Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Mills. Carol passed away on July 20, 2021 after battle Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). Carol was a mother, daughter, and dear friend.

Carol was the daughter of hard-working parents and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She graduated from the University of California, Riverside and earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

In 1996, Carol was employed as a Lead Appellate Court Attorney to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Before working with the court, Carol worked for five years in a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Carol was first elected to serve as a board trustee for Fresno Unified School District in 2004. For 17 years, Carol served as trustee for Area 5. During her career, she was an advocate for student programs such as the International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical Education, art, and athletics. During the coronavirus pandemic, Carol advocated for after-school programs to be made available to every student.

Carol fought and served as an advocate for those with disabilities and served as a role model for those around the Central Valley. She was dedicated to her role and put her heart into every school policy and matter. Carol would give the board a historical viewpoint on current systems and practices with Fresno Unified Schools and would frequently offer her knowledge on legal matters. Her commitment to serving others and making the District the best it could be will continued to be felt throughout the Valley.

She was a member of the Delegate Assembly for the California School Boards Association and was an active member of the Fresno High Neighborhood Association. She is survived by her family, and her son, Sam.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Carol Mills. Her service and contributions to the Central Valley and the State of California will be missed. I join her family and friends in celebrating Carol's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John ``Jay'' Kalpakoff. Jay passed away on June 16, 2021. Jay was a selfless husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Jay was born on November 8, 1948 in Los Angeles, California where he was raised. He became a third-generation garbage collector, as part owner of Metropolitan Waste. Jay was a boss who enjoyed helping his employees through sponsoring many local sports teams and would help with scholarships to encourage continuing education.

When Jay decided to move to the Central Valley with just one truck, he had a dream. Jay hoped to one day own his own garbage collection company. Through dedication and perseverance his goal was achieved, and Mid Valley Disposal was established. His dream was to have the ability to continue to give back to his community. Jay cherished his business and was an integral part of its day to day operations. Jay treated all his employees like his own family, and he cherished each of the local communities that his company served.

Jay was known for having a huge heart and always giving back to others, whether through this philanthropy or just lending a helping hand. He lived to see the community around him thrive and it was apparent as he gave back to local charities and food banks, to name a few. He made friends everywhere he went and loved to tell stories.

Jay was truly an inspiration and he moved many with his wisdom, character and humor. But the most important thing to him, was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Natalie; children Joshua, Jonathan, Joseph, Tatiana, Justin; his daughter-in-law Wendy and his grandchildren Harrison, Remy and Cash.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John ``Jay'' Kalpakoff. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I join his family and friends in honoring and celebrating his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ge Xaochay Thao. Thao Ge passed away on June 24, 2021. He was a veteran, a father, grandfather, and husband to his wife Pa Moua.

Thao Ge was born on July 31, 1935, in a region known as Roob Tshuaj or Medicine Mountain in the Xiengkhouang Province in Laos to Phoutong Xaochay Thao and Chong Moua. Growing up, Thao Ge had five brothers and three sisters,

As Thao Ge grew older, he was part of the military and was recruited in 1953 by the French Guerilla Commando Military Army (GCMA) and trained as a Paratrooper and Radio Operator in the French Military Camp in Cap Saint Jacques in South Vietnam.

After his training, Thao Ge was one among many in 1954 to march towards Dien Bien Phu to provide military support to the French Army. He returned after learning that the French had lost the battle to the North Vietnamese Army. Thao Ge was then later commissioned as the Chief of ``Partisans Militaire'', a Military Support Unit in Xiengkhouang.

During his time as Chief, Thao Ge was best known for saving the life of the late General Vang Pao, then Major, from an assassination attempt by their military rivals. The attempt took place in the Plain of Jars in Laos. Because of his bravery and help in protecting Major Vang Pao, Thao Ge and his troop, the ``Partisans Militaire'', played a significant role in helping reinstate Major Vang Pao back into military power.

In 1961, Thao Ge continued his military services in the Royal Lao Army, holding the rank of Two-Star Lieutenant. He served in the Batallion Voluntaire 21 (BV 21) and fought side-by-side with the United States in the Secret War of Laos from 1961-1975. Thao Ge was one of the very few people who were literate, allowing him to serve as an Officer of Disbursement for BV 21.

Extending from his military contributions, Thao Ge paved the way for many Thao clan members and friends to get an education. From 1954 to 1958, Thao Ge and his wife, Pa Moua, opened their home to nearly 30 students, allowing them to attend school in the City.

In 1976, Thao Ge and his family fled Laos to come to the United States as refugees. They first came to Madison, Wisconsin and in 1983 moved to Fresno, California.

He is survived by his wife, Pa Moua, children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and his brother James Koua Xaochay Thao.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ge Xaochay. His service and contributions to the nations and the State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebration of Thao Ge's life.

Mr. Speaker, the time is now to make bolder investments in our families, workers, and communities across the country.

For years, I have said that America is living off the investments our parents and grandparents made a generation or two ago.

Bringing Federal dollars back to my home in California's San Joaquin Valley is one of my highest priorities, as is the need to invest throughout the country, throughout our Nation, for our future infrastructure needs.

During this week, we will vote on new investments that will make a difference in our communities and the residents who live there. From water projects to funding jobs, healthcare and education programs, our votes this week are to improve people's lives. Thus, in this budget appropriations that we will be dealing with, these bills are critical to pass and send to the Senate.

But our work doesn't end there. We must also pass transformative infrastructure to build our roads, bridges, and transit systems and modernize our schools and hospitals.

Rural and underserved communities in our country, many that I represent, should never be left behind.

We also must expand and prioritize broadband access to these areas. This pandemic has taught us a lot of things, like telemedicine and tele-learning is difficult enough, but if you don't have access to broadband, good luck.

Repairing our aging water infrastructure to ensure reliable access to clean drinking water is critical for the richest Nation in the world. We are suffering from extreme droughts in California. We need to make these investments.

Also, access to quality healthcare is critically important. I have introduced legislation to bring more doctors to underserved areas around the country, like the San Joaquin Valley, by creating new medical schools. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, deserves access to quality healthcare.

These investments will make life better for Americans and will help spur economic growth by creating millions of good-paying jobs. Guess what? We need them.

The health and development of our communities and the economy depend on infrastructure, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in building back America's future better.

It is essential that, in the next few months, we pass the bipartisan infrastructure package, the infrastructure bill and reconciliation package, to bring this country together and to invest in the future.

Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and a strong, strong advocate for students in my home of Fresno, California, Carol Mills.

Carol Mills was passionate about everything she ever did. She was a 17-year trustee for the Fresno Unified School District, the third largest school district in California, and spent every moment of that time fighting for more and better opportunities for kids.

Early this year, Carol Mills was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. We all know it is a terrible disease, yet she continued to work throughout that courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease and served on the Fresno Unified School Board. Why? Because that was Carol.

During my time in Congress, I got to know and see firsthand her passion for helping students. Two months ago, I visited Carol at her home. We recounted efforts in the past. We laughed. We shared the challenges of the future because, over the years, she never lost sight that our country's future comes first when we prioritize the education, the quality education, of America's next generation. That is why Carol made a difference in everything she ever did.

Our community and the students of Fresno Unified School District were made better because of Carol Mills' passion and dedication to not only her service but to the quality of their education and the future of America.

She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved her. My thoughts and prayers go to the family during this very, very difficult time.

Carol, we loved you. God bless.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rodney Ardell Wells. Rodney passed away on December 8, 2020. Rodney was a veteran of the United States Navy, a father, grandfather, friend, and a husband to his best friend, Sherril.

Rodney was born on July 26, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas and was raised in Compton, California. As he got older, Rodney had the urge to serve the United States Navy. From 1973 to 2003, Rodney served active duty for more than 20 of those years, at sea.

After serving in the Navy 12 years as Command Master Chief on the USS Shiloh, USS Pearl Harbor, and Chief of the Boat on the USS Pogy, Rodney attended college. He graduated with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture and a B.S. in psychology from Reedley College.

Rodney worked at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System in Fresno, California as a Boiler Plant Operator. Rodney was liked by all of the people he had the pleasure of meeting. He was a leader, wise, and a caring individual who was ready to help. Rodney continued his giving back to the community through helping other veterans like himself at the hospital, but as well as helped to grow food.

When he was not working at the hospital, Rodney would grow seasonal varieties of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Rancho de Rodney founded in 2009, grew heirloom and cherry tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, carrots, thyme, sage, radishes, and more. In 2014 Rancho de Rodney was certified as organic by the CCOF. He participated in farmers' markets at Fresno Kaiser, True Value Hardware in Oakhurst and the Peddler's Corner in Coarsegold.

As time went on, Rodney changed focus. They were growing food not to sell, but for donation. A disabled veteran owned business, Rodney and his wife Sherril moved towards a non-profit status. Their love for their community and those in need were evident. They were known to help St. Benedict Catholic Worker on distributing their fresh produce to families and individuals. Rodney was also involved with African American Farmers of California headquartered in Fresno. Before his passing, Rodney spent his last Saturday with his fellow veterans at the African American Farmers of California demonstration site working on the vegetables he grew for the Catholic Worker.

Rodney was a proud descendent of members of the Civil War's U.S. Colored Troops and the Cherokee Freedom. He was a friend to many in his life and evolved his passion to giving back to others with his wife by his side.

He is survived by his wife, Sherril, sister Deborah, daughter Charletha Harris, grandchildren and greatgranddaughter.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Rodney Ardell Wells. His service and contributions to the nations and State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Rodney's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Donald F. Saladino. Donald passed away on June 1, 2021. Donald was a Veteran of the United States, a loyal family-oriented son, a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend.

Donald was born on August 5, 1927 in Fresno, California. He spent his youth dedicated to the Catholic church, as he attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School and served as an altar boy. While attending Edison High School, he found passion in basketball, where he was recruited to play for the New York Knicks. However, with his strong family bonds, Donald decided to stay at home, where he became a

part of his family's grocery store as a butcher and where he found the love of his life, Anna.

Donald's love for family extended to a global level where he decided to serve for people around him. In 1945, Donald joined the Merchant Marines. In 1946, he was drafted into the Army, and while stationed in Berlin, he joined the marching band, where they performed for all U.S. dignitaries and service personnel. In 1951, he joined the Navy Reserves where he was discharged in 1955.

Donald was an outstanding talent in the kitchen. Using his family recipes that were brought over from the Calabrese region of Italy, he began to make their special family sausages in 1944. Saladinos Catering was created with Anna by his side working just as much as Donald did. He connected with the San Joaquin Valley through his dishes and by providing employment for students from his local high school, San Joaquin Memorial. In 1980, his son Craig, joined the family business and to this day, Saladino's Foodservice has continued to have the same quality and standards set forth by its founders.

Donald spent his time donating to various charities, organizations, and philanthropic purposes. Amongst spending quality time with his wife, he enjoyed several activities with his family and close friends. Donald had many memories in the kitchen and creating dishes for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ranging from hosting parties, catering events, traveling and exploring the world with Anna and their close cousins. He loved his family and his two children. Donald always reminded his family to never forget where they came from and how important it was to have strong values, ethics and wisdom. He spent his entire life fulfilling his family traditions of providing for his family through food, well into the last weeks of his life.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Donald F. Saladino. His service and contributions will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Donald's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso. Cruz passed away on May 7, 2021. Cruz was a Veteran of the United States Army, a law professor, role model, a father, grandfather, husband.

Cruz was born on May 2, 1931 in Brea, California and was raised in a barrio outside of La Habra, California. With his experiences, public and community service grew to become such an important part of his life. Cruz had the urge to serve while attending grade school after he recognized the segregation he and his peers were facing. He attended and graduated from then Pomona College in 1953, served two years in the Army's Counterintelligence Corps, then attended the University of California, Berkeley School of Law where he was the only Latino in his 1958 graduating class.

Cruz was known as a trailblazer to those who crossed his path. He began his career in service as a staff secretary for the office of Governor Edmund G. ``Pat'' Brown and associate general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Cruz became the first Latino director of the California Rural Legal Assistance organization, and the first Latino to be a law professor at the University of New Mexico. What brought him back to California was his historic 1976 appointment to the Court of Appeals, 3rd Appellate District, as the first Latino to fill the seat. Again, he was the first Hispanic Associate Judge on the California Supreme Court.

He was a leader, a wise, and a caring individual who was ready to help. Cruz continued his service to others as he practiced in law firms. He was a mentor and a law professor at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. Cruz was given the inaugural Boochever and Bird Endowed Chair for the Study and Teaching of Freedom and Equality at the University of California Davis School of Law. While doing so, he also began his eleven years of service on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where he served as the vice chairman.

When he was taking a break from lending a hand, he was getting recognized for his inspiring and tireless commitment to service. Cruz received eight Honorary Doctorates. President Clinton awarded Cruz the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Award. Additionally, there continues to be an investment to help students with their law school endeavors through fellowship and scholarship opportunities in Cruz's name. His legacy continues to be felt in Sacramento through the Cruz Reynoso Bar Association. Cruz was a proud son of a farm working family. He spent his entire life in service advocating for workers and immigrants throughout his career. He was a friend to many in his life and evolved his passion to giving back to others.

He is survived by four brothers and four sisters; four children and their spouses; two stepchildren and their spouses; seventeen grandchildren, three step grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso. His service and contributions to the Nation and State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Cruz's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Colonel Vang Fong. Vang passed away on February 17, 2021 in Fresno County. Vang was a husband, father, and grandfather and a leader in the Secret War in Laos.

Vang was born on January 1, 1944 in Rhawv Zeb, Xieng Khouang, Laos to Cheu Xang Vang and Nai Lor. He was one of eight children. In the year of 1960, Vang left school at the age of 12 to join the CIA's Secret Army in Laos. He was chosen by the late Brigadier General Vang Pao in 1962 to attend military training at Savannakhet. It was there that Vang obtained the CCB/Premier Degree from Pham Khaum.

Vang was stationed to Long Cheng, Laos. After hard work and dedication to protect all around him, he quickly rose rank and he was promoted to W-4 Chief Warrant Officer. After a brief period as W-4 Chief Warrant Officer, he was named to Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. Nine years later, he was appointed to represent the second military region at Luang Prabang, Laos.

His love for his family encouraged him to make a decision on the subject of moving. He moved in 1980 and his family resettled in Hamilton, Montana. After living in Montana, he then had everyone move to Huntington Beach, California to reunite with the rest of his family. This move inspired Vang to be active in whatever community he resided in. He was a member of the Lao Veterans of America; incorporated since 1989, and the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) Veterans and Families, incorporated since 2009.

Even while Vang worked alongside the late General Vang Pao to ensure equality, social justice and opportunities for Hmong families in America, he still enjoyed being around his family. In 1964 he married Mylee Vang, and in 1968 he married Kao Lee. Throughout his life, he raised 10 children.

Vang was well-respected in the Hmong community for his courage and leadership in protecting many people during the Secret War in Laos. Vang participated in numerous events. He participated in the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade in Fresno, California, where he settled for the remainder of his life. His love for his culture was evident and admirable to many in the community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Colonel Vang Fong. His service and contributions to the Nation and State of California will not be forgotten. He will be fondly remembered in the Central Valley. I join his family and friends in celebrating Vang's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, David Pomaville, on the occasion of his retirement from the position of Director of Public Health for Fresno County. David has been a staple across the county and will be greatly missed.

David is a 1986 public health alumnus of Fresno State. When David received his bachelor's degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Environmental Health 36 years ago, he did not imagine where his profession would take him. He ended up leading the way for our county during these unprecedented times. He led a team of 380 employees in seven divisions including emergency medical services, public health nursing, children's services, health and wellness, environmental health, community health, and planning and communication.

Along with his committed career, David has found time to give back to his community; especially to current Fresno State students. Many have interned at the Department of Public Health and go on to have distinguished careers in the field. Some of the current health education interns have stayed on to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His work has contributed to giving students an understanding of how to care for people and the extra needed attention during the pandemic.

His ties to Fresno State have remained strong. His wife, Dr. Fran Pomaville, is a professor of speech language pathology at Fresno State. David and Fran have a strong influence on their son, Matt, who also graduated from the University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in the health sciences field.

David's passion to help others in public health is evident and I greatly appreciate his endless hard work, our conversations pertaining to the well-being of Fresno County, and his selfless compassion that has helped many.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating David Pomaville on his career. I ask that you join me in wishing David and his family continued success, health and happiness in this new chapter of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel Wangyee Vang. Wangyee passed away on January 18, 2021 after many years of service as a Hmong-Laotian and American community leader. Wangyee was a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a friend.

Wangyee was born on November 8, 1947 in Ban Phousabot, Tasseng Phouasabot, Muangkham, Province of Xiengkhouang, Laos. In December of 1960, Wangyee was summoned in the army and sent to Hua Hin, Thailand for training as a field radio operator and

parachutist. In January 1963, he was released from the army where he continued to further his education to become a teacher. From 1969 to 1970 Wangyee taught math and science at Samthong College. Later in the summer of 1970, Wangyee was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Defense as Captain for the Special Guerilla Force. He was appointed as the officer liaison and operation assistant with the American Special Officers, received leadership training, and graduated from the Lao National Army Staff School in Vientiane, Laos in 1972.

Wangyee received the Medal of Honor for excellent citizenship from the Majesty of King of Lao, Sri Savang Vathana. In 1973, he returned to the Second Military Region. He transitioned to Major General Yang Pao's team and was appointed as Chief of Personnel Bureau of the First Strike Division Infantry. A year later, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel by King Vathana and awarded the Medal of Honor for courage and nominated as the Chief of Staff for the military's Second Brigade Infantry.

After the fall of Laos in 1975, Wangyee and his family left to Nam Phong, Thailand for refuge. Wangyee saw a need to become an advocate for his people and became the Hmong Refugee Representative from l977 to 1979. His top priorities were food, medical care, better living conditions and education. He was responsible for the communication with the United Nations and the United States. His advocacy helped lead the United States to begin accepting 25,000 refugees a year starting in 1978.

In 1979, Wangyee and his family left for political refuge in the United States and settled in Huntington Beach, California, then moved to Fresno, California in 1989, where he established the Lao Veterans of America. His many accomplishments include the establishment of the Lao Veterans Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery to honor Hmong and Lao veterans and their American advisors who served in defense of the Kingdom of Laos and U.S. National Security interests during the Vietnam War, and his advocacy of the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000.

In the Central Valley, Wangyee was instrumental in the establishment of the Lao Hmong American War Memorial at the Fresno Superior Court. From 2000 to 2008, he was the ``Volunteer Expert Team'' for former Fresno Mayor Alan Autry. From 2005 to 2012, he was appointed by the Govenor of California to be on the Board of Directors for the 21st District Agriculture of Fresno and the Big Fresno Fair.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Lieutenant Colonel Wangyee Vang. Wangyee was a symbol of hard work, dedication and commitment. His influence will live on in the Lao and Hmong community for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert Smittcamp. He passed away on March 4, 2021 after many years of significant contributions to the San Joaquin Valley. Robert was a part of the community, and a dear friend to many.

Robert was born in Fresno, California to Earl and Muriel Smittcamp on May 29, 1941. In 1945, his family purchased the Wawona Ranch from Muriel's father that held 40 acres of peaches. This later was known as the Smittcamp Family Business. Having a father who served in World War II as a marine, Robert was a hard worker along with his siblings, Carol, Betsy, and Bill. By the age of 10, Robert knew how to operate a forklift. When Robert was diagnosed with polio in 1953, he spent months in an iron lung in his parent's living room on the ranch. He developed his faith in God during that time and became an acolyte in his church.

In 1959, Robert graduated with honors from Clovis High School and was involved with FFA where he earned many local and national awards. After graduating from California State University, Fresno in 1964 with a BS in Business-Economics, he and his father, Earl, founded Wawona Frozen Foods. The frozen fruit business thrived in downtown Fresno and in 1965 a freezer plant was built on Alluvia 1 Avenue in Clovis, California. A year later, Robert enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1965 through 1966 driving the Army General to and from military events in San Francisco. He learned cooking tips from the chefs in the kitchen that the General would dine at for his meetings, During his time in the Army Reserve, Robert still enjoyed working alongside his father. Soon after, Janell Robinson entered Robert's life while in the Army Reserves, and in 1966, they married and began their own family in 1968 with son Brent and their daughter Lisa in 1970. Janell gave birth to their second son, Brandon in 1982.

His father, Earl had a big influence on Robert's life. When Earl ran for State Senate, Robert saw another path he could take, with politics. His interest in politics began and he became a wise mentor for many people, but also continued to see himself working in a business. In 1971, Earl and Robert acquired the San Francisco based Lyons-Magnus and decided to move that company to the city of Clovis. Robert served as the President and CEO for over 40 years. They made ice cream toppings, fruit toppings and non-carbonated drink bases. The company became an internationally renowned food manufacturing company. While raising his family, Robert continued to work on the company's growth. In 1983, Lyons-Magnus leased a manufacturing plant in Kentucky, and after two years the company installed and operated the first a septic bottle filler in the United States in Clovis. In 1989, the plant was moved to downtown Fresno. The company worked with companies like Starbucks, McDonalds, Carl's Jr., Dairy Queen, and more.

When Brent grew older, he worked with his father and Grandpa Earl. In 1997, Robert and Brent purchased 160 acres together as the B & B Ranch. They worked on the Wawona Packing Company fanning over 8,000 acres and the ranch. Robert's youngest son, Brandon, shared another one of Robert's passions and got into the restaurant business. Robert assisted him in acquiring The Lime Lite, a Fresno-based restaurant,

In 2015, Robert married Annette and welcomed her sons Michael and Steven into the family. Robert's family grew and so did the companies. In 2017, Robert and Brent decided to sell their companies to the same private equity company and stay on the Board of Directors. Robert, Brent, and Brandon all worked together.

Robert had a strong passion to serve the community. He was on Boards such as the Community Regional Medical Center, Stanford Medical Centers Cardiovascular Institute, St. Agnes Hospital, Board of Governors of California State University, and more. His donations to causes, hospitals, universities, nonprofits and more throughout the San Joaquin Valley were endless. He donated $1 million to help expand a neuroscience program and remodel the intensive care unit at Community Medical Center. He was a donor for political causes and provided student scholarships for the Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State, founded by Earl and Muriel Smittcamp.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Robert Earl ``Bob'' Smittcamp. He was a role model, leader and a friend of mine. His influence will live on in the San Joaquin Valley for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize June 7-14, 2021, as Multiracial Heritage Week, a celebration for all people. This week highlights our similarities, not our differences.

Multiracial Heritage Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the multiracial community. Multiracial individuals are not only parts of other populations, but they are also a growing population in and of itself.

There are over 9.3 million individuals who self-identify as more than one race, which is the fastest growing population in the nation. According to the Pew Research Center, the largest groups of individuals identified themselves as white-American Indian, white-Asian, white- black, and white-some other race. The Census Bureau estimates the multiracial population will triple by 2060.

California is home to the largest multiracial population in our country. In the Central Valley, diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Many people have come together to educate our communities, spread awareness, and celebrate their heritage during this important week.

Multiracial Heritage Week was started by Project Reclassify All Children Equally (RACE), a national nonprofit and all-volunteer organization based in Los Banos, CA. It advocates for multiracial children, adults, and families through multiracial education and community awareness.

Project RACE was founded by Susan Graham and Chris Ashe in 1991. Both Susan and Chris had multiracial children, who experienced problems with forms that did not allow an option of choosing more than one race or a Multiracial classification.

As a result, Graham and representatives of Project RACE testified five times before the U.S. Congress and advocated for the implementation of multiracial classification. Subsequently, the checking of more than one box on federal agency and census forms was established. Therefore, Multiracial people are known as ``people who check two or more races'' by our United States government.

The organization is committed to advocating for civil rights and the appropriate inclusion of Multiracial people. The current struggle for racial justice is multifaceted and takes place on many fronts. I am proud to see this organization and my constituents rise up to advocate for equal rights and celebrate diversity.

Progress is made through the efforts of courageous individuals who actively engage within their communities and advocate for the rights of others. The people of the Central Valley have continuously shown that diversity is our strength and unity is our power.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the multiracial community and their contributions to our society. This

could not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of the Project RACE organization.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Christian Community Baptist Church in Fresno, California on the occasion of its 22nd anniversary. The church is a valuable part of the community and plays an important role in the spiritual lives of citizens in the Central Valley.

In February 1996, approximately 15 people left the Providence Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Deacon Elvey Perkins. During this time, the group held meetings and worship services at Denny's Restaurant on Abby Avenue to begin planning their future. In March 1996, this group began meeting at the Model Cities Building in Fraternal Hall. During this time the lay leaders of the group invited several ministers to preach God's Word. These consisted of four ordained Deacons, two Deacons on trial, and several Trustees. One of the local ministers invited to preach God's word was Dr. Jerome E. Jackson, Interim Pastor of the St. Rest Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno. After several business meetings, the group decided to form a congregation and to name it ``Christian Community Church''. In April 1997, the church membership called Reverend Dr. Jackson to become the Pastor. Dr. Jackson accepted the pastorate and the first church service was held on April 20, 1997. Since then the Christian Community Baptist Church has built a model for the community of faith extending God's Kingdom spiritually, educationally, economically, evangelistically, and geographically.

Under the leadership of Dr. Jackson, the newly formed Christian Community Baptist Church of Fresno, California filed for incorporation as a non-profit tax-exempt religious organization and received approval on June 1, 1998. In 1999, the newly incorporated Church moved from the Model Cities Building in Fraternal Hall to the New Millennium Charter School building. Almost immediately after being organized, the church connected itself

with the St. John District Association of California, Nevada, and parts of Africa. In March 2000, Christian Community Church purchased the building at 3838 N. West Avenue.

In 2005, Pastor Jackson united the church with the First Northern Central District Association of California, Nevada, and parts of Africa. Pastor Jackson served as Bible teacher, Vice-Executive Director, Member of the Board of Christian Education, Vice Moderator, and as Moderator of the First Northern Central District Association for over 5 years. With strong leadership, the last 22 years have been tremendously transformative for Christian Community Baptist Church. As they continue to grow and prosper, their effects in the community have helped too.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Christian Community Baptist Church as it celebrates its 22nd Anniversary. I commend Christian Community Baptist Church for its 22 years of commitment to service and I wish Dr. Jackson and the church many more years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of George William Whitmore, who passed away on January 1, 2021. George was a veteran of the United States Air Force, a husband, friend, and a man who loved adventures with nature.

George was born on February 8, 1931 in Fresno, California to Raymond and Jean Whitmore. His father was a Marine during WWII and became a stockbroker when he got out of the service. His mother worked for Pacific Gas & Electric. During the Great Depression, the family moved to the Central Valley. George attended Salinas High School and decided to study at University of California, San Francisco earning a degree in 1954 as a Pharmacist. During his spare time, George enjoyed climbing and later decided to join the Air Force in the medical evacuation unit as an aeromedical evacuation officer.

After the Air Force, he decided to continue working as a pharmacist, but in the summer, he would spend his time hiking and climbing. George climbed the Andes in Peru and El Capitan at Yosemite with his friends, Warren Harding and Wayne Merry. He served in leadership roles for the Sierra Club, and served as a Chairman for the Tehipite Chapter based in Fresno, California.

George helped establish the Kaiser Wilderness in 1976 and the California Wilderness Act of 1984, which added 1.8 million acres into the National Wilderness Preservation System. He helped protect lakes and block dam projects and highways and also helped prevent Walt Disney Co. from developing a proposed ski resort at Mineral King in the 1960s and '70s. It was stopped after sustained opposition by the Sierra Club and other preservationists, and the valley subsequently became part of Sequoia National Park.

George battled cancer with his wife Nancy by his side. He and Nancy were together for over 40 years and were each other's best friend. George never lost his love for adventure. He enjoyed visiting with friends and he still participated in the Sierra Club meetings, continuing to educate people on the importance of preservation.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, niece Caroline and husband Bob, nephew Randy and his wife Betty.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of George William Whitmore for his service and contributions to the environment that surrounds us. I join his family and friends in celebrating George's life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. S. Charanjit Singh, who passed away on May 12, 2021. He was a successful family and business man and member of the Central Valley with his children and wife.

Mr. Singh was born in India in 1950 and came to the United States in 1988 from Ludhiana, Punjab. He and his family settled in Los Angeles, California managing multiple convenience stores. He was a hard worker and provided for his two sons, daughter, and his wife. In 2003, Mr. Singh decided to move his family to Fresno, California.

Living in the Central Valley, Mr. Singh flourished his businesses. He was a business owner of purchased and newly built stores. Mr. Singh had over 30 gas stations and liquor stores. He could prioritize his time, manage multiple stores, and have time for his family. Mr. Singh would attend many events in the Central Valley including many of my own and he would often share his wisdom about the Sikh community to me.

Mr. Singh is survived by his beloved wife, Darshan Kaur; two sons Navjeet Chahal and Baljit Singh Chahal; daughter Parampreet Kaur, and his six grandchildren. Mr. Singh will be missed by the community and his friends.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the life of Mr. S. Charanjit Singh. I join his family, friends, and the community in celebrating his great life.