Floor Statements

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

My fellow Democrats and I strongly support the intent of this bill, which is to confront our global adversaries and build up an industrial manufacturing base here at home in the United States. We can't give the Communist Party of China any opportunity to undermine our homeland security, and I support the goal of this legislation to prohibit DHS from buying batteries from certain Chinese companies.

Due to a Democratic amendment to this bill in the last Congress, this prohibition was expanded to include any company using Uyghur forced labor or companies identified by the Secretary of Defense as Chinese military companies and those companies engaged in activities contrary to U.S. national security or foreign policy interests against the United States, according to the Department of Commerce.

This bill also includes Democratic language requiring DHS to produce a report on the potential impacts and costs associated with carrying out the intent of this legislation before it becomes effective. That report will help the DHS and Congress manage any unanticipated negative consequences of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Before I close, Mr. Speaker, I will note that, in the last Congress, the Senate made further improvements to this measure not reflected in this bill today. I support advancing H.R. 1166 today so that the Senate can continue to work on this measure. I also thank Mr. Gimenez for this legislation.

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

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

H.R. 1692 would once again allow the Department of Homeland Security to use other transaction authority, or OTA, for 3 years.

Despite the efforts of Democrats in the House and Senate, DHS lost its OTA authority last year because one Senator allowed it to lapse. OTA was a vital tool that enabled DHS to work with nontraditional government contractors to more quickly obtain cutting-edge emerging technologies that addressed evolving threats.

Since September 2024, the lapse in OTA, 50 projects have been disrupted, including 1 that led to identifying fraudulent documents, improving passenger screening, and enhancing disaster response.

Furthermore, 26 projects with approximately $20 million invested in them, taxpayer-invested money, are at the risk of being terminated by OTA at this time. These projects include projects such as border security, cybersecurity, counternarcotic security, and a few others.

The expiration of DHS' other transaction authority essentially will mean inefficiency and waste, things that will impede the Department's ability to develop solutions to keep our homeland safe.

It is past time, Mr. Speaker, to advance this legislation and bring back DHS' ability to develop novel homeland security technologies.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Michael Guest and Shri Thanedar for sponsoring this legislation. I urge all Members to restore other transaction authority to the Department of Homeland Security, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider Representative Carter's bill, H.R. 1374, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act, or STC. This bill is essential for enhancing cities' security against nuclear and radiological threats.

The STC program was created by the Department of Homeland Security in 2007. It began as a pilot program in high-risk cities to detect nuclear and radiological threats. Since then, it has expanded to include additional cities, offering equipment, training, technological support, and program guidance.

The program supports major events by ensuring cities are prepared for potential threats. However, its reliance on the annual Urban Area Security Initiative, or UASI, designations creates uncertainty for local governments, as the designated high-risk areas can change, and they usually do.

This bill aims to improve the program's stability and strengthen partnerships with at-risk cities by allowing the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office to select STC cities based on their preparedness capabilities rather than UASI designations.

The bill, Mr. Speaker, also establishes performance metrics, enhances oversight of expenditures, and requires DHS to report to Congress on program participation and any further changes.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Carter's leadership on this measure. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1374, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), who is the author of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking Mr. Carter for H.R. 1374. This legislation will play a critical role in ensuring that our local jurisdictions maintain the ability to detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

Without initiatives like this legislation, the STC, efforts to combat these dangers could be significantly hindered or even discontinued, putting the safety and security of our communities, taxpayers, and citizens at risk.

Passage of this legislation is very essential to preserving our national readiness and to strengthen security against emerging threats and those who would do us harm.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bharat Patel for his incredible career and contributions to our community.

In 1976, the Patel Family acquired the original Peter Pan Motor Lodge, located right across the street from Disneyland, and began renovating and expanding it to its current size. Almost 50 years later, Mr. Patel's leadership has helped transform this small business into Castle Inn & Suites, a true Anaheim staple. This charming hotel has become a popular destination for vacationing families, and is known for its castle theme, friendly staff, and Mr. Patel's own personal customer service as its owner-operator.

Mr. Patel is much more than a business leader; he is an active philanthropist and sits on the boards of Whittier College, California Lodging Industry Association, Visit Anaheim, Anaheim Transportation Network, and Chapman University. Mr. Patel is much more than a local business leader; he is an active philanthropist and a homegrown product of our community. A fellow California State University, Fullerton, alumni, he shows his dedication to our community through his work with the Anaheim Family YMCA and Anaheim Police Association.

I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Patel for the positive change he has helped create in Anaheim and Orange County, and congratulating him on being honored by Cypress College's Americana Awards as Citizen of the Year.

Our community is grateful to Mr. Patel for his leadership and contributions. I thank him for his steadfast support for our hometown-- these honors are well-deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share an incredible story of one of my constituents, a proud DACA recipient, Martha Delgado.

Raised by a single mother who worked in the fields and cleaned houses, Martha was determined to earn the American Dream. She graduated with high honors from Godinez Fundamental High School in Santa Ana and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in public health from UC Merced in 2019.

Martha's passion for innovation led her to University Lab Partners, where she helps startup companies develop groundbreaking medical devices and diagnostic devices. She helps bridge the gap between research and real-world problems.

Martha's journey is a testament to the impact our youth can have when they have the opportunity to earn the American Dream. I will not stop fighting until she and other DACA recipients have a shot to earn American citizenship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II hero and U.S. Navy Corpsman Jack Gutman, who passed away just a few days before his 99th birthday.

Jack answered the call to serve our Nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was barely 18 when he enlisted as a corpsman in the Navy. Jack defended our country in some of the most harrowing battles of the war, including bravely providing care to the wounded on the beaches of Normandy on D-day.

Years after returning home with his invisible wounds, Jack sought help through the VA and received treatment for his PTSD. His recovery inspired him to dedicate his life to help fellow veterans find the courage to seek support for their own PTSD challenges.

Sergeant Gutman's life of service to this country and his fellow veterans continues to be an inspiration for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and legacy of my good friend and American hero, Jack Gutman, part of America's Greatest Generation.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of U.S. Army Veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward

Neeley

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Army veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley.

Sergeant Neeley served our Nation proudly as a Green Beret in the elite

1st Special Forces Command, Airborne. Roy's dedication and service to our country continued after he left the military. As a civilian he worked as an operations manager.

Roy married Elaine McDonald in 1972, and together they built a life filled with love and beautiful memories.

Our community lost Sergeant Neeley on October 12, 2024, at the age of 76. His memory lives on through his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and our Orange County community.

Sergeant Neeley, thank you for your service to our country and dedication to our community. We will miss you.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remind my colleagues who Dreamers are. Dreamers and DACA recipients came to this country as young children by no fault of their own. They follow the law and pay taxes. They are nurses, teachers, police officers, and police chiefs.

There are Dreamers like Dr. Oliver Lopez, a professor of mathematics at Chapman University in my district. What America needs are more STEM degrees. What America needs are more STEM instructors. We need more people like Dr. Oliver Lopez.

Dreamers are also people like Officer Mitchell Soto-Rodriguez, a police officer in Blue Island, Illinois. She dreamed of being a police officer all her life. She achieved her dream because of DACA.

Officer Soto-Rodriguez and Dr. Lopez are essential pillars of our community. They are Dreamers, and they deserve an opportunity to earn the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this upcoming Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as TIt, or Vietnamese New Year.

This annual holiday is one of Orange County's most important celebrations. Families cook traditional dishes, exchange red envelopes, and come together at festivals across our district and all over the country.

Orange County's Vietnamese community is an essential part of our Orange County family--in fact, we are proud be home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. Immigrants and Vietnamese- Americans are our firefighters, teachers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and local leaders.

I'm proud to have represented parts of Little Saigon for decades throughout my career in public service, and I will always recognize the contributions and positive impact they've had in Orange County and across the United States.

In fact, I was honored to host the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Marc Knapper, a year ago for his first visit to Orange County. As the proud co-chair of the Vietnam caucus, we engaged with local community leaders and discussed ways to strengthen the ties between our two countries. We stopped by the Bao Quang Temple in Santa Ana, met with business leaders throughout Little Saigon, and focused on bringing attention to our local Vietnamese community's concerns.

As we prepare to kick off the Year of the Snake, I want to wish everyone at home and around the world a happy TIt celebration.

Happy New Year (Chuc Mung Nam Moi).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley.

A former Green Beret with the 1st Special Forces Command, Airborne, Sergeant Neeley was born on April 8, 1948, in Los Angeles to Charles and Mary Neeley. He passed away October 12, 2024, at age 76.

Although he lost his mother at an early age, Roy enjoyed his youth growing up in Los Angeles with his two sisters. A graduate of Fremont High School, he was an avid sports fan and music lover.

On October 23, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Buckner, Okinawa, Japan. As a radio operator and a Green Beret, his unique skill set made him and his fellow soldiers in the Army Airborne's 1st Special Forces Command one of the most adaptable and capable forces in the United States military, poised to protect the Nation's interest across the globe at a moment's notice.

Sergeant Neeley was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1970. Two years later he married Elaine McDonald on December 2, 1972, in a private family service in Las Vegas.

The wedding reception was memorable because the newlyweds and guests celebrated both the nuptials and Anthony Davis' six touchdown run that helped the University of Southern California clinch a 45-23 win over Notre Dame. The day was a win-win for Roy and Elaine, who would enjoy 52 years of marriage.

Roy was totally immersed in his work as an operations manager with Tanne Apparel, Value City Department Stores, Liz Claiborne, and Hybrid Apparel. These ventures took him and the family to Ohio and Alabama.

Service and loyalty were always part of his everyday life. At all of the McDonald-Neeley Family events, there wasn't a bid whist game he wouldn't play rise and fly. He never missed an opportunity to play golf with his brothers-in-law Bobby and Billy McDonald. Even if it meant being late to a family function, the links with Bobby and Billy came first.

Memories of Roy will be cherished by his family, including his wife, Elaine; sons Aaron Paul Neeley and Craig Edward Neeley; daughter-in- law. Alexis Neeley; grandchildren Nia Phillips, Nicolas Neeley, Ian Neeley, Brenden Neeley, Brennah Neeley, Maddox Anderson, Royce Neeley, and soon-to-be Scarlett Neeley; countless nieces and nephews; and his best friend Bud Feldman.

Roy will be remembered for his cheerful smile, strong positive attitude, and dedication to providing for his family.

Please join me in celebrating the life of Royal Edward Neeley, one of our Nation's most esteemed veterans, who lived a life of honor and service to his family, community and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those fighting the deadly wildfires that are destroying our homes, businesses, and taking lives across southern California. In the face of this natural disaster, I thank our brave first responders who are on the front lines fighting one of the worst fires in California history.

I am also proud of our local Orange County firefighters that are helping our neighbors in Los Angeles. I am happy to say that we are not alone. I am grateful for firefighters from across the country, neighboring States, as well as our neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, who have also come to help us fight these fires.

Moments like this remind us that strength is through unity and helping each other out. Of course, that includes almost 750 incarcerated individuals who are stepping up and acting as firefighters on the front lines.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the immigrant community in the area who are offering free food to the first responders and collecting donations for the families in need.

From firefighters to food vendors, friends, and local neighbors, all coming together in this time of tragedy, that is what community is all about. That is what this Nation is all about.

Recognizing Lestonnac Free Clinic Executive Director Edward Gerber

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of my very good friend, Ed Gerber, the executive director of the Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange.

Ed graduated from the University of Texas after 4 years in the military. Since then, he has dedicated his time as an executive director at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. His priority is free medical and dental services to the uninsured and low-income families across southern California.

Under his leadership, Lestonnac Free Clinic has expanded to 13 satellite clinics and 2 mobile medical vehicles. He pioneered the specialty care program to help low-income families access specialty medical care.

We love Ed. We want him to stay healthy. We need him, and we thank him for his very, very good work in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Howard Koch, a World War II and Korean War veteran who is celebrating his 100th birthday on January 19, 2025.

Raised in Oakland, California, Koch developed a love of skiing and rock climbing at a young age--skills that would eventually lead to his unique call to service during WWII in the 10th Mountain Division. At 13 years old, Koch learned to ski at the Donner Summit Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, paying for lessons with money he earned from his paper route. His dad would drop him at the Southern Pacific train station and, with rented skis in hand, he would ride up the mountain by himself. He would arrive early in the morning and sleep in the snow until the slopes were open for skiing. Koch soon learned to make his own skis and began his life as an outdoorsman as a member of the Sierra Club.

After graduating from high school at 16 years old, Koch attended UC Berkley as a geology/mining engineering major. A natural athlete, Koch played baseball and was a right guard on the football squad. He still remembers winning a game against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

By the time he turned 18 in 1943, the United States had been at war for two years and he knew he would be drafted. The military was advertising for volunteers who could ski and rock climb to join a division that, at the time, was called the Ski Troops. Eventually renamed to the 10th Mountain Division, this group was America's only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit.

Koch knew this Army unit was where he belonged. He was sent to Camp Hale in Colorado, high in the Rockies to join an elite group of champion skiers, mountain climbers, and European mountaineers for training. In what would be its biggest victory, the 10th completed a night climb on Riva Ridge to land a surprise attack against German troops who were entrenched in the snowy mountains of Italy.

After climbing Riva Ridge, a famous battle that is documented in the film ``Fire On The Mountain,'' Koch was field promoted to 1st Lieutenant and went on with his Division to help capture Mount Belvedere. Soon after, Koch became ill and was sent to the hospital in Livorno, where he stayed for several weeks and then sent back to his company near Torbole.

Before the Nazis surrendered to the 10th Mountain Division commanders, the company commander was injured. At the urging of the sergeants in Koch's platoon, Lt. Colonel Henry Hampton appointed Koch as ``acting company commander.'' He was 20 years old and the youngest 1st Lieutenant. Koch retained this status through the surrender and was then sent with his troops to Slovenia, where he ran a climbing school to keep the soldiers fit and to train replacement troops.

In July 1945, Koch was shipped back stateside to train for amphibious landings with the intent of being shipped to North Tokyo Bay to help end the war. While heading home, the war drew to a close.

After being released from the Army in May 1946, Koch joined the Army Reserve and returned to UC Berkley to earn an accounting degree. In 1948, he met and married Averil, who would be his wife of 72 and a half years. He was working as a successful businessman when, in August of 1950, he was called to active duty for the Korean War. Koch trained as an infantry officer--but once the Army found out about his accounting degree, he was stationed in Japan as a budget and finance officer to oversee the numerous military projects in post-war Japan. When his discharge came, he declined the offer of being promoted to Major so that he could return to his wife.

Koch always kept in touch with his 10th Mountain Division buddies and attended several reunions, including the 50th anniversary re-enactment climb up Riva Ridge that included some of the German soldiers he helped capture. While he remembers the atrocities of war, Koch cherishes the fellowship and camaraderie of his fellow Mountain Soldiers. He will still sing the ballads the 10th sang when they were warming themselves by a fire or hiking miles in the snow.

I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Howard Koch a happy 100th birthday, and in thanking him for a century of service to our country and our community.

Mr. Speaker, let's be clear: Under current law, people who commit sexual offenses are already inadmissible to this country and subject to deportation.

Let's be clear: I fully support, all of us fully support, getting convicted sexual predators off of our streets, irrespective of their legal status.

Sexual crimes are the most heinous crimes. However, to solve a crime, first you have to report it. Sadly, sex crimes are the most underreported crimes there are.

Mr. Speaker, in Orange County, we have worked for years to make sure to earn the trust so the immigrant community can step up and report crimes, and this bill is going to undo all of that work. This bill, by using the broader VAWA definition, will make victims who acted in self- defense, victims who were wrongly accused by their abusers, unable to defend themselves, and subject to deportation.

This bill will also apply to individuals with legal status, people with green cards, students, temporary workers, DACA holders, and TPS holders.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will now give crime victims all the reasons in the world not to report a crime. This bill punishes victims, pushes victims back into the shadows, telling the victims if they report a crime, they are subject to deportation.

I ask my colleagues to let us go back. Let us redraft this bill to do what it is

intended to do, to get sexual predators off our streets and to protect the victims of sex crimes, the most heinous crimes.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Councilmember Shirley McCracken, a beloved servant, neighbor, and good friend.

After spending 10 years as a nun, Councilmember McCracken moved to Anaheim, where she would marry her beloved Paul and raise two children.

Once she settled in our community, Mrs. McCracken taught math with the Anaheim Union School District and became a very active member of our community. She donated her time and energy to organizations like the YMCA and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Orange County.

She later was elected to the Anaheim City Council in 1996, becoming the second woman to be elected to the Anaheim City Council. Mrs. McCracken would go on to serve 8 years on the Anaheim City Council and two years as mayor pro tem in 1999 and 2000.

I ask my colleagues today to join me in honoring her legacy and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my very good friend, Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Al Mijares, who passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Dr. Mijares was a champion for our students to prepare them for college and careers. During the 2022 school year, over 90 percent of Orange County High School graduates graduated on time, beating the California average.

During Dr. Mijares' tenure, he also fought to make Orange County a better place to live for everyone. He established the One Billion Acts of Kindness initiative, allowing Orange County residents to honor acts of kindness. He never stopped fighting to make our communities better.

The legacy of Dr. Mijares, my good friend, lives. We will never forget the passion for education that he showed us and his efforts to create future leaders for our great Nation. We will miss Al.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate UCLA's next chancellor, Dr. Julio Frenk.

Having served as president of the University of Miami and dean of Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Frenk is bringing decades of experience to UCLA.

Dr. Frenk was born in Mexico, where he discovered his passion for public health and service and spent 6 years as Mexico's secretary of health.

I am excited to see Dr. Frenk bring his leadership and experience as he serves the Bruin community and keeps UCLA as a top public university in the country.

We welcome Dr. Frenk to the Bruin family, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of our constituents, our students, our educators, and our community. I look forward to continuing to do more good things.

I thank Dr. Frenk for his service to the Bruin community.