Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 and the important provisions within this legislation to address mental health and addiction.

Every one of us knows someone who has struggled, is struggling, or will struggle with mental health issues. Whether it is a friend, a neighbor, or a family member, mental illness impacts all of us in some way.

Several years ago, we took a huge step forward to expand access to mental health services in communities across the Nation. The Excellence in Mental Health Act of 2014 was the culmination of years of hard work. At the same time, it was the largest Federal investment toward improving community-based mental healthcare.

That legislation allowed States to establish certified community behavioral health centers to ensure everyone who needs mental health services can receive them. These clinics have expanded mental health and substance use treatments dramatically, increasing access to 24-hour care, and they have been extremely successful in showing us how we can achieve real results in our communities.

Patients can receive medication-assisted treatment at almost every clinic. For many patients and providers, this is the first time that such services have been available in their communities, which are very often in medically underserved areas. Over half of these clinics now offer same-day access to care, which is so critical to those suffering from an acute mental health crisis.

I recently heard from a clinic in Oregon that will lose funding at the end of this week if Congress doesn't act now. This clinic has doubled the amount of time their doctors are able to spend with patients, has been able to hire more staff, and goes to meet patients in the community to better serve the unique needs of this population. We cannot afford to let this progress expire.

For far too long, those with mental illness have been left in the shadows, and mental health prevention and treatment have been left out of our health systems.

The mental health crisis in this country is very personal to me, and I have been fighting for patients and their loved ones for many years. I believe there is a lot we can do better to stop or slow down the hurt and pain patients and families feel when mental health is left unaddressed.

The bill before us today will extend this critical program in two States, Oregon and Oklahoma, until June and is a first step toward funding and expanding the program later this year.

There is a lot more we must do, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleague, Representative Markwayne Mullin, to preserve this vital program.

Madam Speaker, a year ago we said good-bye to Louise Slaughter, our dear, dear, friend.

Louise Slaughter was a titan of Congress. She was unforgettable.

When I first joined the Rules Committee after getting elected, I was immediately drawn to Louise. Louise took me under her wing. She even made fun of people that I thought were really wonderful, and she laughed because she knew we shared a joke.

Honestly, Louise was somebody who even made the late hours in the Rules Committee fun, too, with her wittiness and her intellect and the fact that, beneath it all, she absolutely loved serving in this wonderful House.

Louise lived in perfect balance. She was charming, yet intense; witty, yet resolute.

After spending time with Louise, you knew her heart was with the people of western New York, and you knew she wasn't going to back down from her beliefs.

She loved her family. She loved her district as if they were her family, also. And we loved Louise because she loved everyone and gave support.

We miss you, Louise.

Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to recognize the life of the Honorable Alice Athenia Lytle, who passed away on December 21, 2018 at 79 years old. Judge Lytle was not only an incredible leader as California's first African-American woman Superior Court Judge, but as a loved and respected mentor and advocate for children and families. Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in the memory of her remarkable legacy.

Judge Lytle was born on March 2, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey as the eighth of ten children to Lacey and Margaret Lytle; a family that was a part of the Great Migration of African-Americans north from the Deep South. She was raised in New York's Harlem neighborhood, where her passion for advocacy and social justice was fostered. She studied at Hunter College in New York City where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physiology. She then attended Hastings College of Law and served as the secretary and president of the Black Law Students Association and was a member of the Student Faculty Curriculum Committee and Academic Standards Committee. During her studies, she was a law clerk for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other attorneys in private practice. Ultimately, Judge Lytle worked with Governor Brown as Chief of the Industrial Relations' Division of Fair Employment Practices with the Department of Industrial Relations and later as the Secretary of the State Consumer Services Agency.

In 1983, Judge Lytle was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the Sacramento Municipal Court and later served as Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court and Master Calendar Judge for unlawful detainer matters. Some of her greatest and most memorable accomplishments are reflected by her time as the Lead Judicial Officer for juvenile dependency cases. As Lead Judicial Officer, she created a mentor program for the youth called the SacraMentor Program, she established a Healthy Teen Mothers Program, and served as a mentor for pregnant teens while working with the Birthing Project. Significant financial contributions and services to programs that benefit underprivileged youth are the direct product of her clear dedication to young people and their well-being.

Madam Speaker, today we honor the marvelous life of Judge Alice Athenia Lytle; an aunt, a sister, a leader, and beloved public servant. Alice is a true Sacramento treasure in our community. She will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and wisdom.

Madam Speaker, had I been present for the vote on H.R. 539, the Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act (Roll Call Vote no. 88), I would have voted ``aye''.

Had I been present for the vote on H.R. 276, the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act, (Roll Call Vote no. 89) I would have voted ``aye''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many outstanding business leaders in California's Capital Region being honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 124th annual dinner and business awards ceremony. Those being honored are dedicated to the success of the region and have worked tirelessly to advance its economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans, and in thanking the Sacramento Metro Chamber for its tireless efforts to promote business in northern California.

Patrick & Bobbin Mulvaney, Owners of Mulvaney's B&L, are Sacramentans of the Year. Patrick and Bobbin have created one of Sacramento's most celebrated restaurants and worked to help further the conversation around mental health in the restaurant industry. Patrick and Bobbin have been a leading force behind making Sacramento the ``Farm-to-Fork'' capital of the country.

Dave Roughton, SAFE Credit Union, is Businessman of the Year. Dave is active in industry and community affairs through his volunteer work with several organizations and volunteers his time with credit union industry organizations. Dave has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of SAFE Credit Union since April 2016 and January 2013 respectively and served as its Chief Operating Officer until March 2016.

Donna Lucas, Chief Executive Officer and President of Donna Lucas Public Affairs, is Businesswoman of the Year. Since opening Lucas Public Affairs in 2006, Donna has grown the firm into a team of accomplished public affairs professionals who work to explain the complexities around many of the major public policy challenges facing the state. Donna is routinely named one of Sacramento's 100 most powerful people and is often listed as one of the state Capitol's most influential people.

Fairytale Town is being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. For 60 years, Fairytale Town has offered children and families a safe place to imagine, play and learn. With year-round special events, theater performances and educational programming, Fairytale Town

offers a place for children to be creative and to exercise their minds and bodies

Silt Wine Company and Muddy Boot Wine is Small Business of the Year Award. Muddy Boot Wine and Silt Wine Company boasts a long list of gold medals in various tasting competitions and is made less than thirty minutes from Midtown. Located along the Delta in Clarksburg, their wine is local, sustainable, affordable, and the owners constantly work to make our region an even better place.

Megan Blackwell, Marketing Manager for Otto Construction, is this year's Young Professional of the Year. Born, raised, and educated in Oregon, Ms. Blackwell has made Sacramento her home. She is also involved with Metro EDGE and is one of the Metro Chamber's 40 Under 40.

Julie Brown, Director of Resource Development at California Clothing Recyclers, is Ambassador of the Year. Julie's commitment to the region and furthering the mission of the Sacramento Metro Chamber do not go unnoticed. Julie is a valued partner and leader of the Ambassador Program and works to encourage members to become engaged and excited about the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions to the Sacramento region that I love. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending them for their unwavering commitment to Sacramento.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Judge Michael S. McManus and his retirement from the United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California. As his colleagues and local community leaders gather to honor his remarkable career, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Judge McManus' service to the federal judiciary.

Judge McManus graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1975 with Bachelor of Art Degrees in Criminology and Psychology. In 1978, Judge McManus received his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to becoming a judge, he practiced bankruptcy law at Diepenbrock, Wulff, Plant & Hannegan. In the late 80's, he also served in many capacities on the Debtor/Creditor Relations and Bankruptcy Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California.

Judge McManus has dedicated his career to public service. Appointed on January 11, 1994, Judge McManus initially started his first and second terms on the bankruptcy bench in the Modesto Division of the Eastern District of California and subsequently transferred to the Sacramento Division. He served as Chief Bankruptcy Judge from 2000 to 2008, as District of Nevada Judge through 2010, as the Chair of the Ninth Circuit Conference of Chief Bankruptcy Judges, as an observer on the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit, and as an ex officio member of the Court-Council on Bankruptcy Judge Appointments. In addition to these great accomplishments, he is a fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy.

Madam Speaker, as Judge McManus, his friends, and colleagues celebrate his retirement, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of service. Judge McManus has contributed immensely to the bankruptcy bench and our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the UC Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program as they celebrate their 14th Annual Women's Heart Care Forum. As community organizations and supporters of this program gather today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring their commitment to the promotion of women's heart health in the Sacramento region and its surrounding areas.

For 25 years, the UC Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program has received national recognition as the first women's heart program in the country. Under the leadership of Program Director Amparo Villablanca, doctors and nurses at the Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program have continued to provide comprehensive treatment, education, outreach and research, benefitting women throughout our region. The program's exceptional commitment to women's heart health has empowered women by providing knowledge of how to decrease their risk factors for heart disease and pursue healthier lifestyles.

Madam Speaker, as community organizations, staff and supporters gather at the forum to raise awareness about heart disease, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the UC Davis Women's Cardiovascular Medicine Program for their years of service dedicated to advancing women's heart health.

Madam Speaker, across this country and in my hometown of Sacramento, President Trump is inflicting unnecessary harm to our Federal workers, our economy, and the health and safety of the American people.

I have heard from my constituents across my district that this shutdown is disrupting their lives. Many Federal workers are frustrated. They just want to return to work. Yet, now they can't work, or they are working without pay. They can't pay their bills. The consequences of this shutdown affect us all.

I have heard from a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who answered the call to serve his country for over 20 years and retired with honors. Now, because of the shutdown, his pension isn't being processed. He is worried about his bills, and is heartbroken that this country he served for so many years is not honoring its promise to take care of him in return.

Another person who is a TSA agent working without pay at Sacramento's airport said it is hard to concentrate at work when she is thinking about the bills stacking up. She is able to pay for January's rent with savings, but if this shutdown continues through February, she will not have enough money for rent, leaving her to choose between being evicted or moving out on her own and becoming homeless.

Our Federal workers deserve an employer that honors its promises and provides for its workforce. It is time for President Trump and Majority Leader McConnell to fully fund the government and put an end to the pain and suffering of the American people.

Madam Speaker, had I been present for the vote on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule on H. Res. 43 (Roll Call Vote No. 34), I would have voted ``aye''.

Had I been present for the vote on H. Res. 43, the Rule Providing for Consideration of H.R. 268--Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act (Roll Call Vote No. 35), I would have voted ``aye''.

Finally, had I been present for the vote on H.R. 190--Expanding Contract Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2019 (Roll Call Vote No. 36), I would have voted ``aye''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize WellSpace Health as they celebrate their 65th Anniversary. As the members of this community gather here today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring their exceptional health care services provided to the Sacramento region and its surrounding areas.

Since it first became designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in 2009, WellSpace Health has built a network of clinics providing a broad range of services, including primary care, Well Child Care, dental care, and women's services to the Sacramento region's low- income and underserved families. With its Integrated Behavioral Health model, WellSpace Health is a true champion for parity, blending physical health services with addiction and mental health treatment. Its high level of service integration has allowed WellSpace Health to become one of very few FQHC's that have accreditation with The Joint Commission, the gold standard of quality accreditation nationwide.

WellSpace Health's commitment to providing comprehensive and integrated care is unparalleled in the Sacramento region. Through collaboration with non-profit organizations and community partnerships, WellSpace Health ensures that its services reflect the true diversity and needs of the communities they serve. With Immediate Care services operating 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, WellSpace Health continues to offer expanded access to care while, preventing unnecessary emergency room visits.

Madam Speaker, as staff members of WellSpace Health celebrate their momentous years of service, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their dedication to excellence in health care in the Sacramento region and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Donna L. Yee as she retires as the Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Community Center (ACC) Senior Services. As colleagues, friends and family gather to honor her work, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring her for her leadership at ACC Senior Services, as well as for her dedication to our community.

For seventeen years, Dr. Yee has been instrumental in advancing the indispensable support that ACC Senior Services provides to the senior members of our community. Her leadership has led to not only the improvement of the organization's longtime recreational, transportation, and housing services, but also the establishment of new programs that provide support and understanding to seniors and their families and caregivers. During Dr. Yee's tenure at ACC Senior Services we have witnessed the opening of ACC Park City and the launch of ACC Lifelong learning And Wellness classes and workshops, which later became ACC Care Center, focusing on family caregiver support and service needs. ACC RIDES provides transportation for seniors to get to their appointments. Bridge to Healthy Families was created, giving support to families with loved ones with Alzheimer's and dementia. ACC Greenhaven Terrace, an independent living and assisted living facility for our senior community was established, as well as the Memory Care residential facility at Maple Tree. We also saw the establishment of Meals on Wheels by ACC providing nutrition services to seniors.

Dr. Yee's background of over four decades in social science research and experience in hospital services have shaped her into a leader in person-centered care and health. Donna received her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and her Ph.D. in Social Policy at the Heller School, Brandeis University. Because of Dr. Yee's leadership, ACC Senior Services will continue to grow with the goal of identifying, developing, and providing culturally sensitive health and social services for seniors.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Dr. Donna L. Yee for seventeen years of successful leadership and to thank her for the work she has done to promote the quality and access of services for our senior citizens. She and her team have served our community well, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging her outstanding accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Filipino veterans for their courageousness and selflessness in defense of our

nation and the Philippines during World War II. As the members of the Sacramento Filipino World War II Veterans Group and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project gather today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our veterans for their heroism, duty, sacrifice, and service to the United States of America.

In 1941, President Roosevelt's call-to-action elicited the enlistment of more than 250,000 Filipino soldiers. Our nation's troops fought tirelessly and fearlessly in World War II, and many of the brave included Filipino soldiers who fought alongside American soldiers under the U.S. Army Forces. Throughout the duration of the war, more than 57,000 were killed in combat, thousands suffered from severe wounds, and over 78,000 were missing in action. By the end of World War II, Filipino veterans were left with our country's promise of full veterans' benefits. However, that promise was rescinded, and Filipino veterans were left without the honor deserved.

On November 30, 2016, the United States Congress passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, restoring Filipino veterans to the status of U.S. military veteran. Subsequently, on December 14, 2016, President Barack Obama signed this Act into law. This momentous occasion delivered the overdue recognition for the selfless service of Filipino veterans during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, as the members of the Sacramento Filipino World War II Veterans Group and The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project celebrate the service of the World War II veterans, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their heroism in protecting our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Spencer Wong as he retires as Chief of the Labor Market Information Division in the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD). As colleagues, friends and family gather to honor his work, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring him for his leadership and his dedication to the people of California.

For four decades, Mr. Wong has devoted his life's work to the employment, labor, and research fields, thirty-eight of those years in the State of California Employment Development Department. At both the state and federal levels, Mr. Wong has been a leader in the labor market information (LMI) arena. The list of Mr. Wong's accomplishments is long. Mr. Wong implemented the integration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by developing products and services that enhance services to the people of California. He continually stayed ahead of changing technology, legislation and processes. Mr. Wong also developed and launched the new EDD Data Library, which ensures delivery of data in the most cost efficient, timely and accurate manner.

Mr. Wong has served the State well in his multiple capacities. He is currently the State Co-Chairperson for the Current Employment Statistics (CES) Policy Council where he has worked diligently to restore communication between the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the states. He serves on the Board of the LMI Institute, and has served on the National Association of Statewide Agencies (NASWA) committee and other councils. Mr. Wong also participates on the statewide California Drought Taskforce and provides data for drought impact studies conducted by California University of Davis researchers. He has also created The Regional Analysis and Support Group (RASG), which strives to meet the goals of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Mr. Spencer Wong for forty years of successful leadership and service to the State of California. He leaves behind a legacy that is hard to match. I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging his outstanding accomplishments and wish Mr. Wong the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of The Chinese American Council of Sacramento's 31st Annual Gold Mountain Celebration. Each year, the Council celebrates the efforts of selfless community members in fostering intercultural relationships, increasing awareness for the cultural significance of Chinese Americans and all Pacific Islander Americans. This is in addition to their invaluable support for projects and programs that address the economically challenged members of the community that are often forgotten.

This year's honorees are staples in our community. The Hall of Fame recipient is the Chan Family of General Produce. They are a business built on three generations of dedication to supplying the highest quality produce to the Sacramento community and beyond, in addition to providing 80 years of civic engagement.

Receiving Frank Fat's Founder Award is C.C. Yin, Founder of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. Originally created to empower leadership and representation for the Asian Pacific Islander Community, this organization has inspired community involvement nationwide through fellowship, mentorship and education.

The recipient of the Community Service Award is My Sister's House. The organization provides invaluable services and is a haven for Asian Pacific Islander American women who are suffering from domestic violence. Since they began in 2000, My Sister's House has provided resources and community to those seeking refuge from dangerous situations.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to this celebration as it recognizes pillars in the Sacramento community and to praise them for another successful year for the Chinese American Council of Sacramento. As unparalleled leaders, these individuals and organizations set an incredible example.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of David Murillo, as he retires as Regional Director, and Mid-Pacific Regional Director for the United State Bureau of Reclamation. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Murillo for his leadership and commitment to water management throughout Northern California, Western Nevada and Southern Oregon.

Mr. Murillo has a long career in water management in the greater western region. In his prior roles, Mr. Murillo oversaw operations in five regions across 17 Western States. Under his role as the Power Manager for the Grand Coulee Power Office, he managed the Grand Coulee and Hungry Horse Dams. Throughout his many years, Mr. Murillo has gained great experience from managing multi-faceted projects, and overseeing flood control, irrigation, hydropower production, recreation and managed benefits for fish and wildlife.

Currently, Mr. Murillo has been responsible for one of the nation's most complex and highest-profile network of dams, reservoirs, canals and hydroelectric power plants--California's Central Valley Project. The work he has accomplished overseeing this impressive project will continue to impact the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, as well as our central coast region, and many more vital regions in our state.

Mr. Speaker, as family and friends join to celebrate Mr. Murillo's successful and impactful career, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring his exemplary leadership and contribution to our water management and policy.