Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Jenny Lin Foundation, which provides music education and public safety programs, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, which our community will commemorate this month.

The Jenny Lin Foundation was created in 1994 in response to the tragic murder of its namesake, a 14-year-old Castro Valley resident, in her own home after returning from school. Jenny was a straight-A student passionate about music and friendship.

To keep Jenny's memory alive, her parents, Mei-Lian and John Lin, established the nonprofit in Castro Valley to their daughter's name. The Foundation provides student music scholarships, public safety community events, and an annual summer music program.

The hallmark summer music program is free of charge to students in the Bay Area and offers programs for orchestra, band, and choir. After the five-week program, participants perform in large concerts for the community to enjoy.

In 2023, over 200 students from 29 schools across 12 Bay Area cities participated in the program cosponsored by Chabot Community College.

The Jenny Lin Foundation also hosts safety fairs and workshops to inform our communities about child safety precautions for parents and children. One specific advocacy effort was the Foundation's work to increase the number of books covering safety themes available at East Bay public libraries. In 2023, the Jenny Lin Foundation received the Jefferson Award for Public Service. This is the most prestigious public service award in the United States and was well-deserved.

I join the community in continuing to mourn the tragic loss of Jenny 30 years ago and admire Mei-Tian and John's resilience demonstrated through their community engagement and advocacy after such a tragic loss. May their efforts continue to uplift and support the community and keep the memory of Jenny alive in our hearts.

Madam Speaker, I rise to address the House with immense pride to congratulate Mr. Corrigan Willis on his well-deserved recognition as Cal-Hi Sports Coach of the Year.

Coach Willis led the Granada High School baseball team to an outstanding 32-1 record, winning the NorCal D-1 title. The journey with the Matadors spans 16 seasons, where, under his guidance, they qualified for the NCS playoffs for nine consecutive seasons.

He is a proud alum of Granada High School, including where he pitched one season with an 8-2 pitching record and a .418 batting average.

Beyond the diamond, Mr. Willis is a cherished Granada community teacher and mentor. His commitment to education is inspired by his late father, Jim Willis.

We not only celebrate Coach Willis' professional achievements but also his dedication to his family, residing in Livermore with his wife, Deanna, and their two sons, Bryce and Ryan.

I congratulate Coach Corrigan Willis for his outstanding achievements as Cal-Hi Sports 2024 State Coach of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Pleasanton Unified School District Superintendent David Haglund on his retirement after seven years of service with the Pleasanton Unified School District on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

A native of Southern California, David received his Bachelors degree from Hope International University in 1985. He immediately took his talents to the classroom and began teaching for ten years. He then returned to school to receive his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from California Baptist University and a Doctorate in urban school leadership from the University of Southern California.

David began his career in school administration by serving the Riverside Unified School District in various leadership roles for 15 years.

When he began his tenure with Pleasanton Unified School District, David immediately addressed some of the district's most pressing issues. He stewarded a $270 million bond measure for school facility upgrades and fiercely advocated for several other policies and measures that improved student performance and experience.

David states that his favorite moments of each school year are the fist day of school and graduation, because they provide him the opportunity to tell every student how proud he is of them.

From his experience in the classroom to leading an entire school district, David has firsthand experience in every aspect of the educational process. He has demonstrated a level of connection with students, staff, and community members that every educator should strive for. His commitment to improving the learning environment of every student and staff member will be evident long after his retirement.

I thank David for his exceptional educational leadership at the Pleasanton Unified School District for seven years. His cheerful presence and creative thinking will be deeply missed. I wish him well- deserved rest and relaxation as he returns to Southern California to spend time with his family, including his three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, this is not about the contempt of the Attorney General. It is about MAGA Republicans' contempt for the Constitution, the rule of law, and democracy. It is about who any of us came here to fight for.

MAGA Republicans are fighting for one person at the cost of what your constituents actually care about. You are fighting for a felon. You are fighting for a felon.

On this side, we are fighting for working people. We are fighting for the kids and the teachers and the soldiers and the cops and the firefighters and the bakers and the butchers, the people who go to work every day and count on us to do something for them; and you, you are working for a felon, a felon.

Twelve of his neighbors, people in the community where he committed crimes, made 34 decisions, and 408 straight times they said he was guilty.

Let me make it clear where we stand. We will choose families over felons, verdicts over vengeance, and people over politics.

Mr. Speaker, let's talk about subpoenas for just one second because two of your last speakers are 750-plus days in defiance of a subpoena. Get real when Mr. Jordan and Mr. Biggs come to this floor and want to talk and get all righteous about subpoenas.

You start honoring your subpoenas, and we can talk about anyone else's subpoenas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior Special Agent at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Senior Manager at AT&T, and dear friends Anastasios Piliotis and Chrys Cardaris-Piliotis for their over 40 years of dedication and commitment to providing quality service to the public.

Anastasios earned his Bachelors in Administration of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement from San Jose State University in 1976, later returning to earn his Master's in 1978 and Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology from U.S. International University in 1981. Chrys attended Wayne State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Master's, and subsequent Ph.D. in English Language and Literature.

Chrys began her career as an English Instructor from 1973 to 1977, when she began her career with AT&T where she remained for 45 years before retiring in 2023. She served multiple departments working in external affairs, marketing, and engineering, and served on the Women of AT&T Officer and Executive Board.

Following his service as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff at Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department and a Border Patrol Agent, Anastasios continued his career in the Federal government service as a Criminal Investigator at the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Government Printing Office and the Department of Transportation. In 1986, Anastasios transitioned to Senior Special Agent with the Defense Security Services. In 2005, he became a Senior Special Agent with the Office of Personnel Management, Federal Investigative Services, where he served for 18 years until his retirement in 2023.

In addition to his professional commitments, Anastasios also served as an Adjunct Lecturer

and Instructor, teaching sociology, management, and decision-making courses at Columbia College, Chapman University, and the University of Phoenix.

Through their work in public service, education, telecommunications, and intelligence, Anastasios and Chrys have positively impacted our nation and the Tri-Valley community. I join the residents of my district in commending them for their decades of service and wish them rest, relaxation, a lot of time with their children and grandchildren in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo Morariu as her 13-year tenure serving Hayward comes to an end this Friday, May 3. 2024.

Kelly graduated from The University of Kansas, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science, economics, and international studies in 1998, going on to receive her Master's in Public Administration in 2000.

Kelly joined the city of Hayward in 2010 as an Assistant City Manager and transitioned to City Manager in 2016. As chief executive, she worked to tackle issues of homelessness, financial stability, and infrastructure.

Kelly effectively led city efforts to respond to the homelessness crisis by implementing compassionate city policies, declaring a homelessness emergency, and negotiating increased housing in the city. Under her leadership, the Hayward Navigation Center opened in 2018 along with the Depot Community Apartments to help transition unhoused individuals to permanent housing. Kelly also helped negotiate agreements with the California Department of Transportation to repurpose land held for a freeway bypass for market-rate and affordable housing.

As city manager, Kelly also helped maintain a financially stable city budget by paying down unfunded retirement liabilities and securing numerous grants at the state and federal levels for infrastructure, social services, and more. Hayward's Measure C, passed in 2014, provided funding for a new Downtown Public Library, Heritage Plaza, retrofit city fire stations, and build a new Fire Training Center and Fire Station No. 6 in partnership with the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.

For 13 years, Kelly has diligently served the Hayward community. Her dedication to community engagement and collaboration has made her an asset at Hayward. I know that her presence will be deeply missed in Hayward. I wish her and her family success as she enters this new chapter as Santa Barbara's City Administrator.

Mr. Speaker, having been born and raised in Vallejo, California and graduating from California State University, East Bay, Cheryl is a true Bay Area native. With a focus on the local news impacting my constituents most, Cheryl covered a wide range of stories, from community events to breaking news. Her reporting showcased her dedication to providing accurate and impactful journalism to her viewers.

Her love for covering breaking news was known to anyone who crossed her path. Cheryl was the first to report about the BALCO steroid scandal that rocked the sports world. By shedding a light on the banned performance-enhancing substances, Cheryl was able to hold corporations accountable and protect the integrity of our athletics. I truly admire the tenacity she showed to always follow through on her stories.

Like many journalists in California, Cheryl was tasked with covering natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes that devastated entire communities. I'm thankful for the compassion she showed to the victims of those events as well as her work to raise awareness of the increasing risks posed by disasters including the flooding, wildfires, heatwaves, and drought Californians now face every year.

Over her 20-year legacy, Cheryl was honored with an award from the Bay Area Black Journalist Association and four Emmy awards presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences San Francisco. I'm so proud that her years of experience and commitment were met with accolades and applause.

Aside from her time in broadcast, Cheryl is also one of the founding members of Friends of Faith, a non-profit organization founded 1987, that raises money for women diagnosed with breast cancer in the East Bay. After realizing the financial hardships that East Bay cancer patients are burdened with, Cheryl, along with her peers, began fundraising to provide stipends for women in need of financial assistance during their treatment journey. This is just one of the many ways Cheryl cared for her neighbors.

Cheryl's professionalism and selflessness has made our community a better place. Now that she has more time, I hope Cheryl is able to enjoy more time with her family and adorable dog, Stripe. I'm privileged to call her a friend, and I wish her a joyful retirement. It surely is well-deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance on a decade of uplifting and supporting Tri-Valley nonprofit organizations, as they celebrated their ten-year anniversary on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Founded in Livermore 2014 by Kathy Young and Mony Nop, the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance has fostered support for its growing network of over 300 community-based nonprofit organizations through education, collaboration, and financial support. The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance offers educational workshops, industry-related seminars, workforce development programming, and access to a supportive professional network through their monthly meetings and networking events. To date, the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance has offered over 100 educational workshops specifically for nonprofit organizations.

The Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance provides financial support through its Tri-Valley Nonprofit Fund, which has given over $380,000 in grants to more than 40 nonprofits. This financial support is crucial to help organizations carry out diverse programs to help those in need.

In June 2022, the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance opened the CommonPoint Nonprofit Center in Downtown Livermore, offering physical workspaces and offices for over 20 growing organizations and consultants.

The Anti-Poverty Collaborative is another Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance-led initiative, and yet another example of their innovative thinking and solutions. It seeks to eradicate poverty by bringing together leaders from nonprofit organizations, faith organizations, and elected officials to create innovative policies and solutions to create systems-level change.

With mindful guidance and leadership, Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance has become a force for good in my district. They have fostered a safe space for nonprofits, big and small, to collaborate and grow. I appreciate their work and wish them many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding service of His Excellency Mr. Marko Djuric, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to the United States of America. Ambassador Djuric is an exceptional diplomat who has dedicated his career to expanding Serbia's relationships across the globe and shepherding his country's accession into the European Union.

Ambassador Djuric assumed his duties as Ambassador to the United States in January 2021. In his three years of diplomatic service in Washington D.C., Ambassador Djuric has made countless contributions to the 140-year-old United States-Serbia relationship.

In Congress, the Ambassador substantially expanded the Serbian Caucus, forging new relationships on Capitol Hill while strengthening bonds with American industry through a series of working visits.

I was proud to host him in my district last year to connect him with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and some of California's most innovative and influential companies. I am hopeful that the Ambassador's visit to my district will lead to permanent partnerships in the areas of fundamental physics, critical materials development, and other pressing issues of our time.

Under Ambassador Djuric's leadership, the United States became Serbia's number one trade partner in software and IT services, and the Serbian-American Business council was established to promote US businesses inside of Serbia. He has also worked to promote the Open Balkan Initiative, which aims to bring more political and economic stability to the Western Balkans region.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Serbia twice, with the Ambassador serving as my host and guide. During those trips, I met with the Serbian President to discuss assistance to Ukraine and visited United States businesses with significant operations in Belgrade. We've also discussed, at length, the unique impact that wine production has on our regions.

I have the honor of calling Ambassador Djuric a true friend. The people of Serbia and of the United States owe Ambassador Djuric thanks for his steadfast service to his homeland and for his honesty and curiosity about our shared future.

Madam Speaker, this is not about Secretary Mayorkas. This is straight-up sabotage.

MAGA Republicans have never accepted President Biden as the President, from the day they led an insurrection into this Chamber to this day, where they are trying to sabotage solutions at the border.

Any shortcomings with Mayorkas are the Republicans' fault. The Republicans won't give him the authority that he needs to carry out more security at the border.

All we have heard for years is noun, verb, border. You get your border deal, led by the second most conservative in the Senate, and you are walking away from it. You are walking away from it because Trump says you can't have it.

This place with you all in charge is looking less and less like the House Chamber and more and more like Trump's echo chamber.

What we need right now are solutions, not chaos. With you all in charge, you are a party of followers. With President Biden's leadership, Democrats continue to show that we are a party of leaders.

Mr. Speaker, this impeachment is a continuation of the insurrection that came here on January 6.

This gang has never accepted Joe Biden as the President. The architect of the idea that you could overturn the election is the current Speaker of the House.

Donald Trump sent that violent mob here. It didn't work, so now we are here where they are going to try to use this House to overturn the election through this inquiry.

The problem is they have zero evidence. The only crime is that Joe Biden blew out Donald Trump in the 2020 election. That is a problem because this place is the largest law firm in D.C., with these lawyers working on behalf of just one client, Donald Trump, at the expense of everything else that matters.

I want to give James Comer some credit because after 50,000 pages of depositions, secret hearings, and closed hearings, I think if we give him enough time, he is going to prove that Hunter Biden is Joe Biden's son.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sherri Sager, Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer of the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, for her more than 30 years of advocacy for children and their families.

Sherri was born in Los Angeles and has a younger brother and sister, three nieces, and a nephew. With a passion for political advocacy at a young age, Sherri earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Santa Clara University and a master's degree in public administration from San Jose State University.

Prior to joining the Packard Children's Hospital in 1994, Sherri worked as a legislative assistant to a member of Congress and later as a consultant to several political candidates and elected officials. She also served as the Assistant Director of the Valley Medical Center Foundation.

During her tenure at Packard. Sherri organized and managed the government relations program, monitored proposed laws and public policy that may impact the hospital, and oversaw various departments. Sherri prioritized three health needs for patients through her advocacy: improving access to primary health care services, prevention of pediatric obesity, and improving youth social, emotional, and mental health.

Sherri serves on many nonprofit and regional business association boards. She is recognized for her political acumen, leadership, advocacy, ability to organize, and knowledge of public policy, particularly in health

care. Sherri is also a past chair of the government relations committee of the California Children's Hospital Association, has served on numerous statewide task forces and volunteered extensively for the Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission, and the Junior League of San Jose.

Sherri is a dedicated advocate and community leader who has worked every day over the last 30 years to put patients and their families first. She remains an integral part of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, and I am certain her positivity and passion will be missed. I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement, and hope she spends her time filled with happiness surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. Chair, I was unfortunately unable to attend today's vote for personal reasons. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted on:

Roll Call No. 529: NO; Roll Call No. 530: YES; Roll Call No. 531: NO; Roll Call No. 532: NO; Roll Call No. 533: NO; Roll Call No. 534: NO; Roll Call No. 535: NO; Roll Call No. 536: NO; Roll Call No. 537: NO; Roll Call No. 538: NO; Roll Call No. 539: NO; Roll Call No. 540: NO; Roll Call No. 541: NO; Roll Call No. 542: NO; Roll Call No. 543: NO; Roll Call No. 544: NO.

Roll Call No. 545: NO; Roll Call No. 546: NO; Roll Call No. 547: NO; Roll Call No. 548: NO; Roll Call No. 549: NO; Roll Call No. 550: NO; Roll Call No. 551: NO; Roll Call No. 552: NO; Roll Call No. 553: NO; Roll Call No. 554: NO; Roll Call No. 555: NO; Roll Call No. 556: NO; Roll Call No. 557: YES; and Roll Call No. 558: NO.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize Eden Housing, which will celebrate 55 years since it first opened its doors, on Friday, October 27, 2023. Eden Housing provides dignified, affordable housing to residents across the state of California.

Eden Housing was founded in 1968 by community activists in Hayward, California. Led by California State University, Hayward Professor Bill Vandenburgh, Eden Housing's mission is to provide safe, non- discriminatory, affordable housing in Alameda County. Following this mission, Eden Housing's first project was to rehabilitate six older homes in Oakland so that each family could keep making memories without sacrificing safety.

Eden Housing also develops high-quality housing communities for low- income families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities throughout my district, the wider Bay Area, and California. Eden Housing properties ensure that residents receive supplemental resident and enrichment programs to support their well-being. These services include wellness checks, physical education, and financial workshops.

Over the course of its history, Eden Housing has developed nearly 12,000 affordable housing units across 155 properties in California, with more than 100,000 residents calling Eden Housing properties home. Since its inception, Eden Housing has also awarded over 620 scholarships to residents totaling more than $1 million in support of their academic and professional goals.

It has been my privilege to support Eden Housing's work by passing a direct appropriation of $1 million for the development of a veterans' park in Livermore. Their hard work was also recently recognized by the Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund award of $10 million.

In sum, Eden Housing is pivotal to improving California neighborhoods through nurturing relationships with residents and diverse community partners. I am grateful for the 55 years of hard work that Eden Housing has undertaken to become a leader in the establishment of affordable housing in our state. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Eden Housing's legacy and wish it many more productive years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues, Representative Lee and Representative Khanna to recognize the Community Child Care Council of Alameda County, which will celebrate 50 years of serving children and families in Alameda County on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The Community Childcare Coordinating Council of Alameda County, which later became the ``4Cs'' of Alameda County, was founded in December of 1972 to offer essential resources to assist families with a network of community services.

4Cs provides access to affordable childcare and family-focused services including childcare referrals, payment assistance, playgroups, free tax preparation assistance, car seat installation checks, and family workshops. 4Cs also supports local childcare providers by offering health and safety trainings, best practices seminars, and ongoing consultation support.

Operating with locations in Hayward, Oakland, and Fremont, 4Cs is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors which employs 75 team members providing services in 18 languages, including English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Hindi.

As a leading family resource agency, 4Cs has provided over 3,500 personalized referrals, 91 trainings, and over $28 million in payments to cover childcare costs for 1,961 families in Alameda County in 2022.

For 50 years, the 4Cs of Alameda County played a pivotal role in ensuring families can secure culturally competent, high-quality childcare in Alameda County. They have truly embodied their values of diversity, accountability, professionalism, teamwork, growth, innovation, and friendship for all children and families. We join the Community Child Care Council of Alameda County in celebrating its legacy and wish it many more productive years to come.