Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Banales who has been a longtime community leader and organizer in the interfaith partnerships and the Chicano culture.

Through his career, he has worked with both Chicano and Muslim community activists who have been committed to preserving their cultures and helping improve their neighborhoods to make them a better place.

As chairman of the Hispanic Business Council of Santa Barbara, he helped local businesses adapt to modern technology, plan for the future, and succeed.

In 2001, he became a member of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara, where he eventually became key to the development and construction of a local mosque.

Today, Frank sits on the board of the Interfaith Initiative of Santa Barbara County, and Frank continues to give and give and give to make his community much, much better.

I thank Frank for a lifetime of commitment.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the memory of one of my constituents, Dolores Owens.

She came to Santa Ana 60 years ago when she married Dewey Flournoy, and together they raised five boys. After Dewey's passing, Dolores later married Neddie Owens and continued to build a life rooted in love, family, and faith in Santa Ana.

Dolores was a strong and active woman, always cooking for her family, even at the age of 92. She had a deep love for the word of God and a heart for giving, donating to community. Whenever she found anybody in need, she would give, no questions asked. She was a true example of a strong woman and a loving mother who took care of everybody in her community.

Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with her family.

Recognizing the 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in my district, Xiong Yi.

Xiong's app, MathFluent, helps students understand math by transforming complicated equations into helpful visualized stories. Users can input an equation or a problem, and MathFluent will generate a story or art piece that helps explain the solution.

Xiong is a student at Fairmont Prep Academy in my home city of Anaheim, and he is a perfect example of how the 21st century students are incorporating technology into their educational experience.

Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Xiong on a well-deserved honor.

January 6 Five-Year Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, I was on this floor when insurrectionists stormed the Capitol to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power.

On this anniversary, I remember the brave Capitol police officers who put their lives on the line to protect not only Members of Congress but America's democracy. Today, in 2026, political violence continues to threaten the fabric of our society and of our country.

I hope as we reflect back on January 6 that we look at those memories as a lesson that we have to stand together and we have to fight, not with violence, but with debate, looking at each other with understanding the way we have done in this great democratic country for over 250 years.

That night of January 6, it was both Republicans and Democrats that came together after the insurrection that night to make sure we completed the peaceful transfer of power and make sure that democracy continued to reign in America.

Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed the following votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted accordingly: YEA on Roll Call No. 333, Motion to Recommit on H.R. 3668, and YEA on Roll Call No. 334, Passage of H.R. 3668, Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act.

Personal Explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, who, after 8 years as chief, will be retiring.

While at Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Fennessy led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and through the Bond, Silverado, and Blue Ridge fires. He was named by the Orange County Register as one of the most influential individuals in Orange County in 2020.

After his retirement, Chief Fennessy will now assume the director role in the newly created U.S. Wildland Fire Service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Fennessy for his commitment to keeping Orange County safe. He will be missed. I congratulate him on his retirement.

recognizing anaheim police chief rick armendariz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anaheim Police Chief Rick Armendariz, who, after 30 years at Anaheim Police, will be retiring from law enforcement.

In 2019, Chief Armendariz joined the Anaheim Police Department. During his time as chief, Chief Armendariz championed community engagement, worked with local schools, and pushed to improve conditions and resources for Anaheim's homeless population.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Armendariz for keeping our community safe, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.

honoring james t. poston

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jamie'' T. Poston, a proud American and Vietnam combat veteran who has dedicated his life to serving our great country.

Jamie entered the United States Army in 1966, deploying to Vietnam as a Mustang crew chief.

Today, at 80 years young, Jamie remains a pillar of support for our local veterans. Every Thursday, he volunteers at the military diversion court in Santa Ana. He attends bimonthly veteran treatment court meetings, and he drives fellow veterans to recovery groups. He makes sure that no one walks their journey alone.

Jamie Poston represents the very best of our veterans and Vietnam war veterans--courage in war, compassion in peace, and service that never ends.

recognizing 75th anniversary of orange county water district

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 75th anniversary of the Municipal Water District of Orange County. For 75 years, MWDOC has been our county's water supplier.

In Orange County, they have been critical to delivering emergency preparedness, water use efficiency, and public education. From working with local Scout groups to supporting investments in our future water supply reliability, MWDOC has truly impacted every life in Orange County.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate MWDOC on its 75th anniversary.

recognizing le dinh luong

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the birthday of Vietnamese human rights defender Le Dinh

Luong. Mr. Le is a peaceful activist and a prisoner of conscience.

In 2018, he was persecuted for campaigning for compensation for Vietnamese fishermen affected by the Formosa environmental disaster. Mr. Le is not the first Vietnamese individual to be persecuted by the Vietnamese Government for speaking in support of the victims of the Formosa environmental disaster.

I am committed, Mr. Speaker, to working with the State Department to work with the Vietnamese Government for an end to Mr. Le's solitary confinement, to allow him to practice his religion in prison, to allow him to receive appropriate medical care, and, finally, to consider his early release.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize two Thanksgiving food drives held in my district last week.

First, Santa Ana's Nicholas Academic Centers hosted a food drive for students and their families to pick up groceries and Thanksgiving meals to enjoy during the holidays.

The second is, in Anaheim, the YMCA joined forces with the legendary Frank Garcia to host the annual We Give Thanks food drive.

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and donations, thousands of Orange County families had a Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

Recognizing Anaheim High's Flag Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Anaheim High School girls' flag football championship win.

Earlier this month, the Anaheim girls' flag football team brought home their first-ever division championship. Thanks to their strong defense, aggressive offense, and dedicated coaching staff, the Colonists again earned a well-fought victory.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Anaheim, which has again made us proud.

Recognizing Max Madrid's Retirement

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the retirement of my very good friend and longtime staff member, Mr. Max Madrid.

Max has worked for me as a field rep since I started in Congress and, before that, when I worked in the State senate.

Max is a Navy veteran, a Vietnam war veteran who served our country for 20 years in the Navy. Today, Max is again retiring from public service.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Max, even though I don't really think he is retiring, and I thank him for his good work.

Honoring Gilbert Avina

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and memory of Anaheim's true son, Gilbert Avina.

A graduate of Anaheim High School, he went on to dedicate 32 years of service to the city of Anaheim. Gilbert also served as the president of the Anaheim Car Club, where he gave back to the community that meant so much to him.

Above all, Gilbert's heart belonged to his family. Married to his beloved wife, Teresa, he was a father, stepfather, and proud grandfather. His kindness, strength, humor, and work ethic touched all of us.

Mr. Speaker, Gilbert will be missed.

Sharing Sonia Talavera's Story

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns over how healthcare costs are rising in our communities and how they are impacting our communities back home.

Today, I want to share the story of Sonia. Sonia is an elderly and disabled individual who relies on disability retirement and Social Security to get by.

Today, she can't afford a full-time caregiver, so her son is taking over to take care of her on a full-time basis. I have to ask, how long can her son take care of Sonia? Is this how we are meant to take care of our seniors in this country?

Sonia's story is not unique. Without renewing the Affordable Care Act tax credits, millions of Americans could face the same situation that Sonia is facing today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Sonia for sharing her story.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate four Orange County schools named 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools. The honorees include Oxford Academy, Troy High School, Orange Lutheran High, and Tustin Memorial.

These schools were selected for their exceptional academic performance or progress in closing the opportunity gap.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all the students, teachers, administrators, and staff who have worked very hard to make Orange County schools great places and the best places to learn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II veteran, Korean war veteran, and my neighbor, Howard Koch.

This year, Howard turned 100 years old. I wish a happy birthday to Howard.

Howard grew up in Oakland, California, and spent his childhood traveling in the Sierra Nevada mountains to ski and to learn survival skills. They were skills that he would later use in World War II. He joined the Army's 10th Mountain Division and climbed Riva Ridge, where he attacked German troops hidden deep within Italy's mountains.

He was promoted to first lieutenant at just 20 years old.

After World War II, he returned home to California and earned his degree at UC Berkeley.

Howard Koch is a member of the Greatest Generation.

Honoring Maria Esperanza Castro

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 25 years of dedicated service by Maria Esperanza Castro.

Maria studied medicine in Mexico before finding her true passion and calling at the Regional Center of Orange County, where she changed the lives of many families.

She was the voice that families met as they sought support for a loved one with developmental disabilities. For 25 years, she was a guiding advocate and a trusted source of information for these families.

I congratulate Maria on her retirement.

Recognizing Efrain Solis

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Santa Ana's finest, Efrain Solis, who is currently performing with the New York Metropolitan Opera.

The son of Mexican immigrants, Efrain grew up learning to sing at Saddleback High School. He attended Chapman University and was the first in his family to obtain a college degree.

Efrain has performed all over the country, and Santa Ana is proud to have one of our own performing on the New York stage.

I congratulate Efrain.

Honoring William Chan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my neighbor and World War II veteran, Bill Chan.

Bill was born in China and came to the United States as a young student. At 19, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the USS Mississippi during World War II. According to Bill, he was the only Chinese American on that ship, the USS Mississippi.

Bill then retired to Orange County, where he still lives today. Bill, I would say, is a true example of our Greatest Generation: an immigrant willing to put his life on the line for his new country.

Honoring the Life of Rudy Cordova

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rudy Cordova, a beloved member of our Santa Ana community and my good friend.

Born and raised in Santa Ana, Rudy was a proud graduate of Saddleback High School, and he was a soccer dad. He was my daughter's soccer coach.

Rudy dedicated his life to celebrating Chicano culture through art, food, and more. Under his guidance, the Santa Ana Dia de los Muertos became one of the biggest events in Orange County.

I thank Rudy for all he has done for the city of Santa Ana and for our community. We are going to miss him. Our prayers are with his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Rudy Cordova, a beloved figure in Santa Ana whose spirit, vision, and generosity left a profound mark on our city and the 46th Congressional District. Rudy was a community builder. He believed in the power of culture, art, and connection to bring people together. He created space for artists, for creativity, and for community to flourish. His work gave life to possibilities for those who may have otherwise gone unseen or unheard. His voice became the voice of those around him.

Rudy lived as a proud ``Santanero,'' someone rooted in the place and people he loved deeply. He drew people in by opening doors, literally and figuratively, to opportunities, gatherings, dialogue, and artistic expression.

The canvas of his life was colored by commitment to cultural heritage, to mutual respect, and to inclusion of everyone in our community.

His legacy will be measured in the moments of human connections he fostered. The young artist who found a gallery wall because of him. The neighbor who found a place at the table because he made it available. The community that felt supported and heard.

As we commemorate Rudy's legacy, let us also commit ourselves to carry forward his vision of open-hearted community and to serve with the same kindness and courage that Rudy embodied. In the days ahead, may we honor his memory by continuing the work he started--by making room, by creating connection, and by telling our stories together.

Rudy Cordova may no longer be with us in person, but his presence lives on in the lives he touched, the art he nurtured, the community he strengthened, and the promise he gave to every person who dared to imagine a better tomorrow.

Let us remember him, celebrate him, and act in his spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of my good neighbor, Dan Oldewage, another one of our Greatest Generation.

Dan began serving our country as a B-24 Liberator nose gunner with the U.S. Army in World War II. Just a few years later, he was again called to serve our great country, this time in the Korean war.

On a bombing mission over Korea, his plane was hit by enemy fire, and the crew was forced to parachute over enemy territory. Dan was captured by the North Korean army, where he was tortured for 30 months. He survived and returned to the United States in 1953. At that time, he moved to Orange County, where his family has lived since then.

Today, I wish Dan a happy birthday and thank him for his service to our great country.

Celebrating Lowrider Culture

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate ``Lowrider Culture in the United States,'' a traveling exhibition that is currently on display in the city of Anaheim.

Lowriding is a Latino tradition that has been alive in this country since the 1940s. This car restoration tradition captures a blend of Latino soul, creativity, and perseverance. This new exhibit by the Smithsonian tells the stories of Mexican Americans in the United States since World War II.

From the beginning, Mexican Americans have always been part of this great country and our great national history. I invite everyone to visit the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim to celebrate this great culture.

Recognizing Beth Martinko

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beth Martinko for her advocacy for people with disabilities on Medicaid.

Beth's son, Josh, is an adult with severe autism who relies on Medicaid programs for medication and support. She asks all of us not to cut Medicaid.

Beth moved her family from Maryland to Anaheim not just because her son loves Disneyland but also because of California's visionary healthcare programs.

Beth is her son's primary caregiver and knows just how devastating Medicaid cuts would be to her and her son. In her words, she fears that her son will ``fall out of the network and die.''

I call on my colleagues to join me in defending these programs that so many of our constituents rely on, on a day-to-day basis.

Recognizing Katrina Joy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Katrina Joy for winning the National Education Association Foundation's 2025 Award for Teaching Excellence.

Ms. Joy has taught at Magnolia High School in Anaheim for 20 years. At Magnolia, she is active both inside and outside the classroom in helping students become better citizens.

Ms. Joy has always encouraged students to give back to their communities. Recently, her students built a pop-up library to help more students in the community have access to library books.

During the pandemic, she founded the nonprofit Magnolia SAFE to address food insecurity and other basic needs of Magnolia High School students and the surrounding community. She has also raised more than $100,000 since March 2020.

I thank Ms. Joy, Teacher Joy, for being a role model in our community, and I congratulate her on an honor well-deserved.

Madam Speaker, I strongly oppose this measure. Let me repeat: Reentry into this country is already a felony.

Bottom line, if you are a hardcore criminal, with or without documents, you should be fried, period. The one thing about this bill that is lacking is simply this: We don't talk about the big magnet. What is the big magnet for people coming into this country? Jobs.

People come to work. We need the workers. Wisconsin dairy farmers, up to 90 percent of those dairy workers at those Wisconsin dairies are undocumented. Undocumented workers are in manufacturing. They are farmworkers. They are in food processing. Who takes care of our seniors? Mainly, undocumented workers.

I ask my colleagues, is there anything in this bill going out to the employers? What about when those undocumented are deported and come back to the U.S.? Do you say to those employers: You are going to be doubled down, double felony, and you are going to go to prison for life?

That is the big issue here. Who is going to do those jobs?

I ask my colleagues on the other side, let's work on immigration reform. Let's get some visas going for these workers. Instead, the situation we have right now, we tell employers to go ahead and hire an undocumented because they don't have any others to hire. That is the only way they stay in business, but when they do that, they are essentially breaking the law.

Give them the other option. Mr. Employer, fire those undocumented, and guess what? They will go out of business. That is the scenario we have right now.

Let me conclude by telling a story about my district, as well. Mr. Barranco, 25 years in this country, not a traffic ticket to his name, was at the Home Depot doing what he is supposed to do: buy parts and do a job. He got picked up by ICE. His son called me.

This man has three sons, and all three are serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Alejandro just finished, honorable discharge. The two others are still in the Marine Corps in California.

What do you tell the American public when you tell them that the father of three marines who took an oath to defend this country, to make the ultimate sacrifice for this country, we are deporting their father because he is a criminal?

I asked Alejandro if, at Camp Pendleton, there are other marines in his situation. He said yes. There are plenty of marines there serving our Nation--

Madam Speaker, there are many marines right now whose parents are undocumented who are ready to lay down their lives for this country.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, let's work on immigration reform. This does nothing to strengthen our country or our national defense. It hurts our economy. Why are we going down this path?

Let's get serious about immigration reform. Let's pass some laws that enable workers to work legally and let employers hire these workers legally, as well.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate my good friend, Tom Kiesla, who is retiring from a long career in the City of Orange.

Tom started in 1986 as a reserve police officer with the Orange Police Department. He worked his way up to officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and then chief of police.

Tom retired from the Orange Police Department in 2021 and was then appointed to become the interim city manager for the City of Orange. Under his leadership, the city's economy boomed and community outreach grew.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Tom for always being there for the citizens, for the community of the City of Orange. I congratulate him on a well- deserved retirement, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Tom.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 90th birthday of Irmgard Hermann Davis.

Irmgard grew up in Germany during World War II. After the war, she came to visit her sister in Garden Grove, California, my district, where her life changed forever.

She met Wally Davis. They got married and had seven beautiful children. She never returned to Germany. Wally Davis was one of Orange County's first Hispanic attorneys and a civil rights icon. Irmgard was always there for him, and she was the story behind Wally's success.

I wish Irmgard a happy birthday. We love her and look forward to her next few birthdays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 102nd birthday of a World War II veteran, Phillip Ramos. He is part of the Greatest Generation.

He served in the U.S. Army Corps from 1942 to 1945. Then he returned home and served on local nonprofits. He served on the L.A. United Way and the Cal State University advisory board. He then served as a council member, planning commissioner, and treasurer for the city of Montebello.

Phillip shows what it is to be part of the Greatest Generation. He fought World War II with honor and then returned home to build this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I wish Phil Ramos a happy birthday and many more.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight my young neighbor, Kendall Pierson, who just graduated summa cum laude, which means really good grades, from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana.

Kendall was a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Foundation, and the National Art Honor Society. She was a dedicated member of her high school's basketball team that finished seventh in the Nation.

Outside the classroom, Kendall volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and supported the Deaf Mass in Orange County. Clearly, Kendall is a role model to all of us.

Kendall will be attending the University of Utah this fall to study business. We are going to miss her, but I know, and her Grandma Catherine knows, that she is going to be back after she finishes at the University of Utah.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Kendall on her graduation.

Celebrating Consul Audrey Rivera

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible service of Dr. Audrey Rivera Gomez, head consul of the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana.

For years, she has served the Mexican community in southern California. Under her leadership, the consulate has promoted educational, cultural, and preventive programs to keep young people from being addicted to fentanyl.

Dr. Rivera Gomez has supported countless Mexican women entrepreneurs and Mexican immigrant-owned businesses. She won Woman of the Year 2025 for her dedication to the immigrant community.

Madam Speaker, we are going to miss her in Santa Ana, but we know at her next post she will continue to be successful.

honoring rick whittington

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Rick Whittington and his valuable service to our community and our Nation.

Mr. Whittington was a U.S. Navy veteran and served as a member of the Seabees during the Vietnam war. He made honorable contributions to the fight as a member of a construction unit, and he never forgot the dark moments of the Vietnam war.

In fact, when he returned home from Vietnam, he was one of those individuals who was harassed by the anti-Vietnam war protesters. Yet, he kept his resolve and always remembered the pride of serving America.

Mr. Whittington is most proud of the work he has done as a civilian helping our Nation safely dispose of nuclear waste through his innovative products.

I thank Mr. Whittington for his service and his contribution to our community.

recognizing jim oregel

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and fellow Anaheim High School alumnus, Jimmy Oregel, for a life of dedication to the city of Anaheim and to Anaheim High School.

At St. Boniface, where we both attend, he helped found the Orange County Congregation Community.

We are both diehard Anaheim High School football fans, and at Anaheim, he served as a sports team manager. Upon graduation, Jimmy joined the football booster club and took over as president in 1976, and he has held that position.

Jimmy was inducted into the Anaheim High School Hall of Fame in 2008. Please join me in recognizing Jimmy's life of service to Anaheim High School and to the city of Anaheim community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again stress the need for immigration reform in this country.

Just last week, back home, one of my taxpaying constituents, Narciso Barranco, was picked up by who I believe were ICE agents--they were masked--and is now sitting in an ICE holding facility in Los Angeles. Videos show him being punched by masked Federal agents, unprovoked.

Narciso Barranco has lived in my district for 25 years or more and doesn't have a traffic ticket to his name. More importantly, he has three sons--three sons--all serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Speaker, we make movies about families like this. He has three sons who are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for this great Nation, and, instead, he is being held in custody in an ICE facility in Los Angeles.

Our Federal agents should be taking criminals off of our streets, not gentlemen like this.

I pray that Mr. Barranco's case is a wake-up call for all of us for immigration reform.