Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Fullerton School District for receiving the USDA's Turnip the Beet award.

The Turnip the Beet award recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide high-quality meals for children during the summer. Without initiatives like this, many students would not have access to nutritional meals through the day during the summer.

Not only did Fullerton School District win the Turnip the Beet award in 2023, but they also are one of seven California school districts to win the gold.

I congratulate the Fullerton School District for their commitment to our youth and their health and for receiving, of course, this well- earned recognition.

Advancing Research on Breakthrough Therapies

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to tell you about the work my colleague, General Jack Bergman, and I are doing as co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies Caucus.

The PATH Caucus, as it is known, is addressing the rising mental health challenges faced by millions of Americans by advancing research on breakthrough therapies like psychedelics.

Almost 50 million Americans struggle with some kind of mental health issue, as well as our veterans. Of course, our veterans carry those hidden scars from their service to this country.

The issue of mental health has never been more urgent for America. That is why we are spreading awareness in Congress to increase Federal funding for more research and to chart a new path for those who are struggling with mental health.

Mr. Speaker, we have a duty to the American public to study how we can better address mental illness in this country.

Recognizing CyberPatriot Champions Troy High School

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Troy High School students for their impressive victory in the national CyberPatriot cybersecurity competition.

The students on the team placed sixth amongst almost 3,000 in the open division. In the All Services division, students on Team W.A.T.T. placed first out of almost 1,400.

Led by their coach and teacher, David Kim, these students competed against thousands of other students in a series of cybersecurity tests, finding and fixing cybersecurity vulnerabilities like the ones we face on a day-to-day basis.

These Orange County students have shown us that America is safe in the future from cybersecurity attacks. As these Troy High School students return home to Orange County, they have made us proud and have shown us that we can rely on the next generation to keep America safe in the environment of cybersecurity.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked Black April, a day to reflect on the fall of Saigon and the end to democracy in Vietnam. It has been over 49 years since we fought shoulder to shoulder with our Vietnamese allies for freedom and democracy.

After the fall of Saigon, refugees were forced to flee their homes with what they could carry. It is important to recognize the resiliency and strength of the Vietnamese people. I grew up with many Vietnamese Americans, who came to this country and to Orange County for a better life. Today, Orange County is proud to be home, to be the house, of the biggest Vietnamese-American population in the United States.

I join my community back home in honoring the sacrifices of our Vietnamese allies and our own servicemembers who fought for freedom, democracy, and opportunity in Vietnam.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the need for the Biden administration to authorize work permits for those in our Nation who are long-term immigrants.

Yesterday, my colleagues and I sent a letter to the White House pushing for work permits for long-term immigrants, those that have been in our country for decades working hard, paying taxes, and contributing to our economy. We should also help the spouses of our military. We should also help deported veterans.

The last time we had meaningful immigration reform in this country, that great Californian Ronald Reagan was President. To date, Congress has failed to deliver on a pathway to citizenship.

I ask Mr. Biden to use his pen, sign an executive order, give these hardworking immigrants a work permit.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the career of Mater Dei High School Coach Kevin Kiernan. After 17 years at Mater Dei coaching the girls basketball team, this will be his last season coaching the Monarchs.

Coach Kiernan recently celebrated his 900th win after a decisive victory in the southern California regional playoffs. It was a bittersweet moment for the coach as he and his players reflected on the legacy that he is leaving behind. He wraps up his coaching career with 12 CIF Southern Section titles, six State crowns, and two national championships. That is a record.

Coach Kiernan is an Orange County native, and Mater Dei High School will keep him as athletic director.

We wish him the best. I am glad he is staying around. Let's keep the good work going.

Honoring Richard ``Dick'' Higgins

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the heroic life and legacy of Richard ``Dick'' Higgins.

Dick was a husband, longtime Orange County resident, and a national hero. He served in the Navy during World War II after surviving the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

His service to our community continued after he left the Navy, visiting schools and doing interviews and making sure that history stayed alive with young people and others in Orange County.

Dick lived to be 102 years old, and he is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. In his words, he now goes to be with his beloved Winnie Ruth, his wife of 60 years.

I thank Dick for his service to our country and thank him for his sacrifice.

Honoring Orange County School Counselors of the Year

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor this year's Orange County School Counselors of the Year.

I am so proud that two of these counselors are from my hometown. Mr. Gernux is from Santa Ana Unified School District, and Ms. Rodriguez is from Anaheim Union School District, both of whom represent the best in our local public schools.

Like myself, Ms. Rodriguez and Mr. Gernux were grown in our local hometowns. They are products of Orange County public schools, and now they are giving back to the public school system that gave them so much.

Ms. Rodriguez, Mr. Gernux, and the rest of these fine educators will continue to shape the future leaders of tomorrow. All of us in Orange County and in Congress appreciate their commitment to our community, our youth, and our future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Carolyn Williams. She was a mother, wife, grandmother, working professional, and, most importantly, an inspiration to our community.

Carolyn spent her long and successful career at Pacific Bell, where she blazed her path from telephone operator to upper management.

Carolyn was blessed with a beautiful family, including 27 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and she made sure to attend every birthday, graduation, and family event.

Carolyn also dedicated time to her southern California community as an active member of her local union and a leader in her local PTA.

Carolyn leaves behind a beautiful legacy of service to her family and to the Orange County community. Her husband, Kenny, our community, and I will continue to celebrate her beautiful and long life for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Zarir F. Bhandara, a resident of Irvine and Ervad of the Zoroastrian Temple in the City of Orange, for his dedication to inspiring his community with his spiritual leadership.

Ervad Bhandara has dedicated his life to promoting the message of the Zoroastrian founding prophet, Zarathustra, through prayers, religious classes, and pastoral services. As a leader of the Zoroastrian community, Ervad Bhandara provides his communities in Orange and Irvine with support, guidance, mentorship, and motivation.

During COVID-19, Ervad Bhandara served his community by visiting hospitals and providing food, counseling, and financial assistance to those in need. As a way to keep his community connected during trying times, Ervad Bhandara live-streamed prayers with messages of Peace, Unity, Harmony, and Hope, reaching hundreds of people quarantining at home. Since 2020, Ervad Bhandara has donated his platelets and plasma over 545 times, helping save over 1,635 American lives. He leads by example to spread the messages of service and sacrifice for our great country.

Please join in recognizing Ervad Bhandara's unparalleled selflessness and humanitarian services to his community. His compassion has helped make a positive difference in the lives of countless people.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues, Representatives Levin, Sanchez, and Napolitano, and rise today to honor the life of Raymond ``Ray'' L. Cordova, a renowned labor leader who leaves behind a legacy of service.

Ray cut his teeth as an organizer in the early 1960s as part of the Freedom Summer Movement in Mississippi for almost two years. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne, his service to his country continued after the Vietnam War when he returned home to build up his community. He was always a dapper dresser and treated everyone with respect. In a short time, Ray began making his name known as one of the most effective and impactful labor leaders in Orange County.

No matter what or who you believed in--if you were a Republican, Democrat, or something in between--Ray was a champion of all people. When working men and women across America had no seat at the table, Ray fought tirelessly to make room through his leadership in the Communications Workers of America Union and as a labor organizer in Orange County.

Ray's influence and impact extends beyond his labor work. He educated and prepared the next generation of the labor movement, and helped redefine politics in Southern California. It is because of his mentorship that so many of the leaders of today are prepared to make the changes they envision, in California and beyond.

Not only was he a deeply loved member of our community, but my colleagues and I are lucky that Ray was also a dear friend. I have personally had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him over the last 25 years.

I ask my colleagues to join me and Representatives Levin, Sanchez, and Napolitano in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Raymond ``Ray'' L. Cordova. I thank Ray for setting an example of leadership and service that we all may aspire to and learn from.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of the Navy Federal Credit Union and its strong support for the military community throughout California and the United States. With a statewide membership totaling almost 1.5 million, with 18,000 residing in my district, I applaud the work they do everyday to ensure that our beloved servicemembers have access to convenient financial services.

Spread throughout its 50 branches in California, the Navy Federal Credit Union has worked tirelessly for the past 90 years to ensure that their mission of being the preferred financial institution to members of the military and their families stands true. As a member-owned and not-for-profit credit union, their worldwide membership consists of 13.3 million members. Additionally, they have 356 branches worldwide, ensuring that all servicemembers can take advantage of their services and products in the pursuit of financial wellbeing.

Furthermore, their awards and recognition speak to the impact of their mission for both their employees and members. With branches spread across the United States and the world, they've proven that they provide a well-rounded workplace for their employees. Most notably, they have been awarded the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For and have been named a Top Workplace by the

Washington Post. In addition, they have proven to have a strong military focus when they were named the Best Military Bank/Credit Union by the US News and World Report.

Their member-focused mission, including serving with compassion, putting members first, and championing community helps to ensure that there is a strong understanding of the needs for service members, while displaying integrity and honesty in their services.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the work of the Navy Federal Credit Union and the services they provide for servicemembers in California and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Western High School's football team in my district and to congratulate 11 seniors going on to play college football.

Eleven is a 10-year record for the program under Coach Dan Davidson who pushed these athletes to compete at the next level. These players, coaches, and parents put in countless hours and accomplished something very special.

Let me say, Mr. Speaker, many professional football players have come and have started in my district, including Heisman Trophy winners John Huarte, Matt Leinart, and Bryce Young.

Now, these 11 student athletes will have the opportunity to blaze their own paths.

Western High School and Coach Dan Davidson, again, have made us proud, and I congratulate them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable legacy of Anaheim High School Football Coach Lanny Booher. For two decades, Coach Booher has been a beacon of inspiration and mentorship in our Anaheim community, leaving a significant mark on the hearts of his players and community.

Stepping down after 20 years of dedication to our shared alma mater, Anaheim High School, Coach Booher leaves a legacy of transformation and triumph. In 2004, he took charge of a struggling football team--but through his leadership and mentorship, Coach Booher was able to change the trajectory of the program and his players. Over the next two decades, Coach Booher led the Anaheim football team to success on the field, including accomplishing eleven playoff appearances and securing three Orange League championships.

Coach Lanny Booher's commitment and love for the game and his community has been evident in every milestone and achievement. More importantly, his passion for his players has made his two decades of impact a cornerstone of our community. His impact extends far beyond the football field, shaping the lives of young athletes off the field by teaching them the value of teamwork and perseverance.

Throughout his coaching career, Lanny Booher accumulated an impressive 100 wins at Anaheim High, making him the coach with the second-most wins in Orange County. One of his most notable achievements, a 22-10 victory in the Orange County All-Star Football Classic in 2007, is a moment that will surely live forever in local memory.

By honoring the legacy of Coach Booher, we celebrate more than just victories on the field--we celebrate the profound impact he's had on every student who has played for him. There is no doubt that his legacy while at Anaheim High School will continue to inspire generations of young athletes to give back to their community and put their all into the game.

I thank Coach Booher for his two decades of dedication. Go Colonists.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of my very good friend, Raymond ``Ray'' Cordova, and his legacy of service.

Ray was a proud Vietnam war vet. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home to help build our Nation through his work with the Communications Workers of America.

Ray didn't care who you were, Democrat or Republican. Ray represented every working man and woman, and he fought for the rights of every worker that he came across. In fact, Ray Cordova is the only man I know that debated Jimmy Hoffa and outlived

Jimmy Hoffa and lived to tell the story about how he debated Jimmy Hoffa.

He was a staple in our community, and I was lucky to call him my very good friend. Ray will be remembered for his tremendous service not only to his country but to his family and community.

Congratulating Dr. Rafael Luevano Upon Griset Chair Appointment

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my very good friend, Dr. Rafael Luevano, for his appointment as a Griset Chair in Bible and Christian Tradition at Chapman University.

Dr. Luevano is an accomplished scholar from Santa Ana, and his contributions to religious studies have shaped how we see religion in the context of our communities. His dedication to teaching students makes him an excellent choice for this prestigious position.

Dr. Luevano's students will continue to have an opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized religious scholar as well as having their own priest at Chapman University.

I congratulate Dr. Luevano, my good friend, today on his appointment on being the Griset Chair at Chapman University.

Honoring Dr. William Kott

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of my very good friend, Dr. Bill Kott, and to celebrate the dedication and naming of the Anaheim post office after Dr. Bill Kott.

Dr. Kott was the son of immigrants. Dr. Kott was born in Philadelphia, and he served our Nation in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought against Nazi Germany, and Dr. Kott showed his bravery and determination by walking across three nations to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a first responder who liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp.

After returning home, Dr. Kott opened his own dentistry practice in Anaheim. He also served as the chairman of the California Republican Assembly of Orange County. As a member of the Anaheim City Council, he did great deeds for the Anaheim community.

The dedication of this post office is an honor that Dr. Kott earned through his dedication to his family, community, and country. We will always remember Dr. Kott's contributions to our country, to our Nation, and to the city of Anaheim.

Madam Speaker, ``Please pray for peace,'' ``Xin kinh chao quy vi.'' ``Happy new year,'' ``Chuc mung nam moi.'' ``I am Lou Correa,'' ``Tui la Lou Correa.''

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize this Saturday, February 10, as Tet, or the Vietnamese new year.

Orange County, my home, is also the home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. This year, Tet marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.

This annual celebration brings families together. They cook, decorate their houses, and come together to celebrate Tet across Orange County. Orange County's Vietnamese community is an essential part of our county. They are entrepreneurs, teachers, soldiers, generals, and local leaders.

That is why I was honored to host U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper for the first visit he has ever made to Orange County earlier this year.

Madam Speaker, I wish everybody at home a happy and successful Tet.

``Chuc mung nam moi,'' ``Happy new year.''

Madam Speaker, we have something in common with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

This country, Main Street, and every one of our districts have a challenge with fentanyl. We have all witnessed the deaths in our communities of good, young men and women from this scourge of fentanyl. Nonetheless, Secretary Mayorkas is doing his job.

Madam Speaker, I want you to look at this graph. The seizures at the border of fentanyl: 2019, 2,800 pounds; 2023, 27,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized.

Madam Speaker, I just got back again from visiting the border. I went to San Ysidro, and, again, I asked the men and women in uniform: What do you need from us to double these numbers?

It was a simple answer: We want more resources. We want more personnel, more drug-sniffing dogs, and we want more equipment.

Some of those agents were struggling. They were working double shifts. Women, moms, men, and fathers were saying: We don't have time for families. We are going to have to find another job.

Right now we have a solution. We have legislation that the Senate has worked on with Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, and the President supporting a solution that will bring resources to the border, and the majority party here refuses to bring that legislation forward for a vote.

Who is derelict in their duty?

We must step up and make sure that we protect Main Street and we help Secretary Mayorkas do his job and double these numbers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Elza Perry, Jr., a true American hero who served in the United States Air Force, who recently passed away at age 90.

Before his military service, Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. was born in Gorman, Texas as the only child of Elza, Sr, and Myrtle Perry. Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. demonstrated his aptitude for leadership while a student at De Leon High School, where he was the president of the Class of 1950, valedictorian, and captain of the football team. After graduating from De Leon High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor's degree from North Texas State College and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. distinguished himself as a 22-year Airman, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving in Germany, Okinawa, Vietnam, Taiwan, Florida, California, and five years at the Pentagon. During his military service in the Air Force, he served honorably in various positions, such as weapons director, commander, inspector, and instructor. In Vietnam, Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. served as a battle commander at an aircraft control center near Danang and stayed in the country until January 27, 1973. His honorable leadership earned him the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Air Force at Norton Air Force Base, Lt. Col. Elza Perry, Jr. decided to remain in Southern California and dedicated himself to his work as the Director of Vehicle Services and Assistant County Administrator. He later retired in 1991 and lived in Redlands, California for many years before settling in Calimesa, California in 1998. As a retired veteran, Elza spent the remainder of his life with his wife Bonnie in a retirement community in Calimesa where he continued showing his leadership through acts of service for his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed taking exercise classes and was an avid fan of the L.A. Dodgers and Angels.

Lt. Col. Perry, Jr. is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie; two stepsons, Captain Robert Perry, USN (Ret.) and Ralph Perry; two daughters, Reverend Karin Kaye and Barbara Perry; two stepdaughters, Susan Reidel and Jackie Filbeck; and eight grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and commemorating the life, legacy, and service of Lieutenant Colonel Elza Perry, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me say I have a poster here outlining the benefits that undocumented workers bring to the economy with a Social Security card that they will never get benefits from.

You know, I was thinking, why in God's name are we bringing up this legislation? What is it about this? What am I missing? And I finally figured it out. Why are we going after small businesses in the United States? Why are we going after farmers and ranchers in this Nation? Why would we be turning over more Federal agents, Federal investigators on small businesses?

Remember, we are not talking about the cash economy because workers and people that operate in the cash economy don't need a Social Security number. We are talking here about small businesses, employers and employees that are trying to do the right thing.

Under this legislation, we are going to give small businesses a choice. You obey the law, fire those employees that are questionable, and you go out of business; or you break the law, keep those workers that are questionable, and stay in business. Again, employees and small businesses.

One of these employees that is caught with one of these IDs is going

to implicate the small business owner. That is called a conspiracy, which is also a major crime.

California has the fourth largest economy in the world. It is the number one ag nation in the country. We export 40 percent of our food or ag product. Most of those workers are undocumented. Most of those workers that feed us are undocumented.

So let me get this right. We have a shortage of farmworkers. We are trying to bring back manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, we have a shortage of farmworkers. We have a shortage of manufacturing employees. We are trying to bring back jobs from China, and we are saying to the small businesses, to the farmers, you can't hire these people. If you do, you are a criminal, and you are going to jail.

Let's all take a deep breath. Let's give these workers a green card so they can work in the U.S. They are honest. If they were dishonest, they would be working for cash, but they are trying to do the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the right time for this legislation. I ask my colleagues to vote ``no,'' protect small business owners, and protect our farmers throughout the country.