those in need of a voice, while also mentoring aspiring attorneys and strengthening the legal profession through leadership, service, and an enduring dedication to the rule of law.

Yet, of all his accomplishments, Oscar took the greatest pride in being a loving husband and father. His greatest legacy lives on through his family, the countless lives he touched, and the example he set by leading with kindness, humility, and purpose.

Mr. Gutierrez is survived by his beloved wife, Breanna, and their two children, Roman and Bianca. As we remember his remarkable life, may we also honor his enduring commitment to justice, his compassion for others, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this en bloc package of bipartisan amendments that includes my amendment, Tran No. 65, which supports the annual U.S.-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue and reaffirms Congress' commitment to advancing fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

As the United States continues to deepen its engagement with Vietnam, human rights must remain central to the bilateral relationship.

The Vietnamese Government continues to restrict freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and peaceful political expression.

Independent journalists like Le Huu Minh Tuan, human rights activists, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens face harassment, arbitrary detention, and imprisonment simply for exercising their basic rights.

A stronger economic and security partnership between our two nations cannot come at the expense of the democratic values and universal freedoms that the United States has long championed.

My amendment supports a critical diplomatic tool to press the Vietnamese Government on these concerns, including the immediate release of prisoners of conscience.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support these amendments en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the first responders who have worked tirelessly to respond to the hazmat crisis at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove.

Over Memorial Day weekend, our firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel worked around the clock to keep our community safe.

They quickly evacuated over 50,000 residents and businesses who could have been injured by a major explosion.

At the beginning of the crisis, our emergency officials were told that there were only two options: a disastrous explosion or a catastrophic leak. But to our public safety heroes, that was unacceptable, and they accomplished what was initially thought impossible. They neutralized the tank and got our neighbors back in their homes without any dangerous chemicals leaking into our water or air.

I especially thank Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief and Incident Commander Craig Covey, Fire Chief TJ McGovern, Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra, and Orange County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong.

Their leadership was instrumental in mitigating this crisis, and their communication to my office and my constituents was instrumental in keeping our community safe.

The evacuation was lifted last week, the incident has transitioned out of the emergency response phase, but we still need more.

While our community avoided catastrophic physical damage, 50,000 residents and 5,000 small businesses still face major hardship. Families had to spend their emergency funds on unplanned hotel stays, extra grocery runs, and extra supplies and medication.

Businesses lost multiple days of critical revenue over a holiday weekend. People who worked in the evacuation zone missed out on multiple days of wages because their workplace was forced to shut down.

We need to make them whole. I have called on the Small Business Administration to issue its own disaster declaration to open Federal resources for small businesses, and I am calling on GKN Aerospace to compensate the families and small businesses who have lost money because of their crisis.

GKN leadership informed me last night that they are establishing a $3 million fund through United Way to provide relief for those with the greatest financial need.

While this decision is a necessary acknowledgment that they have broken faith with our community, it is insufficient. Every family and small business that was displaced or shut down during this crisis deserves full compensation. I expressed that, and this is nonnegotiable.

It is not enough to just cut checks for the damage already done. We need to make sure that a crisis like this can never happen again. Today, I am advancing legislation to ensure that defense contractors notify the community they operate in of any hazardous chemicals that put residents at risk.

Beyond that, companies must submit to regular third-party audits of their safety practices. Industries must invest in the most advanced, safest technologies that mitigate the risks of a major accident.

Orange County was lucky. We had no deaths and no injuries, but the events in Longview, Washington, remind us of how devastating the worst- case scenario can be.

As my community was picking up the pieces of our hazmat disaster in Garden Grove, we heard the terrible news from the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company: 11 people perished in a chemical explosion.

My prayers are with the families, and I join their community in the cause for justice and accountability.

In Orange County, the worst is over for now, but our community is still reeling. We need answers. We need accountability. We need justice. I am not going to stop fighting until my community gets the recourse they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce a resolution to formally recognize April 30, 2026, as the 51st anniversary of Black April or Thang Tu Den.

For the Vietnamese diaspora, April 30, 1975, is not just not a solemn day in our history. It is a reminder of the day we lost everything--our homes, our livelihoods and our beloved country.

We honor the members of the South Vietnamese military who fought alongside American and Allied forces, risking everything to defend democracy.

My own parents escaped brutal repression by the Communist government and fled to the United States seeking the freedom that had been ripped away from them.

Amidst the darkness of war, our culture, our grit, and our resilience have spread across the world.

As the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County's Little Saigon in Congress, I am proud to share our story on the floor of the House of Representatives to ensure that no Communist regime can rewrite our history.

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

Madam Speaker, the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for 66 days, the longest shutdown in history. Yet, this shutdown is solely the choice of the House majority, my Republican colleagues.

Madam Speaker, 1 month ago, the Senate passed a bill that funded TSA agents responsible for security at our airports, the cybersecurity officers who protect us from online threats, the servicemembers in our Coast Guard, and FEMA disaster assistance as we get closer to hurricane and wildfire seasons.

This bill will also give us time to continue negotiating much-needed reforms to ICE and border protection. Americans from New York to Minneapolis to L.A. have watched as their neighbors have been wrongly arrested, beaten, and even killed in broad daylight.

ICE agents need to be held accountable and focus on deporting violent criminals, not creating terror in our schools, hospitals, or our places of worship.

While the Senate continues to make progress, my Republican colleagues have been sitting on their hands, ignoring the fears and suffering of our constituents.

How does that even serve the American people? Being stubborn in the face of terror does not serve the American people.

It is past time for this body to take action to fund our public safety infrastructure and get back to work for the people. Let's pass this DHS funding bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to

defeat the previous question so that we can bring it to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a renowned commander, distinguished veteran, and principled hero, Colonel Phan Van HuMn of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel HuMn, a fixture in the Orange County Vietnamese American community, passed away on March 10, 2026, in Santa Ana, California at the age of 96.

Colonel Phan Van HuMn was born in 1930 in Thura Thien, HuI, Vietnam. On October 1, 1953, following a national mobilization order, he enlisted in the military and attended Class 10 at the Vietnam National Military Academy in Da LAt. Following his graduation, he quickly established himself as a capable leader, eventually becoming commander of the 81st Airborne Ranger Group (Lien Doan 81 Bist Kich Nhay Du). The 81st Airborne Ranger Group was one of the Republic of Vietnam's elite special operations formations, and specialized in small-team airborne insertions, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and deep- penetration missions behind enemy lines.

During Colonel HuMn's time as commander, the 81st Airborne Ranger Group earned a reputation as one of the most effective fighting units of the South Vietnamese military. The unit played important roles in several major campaigns, including the 1968 Tet Offensive, and at both An Lrc and QuVng TrG during the North Vietnam's 1972 Easter Offensive. Colonel HuMn's courageous leadership at the siege of An Lrc earned him a promotion to the distinguished rank of Colonel.

Colonel HuMn was widely respected as an honest and principled officer who simultaneously placed great importance on discipline while caring deeply about the welfare of his soldiers. He was known for paying close attention to his soldiers' living conditions, morale, and recovery after combat operations, and it was his dedication that allowed the 81st Airborne Ranger Group to become known as a highly capable and battle-hardened unit.

In 1975, when President DUTng Van Minh ordered the South Vietnamese Armed Forces to surrender, Colonel HuMn remained with his soldiers and was imprisoned for 13 years in hard-labor reeducation camps in Northern Vietnam. In 1988, he was released from prison in poor health due to the harsh conditions of imprisonment and lingering wounds from his military service. For the next four years, Colonel HuMn and his family lived in hardship in Ap TMn Thai STn near TMn Phu, TMn Binh District, before resettling in the United States under the Humanitarian Operation program in 1992.

Colonel Phan Van HuMn is survived by his wife, Le Thi Thanh Nguyet, and their children, Dinh Van Phan, Andy Loc Phan, Son Van Phan, My Van Phan, Kevin Phan, Mimi Phan, Ann Phan, and Kristin Thuy Phan. Colonel HuMn's life remains a testament to dedication, sacrifice, and leadership in the service of his country. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family, and his legacy and service will continue to live on in the minds of everyone who has met him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saigon Broadcasting Television Network, otherwise known as SBTN. SBTN, the first 24-hour Vietnamese-language television channel specifically for overseas audiences, provides premier news coverage and entertainment programs to millions of Vietnamese people abroad. For 25 years, SBTN has served as an example of the importance of a free press and the strength of the Vietnamese diaspora community.

Headquartered in Garden Grove, California, SBTN was founded in 2001 by Truc Ho4, a Vietnamese American musician, producer, and human-rights advocate. The network provided programming for the rapidly growing Vietnamese community in the United States, and it soon established itself in Southern California before spreading to cities such as Boston, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. This growth eventually led SBTN to expand internationally, becoming one of the primary television networks for Vietnamese audiences living outside Vietnam. Today, SBTN offers both original programming and acquired content, including news, dramas, movies, documentaries, variety shows, music, talk shows, kids' programming, and more.

What sets SBTN apart is its staunch support for free expression and democratic values. Since the network's founding, it has stood as a counter-narrative to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam's state-run media, refusing to air programs produced under the communist government's control. Rather than allow Vietnamese media to be dominated by an oppressive regime, SBTN has reported on human rights abuses and political dissent, providing critical coverage to millions of its international Vietnamese viewers. The network's belief system is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Vietnamese diaspora, as much of its original audience and leadership fled persecution from communist Vietnam in search of freedom and democracy. Amid ongoing repression and censorship by the Communist Party of Vietnam, SBTN remains essential in delivering trusted, independent reporting to Vietnamese-speaking audiences around the world.

I am thrilled to represent such an exemplary television network in my district, especially one whose accomplishments are so dear to my family's own experiences. The network's commitment to providing dependable news, preserving the Vietnamese language and culture, and enriching the lives and experiences of the Vietnamese community is commendable. I congratulate SBTN on its 25th anniversary and continue to be grateful for its invaluable service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year.

The lunar new year is so much more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity for the Asian-American communities in California and across America to reflect on our past and to open our hearts to the promise of the future.

I grew up as a child of Vietnamese refugees. My family gave up everything to rebuild their lives in America after fleeing communist oppression. They worked tirelessly to achieve the freedom and prosperity that the American Dream offers us. I couldn't be prouder to honor my heritage from the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone in our community for a joyful and prosperous Year of the Horse.

``Happy New Year''; ``Chuc Mung Nam Moi.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5788, the 504 Program Risk Oversight Act, bipartisan legislation that strengthens one of SBA's most successful financing programs.

For decades, the SBA's 504 loan program has been a cornerstone of economic development in communities across America. Through public and private partnership with certified development companies, the 504 program helps small businesses to grow, create jobs, and invest in their communities.

Since its inception in 1986, the program has provided approximately $400 billion in total project financing and created over 3.3 million jobs. In California alone, that translates to $95 billion in total capital and the creation of over 715,000 good-paying jobs.

For entrepreneurs in California's 45th District and across the Nation, the 504 loan program's unique model provides them with access to long-term, fixed-rate financing to help them to expand operations, purchase property, and make lasting investments in their local economy.

In Orange County and Los Angeles County alone, the 504 program has injected more than $27 billion into local businesses and helped to create over 175,000 jobs over the last 25 years.

My bipartisan bill, the 504 Program Risk Oversight Act, builds on that success by ensuring that all partners--the SBA, Congress, and industry--have access to clear, consistent, and transparent data about the health of the program.

Currently, SBA is not required to conduct an annual risk analysis of the 504 loan program and provide Congress with any performance data. My bill addresses this problem and requires the SBA to conduct an annual risk assessment of the 504 program and provide Congress with detailed insights into overall health of the program and information needed to strengthen program performance.

Madam Speaker, transparent data is the cornerstone of a productive partnership between the SBA, Congress, and industry and the work that we do collectively to keep the 504 program healthy for future generations of entrepreneurs. Now more than ever, small businesses need what the 504 loan program provides: certainty and affordable patient capital.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to lead this bill, and I thank my colleague, Representative Jimmy Patronis, for his partnership in co- leading this important piece of legislation with me. Of course, this bill would not be possible without the leadership of Ranking Member Velazquez and Chair Williams.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Justin Maturo, a member of my congressional staff who will soon be departing Capitol Hill after a combined fifteen years of public service. From intern to Deputy Chief of Staff, Justin has held several important roles in three congressional offices where he has directly contributed to the betterment of communities in the states of Texas and California.

Born in Westchester, New York, and raised in Tappan, New York, to an Italian father and Hawaiian mother, Justin first came to Washington, D.C. as a wide-eyed college student at American University with a mountain of motivation and aspirations to shape policy.

As an intern for the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he showed promise by swiftly screening requests and manning the phones. He then served as a Staff Assistant to the late Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson from Texas, where he quickly rose in the ranks to serve as her Senior Legislative Assistant and covered a robust portfolio of legislative issues such as defense, labor, housing, campaign finance reform, and more. After a brief stint in the private sector, Justin was called back to public service where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Mark Takano from California. After several years on the Hill, Justin earned a prestigious appointment at the Department of Defense where he served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs to coordinate legislative affairs across all military departments and components in service to our great Nation.

I was fortunate Justin agreed to come back to Capitol Hill to join my office as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. In the short time he has been with my team, he has worked with me to protect veteran jobs, secure additional resources for military assets in my district, call for the release of Vietnamese prisoners of conscience, and so much more. He has always taken every challenge in stride--appreciating and knowing fully well the great responsibility we have to our constituents as public servants. His colleagues--both current and former--describe him as a trusted mentor. What sets Justin apart is his superpower ability to stay above the fray and to keep his eye on the prize. Despite always operating with a full load of projects on any given day, Justin always makes time to give advice and mentor younger staff with sincerity and genuine compassion.

I cannot thank Justin enough for having acted as a trusted advisor and guiding me through my first year in Congress. Together, we set a foundation that will have resounding impacts in my district for years to come.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Justin's jovial spirit and words of wisdom will be sorely missed by all those who were lucky to work with him. Alas, all good things must come to an end. I wish him, his wonderful partner Jackie, and their dog Truman all the best in this next chapter of their lives. I know Justin will continue to make a positive impact in his next quest and I honor his great contributions to the people of California's 45th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a truly momentous milestone as the City of Placentia celebrates its 100th Anniversary. For a century, Placentia has stood as a vibrant and resilient community in Orange County, enriched by its history, strengthened by its diversity, and united by a shared commitment to progress.

Founded in 1926, Placentia grew from its agricultural roots into a thriving suburban city while preserving the values that have long defined it: hard work, civic pride, and a deep sense of community. From its early citrus groves to the dynamic neighborhoods, schools, and businesses that define the city today, Placentia's story is one of thoughtful growth and enduring opportunity.

Over the past 100 years, generations of residents, civic leaders, educators, public servants, and business owners have contributed to Placentia's success. Their dedication has fostered a city known for strong public institutions, safe neighborhoods, and a commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement. Placentia's ability to adapt while honoring its past reflects the very best of the American spirit.

As Placentia marks its centennial, we also look forward to the next generation of leaders, families, and entrepreneurs who will continue shaping the city's future. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, public safety, education, and economic development, Placentia is well- positioned to thrive for the next hundred years and beyond.

On this historic occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the residents of Placentia and express my deepest appreciation to all who have contributed to the city's growth and success. It is an honor to represent this remarkable community in Congress, and I am proud to recognize the City of Placentia's 100 years of history, service, and achievement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved husband, devoted father, thoughtful grandfather, and courageous Purple Heart Veteran, Ramon Vicioso. Ramon, known as Ray to those close to him, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 93.

Ray was born in New York City, grew up in the Bronx borough, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on October 23, 1947 at the age of 17 with his father's permission. He was first stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California before being sent to the frontlines of the Korean War. In July 1951, his tank platoon in Korea was traveling down a road when foot soldiers came up behind them. The tanks were ordered to pull off the road, unknowingly into a mine field, to let the soldiers pass. Unfortunately, Ray's tank was one of the first to be blown up, which resulted in his left leg being amputated and his right leg severely damaged. Upon returning to California, Ray continued his recovery, was awarded the Korean Service Medal, and received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice in the war.

As he transitioned back into civilian life in the 1960's, he began his long career in aerospace planning for Bendix and later Martin Marietta, supporting their critical efforts in the race to outer space as well as working on the latter's Titan IV launch team. Ray retired in Nevada where he was an active member of the local veteran community. He was known for his unwavering pride in the Marines and his own service, never complaining about what happened to him in Korea.

Ray was also a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. While his wife of over 40 years, Patricia Vicioso, passed away in 2024, he is survived by his five children, Victoria Hoffman, Ted Vicioso, David Vicioso, Paul Iverson, and one of my constituents, Beth Brown, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have requested that the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital in recognition of Ray's life and sacrifice to this country. Ray will be dearly missed by his friends and family, and his fiery legacy will continue on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, it is with solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved husband, devoted father, local leader, and selfless public servant, Fountain Valley Fire Department Chief Bill McQuaid. Chief McQuaid, a fixture in the Fountain Valley community, passed away much too soon on July 25, 2025, at the age of 57.

A native of Fountain Valley, California, Chief McQuaid was a proud graduate of Fountain Valley High School and entered the workforce with a dream of joining the fire service. In 1996, his dream was realized when he joined the Fountain Valley Fire Department, where he stayed for nearly 30 years. Chief McQuaid held numerous positions over the course of his career, including firefighter/paramedic, fire engineer, fire captain, battalion chief, and division chief of operations, before ultimately being named chief in January 2023.

Throughout his life, Chief McQuaid served the city of Fountain Valley with unwavering integrity and commitment. He often spoke about how his role as chief was not just his job, but his calling to serve the people of his hometown. In addition to the incalculable support Chief McQuaid lent to his native city, he also faithfully served the state of California. Over the years before becoming chief, McQuaid led multiple teams of firefighters as a strike team leader to battle some of the largest wildfires in the state's history, including the Thomas fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and the Dixie fire in Northern California.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Chief McQuaid several times during my tenure in Congress, and I got to see firsthand the level of respect and compassion his city had for him. Chief McQuaid's loss has been felt deeply across our Fountain Valley community, and the impact he has made on both his department and his hometown will never be forgotten.

Chief McQuaid is survived by his wife, Tracy, and their daughters, Ally and Julie. I have requested that the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital in recognition of Chief McQuaid's life and contributions to his community. Chief McQuaid will be dearly missed by his friends and family, and his legacy will continue in the minds of everyone who has met him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my horror at the reports coming from Gaza of hundreds of innocent civilians being killed or maimed while they are seeking humanitarian assistance. This is a humanitarian crisis.

Congress and the Trump administration must take action to put an end to the violence. Killing those seeking food is incompatible with the pursuit of peace.

The choice by Israeli leadership to engage in military actions at aid sites endangers all innocent Palestinians and Israelis who deserve to live with dignity.

I am the child of refugees. My parents were forced to flee because they feared for their own lives in their home country.

The United States must ensure that the Palestinian people can live their lives in peace without the fear that they will be killed in line for food.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Honoring Veterans of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Day, or Ngay Quan Luc.

Even 50 years after the Fall of Saigon, the legacy of the Republic of Vietnam forces lives on. We honor the soldiers of the Republic of Vietnam and the American soldiers who fought side by side for the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Madam Speaker, 250,000 members of the South Vietnamese Armed Forces and more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces gave their lives for these ideals.

As the first Vietnamese American to represent Orange County's Little Saigon community in Congress, I am humbled by the responsibility to carry this history forward. I am proud to introduce a congressional resolution to honor this day and ensure that our history can never be rewritten.

honoring vernon lee jumper

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vernon Jumper.

After moving to Los Angeles with his family, Vern enlisted in the Navy in San Diego in 1951. Mr. Jumper became part of the air wing of the USS Midway and conducted about 100 combat missions in Vietnam beginning in the mid-1960s.

Vern was instrumental in saving over 3,000 Americans and South Vietnamese refugees as air boss of the USS Midway during Operation Frequent Wind. He oversaw all flight operations on deck and within a 5- mile radius of the ship, guiding evacuation helicopters onto the aircraft carrier's deck as Saigon fell in April 1975.

Jumper is remembered for his incredible bravery during those harrowing 30 hours, especially when he arranged for helicopters to be pushed off the ship into the sea to make room for a tiny plane carrying a South Vietnamese Air Force pilot and his six family members.

Vern exemplified what it means to be an American soldier, with his courage only matched by his humility.

Vernon Jumper's legacy will live on for all who knew and loved him and for the thousands of Vietnamese Americans whose lives he helped save.

Our entire country owes Vern a debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace.