Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 1009 in March of this year. This resolution states that it is the sense of the House that the House should debate five of the six commonly accepted principles of the Just War theory to declaring war or authorizing military force.

The other Just War principle is that wars should be authorized by the Nation's legitimate body, which in this case is the House of Representatives.

The reasoning behind H. Res. 1009 is as follows:

One, the U.S. House of Representatives shares the constitutional responsibility to declare war and authorize military force with the United States Senate (Article I, Section 8, Clause 11), but the House has traditionally been the body responsible to declare war or authorize military force.

Two, war and military action will always cause injuries, death, destruction, loss of property, famine, displacements, and other hardships. Because of these privations, military authorizations should only be undertaken with sufficient justification.

Three, weapons of mass destruction are possessed by a substantial and growing number of nations. These weapons may be capable of exterminating humanity.

Four, any conflict has the potential to expand beyond the original intent of the belligerent nations.

Five, the Just War theory of what constitutes the moral justification for a nation to engage in war has been developed over the past two millennia.

Six, some of the Just War principles are incorporated into the United Nations charter, but this has not prevented the many wars that have taken place since the United Nations was established. No nation in recent history has incorporated the principles of Just War theory into its own governing laws or traditions.

Seven, in the United States, an open and transparent debate of the Just War principles would give lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives a structured framework to examine if a call to conflict would be morally justified and may prevent our Nation from entering conflicts that may be harmful to our Nation's interests.

Eight, it is possible that debating the Just War principles in the U.S. House of Representatives before authorizing military force would have kept the United States out of military conflicts in the past that have been harmful to our Nation's interests.

Nine, H. Res. 1009 does not require the U.S. House of Representatives to debate the Just War principles, but essentially recommends that it does so.

Ten, H. Res. 1009 does not limit executive authority, but it does help to ensure that the executive does not overreach.

Eleven, after discussions and inputs from Just War scholars, some improvements to H. Res. 1009 have been noted.

My intention with H. Res. 1009 is to introduce the idea of having an open and structured debate in the House of Representatives on the most serious and grave responsibility of our government, that of declaring war.

In our Nation's history, declarations of war have been done at the request of the President. Having an open and structured debate will lessen the opportunity for misuse of our Nation's military but should not impede our Nation's ability to react to defend our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House of Representatives to adopt this concept in the upcoming 118th Congress of debating the Just War principles before authorizing military action and expect that adopting such a resolution will inspire other nations to do the same, thereby reducing the likelihood of future unjustified wars.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the public service and achievements of Andrew ``Andy'' Chesley, who recently retired from his position as Executive Director of the San Joaquin Council of Governments, or ``SJCOG,'' after forty one years of service.

Andy graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and geography, after which he earned a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Iowa.

During his fifteen years as Executive Director of the SJCOG, Andy oversaw its rise to prominence among California's metropolitan planning agencies, standing alongside the Bay Area's Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Southern California Association of Governments, the San Diego Association of Governments, and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. Andy was responsible for the management of the SJCOG's transportation planning and other regional planning activities, including implementation of the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan. He also authored and implemented San Joaquin County's ``self-help'' sales tax for transportation, which was passed by the county's voters, allowing vital improvements to the region's highway and passenger rail transportation system, thereby making this economically challenged region more attractive to future residents and employers.

In addition to his role at the SJCOG, Andy has been chair of the Regional Transportation Planning Agencies of California, is an officer of California's Self-Help Counties Coalition, and is a member of the Institute for Transportation Engineers, the American Planning Association, and the American Public Works Association. He has also been a speaker at state and national conferences of the American Planning Association, the American Society for Public Administrators, the National Association of Regional Councils, and the National Transportation Research Board.

Through changing and challenging times, Andy has provided constant and steady leadership and wise counsel to elected officials charged with managing San Joaquin County's growth and has been a leader among his planning agency peers. He has contributed his knowledge and experience to the California's Central Valley and beyond, and he has made a positive impact on our great state.

Please join me in recognizing Andrew ``Andy'' Chesley for his distinguished service and in wishing him well on his much-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Stockton Fire Captain Vidal ``Max'' Fortuna, who was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a fire in Stockton, California, on January 31st.

A beloved husband and father of two, Captain Fortuna was a 21-year veteran of the Stockton Fire Department. He was an active member of his local church and helped coach youth sports in his free time.

Captain Fortuna was known for his selflessness and dedication to the community he served. He loved his job and went out of his way to work with and mentor young firefighters, and he has been praised by many within the Stockton Fire Department as a model firefighter who inspired others. His colleague, Fire Chief Rick Edwards, fondly remembers him as having an addictive smile and the ability to make anyone laugh when they were feeling down.

Sadly, this is a tragic reminder of the dangers emergency responders face every day. Captain Fortuna's courage will not be forgotten, and I ask that you join me in honoring his life, his service, and his memory.

Mr. Speaker, when I first came to Congress, one of my earliest observations was the burden of veterans in my district to get to the nearest full-service veterans' health facility. In fact, I even took the drive from Stockton, California, to Palo Alto. It took all day. It became a top priority of mine to bring veterans a facility in my district to reduce the burden of the lengthy travel for local veterans.

My son Michael, who convinced me to run for Congress in 2004, himself a veteran, once told me of all of my accomplishments in Congress, I would be the proudest of what I had done for veterans. He was absolutely right.

The VA clinic currently under construction in French Camp is one of my proudest accomplishments. As we move forward to opening its doors, it is only fitting that this facility honor a local hero.

Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman was born in French Camp and served with heroism during the Vietnam war. As his unit was moving along a trail near the demilitarized zone, a group of marines ahead of him came under attack.

Upon hearing this, Lance Corporal Pittman rushed to the aid of his fellow comrades, successfully destroying the enemy's weapons while under heavy enemy fire. He went on to aid additional wounded marines further along the trail, fighting back an attack by 30 to 40 enemy fighters and forcing the enemy to withdraw.

His actions that day saved many wounded comrades and led to him being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I knew Richard Pittman personally, and he was a true patriot. He was unassuming and did not seek out attention or publicity.

My congressional district and beyond mourned his passing. It is only fitting to name this new community-based outreach clinic, or CBOC, after Master Sergeant Richard A. Pittman.

I ask my colleagues to please join me in voting ``yes'' on H.R. 6722 and officially designating this new facility as the Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. John Shirley, who dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. John passed away on December 22, 2021, leaving a legacy of service to and love of country and community.

Dr. John Shirley was born in Santa Ana, California on December 8, 1924. At 19 years old, after being drafted and rising quickly to the rank of Staff Sergeant, John was part of the Anzio breakout with the 3rd Infantry Division. After taking part in the invasion of Southern France, he was wounded by fragments of a shell from a German tank and taken prisoner. As he and other prisoners were being marched to the rear, a young German soldier bringing up the rear of the column got too close, and John turned around and slugged him, rendering him unconscious and allowing John to escape to Allied lines. John was awarded a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant when he rejoined his unit after three months in the hospital recovering from his wounds.

Aside from his commission, John was awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Cluster and V for Valor devise. He earned the European Theater of Operation Medal with six campaign stars and a bronze arrowhead for the invasion of Southern France, as well as the French Fouragere de Guerre.

After the war, John attended the University of California at Davis Veterinary College, graduating in its first class. He set up the first veterinary clinic in Livermore, California and was knowns as ``Doc Shirley'' to the ranchers in the area. John was considered one of the best veterinarians in the region, with the toughest cases referred to him by his peers.

John became active in the Livermore community, winning a seat on the Livermore City Council, where he served from 1958 until 1966. He served as Livermore's Mayor from 1963 until 1966.

He was a member of the Rotary Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He led and was instrumental in many projects to improve the quality of life for Livermore residents and served on the VFW Honor Guard, firing gun salutes into his late seventies. John served as president of the Livermore Valley Opera, and as a member of the Livermore Symphony Association.

As a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Veterans organization, he raised money for high school Junior ROTC programs in San Francisco and Oakland. He was also instrumental in creating the Veterans First program at Las Positas Community College to provide services to veterans returning to school.

John loved sports, and was an avid skier, hiker, tennis player, and golfer. He was also a skilled instrument-rated pilot, which led him to further public service on the Livermore Airport Commission. John said, ``You can be a bad golfer, skier, or tennis player, but you have to be a good pilot.''

On July 13, 2019, Livermore City Council honored John by naming the new council chamber after him: The John Shirley City Council Chamber. John's list of contributions and accomplishments are too long to list. He was the very embodiment of service to his community and to our great Nation. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of this great American.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of U.S. Navy Hospital corpsman Christopher Gnem, who died in a Marine landing craft accident off the coast of Southern California. Christopher, a hospital corpsman with Bravo Company, BLT \1/4\, 15th, MEU, was among nine servicemembers who were killed in the accident.

Christopher was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Stockton, California. He is remembered by his family, and friends for his kind spirit and the positive impact he made on those around him.

Our community mourns the loss of Christopher, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Christopher selflessly chose to serve our Nation, and his commitment to our country will not be forgotten.

I ask my colleagues to remember Christopher Gnem and the brave men and women who place themselves in harm's way in service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the American Legion Karl Ross Post 16 in Stockton, California on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

For the last century, the Karl Ross Post has provided assistance and fellowship to Stockton's many veterans and promoted patriotism in the community at-large. Their Honor Guard has marked the interment of many veterans with the dignity and ceremony they deserve--helping their families and our community to recognize their contributions to our peace, freedom, and security.

Through the ceremonies the Karl Ross Post organizes--often in conjunction with other veterans' organizations--our community remembers and recognizes the sacrifices veterans have made, and better appreciates the blessings of the liberties and freedoms that we hold dear.

Along with the strong role the Karl Ross Post has played locally, it has also had a national reach. Every American veteran has been touched by the efforts of Warren Atherton, who rose from Commander of the Karl Ross Post to National Commander of the American Legion, where he worked with Francis Sullivan to draft the G.I. Bill of Rights.

Today, the Karl Ross Post and its members continue their tradition of promoting patriotism and assisting a new generation of combat veterans as they re-enter civilian life.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the American Legion Karl Ross Post 16 and its century of service to our veterans, our community, and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Mark W. Hemenway, who passed away on May 8, 2022.

Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1973. He was intensely focused on his studies and training, while also maintaining perspective and serving as a steady, positive influence on his classmates. He worked his way through a challenging system with confidence and calmness, never losing sight of his priorities. His commitment to academic excellence was apparent to all, and he graduated 61st in a class of over 950 cadets.

Mark received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upon his graduation and spent seven years as an active-duty service member. After leaving the Army in 1980, Mark worked for a large manufacturing company before joining a consulting firm outside Boston, Massachusetts, conducting logistics, manpower, and training analysis for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Later in life, Mark felt called to enter Seminary and obtain a Master of Divinity degree. He and his wife, Kate, met as volunteers while doing street ministry in Boston Common, and in subsequent decades, Mark worked as a volunteer with those most in need at state prisons, county correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and other institutions in the Lowell, Massachusetts area. His contributions will long be remembered by his brothers and sisters at the Salvation Army Lowell Corps Community Center, and by the many people he served throughout the community.

Mark's legacy is best encapsulated by a passage from the United States Military Academy Alma Mater, which reads: ``And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said, 'well done.' Be thou at peace.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Disabled American Veterans on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

In 1920, Judge Robert Marx, a disabled veteran from World War I, convened a group of veterans in Cincinnati, Ohio to form the Disabled American Veterans of the World War, or DAVWW. The DAVWW spoke for the hundreds of thousands of veterans who were rendered disabled during their service.

In 1932, Congress granted a federal charter to DAVWW, establishing it as the official voice of disabled veterans. In 1943, with the coming of another world war, the organization shortened its name to Disabled American Veterans, or DAV.

Disabled American Veterans has been among the leading organizations in advocating for legislation that improves the treatment of disabled veterans. Filing claims, providing rides, creating job placement programs, and advocating for legislation are just some of the ways Disabled American Veterans have helped our wounded warriors return to full, productive lives in our communities.

Veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our way of life, deserve our admiration, respect, and support. I commend the Disabled American Veterans' commitment to our Nation's veterans and invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Disabled American Veterans and its century of service.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Head Start, a crucial program that celebrated its 57th anniversary this year.

Since 1965, Head Start has promoted school readiness for children in economically disadvantaged families by offering educational, nutritional, health, and social services. Head Start has served more than 39 million children and their families in urban and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories, including American Indian, Alaska Native, migrant and seasonal communities.

Head Start works with and for the communities they serve to improve the lives of children from birth. Growing from an eight-week demonstration project, Head Start now includes full-day and year-round services, which more than one million children and their families benefit from each year. A key tenet of the program is that it be culturally responsive to the communities it serves, and that the communities have an investment in its success.

The early education services and essential support offered by Head Start provides children the tools they need for future success. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Head Start and its staff for their invaluable contributions over the past 57 years to building opportunities so that every child can thrive.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Taylor for his decades of dedicated public service to our community. This year, Bob will retire after serving as Mayor of the City of Brentwood for the last fourteen years-- longer than any other Mayor in Brentwood's history.

Bob Taylor was first elected to the Brentwood City Council in 2004 and served as a Councilmember for two years until he was elected Mayor in 2006. As Mayor, Bob has shown his unwavering commitment to our community and is well known for his vibrant personality and dedication to the success of the City of Brentwood and its residents. Bob has also been instrumental in ensuring the safety of the community-at-large through his service on transportation committees such as the Highway 4 Bypass Authority. In addition to this and other committees, he serves on numerous boards and commissions, making sure to never miss an opportunity that could improve the quality of life for his constituents.

Prior to becoming Mayor, Bob served twelve years on the Liberty Union High School District Board of Trustees. He has been a businessman and a farmer, and was Past President of Harvest Time Brentwood, a local non- profit farming organization. He is an active community member, participating in Brentwood Chamber of Commerce events, among many other community activities. Bob has made invaluable contributions to our community, and his leadership has made a positive impact on countless individuals and families.

Bob is also a veteran who has served our great nation as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He currently acts as the Brentwood City Council's liaison to various veterans' groups, demonstrating his steadfast commitment to his fellow servicemembers and our nation's veterans. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing Robert ``Bob'' Taylor. His distinguished public service is unparalleled and is as an example to us all.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brandon Leake for his many contributions and accomplishments, including his historic win of Season 15 of America's Got Talent.

Brandon is a native of Stockton, California, and has made invaluable contributions to his community by helping others through poetry. In addition to having served as an academic advisor at San Joaquin Delta College, Brandon is the founder and CEO of Called to Move, an organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to practice the art of poetry. Called to Move encourages personal development and self-actualization and aims to help people achieve their purpose in life through the arts. Brandon has held workshops and has traveled across the country to share his knowledge and gifts as a poet.

Brandon won Season 15 of America's Got Talent with his captivating spoken-word performances, and he made history as the first-ever poet to win America's Got Talent. Through the power of words, Brandon has shown the world that our experiences and our stories can uplift, encourage, and inspire. His honest and vulnerable performances not only tell his story, but also those of others that need to be heard.

Please join me in recognizing Brandon Leake's many contributions and congratulating him on his win of Season 15 of America's Got Talent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the mathematical and statistical sciences.

Fundamental research in mathematics and statistics touches all of our Nation's scientific and technological priorities and provides tools to address societal changes.

As recent examples, mathematical scientists model the spread of pandemics and help assess the effectiveness of vaccine programs.

They produce research needed for artificial intelligence and help us understand and predict dangerous weather patterns.

And their theoretical work fortifies imaging technologies used to detect diseases, including cancer.

We are at a critical time for building and ensuring a stable and more diverse STEM workforce in the future.

Mathematics and statistics support all of the STEM disciplines and are critical to our educational system.

Every day, mathematicians and statisticians enable advances across all science and technology, making our Nation more secure and globally competitive, and training the next generation of researchers and educators.

Please join me and my fellow mathematicians on the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics in celebrating April as Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wilhelmina Henry for a lifetime of service and to honor her on the 100th anniversary of her birth.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina on January 20, 1920, Mrs. Henry earned a degree from the Tuskegee Institute and began her teaching career after World War II in segregated schools in South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. In 1947, she moved to Stockton, California and was appointed to a teaching position in the Stockton Unified School District--becoming Stockton's first teacher of color.

Mrs. Henry has made invaluable contributions to our local education system. She taught within the Stockton Unified School District until her retirement in 1994, ending her 52-year teaching career. In recognition of her role as a pioneer in education and a civil rights activist who broke the color barrier for teachers, the Wilhelmina Henry Elementary School in Stockton, California was named in her honor in 2006.

In addition to her invaluable contributions in education, Mrs. Henry and her husband, Revered Edwin Henry, Sr., formed the Church of All Nations and the Henry Affordable Housing Program in Stockton. She remains an active member in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Black Employees Association of Stockton Unified School District, the Ebenezer AME Church, the NAACP, and the Stockton Teachers Association.

Mrs. Henry is a trailblazer and role model, paving the way for many others who have followed in her footsteps. In celebration of her 100th birthday and lifetime of service, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Wilhelmina Henry.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Artie Walker.

Artie Walker was born in Stallo, Mississippi, on April 3, 1930 and moved to Stockton in 1948 after graduating from high school. In 1957, Artie was the first African-American woman to be hired by the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. During her 25-year career in law enforcement she worked in several capacities including in the patrol section, in court services and the youth services section of the detective division, and at the men's and women's jails. She was instrumental in implementing rehabilitation programs at the women's jail and began a project in the Sherriff's Department to make Christmas gifts available for residents of Children's Home of Stockton.

Artie was an advocate for women's rights and was honored by the local chapter of the National Organization for Women with the ``Diana Award'' for her contributions to helping women gain equality. Artie also showed devotion to her community through her service at Christ Temple Church of Stockton. She served as Secretary of the Crist Temple Church of Stockton's Board of Directors and as an Associate Minister. Her dedication, enthusiasm, spirit, and commitment to others is inspiring.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Artie Walker and her lifetime of service.