Floor Statements

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Maytha Sebasto, a beloved educator, mother, wife, and community leader whose dedication to her students and the Central Valley spanned more than six decades.

Maytha entered eternal rest on August 7, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, compassion, and devotion to her family and community. Born in Merced, California, in 1937 to M.O. and Bertha Richards, Maytha was raised in a pioneering Central Valley farming family. She graduated from LeGrand High School in 1955.

Her commitment to education and teaching began early. In 1958 she began her career at LeGrand Elementary School, with a provisional credential. She went on to earn a degree in elementary education from Fresno State in 1960.

In 1961, Maytha joined Fresno Unified School District, beginning a remarkable career that would span more than 37 years. She taught at Tielman, Birney, Columbia, and Ewing Elementary Schools respectively, before joining Ayer Elementary in 1990, where she continued teaching kindergarten until her retirement. An extradentary educator, Maytha, understood the importance of giving children a strong foundation. She brought music, art, culture, and agriculture into her classroom and inspired generations of young students with her creativity, warmth, and love of learning.

Maytha's commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom. She taught catechism at St. Helen's Parish, served as a 4-H club leader, volunteered with the Fresno County Farm Bureau's ``Ag in the Classroom.'' program, and remained deeply connected to the agriculture community she called home. She was also a gifted storyteller, seamstress, watercolor artist, and beloved family chef.

Maytha shared a remarkable life with her husband, Alfred Sebasto, Jr. After meeting at a church party in 1960, they married in 1962 and began their life together while Al was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. They eventually returned to Fresno County, where they raised their two daughters, Alfreda and Theresa, and worked together on the family farm, cultivating hay, almonds, citrus, and dairy replacement heifers. Their life together was rooted in family, faith, agricultuie, and a deep commitment to one another.

Even after retiring from teaching, Maytha continued to serve others as a substitute teacher for former colleagues, volunteering in agricultural education, working alongside her husband on the farm, and pursuing her love of art and travel. Her kindness, creativity, and devotion to others left an indelible impression on the many students, family members, and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Maytha Sebasto and recognizing her extraordinary contributions to generations of students, her family, and the Central Valley community. Her legacy as an educator, farmer, mother, and friend will endure in the countless lives she touched and in the values of service, family, and community that she so faithfully embodied.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Nancy Ruth Osborne, who passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 78.

Nancy grew up in a military family, living on Army bases in Japan, Turkey, and the United States. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico, after which she attended California State University, Fresno and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications.

She began her 37-year career at ABC30 in 1977, breaking the glass ceiling for young women in reporting by becoming one of the region's earliest women to anchor local television news. Nancy quickly developed a reputation for integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to the community she served.

Over the course of her career, Nancy co-anchored Action News and wrote and produced ``360'', the San Joaquin Valley's first locally developed television news magazine program. In 1996, after two decades on air, she was appointed Executive Producer of Special Projects. As executive producer, she helped guide station coverage while continuously reporting on public affairs, politics, and issues affecting children and families.

Notably, Nancy covered many important events, such as the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Yosemite National Park in 1983, the launch of a space shuttle at Cape Canaveral and its landing in the California desert, the aftermath of the Coalinga earthquake, and a story close to her heart: going to sea on the USS Lincoln to report on the pilots and sailors from the San Joaquin Valley.

In January 2004 Nancy returned to reporting full-time. Once again, bringing her experience and expertise to the daily Action News team. While there she co-anchored Action News at Five with her good friend and colleague, Warren Armstrong.

In 2005, the Northern California chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted the Emmy award-winning Osborne into its prestigious Silver Circle for her commitment of over 25 years to the Fresno television market and the broadcast news industry. She was also awarded the esteemed Edward R. Morrow Award, which commemorates only the best of local broadcasting journalism.

Outside of the newsroom Nancy was deeply engaged in community service and charitable work throughout Central California. She was always particularly passionate about serving the military community.

At the age of 64, Ms. Osborne decided to retire after an injury that left her unable to do the job to her own standards. During her exit interview in 2012, Nancy recounted how much she owed her career to her daily viewers. ``I never would have lasted 20 minutes, much less 20 or 30 years. And it is because of the folks who watched us every day.''

Nancy Osborne was a beloved figure and trailblazer. She was a passionate, accomplished news media professional, who cared deeply for her community and the members of our military who bravely serve to defend our country. She will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor ABC30 on its 70th Anniversary, a remarkable milestone celebrating seven decades of service, journalism, and steadfast commitment to the people of California's Central Valley.

Since its first broadcast on May 10, 1956, ABC30's predecessor operated out of a small, modest facility in downtown Fresno with limited staff and resources. What began as a local station with humble beginnings has grown into the region's longtime news leader, informing families and shaping the community thorough decades of storytelling.

In the early 1970s, the station entered a new chapter with investments in equipment, staffing, and a new facility that helped launch the Action News format. This approach, emphasizing timely reporting, compelling visuals, and faster-paced coverage, helped ABC30 rise to the top of the ratings, a position it has proudly maintained for generations.

ABC30 has been home to journalists and anchors who become trusted voices in households across the Valley. Longtime anchors such as John Wallace and Nancy Osborne helped build a lasting connection with viewers, not only through their reporting, but through their leadership, professionalism and dedication to the community they served.

The station's legacy is also reflected in its coverage of defining moments in Central Valley history, from the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping to the aftermath of September 11, 2001, and the 2020 Creek Fire. Throughout each story, ABC30 has remained committed to its mission: to show up for the community and tell the stories that matter.

Beyond reporting, ABC30 has become a familiar presence in the daily lives of viewers, through recognizable faces, iconic music, and community-centered programs. Although technology and the ways people receive news has changed, ABC30's mission has remained steadfast: providing reliable journalism, addressing the issues that matter most to the community, and serving Central California with honesty and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating ABC30 on 70 years of service in our Central Valley. We honor the station's history, its journalist and staff, and its lasting contributions to our community. We extend our sincere appreciation as ABC30 continues its legacy of trust, news reporting, and public service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Connie Clery, a courageous advocate for campus safety, victims' rights, and public accountability, who passed away on June 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born Constance Benjamin Clery, Connie devoted her life to serving others with compassion, resilience, and determination. While she will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she is equally remembered as a national leader whose advocacy reshaped how institutions of higher education respond to campus crime and student safety.

Connie's journey as an advocate began following the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Jeanne Clery, who was tragically murdered in her residence hall at Lehigh University in 1986. Rather than allowing grief to define her family, Connie transformed this unimaginable loss into action. Alongside her husband, Howard Clery, she dedicated herself to ensuring that no other family would endure the same preventable tragedy.

Together, the Clery family founded Security on Campus Inc., now known as the Clery Center, an organization committed to promoting safer college campuses through education, prevention, and advocacy. Under Connie's leadership, the organization became a national voice for transparency, empowering students and families with information while encouraging colleges and universities to prioritize campus safety.

Connie's perseverance helped inspire the passage of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, known as the Clery Act. This landmark federal law requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to publicly disclose campus crime statistics and issue timely warnings about threats to campus communities. This Act fundamentally changed the safety and transparency of higher education, ensuring safety for millions of students.

Throughout the years, Connie remained a steadfast advocate for victims' rights and institutional accountability. Alongside her husband Howard, she helped advance more than 30 state and federal laws designed to improve campus safety and strengthen victims' rights. Even after stepping down from leading the organization she co-founded, Connie remained deeply engaged as Chairwoman Emerita of the Clery Center, continuing to mentor advocates and inspire institutions committed to creating safer learning environments. Her actions and courage continue to fuel a national movement that has protected countless lives and families.

Above all, Connie was a devoted wife to Howard Clery, Jr. For 51 years, a loving mother to Howard, III, Benjamin, and Jeanne, and a proud grandmother and friend. While her work became known across the Nation, her family remained at the heart of everything she did, and Connie's memory continued to inspire her life's mission.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Connie Clery for her extraordinary service to students and the countless lives that will never know the danger she worked so tirelessly to prevent. May her legacy continue to inspire others to serve with integrity, compassion, and purpose.

Madam Speaker, as our Nation continues to commemorate our 250th anniversary, we are reminded that the ideals on which America was founded are as critical today as they were then: a nation built on a promise that every person has dignity and that no one should be left behind--the land of opportunity.

Last month, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, funding for the USDA and other ancillary purposes.

The bill cuts, unfortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture's budget by more than $1 billion while farm bankruptcies are increasing and rising costs to farmers as it relates to energy costs, fertilizer costs, et cetera, are having a dramatic impact. Certainly, in California, bankruptcies are up from last year by 44 percent. That is devastating.

In the San Joaquin Valley, growers are already fighting rising costs, volatile markets, and pest and disease threats. That is a normal part of farming, but this doesn't meet the moment. It makes it harder. It makes it harder because the USDA is part of a safety net for American agriculture. For hungry families, it is even crueler. It takes food off the table.

I ask what it says about us, in this 250th anniversary that is intended to commemorate the greatness of our country, that we are stripping food from the most vulnerable Americans and calling it a positive trend. Give me a break.

Madam Speaker, 46 percent of Americans being cut from SNAP are children--children, not criminals, not fraudsters. They are children. Over 700,000 kids have already lost their food benefits, and that is only in the 12 States currently reporting the child-level data. The real number, I think, is far worse.

We are talking about mothers stretching bags of groceries to the last of the week and oftentimes making difficult choices between food or medicine for their children.

We are also talking about veterans who have served this country and now have difficulty putting food on the table.

We are talking about people with disabilities who have nowhere else to turn.

We are talking about our neighbors. They are Americans living during the celebration of this 250th year of this Republic.

A drop in enrollment has nothing to do with fraud or a stronger economy. It has to do with people losing their benefits that they are entitled to. Yet, many of my Republican colleagues cut SNAP and nutrition assistance twice. They have done it twice, once in the big, not so beautiful bill, in my view, and they have done it a second time in this ag appropriations that was passed last month.

Again, the Agriculture appropriations bill made this cut, as I said, 5.6 percent, or another $6 billion below last year's enacted measure. On top of that, they are cutting fruit and vegetable benefits from the Women, Infants, and Children's program--fruits and vegetables, healthy aspects of our diet.

It makes no sense why we are making it harder for families in underserved communities to put fresh, healthy food on the table. I voted ``no'' on that bill.

My district in the San Joaquin Valley in California has some of the most vital, richest agricultural production anywhere in the country or the world, yet we have a significant amount of people who are food insecure. Almost 30 percent of households in my congressional district rely at some time or another on SNAP. It is one of the highest ratios in the State.

Most of these households include a child, a senior, or a person on disability. These families are not living large, believe me. They are barely surviving.

Madam Speaker, in this 250th year of America, I think we should be lifting people up and not taking food off their dinner tables because food in America is a national security issue, as I like to say. It is an international security issue when we look at food hunger around the globe and cuts that have

taken place in USAID that were devastating, to make but one of those examples.

Our Founders did not build this Nation so that two and a half centuries later we would be debating whether or not hungry children deserve to eat.

The farm bill on the Senate side gives us another chance, and I ask that we reconsider the SNAP payments on that farm bill in September.

Fraud is a crime, but hunger is not. Let us honor the values of this anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the brave men and women, those in blue in law enforcement who put the badge on every day and make the choice to serve their communities, and to remember the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice whose lives have been lost in the line of duty, and their families who continue to carry that sacrifice with them every single day.

In the San Joaquin Valley that I represent, our law enforcement officers are more than public servants. They are coaches. They are mentors. They are neighbors. They are parents and members of our communities that they protect.

This week, we are honored to have Sergeant Sammy Ashworth, Sergeant Roland Rendon, and Detective Chris Franks of the Fresno Police Department Honor Guard, here in Washington to represent the Central Valley and honoring fallen officers from across the country. Their presence here is a reminder of deep respect we owe to every officer who has answered the call to serve.

We have seen firsthand in Fresno what can happen when law enforcement has the tools, the technology, the training, the community, and the support they need to succeed.

Last year, Fresno saw its homicide rate fall to a 51-year all-time low. Shootings, robberies, aggravated assaults, and motor vehicles theft also declined significantly.

Fresno police recovered more than 1,500-plus crime-related firearms and achieved a homicide clearance rate above the national average, a tribute to this tremendous department.

Those results don't happen by accident. They happen because officers are doing their work every single day, 365 days a year. They happen because departments have invested in technology and recruitment and prevention and partnerships with the community to have the best personnel there and to support them.

That is why we must continue to support law enforcement with funding, resources, and training necessary to protect our community safely and effectively.

Last year, I was proud to secure $1 million for the Orange Cove City Police Department to help relocate their current department into a new facility that will strengthen public safety for the community that they serve.

In addition, we were able to obtain another $1 million for the Parlier Police Department to renovate its facilities and improve operating conditions while supporting public safety in the valley.

Public safety is bigger than policing alone. If we really want to have safer communities across our country, we must invest in prevention, as well. Prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When families can afford groceries, healthcare, childcare, and housing, when young people have access to good schools and job opportunities, and when people have pathways to succeed, communities become stronger and crime declines. That is a simple matter of fact.

Food security is national security. Economic security is public safety. Think about it in those ways. When people are left behind, when costs continue to rise, and when support systems disappear, the pressure on families and communities grows.

We cannot expect law enforcement alone to carry every burden created by poverty, addiction, mental health challenges, and economic instability.

Supporting public safety means supporting both officers who work to protect our communities and the families working hard to build better lives.

Mr. Speaker, today, during National Police Week, I thank every law enforcement officer serving our communities, not only in the 21st Congressional District but throughout the country, every family that stands beside them, and every officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.

We honor them. We support them. We will never forget them.

Mr. Speaker, I close by saying: God bless all of those men and women who serve to protect our communities every day, 365 days of the year. They are truly the epitome of public service, and we thank all of them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of John ``Phil'' Larson, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, who passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 92.

Phil was born on September 5, 1933, in San Fransico, California, alongside his twin brother, Don Larson. He was raised on his family's farm near Kerman, California, where he developed his deep faith, humility, and tireless work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. After graduating from Kerman High School in 1951, he went on to further his education at Fresno State and Point Loma University.

In 1953, Phil answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably until 1956, including two winters in Korea, and completed his reserve service in 1961. His time in uniform reflected his lifelong commitment to service and sacrifice.

Phil met his wife, Joyce Henriksen, through Fresno First Covenant Church. They were married on March 21, 1959, at Kingsburg Mission Covenant Church, beginning a 67-year marriage grounded in faith, partnership, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Tim and Lisa, and built a life centered on family and community.

Phil dedicated much of his career to agriculture, beginning on his family's farm near Kerman before joining Wilbur-Ellis company in 1963. Spending over 38 years with the company, he built a reputation for integrity, expertise, and lasting relationships, retiring in 2000. Beyond his professional work, Phil's leadership in agriculture was widely recognized through his service on the Fresno County Farm Bureau Executive Board, including two years as president, where he advocated on critical water issues affecting California's Central Valley.

In 2002, Phil was elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, representing District One. As a steady and principled leader, he expanded services in underserved communities, improved libraries, supported educational partnerships, and contributed to infrastructure projects like Veterans Boulevard. Even after he left the board in 2015, he remained committed to enhancing life across western Fresno County.

As a proud alumnus, Phil received the President's Medal of Distinction from California State University, Fresno, in 2014, for his lifetime of service.

Above all, Phil was a man of strong faith and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Tim and Lisa; grandchildren, Tanner, Haylee, and Lindsey; and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Olive, and his brothers, Galen and Don.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John ``Phil'' Larson. His legacy of faith, service, dedication to agriculture and commitment to family and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Max Rodriguez, a devoted public servant, community leader, and lifelong resident of Madera, California, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on November 3, 1939, to Josephine and Maximo Rodriguez, Max was raised on Madera's east side, where he developed a lifelong commitment to service, hard work, and community. After graduating from Madera High School in 1958, he continued his education at Fresno City College and went on to proudly serve in the California Army National Guard.

Max's professional life reflected his values of dedication and leadership. He began as a farmworker before spending 25 years at the American Forest Products, also known as North Fork Sawmill, where he became the Financial Secretary and President of Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union Local 2762. Following the closure of the sawmill in 1985, he pursued a career as a Farmers Insurance agent, serving the Madera community until his retirement in 2008.

Max Rodriguez's public service was equally distinguished. First elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2004, he proudly represented District 4 for four consecutive terms, dedicating 16 years to improving the quality of life for the county's residents. During his tenure, he championed safe neighborhoods, quality schools, economic development. and public safety initiatives.

He played a pivotal role in organizing Fresno River clean-up efforts, expanding law enforcement coverage, and supporting infrastructure projects, including the high-speed rail and associated regional development. He also contributed to education and youth programs, supporting the construction of multiple schools within the Madera Unified School District and helping establish the John Wells Youth Center at Centennial Park.

Beyond the board of supervisors, he served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Madera County Transportation Commission, First 5 Madera County, LAFCO, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy, among others. His civic engagement extended to organizations such as the Pan-American Club, the Madera Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP Branch 1084.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sarah Rodriguez; his parents; and his siblings, Connie Munoz, Josephine Herrera, Victoria Contreras, Mary Helen Soto, Hope Rosales, Vera Olono, and Phillip Rodriguez. He is survived by his children, Barbara Dolan (John), Karen Scrivner (Gary), and Mark Rodriguez; as well as his grandchildren, Davis Pogue, and Juliana Pogue.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Max Rodriguez for his decades of service and enduring impact on the Madera Community. May his life continue to inspire public servants and citizens alike.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues, Representative David G. Valadao, Representative John Garamendi, Representative Mike Thompson, Representative Vince Fong, Representative Salud Carbajal, Representative Dan Newhouse, Representative Adam Gray, Representative Zoe Lofgren, Representative, Josh Harder, Representative Glenn ``GT'' Thompson, Representative Gabe Evans, Representative Ken Calvert, Representative Jeff Hurd, Representative Julia Brownley, Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., Representative Adelita S. Grijalva, and Representative Jimmy Panetta to recognize and honor the 100th anniversary of Western Growers for a century of commitment to western agriculture through advocacy and support, resulting in stronger unification and resilience for the industry that provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts for our Nation.

Western Growers was founded on March 6, 1926, with the goal to manage and challenge mounting regulatory and transportation pressures. This kind of advocacy set a precedent of adaptive and robust support designed to keep its members competitive and profitable. For 100 years, Western Growers has been a steadfast voice for agriculture in state and national political arenas--championing policies that protect and advance the fresh produce industry.

To bolster its commitment to political alignment and advocacy, Western Growers established a presence in key political centers, opening offices in: Sacramento, California in 1980; Phoenix, Arizona in 1985; and Washington, D.C. in 2007. These offices have enabled Western Growers to develop valuable relationships with state and federal officials and agencies and navigate policies impacting the day-to-day farming operations of its members across our respective states.

By maintaining a constant presence where decisions are made, the organization has positioned itself as both a trusted advisor and a formidable advocate for the agricultural community. The legislative success of Western Growers on behalf of the agriculture industry can be attributed to the persistence and tenacity of its team of professionals. This includes expanding the specialty crop share within the Farm Bill, securing millions of dollars toward Western water infrastructure, leading negotiations for agricultural workforce reform, and elevating the need for improved federal pesticide and food safety policies to better account for fresh produce realities.

The century mark is a further testament to a commitment to longevity, and decades of looking ahead to foresee and mitigate challenges. Western Growers has repeatedly strived to match the resiliency and adaptability demonstrated by the agricultural stewards it represents by expanding its expertise and support throughout the organization. The in-

house Science and Innovation programs are particular points of pride as they focus on driving practical, scalable solutions in ag technology, sustainability, crop protection science, and food safety. Elsewhere, the H-2A services program provides critical support to growers navigating the complexities of agricultural labor and workforce management. Generations of producers also benefit from Western Growers' exceptional member services through its health and commercial insurance solutions, retirement security, legal counsel, employee training resources and more.

Growth has not been limited to programs alone. In the past decade, Western Growers expanded its geographic reach by bringing Colorado and New Mexico into its membership footprint, further strengthening its influence across the western United States. This expansion reflects a vision of unifying diverse agricultural regions under a shared mission: advancing the viability and competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop producers.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in celebrating Western Growers for 100 years of unwavering support for western agriculture and its goal to champion and strengthen an irreplaceable and vital industry that supplies fresh and healthy food to our Nation's population.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a treasured landmark in California's Central Valley, the Elbow Room Bar and Grill in Fresno, as it celebrates 70 years of culinary excellence, hospitality, and deep community connection.

Since opening its doors in 1955, the Elbow Room has been a beloved gathering place for generations of Central Valley families. What began as a humble neighborhood hangout quickly became known for its signature steak sandwich, warm service, and inviting atmosphere.

In 1994, restaurateur Mike Shirinian took the helm, ushering in a new era of growth while preserving the Elbow Room's original charm. Under his leadership, the restaurant expanded and evolved, adding custom wine cellars, a marketplace, and a climate-controlled patio, all designed to enhance the guest experience while honoring its timeless roots.

For seven decades, the Elbow Room has remained committed to its core values: exceptional food, genuine connection, and a passion for doing things right. It has become far more than just a restaurant; it is a cherished institution and a symbol of the enduring spirit of Fresno.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Shirinian family, the Elbow Room team, and the entire Fresno community on this remarkable milestone. As we celebrate 70 years of tradition and innovation, we look forward to many more unforgettable meals and memories at this Central Valley icon.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I rise today with deep pride and gratitude to celebrate Sikh History Month and to strongly support a resolution recognizing the history, culture, heritage, and immense contributions of the Sikh American community.

Sikhism, founded over 500 years ago by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, is built on three unbreakable pillars: meditating on the Divine; earning an honest living through tireless work; and sharing generously with others. These core principles of equality, social justice, selfless service (seva), and human dignity continue to guide Sikh Americans as they overcome adversity and strengthen our Nation.

In California's Central Valley, Sikh and Punjabi farmers proudly wearing the turban form the backbone of American agriculture. They produce more than 90 percent of our peaches, nearly two-thirds of our prunes, and vast harvests of almonds, walnuts, and other crops that feed America from coast to coast. From the fields to our military, boardrooms, classrooms, and humanitarian efforts, Sikh Americans exemplify entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and unwavering patriotism.

Their gurdwaras serve as beacons of compassion, offering free meals to every person in need proving that no one eats alone and no one goes hungry. This month is an opportunity to highlight Sikh identity and articles of faith, promotes education and cultural events, and reaffirms America's sacred commitment to religious liberty and pluralism for all.

I congratulate our Sikh brothers and sisters on Sikh History Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today. along with my colleagues, Representatives Vince Fong and David Valadao, to recognize and honor Kopi Sotiropulos upon his retirement after decades of service as weather reporter for KMPH-FOX26 and host of Great Day.

Kopi's story reflects the promise of the American Dream. Born in Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece, he immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age and settled in Fresno, California. Arriving with knowing little English, Kopi quickly embraced his new community with determination, humor, and a love for learning.

He attended Fremont Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School, and Fresno High School, where he became actively involved in school life and served as Student Body Vice President. Kopi later pursued his passion for communications at San Fransico State University, where he majored in broadcasting.

In October of 1971, Kopi began his professional career with KMPH-TV 26 in Visalia as a commercial copywriter at the station's launch. Over the next several years, he wrote, produced, filmed, edited, and performed in numerous commercials and promotional segments, while also hosting the popular program Dialing for Dollars, and quickly becoming a recognizable personality in Central Valley broadcasting.

Kopi later spent a decade in Hollywood pursuing his passion for acting. appearing in film and television alongside notable performers such as Eddie Murphy, Michael Keaton, Mary Tyler Moore, Goldie Hawn, and David Letterman. During this time, he worked on a wide range of television productions including The Incredible Hulk, Perfect Strangers, Knight Rider, General Hospital, and Days of Our Lives. These experiences further showcased his versatility and talent in entertainment and broadcasting.

After 10 years in Los Angeles, Kopi and his wife Elaine returned to Fresno to raise their family, including their children Anastasis and Vasili. In 1992, Kopi became weatherman for KMPH Fox 26's Ten O'clock News, a role in which he became a familiar and trusted figure to viewers throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

In 2003, Kopi helped launch KMPH's morning show Great Day which became a fan favorite. Alongside his co-host, Kim Stephens, he introduced the show's ``exclusive 10-day forecast'', often featuring local residents. For decades, his work has informed, entertained, and brought communities together across the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kopi Sotiropulos for his decades of distinguished service in broadcasting, dedication to his craft, and his enduring commitment to the Central Valley.

Mr. Speaker, before I make my comments on a very important issue facing our country, let us all pause for a moment to recognize those six Americans who have lost their lives this week and their families, realizing that they have given their all. God bless them, and our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something that touches every family, as well, and every community, and that is hunger. Food, as I always say in the House Agriculture Committee, of which I am a member, is a national security issue. Food is a national security issue. Yet, we too often fail to treat it that way.

When families cannot access healthy, affordable food, our communities are weaker, our economy is weaker, and our Nation is weaker.

If we are a forced to import essential foods rather than grow them here in America, that leaves our Nation more vulnerable in an increasingly unstable world that we live in today.

In our San Joaquin Valley, which I represent, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, farmers rise early in the morning to put food on America's dinner table. I know. I am a third-generation farmer and proud of it.

California produces over 400 commodities, including more than 60 percent of the Nation's fruits and vegetables. Over 80 percent of the citrus in the Nation is produced in California, along with 75 percent of the world's almonds and pistachios. Think about that: 75 percent in California.

Yet, even communities that grow so much of our food, like in my district, nearly 30 percent of the households rely on food assistance. It is an interesting dichotomy. We have incredible food production that puts food on every American's dinner table every night with the help of farmworkers, yet a majority of those households, 30 percent of them in my district, require food assistance. It is sad. They depend upon food support for their food.

Nationwide, 48 million people face food insecurity in our country, including 14 million children--14 million children--in the richest Nation in the world. This is unacceptable. At the same time, we know that grocery costs are up by as much as $400 a month for so many of our families throughout the country.

Egg prices rose 53 percent over the year from January 2024 to January 2025.

In 2025, a gallon of whole milk averaged $4.

Ground beef prices have risen 15 percent recently and are up 63 percent since 2020.

Americans who purchase their groceries every week know that the affordability of their food continues to become more challenging and more difficult.

Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture canceled-- canceled--$1 billion in funding that schools and local food banks use to purchase food directly from local farmers. It was a great program and had a lot of merit. Why they canceled it, I do not know.

Congress also enacted cuts totaling $186 billion in food assistance that resulted in more than 3 million people losing their food support entirely. That is disgraceful.

Soon after, the United States Department of Agriculture terminated the annual Household Food Security report, the very report that told us that nearly 48 million Americans face food insecurity. What is that about? Without reliable data, we are left without a clear picture on who is struggling the most in our communities throughout our country.

This week, the House marked up the farm bill, an important effort that we are supposed to do every 4 years. We are now into 5.5 years. We tried to strengthen the nutrition programs through amendments and legislation, but the Republicans defeated our efforts, sadly.

We must stabilize farm income, or we will allow our producers to fall behind. Whether we invest in local food systems or just let them disappear, food is a national security issue. The farm bill affects grocery prices, crop insurance, school lunches, and rural economies.

Mr. Speaker, we must pass a bipartisan farm bill this year, and I am doing everything I can by working with my colleagues across the aisle and the Senate because food is a national security issue. That is the bottom line.

In the Central Valley that I represent, the San Joaquin Valley, families are spending over $1,000 a month on groceries. The affordability question is real.

Farmers are navigating misguided tariffs policy, volatile markets, and disease outbreaks. In the richest country in the world, we should not accept a system where the hardest-working farmers see shrinking margins while families struggle to afford their groceries.

Let's support our farmers. Let's feed our families. Let's feed our children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to a serious and growing public safety and public health concern that I think requires congressional action. It is the operation of illegal and unregulated biological laboratories that we see in communities throughout our country.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting legislation that I have introduced from the House committee recommendations. They are the Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act and the STOP Health Threats Act.

Many of us became aware of this issue in the San Joaquin Valley in 2023 when an illegal biolab was discovered operating in my district in Reedley, California. Local officials uncovered a clandestine operation storing biological materials, laboratory equipment, medical waste, and dangerous, dangerous pathogens like malaria, like COVID, like HIV. There were thousands of laboratory mice in unsafe conditions.

All of this was inside a warehouse located near residential areas. It was not a licensed facility. It was operating in the shadows without proper licensing or permits. Why? Ostensibly, the reason was to develop medical kits for COVID testing and for pregnancy testing. Clearly, that was not the case.

Local authorities initially lacked the clear tools and resources to determine what hazards they were dealing with or how to safely respond. The situation placed local law enforcement officers, code enforcement staff, and nearby residents at serious risk.

It required coordination of local, State, and Federal agencies to fully assess the threat and dismantle this operation. It was slow in coming.

Now, over the weekend, some of my colleagues have probably noted a national story in Las Vegas, where there was the report of a discovery of a new lab and that materials were under investigation related to the illegal biolab that was created in 2023 in Reedley, California. This does not surprise me.

We cannot assume that communities across the country are immune from similar risks. Many jurisdictions simply do not have the expertise or Federal support needed to quickly identify and respond to unauthorized biological operations. That is why I have introduced legislation based upon committee recommendations.

This is bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening Federal coordination, improving oversight, and helping close regulatory blind spots that have allowed unauthorized facilities to operate undetected. We hope this will ensure local communities have the access and the resources necessary when a biological threat emerges.

Too often, local officials are asking: Who do we call? Who has the authority? Who has the expertise? Our legislation helps answer those questions before another emergency unfolds.

Mr. Speaker, first responders should not have to walk into an unknown biological environment without clear Federal support. Parents should not have to worry about hazardous material being stored in facilities next door to schools and residential areas. Communities deserve transparency and safeguards, whether the incident occurs in California, Nevada, or anywhere else in the country.

It is important that we protect our constituents from a larger crisis. The legislation would strengthen oversight, coordination, and response mechanisms that can prevent confusion and reduce the risks.

I urge Members on both sides of the aisle to review these two pieces of legislation and to become cosponsors. Together, we can ensure that Federal agencies, State authorities, and local communities are better equipped to address these unauthorized biological operations that would prevent threats in their areas. The public demands that we provide preparedness, and preparedness demands action.

Let me also thank local officials that acted responsibly when it was first determined they had a problem. They include Code Officer Jesalyn Harper from the city of Reedley, City Manager Nicole Zieba; mayor of the city, Mayor Tuttle, of the city council; and Supervisor Nathan Magsig. All of these individuals worked together with our office to, in fact, act on the situation in Reedley, California.

Mr. Speaker, I urge that we act on this legislation so that people around the country can feel safe from any kind of illegal biological labs that may crop up in their communities. Together, we can close these gaps, support the communities, and keep our constituents safe.

Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of California's 21st Congressional District, I am here to share some good news for the people of not only the Central Valley but across the country. The House has just passed the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act, with strong bipartisan support.

As one of the original founders of the bipartisan Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, this is good news. I am proud to co-lead the bill alongside a bipartisan group of colleagues.

Right now, too many victim service organizations are forced to operate with uncertainty, not knowing if funding will be there from year to year. That uncertainty affects real people who have been victims of crime, survivors seeking counseling, families needing emergency shelter, and victims looking for legal support in some of the hardest moments in their lives.

This bill stabilizes the Crime Victims Fund, which is funded by criminal fines, not taxpayer dollars, and supports critical services through VOCA programs across the country.

By bringing stability to the funding, States and local organizations will have the ability to plan ahead, keep staff in place, and continue showing up for survivors when it matters most.

This bill heads to the Senate, and I am urging my colleagues there to act quickly on its passage for victims of crime and their families.