Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Huy Tuong Tran, a dedicated Vietnamese activist, teacher, and community leader.

Mr. Huy Tuong Tran was born in 1969 in Buon Me Thuot, Vietnam. At the age of 12, as a result of the Fall of Saigon, Mr. Tran escaped by boat from Vietnam with his father.

His refugee experience sparked his passion in political, social, and educational advocacy for Vietnamese Americans and social justice community issues. Specifically, he participated in Project Ngoc, a student-led humanitarian organization that worked to support Vietnamese refugees detained in camps in Southeast Asia, and co-founded the Vietnamese American Coalition (VAC) at the University of California, Irvine where he went to college.

Mr. Tran graduated with a B.A degree in Political Science, and later with a M.S. degree in Educational Technology. He became a teacher at Orangeview Junior High School in 1995, where he taught U.S. History, World History, and Math for 23 years. During his tenure, he also served as an Associated Student Body (ASB) Advisor, yearbook advisor, a California Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment (BTSA) Provider, a tennis and basketball coach, and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator. His dedication to students, his colleagues, and his profession earned him many recognitions, including Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013 for Orangeview Junior High School and Teacher of the Year for the Anaheim Union High School District in January 2018.

In addition to his teaching career, Mr. Tran was a charismatic community activist and compassionate leader. He hosted the TaChat show on Saigon TV, emceed for Viet Film Fest and the Children's Moon Festival Drawing Contest with the Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association (VAALA), and volunteered with numerous community organizations. Most importantly, Mr. Tran was a loving and kind husband, father, son, brother, and an inspirational leader who contributed to his community in countless ways. His significant impact and legacy will be remembered and continued for many generations.

Mr. Speaker, since January 2013, veteran unemployment decreased from just under 8 percent to where it is now at 2.7 percent-- the lowest levels since 2001. Despite the progress, barriers to childcare services still exist for low-income and homeless veterans who are seeking employment.

Currently, it is optional for the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide childcare assistance under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E). This means VA is not required to provide childcare assistance even if a veteran qualifies for assistance. According to the VA, during Fiscal Year (FY) 2017, over 131,000 veterans participated in the VR&E Program of which an estimated 43,000 of those veteran participants had one or more child dependents. Of the 131,000 veterans who participated in VR&E Program, only 17 veterans received childcare assistance. In FY2016, 12 veterans received child care assistance.

That is why, today, I am introducing the Veteran Employment and Child Care Access Act, which would expand child care services and enable veterans who are participating in VA and Department of Labor workforce development, job training, job placement services, or vocational rehabilitation programs to access childcare services while they participate. Specifically, this bill would make mandatory for VA and DOL to provide childcare services to eligible veteran who are participating in job training or vocational rehabilitation programs.

This is the same bill that Senator Tammy Duckworth--a veteran and hero--introduced in the Senate. I am proud our legislation will ensure that veterans have access to affordable childcare services when they most need it. This bill will provide much needed childcare services to low-income and homeless veterans working towards finding a good and stable job.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carlos Chairez for his exceptional service to his community and his country.

Mr. Chairez valiantly served his country during World War II as a Private First Class in the United States Army. Mr. Chairez served in the European Theater of war as a member of General Patton's Third Army, Fourth Armored Division. As the war came to a close, his division was converted into the peacekeeping constabulary force. With great confidence and great strength, Mr. Chairez helped create victory and a better world.

Mr. Chairez embraced his country in a time of great need. He went into a perilous domain and fought to preserve democracy and install freedom. He helped to bring peace to a region torn apart by the ravages of war.

Mr. Chairez has been happily married for almost 70 years to his wife Margarita, has 4 children, and 7 grandchildren. His love for his family and country is unparalleled and I deeply admire his dedication, charisma, and willpower. He is an outstanding role model for us all. I am honored and privileged to thank such an extraordinary man. I hope he continues to be a reminder to us all to never forget no sacrifice is too great or small.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of a remarkable member of my staff and a remarkable member of my community, Bob Banuelos, who passed away suddenly last week.

Bob spent over 30 years working for the people of Orange County. Before joining my team, he also worked for my predecessor, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

Bob had deep roots in our community. He grew up on a small family farm in Fountain Valley and was a long-time member of the Orange County political environment.

Bob worked for the less fortunate throughout his community, and he was a friend to everybody he met.

Bob was also the first Native American candidate to run for Congress in Orange County in 1992, and he came close to winning. He changed Orange County politics forever.

I am saddened by his passing. He devoted his life to making Orange County a better place for everybody to live. We will all miss him, and we will never forget him.

Mr. Speaker, I stand on this floor to speak about our Dreamers.

Again, I must ask very simply: What happened?

For months, Washington refused to pass a budget. We had many continuing resolutions. Again, one of the issues was Dreamers.

After spending caps were raised for both military and nonmilitary expenditures, we got a budget and both Democrats and Republicans voted for that budget. Yet, still, no action for the Dreamers.

Eighty percent of the public wants a fix. We recognize that Dreamers are soldiers, teachers, police officers. They are our friends. They are our neighbors. The President has said he wants also a fix to the Dreamer issue, yet here we are again, one more time, and, again, the Dreamers face a very uncertain future.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to stop using Dreamers as pawns in a bigger political chess game. At the State of the Union Address here on this floor, my guest was a Dreamer, a young lady studying chemistry at one of my local universities. She wants to be a scientist, and I know she is going to be a very good scientist. That is what chemistry majors do.

You know, America is the land of immigrants, and we have many, many hardworking immigrants. That is what Dreamers are. They work hard. They study hard. They pay taxes. They follow the law. They have been fully vetted. Yet, today, again, we ask: What happened to the Dreamers?

I ask my colleagues, let's give Dreamers the opportunity to earn the American Dream. Let's give them the opportunity to earn citizenship. And let's not live with regrets. Let's not look back 20, 30 years from now and say what we could have, should have, would have. Now is the time to act.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring up the Dream Act to the floor and give relief to almost a million young people who want nothing but to earn the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor Harry Oliver, also known by his rank as Senior Chief, an exemplary constituent who I am immensely proud to represent. Mr. Oliver is retiring for the second time, after serving in the United States Navy for 23 years and then serving our nation's youth for another 20 years. Mr. Oliver is retiring as a teacher and NJROTC instructor for Santa Ana High School, as well as carrying his Senior Chief military rank. Though his teaching journey is coming to an end, the impact he has made will live on forever.

Mr. Oliver is a teacher in every sense of the word. He carries the qualities that every teacher should strive for--dedication, genuine interest, and being a role model for all his students. His time in the Navy unearthed his passion for guiding future generations as a Company Commander, teaching Damage Control

to over 10,000 new recruits. His understanding and natural talent for helping recruits develop into their best selves led to his astounding success. It was after this time that he retired from the Navy to be with his wife and four children. After a short stint working for a delivery company, Mr. Oliver was inspired to become a teacher again and sought the Santa Ana High School NJROTC program. His dedicated focus on his students became evident to all that witnessed him teach. He was not only a teacher, but a mentor, friend, and at times even a father figure to his students. It is because he genuinely loved his students that they loved him. While working with Santa Ana High School's NJROTC unit for almost 21 years, he helped develop one of the most distinguished units in the country. They received numerous awards including ``Distinguished Unit'' for 17 years in a row, ``Most Improved Unit,'' and honored as one of the top 5 NJROTC units in the nation.

Mr. Oliver has enriched the lives of everyone he encounters and is a pillar of his community. His time in both the Navy and NJROTC will be remembered, and we are saddened to see him leave. His actions deeply impact all his students who will carry on his legacy. Even though he is retiring, he will continue to be a teacher, leading by example and demonstrating the best qualities of a life lived in service. I am truly honored to recognize Mr. Oliver today for his service in the U.S. military and for improving and guiding the lives of future generations.

Mr. Speaker, the month of March celebrates Women's History Month. As a proud father, I am honored to recognize Latinas this month and believe in the importance of investing in the next generation of Latinas.

One in six women in the United States is a Latina. There are currently over 27 million Latina women living in the United States. Latinas are vital contributing members of our American society through their work in business, education, science and technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, the military, and public service at all levels of government.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor Latina women and their history. Therefore, today, I am introducing a resolution on International Women's Day, March 8, 2018, that celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America on their One-hundred fiftieth Anniversary for their outstanding and unparalleled service to the United States.

The Elks started their charitable organization on February 16th, 1868. Since then they have grown nationwide creating and advocating for different services to our communities by advocating their mission to include the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government.

The Elks are committed to America's Promise, an alliance of organizations building a better future for our youth through our Scholarship Program, the Hoop Shoot free throw program, and our Drug Awareness Program.

The Elks have pledged NOT to forget our nation's veterans . Each year we visit VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics and State Veterans Homes providing companionship and enhancing their level of comfort.

The Elks also adopt by state its own charitable project. These include summer camps for children with disabilities or who are financially disadvantaged; in-home treatment for people with disabilities; children's hospitals; cancer research; and providing safe, temporary heavens for abused families.

Mr. Speaker, The Order of the Elks have become cornerstones in their individual communities all throughout the United States. These lodges are a source of knowledge, expertise and leadership for our communities, and I once again congratulate them on their momentous milestone.

Mr. Speaker, in January, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rescinded the Cole Memorandum, a directive which has provided a framework for states to pursue reasonable regulation of cannabis. DOJ's ill-conceived decision adversely affects states, including the State of California, that have in ``good faith'' implemented regulatory frameworks, relying on the memo.

In November 2016, the people of California spoke up and voted in favor of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis, joining seven states in our nation in making recreational cannabis legal. Currently, those laws are being implemented. The recent action by the Attorney General puts the industry in jeopardy.

The State of California has the sixth largest economy in the world and accounts for almost 15 percent of our nation's Gross Domestic Product. Given the implementation of tax reform and elimination of State and Local Tax deductions in the coming year, coupled with our limited federal budget due to sequestration, California and other states will experience funding shortfalls that need to be addressed. The economic constraints being placed on California will slow down our economy, but marijuana sales taxes will help provide stability and be a mechanism used to fill the funding gaps. By 2020, marijuana sales taxes are estimated to potentially reach $1 billion annually in revenue for California.

To date, eight states have legalized recreational cannabis and twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia--which represent more than half of the American population--have enacted legislation to permit the use of medical marijuana. The repeal of the Cole Memo contravenes the will of the American public. Furthermore, this decision will negatively affect numerous Americans who utilize marijuana for medical purposes.

Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Sensible Enforcement of Cannabis Act with Representative Gaetz. This legislation will prohibit the Attorney General from prosecuting individuals for any conduct that concerns medicinal cannabis or recreational use of cannabis in states that have authorized cannabis laws. The bill would also include exceptions in which the Attorney General would be able to prosecute such cases involving the distribution of cannabis to minors, among others.

Mr. Speaker, the Department of Defense provides exceptional training and experiences to our nation's servicemembers. For each occupation in the military, servicemembers undergo a series of formal military training courses.

For years, the American Council on Education (ACE) has evaluated that training and related experiences to provide colleges and universities with guidelines and recommendations to consider when awarding credit for such training. For instance, ACE may recommend that colleges award one semester credit hour of first aid for a soldier who has taken basic combat training.

Since 2013, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard have produced the Joint Services Transcript (JST), an official documentation of a servicemember's military training and their corresponding ACE credit recommendations. The JST allows veterans to earn college credit for their military service, helping them attain a college degree sooner.

While the document is available through an online portal, there are reports of servicemembers leaving the military unaware of the JST.

Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Facilitating Veterans' Education Act, which directs the Department of Defense to issue the Joint Services Transcript to servicemembers separating from the Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, again, I stand on this floor to speak about the Dreamers, and this time I ask a simple question: What happened?

For months here in Washington, we couldn't pass a budget; we refused to pass a budget. Numerous continuing resolutions were brought up. We even shut down government, and the press talked about the Dreamers. It was all about the Dreamers.

Yet, last week, after the budget spending caps were raised for both military and nonmilitary expenditures, we got a budget, and that was a budget that was voted on by both Democrats and Republicans. So, I guess, ladies and gentlemen, this was not about the Dreamers because we still don't have a fix for the Dreamers.

Yet 80 percent of our public supports a fix for the Dreamers; 80 percent of our public supports a pathway to citizenship for our Dreamers; and even our President wants a fix for the Dreamers.

Why? Because all of us recognize that Dreamers are soldiers, teachers, police officers. They are, effectively, our friends and our neighbors. Yet here we are again today, not sure of the future for Dreamers in this country.

Folks, it is time to stop using Dreamers as political pawns in a bigger political chess game.

Last week, at the State of the Union, my guest was a Dreamer from my district. She is a college student majoring in chemistry, and I say to all of you, she is going to make a tremendous scientist. We need scientists in this country.

As you know, America is a land of immigrants, and all of us here are immigrants, and, as you know, 75 of our Fortune 500 companies are led by immigrants. We need more hardworking immigrants.

That is what Dreamers are. They are hardworking. They study hard, pay their taxes, follow the law, and, yes, ladies and gentlemen, Dreamers have been vetted. Let me repeat: Dreamers are immigrants who have been vetted. And yet today we still ask: What is going to happen to Dreamers?

Mr. Speaker, let's not live with any regrets. Let's not look back tomorrow, next year, 10, 20 years from now and say what we could have, should have, would have. Let's do the right thing, Mr. Speaker. Now is the time to act. Let's vote for our Dreamers. Let's vote on H.R. 3440, and let's do the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today and honor Irma Hernandez, a constituent I am immensely proud of Mrs. Hernandez is retiring after serving the public for 36 years and serving the city of Orange for nearly 20 years. Mrs. Hernandez is retiring as the Deputy City Manager, and through her career she has set an example for all future municipal employees.

Mrs. Hernandez's personal qualities fit perfectly with the duties of a city employee--easygoing and personable with all walks of life, and determined and thorough with every single task required of her. Before her time with Orange, she served for the cities of Costa Mesa, Tustin, and Garden Grove. Her proficiency in handling the finances and budget of a city, coupled with her excellent communication skills, made her the ideal candidate for Deputy City Manager. Mrs. Hernandez represented the people of the city of Orange on the Metro Cities Fire Authority, Orange County Animal Care, and the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission. Mrs. Hernandez also represented all of Orange County's cities on the 800 MHz Governance Board, where her outstanding dedication has played a major part in the advancement of our state-of- the-art public safety radio system.

Mrs. Hernandez has enriched the community she lives in, not only through her career, but also through her fundraising for various causes. These include the Veterans' Memorial in Orange, and projects for Rotary International and the Chamber of Commerce. We are saddened that Mrs. Hernandez is leaving the city of Orange, but she has earned a long and happy retirement, and we wish her the best. Mrs. Hernandez will, without a doubt, be difficult to replace, but we are so fortunate to have had her commitment and drive. She exemplifies the best aspects of a government employee. I am honored to recognize Mrs. Hernandez for the positive role she has played in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to dedicate some time to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Cruz Sarmiento, for the inspirational life he led.

Mr. Sarmiento passed away on January 29, 2018 peacefully, at the age of 95, and his life should and will be remembered. Mr. Sarmiento's life embodies this country's greatest ideals--opportunity, determination, and the American dream.

Born in Juarez, Chihuahua in 1922, Mr. Sarmiento spent his early years in both Mexico and America, but it was his dedication to family that kept him in Juarez, as he cared for his grandmother. There, he met his beloved wife, Juanita, and together they returned to the U.S. He worked diligently to provide for his family of 8 children, emphasizing the importance of education to them. After moving the family to California and performing a variety of jobs, he seized opportunity through investments and was able to retire at age 65. He and his wife flourished during this long retirement.

Mr. Sarmiento's life sets an example for all; his hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice earned him the respect of all who met him. Mr. Sarmiento could always be relied on to help others, whether he was helping coworkers fill out documents when they could not read or write in English, or when he co-founded Mayas, an organization that held dances with proceeds funding the scholarships of future students. His selflessness and dedication to all communities around him was admirable. Mr. Sarmiento is survived by his family, including his children and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family will carry on the values of his legacy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Sarmiento for the inspiring example his life has set, and I thank him for coming to America and enriching the lives of all around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Army Specialist Trevor Anthony Win'E from my district in the city of Orange, California.

Specialist Win'E was a young man of strong convictions. A few months after 9/11, he joined the Army on May 1, 2002, to serve his country. After Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he arrived at Fort Lee, Virginia for the petroleum supply specialist course. Upon his graduation from that course in October 2002, Specialist Win'E was then assigned to the 24th Quartermaster Supply Company at Fort Lewis, Washington. In November 2003, the Company, was scheduled to deploy to Iraq. At the same time, Specialist Win'E was on orders to move to South Korea but approached his commander and he asked to deploy and serve alongside his fellow soldiers in the unit. He was granted that request to continue with his unit to Iraq.

Sadly, while serving in Tikrit, his convoy was attacked by improvised explosive devices. Specialist Win'E was in the lead truck. Tragically, the following day, May 1, 2004, Specialist Win'E died from injuries sustained during that attack. He was only 22 years old.

Therefore, to honor his service to our nation, I am introducing legislation--with the support of the entire California delegation--to name the facility of the United States Postal Service located on North Tustin Street in Orange, California as the Specialist Trevor A. Win'E Post Office.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of Specialist Trevor A. Win'E by supporting my legislation to name a Post Office facility in his hometown after the young man so that his service and sacrifice may be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor one of my constituents, Mrs. Helen Shipp, for her dedicated service to the community of Orange County.

Mrs. Shipp passed away at the age of 82 on January 25, 2018, but her life and legacy will continue to vibrantly live on. Mrs. Shipp founded and organized Orange County's first Black History Parade and Cultural Faire in 1980. Mrs. Shipp dreamed of a gathering where the history, accomplishments, and culture of the African-American community would be remembered and celebrated. This quickly became Orange County's premier event for Black History Month, and Mrs. Shipp's dream was realized. Her commitment and diligence in organizing the Black History Parade has inspired many members of the community, within and outside Orange County.

Mrs. Shipp thought of the event as a gathering of old friends, where a community of neighbors and friends could better understand each other. This event also brought together many new friends. Mrs. Shipp's passion led to many prominent figures serving as grand marshals in the parade, and continually attracted crowds from diverse backgrounds. This year, the parade will be entering its 38th anniversary--this longevity is a testament to Mrs. Shipp's selfless dedication to the community.

Mrs. Shipp enjoyed a career of giving, from her parade organizing to her service working for the Head Start program, where she provided early-education for children from low-income families. Her life shows us the capability, within all members of the community, to create something that enriches the lives of their fellow Americans. Mrs. Shipp's legacy will be continued by her children, her neighbors, her friends, and all who are inspired by her life.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I would be honored to recognize and remember Mrs. Helen Shipp for her dedication to connecting and uniting people in the community. I thank her for her generosity and example. I extend my deepest condolences to her children, and the rest of her family. May God bless her soul and her family.