Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of Steve Dan Magarian, a devoted father, friend, and public servant, who passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Fresno California, on October 13, 1942, Steve was the son of Dan and Alice Magarian and grew up, steeped in the values of hard work, service, and community. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and went on to earn both his bachelor's and master's degrees with distinction from California State University, Fresno.

Steve's early career was altered by a motor vehicle accident that ended his pursuit of military aviation in the United States Air Force. Instead, he returned home and rejoined the grocery business, becoming a store manager in his twenties. But it was his role as a reserve deputy with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office that would change the trajectory of his life.

In 1968, he became a full-time deputy sheriff, beginning a career in law enforcement that would span more than three decades. He served numerous assignments, including jail, courts, patrol, and steadily rose through the ranks. In 1986, Steve was elected as Fresno County's 23rd sheriff, taking office in 1987. He was reelected twice, unopposed, and served until his retirement in 1999.

Under Sheriff Magarian's leadership, the department secured several milestones, including the construction of the Main Jail and North Annex Jail, the creation of the Air Support Unit, and the implementation of one of the Nation's first computerized field reporting systems. He also spearheaded the formation of the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC).

After retiring from law enforcement, Steve continued to serve the community as a professor at California State University, Fresno, teaching part time for 20 years and shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals with a focus on ethics and integrity, which were his characteristic traits.

He also served as Chief of Investigations for the Fresno County District Attorney's Office, and most recently, as a Trustee of the Fresno Sheriff's Memorial Foundation, where he helped lead efforts to honor fallen officers with a permanent memorial.

Steve Magarian was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife Joanne, his daughters Erica Magarian and Gina (Brian) Blodgett, and his cherished grandsons, Brandon and Brayden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Alice, and his sister, Delores Merlo.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Steve Dan Magarian for his extraordinary service to the people of Fresno County and the state of California. May his life continue to inspire future generations to lead with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Donald George Larson, who recently passed away at the age of 91. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and a pillar of the Fresno academic and civic communities.

Born on September 5, 1933, in San Francisco to Bengt John and Olive Larson, Donald grew up in Kerman, alongside his twin brother, Phillip and older brother, Galen.

A gifted student, Donald graduated early from Kerman High School and went on to earn degrees from College of the Sequoias, UC Berkley, and Fresno State. During his time at Berkeley, Donald played in the Cal Band and served as the beloved mascot, Oski the Bear.

Donald found his true calling in education. He began teaching sixth grade in Caruthers and settled his way into a remarkable 35-year career at Fresno City College, where he taught history. Donald also taught current event classes for senior citizens from 1965 to 2010. His passion for civic engagement extended to local television, where he served as a trusted political commentator beginning in 1980.

Donald believed deeply in the values of sportsmanship, mentorship, and community. He began scoring basketball games in 1948 and worked in the football chain gang at Fresno City College for over 30 years.

Beyond the classroom and field, Donald brought joy to those around him through small gestures and grand traditions, most notably his legendary Christmas light displays, which turned his home into a beacon of holiday cheer and community spirit year after year.

Donald held a lifelong fascination with Worlds' Fairs. His collection is housed at Fresno State's University Library and named in his honor. In recognition of his decades-long support of Fresno State, he was honored as the library's ``Top Dog'' in 2011.

As a man of deep and steady faith, Donald was a devoted member of First Covenant Church in Fresno, where he taught Sunday school since 1950.

In his final years, he shared a home with his granddaughter Jessica, her husband Trevor, and their children, a time marked by love, laughter and enduring connection.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carol Kratt Larson. He is survived by his daughter Lynn Roth and son-in-law Daniel Roth; his grandchildren Jennifer Roth and Jessica Bryant, along with Trevor Bryant, husband to Jessica; and his great-grandchildren Rachel, Charlotte, and Isaac Bryant.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Donald George Larson. His legacy as an educator, historian, and man of faith will live on in the countless lives he touched. We extended our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart but also with a sense of hope. I want to tell you about a remarkable young man named Ian Kalvinskas.

Ian was one of my interns this summer. A Pasadena native, he loved soccer and carried a curiosity about the world that was as boundless as his spirit.

As a UCLA student with a deep passion for public service, he dreamed of pursuing a career in foreign policy and one day working for the United Nations.

At just 15, though, Ian was diagnosed with liver cancer. He underwent a transplant at UCLA, and for more than 4 years, it seemed that he had beaten the disease, but in November 2024, his cancer returned. Ian knew his time was short, yet he refused to let that define him. Instead, he came to Capitol Hill because he told us: ``I want to make a difference.''

Even while battling illness, Ian focused on helping pediatric patients get fair consideration on the transplant waiting list.

Sadly, Ian's internship was cut short. He passed away in June at the age of 20, surrounded by his family in the shadow of the Capitol he so admired.

His doctor, Sue McDiarmid, one of the premier transplant physicians in the world, told me his personal courage was remarkable and an inspiration to her and all who knew him.

His final days were not defined by his illness. They were defined by his courage and idealism, by his determination to use the time he had left to help others.

In honor of Ian's life, I am proud to introduce the Ian Kalvinskas Pediatric Liver Cancer Early Detection and Screening Act. This bill would advance the very work that Ian hoped to pursue. It would direct the Department of Health and Human Services, with input from the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, to strengthen education so parents and providers can spot the early signs of liver disease in children.

It would require the Government Accountability Office to report on what we are doing now, how many children are lost each year while waiting for a liver transplant, and whether adding a simple newborn test could save lives.

Mr. Speaker, Ian's story is not an isolated one. Over 100,000 Americans every day are waiting for an organ transplant.

Back home in the San Joaquin Valley, Austin Salinas, a young boy, has spent his life battling hydronephrosis, a serious kidney condition that has meant countless surgeries and now the use of an ostomy bag. For more than 11 years, he has defied the odds with remarkable resilience.

Like Ian's, Austin's journey is more than endurance. It is about survival and the hope of a lifesaving transplant. It is about inspiration. It is about courage. These young people really want to live and have a full life.

Families like Ian's and Austin's shouldn't have to fight alone. They deserve a system that works for them and gives them every chance to live a full and healthy life.

This legislation, therefore, is about the gift of life and giving better opportunities for over 100,000 Americans awaiting an organ transplant every day.

I encourage my colleagues and their staff to take the time to read this bill and consider joining me.

By supporting this legislation, we ensure that Ian's fight and legacy will live on for the lives of children and their families that will be saved in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ian Kalvinskas and his son--a student and, now, through this legislation, a catalyst for change.

God bless Ian. May his memory continue to light a path forward for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and the legacy of Dr. Joseph Castro, an exceptional leader who broke the glass ceiling as the first Latino to lead the California State University System, the largest university system in the Nation with 23 State campuses and over 500,000 students.

A grandson of immigrants, his story is the American story. He was raised by a single mother in Hanford, California. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. He never forgot the struggles his family faced, and he carried those lessons with him throughout his life as a role model. His journey reflected the hopes and the dreams of so many families in our valley and throughout our Nation who work hard every day to achieve a better life.

That is why Joe made it his mission to open doors for others. From his time as a professor to his service as president of Fresno State, and ultimately as chancellor to the university system, he dedicated his career to lift up students who, like him, came from very humble beginnings. That was Joe. That is who he was. That is why we honor him.

He believed that every young person deserved a chance to succeed no matter what their background may be.

I had the privilege of working with Joe on a wide range of initiatives from protecting our Dreamers and ensuring that they have a chance to achieve their full potential, to expanding global opportunities for students at Fresno State through new study abroad partnerships with the University of the Azores and the Punjab Agricultural University.

This was just Joe. He would always reach out not only throughout our valley but throughout California.

These efforts didn't just expand educational pathways, but they built bridges between our valley and the world. Joe understood that educating our children provided a foundation for future success. It is not rocket science. When our young people in this country get a complete education, a university education, they succeed. When they succeed as part of America's future, America succeeds.

That is why he dedicated his life to education. To me, Joe was more than just a colleague. He was a dear friend. I will remember him not only for his many accomplishments but for his kindness, his generosity, and that big heart that Joe had. He was a true son of the valley who never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back. His legacy lives on for thousands and thousands of students whose lives he changed in higher education.

My thoughts and prayers go to Joe's wife, Mary, a true partner--they achieved so much together--to his kids, Isaac and Lauren and Jess, as well as the countless people whose lives Joe touched. It was really remarkable. He left a mark on all of us that will never ever fade and that we should carry on in turn.

I was honored to call him my friend, and I will miss him, like so many, deeply. He always challenged us at Fresno State to be bold. For me, Joe, my friend, I will always think of him as chancellor emeritus. Go Fresno State Bulldogs. God bless Joe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service to a grateful nation. We will always remember.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an intern in my office, and a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) student, Mr. Ian Kalvinskas, who recently passed away at the age of 20. He was a son, student, and friend.

Kalvinskas was a Pasadena native and grew up with a love for soccer, travel, and politics. His parents owned a traveling bookstore, sparking Ian's curiosity to explore the world's geography. While in high school, Kalvinskas excelled scholastically, played on the school's soccer team, and was awarded Most Valuable Player. After graduating from high school in 2023, he fulfilled his dream of attending UCLA to study Political Science.

Driven by a deep passion for social justice, Kalvinskas aspired to advocate for underserved communities and one day work for the United Nations, using his education and experiences to make a global impact.

Unfortunately, Kalvinskas was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2020, when he was 15 years old, and underwent liver transplantation at UCLA. For four and a half years, it appeared he had beaten cancer--but tragically, it recurred in November 2024.

Despite battling the recurrence of his cancer, Kalvinskas achieved his dream of interning on Capitol Hill in the summer of 2025. He cared deeply about healthcare reform, and knowing his life expectancy was short, he wanted ``to make a difference now.'' His goal was to help write legislation that ensures pediatric patients receive fair consideration on the organ transplant waiting list. Though his life was cut short by cancer just a week later, his efforts laid the groundwork for lasting change.

Kalvinskas passed away on June 27, surrounded by his loved ones, in a DC hospital--fittingly in the shadow of the Capitol--a symbol to him of how visions for change could become reality. He touched countless lives with his warmth, idealism, and humanity. He lived a courageous and meaningful life by dedicating his final days to advancing a cause he believed in--a goal that reflected the very core of his character. Kalvinskas was a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his parents, Adrian and Susan Kalvinskas, along with his extended family. Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the Kalvinskas family during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and honoring the life of a remarkable intern, student, and son, Mr. Ian Kalvinskas. His ambition and legacy will be remembered for many years to come. We join his family, friends, and community in celebrating a life lived with purpose, and in mourning a loss felt deeply by all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell an inconvenient truth about what happened to educational funding that Congress appropriated that was to go to our schools.

On June 30, just 1 day before $7 billion of educational funding was supposed to be delivered to our State budgets, the Trump administration pulled the rug out from under the schools--no warning, no explanation.

Let me explain something about California. We are a donor State. That means that the citizens of California, the taxpayers, send more money to Washington than we get back every year.

In California, we were supposed to receive, as I said, $928 million. This was a big blow to school districts across the country, including those that I represent in the San Joaquin Valley in California. Fresno Unified, which I represent, was to lose $7.1 million. Visalia Unified would have lost $2 million.

Across the San Joaquin Valley, districts were preparing for these devastating cuts in mental health services, after-school programs, and support for English learners and migrant students.

While the Republicans stayed silent, my colleagues and I stepped up. We wrote to the Trump administration, demanded answers, and put pressure on them to act.

They finally listened. Let's be clear: This didn't happen on its own. It happened because we put pressure on them.

Now the money is flowing, and I hope it is the entire $7 billion that goes to our schools throughout the country. Let's make sure that we know where it first happened. It happened when the flood of phone lines started going to my colleagues here in Washington.

I am going to, and my colleagues will continue to, fight for every student, every family, and every school in America, including those in the San Joaquin Valley that I represent.

Honoring the Life of John Harris

Mr. Speaker, I rise today sadly to pay tribute to John Harris, a good friend and a giant of California agriculture and the San Joaquin Valley.

Born on July 14, 1943, in Fresno County, John was a proud graduate of the University of California-Davis and a United States Army veteran.

For over 40 years, he was not only a pioneer in agriculture, but a good friend of mine. He was a leader who was well respected throughout the country. John shaped the Harris Ranch and turned it into one of the Nation's largest beef producers in America.

In addition, his passion was as a leader in the horseracing industry in which his horses were successful and won on numerous occasions.

John always understood the importance of education and gave back generously. Not only was it to Fresno State's Maddy Institute but he also mentored the next generation of agricultural leaders.

We miss John. His impact will stretch far beyond his ranch. He helped shape the agriculture of our region, and his legacy of innovation, integrity, and service will benefit generations to come.

Honoring the Life of Joel Nelson

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Joel Nelson, a proud son of the San Joaquin Valley who served 37 years as the head of California Citrus Mutual.

Mr. Speaker, you should understand that California produces 80 percent of all the citrus consumed in the United States: navels, Valencias, mandarins, and lemons.

Joel was the leader for the voice of our citrus growers and a fierce advocate for valley agriculture.

From the orchards of Tulare, Fresno, and Kern Counties to the packing sheds, he always fought every day to protect our farmers, our water, and our way of life.

He dedicated his life to uplifting others always with energy, passion, and a deep love for the valley we shared. His excitement for the work was contagious, and his leadership helped shape the citrus industry for generations to come.

We will miss his voice, but his legacy will live on in every grove in California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Anniversary of Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). The strengthening historic alliance between Portugal and the United States led to the creation of FLAD in 1985. Its purpose at the time was to strengthen the relationship between our two countries through cultural exchanges and societal transatlantic relationships.

In 1983, the United States and Portugal formed a Cooperation and Defense Agreement. This agreement piloted the establishment of FLAD.

This year FLAD also celebrates its ninth edition of the FLAD Legislators Dialogue, which brings together United States lawmakers of Portuguese ancestry with Portuguese leaders in Lisbon to foster powerful discussions on the strongest path forward to build relations and strengthen our collective security.

FLAD supports the work of Portuguese and Portuguese American students, researchers, scientists, and teachers at the forefront of science, while also facilitating contacts and collaborations with renowned U.S. institutions to build bridges between our two countries and establish new partnerships and possibilities for all generations.

FLAD's work also supports visiting professors at prestigious U.S. universities, such as Fresno State University, Brown University, Georgetown University, and University of Massachusetts Lowell to teach Portuguese Studies with the hopes of increasing Portuguese speakers in the United States. FLAD has been highly successful in promoting internships for American students and facilitating their participation in programs in Portugal.

FLAD has been a principal supporter of Portuguese art and culture by collaborating on numerous initiatives that preserve the presence of Portuguese culture in the United States, allowing exchanges between artists, intellectuals and researchers of the two countries. FLAD's contemporary art collection includes about 1000 works of art from Portuguese artists.

FLAD has continuously partnered with the California Portuguese American Coalition (CPAC) in supporting Portuguese advocacy within California communities. These local communities helped shape the American culture and the economic growth throughout California's Central Valley and nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, as proud descendants of Portuguese immigrants, with the traditions and values from the Azores Islands never far from our hearts, I ask that our colleagues join us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of FLAD and recognizing the contributions of FLAD to U.S.- Portugal relations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the legacy of Mr. William Murray Lyles, III, an extraordinary father, husband, community leader, and philanthropist.

Born in Ohio, to his parents Elizabeth and William Murray Lyles, II, Mr. Lyles grew up in Avenal, California. As a teenager Bill began working with construction crews and was mentored by his uncles Mac and Larry Lyles, who had very successful construction careers. He then went on to attend Purdue University earning a degree in Civil Engineering and later served our country for two years in the Navy. From an early age Bill decided he would continue the legacy of his parents' pipeline business W.M. Lyles Co. established in 1945.

In the 1970's inflation was an obstacle for many businesses; however, Bill understood business cycles, his solution diversification. The first effort of diversification began in the multifamily arena with Jerome Kozlowski. Fifty years later the partnership between these families remains as strong as ever. Additionally, with the support from Bill's brother Gerald, they included development, manufacturing, and agriculture. Today the family business continues to thrive.

Bill wrote a memoir ``The Joy of Building'' which outlines the successes and failures of his work to expand economic opportunity and promote the Arts. He coined the term the ``Appalachian West'' to describe the poverty he saw in Fresno in the 1980's. He believed in the theory that the rising tide would lift all. He sought to promote upward mobility especially for minorities with his work at the Chamber of Commerce, The Private Industry Council, The Economic Development Commission, Fresno Boys and Girls Club, San Joaquin College of Law, Fresno City College, and Fresno State.

As a strong patron of the Arts, he was a member of the Purdue Glee Club. He sang for the newly coronated Queen Elizabeth and Maime Eisenhower. Many knew that he would often break out into song. For decades, he attended and supported performances of the Fresno Philharmonic, Fresno Opera, and Good Company Players. He was also a strong supporter of Channel 18, The Fresno Met, and the Fresno Art Museum.

As a longtime member of East Fresno Rotary, he lived the Four Way Test. In later years he found great enjoyment from the Owls. Bill accrued numerous accolades including, among others, an honorary doctorate from Fresno State, Fresno Chamber of Commerce's Leon S. Peters' Award, Purdue Distinguished Engineering Alumni, and Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Anne H. Lyles, whom he met during his freshman year of high school in El Paso and reconnected with later in life. Anne and Bill were married for 36 years. Together they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and the grand adventures, they traveled the world, regularly attended church, antique collecting, and meals with loved ones. Their relationship showcased the power of enduring love and commitment. Bill is also survived by his sister Marybeth Seay (Lester), brother Gerald Lyles (Nanette), son Will Lyles (Tami), daughters Annarie Lyles

(Andy Dobson), and Adriana Hayward (Bill), step daughters Pam Peiffer (Matt) and Trisha Duval (Pat), his first wife Valera Whitford Lyles, mother of Will, Annarie, and Adriana, and grandchildren Allegra, Alistair, Delphinia Kelsey, Tatiana, Venezia, Chloe (Nick), Lauren, William and Hannah.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy of William ``Bill'' Murray Lyles, III. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Representative Adam Gray, to honor the incredible life of Albert Eugene Bardini, a true representative of the spirit of the Central Valley.

Albert Bardini was born on June 20, 1928, in Merced, California, to Pete and Adelaide Bardini, a proud third-generation farming family. He attended Merced High School, where he played both baseball and football. Following high school, he attended St. Mary's College before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

During this time, Albert married the love of his life, Joanne McKim on June 25, 1950, whom he had met during high school at the Hopeton Festa. Together, they made Merced their lifelong home.

After his service, Albert and his two uncles established Bardini's Yosemite Suppliers--the first wholesale plumbing and electrical supply company in Merced. The business was a trailblazer, becoming the first private company awarded a contract by the Department of Defense to operate a supply store on a U.S. Air Force base.

After selling the business, Albert continued his commitment to public service by becoming a Merced County Supervisor. In that role, he worked tirelessly on public works and community development projects, from water infrastructure to programs supporting seniors and youth. He was appointed to numerous state and local committees, a testament to the trust and confidence others placed in his leadership and vision.

Albert was known to all for his vibrant personality and generosity. A longtime member of the Merced Elks Club and Breakfast Lions, he was also a dedicated Life Member of the Italo-American Lodge. His grandfather served as the first president of the Lodge in 1933, and Albert carried on that legacy with pride.

Together Joanne and Albert raised four sons, who all pursued careers in engineering. Their family has grown with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bringing Albert and Joanne tremendous pride and joy.

In his later years, Albert could always be found at the heart of family gatherings, settled into a comfortable chair, watching a game, sharing stories, and offering his sharp, humorous commentary.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joanne, and his parents, Pete and Adelaide Bardini. He leaves behind his four sons: Richard (Nancy), Randy (Agnes), Gary (Laura), and Greg (Danielle), along with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Albert's life was one of service, joy, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Madera County Sheriff John Anderson. Born and raised in Williams, California, John enlisted in the United States Army directly out of high school and served four years in active duty with most of his service being based in West Germany and as an adviser in Laos.

After his honorary time served in the United States Army, John returned home and was working in a local feed mill for just a few months when he was approached, by the Police Chief of the City of Williams, to work a graveyard shift with the Williams City Police Department. This offer would be the start of a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement, later serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Stanislaus County.

By 1964, John joined the California Highway Patrol where he held significant roles over the

span of 35 years. Some of his assignments included being a special representative with the California State Legislature and United States Congress. He had received an educational assignment to achieve a master's degree in public administration for professional advancement and had initiated the ``El Protector Program'' which impacted traffic safety by assisting non-English speaking drivers, which went from statewide to national implementation. His achievements had awarded him many recognitions for his dedication and leadership which led to an appointment as Commander of the CHP Academy, Division Commander of the Northern Divisions and additionally the Central Divisions.

Elected as Madera County Sheriff in 1998, John held this position for 16 years until his retirement in 2014. Sheriff Anderson played a critical role in modernizing the Madera County Sheriffs Office by rewriting the department's policies and procedures, ensuring they met the highest contemporary law enforcement standards. His vision led to numerous technological upgrades, enhancing the department's ability to efficiently serve and protect Madera County residents.

Following his retirement as Sheriff, John was appointed by California State Senator Anthony Cannella to serve as the 12th District Law Enforcement Liaison and as a representative of the Madera and Fresno communities, a role he proudly fulfilled until 2018.

His legacy of service, innovation, and dedication will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working with him As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on our community after dedicating more than five decades to law enforcement and the protection of the communities.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in commemorating the legacy of Madera County Sheriff John Anderson. John is survived by his wife Kathleen Anderson, his two sons John and Charles Anderson, stepson Dylan Stone and stepdaughter Tricia Stone, along with eight grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Veterans Affairs Fresno Medical Center and their commitment to providing quality health care and services to Central Valley Veterans.

The official dedication ceremony for the Fresno Veterans Hospital was held on March 19, 1950. This marked the establishment of VA Central California Health Care System's (VACCHCS) primary facility on an 18.5- acre lot in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

With the vision to empower veterans through partnership, the hospital partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical School in 1975 to enhance clinical studies and medical training opportunities, this partnership still exists today. Several construction projects were completed from 1981 to 1982 including a new outpatient clinic, 60-bed Geriatric and Extended Care Unit, Milo E. Rowell Auditorium, and Liberty and Education buildings. These new buildings housed numerous new and improved services such as primary care, community development and civic engagement, research and education services, and the Women's Health Program.

In 2008, the Women's Health Clinic moved into their new office on the 4th floor where they continue to support the health and dignity of female veterans. Two years later, the Research and Development Department was established to develop VA scientists and innovations to advance health care practices in hospitals across the Nation. The Fresno hospital's mental health services and capacity were greatly expanded through the completion of the Valor, Freedom, and Independence buildings. Physical medicine, rehabilitation, and prosthetics services were also upgraded in this expansion. Most recently, the Community Living Center (CLC) was built, providing 60 additional beds for veterans that require long-term nursing and rehabilitative care.

Today, more than 41,000 veterans choose to receive their healthcare from the VA Fresno Medical Center. The biggest contributors to the hospital's sustained success are the staff and volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of veterans and their families. They are the reasons the VA Fresno Medical Center has been a staple of the veteran community and the Central Valley for 75 years and counting.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 20 years, I've had the honor of representing the Fresno VA Medical Center in Congress, and it has been a privilege to witness the continued success of the hospital over the years. I proudly invite my esteemed colleagues to join me to celebrate VA Fresno Medical Center's legacy of quality care. May we continue to support their service to Central Valley Veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the Visalia Rawhide in commemoration of their 80th Professional Minor League Season.

The historical heritage of baseball in Visalia begins in the early days of 1873. The newly organized Empire Club represented Visalia and played their first baseball game against Bakersfield's team, The Two Orphans.

This historic game was played on the school playground of Visalia Normal School located at Willis and Acequia Streets, which was enriched with the sounds of Bakerfield's brass band to sweeten the occasion. Although the first game ended in the Empire Club's first loss, the comradery of baseball sparked enthusiasm within the City of Visalia, which led them to continue the sport for more than 100 years after.

The fever of baseball had spread like wildfire by 1899 which led to the San Joaquin Valley Baseball League being formed. It was operated independently and contained city group members such as Visalia, Bakersfield, Hanford, Merced, Selma, Porterville and Tulare. The City of Fresno joined in 1910, but the baseball league was dismembered by 1911 to become individual minor league teams.

The Visalia Empire Club had gone through a time of transition from a Class D Minor League Baseball Team to Class C by 1946. Eventually the change from Class C to Class A was instituted by 1975, Class A to Class A-Advanced by 1990 and eventually entered the Single-A class in 2021.

The minor league baseball team had gone through nine name changes, aligning with their major league affiliations. By 2009, the team had been rebranded as the Visalia Rawhide and would maintain this name until present day. Playing under the Major League affiliate, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Visalia Rawhide name had quickly become popular throughout the community. It is believed to have secured the professional baseball team's home in Visalia, California where they had played their games at Valley Strong Ballpark since inception in 1946.

Being the only professional sports team in Tulare and King's County, Visalia Rawhide paid tribute to the vast agricultural industry in the area. The decision to elect a cow as the official team mascot created the fan favorite cheer that is symbolized with the glorious ringing of a cowbell.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Hmong Exodus, the mass displacement and migration of Hmong people from Laos to the United States beginning in 1975.

The Hmong people originated in North Central Asia before migrating to Southeast Asia to settle in Laos. Despite achieving independence from French colonial rule in 1954, their relations to foreign powers remained complex, particularly during the Vietnam War. From 1961 and 1975, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), employed a secret army of Hmong soldiers led by General Vang Pao to assist U.S. war efforts during the Vietnam War era. Known as the Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU), they fought in the ``Secret War,'' often against insurmountable odds, to stop the spread of

communism inside and beyond Laos. In one of the most devastating and traumatic wars in our nation's history, the Hmong people bravely fought side by side with U.S. troops resulting in 35,000 SGU casualties.

Following the Paris Peace Accords, all U.S. military personnel exited Southeast Asia in 1973, but General Vang Pao and the SGU remained. Laos was then split into three factions, but after the city of Long Cheng fell in 1975, the communist-backed Pathet Lao seized power and retaliated against the CIA-sponsored soldiers and their families. This forced an estimated 20,000 Hmong to flee to Thailand to avoid persecution before relocating to the United States. This marked the first wave of the Hmong Exodus, in which over 100,000 Hmong emigrated to the U.S. between 1975 and 1997. They settled primarily in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Today, the Hmong population in the United States is approximately 345,000. The City of Fresno has the second-largest Hmong population in the country, behind only Minneapolis, with roughly 35,000 people living in the region. To recognize their cultural, social, political, and economic contributions to the city, Mayor Jerry Dyer proclaimed May 14th as Hmong American Day in Fresno. This day commemorates the anniversary of the final airlift that brought Hmong veterans and their families to the U.S. It also serves a reminder to celebrate generations of Hmong Americans and their contributions in business, education, government, healthcare, and public safety. Fresno also has the distinction of hosting the largest Hmong New Year celebration in the country, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year.

In the 115th Congress, I introduced the Hmong Veterans' Service Recognition Act to secure burial rights in national cemeteries for SGU veterans. It was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 and serves as a symbol of grateful Nation for the service and loyalty of the SGU soldiers and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in commemorating the resilience and enduring spirit of the Hmong people and their contributions to the United States over the last five decades. May their story be our story.

Mr. Speaker, at a time when Americans are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and gas, Congress should be focused on lowering the cost of living that Americans care most about and not renaming bodies of water.

As Sergeant Friday used to say on the show ``Dragnet": Just the facts, ma'am.

The facts during the first 100 days of Mr. Trump's administration are the following: The economy has shrunk; The stock market has taken a hit; 401(k)'s that are critical for a majority of Americans' retirement have declined; there has been a launch of a trade war that could cost the average family in America over $4,900 a year this year alone with no trade agreements in sight, threatening a recession.

Rather than offering solutions, my Republican friends are at this time wasting this valuable effort on the floor by renaming the Gulf of Mexico. I think the Gulf of America Act is an absurd bill. It is political theater. The Gulf of Mexico has held that name for over 500 years. Spanish explorers from Spain chartered these waters hundreds of years before the United States ever existed. Let's call this bill for what it is. It is a vanity project.

My constituents in California's San Joaquin Valley aren't asking me about the Gulf of Mexico. They are asking me about their healthcare, reducing inflation, and investing in our communities. That is what they care most about.

Congress must focus on what really matters: passing a budget, getting a farm bill done, and delivering on the priorities the American people sent us here to do.

If this is the best my Republican friends and the majority can do, it is no wonder that the American people are fed up with Congress and our numbers are so low.

Mr. Speaker, enough with political stunts. The American people deserve better. We must work together in a bipartisan effort.

Celebrating All Mothers on Mother's Day

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. Throughout our country, families and friends will gather together to recognize and pay tribute to this important day. I think for all of us the reality is every day should be Mother's Day.

On Sunday, let us say thank you in the most meaningful way we know how, and that is with love and affection. We should do what is appropriate, and that is to thank those moms who throughout our lives have made a difference.

Mr. Speaker, every day, therefore, should be Mother's Day. Let us celebrate this day on Sunday and never forget those who brought us here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Marcelino Gamino, a proud marine of Fresno, California, who gave his life in service to our Nation.

A grateful nation can never ever say thank you enough to this fine young man and his family.

As a young man, Marcelino answered the call to serve in May 2022, quickly rising to the rank of lance corporal by August 2024. At just 28 years of age, Marcelino served with distinction as a combat engineer in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Marcelino's commitment took him across the world with distinction as a combat engineer and as a part of a Marine Rotational Force all the way to Darwin, Australia. His service was marked by distinction, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

We, the folks in the San Joaquin Valley, mourn his tragic loss. Our hearts are with his family, his friends, and his fellow marines. His courage and his service will never be forgotten.

Semper Fi, and God bless.

Honoring the Life of Guadalupe Castillo

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible life of another American, Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero from my hometown of Fresno, California, from the San Joaquin Valley.

At just 18, he entered the United States Army to do his duty during World War II. He faced some of the toughest and fiercest battles that our Nation was engaged in at that time: the Battle of the Bulge, D-day at Omaha Beach, and the liberation of France from the tyranny of the Nazis.

Mr. Castillo's courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of the history of our Nation in the 20th century, but his service didn't just end there. After World War II, he came home and devoted 20 years to helping fellow veterans there with the Veterans Administration at the veterans hospital in Fresno, inspiring his son to follow in his footsteps. His son still works there today and is considered one of the anchors of the VA hospital in Fresno and, of course, with his dad.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Castillo on an Honor Flight a number of years ago, and I saw him again just recently at the 75th anniversary of the VA hospital in Fresno before he passed away on Easter Sunday at 100 years of age.

In that short time, he made a lasting mark and impression on me and everyone whom he ever touched and met because he was a true American hero with wisdom, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of 100 years of a life well lived.

We celebrate that century of courage, service, and sacrifice, and we, as Americans, can never ever say thank you enough to Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero from Fresno, California.

Honoring Victims of Armenian Genocide

Madam Speaker, on April 24, throughout the country and throughout the world, Armenians recognized the Armenian genocide that took place from 1915 to 1923 at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

I stand here today to confront it, empowered by facts, and determined that we never, ever forget the Armenian genocide, the first genocide that took place in the 20th century. Obviously, the Holocaust was to follow later on. It is a dark history, but we should never, ever forget our history.

Azerbaijan's President Aliyev, much like Putin of Russia, has led an ethnic cleansing and weaponized starvation against Armenians still today, notwithstanding the Minsk agreements that he has violated.

Over 120,000 Armenians in the last 2 years have been driven out of their homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh, otherwise known as Artsakh. Many of them are still today imprisoned and abused, and Azerbaijan must be held accountable.

We cannot remain silent. I have joined my colleagues in urging Secretary Marco Rubio to enforce section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, demanding an end to United States military assistance to the Nation of Azerbaijan. They do not need it. They have violated the peace agreement of Minsk.

America must make it clear: We stand together in unity and continue to tell stories of the past to ensure future generations never forget.