Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rigoberto A. Ramirez for his devotion and dedication to his community as a leader, volunteer, and outstanding citizen.

For his years of service to the City of Stanton, Rigoberto A. Ramirez will be honored as Stanton's 2024 Citizen of the Year by the Cypress College Foundation at the 49th Annual Americana Awards on March 16.

A former Stanton City Council member and Planning Commissioner, Mr. Ramirez first made Stanton home in 1995 with his new bride, Jhovana. They still live in their first home, where they raised their son, Nicholas.

From the day they joined the Stanton community, Rigoberto and Jhovana felt a strong connection to both the residents and the community of Stanton.

Along with serving 10 years on the City Council, from 2012 to 2022, Rigoberto is an active member of the Blessed Sacrament School Consultative Board, the Orange County Youth Motivation Task Force, and the Servite High School Board of Directors.

In his professional life, Ramirez earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1990 from Loyola Marymount University. A California native, he currently holds the title of Director for a retirement services firm that he has been with since 1991. He is responsible for twelve representatives that provide retirement services to clients across eight states.

In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering for non-profit events and managing Pony Baseball.

Please join me in thanking Rigoberto Ramirez for his years of service to the City of Stanton and the Orange County community.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Mater Dei High School's football team for earning their fourth California State championship. The Monarchs secured their final win of the season over an undefeated team with an impressive 35-0 victory.

Their success is a shining example of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of the young players, the coaches, and the community.

Also with this win, the Monarchs claimed a top three position in national rankings and the number one spot in the media composite on the national level.

I congratulate the students, parents, coaches, and teachers that form the Monarch football team. You have made us proud. I am looking forward to next year.

North Orange Continuing Education's 50th Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North Orange County Continuing Education Program.

For half a century, North Orange County Continuing Education has offered programs that transform lives in Orange County.

Established in 1973, NOCE has grown to serve more than 29,000 students each and every year and offers over a thousand courses each semester to those of all ages.

The curriculum includes vocational, business, financial, and other skills that individuals need throughout their life. Also, beyond the classroom, NOCE has shown the real impact that they have on our community. In fact, they support over 3,000 jobs directly and indirectly and offer services to help everyday individuals succeed.

As we celebrate NOCE's 50th anniversary, we reflect back on their work and look forward to their future and their success in our community.

Anaheim Public Library

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anaheim Public Library's award-winning Foster Youth Initiative that has gained recognition for making resources available to kids in need.

The library's Foster Youth Initiative offers library cards to youth who are in the foster care system, who are homeless, or those that have been emancipated. This card is special. It removes address requirements and penalties and makes sure that those young people have access to our community's public library system.

Also, the initiative has been recognized by the Orange County Business Council's Public-Private Partnership and has received such an award. It is a testament to the hundreds of library cards that have been made available to

those students, those young individuals that wouldn't otherwise receive a library card.

I congratulate the Anaheim Public Library for their commitment to support our youth in need.

Mr. Speaker, let me just say to my colleagues on this floor that what is really wrong is to misstate the problem, the facts to the American public.

I have been to the border numerous times in the last year as a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement. I just got back from Latin America.

I have spoken to the border guards at our border. Do you know what they have told me? They need relief. They need resources. They are tired of working overtime, two double shifts, not enough personnel, not enough resources, not enough technology. That is the answer to the problem.

The problem isn't an open border. The border is not open. The problem is a worldwide refugee challenge. Italy, Greece, Germany, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico all have a problem.

Mr. Speaker, the solution is simple. Let's fund additional resources for our borders, for border security. Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans are joining the President in negotiating a solution. House Democrats are there. I ask my colleagues across the aisle, join us. Let's come up with a solution. America deserves solutions, not political statements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the outstanding contributions of Guillermo A. Ahumada, a distinguished journalist with a passion for giving back to his community.

Mr. Ahumada has demonstrated exceptional professionalism in journalism, lending his talents to various television stations, including Telemundo 52 and Univision 34, and different radio networks. His work on these stations is notable, and his commitment to representing and advocating for the issues of diverse populations shines through in his reporting. He continues to be a prominent voice on immigration, health, and workers' rights issues, and brings attention to stories of impact with his journalism and special reports.

Mr. Ahumada currently serves as the Director of Noticias de Vision, a Latino network where he plays a crucial role in coordinating the news department, scheduling, and supervising the selection of news-- particularly topics of interest to the Latino community.

Outside of his role in the media, Mr. Ahumada is passionate about being of service to his community. He is the Executive Director of Chaplains Counselors, a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in supporting low-income families and fostering self- esteem and personal growth among participants. The organization provides educational workshops on several vital topics, including domestic violence, drug abuse, and family counseling.

Mr. Ahumada also serves as the Colonel of Chaplains of the International Federation of Christian Chaplains. In this capacity, he leads and teaches individuals dedicated to helping those at risk, whether in prison, hospitals, or facing drug addiction.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing Guillermo A. Ahumada for his tireless efforts, professional accomplishments, and contributions to the Latino community.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Monica Lee Silbas and her successful career serving others. She is a Santa Ana girl, I am proud to say, who made it big in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, we back home are very proud of Monica. Her passion for advocacy has made her work a defining voice within the labor movement. As part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, her labor leadership led to the development of their Spanish leadership program.

She currently serves on the boards of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and the IndustriALL Global Union where her voice impacts the lives of millions of workers across the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Monica for her dedication to the community and to the global labor movement.

I congratulate Monica on her retirement, and I wish her the best of luck. I know she is not done, and she will continue to work like all good Santa Ana girls do.

Honoring the Career of Guadalupe Gomez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Guadalupe Gomez, my good friend and president of La Federacion de Zacatecanos del Sur de California.

Lupe has spent 31 years working for the federation, as an organizer in a group that aims to help people on both sides of the border, the United States and Mexico, through economic development.

In the past 2 years as president of La Federacion, Lupe has renewed a call for cooperation and mutual assistance across the border.

From establishing new outreach programs for young people to strengthening programs like food banks to building up communities and relationships here in the U.S., Lupe has been very impactful on both sides of the border.

Lupe is my very good friend, and we thank her for her service and dedication to the wonderful community of Zacatecanos, both in the United States and in Mexico.

Let's keep that good work up.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of UCLA Chancellor Charles Young, who passed away at the age of 91.

For 29 years, Chancellor Young led UCLA, America's premier research institution. He transformed UCLA from a regional collegiate university to the powerhouse that it is today.

He took over at UCLA at the age of 36, making him the youngest chancellor in University of California history. He was the first UCLA alumnus to hold that top position on campus. Under his leadership, UCLA's annual operating budget grew tenfold, to $1.7 billion, and undergraduate enrollment exploded.

Chancellor Young was a staunch supporter of making higher education accessible to all. He championed diversity at the university and led UCLA through a very difficult social unrest period.

We will forever remember Chancellor Young for his contribution to this country. Go Bruins.

Celebrating Enrique Hernandez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Enrique Hernandez, a beloved member of our Orange County community.

Enrique was born in 1937 in Jalisco, Mexico. He worked as a construction laborer, specializing in concrete and asphalt. He was a man who took pride in his work. Enrique didn't know how to do less than his very best every day.

Enrique loved watching lucha libre matches and telling stories about his time in Jalisco, Mexico, and the small ranch where he grew up.

He also loved to talk about his love life. He was married to Edelmira for 65 years. Their legacy includes 7 children, 22 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Enrique's five siblings carry on his tradition of being great storytellers.

We honor Enrique for his service to our community and to his beautiful family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and legacy of a true American hero, Lieutenant Colonel Craig H. Mandeville, U.S. Army (Retired), who passed away at the age of 83. Lt. Col. Mandeville was not only a decorated Vietnam War veteran, but also a dedicated advocate for the valor and sacrifice of those who served alongside him.

Lt. Col. Mandeville distinguished himself as a two-tour Vietnam veteran, earning two Silver Stars and four Purple Hearts for his extraordinary courage and commitment to duty. His service during the An Loc battle, where he

served as an advisor alongside Colonel Ho Ngoc Can and Brigadier General Tran Van Nhut, played a pivotal role in securing victory. Even in the face of adversity, Lt. Col. Mandeville exemplified resilience and unwavering dedication.

During the An Loc battle, when American forces attempted to extract Lt. Col. Mandeville, he refused evacuation and chose to stand shoulder- to-shoulder with his Vietnamese comrades, continuing to fight with the people he had proudly served alongside. His selflessness and determination in the midst of danger embodies the highest ideals of military service and camaraderie.

Lt. Col. Mandeville's contributions extended beyond the battlefield. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, he played a crucial role in the creation of the Vietnam War Memorial in Freedom Park, located in the City of Westminster. His commitment to preserving the memory of those who served and sacrificed, both American and Vietnamese, reflects his deep sense of duty and compassion.

As we mourn the passing of Lt. Col. Craig H. Mandeville, we also celebrate his life and the enduring impact he has had on our nation. A great man has left us, but his legacy will live on forever within the hearts and minds of those who knew him and in the collective memory of a grateful nation.

May Lt. Col. Mandeville rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the knowledge that his contributions to our country will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable individual, Jordan Morris Brandman. Jordan leaves behind a legacy defined by his unparallel commitment to the community he lived in for his entire life.

Born in 1980 to Michael and Mara Brandman, Jordan was the youngest of five children and was raised in the City of Orange. After graduating from El Modena High School, he attended University of California, Irvine, where he majored in Political Science and was an early leader in the Orange County YoungDemocrats. Jordan interned and later worked in the California State Department of Education under both Governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger after his studies. It was during these years that he developed a passion for education issues.

Jordan took his inspiring passion for education and public service and ran for the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees, winning a seat on the board in 2008. As a Trustee, he led the effort to create a culturally competent curriculum that catered to the needs of the growing Latino working class community. He brought the seal of bi- literacy to the school district and helped make resources accessible to students who were Dreamers.

In 2012, Jordan won a seat on the Anaheim City Council during a turbulent period of change. Jordan also broke barriers when he came out as an LGBTQ councilman--the first openly gay Councilmember in Anaheim history--giving a voice to his community. He worked relentlessly to foster a feeling of community and provide opportunities for everybody by ensuring that the bridges he built reached the very core of our local communities.

Jordan, in his professional life, showed a dedication to making connections between labor and business as the Vice President of Labor Relations at BIASC and the leader in workforce development for the Orange County Business Council. His sincere kindness and generosity extended beyond the public sphere, having a positive impact on those closest to him.

Jordan is survived by his father Michael and stepmother Pam, as well as his four brothers, Jason, Joshua, Jake, and Jedidiah. He is now reunited in eternal rest with his mother, Mara Brandman, who he always held a special place in his heart for.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and commemorating Jordan Morris Brandman's great career and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the exceptional efforts of an extraordinary organization, Colette's Children's Home (CCH). With a remarkable history spanning over 25 years, CCH has been at the forefront of providing crucial homeless housing intervention programs and supportive services to over 6,000 homeless women and children in Orange County.

Founded by William O'Connell and his daughter Colette O'Connell, CCH originated as a grassroots organization in response to the pressing need for housing and supportive services for homeless women and children. CCH has now expanded to own and operate 21 emergency, transitional, and permanent housing sites across multiple cities, including Anaheim, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and Placentia.

CCH's mission is to provide homeless single women and homeless mothers with children a safe and nurturing environment, offering compassionate support and services necessary for achieving self- sufficiency. As of January 2023, CCH has demonstrated its commitment by providing shelter and support for up to 400 homeless single women, homeless mothers and children, and low-income individuals at any given time.

The impact of CCH extends beyond housing, encompassing life skills classes, job search support, resource referrals, and access to computers for job leads. Financial stability is emphasized, with clients encouraged to establish budgets and savings plans. The organization's commitment to increased self-determination and self- sufficiency is made further evident by the weekly life skills classes addressing parenting, job skills, financial management, and substance abuse prevention.

Notably, last year, the organization achieved significant milestones, including 94 women obtaining/sustaining full-time employment, 130 women and children transitioning to permanent housing, 26 mothers reunified with 51 children, and $171,679.10 deposited into the Client Savings Program.

Through their unwavering dedication, CCH has not only transformed individual lives but has also made a lasting positive impact on the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colette's Children's Home remarkable achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution to declare the House of Representative's support and gratitude for the work done by food banks, food pantries, and other community-based organizations across the United States to end food insecurity and provide other essential services.

As many of us come together with our friends and family this holiday season to give thanks and enjoy good conversation--and even better food--we recognize how blessed we truly are. But that is not true for everyone in America, as food insecurity presents a significant and present problem in many of our communities.

Even with the many federal, state, and local programs centered around this problem, 44 million people, including over 13 million children, lived in food-insecure households in the United States in 2022. This represents nearly 13 percent of all households, many with children.

In 2021, 1 in every 6 military and veteran families experienced food insecurity--the same people that have sacrificed to protect us and secure our freedoms. At the same time, 1 in 14 seniors over the age of 60 face food insecurity in America. These are the tragedies that food banks work to rectify.

Moreover, food banks are essential to the prosperity of our Nation. Food insecurity costs the United States economy at least $160 billion each year in additional health costs and poor health outcomes. Children who face hunger are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, as well as experience developmental impairments, and they are more likely to face social and behavioral problems.

The employees and volunteers at the hundreds of food banks and over 60,000 community partners, including pantries and meals programs, across America tirelessly and collectively work to end food insecurity. In 2022, they served over five billion meals to the 49 million people who turned to them for assistance.

Every year during the holidays, my family and I volunteer at a local food bank, the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), packing and handing out nutritious food boxes and other supplies to families and individuals in need. We are proud and humbled to join the countless employees and volunteers spending their time helping others.

Food banks, food pantries, and other community-based organizations provide essential food assistance to so many across the country. They collect, store, and distribute items, as well as deliver to those in need, including to senior centers and schools during the weekdays, weekends, and summers.

The work food banks do goes way beyond simply providing food. They and their partners provide nutrition education, diapers, and other essential items to people in need. Through their efforts, food banks have rescued and distributed millions of pounds of food that otherwise would have been wasted. Their work to end food insecurity will lead to fewer chronic health problems and save the U.S. economy billions of dollars.

Food banks rely heavily on private donations. Ending food insecurity is a team effort--food banks and their partners work with private donors, volunteers, farmers, grocery stores, retailers, shippers, packers, and others to meet the demand. Even with food coming in from many different places, food banks often find themselves running out of items--but they never give up.

I am very proud to introduce this resolution. I want to thank my colleagues from Orange County, Representatives Steel, Porter, Levin, Sanchez, and Kim for joining me as original cosponsors. We all recognize the critical work done by the major food banks in our area, CAP OC and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, and their local partners in the mission to end food insecurity in Orange County.

As you enjoy the holiday season, please consider joining me and my colleagues from Orange County in expressing bipartisan support and gratitude to the food banks, food pantries, and local community-based organizations who work year-round to assist those in need and to end food insecurity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Business Uninterrupted Monetary Program Act of 2023 (BUMP Act). This crucial piece of legislation provides essential funding to businesses and nonprofits that have been directly and measurably fInancially impacted by major transportation projects, with the goal of keeping them solvent.

With major transit and highway projects planned across the country, the livelihoods and survival of some local businesses may be at risk because of construction disruptions that impede customers' access to their store fronts.

In my own district, on the heels of closures caused by the COVID pandemic, a major transit project prevented customers from accessing stores in downtown Santa Ana, CA for months. Many of those businesses struggled to pay their rent and utility bills, pay for their inventory, and some had to close permanently as a result. Efforts to help the businesses, such as signage, failed. What they needed were financial resources. What happened in my district can happen anywhere in America, in any downtown. We can and need to do more to minimize the economic damage inflicted on local businesses from projects that receive federal transportation monies.

The legislation will require local sponsors to create a BUMP fund that provides financial assistance for local entities that will experience a measurable interruption causing negative financial impact from the project. The fund can cover utilities, insurance, rent or mortgage, payroll, loss of income, and any other expense that the sponsor determines is needed for the impacted businesses. Importantly, the local sponsors who know the local community and best understand the impacts of the project create and manage the BUMP fund. The local sponsor further determines how much to contribute to the fund, how the fund is structured, which entities are eligible for funding, and what type of expenses should be covered.

The requirement to create a BUMP fund only applies to highway projects with a total cost equal or greater than $50 million and transit projects with a total cost equal or greater to $100 million with measurable negative financial impacts on local businesses and nonprofits. The bill also creates a one-time grant opportunity for businesses and nonprofits that are currently struggling financially from an interruption created by a major transportation project.

It is important to America's economy that local businesses can continue to serve our communities after completion of transportation projects. I am introducing this legislation to make sure no other business is forced to face financial turmoil or close due to an interruption caused by a major transportation project. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this crucial initiative, allowing our Nation's vibrant local economies to stay afloat during the construction of major infrastructure projects and reap the benefits of these transit and highway projects upon their completion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Orange High School's Marine Corps Junior ROTC Program and its cadets.

In 1955, Master Gunnery Sergeant James H. Fearns petitioned to establish the first ever Marine Corps JROTC Program in any Orange County High School. His request was repeatedly denied, but the Master Gunnery Sergeant remained committed and traveled to Washington, D.C. to demand a meeting with the

Commandant of the Marine Corps. After speaking with the General a few days later, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fearns returned to Orange County having secured the charter.

Today, Orange High School has one of the largest Marine Corps JROTC Program in the Western United States. The JROTC Program instills in its 162 cadets the values of citizenship, service to others, self- discipline, and personal responsibility.

Personal success after high school is an integral part of this program, exemplified by the James H. Fearns Marine Corps JROTC Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship awards cadets who wish to attend college or pursue a vocational school certification. Last year, 12 cadets received this prestigious award.

As we prepare to celebrate the 248th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, I am proud to recognize Orange High School's JROTC program and its cadets. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these accomplished students as they grow to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of my good friend Bishop Emeritus Tod Brown, who recently passed away at the age of 86.

Bishop Brown led our diocese for 14 years in a community that is now 50 percent Roman Catholic. Under his leadership, the diocese more than doubled in its membership, and by the year 2012, there were more than 1.2 million Roman Catholics in Orange County, California.

In recognizing the diversity of our church, Bishop Brown ordained the Nation's first Vietnamese Roman Catholic bishop in 2003 and one of the first Hispanic bishops in the United States in the year 2000.

On a personal note, Bishop Brown administered first communion to my children in the good old days.

Bishop Brown will be remembered. God bless him. We thank my good friend for all the good work he did.

Honoring Jerry Mumford Patterson

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary career of Jerry Patterson, a lawyer, educator, and former U.S. Congressman who dedicated his life to public service.

As a UCLA alumnus just like myself, Mr. Patterson served Santa Ana as a city councilmember and as Santa Ana mayor.

He fought to double the size of city-owned parks and created the first nationally recognized golden circle bikeway. After serving in Congress, Mr. Patterson came home and represented our community as an educator until 1999.

Jerry Patterson always put the needs of his communities first. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his service to our great Nation.

Honoring Orange County High School's Marine Corps JROTC

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Orange High School's Marine Corps Junior ROTC program.

The JROTC program at Orange High School began in 1995 under the leadership of Master Gunnery Sergeant James Fearns, but not without a fight. After having his request denied over and over again, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fearns flew to Washington, D.C., himself to demand a meeting with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and he got it done.

Today, Orange High School has one of the largest Marine Corps ROTC units in the Western United States, and it teaches over 160 cadets the values of citizenship, service, discipline, and responsibility. I must say these cadets are the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate them, and I wish the Marine Corps a happy birthday. They are 248 years old this year.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of Mr. Massie's amendment, which prohibits the Department of Transportation from expediting funds to conduct competitive analyses of mergers.

In 1989, Congress transferred authority to review airline mergers to the Department of Justice. Mr. Chair, 35 years of DOT policy is clear. DOJ has the lead role in reviewing proposed airline mergers, given its statutory authority to enforce the antitrust laws. This is consistent with Congress' determination that the deregulated airline industry should generally be subject to the same application of antitrust laws as other unregulated industries.

I must say that as ranking member of the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Subcommittee, I am committed to protecting consumers, competition, and innovation. Before the DOT moves ahead with this new, unprecedented approach, we must take time to evaluate the merits of this policy. This amendment will grant us time to do just that.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Representatives Linda Sanchez, Jimmy Gomez, Brad Sherman, and Jay Obernolte, today to honor UCLA Chancellor Gene Block on his 17 years of steadfast leadership at one of America's premier research institutions.

Originally from New York, Chancellor Block received his bachelor's and Ph.D. degrees in psychology from Stanford and the University of Oregon, respectively. Prior to his service at UCLA, Chancellor Block was internationally recognized for his research on the body's ``biological clock.'' He continued his work at Virginia, leading a team that established an NSF Center for Biological Timing.

Since beginning his tenure in 2007, Chancellor Block's sure- handedness and optimism has navigated the Bruin community through numerous unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and 2008 recession. He has led the campus towards great successes--like consistently ranking as the top public university in the nation. In his 17 years as Chancellor, the research budget has more than doubled--from $4 billion to $11 billion annually. This enables staff and student- researchers to develop solutions to society's most pressing issues.

Chancellor Block has also increased diversity of our body and the accessibility of a UCLA education. Enrollment at UCLA has grown by 9,000 students each year, and the school has acquired new properties in the South Bay and downtown Los Angeles and has strengthened ties with the region's diverse communities. UCLA's partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District that began under Chancellor Block in 2009 brings UCLA instructional programs and teacher training to students in the underserved Koreatown/Pico-Union neighborhood. This work is important to the Southern California community that UCLA supports.

The Chancellor has overseen the fundraising of hundreds of millions towards making a UCLA education more accessible by bolstering scholarship initiatives like the Bruin Scholars initiative, Chancellors Centennial Scholars Program, and UCLA affordability initiative. As a result of his commitment to diversity and accessibility, nearly a third of UCLA graduates are first-generation college students--as Chancellor Block was himself.

I join my colleagues and fellow UCLA alums, Representatives Sanchez, Gomez, Sherman, and Obernolte, in thanking Chancellor Block for his commitment to higher education in our nation and Southern California community. We wish him a smooth transition back into research and teaching.

Go Bruins.