Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Carol Browner, who is this year's recipient of the Pure Earth Force of Nature Award.

A lifelong environmental advocate, Administrator Browner spearheaded the creation of the EPA's first policy that focused on the link between children's health risks and exposure to environmental hazards, resulting in the establishment of the EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP). Today, the OCHP remains vigilant in its work to increase environmental health literacy among health care providers, in addition to evaluating and raising awareness about environmental contaminants that may contribute to childhood disease.

Administrator Browner holds the title of the longest serving EPA Administrator in the agency's history, and under her leadership, much was accomplished. She continues to work to combat environmental risks to children's health through a public-private partnership that is tackling the global lead poisoning crisis, which impacts 800 million children in low- and middle-income countries.

Madam Speaker, this past week we commemorated the 31st anniversary of Operation Desert Storm and paid tribute to the men and women who served in the final effort to liberate Kuwait from invading Iraqi troops. The service members who carried out Operation Desert Storm were instrumental in bringing the Gulf War to an end. Their courage and sacrifice are a symbol of our nation's values and commitment to our allies around the world.

That's why I introduced House Resolution 172, to designate February 28th as ``Desert Storm Veterans Day'' and to advocate for fair compensation and the highest quality medical treatment for veterans suffering from ailments associated with their Desert Storm service-- some of which stem from exposure to chemical, biological, and environmental toxins.

I want to thank my constituent, Michael Emerson, for his fervent support of this effort. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the tremendous contributions of those who served in Operation Desert Storm.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for allowing me to speak today.

Madam Speaker, I rise and join my colleagues in honoring the late Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, John Madden.

John Madden was a giant in the world of football who brought an appreciation and an understanding of the game into the homes of Americans.

Selected in the 21st round of the 1958 NFL draft, Madden suffered a severe knee injury during his rookie training camp, ending his pro football playing career when it was just getting started.

Undeterred by his injuries, Madden's love for the game of football propelled him to pursue a coaching career. In 1969, he was hired as the head coach for the Oakland Raiders, making him the youngest head coach in the NFL, with only 1 year of coaching experience.

Now, somebody saw something to promote him to head coach in just 1 year of coaching. As head coach, he amassed an incredible record of 103 regular season victories, with only 32 losses in 10 seasons. That gave him the second-highest winning percentage for NFL coaches.

Madden's ferocious will to win would not be denied in Super Bowl XI, the first Super Bowl championship for the silver and black.

While already a legendary Hall of Fame head coach, John Madden cemented his legacy as an icon of the sport from the broadcasting booth, becoming the first sports analyst to have worked all four of the ``Big Four'' U.S. television networks, and earning an incredible 16 Emmy awards.

With a career in professional football spanning 4 decades, very few have transcended generations the way John Madden has, and his legacy will live on forever in the memories of players, fans, friends, and through the memories made by millions who played the best-selling Madden NFL Football game.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of meeting John Madden and, yes, he was kind, he was personable, and it is true, we all ate very well that day.

Not everyone gets to make a difference to so many people in this life, and John Madden was one of those people.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating Roderick Townsend for his record-breaking success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Born with nerve damage to his right arm and shoulder, Roderick's incredible journey overcoming adversity has demonstrated that perseverance and hard work can lead to great achievements.

Roderick, a native of Stockton, California, graduated from Lincoln High School. He demonstrated his athletic prowess as a member of Lincoln High School's varsity football team, where he was selected as the 2009 team captain, as well as a San Jose Athletic Association first team defensive end and second team all-area player. Roderick later went on to attend San Joaquin Delta College, where he competed in the decath and high jump. During the 2012 season, he was selected as the Delta College Track and Field Team captain and was ranked seventh in the nation and second in the state of California for his high jump performances. He still holds the Delta College high jump record and Delta College Track Facility record. Roderick went on to graduate from Boise State University and then received his Master of Education from Northern Arizona University.

Making his international debut at the Arizona Grand Prix in 2015, Roderick quickly made a name for himself on the international scene representing the United States in the World Championships in high jump, long jump, and triple jump. Roderick's years of hard work culminated in him being selected to compete in his first Paralympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he clinched double gold medals by winning both the long jump and high jump T47--setting Paralympic world records in both.

Aspiring to reach even greater heights, Roderick competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as a member of the United States Paralympics Track and Field Team. Once again having the honor to represent his country in the world's foremost athletic competition, Roderick set the Paralympic world record by leaping 2.15 meters in the men's high jump T47 and in doing so, earned his third gold medal to date. Additionally, he earned the silver medal and achieved his personal record of 7.43 meters in the men's long jump T47.

Roderick also chose to put his years of experience to work serving the youth of his community as a track and field coach. He has coached at Delta College and Jim Elliott Christian High School in Lodi, California, and served as a sports performance coach at The Performance Project in Stockton. Roderick currently serves as a full-time assistant coach with the Northern Arizona University's Men's and Women's Track and Field program.

Roderick serves as an example for young athletes across this country, demonstrating that no matter your circumstances, with hard work you can achieve greatness. I'm honored to recognize Roderick Townsend for his distinguished athletic achievements and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him the best of luck in his future competitions.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing James Mousalimas for his dedicated service to our community and congratulating him on his retirement after 35 years in education.

James found his passion for education during his time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa, where he was a teacher and basketball coach. Following this experience, he taught math in Richmond Unified School District and then embarked overseas to become a teacher, assistant principal, and eventually the principal of an American International School in Saudi Arabia.

In 1998, James returned to the United States and served as Coordinator of Year-Round Education for Tracy Unified School District. Shortly thereafter, he became the Director of Alterative Programs for Tracy Unified School District. In 2008, James joined the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) as Assistant Superintendent of County Operated Schools and Programs.

James was elected as the San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools in 2014 and again in 2018. During his tenure as Superintendent of Schools, James brought visionary ideas to fruition, expanding and adding new services to meet the needs of students, families, and our community. From advancing STEM education to furthering adult learning, James worked tirelessly to ensure the success of SJCOE schools and programs including the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, Come Back Kids, Teachers College of San Joaquin, CodeStack Academy, and the SJCOE FabLab.

James has made invaluable contributions to our community, and his leadership has made a positive impact on countless students. He was instrumental in the opening of the Discovery Challenge Academy in San Joaquin County, which helps students who traditionally would have fallen through the cracks and allows them to earn high school credits, develop leadership, job skills, and academic skills while improving self-esteem, pride, and confidence. Additionally, James oversaw the transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep students, teachers, and educators safe.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing James Mousalimas for his distinguished service and in wishing him a happy, well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her hard work on this excellent piece of legislation, the staff and Democratic members of the committee, and all Members across the aisle for their hard work on these very important issues.

I rise today in support of my two amendments to division B of H.R. 4502.

These two amendments draw much-needed attention to the energy-water nexus. Energy and water development systems have become more vulnerable as water scarcity and uncertainty have become more pronounced in the West.

It is time for a more integrated approach to addressing challenges and opportunities, and my amendments encourage our government agencies to improve underlying data collection and analysis.

My first amendment encourages the Energy Information Administration to conduct a more robust analysis and data collection of water consumption in the commercial and residential surveys and to make the information publicly available.

My second amendment encourages the Bureau of Reclamation to address the energy consumption from their pumping stations to better understand the opportunities for energy efficiencies and to reduce energy use measures.

Better data and analysis are foundational to identifying efficiencies in the face of climate change, especially in States where water processing uses a large portion of the energy budget.

Madam Speaker, I urge the adoption of these amendments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act.

PFAS compounds do not naturally break down in the environment. Exposure to even small amounts of PFAS has been linked to diseases, birth defects, and developmental disorders.

These chemicals have been used in consumer products for decades and have, thus, been allowed to spread and accumulate throughout the environment, into our air, our water, and our soils.

In my own district, PFAS has been detected in multiple drinking water systems, which puts the health and safety of my constituents at risk. The same can be said for millions of people in communities across the country.

Until recently, the extent of the problem was underestimated in my home State. With expanded testing, we now know that California is one of the most impacted States in the country. A recent investigation by the State Water Resources Control Board showed PFAS contamination in almost 100 public water systems serving about 7.5 million Californians.

We need a national strategy to prevent exposure to these toxic substances. This bill sets a deadline for the EPA to take action on establishing standards, limits the introduction of new PFAS into commerce and the environment, and provides support for communities to install treatment technologies. This bill is needed both to clean up pollution now and to prevent it from getting worse in the future.

I want to thank Representative Dingell and Representative Upton for their leadership on H.R. 2467 and Chairman Pallone, Chairman Tonko, for helping to move this important legislation. I also want to thank the committee staff for their work on this bill.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2668, the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, and I am going to urge quick passage of this legislation.

H.R. 2668 would restore the Federal Trade Commission's authority under section 13(b) to go after those who have stolen money from consumers and enable the agency to get this money back to the consumers.

Restoring this authority is in line with bipartisan FTC leadership requests, congressional intent, and over 40 years of practice.

And restoring this authority is especially important for congressional districts like mine where many are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table.

Prior to the Supreme Court decision, the FTC had used this essential authority to return more than $11 billion to consumers who had fallen victim to unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent practices; and that is just since 2016.

The FTC currently has pending before it investigations that could result in returning $2 billion to consumers if this is restored.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for this legislation even more urgent. During the pandemic, we have seen a rise in scams that prey on consumers' fears and financial insecurities.

Consumers who have been defrauded deserve to get their money back. We owe it to them to move quickly and pass H.R. 2668.

I thank Representative Cardenas for his hard work and leadership on this legislation and Chairwoman Schakowsky and Chairman Pallone for moving this piece of legislation today. I also thank the Democratic staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for all their hard work on this bill.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 2931, the Enhancing Grid Security Through Public-Private Partnership Act. The prior bill, this bill, and the next bill are good examples of working together on a bipartisan basis to accomplish things that are very critical to this country, and I thank my colleagues for being a very important part of this partnership.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering this bill today, because we simply can't afford to wait any longer to secure our Nation's critical infrastructure, including the grid. The Colonial Pipeline attack coming on the heels of the SolarWinds attack was a bright warning sign that we need to act quickly to pass this legislation.

Since the Colonial Pipeline attack, ransomware attacks have continued to skyrocket, and the need to enact H.R. 2931 has become even more pressing. H.R. 2931 would create a program to enhance the physical and cybersecurity of electric utilities. This program would develop methods for assessing security vulnerabilities. It would also provide cybersecurity training to electric utilities, advance cybersecurity of utility third-party vendors, and promote sharing of best practices and data collection in the electric sector.

Under this legislation, the Secretary of Energy would work in consultation with States, Federal agencies, and industry stakeholders to create this program. By encouraging these partnerships, we will better position ourselves to keep the Nation's lights on and to

protect our grid from the growing cyber threats.

Additionally, H.R. 2931 would require the Interruption Cost Estimate Calculator, which is used to calculate the ROI on utility investments, to be updated at least every 2 years to ensure accurate calculations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and partner in this legislation, Representative Latta from Ohio, for working with me on this important bill. I also thank Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Rodgers, and the staff of the committee for helping us move this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2928, the Cyber Sense Act of 2021.

The Cyber Sense Act is another piece of bipartisan legislation that takes steps to improve the security of our Nation's electric grid infrastructure. It would establish a program to identify cyber secure products for the bulk-power grid through a testing and verification program.

The bulk-power system is essential for providing reliable electric power to the American people. We must ensure that this system is as secure as possible. Any vulnerable component in our grid is a threat to our security, and this bill will take important steps to strengthen the system.

It would also require the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance to electric utilities, manufacturers, and other relevant stakeholders related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in products under the Cyber Sense program.

In today's world, there are literally billions of connected devices in use and the number is rapidly increasing. Most of these devices have no standards. There is no way for electric utilities to verify the security of the products, and we are seeing cyber threats continue to increase. This legislation is badly needed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Latta, again for his partnership on this bill. We have been working together on a number of issues, and this is a sign of our partnership.

I also thank Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Rodgers for working with us to move this legislation quickly, and I don't want to forget the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who have been so helpful.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 678, the PHONE Act. As we stand here today, wildfires are raging across the West, including in my home of northern California.

Last year, California witnessed a devastating and terrible fire season. We saw some of the largest fires in the State's history and a record-breaking 4.4 million acres burned. Nearly every part of the State was blanketed by fire and smoke, and we really haven't gotten much of a break. The number of wildfires and the amount of land burned in our State so far this year greatly exceeds the totals for the same period last year.

Climate change is resulting in longer and more extreme wildfire seasons, and this is expected to continue. Worrying about deadly fires spreading quickly is the new norm that my constituents are now living in. And worrying about whether they will have to evacuate their homes is also part of this new norm.

Because of this legislation that we are considering today, the PHONE Act, which I am proud to cosponsor, my constituents, Californians, and Americans all across the country who are impacted all too frequently now by natural disasters due to climate change, will have to worry about one less thing when they are forced to evacuate their homes, and that is their ability to keep their phone numbers.

Under this legislation, communications providers will be prohibited from reassigning phone numbers of customers in areas covered by a major disaster declaration for the duration of the declaration, and this may be extended. The bill would also prohibit providers from assessing early termination fees to cancel services or connection fees to resubscribe to a new address for subscribers whose residence is inaccessible or uninhabitable due to major disaster.

There is so much that wildfire victims already have to worry about. We must move quickly to ensure the PHONE Act is signed into law so there is one less item on their plate. It is hard enough to pick up the pieces after a disaster. Let's not add insult to injury.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend, Representative Mike Thompson, for his work on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, once again, our nation has experienced a mass shooting, this time in our own neighborhood. The deadly shooting that occurred on Wednesday May 28, 2021 at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority too the lives of nine individuals. It is with great sadness that I share one of those individuals was my constituent, Paul Delacruz Megia.

Paul Delacruz Megia immigrated to the United States from the Philippines at a young age and was a resident of Mountain House, California. He was a son, brother, husband, and father who leaves behind his wife and three children.

Paul joined Valley Transportation Authority in 2002 as a bus operator trainee and worked his way up to an assistant superintendent in service management. His supervisor shared that he had a calming effect on others and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Paul is remembered as full of life and love. He helped others to reach their goals of pursuing careers in transportation by serving as a mentor with the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Mission College in Santa Clara, also serving as the liaison between the College and Valley Transportation Authority. Paul cared for others and in his final moments, he risked his life to keep his coworkers safe. He is a hero, and his courage will never be forgotten.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and memory of Paul Delacruz Megia.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, and in support of my amendment to this legislation.

Water main breaks are one of the most visible signs of our deteriorating infrastructure. Some of our Nation's water pipes date back to the 19th century, and many are reaching the end of their designed lifetime.

Reports have found a 27 percent increase in water main breaks between 2012 and 2018--that is 6 years--equating to a break every 2 minutes nationwide.

Despite vast economic implications, most water main breaks don't even make the local news, and consistent data about them is not regularly collected. And as California faces the worst drought in decades, we do not have the luxury of remaining in the dark about our most valuable resource.

Under my amendment, data on water main breaks will be compiled in a publicly accessible database that will offer great opportunities for analysis and insights into this nationwide problem.

Increasing the consistent reporting of breaks will shine new light on the magnitude of this water infrastructure challenge and help us track the pace of improvements as we make needed repairs and replacements. The knowledge to be drawn from this new database will help all our drinking water utilities become more resilient in facing the challenges of climate change.

Furthermore, the work done by my colleagues and me in the Energy and Commerce Committee will ensure crucial drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements that communities across the Nation desperately need. These provisions not only improve the water we drink and help keep pollution out of our rivers and lakes, they will also create good-paying jobs and tackle the climate crisis head-on.

Lastly, this legislation recognizes that working directly with our communities is the best way to identify the unique infrastructure needs of our specific districts. As a result, my district is set to receive much-needed funding for six separate infrastructure projects spanning road, rail, and public transportation infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act.

Among other things, this legislation aims to increase both the awareness of career opportunities in the transportation sector and to build a more diverse workforce in this field.

My amendment would add veteran status as a factor to be considered under diversity.

As of 2017, women represented 16 percent of the overall Active Duty force, with 43 percent of Active Duty military identified as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or another racial or ethnic group. Our increasingly diverse military is not only an asset to our Nation's security, but when these servicemembers return to civilian life, they are often an untapped pool of potential.

We have a duty to protect and serve those who have done so for us. A key part of that is helping our veterans find gainful employment once their service has ended, which is what my amendment would seek to do.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and for recognizing this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 3723, the Consumer Safety Technology Act.

H.R. 3723 will encourage the use of emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence and blockchains, to help keep consumers safe. It will aid our consumer protection agencies with carrying out their missions.

H.R. 3723 incorporates the AI for Consumer Product Safety Act legislation that I authored with Representative Burgess. These provisions direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, to establish a pilot program for the agency to use AI in furtherance of the agency's work to protect consumers from unsafe products.

For example, the CPSC could use artificial intelligence to more quickly and efficiently identify consumer product hazards, such as exploding laptops that have faulty batteries, defective USB chargers, furniture that tips over, and unsafe infant sleeping products.

Being able to identify these hazards more quickly will enable the CPSC to

help also recall products more quickly and, in turn, help save lives.

We have heard firsthand from CPSC commissioners when they testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee that artificial intelligence can benefit the agency's work in serving the American people.

I am pleased that last year my legislation, the AI in Government Act, was enacted into law. Among other things, the AI in Government Act establishes an AI Center of Excellence to facilitate adoption of AI technology in the Federal Government. This will provide a central resource within the government to aid agencies with AI adoption and help agencies share best practices.

But it is also critical that agencies build up their capacity internally to adopt AI technology. H.R. 3723 will empower the CPSC to do just that. The CPSC's experience here will also serve as an example for other agencies that are looking to integrate AI in furtherance of their agency's missions.

H.R. 3723 also incorporates the Blockchain Innovation Act introduced by Representative Soto and Guthrie. These provisions will help ensure that we use the benefits of blockchain technology to help stop scams and fraud.

Additionally, H.R. 3723 incorporates the Digital Taxonomy Act from Representatives Soto and Davidson. These provisions will help ensure the scammers and fraudsters don't get ahead of consumers and law enforcement in the realm of blockchain and digital tokens.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Burgess, Soto, Guthrie, and Davidson for their work in H.R. 3723, and Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Rodgers for helping to move this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, behind me is a sign that has decorated the office doors of my Republican colleagues for the past few months. I agree with the sentiment and I thank the Capitol Police Officers for their heroic defense on January 6, and every day that they protect the seat of this Nation's government.

My problem is that 175 of my Republican colleagues, many who still have this sign on their doors, voted against an independent bipartisan commission to investigate the causes of the January 6 insurrection.

Capitol Police Officers suffered debilitating physical and mental trauma, and two lost their lives because of the events of that day. Unless we understand how this act of terror was accomplished and hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions, it could happen again.

So why did so many Republicans vote against the commission?

Because they are afraid of what could be found. They are afraid that it could affect their future elections.

This is hypocrisy at its ugliest. While Republicans in Congress pay lip service to the Capitol Police and their heroism, they are too cowardly to back a commission that would shed light on the terrorist attack that put the brave women's and men's lives in danger on that terrible day.