Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the dedicated work of my team, our efforts, and the results of the work we have done for the people of the 21st Congressional District of California, encompassing Fresno and Tulare Counties.

We call it the breadbasket of not only California but our Nation. The incredible cornucopia of over 400 commodities we grow is put on America's dinner table every night.

Though last year brought significant challenges to our country and to our valley, which I represent, my commitment and the commitment of my office never wavered to serve the people of Fresno and Tulare Counties with focus, urgency, and results.

Throughout 2025, I listened closely to the priorities of my constituents. Valley families told me the relief they needed from rising costs and affordability. Farmers and farmworkers called for a stronger agricultural economy and better labor conditions, dealing with comprehensive immigration reform.

Communities demanded access to healthcare, safe infrastructure, reliable water, and the resources necessary to thrive. In 2025, our office secured $831 million in Federal funding for communities across the San Joaquin Valley.

Throughout our constituent casework, which I think is the meat and potatoes of any congressional office, we returned $74 million directly to residents of the 21st Congressional District. We helped more than 1,200 constituent cases and responded to over 11,000 calls, letters, and requests for assistance from the people whom we serve. That is our job, to serve the people and to get things done.

We invested in our children and working families. That is critical. My team helped secure $35 million for Head Start programs in Fresno and Tulare Counties. We strengthened critical infrastructure, which is necessary not only in our valley but throughout the country.

We secured $31 million for Fresno Yosemite International Airport to improve infrastructure upgrades, and also deal with the growing demands for the valley and regional economic growth, and expanding the international terminal.

We secured $3.5 million for the Kaweah River Siphon Project to improve water reliability while supporting valley agriculture and local jobs. As we know, where water flows, food grows. That is critical to our valley's economy.

In addition to that, we provided $1 million to the city of Kingsburg to establish a new city hall; another $1 million to relocate the Orange Cove Police Department to make a more functional facility; and another $1 million dollars for the Parlier Police Department.

Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we secured $254 million in Federal investments to strengthen our water supply for the long term. That includes $125 million to advance the B.F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion Project. We provided another 130,000 acre-feet of new water storage to the people of our valley, and $129 million to support the construction of Sites Reservoir, which will provide 1.5 million acre-feet of additional water for the people of California, which is critically important to our long-term water supply.

Mr. Speaker, the San Joaquin Valley is the breadbasket of our Nation, supporting farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, dairymen and -women. It remains, obviously, as their Representative, my highest priority to advocate on their behalf.

When the avian influenza swept the valley and the country, it threatened the livelihoods of those who put food on America's dinner tables. I introduced the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act to ensure growers are fairly compensated and our food supply remains strong and safe. That is what Americans want.

We also honored, separately, those who have served our country and their families. We recognized 20 men and women from the Fresno Veterans Home who served our Nation during World War II and the Korean war to ensure their contributions are never forgotten, they are remembered, and they are celebrated. We should never forget those men and women currently in harm's way serving our country or those and their families who have served.

Beyond our district, we have worked to support the United States' leadership abroad by advocating for humanitarian assistance, accountability, and diplomacy in global conflicts, while upholding America's values on the world stage, that beacon of life that President Reagan used to speak of and that other countries look for.

In closing, I will continue to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to deliver results and strengthen our communities for a better future. More work needs to be done.

Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to say thank you to Steny Hoyer for an incredible career and for being a role model and my friend. He is always a class act.

I also rise today to speak for the families who are forced to choose between groceries, rent, and healthcare because prices keep climbing. Affordability is equal to economic stability. Let me repeat that: Affordability is equal to economic stability. Americans are struggling to pay for groceries, rent, gas, and healthcare. They are drowning under rising costs while promises to lower the cost of living have remained unfulfilled by this administration.

On day one, President Trump said he would put America first and lower costs. Instead, he pardoned violent insurrectionists, a mob that attacked this Capitol to overthrow a fair and free election. It was an attack that resulted in the deaths of five law enforcement officers.

We were promised America First, but what we are seeing is that a majority of Americans, who have been polled on whether we are headed on the right track or the wrong track, believe that we are on the wrong track.

This administration has prioritized costly foreign entanglements without transparency or congressional approval while working families pay the price at home.

Instead of protecting the economic well-being of Americans, we are seeing the following: Tariff policies are increasing the costs of essential goods. My farmers are struggling, as well as American consumers. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing for millions. Critical programs that help families stay afloat are under attack. The cuts in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, as well as SNAP and other programs, are taking their toll.

Take healthcare as an example. The enhanced premium tax cuts that help millions afford coverage are now expired. In California, new enrollments are down 31 percent last year, and nearly 190,000 families have canceled coverage because it is no longer affordable. Middle-class Americans who are earning more than $62,000 are no longer eligible for the Federal premium tax credits, doubling cancellations from 8 percent to 16 percent.

Californians are switching to bronze plans to save on premiums, but these plans carry higher deductibles. For pregnancy care or cancer care treatment, costs can more than double compared to silver plans.

In my district, over 65,000 families risk losing Medicaid, and another 22,000 families will face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Nationwide, nearly 100,000 American families could lose their coverage each year if Congress fails to act.

Last year, Republicans passed a partisan bill that failed to renew the essential premium tax credits, forcing millions of Americans to pay higher costs this year, even though a bipartisan solution is at hand. Families, therefore, unfortunately, are left waiting.

Americans are also struggling with the rising costs of energy, transportation, and other critical services. What we need are bipartisan solutions that create jobs, lower costs, and increase enhanced premium tax credits so millions of American families can afford their healthcare.

What we need is bipartisan legislation such as my bipartisan Rural Homeownership Continuity Act that will reduce financing costs and bipartisan legislation on permitting reform to get infrastructure like energy, transportation, and housing projects more quickly approved for working families.

Mr. Speaker, we need bipartisan solutions, and they are clear. Congress must act now to ease costs, expand access to healthcare, and invest in the future of our communities throughout the country.

The cost of living is not a partisan issue. It is not. It is a matter of fairness, security, and justice. From groceries to gas and from rent to healthcare, Americans cannot afford to wait any longer.

Mr. Speaker, it is time that we get together. It is time for Congress to act in a bipartisan effort to renew the sense of Congress as the people's House that we can work together. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for Congress to act. America's people, American citizens, and our constituents must come first.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time to do what is fitting and appropriate, and that is, honor the life of our colleague, a life well lived, a Member of the House of Representatives who did such a good job on behalf of his constituents who he represented faithfully since coming to Congress in 2013.

Doug and I knew each other before then. We had interactions on a number of issues that we were mutually passionate about beginning with rural California and people who live in rural areas, which both reflected his and my background.

He, perhaps, represented if not the, one of the largest congressional districts by geography in California, a lot of northern and eastern California. A lot of my colleagues when they think about California they think of Los Angeles or the Bay Area, but we have parts of California where the communities are a white spot in the middle of a major highway or, you know, are 400, 600 people.

Doug was a Member's Member and a Representative who believed that his entire constituency was his passion. He would go to some of those remote areas to indicate and to listen on how he could be a better Representative and make their views known here in our Nation's Capital.

I served with him the entire time that I have been on the House Agriculture Committee, three different farm bill reauthorizations, and he was always willing to meet halfway. Of course, we understood the ag issues affecting California, and he was very proud, very proud to represent the upper Sacramento River Valley and all the wonderful people there.

When disaster struck his district with the wildfires, he was among the first to be there with the challenges of some of the floods in Lake Oroville and Yuba areas. He was there. He reminds us why we serve: not only the passion, but the desire always to put our constituents first and to help people. Let that be a role model for all of us.

Doug, we miss you. Doug had a life well lived. He was a person who cared passionately about our country and about the people's House. May you rest in peace. I give my condolences to your wife and your family. I thank all of you for giving us an opportunity to serve with our friend, Doug LaMalfa.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to warn my colleagues of the pending healthcare crisis that Congress is allowing to happen. As Sergeant Friday used to say: ``Just the facts, ma'am.''

I am speaking on behalf of the facts that are impacting the people of the San Joaquin Vallen in California, the bread basket that puts food on America's dinner table every night.

Yesterday, my colleagues on the other side passed a partisan bill that fails to renew the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits that help over 24 million American families afford coverage.

In my district, over 65,000 families risk losing Medicaid. Another 22,000 families face higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This also impacts the hospitals and healthcare clinics which provide that important care, especially in rural areas. By the way, that is also jobs.

Congress has a responsibility to prevent families from being priced out of the healthcare market. That is the bottom line. There is a bipartisan solution ready to go. Instead, we are going home for the holidays. We are not addressing the issue.

Madam Speaker, I will not be leaving town until we bring this measure to the floor. Every American deserves reliable and afford healthcare.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the chairman of the Ukraine Caucus, Ms. Kaptur, for her leadership, and for my other colleagues who have spoken this afternoon: Speaker Emeritus Pelosi and Representative Steny Hoyer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing threat that Russia poses to Ukraine, to Europe, to the United States, and to the broader international order.

On February 24, 2022--I think all of us can remember--Russia, preplanned and unprovoked, attacked Ukraine. At that time, there was broad consensus among Republicans and Democrats about what we needed to do. That was to stand up for democracy.

Senator Lindsey Graham said it quite well at the time that this was about good versus evil.

I submit to you today that it is still about good versus evil.

Since that day, Russia has continued its assault on the rules-based international order. From the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has shown a blatant disregard for international law, national sovereignty, and fundamental human rights.

Sadly, I believe that modern-day Russia is a syndicate masquerading as a country with a mob boss called Putin. That is Russia today.

President Putin has violated, as any mob boss would, every international agreement he has ever signed, period. That is why a peace deal must be backed up by strong military deterrence and strong commitments from Europe and the United States to back Ukraine with NATO-like defense guarantees. It is very clear. Otherwise, Putin has no intention of keeping any agreement.

This is not a conventional war. It is a hybrid conflict, combining military force with cyberattacks at all different levels and fronts, disinformation campaigns, and economic warfare, alongside deliberate efforts to weaken NATO and undermine democratic institutions. They go on attacking civilian neighborhoods, bombing schools, hospitals, and churches. Clearly, Putin is a war criminal.

When the United States hesitates or sends mixed signals, we do not create stability; we invite aggression. Let's be clear about that. History is replete with examples of those who hesitate or send mixed signals. Therefore, American leadership remains the cornerstone of global security.

To President Trump, Putin respects one thing and one thing only, and that is strength. By supporting Ukraine, the United States is sending a clear message: authoritarian regimes cannot invade their neighbors without consequences. I ask the President of the United States to be strong and stand by the brave people of Ukraine and our allies.

Any sustainable resolution to this conflict must include Ukraine at the negotiating table. How else could you reach a peace agreement? The country under attack must have a decisive voice in shaping its own future and determining the terms of peace--otherwise, it is illogical-- ensuring that agreements respect its sovereignty and the will of its people.

Therefore, we must continue to strengthen our alliance, develop agile and region-specific strategies, and ensure that we are prepared to respond across all domains, including cyberspace, information warfare, and economic coercion, because economic sanctions can work.

The President has the leverage, with continued military support, economic support, and sanctions using the sovereign wealth of Russia to pay for the damage and the harm that they have created, with our European allies. We have the leverage.

We cannot allow this aggression to go unanswered. We must stand firmly with Ukraine and defend the democracy and international order that we helped create. It has created prosperity since World War II, economic prosperity that democratic nations have shared because America stood strong.

That same order has brought peace and economic prosperity--think about it--throughout the world for 80 years for democratic nations. Therefore, this is a seminal moment in American and world history that we are facing.

I urge my colleagues to act as we have--as Representative Steny Hoyer indicated, 12 times in an overwhelming bipartisan fashion--to stand up for America's values, to stand up for human rights, to act collectively in a bipartisan fashion. Why? Because our security and the security of free nations everywhere depend on it.

My colleagues, my friends, the world is watching and looking for American leadership. This is the test of our time. ``Glory to Ukraine''; ``Slava Ukraini.''

Mr. Speaker, returning from a speaking event downtown and 5:00 p.m. traffic delayed me from making the votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 319 and YEA on Roll Call No. 320.

Mr. Speaker, with only 10 voting days left in this year's calendar, Congress must act if we are to avert a full-blown healthcare crisis. I rise today to bring attention to the affordability and healthcare crisis that is pending upon us.

I think this is what Americans want us to do as opposed to bailing out Argentina or figuring out how to finance a $300 million ballroom that will dwarf the size of the White House.

What Americans are concerned about is premiums that are climbing.

What Americans are concerned about is the increase in their grocery bills.

What the Americans I represent in the San Joaquin Valley are concerned about is bearing more and more of this burden and not seeing any potential light at the end of the tunnel.

Families are forced to make impossible choices between putting food on the table or whether or not they should keep their healthcare coverage.

In July, President Trump's one big--I never thought it was beautiful--bill became law. It slashed over $1 trillion from Medicaid, from children's healthcare coverage, from Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, adding $4.2 trillion to our national debt.

Programs that protect children, seniors, and working families are being gutted. In my district alone, over 65,000 people risk losing their Medicaid coverage, threatening access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Now, despite the passage of the fiscal year 2026 continuing resolution, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, once again, have failed us, I think.

Republicans are threatening the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits that will expire at the end of this year in just four weeks. Open enrollment is now, and Americans are seeing the cost that they are paying for this effort, which has failed so far. But there is still time.

There is still time when families can avert the stark choice of having to pay more for their healthcare or make sacrifices elsewhere in their lives. There is still time to continue these tax credits, so that we can avoid the dramatically higher healthcare costs that our constituents are paying in copayments and deductibles, which is impacting up to

22,000 people in my congressional district alone.

To illustrate what this means, a couple who are 60 years old in Fresno earning $82,000 a year will pay $18,000 more per year for coverage. A family of four in Tulare County earning $64,000 a year will pay $2,500 more.

This is not fiscal responsibility. This is a Republican healthcare tax hike on working families, imposed in the richest country in the world. I think it is unacceptable. These are not just numbers on a page. These are real people.

It is a mother in Fresno who has to choose between filling her prescription and paying rent. It is a father in Tulare County who may have to decide whether his children can see a doctor when they are sick. It is seniors who have delayed care, skipped medications, or avoided preventive screenings because of these rising costs. These are the consequences of inaction. But there is still time.

Mr. Speaker, the Democrats have a plan.

Our plan is to keep the premiums affordable.

Our plan prevents Republican healthcare tax hikes.

Our plan requires President Trump to carry out a bipartisan budget. That is what we are supposed to do, a bipartisan budget.

We know healthcare cannot wait, and our families cannot wait. Our Nation needs certainty, affordability, and leadership more than ever.

Let us come together at the table in a bipartisan fashion. That is what my constituents expect of us.

Let us extend the Affordable Care Act tax premiums.

Let us keep healthcare affordable for Americans.

Let us show the American people that Congress can act responsibly, that we can protect our families, that we can deliver on the promises to ensure that no one has to choose between healthcare and their basic needs of the safety net that is a contract that we have with the American people.

Mr. Speaker, our constituents are counting on us. Let us not fail them. Americans deserve affordable healthcare, and we have until the end of this month to make that happen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. James E. Aldredge, a trailblazer, educator, and public servant whose lifelong commitment to improving the City of Fresno--particularly for residents in Southwest Fresno--has left an enduring mark on our community. Dr. Aldredge passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in Fresno from the age of four, Dr. Aldredge's story is one of perseverance, excellence, and service. A star athlete at Edison High School, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates at just seventeen years old, showcasing the talent and determination that would define his life. After a career-ending injury ended his professional baseball aspirations, Dr. Aldredge redirected his focus to education, an area he would champion for decades to come.

Dr. Aldredge earned degrees from Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, before completing both a master's and Ph.D. in Organizational Development at the University of Southern California, with additional studies at Oxford University. His academic journey reflected his deep belief that education is the key opportunity, a principle he shared throughout his life with students and colleagues alike.

In 1985, Dr. Aldredge made history when he became Fresno's first Black City Manager, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of leaders. His steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to equity guided the city through times of transition and progress. After retiring from City Hall in 1989, he continued to serve the community as an educator at Fresno State, City College, the University of San Francisco, and Fresno Pacific University, mentoring countless students who would go on to serve their own communities with the same sense of purpose.

Beyond public service, Dr. Aldredge dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including the boards of Saint Agnes Hospital, Kings View Behavioral Health, and CEN-CAL Business Finance Group. He also established a foundation that grew over one million dollars in assets to support students, athletes, and social services. Among his many honors, he received the B'nai B'rith Award for his lifelong commitment to justice and equality and was inducted into the State Center Community College District's Wall of Honor at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum.

Dr. Aldredge was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Daisy Rae, and his brother, John Aldredge. He is remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students for his humor, wisdom, and unwavering belief in Fresno's potential. His legacy continues through the James E. Aldredge Foundation, which embodies his vision of empowering others through education and civic engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. James E. Aldredge. His story reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service, resilience, and commitment to uplifting the communities we call home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. James E. Aldredge, a trailblazer, educator, and public servant whose lifelong commitment to improving the City of Fresno--particularly for residents in Southwest Fresno--has left an enduring mark on our community. Dr. Aldredge passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in Fresno from the age of four, Dr. Aldredge's story is one of perseverance, excellence, and service. A star athlete at Edison High School, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates at iust seventeen years old, showcasing the talent and determination that would define his life. After a career-ending injury ended his professional baseball aspirations, Dr. Aldredge redirected his focus to education, an area he would champion for decades to come.

Dr. Aldredge earned degrees from Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, before completing both a master's and Ph.D. in Organizational Development at the University of Southern California, with additional studies at Oxford University. His academic journey reflected his deep belief that education is the key opportunity, a principle he shared throughout his life with students and colleagues alike.

In 1985, Dr. Aldredge made history when he became Fresno's first Black City Manager, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of leaders. His steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to equity guided the city through times of transition and progress. After retiring from City Hall in 1989, he continued to serve the community as an educator at Fresno State, City College, the University of San Francisco, and Fresno Pacific University, mentoring countless students who would go on to serve their own communities with the same sense of purpose.

Beyond public service, Dr. Aldredge dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including the boards of Saint Agnes Hospital, Kings View Behavioral Health, and CEN-CAL Business Finance Group. He also established a foundation that grew over one million dollars in assets to support students, athletes, and social services. Among his many honors, he received the B'nai B'rith Award for his lifelong commitment to justice and equality and was inducted into the State Center Community College District's Wall of Honor at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum.

Dr. Aldredge was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Daisy Rae, and his brother, John Aldredge. He is remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students for his humor, wisdom, and unwavering belief in Fresno's potential. His legacy continues through the James E. Aldredge Foundation, which embodies his vision of empowering others through education and civic engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary life of Dr. James E. Aldredge. His story reminds us that true leadership is rooted in service, resilience, and commitment to uplifting the communities we call home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 50th Anniversary of California Women for Agriculture.

Founded in 1975 in the Coachella Valley, this remarkable organization has become a powerful voice for women in agriculture throughout California. What began as a small group of farmers, ranchers, and consumers united by a shared commitment to agriculture has grown into a statewide movement dedicated to education, advocacy, and community engagement.

For five decades, California Women for Agriculture has built a proud legacy of supporting both the industry and the people who sustain it. Programs such as Ag Venture, which introduces community leaders to the crops and challenges of farming, and Adopt-a-Legislator, which fosters relationships between members and policymakers, have ensured that agriculture remains a vital part of California's future.

Local chapters serve as hubs of activity and outreach, hosting student career tours, scholarship programs, community dinners, and fundraising events that celebrate our agricultural heritage while building strong connections. Their efforts inspire the next generation to pursue careers in agriculture and empower women to serve as leaders in this essential industry.

As we mark this milestone, we pay tribute to the vision and determination of the women who founded this organization and to all those who have carried their mission forward with dedication and heart.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating California Women for Agriculture on 50 years of unwavering service to agriculture and to communities across our state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 25th anniversary of the Maddy Institute, headquartered at California State University, Fresno, for its extraordinary contributions to civic education, leadership development, and public policy engagement in the San Joaquin Valley, California, and our Nation.

The Maddy Institute was founded in 1999 through California Senate Bill 733, making it the first and only public policy institute formally established by the California Legislature. Since its inception, the institute has embodied the vision and values of its namesake, the late Senator Kenneth L. Maddy, a distinguished public servant whose nearly three decades in the California Legislature were marked by integrity, bipartisanship, and a deep commitment to the people of the Central Valley.

Guided by this purpose, the Maddy Institute has pursued a clear and enduring mission: to provide a nonpartisan venue for thoughtful dialogue on pressing public policy issues; to strengthen civic participation; to prepare the next generation of leaders; and to enhance the engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness of government at all levels.

Over the past quarter century, The Maddy Institute has become a cornerstone of civic life in the San Joaquin Valley. Through its flagship programs, The Maddy Report, Valley Views radio program, and The Maddy Daily news aggregator, the institute has informed and engaged thousands of residents, ensuring that critical policy issues are accessible to the communities they affect.

The institute's impact extends far beyond information sharing. Its leadership and internship initiatives, including the ``Maddy Interns and Costa Scholars'' programs respectively, have opened doors for countless students to serve in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., equipping them with the knowledge and experience to become the next generation of civic, business, and nonprofit leaders. Its forums and summits, including the recently launched Ag Policy Summit, bring together leaders from across sectors to address some of the most complex challenges facing California's heartland.

From producing groundbreaking documentaries on air quality to championing civic engagement through the Citizenship Academy, The Maddy Institute has consistently elevated public discourse and advanced practical solutions for regional statewide challenges. Its alumni now hold leadership roles in business, education, government, law, and public service, carrying forward Senator Maddy's enduring legacy.

In 2024, the Institute marked another milestone with the appointment of Blake Zante, a proud Maddy alumnus, as its Executive Director, building upon the leadership of Mark Keppler, who guided the Institute for two transformative decades. Today, The Maddy Institute continues to thrive as a collaborative partnership among four universities: California State University Fresno, California State University Bakersfield, California State University Stanislaus, and the University of California Merced, an unprecedented model for regional innovation and civic leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating The Maddy Institute for its 25 years of service, its ongoing commitment to civic leadership and public service, and its enduring impact on the future of our Valley and the State of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Isaac Castro, a devoted educator, public servant, and beloved son of California's San Joaquin Valley, who passed away on August 14, 2025, at the age of 58, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dr. Castro's life embodied the American Dream. Born and raised in Hanford California, the grandson of Mexican immigrants and farmworkers, and the son of a single mother, he rose from humble beginnings to become a national leader in high education. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning degrees from the University of California Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in Higher Education Policy and Leadership.

His remarkable career spanned more than three decades, during which he held senior leadership roles across the University of California system, including Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and as a part of the founding leadership at UC Merced.

In 2013, Dr. Castro made history by becoming President of California State University, Fresno; the first native Californian and first Mexican American to serve in this role. Under his transformative leadership, Fresno State emerged as a national leader in supporting and graduating students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.

On January 4, 2021, Dr. Castro assumed the role of CSU Chancellor, becoming the first Mexican American and the first California native to lead the 23-campus CSU system. His appointment represents a milestone for diversity in higher education and a hopeful future for the nearly half a million students across the CSU system.

Dr. Castro was more than an accomplished academic administrator; he was a kind and compassionate man who inspired thousands. He believed deeply in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, and entire communities. His leadership earned national recognition, including the prestigious Ohtli Award, the highest honor given by the Government of Mexico for service to the Mexican and Mexican American community.

To his family, Dr. Joseph I. Castro was a devoted husband, father, and man of faith. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary; their children Isaac, Lauren, and Jess; and daughter-in-law, Marilyn; as well as by his friends and the many lives he touched throughout his life. Even in his final months, he remained guided by purpose and a deep belief in every student's potential. His legacy lives on in the lives he changed, the institutions he strengthened, and the communities he served.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Joseph Isaac Castro for his extraordinary service to California and the Nation. May his life continue to inspire future generations to lead with vision, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to justice and opportunity for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Charles Harris, a giant of California agriculture and the San Joaquin Valley, who recently passed away at the age of 81. He was a devoted husband, visionary businessman, mentor, leader, and dear friend whose contributions shaped generations of farmers, ranchers, and horsemen throughout our state and Nation.

John was born on July 14, 1943, and was a lifelong resident of Fresno County. A proud graduate of UC Davis, he also served honorably in the United States Army. His roots in the Valley ran deep, and his lifelong dedication to agriculture and community set him apart as a pillar of integrity and service.

As the driving force behind Harris Farms and Harris Ranch Beef Company, John played a pivotal role in building one of California's largest and most innovative agricultural enterprises. From his family's beginnings in farming, he helped grow Harris Farms into a sprawling multimillion-dollar operation known for its innovation, quality, and sustainability. The farm produced over 30 different crops including garlic, pistachios, and wine grapes, and was home to the iconic Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant, a familiar and beloved stop for travelers on Interstate 5 between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Under John's leadership, Harris Ranch Beef Company became one of the largest beef producers in the Western United States.

Beyond the ranch, John was revered in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing. He bred and raced numerous champions and stood out as a passionate advocate for the industry. His leadership extended to roles on the California Horse Racing Board, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Thoroughbred Owners of California, and the Jockey Club.

John's influence transcended business and horse racing. He was deeply committed to education, mentorship, and philanthropy. John's leadership extended far beyond agriculture and racing. He was a devoted advocate for education and public service. Whether through philanthropy, mentorship, or policy leadership, he was always focused on empowering the next generation. John supported Fresno State's Maddy Institute and established the Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund to help young agricultural leaders succeed. His acts of generosity, whether public or private, were grounded in a genuine belief in uplifting others and investing in the future of his community.

In June of this year, John married Cookie Harris. He is survived by Cookie, extended family, and many cherished friends, colleagues, and mentees who were touched by his humility, wisdom, and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the extraordinary life of John Charles Harris, my dear friend whose legacy, rooted in hard work, vision, and generosity, will live on through the land he stewarded, the horses he raised, the communities he served, and the countless lives he inspired.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, to honor and celebrate the 80th birthday of Mr. Mike Roos, a devoted public servant, legislative leader, and lifelong advocate for California communities.

Born on August 6, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mike Roos brought to California a deep passion for public policy and a Tennessee drawl and smile that could put anyone at ease. After earning his bachelor's degree from Tulane University and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Southern California (USC), Mike embarked on a career defined by public service and civic leadership.

In 1977, he was elected to represent Los Angeles' 46th District in the California State Assembly, a role he held for 14 years as he championed issues that shaped the future of his community and the state. During his tenure. Mike rose to the role of Majority Floor Leader, and later Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding over the Assembly in the final years of his service. Throughout, he earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his extraordinary work ethic, sharp policy acumen, and gift for building consensus.

Mike's legislative accomplishments were both timely and visionary. In the early days of the AIDS crisis, when few dared to touch the issue, Mike took bold action to protect the state's blood supply and the public's health. He authored pioneering legislation that laid the groundwork for HIV testing protocols and blood safety, long before it became part of the national conversation. He was also instrumental in advancing California's first recycling law, helping negotiate key amendments to move the ``Bottle Bill'' out of committee after years of delay. And of course, he co-authored the landmark Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989, the first law of its kind in the Nation, setting a precedent for common-sense gun reforms that still resonate today.

But what truly made Mike stand out was his political compass, he proudly led what he called the ``radical center,'' a group of legislators who reached across the aisle to forge compromises and get things done. In an era when bipartisanship was both a necessity and an art, Mike was a master. His humor, eloquence, and deep sense of purpose made him a trusted leader and an impassioned voice on the Assembly floor. When Mike got serious, people listened.

Beyond his legislative achievements, Mike has been a tireless advocate for education, civil rights, public health, and responsible governance. Whether leading the Los Angeles Educational Alliance for Restructuring Now (LEARN) or mentoring the next generation of civic leaders, Mike has never strayed from his core belief in the power of public service.

Mike is also a devoted and loving father to two daughters--Shelby and Melissa--and a proud grandfather. He welcomed his daughters into his life in his early-to-mid-30's, during the height of his Assembly service, and raised them with the same generosity, humor, and grace he brought to the Legislature.

After his retirement in 1991, Mike continued to influence public policy and community development through his public affairs firm and as President of the Southern California Leadership Council, where he remains a respected voice on economic and infrastructure policy.

Mr. Speaker, Mike Roos is more than a public servant. He is a champion of reform, a proud grandfather, and a dear friend to those who have had the honor of working alongside him. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring Mike's enduring legacy and wishing him continued health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sheila Riggins-White, who recently passed away at the age of 77. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

Sheila was born on June 15, 1948, and had deep roots in the City of Fresno. A proud graduate of Fresno State, Sheila made history in 1989 as the first African American to receive the University's Presidential Medal through the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.

Sheila dedicated her life to education, serving as a teacher and mentor to generation of students, educators, and administrators throughout Fresno. Her impact extended far beyond the classroom--she served as President of the PTA and worked to build strong, lasting bridges between schools and families.

She was also a woman of deep faith, serving as an ordained minister at St. Rest Baptist Church, Fresno's most historic Black church, which was founded by her father, the late Dr. Chester Riggins. Her voice, presence, and leadership inspired thousands, both within the congregation and the broader community.

In addition to her service in education and ministry, Sheila was a gifted artist and poet. Her published work, Mother Africa, continues to be discussed and celebrated more than three decades after its release. Shelia was preceded in death by her husband, Paul C. White, who dedicated his life to community development as Assistant Executive Director of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission. Together they raised six children and were blessed with thirteen grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the extraordinary life of Sheila Riggins-White. Her legacy as an educator, minister, artist, and matriarch will live on in the countless lives she touched. We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to her family and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.