Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, last week, Congress was under siege by a mob motivated and directed by the President of the United States. Our Vice President was a target of that mob. Members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, were targets of this mob. And I witnessed, for the first time in my life, Americans fighting Americans, all at the behest of our own President of the United States. As Americans, we can do better.

I will vote for impeachment today for our Nation, for our children, and for our grandchildren. I will be voting for impeachment so that America will once again be the shining city upon the hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and vote for impeachment.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I am proud to support Chairman Engel's H.R. 2615, the U.S.-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the Northern Triangle and to meet with elected officials, law enforcement officials, and humanitarian organizations to discuss the difficult and dangerous conditions that force families and children to flee their homes in search of a better life. I discovered what we all knew: The root causes of the refugee crisis are, of course, violence and lack of economic opportunity.

During my trip, I was encouraged by the positive impact and effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance and the changes it has made in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. For example, U.S. programs have supported micro, small, and medium enterprises in El Salvador.

During my trip, I also learned of China's interest to build a deepwater port and to buy coastline in the area. Clearly, it is in America's best strategic long-term interest to make sure that the area is economically stable and that the region is economically and politically stable.

We must continue to invest in regional security and economic development to ensure that our neighbors are safe, strong, stable, and secure. And by ensuring our region is secure, we can build strong and lasting peace and prosperity and build markets for American products and services.

I urge my colleagues to pass this vital legislation.

Madam Speaker, as the United States faces a humanitarian crisis at its southern border, we must reaffirm and restore our commitment to provide aid to our southern neighbors in the Northern Triangle.

We must recognize the impact of U.S. support in reducing corruption, crime, and drug trafficking in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The resolution also recognizes that U.S. aid has spurred economic development and job growth in the Northern Triangle. Cutting funding for various preventative programs is not the answer.

Cutting foreign aid will undo the progress that has been made within the region and will make the root causes of migration greater, which in tum will force even more individuals to flee their home country. We must ensure that the United States remains committed to helping individuals in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Miguel Gonzalez for his hard work and dedication to serving my local community. Mr. Gonzalez, the Co-President of the Northgate Gonzalez Market chain, serves as an excellent example of how one family's achievement of the American Dream can impact a community.

In 1968, Mr. Gonzalez and his family immigrated to the United States. In the beginning, Miguel Gonzalez worked in manufacturing and retail enterprises. With his family, Mr. Gonzalez shaped the creation of a market that would provide other immigrants with food and products from their native regions in Mexico.

The Gonzalez family faced the challenge of learning how to establish a retail food business in a new country. With a vision and an urge to serve their community, the first Northgate Market opened its doors in 1980 in Anaheim, California. Through commitment, perseverance, and involvement in their neighborhood, the Northgate Markets began to grow and flourish.

While working with other family members and Northgate executives, Mr. Gonzalez directed the physical growth of the chain and oversaw major developments in purchasing, information technology, human resources and other elements of the business. Miguel Gonzalez is also a founding member of the Board of Directors of Northgate Gonzalez Real Estate,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. David Tran, an esteemed Californian and a caring person to everyone who knew him.

Mr. Tran passed away on June 30, 2019 but will continue to be remembered for his love of family and commitment to serving his community.

Mr. Tran was born on February 8, 1957 in Phu Nhuan, Saigon, Vietnam. After coming to the United States, Mr. Tran worked in a variety of different fields. Mr. Tran worked as a middle school teacher for 20 years, then as an insurance agent for 7 years, and after as a data entry clerk for 10 years. Those who worked with him can attest to his commitment to professional service and valuable contributions.

Mr. Tran was a role model to all and upheld the virtues of integrity and devotion throughout his life. Mr. Tran spent his time enriching the lives of countless others who had the privilege of knowing him.

He enjoyed playing soccer and tennis, as well as playing the guitar. He was a member of the Lien Hoa Temple and Pho Da Temple, where he demonstrated his commitment to his spirituality and serving others.

David Tran lived a life worthy of honor and remembrance. His kindness and love of all people persists with his wife, Quyen Tran; his

two children, Anh Tran and Julie Quynh Nhu Tran; and his two grandchildren, Alexander Tran and Benjamin Tran.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the legacy of Mr. David Tran. May his honor and commitment serve as an example for all and his spirit rest in peace and glory.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Hector Godinez Fundamental High School women's softball team on their first ever CIF Southern Section championship victory. The team clinched their first ever title for the school and for Santa Ana Unified School District.

Their head coach, Ed Medina, has been the coach since the school opened in 2007 and was named the 2019 Orange County Softball Coach of the Year.

His assistant coaches--Clarissa Castellanos, Kevin Pola, and Selene Pola--are also to be commended.

Again, I congratulate the team, the coaches, and, of course, Principal Jesse Church on a job well done.

Congratulations, Grizzlies.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), a non-profit organization founded in 1978, that represents the interests of the most ardent amusement ride enthusiasts. With more than 5,500 members from over 16 countries, ACE amasses a collective historical perspective making ACE the world's largest club of its kind.

It all started when four coaster lovers met at a coaster-riding marathon in Virginia in 1977. Today, ACE is an international volunteer run organization that offers an online newspaper, a quarterly magazine, and a National Roller Coaster Museum and Archive.

ACE's goal is to promote the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks. ACE celebrates wooden roller coasters as an integral part of the fabric that is Americana.

ACE has successfully saved and refurbished endangered coasters, including Leap-the-Dips, the world's oldest roller coaster located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania and the 1925 Giant Dipper in San Diego. Since 1985, the club has either directly or indirectly helped to save more than half a dozen classic coasters and presents awards in recognition of significant roller coasters.

ACE holds many events including tours throughout the world to celebrate extreme coasters of all kinds and an annual Coaster Convention.

At this year's Coaster Convention Gala at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel on June 20th, the ACE ``Landmark Coasters'' Award will honor Montezooma's Revenge, the first flywheel-launched roller coaster in the world. Introduced May 21, 1978, Montezooma's Revenge is the last roller coaster of its kind still in operation in the United States.

Please join me in honoring the accomplishments of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who certainly live up to their motto: ``You join ACE for the roller coasters; you stay for the friendships.''

Madam Speaker, I would like to celebrate the success of the QTD Military Style Learning Academy in Garden Grove, California. This year, QTD Military Style Learning Academy will be celebrating their eighth anniversary. Each year, QTD serves thousands of students through QTD Private School, Summer Leadership Program, Afterschool Program, and Worldwide Learning.

The QTD Military Academy offers over 100 academic courses and class sizes are small to provide an interactive learning experience. The teachers at QTD Military Academy are committed to helping their students strive for excellence.

Mike Tran is the Founder and CEO of QTD International. Mr. Tran has served as a Recruiter and Career Counselor for the United States Army. He is a graduate from the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and the Orange County Superior Court Leadership Academy. His attention to detail and dedication to the Academy and students have created an environment for both personal and academic success.

QTD Military Academy's goal is to generate new possibilities and inspire students to act with creativity and courage in their work. Academic excellence, knowledge, and goodness are the core values at QTD. The Military Academy emphasizes academic excellence by providing students with foundations in arts, humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. Instructors at the academy foster independent learning, critical thinking, creative collaboration, and personal well-being. Students thrive in the creative and innovative environment with plentiful opportunities, aid, and resources. QTD encourages students to consider the impact of their actions on the community in tandem with striving to attain their personal goals.

QTD has expanded to additional locations in Southern California with locations in Irvine and Huntington Beach.

It is my honor to congratulate Mike Tran and the QTD Military Style Learning Academy on their eighth year of success and their continued contributions to the community of Orange County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address this body and demand the release of one of our constituents, Michael Nguyen, a law-abiding American citizen with no criminal record in the United States.

He was arrested almost a year ago in Vietnam while visiting his elderly relatives. He has been held in detention for almost a year.

This unjust imprisonment is due, essentially, to one act, which is his expression of freedom of speech. He has experienced extreme hardship, both mentally and physically, while in prison.

It is unacceptable that an American citizen is detained in Vietnam for almost a year for nothing else than expressing his freedom of speech. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has not provided us with any evidence of wrongdoing that would justify such an arrest. The government has, instead, confirmed that he is being charged with violating article 109 of Vietnam's penal code, which is essentially a catch-all.

What is his crime again? His freedom of speech, expressing his opposition to government policy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Government of Vietnam to release this American citizen. They are charging him with nothing more than expressing his freedom of speech.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

I am proud to join my colleague from New York (Ms. Ocasio-Cortez) to support this life-saving amendment. We need legitimate, reliable research by universities and other institutions into the health benefits of cannabis and other substances. This amendment will allow credible research institutions to conduct research by removing layers of paperwork that serve as hurdles meant to block such research.

As more Americans, including veterans, use cannabis and so-called magic mushrooms to manage or treat their pain or other health conditions, it is important that doctors have the necessary information on the possible benefits or not of these substances.

Our brave men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home with many wounds, many of them invisible. Sadly, the current use of opioids to treat PTSD and other chronic pains has been effective and many times has led to addiction and even death.

I have listened to veterans both in California and in my office here in Washington, D.C., who have called for additional research into cannabis. According to an Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America survey, more than 80 percent of their membership agree that cannabis should be legal for medical purposes, while 90 percent also support medical cannabis research.

As a result, I introduced a bill to promote cannabis research, the VA Medical Cannabis Research Act. My bipartisan bill requires clinical research on the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating veterans.

Likewise, this amendment will reduce barriers to research on cannabis and psychedelics. Since Denver and Oakland have decriminalized the use of certain psychedelics, this amendment is both timely and very necessary.

I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, in 2017, there were more than 47,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death.

Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and universities also offer mental health resources on campus.

To raise awareness of these available resources, the bill simply requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is available on their website.

Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Gonzalez Reynoso Family, owners of the Northgate Market grocery store chain that is a shining example of how a family owned business can enhance the lives within the communities they serve.

From humble beginnings in Jalisco, Mexico, the immigrant family opened the first Northgate Market in a 3,000-square foot-store in Anaheim in 1980. The family now operates 40 supermarkets in Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. Via its philanthropic arm --Fundacion Familia Gonzalez Reynoso --Northgate is giving back to the community in a multitude of ways, including providing $1

million in scholarships to support students pursuing higher education.

Other beneficiaries of Fundacion Familia Gonzalez Reynoso are DREAMer immigrants, who receive scholarships through Northgate's support of the OC Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, UCI Dream Center, TELACU Education Foundation and Catholic Charities of Orange County.

To raise awareness of chronic health issues affecting the Latino community, the family-owned and operated company introduced Viva La Salud, a comprehensive health and wellness initiative. Northgate started stocking its store shelves with healthier products, as well as partnering with vendors and providers that also work toward improving health and nutrition. As part of this program, Northgate offers special fresh food promotions, in-store cooking classes, store tours and food labeling education.

In keeping with their Viva La Salud philosophy, Northgate Markets is working with grant partner UC San Diego School of Medicine to increase affordable food access to low-income families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Called ``Mas Fresco, More Fresh,'' the program helps promote long-term health by providing financial rebates on fruit and vegetable purchases.

Orange County Kid Healthy is another example of a Northgate partnership promoting healthy eating. For the last seven years, Northgate has hosted the Kid Healthy Cooking Up Change contest for culinary students who attend Title I schools. The program provides the tools and training to transform school lunch menus to include healthier foods, develop their cooking skills, and inspire students to continue their educations in the field of culinary arts and nutrition sciences.

Additionally, the Viva La Salud program organizes local 5K runs and clinical breast exams and mammogram screenings for at-need women through a partnership with the Susan G. Komen Affiliates.

Northgate employees, who are referred to as ``associations'' and treated like family, are also provided with tools to thrive and succeed. The company offers a comprehensive health program, matches retirement plan contributions, and offers college scholarships.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to honor this humble, loyal family of innovators who not only achieved the American Dream but are now recognized and trusted as the ``Supermarket Champions of Health and Wellness.''

Madam Speaker, I wish to honor Mr. Jack Gutman of Anaheim, California, who served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman in WWII. At age 18, Corpsman 1st Class Gutman provided treatment to the wounded and dying at some of the bloodiest battles throughout the European and Pacific theaters including the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.

Mr. Gutman, now 93 years old, still vividly remembers when his unit landed on Utah Beach 75 years ago on June 6, 1944. With bullets flying, bombs exploding, and men dying all around him, Corpsman Gutman helped all he could, giving shots of morphine, applying bandages and tourniquets and providing words of comfort to soldiers who died in his arms.

What he thought was going to be ``a piece of cake'' turned into an ``absolute nightmare.'' Following the honors of D-Day, he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder for 66 years before seeking treatment.

Mr. Gutman wrote a book about his experience titled One Veteran's Journey to Heal the Wounds of War. In the book, he describes the impact the war had on his life: ``My experiences had changed my outlook on my life and the world. I went into the war with a fervor to fight for my country and protect our freedom, but the experience had been nothing like what I thought when I signed up to join the Navy. Back at home, I thought constantly of the men that had died overseas. I wondered how and why I survived.'' His story also has been documented by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Today, Mr. Gutman shares his story with other veterans as a public speaker. He uses his personal experiences to help veterans overcome the struggles of PTSD by encouraging them to seek support.

Mr. Gutman has also valuably served California's 46th Congressional District by interacting with our Youth Congressional Leaders and leading the flag salute for our Service Academy and other events.

Recently, Mr. Gutman traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of a Veterans Honor Flight to visit the various war memorials and honor the service and sacrifices of all military veterans.

On the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Mr. Gutman has returned to France for the first time to take part in a documentary film about the pivotal invasion, which paved the way for an Allied victory one year later.

Mr. Gutman's valiant service to both his country and fellow veterans has made him an invaluable part of his community. He is an inspiration to our community who has undoubtedly bettered the lives he touches. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing Mr. Jack Gutman, a true American hero who continues to serve his country and community.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Command Sergeant Major Brad Semonell, who served in the United States Army for 26 years as a master parachute jumper, Intelligence Officer, and a great leader.

Mr. Semonell was born in Cleveland, Ohio and ice skated throughout his childhood, earning a Silver medal at the state-level. Ice skating gave Mr. Semonell the athleticism and skills that helped to propel him to excellence in his military career when he enlisted at 18.

Mr. Semonell became part of the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division. He then began Jump School at Ft. Benning and quickly became Squad Leader, eventually working his way up to become Platoon Sergeant. Mr. Semonell's military career was also marked by the significant role he played as an Intelligence Officer for the elite Army Special Forces in Vietnam and in East Germany while the Cuban Missile Crisis was unfolding. Throughout the 1960s, Mr. Semonell continued to serve and lead, advancing to Sergeant Major rank.

In 1973 , Mr. Semonell earned his Canadian Jumping Wings by taking part in the first joint exercise with the Canadians since 1943. In 1977, Mr. Semonell was promoted to Command Sergeant Major and retired from the Army in 1979. Over his career, Mr. Semonell made over five- hundred parachute jumps. In one jump, Mr. Semonell severely injured his shoulder and neck; he still deals with the pain.

Mr. Semonell's great strides and sacrifices for our nation have not gone unnoticed. He has earned numerous awards and recognitions including the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, various Good Conduct Medals, Army Reserve Components Achievements Medals, and many more.

After the Army, Mr. Semonell earned his General Contractor's License and started his own successful business, S & S Construction, with his son.

In 2000, Mr. Semonell retired. Today, he is the dedicated Sergeant- at-Arms for the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 291. He resides in his Anaheim home of over 40 years.

Command Sergeant Major Brad Semonell embodies the leadership and sacrifice our great nation is built upon. I am proud to honor his military career and service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2083) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 regarding the procurement of certain items related to national security interests for Department of Homeland Security frontline operational components, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2083, the Homeland Procurement Reform Act, or HOPR.

I am proud to have introduced this bipartisan legislation to reform the way the Department of Homeland Security procures uniforms and protective equipment for its personnel. The aim is to improve the quality of uniforms and equipment issued to Department frontline personnel by encouraging the procurement of domestically sourced uniform items.

Today, DHS has more than 60,000 uniformed men and women. Less than half of those uniforms are made here in the United States. Under this legislation, at least a third of DHS funds spent on uniforms are to be used to purchase goods manufactured by American small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, my bill is good for homeland security, and it is good for small American businesses.

Additionally, in response to concerns expressed by frontline personnel about how quickly they exhaust their annual uniform allowances, my bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take a hard look at the adequacy of the allowances. In studying the issue, the Secretary is required to determine what improvements can be made to the current allowances and what impacts the current allowances have had on employee morale and retention.

H.R. 2083 is endorsed by the Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition and the National Border Patrol Council, and it passed out of committee unanimously.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee and Representative Mast from Florida for their contributions to and support of this legislation.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the goal of ensuring that at least a third of all uniforms and protective equipment is provided by American small businesses, this bill also addresses concerns expressed by DHS frontline personnel.

Component personnel often deplete their annual uniform allowances before the conclusion of the year and have experienced delays in receiving basic uniform items, such as duty shirts, belts, and socks. H.R. 2083 would put DHS on a path to improving its processes and delivery of uniform items for its vital frontline personnel.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that will ensure that the men and women protecting our Nation have the best equipment that they can.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their support of this process, and once again, I ask for their support.

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