Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Anaheim Halloween Parade, a beloved Orange County tradition.

This tradition predates the rise trick-or-treating as a Halloween staple. It was started by the local merchants' association to engage nearby children and families for some wholesome fun. For the very first parade, over 20,000 residents and neighbors from nearby towns lined the streets on October 31st, 1924, to watch the 45-minute nighttime Halloween Parade led by Grand Marshals and baseball superstars Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson.

Anaheim's Halloween Parade would quickly become one of the biggest seasonal celebrations in the Nation, attracting crowds of over 75,000 attendees. In the 1960s and 1970s, the parade was broadcast on live television to be shared around the Nation. As an Anaheim kid, I had the opportunity to participate in the parade with my Benjamin Franklin Elementary classmates. And even as Anaheim grew from a rural town full of orange groves into a popular tourist destination and one of the largest cities in Orange County, the annual Halloween traditions did not disappear.

In 2012--and because of the hard work and dedication of the volunteers, local businesses, and community members--the Anaheim Halloween Parade and Fall Festival were revitalized. To honor the tradition's long history, several beloved floats from previous decades were brought back to life, including the 1953 Flying Sasser and the 1951 Rocket Witch.

Today, the parade still highlights the fall season and Halloween--but it has also grown to reflect our evolving local community. The celebration now also recognizes Dia de los Muertos, an important Chicano celebration that has strong roots in Anaheim's neighborhoods.

I ask my colleagues to join my hometown community in celebrating a century of one of Orange County's most important traditions. The Anaheim Halloween Parade has brought families out to celebrate for the past 100 years--and I am sure that it will continue to bring our community together for 100 more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Elizabeth Holloman, Executive Director for the Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Known for an unmatched sense of humor capable of keeping team morale high during difficult times, Elizabeth has built a reputation as a resourceful, trustworthy, and kind community leader. She served our neighborhoods as a math teacher for 20 years before opening a jam- making business in the city.

Since June 2021, Elizabeth has led the Orange Chamber of Commerce as its Executive Director--and she will be retiring from her role after four years at the helm. During her tenure as the Executive Director, Elizabeth spearheaded many important partnerships and initiatives, including re-introducing the Orange Chamber of Commerce May Parade, partnering with the City on economic development projects, and creating new opportunities for businesses to engage with the community in meaningful ways.

From advocating for the wellbeing of her staff to supporting innovation and growth with an equity mindset, Elizabeth stands out as an outstanding example of servant leadership. She is always looking to include unique voices in conversations where fresh perspectives are needed and never failed to set the tone for a respectful and productive environment in the boardroom.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Elizabeth Holloman, the retiring Executive Director of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and her career-long contributions to the growth and prosperity of communities in the City of Orange and throughout Orange County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Goodwill Industries of Orange County for a century of service to our community.

Reverend John Winterbourne, determined to assist his community, founded Goodwill Industries of Orange County in 1924. Winterbourne's own home housed the first clothing repair shop, but it was later moved to a rented home on Logan Street in Santa Ana.

At the time, the Goodwill model revolved around repairing damaged goods for resale and hiring individuals with disabilities. In 1946, the ``As is Lot'' location opened next door to the main repair shop in Santa Ana. This ``As is Lot'' location focused on selling items that were not sold in stores to then sell by the pound. The Santa Ana marketplace became the blueprint for every Goodwill store across the country; they would all adopt the same business model and mission statement.

Since its opening, the store has become a leader in strengthening the workforce of Orange County. In 1992, the Deaf Services program was launched to provide Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants the skills needed to become independent at their homes, schools, and jobs. The Supported Employment program, which provides job preparation and placement services, Goodwill Industries of OC has continued to provide employment services for people with developmental disabilities.

Today, Goodwill of OC continues its impact through career development opportunities to ensure the success of their employees. In 2022, they unveiled the Training Center for Success that is designed to provide hands-on training to support the growth of their employees' skills. The program offers customized work simulations to its employees and trains individuals facing unemployment. Just last year, the Career Pathways Program launched a partnership with Goodwill OC to provide their employees with personalized career guidance to support their career growth.

From career development to disability programs, Goodwill Industries of OC has continued to serve employees and their families for the past 100 years. I call on my colleagues to join me in thanking Goodwill Industries of OC for its dedication to the success of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alexander Odeh and his legacy, as well as remember the tragedy that shocked Orange County and claimed Mr. Odeh's life.

A Palestinian-American and the Southern California Regional Director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Mr. Odeh spent much of his life working to support Arab-American civil liberties. Mr. Odeh was a published poet and lecturer at Coastline College and California State University, Fullerton. He was known to impart knowledge, compassion, and guidance to his many students.

On October 11, 1985, Mr. Odeh was the victim of a domestic terror attack as he entered the ADC office in Santa Ana. A scholar, activist, husband, and father of three daughters was taken far too soon by an egregious act of domestic violence.

To this day, almost 39 years after the bombing that claimed Mr. Odeh's life, those responsible have yet to face justice. He worked tirelessly to unite Christians, Muslims, and Jews in Southern California. Despite hatred and threat of harm, Mr. Odeh was not deterred and remained steadfast in his efforts to build bridges. He is survived by his wife, Norma Odeh, and his three daughters, Helena, Samya, and Susan.

Mr. Odeh lived a life of strength, perseverance, and dedication. Today, I am introducing a resolution to acknowledge Mr. Odeh's tragic passing and celebrate his impact on our Orange County community. I urge my colleagues to honor Alexander Odeh's memory and legacy by supporting this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering H.R. 5302, the Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act. This legislation reminds us of the men and women in law enforcement and the risks that they face every day to keep our communities safe. Marine Interdiction

Agent Michel Maceda is one of those heroes.

For years, Agent Maceda served as a U.S. Army veteran, a former Border Patrol agent, and a Marine Corps interdiction agent for CBP's Air and Marine Operations. He was a dedicated public servant who put his life on the line time and time again.

On November 17, 2022, Agent Maceda was doing his job stopping drug smugglers in the high seas. On that day, Agent Maceda and other marine agents interdicted a narcotics-smuggling vessel just 12 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico.

During the ensuing gunfight, Agent Maceda was killed and two other agents were seriously injured. Thanks to their heroic actions that day, 3,000 pounds of cocaine did not reach our country.

This bill renames the CBP Air and Marine Operations unit in Puerto Rico after Agent Maceda.

A few months ago, I visited Puerto Rico, and Agent Maceda's name came up again and again and again. It is clear that Agent Maceda is missed by his community and his colleagues.

With this bill, we honor Agent Maceda's sacrifice and commitment to our Nation, as well as the work of others like Agent Maceda, those who put their lives at stake on a day-to-day basis to protect the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

In closing, I thank Congresswoman Gonzalez-Colon for introducing this legislation and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support. By passing this bill, we honor the memory of Agent Maceda and the other men and women of DHS who, like Agent Maceda, risk their lives on a daily basis to protect us here in this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5302, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The Department of Homeland Security Policy Issuance Review Act will codify the Department of Homeland Security's policy issuance and review process to ensure DHS provides up-to-date policy guidance for its more than 260,000 employees.

Policies provide important clarity on what is expected of DHS employees as they carry out the critical work of the Department. These policies outline how to uphold civil liberties and civil rights while conducting criminal investigations, how to ensure grant funds are used in accordance with congressional intent, and how to incorporate new technology into the agency operations.

Some DHS policies have not been reviewed or updated for many years in accordance with the Department's requirements. H.R. 6231 will address this by providing Congress greater insight into the issuance, review, and revision of the Departmentwide policies.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

This bipartisan bill is a commonsense way for Congress to ensure that DHS policies are updated on time, and if they are not updated, that Congress will hear about it and take appropriate action.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6231, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7832, the Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act, is an opportunity to improve the Department of Homeland Security's ability to quickly acquire innovative technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, that enhance border technologies overall.

With newer, more innovative technologies, we can improve CBP's targeting and our detection capabilities, which will help officers find and stop more illegal drugs before they flood our communities and harm our children.

By requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a plan to address capability gaps and integrate innovative technologies, like AI, machine learning, and nanotechnology, into our border security operations, this bill would force the Department of Homeland Security to think strategically about opportunities to work with private-sector operators and others to develop and implement the latest technologies.

My bill also authorizes CBP's Innovation Team, which works with frontline agents and officers to develop and pilot promising technologies that help them do their jobs, primarily keeping Americans safe.

The Innovation Team finds and tests new commercial technologies, works with companies to adapt them for use along our border, and then helps the successful programs navigate government procurement bureaucracies so they can help scale up quickly to meet the government's needs.

Innovative technologies don't just help with catching drugs. New technologies can also help detect victims of human trafficking or migrants in need of help in the middle of a desert.

New technologies can also help Border Patrol agents communicate reliably in remote areas. When an agent is down or finds somebody injured, the ability to communicate quickly can literally save lives and be the difference between life and death.

Technology also helps CBP facilitate legal trade and travel. Long lines at our ports of entry can result in produce spoiling as opposed to making it to our grocery stores.

No one enjoys long lines at the airport. I am proud to represent Disneyland, and I know that most international travelers want to get to go see Minnie and Mickey as soon as possible.

While we clearly need more manpower at our ports of entry, new technologies can help get people and goods on their way to our markets and to our communities much quicker and much safer.

My legislation is just one way of many ways that Congress can support our border agents.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Luttrell and his team for working with us to make sure this piece of legislation is successful. I also thank my colleagues from the Committee on Homeland Security for their bipartisan support. I hope we continue to come together to craft bipartisan solutions to making our border more secure and support our men and women working in a safer environment on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support H.R. 7832, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider S. 794, the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023. This important legislation will further strengthen the security of cargo shipments arriving in the United States.

As we work to build a resilient supply chain and prevent dangerous threats from reaching our communities, it is critical that customs officers work closely with importers, shippers, carriers, and others to ensure both fast and secure travel. The CTPAT program encourages this.

In response to faster processing at our ports of entry, members of the trade community participating in this program adopt tighter security measures throughout their global supply chain. Today, more than 11,400 companies currently participate in the CTPAT program, accounting for about 52 percent of cargo imports into the United States.

Despite the success of the program, certain third-party logistics providers are excluded from even applying for membership. Further expanding access to CTPAT will help U.S. businesses and improve supply chain security to prevent terrorists and terrorist threats from reaching our communities.

Specifically, this bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to allow certain third-party logistics providers to join this very important program. We hope to see how the participation of third-party logistics providers helps CBP enhance port security and mitigate supply chain breaches.

I thank Senator Cornyn for leading this legislation in the Senate and my colleague, Representative Elissa Slotkin, for leading this legislation in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would help American businesses thrive and also enhance the safety of our communities. By expanding access to CTPAT, more of our trusted trading partners can expedite cargo into our local communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would authorize the Department of Homeland Security to continue to use other transaction authority, or OTA, for an additional 3 years.

OTA allows the Department to work with nontraditional government contractors to conduct research and prototype projects outside the framework of the traditional acquisition process.

DHS' ability to use OTA expires on September 30, just 1 week from now. Let's pass this legislation and ensure that this does not happen again.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the

gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey), a cosponsor of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I thank Representatives Michael Guest and Glenn Ivey for cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

During Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's two decades in Congress serving on the Homeland Security Committee, one of her top priorities was strengthening our Nation's cyber defenses.

She consistently prioritized expanding our cybersecurity workforce, recognized that investing in cybersecurity education and training would make our Nation more secure.

At a time when few Members of Congress were focused on cybersecurity back in 2005, Congresswoman Jackson Lee introduced the Cybersecurity Education Enhancement Act to provide funding for expanded cybersecurity education programs across the country.

With her trademark persistence, Congresswoman Jackson Lee kept on fighting to expand the talent pool of trained cybersecurity professionals, most recently with the introduction last year of this legislation that we are considering today, the DHS Cybersecurity On- the-Job Training Program Act.

This bill will direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, to provide cybersecurity

training to Department of Homeland Security existing employees with the goal of training existing personnel to fill cybersecurity job vacancies at the Department.

According to testimony before the Homeland Security Committee in June, there are nearly 2,000 cybersecurity vacancies at DHS today.

With cybersecurity threats from adversaries like Russia and China only further increasing, filling these vacancies is a national security imperative.

While DHS has taken important steps to address this challenge, private-sector competition for talent and the slow Federal hiring process have continued to hamper our efforts at DHS to eliminate this shortfall.

Training existing DHS personnel who have already been vetted and onboarded by the Department is a critical part of ensuring that DHS has the cybersecurity talent on payroll today to fulfill its critical cybersecurity mission.

This legislation builds on CISA's existing Federal Cyber Defense Skilling Academy and ensures that CISA continues its efforts to leverage cybersecurity expertise to support DHS' broader workforce.

I urge my colleagues to continue Congresswoman Jackson Lee's legacy on this most important issue and support H.R. 3208.

Across DHS' many component agencies, there is a critical need for cybersecurity expertise to help defend our homeland.

So long as key cybersecurity positions sit vacant, we are at greater risk for damaging cyberattacks that expose our sensitive information or disrupt critical infrastructure.

Passing Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's legislation will ensure DHS employees get the training necessary to fill cybersecurity job vacancies, and also, we will be honoring her legacy of fighting for a stronger cybersecurity workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3208, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering the DHS Joint Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Right now, DHS operates one joint task force in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean called Joint Task Force East. Every day, Joint Task Force East combines the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies to share intelligence and counter bad actors who may bring negative elements to our Nation.

This joint task force also works hand in hand with the Department of Defense and our international partners. We must ensure that they continue to detect and dismantle cartels across the world.

Just this calendar year alone, coalition efforts under Joint Task Force East have resulted in the interdiction of hundreds of migrants, over 55,000 kilos of illicit cocaine valued at almost $2 billion, illegally harvested fish valued at over $900,000, over 350 illegal firearms, and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition.

Again, that is nearly $2 billion worth of illegal narcotics that have been kept off our American streets and over 350 guns not going into the hands of cartels or gang members around the world.

For the joint task force's work to continue, we need to reauthorize the joint task force authority. At the same time, Congress needs more information

on the resources the joint task force needs to be successful.

This bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security's ability to create and use joint task forces while also requiring DHS to set up a staffing plan and share that information with Congress.

With this legislation, we can support the men and women working to protect the homeland and give them the resources that they need to do their job of keeping the American people safe.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

In closing, I thank my colleagues Mr. Higgins from Louisiana and Mr. Suozzi from New York for leading this bill in this House, and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on Homeland Security for their support. I would also like to thank Senator Peters for leading this bill in the Senate.

During my own travels this year, I saw the great work that Joint Task Force East conducts on a day-to-day basis. This reauthorization makes sure that their good work continues.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 4698, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Michael Augustine Gutierrez, who passed away surrounded by his loved ones at age 86.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend. Born in 1938 and hailing from Brea, California, he proudly served as a private first class in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. He often recalled this period of his life with humor and affection, and loved to share stories of his service.

After leaving the military, Michael spent his career working for the City of Anaheim. A gifted artist at heart, Michael loved to spend his free time painting, drawing, building models, and doing woodworking.

He also built a beautiful family alongside Virginia Gutierrez, his beloved wife with whom he shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. Michael was a loving father to his daughter, Sharon Siegel, and son, David Gutierrez, as well as a proud father-in-law to Randy Siegel. He especially cherished his role as a grandfather to his granddaughter, Anna Siegel, who brought immense joy to his life.

Michael's love for storytelling, his lively wit, and his generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and creativity that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Please join me in celebrating the life of Michael Augustine Gutierrez, a patriot and loving father who brought love, joy, and laughter to his family and our Anaheim community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Thompson Family Foundation for Autism and Neurodevelopment, which supports families with loved ones who have autism and other neurodevelopment conditions. Their multifaceted approach raises awareness, advances public policy, and spearheads philanthropic efforts for this amazing cause.

The Thompson Foundation partners actively with the Lestonnac Free Clinic, located in the heart of Orange. The Lestonnac Clinic shares the same philanthropic vision as the Thompson Foundation, and their contributions have

positively impacted the health and well-being of many of our low-income residents.

Since the Foundation's inception nearly two decades ago, founders Billy and Nancy Thompson have fostered an environment that places families and their concerns first. To date, the Thompson Family Foundation has helped conduct over 5,000 autism spectrum disorder diagnostic evaluations through the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri.

In addition, the foundation contrIbutes equipment, like that used for cardiac and vision screening, and has recently led the expansion of patient examination rooms at the Lestonnac Clinic. The Foundation is currently funding efforts to open the Nation's first dedicated free surgery center, which would allow uninsured community members to receive non-life-threatening surgery procedures, like hernia repairs or colonoscopies, that are often neglected.

Providing quality health services to our community is critical--and through the Thompson Family's involvement and leadership, the Lestonnac Clinic will be able to continue providing essential preventative care to their patients.

I'd like to thank Billy and Nancy, important leaders in our Orange County community who have demonstrated their commitment to caring for our children and families. The work of the Thompson Family Foundation continues to be an important cornerstone of support for healthcare services to our district's low-income and uninsured residents, and I join our community in thanking them for the great work they do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impact and celebrate the 95th anniversary of Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County.

Established on September 16, 1929, by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, St. Joseph Hospital became one of the first hospitals in Orange County. Its founders' philosophy of going into the community and caring for our dear neighbors has remained a longstanding tradition throughout their storied service.

First envisioned by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange as a brand- new hospital that would be the ``last word in magnificence and technology,'' St. Joseph Hospital opened as a 190-bed hospital with a medical staff of less than 50. Today, St. Joseph Hospital has grown to be a 463-bed hospital that employees 1,100 medical staff and serves as one of the largest hospitals in Orange County.

Although technology has advanced the practice of medicine well beyond the vision of the founders of St. Joseph Hospital, their core desire to provide care for the whole person's body, mind, and spirit remains unchanged.

Recognized as one of the best hospitals in California, St. Joseph's outstanding medical programs continue to provide high-quality care with compassion, dignity, justice, excellence, and integrity to residents all over our Orange County community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Providence St. Joseph Hospital for their 95 years of service and care.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Marine Corps SSgt. Gordon Lee Hogan, who lost his life defending our freedom in Thua Thien province, Vietnam on April 1, 1967.

Born on January 29, 1931, SSgt. Hogan enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1948 at 17 during the Korean War. During his 19 years of service in the Marine Corps, SSgt. Hogan would distinguish himself through his service in both Korea and Vietnam. SSgt. Hogan served as a Psychological Operations Specialist, Motor Vehicle Operator, and Motor Transport Chief.

A highly decorated Marine, SSgt. Hogan would receive numerous awards and citations throughout his career including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Presidential Unit citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korea Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and Purple Heart.

Known by his friends as the kind of character ``you read about'' during his service in Vietnam, SSgt. Hogan served as a civil affairs NCO in the Chieu H4i Program. There, he worked with expatriated Viet Cong as scouts for the 3rd Marine Division.

On April 1, 1967, while on a mission to position a unit in Thua Thien province, SSgt. Hogan and his team were ambushed by the Viet Cong. The ensuing engagement would result in the tragic death of SSgt. Hogan due to hostile fire. SSgt. Hogan was laid to rest at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, Orange County. SSgt. Hogan's legacy continues to live on today through his three children.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the sacrifice and legacy of SSgt. Gordon Lee Hogan, whose honorable service defended the freedoms we hold so dear.