Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, a year ago, President Putin launched an unlawful invasion of the people of Ukraine, and it has changed the world, a war that has led to nothing but destruction and human atrocities.

I have seen these atrocities firsthand when I traveled to Ukraine last September--the bombing of homes, of hospitals, of schools; the impacts on innocent women and children; the deportation of families; and the atrocities go on and on.

President Putin is a war criminal. I am proud that he has sanctioned me and many of my colleagues for our support of Ukraine and for standing up for their democracy. They are standing up for our democracy, as well.

Putin thought he could divide us and Ukraine would immediately fall. He was wrong, wrong, and wrong. The Western world is united as one because freedom and democracy are worth fighting for, and that is what this is all about.

We need to continue to provide financial support to Ukraine, including fighters, tanks, ATACMS, HIMARS, what it takes for them to win this war because there is no other option.

This is the test of our time, and we must rise to meet that test at this time.

Mr. Speaker, we are mourning today the loss of Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr., who, sadly, was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday protecting the citizens of Selma, California. Selma, California, is a wonderful community of about 30,000 people in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

Officer Carrasco was a son of farmworkers, a graduate of Reedley High School, and worked constantly to increase his opportunities to become a police officer. He also, sadly, was preparing to become a father.

He served with the Selma Police Department for 2 years and did all he could to protect the community.

His service, bravery, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. It is a sad day for the people of Selma.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Selma Police Department, and the people in the valley.

May he rest in peace. God bless him. We owe him a debt of gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, since 1960, Congress has raised and extended the debt limit 78 times over a 63-year period.

Let's put this in perspective: 49 times under Republican administrations, 29 times under Democratic Presidents. Sixty-three years we have raised the debt ceiling 78 times.

We are one of only two democratic nations with a statutory debt ceiling and the only one, because of the magnificent extent of our country, the U.S. dollar being the common currency of the world that can threaten a global economic crisis--think about that--by playing around with the debt ceiling.

The debt ceiling has no impact on government spending. Why? Because it only commences to pay the bills that we have already committed ourselves to. Both Republicans and Democrats have passed legislation that has created debt, that requires us to pay Social Security, that requires us to pay other mandatory programs in which there has been bipartisan support for.

Instead, this debt ceiling restricts the Treasury, if, in fact, we do not lift the debt ceiling, from paying those bills. That is why for over 63 years, 78 times, the Congress has chosen to raise the debt ceiling. Why? Because we don't want to put the liability of the world's economy, let alone the U.S. economy, at risk.

We don't want to be deadbeats, right? I think most Americans feel they

ought to pay their bills. My colleagues on the other side want to hold the debt ceiling hostage, leaving Social Security recipients and veterans potentially without their pensions or benefits.

Does that make any sense? If we default on our debt, over 6 million jobs could be diminished. Seniors may not get their benefits for a period of time. Costs will skyrocket. Some economists indicate we could put $12 trillion of American savings at risk if it were extended in this gamesmanship, this attempt to stare each other down, on whether or not we lift the debt ceiling.

That makes no sense. That is risky business. We ought to raise our debt ceiling and pay our bills, and I think there is common agreement that we ought to get our debt under control.

As a Blue Dog, our focus and purpose of being is in the area of fiscal responsibility. As a matter of fact, the last American President that balanced the budget was President Bill Clinton. That was a while ago.

I think that there is common bipartisan agreement to focus on waste, on fraud, and abuse. I mean, those are the buzzwords, right? If we could only focus on waste, fraud, and abuse. But no one wants to highlight, well, how will that impact Social Security? How will that impact other mandatory spending that we have all committed to on a bipartisan basis?

The way to do this is for Republicans and Democrats to come together, separate from raising the debt ceiling, and agree to focus on two things that cause debt--expenditures and revenues.

If we can get an agreement on what we think the Nation's responsibility to be on our priorities for expenditures and the necessary revenues to pay for them, then, only then, would we get our deficit under control, which is what, by the way, President Bill Clinton was able to do a while ago on a bipartisan basis.

So let's get real. Let's not hold the American people hostage, our economy, or the global economy as we play fast and loose with this talk and notion of whether or not to lift the debt ceiling. We must lift the debt ceiling because it is the responsible thing to do.

I ask my colleagues on the other side: Let's come together, let's work on fiscal responsibility in a bipartisan fashion because we should. It is obviously an important, critical issue as we move forward. Let's not play fast and loose with whether or not we are going to be deadbeats and whether or not we are going to pay our bills. That is putting the American economy at risk. It is something we should not do.

Madam Speaker, we know that we have a crisis of mental health across America, and it impacts gun violence, homelessness, and so many other factors. One in five U.S. adults live with mental illness. One in seven in California.

As a result of the pandemic, more Americans have felt alone, scared, and depressed. In my district there is a severe lack of access to mental health in culturally and linguistically challenged areas, especially in southeast Fresno.

In response, we secured $1.5 million to provide expanded mental health and recovery services. That is not enough. We need to do much more throughout the valley and throughout our country.

The lack of investment in mental health services and resources has also fueled a rise in homelessness, as we know, and gun violence in our country. Not even 1 month into 2023, we have had 39 mass shootings that have taken place in America. From Monterey Park in California, Half Moon Bay, to Goshen, California, all three in our State, we have been torn apart by senseless gun violence.

Americans have offered thoughts and prayers. Those are good but not enough. We need further action on gun reform and mental health support. It is critical.

As the chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, I am advocating that we build on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act by hiring more mental health providers, strengthening access to treatment, and expanding resources to our youth. It is very necessary today with our young people.

To all my fellow Americans, it is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help and dial 988. Let's break the stigma and try to save lives.

Floods and Water Storage

Madam Speaker, most are aware that in California we seem to have extreme floods and extreme droughts. Certainly, that has been proven true in the last month.

Last week, I met with local, State, and Federal California water leaders to discuss our efforts to divert flood control and improve groundwater recharge.

Recent storms have dumped over 32 trillion, with a t, gallons of water in California, and the weather forecasters are anticipating that in February we will have more rain.

We need to be better prepared to avoid what happened in Planada, California where over half of the community was flooded and farmworkers and others lost their homes. A grammar school was literally inundated and now the 300 students are being taught at a middle school.

More needs to be done to deal with the displaced farmworkers and the impacts to farmers.

I am working with Governor Newsom and the White House to streamline the process to divert floodwater and increase water storage. It is absolutely necessary with climate change and other factors we are dealing with.

We have secured some funding to begin to fix our infrastructure. It is time we get these projects permitted and shovels in the ground. Let's get to work.

USDA Funding for Dairy Producers

Madam Speaker, California is also the number one agriculture State in the Nation. Dairy producers are a key part of that production. They are feeling the pinch of the pandemic, an unsteady market, and increases in feed and input costs, which impact the bottom line.

From milk to cheese that we all enjoy, dairy producers have been working tirelessly to put food on America's dinner table. California produces over 20 percent of all the milk in America.

I am proud to announce that I, along with some of my Republican and Democratic colleagues, have worked with Secretary Vilsack to secure $100 million in additional aid to support the dairy producers recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.

As the leading dairy-producing State in the Union, this funding will help California dairy farmers so they can continue to produce and deliver the most nutritious products around the world.

Honoring the Career of Kerri Donis

Madam Speaker, today I honor careers of individuals who make a difference, such as the career of Kerri Donis.

Madam Speaker, I want to honor Chief Kerri Donis for 27 years of her fearless leadership and courageous service to the Fresno Fire Department. Kerri is the first woman to hold the position as the department's chief in a country where only 4 percent of the firefighters are women.

Under her leadership, the department has grown to 402 personnel for the city of Fresno. She has created programs like Girls Empowerment Camp which introduces fire service careers for young women.

Chief Donis will be remembered for her selfless acts and for consistently putting safety for her firefighters and the community above all else.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Chief Kerri Donis on her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the devastating impacts of droughts and floods that have been exacerbated in part by climate change in California but also around the country and around the world.

California is being battered with major storms bringing flooding and high winds across our State. Normally, we need the water but not quite at this level and at this measure.

We need to be taking advantage of the heavy precipitation to shore up our water supplies, to fill our State's critical reservoirs, and recharge our aquifers that have been depleted not only over decades but the last 3 years as a result of extreme drought.

The fact is, California gets most of its moisture, unlike parts of the country, from November to March. If we don't get it then, we don't get it at all.

The acceleration of the cycle of droughts and floods caused by climate change and more demands in California's water system, more people, more needs, have made it more difficult for farmers to put food on America's dinner table. I know. I am a third-generation farmer.

Now, the ongoing storms and floods threaten to damage our crops. California's San Joaquin Valley, which I represent a part of, grows nearly a quarter of the United States' food and has been bearing the brunt of it all.

Since 2019, farmland in California has shrunk by 10 percent, resulting in over 750,000 acres of fallowed land. Nearly 12,000 agriculture jobs were lost statewide, representing a 2.8 percent decline. A total of 1.3 million acres were left unplanted compared to 2019, most of it within the San Joaquin Valley. Sadly, we see that example here. And the surface water deliveries in the valley were cut by nearly 43 percent; a complex State and Federal water system. Zero percent were to agricultural allocations. You can't grow food without water.

Our farmers feed the world, and they can't do that without a reliable water supply. Forty-four percent of California's agriculture is exported.

Last year, Congress enacted the bipartisan infrastructure law, the largest infrastructure investment since the Eisenhower administration. These projects must be accelerated to develop additional water storage and to expand access to water for farmers in the valley and throughout the State.

In these efforts, we secured $1.15 billion for western agriculture water storage, an important first step; $25 million for the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Authority, which increases 130,000 acre-feet of additional water storage; $30 million for Sites Reservoir to pursue off-stream storage that will provide 1.5 million acre-feet of water; $82 million for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir that will expand another 115,000 acre-feet of additional storage; and $15 million to construct the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir, another 82,000 acre-feet of off-stream storage.

If all of those would be in place today, that would be an additional 2 million acre-feet of additional water supply for California during these flood times. Unfortunately, these projects are not built. We must get about that business.

These investments, along with the ongoing Friant-Kern Canal construction already underway, show that we can and will improve our water system to sustain our future with climate change and other factors.

For decades, sadly, we did not make these investments, and we need to do so to protect our communities and farmland against extreme weather events for our country and for the world.

Water will rival energy in the next 10 years as to whether or not nation-states can live together amicably. It is critical.

Finally, we took a large step by investing in this bipartisan infrastructure. But the flooding that we see here obviously is our current, ongoing problem. Our Federal agencies must work

quickly, and we must use all of the water tools in our water toolbox to prevent future disasters like this from destroying our State and for other water basins, like the Colorado River and the Mississippi River. All of these are known to experience periodic flooding and periodic droughts. We must act now.

Madam Speaker, the 117th Congress, I believe, will go down as one of the most successful Congresses in modern history. We have passed over 200 bipartisan bills, provided funding for vaccine relief, the American Rescue Plan, $1.2 trillion bipartisan investment in infrastructure, efforts to deal with our veterans, focusing on reform on the Postal Service, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the list goes on and on.

We have not passed such successful legislation since perhaps the Great Society in the 1960s. As we reflect upon that and the historic Speakership of Nancy Pelosi, we reflect upon the success of the last 2 years with a 4-vote majority and a 50-50 tie in the Senate. Certainly her Speakership is historic in so many different ways.

Madam Speaker, I look on to the next Congress, the 118th. Hopefully, notwithstanding our divisions, we can find ways to work together on infrastructure as we continue to invest in America, in water, extreme drought conditions facing the West and California, much necessary for the long-term future because where water flows, food grows; investing in transportation to compete around the world; broadband; I want to get a medical school in the San Joaquin Valley. We have a shortage of physicians, and we need to increase the number of nurses to improve better healthcare for all Americans. We need to focus on rural America. I represent a great deal of it.

Yes, there are divisions in this country, but I hope the 118th Congress remembers that we are here to serve the people. This is the people's House. That is our purpose, to work together and solve problems.

Madam Speaker, I am hoping that my alma mater, Fresno State Bulldogs, will be successful in Saturday's game. Go, Dogs.

Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of H.R. 6611 and U.S. Chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD), I urge swift passage of this legislation. H.R. 6611, introduced by Representative Bill Keating earlier this year, would authorize the establishment of a commemorative work in Washington, D.C. to honor the contributions of French Diplomat Jean Monnet. I thank Congressman Keating for leading this legislation.

Jean Monnet was a distinguished French diplomat whose efforts in the immediate post-World War II era were instrumental in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, which was a precursor to what eventually became the European Union (EU). Monnet is widely considered a ``founding father'' of the EU. His vision argued that a unified and economically integrated Europe would lead to long-term peace and stability on the continent.

Monnet was a strong ally and partner of the United States. He spent time in Washington, D.C. during World War II and was a strong advocate for U.S. military assistance to the Allied countries. During his time in Washington, Monnet lived near Rock Creek Park and frequently took long walks in what he referred to as ``my park.'' Monnet claimed that it was on these walks that he thought out and developed plans to achieve lasting peace through a unified Europe.

With this in mind, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, that would authorize a fitting tribute to Jean Monnet, a critical figure in European history and our Transatlantic Relationship.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Virginia Eaton, an esteemed doctor, a beloved wife and mother, and a cherished community member of the Central Valley.

Virginia was born on April 23, 1923, to Dorothy and Walter Stammer. Born and raised in Fresno, CA, she was an accomplished pianist during her childhood and eventually attended Fresno High School. Upon her graduation, Virginia decided to leave the Central Valley to attend the prestigious Stanford University where she graduated with honors, earning a degree in biology in just three years. Virginia then continued her academic journey at USC Medical School in 1943, which she graduated from at the age of 23 as the only woman in her class. Upon completion of medical school, Virginia kickstarted her career in pediatrics by completing an internship and residency at Los Angeles Children's Hospital before returning to Fresno.

Back home, she worked as a pediatrician in private practice and met Lewis S. Eaton whom she married in 1950. Following the birth of their first son, William, Virginia moved her practice to the Fresno County Public Health Department where she traveled to various rural farm and Native American communities that lacked access to resident pediatricians. She worked tirelessly for these communities until her two youngest children, Joan and John, went off to college, prompting Virginia to begin working for the Central Valley Regional Center in 1974. Here, Virginia was a pioneer in using genetics to help diagnose and assist children with developmental disabilities and continued her good work at the Central Valley Regional Center until her retirement at the age of 78.

Virginia's passion for medicine never wavered and she often shared her sage expertise with loved ones far beyond her career; however, she also possessed many other talents and interests. Sharing a fascination of the arts with her husband Lewis, the couple collected many paintings, sculptures, and poetry, supported and befriended several local Fresno artists, and were instrumental in the founding of the Fresno Metropolitan Museum. Virginia was also very influential within the River Parkway Trust which established the Lewis S. Eaton Trail following his passing in 1992. Virginia served on the Fresno County Planning Commission as well where she carried out her commitment to improve her community. Appropriately, her efforts and generosity were recognized with Fresno State's highest non-degree award, the President's Medal of Distinction.

In addition to these accomplishments, Virginia will be remembered for her love of reading, gardening, collecting antiques, raising desert tortoises, and attending San Joaquin Valley Town Hall and Fresno Philharmonic. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, her six grandchildren, her siblings Joan Diehl and Walter Stammer, and will be remembered forever by the countless patients and community members whose lives she touched.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Virginia Eaton. Mrs. Eaton lived an exceptional life and used her talents and passions to make her community a better place. May we continue to be inspired by her story.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Walker, a Central Valley born photojournalist who dedicated his career to documenting the world around us. John used his craft and camera lens to capture the joys and sorrows of our community and tell countless stories that helped emotionally connect us all.

John's passion for photography developed alongside his father's, who was an amateur photographer. When John was a sophomore in high school, his dad bought him his first camera and turned one of the rooms in their house into a darkroom. His father helped him develop his photography skills.

After graduating from Fresno State University with a degree in journalism, John got his first newspaper job in 1980 at the Mesa Tribune in Arizona. In 1985, the Fresno Bee offered John a position and he spent the next 37 years as a photojournalist.

John's work is well respected and has received acclaim. He's won many awards, including picture of the year from the National Photographers Press Association, Society of Newspaper Design, Best of the West, and California Newspaper Publishers Association. His work has appeared in newspapers across the United States and published in Time Magazine, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated.

In his 42-year career in journalism, John had to evolve along with new technology. He started out shooting film and developing images in a darkroom, transitioned to digital photos and continued to adapt his storytelling abilities through in-depth video stories.

John's success in photojournalism comes from his deep understanding of people and the power of pictures to tell a story. He has the ability to communicate across language barriers, cultural and political differences. He cares about the people and places he photographs--it's that empathetic approach that captured readers attention and brought our community to life.

I invite everyone to celebrate John's career with me. May his work continue to inspire future journalists to tell meaningful stories and shed light on areas of improvement in society. His images preserve the history of the San Joaquin Valley and offer an empathic perspective that we should forever cherish.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the career of John Walker. May we continue to be inspired by work. His photographs are an outstanding source of pride for the Central Valley.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ms. Dezie Woods-Jones on her 2022, ``Spirit of Faithful Leadership'' Fannie Lou Hamer Award. She is a Trail Blazer in the Central Valley and works selflessly to help others.

Dezie was born in Ruston, Louisiana and later moved to California. She was raised in Fresno and Oakland. At California State University, Hayward, Dezie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. In her early years, Dezie was involved in groups such as the Black Conference Planning Committee and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to name a few. In 1968, Dezie worked at the Peralta Community College district until 2002. She held many positions and retired as Assistant Chancellor of External Affairs.

In 1991, Dezie served on the Oakland City Council, then as City Vice Mayor, and later became the first woman to run for Mayor for Oakland. Her influence in the community did not go unnoticed, Many well-known Civil Rights leaders acknowledged her leadership abilities. She has worked along side people such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Julian Bond, United States Representatives such as Maxine Waters, Dianne Watson, and Barbara Lee.

Former Governor Jerry Brown appointed Dezie to the California Commission on Crime Control & Violence Prevention, and Former Governor Gray Davis appointed her as a member of the California Postsecondary Education. She was a member of many organizations such as the Oakland Education Cabinet, and Executive Committee of East Bay Regional Board of Directors for the American Heart Association. Dezie's voice was heard on Bay Area radio and television, podcasts, South Korea, South America, West Africa, and Mexico.

One of her accomplishments in life has been her stance on advocacy in the community. Dezie is the founding member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). For over 50 years, she has held her position as president in the state of California. This is the oldest organization in California and her leadership helps many. Dezie is also the president and CEO of DWJ & Associates consulting firm. They specialize in public affairs, leadership training, civic engagement, event planning, and governmental relations. Her firm has helped many organizations such as the National Black Caucus Foundation, Ramsay Group, Fresno Unified School District, and more.

The love of her life, Reverend Carl Jones who pastors the St. Paul Pixley AME Church has been by her side. They raised a beautiful son, Robert, who recently went home to Heaven, and have two grandchildren that they love and adore. The contributions and leadership Dezie carries has reached many people all throughout her life.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dezie Woods-Jones. The passion and love she has to stand up for others is evident from student sit-ins to national marches for the struggle for social justice and roles in leadership. May her joy to help others continue to impact more lives, and her story be a role model to many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) for over 50 years of service to their community.

In 1970, the California Agricultural Leadership Program seated its first class with the mission to enhance the long-term viability of California cultivation through developing leaders who can positively impact the communities and people that agriculture serves. Since its establishment, the program has seen over 1,300 graduates go on to become influential leaders across the industry, which is why it is revered today as a premier leadership development program. Although there were many dedicated individuals and groups involved in the formation of the program, much of its success is credited to founders Dean Brown and J.G. Boswell II who always stood out as visionary leaders and were consistently committed to the success of the program.

In effort to accomplish their mission of growing leaders who made a difference, CALF developed a 17-month fellowship program that provides individuals with a formative leadership experience through executive coaching and a comprehensive curriculum delivered by its esteemed partner universities: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State University, Fresno; and the University of California, Davis. By maximizing classroom and experiential learning, the California Agricultural Leadership Program provides potential leaders with the skills and tools necessary to expand their impact, increase their leadership capacity and ultimately overcome the complex challenges surrounding agriculture. A blueprint for success, program graduates have gone on to become distinct leaders in their families, businesses, communities, and throughout the industry.

In addition to this, CALF also offers several educational exchange programs that aim to raise awareness through education, as well as foster better communication and understanding across sectors. Established in 1982, the Washington, DC Educational Exchange Program promotes dialogue between government and agriculture and allows participants to gain a greater understanding of priority topics and related policies surrounding farming such as water quantity and quality, food safety and security, trade imports and exports, and much more. Similarly, the California Educational Exchange Program takes a more local approach to addressing these matters by connecting participant with California regulatory organizations, nonprofits, and local agriculturalists all while deepening their understanding of food production and ecosystems throughout the Golden State. 2023 will also introduce the California County Educational Exchange Program which will aim to facilitate effective communication, relationship development, and leadership skills amongst those who specialize in community engagement on the county and regional level.

All this, in addition to their Lifelong Leadership Learning Program, exemplifies the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's commitment to education and leadership development, which has been essential to the continued success of California agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring over 50 years of California's Agricultural Leadership Foundation. May we continue to be inspired by their vital work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Congressman David Valadao, to honor President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal.

President Rebelo de Sousa has been a champion for the Portuguese people, and a symbolic figure for the thriving Portuguese community here in the Valley. Most recently, he's fought with conviction to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in Portugal, and ensure a fair and effective economic recovery.

President Rebelo de Sousa was elected to his second term in January 2021, earning 60.70 percent of the vote and finished nearly 48 percentage points above his runner up.

President Rebelo de Sousa led the Social Democratic Party from 1996 to 1999. After the Social Democratic Party joined the European People's Party (EPP), he served as Vice-President of the EPP. He was a deputy to the Constitutional Assembly in 1976, and served in the 8th Constitutional Government as Secretary of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. He then served as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

During his long and esteemed career, President Rebelo de Sousa has worked in journalism, as a political commentator, and in the social sector. For generations of Portuguese, Rebelo de Sousa was a trusted analyst behind much of the news. Before turning 30 he was appointed as assistant director of `Expresso,' and in 1983 he founded the news organization Semanario. He also worked on TV stations RTP and TVI.

His political career has also included service in local government as Municipal Deputy, Metropolitan Deputy, Councilor and President of the Municipal Assemblies of Cascais, Lisbon, and Celorico de Basto.

He earned his Doctorate in Legal and Political Science and has taught widely, including as a tenured professor at the Faculty of Law at Lisbon University.

On behalf of our Portuguese community in the central valley, we welcome President Rebelo de Sousa to Gustine and Livingston. Portuguese have been making their home in California since the early 16th century. Since then, they've become leaders in politics, education, the military, and agriculture, notably the dairy industry. We're honored by President Rebelo de Sousa's first visit to the Central Valley and he is always welcome here.

Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in celebrating and honoring President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Mr. Speaker, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the world has changed--socially, economically, and the political landscape. Putin's war has killed thousands of Ukrainians, innocent citizens, and displaced millions who have struggled to get food and resources in this region.

Last April, I spoke on the floor after the attacks in Bucha, which I visited, and labeled President Putin for what he is, a war criminal. As Russia continues this unprovoked attack on Ukraine, we must continue to stand strong and united against him.

I traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine's capital city, as a part of the Yalta European Strategy Conference recently.

As one of the only Members of Congress to have actually stayed overnight, spent a couple of days, I witnessed the 24-hour cycle of the capital city finding energy once again, revitalizing itself through its day-to-day routines.

I saw parts of the city where Russia's tanks entered the suburbs and killed innocent civilians, as well as children, destroying homes, apartments and schools, mass graves with over 166 individuals. Even through this tragedy, Ukraine has remained resilient, and Kyiv returns to life.

I felt relatively safe as I walked the streets in the central city. Looking back to where the city was 6 months ago is a reminder to me of how precious all of our freedoms are. As I met Ukrainians across the capital, it was inspiring to see their hope that better days are coming, and that Ukraine will prevail.

During my visit, we met with NATO allies and many of the panel sessions that we had focused on how we will continue our support for Ukraine amidst Russia's brutal war that was unprovoked.

Critically, we discussed matters related to Ukraine's defense, its economy and recovery plans, and humanitarian aid as it continues to prevail from Russia's countless attacks.

Strong economic security is critical to rebuilding Ukraine and preserving its sovereignty. That is what we must do after the war. We saw Ukrainian Armed Forces execute one of the most pivotable 48-hour counteroffensives during the past 6 months, and it continues.

The liberation of Izium and territory to the north in Kharkiv is one of the countless displays of bravery and sacrifice that have come to define Ukraine's fight.

Ukraine is putting up a stronger fight than Russia was anticipating; through strength, unity, and love of country, Ukraine will prevail.

Today, we heard that Putin is enlarging his forces by 300,000 and is inferring that everything is on the table. We must call his bluff.

Congress and President Biden have provided significant support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war, and it has made a difference on a bipartisan basis, and we must continue that when we pass the continuing resolution later in the next week.

Ukraine has been able to strengthen its defense systems, bolster its refugee services, and tackle food insecurity. Millions of tons of grain have come out of Odessa through the agreement that was reached through Turkey and the U.N. However, challenges remain, and the war has not yet been won.

We, the United States with our NATO allies, must continue to unite against Vladimir Putin and provide Ukraine with the tools to defend itself and to protect its sovereignty from this brutal invasion.

As we craft the upcoming continuing resolution, we must continue additional funding.

This is a pivotal moment in our history. Our actions today will determine the future of the 21st century.

The world has changed in the last 8 months. Future generations will look back in history and judge us if we made more good decisions than poor decisions to preserve their rights and their liberties.

We must not let Putin win. Democracy must prevail. This is the test of our time and our generation among our NATO allies and here in America to stand up for liberty and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to condemn Azerbaijan's attack on Armenia.

Nearly 204 Armenian troops are confirmed killed or missing. It was an attack on a sovereign territory.

Speaker Pelosi's visit to Armenia is a symbol of the United States' commitment to a peaceful, prosperous Armenia that is setting up its own democratic nation. That is why I am pushing to include demining assistance and other aid for Armenia and Artsakh in the fiscal year 2023 budget.

Mr. Speaker, we must stand with the people of Armenia for all the right reasons.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lee Walter Danker, a friend to many and advocate for animals. He fought pancreatic cancer for almost 4 years and passed surrounded by his family on Friday, July 22, 2022. Lee was an important component to the community and always cared for those around him.

Lee Walter Danker was born on November 18, 1961 in Barcelona, Spain. He graduated from Campolindo High School, and then in 1984, he earned his degree in Communications from California State University, Fresno.

After college, Lee worked in television for channel 30 and 47. In 1987, he decided that Macy's would be a great transition in career, and in 2003, he became a personal shopper. During those years, Lee made many friends and accumulated customers. During his time of working at Macy's, I met Lee and cherished our friendship. After years as a personal shopper, he retired in 2021. For a total of 35 years, Lee was part of Macy's and enjoyed every part of it.

Lee loved animals and was a proud supporter of donating your time to help them. He was a board member for the HOPE Animal Foundation for 16 years and was a fundraising volunteer for Valley Animal Center. For 36 years he spent his time helping that organization, and in 2019, Lee received the Animal Advocate Award from Valley Animal Shelter. On top of his volunteer work, he would give to numerous animal organizations whether it was local or not whenever an opportunity was provided to him.

His time was spent giving back to others, and that included for the homeless and children. He could be seen handing out water and/or goodie bags to the homeless and would contribute to the Big Brother/Big Sister Annual Coat Drive. He would advocate for children during those winters and encouraged people to purchase coats for the organization.

When he was not caring for those in need, Lee loved to travel, watch movies and TV, spending time in his garden, eating good food, and taking cat naps. As long as he was surrounded by people, Lee was his happiest.

Lee is survived by his father, Willard T. Danker of Superior, CO; his sister, Stephanie (Kerry) Kirby of Superior, CO; his nieces, Jennifer (Casey) Jaeger of Sheridan, WY and Nicole Kirby of Temple, TX; his great-niece and nephew, Madison, and Connor Jaeger; and many dear friends.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Lee Walter Danker. His selfless love for animals and people, and contributions to the community will forever be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3451) to include certain computer-related projects in the Federal permitting program under title XLI of the FAST Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense bill that I believe has bipartisan support involving the construction of chip manufacturing and other computer-related manufacturing rights here in the United States. Obviously, this is a big effort that has been ongoing in Congress for some time.

The bill here simply adds key national security-related technologies, like semiconductors, to the types of projects that are eligible for an existing Federal program that improves the coordination between Federal departments on permitting. We oftentimes, as we know, have difficulty in getting the permitting process to work, and it creates delays in process. It not only takes time, but it increases costs. So this is an effort to try to address that.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously back in January. Sending this bill to the President will build on the progress we are already making today with the CHIPS and Science Act.

Both bills are critical to America leading in manufacturing of chips. We know that it is the future of the 21st century economy that creates good jobs and ensures our competitiveness in the global economy that we live in.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House's adoption of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, clearly, I think there is an agreement that America needs to increase its production of critical minerals for the economy of the 21st century. I think oftentimes there are differences on how we establish a framework and a goal in terms of the production of those critical minerals.

I think that there is support on both sides of the aisle for streamlining the permitting process that is reflected in this bill, and, clearly, I appreciate the efforts and the comments of my colleague, the gentleman from Arkansas. Obviously, we have more work to do, and this is a good bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House's adoption, and I yield the balance of my time.