Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of the people of the San Joaquin Valley in favor of H.R. 3922.

The people of the valley whom I represent in California did not send me here to put the lives of children at risk. I have made a commitment to improve access to healthcare for families that I have the honor to represent here in the House. I will continue to meet that commitment. The question is: Will Congress do the same and extend the Children's Health Insurance Program?

My congressional district has perhaps the largest percentage of children who qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program in the entire country. The coverage is vital to families throughout my district, but it is particularly important to communities like Gustine, Planada, Chowchilla, and Biola, where these healthcare clinics provide such important, valuable healthcare to these children and their families.

Approximately 71 percent of the children in my district receive their medical coverage through the combination of the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. We cannot let this end.

This bill is not perfect, to be sure, but these children cannot be put at risk with further delays in funding for the important programs that this bill extends. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend and colleague from Minnesota, Congressman Peterson, for yielding this time.

It is clear, I think, for everybody in this Chamber to know how devastating the fires have been, not only in California over the last recent weeks but throughout the West, and it has been this way for several years.

It is long overdue for Congress to address the many issues facing our forests under Federal management, and that is what this legislation attempts to do.

Years of mismanagement have contributed to the rise of catastrophic wildfires, not only in my home State of California but throughout the West. The heart of the problem is simple: money that Congress has allocated to prevent wildfires has been used instead to put them out.

Now, there are other factors involved as well to be sure, but for years what we have done with densely overgrown forests that need managing is we have set ourselves up to allow these densely overgrown forests to be the subject of very destructive fires if something should go wrong; and, of course, we have lightning strikes and we have other natural conditions that cause these fires.

This year alone, the United States Forest Service has spent about $2.4 billion on putting out fires and has transferred nearly $576 million from management activities. These management activities would go to thinning the forests and to allow for better overall growth. This would be a preventive means to decrease the ability of these fires to grow.

I have concerns with some of the provisions in this legislation and believe it can be improved with some modifications, specifically to the way fire borrowing is addressed and the size of categorical exemptions under public disclosure laws, but this is a work in progress, and we can deal with that.

Let me be clear. We must reform the way our Federal forests are managed, particularly the impacts as a result of the changing climate that we have and as it becomes more pronounced, such as drought conditions.

Mr. Chairman, the benefits of improved management will not only help with wildfire suppression, putting out these fires, but it will benefit the environment. With more effective management, healthier headwaters will provide for an estimated increased water supply of 300,000 acre-feet of additional water--that is significant, certainly in a State like California--and improved water quality downstream.

In closing, I urge my colleagues to work together to improve this legislation before it is sent to the Senate for consideration, because it is very clear in recent weeks, in recent months, and over the last 2 years that the status quo is unsustainable. We must do a better job in managing our forests.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service and achievements of Mr. Gary Singh Chahil; outgoing District Director for my Fresno and Merced District offices. In the nearly two years since Gary has assumed this role, he has served as an advocate for the people of the 16th Congressional District. My staff and I will greatly miss his presence, generosity and sense of humor.

Gurjinder ``Gary'' Singh Chahil was born in the great state of Michigan, son of Jaswant Singh Chahil and Bhagwant Kaur Chahil. He is a proud Detroit native.

Gary attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, completing his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration and a PhD in Business Administration. He is a fiercely proud Wolverine and frequently enjoys watching Michigan football on Saturday afternoons.

Gary married the love of his life Kamaldeep ``Kim'' Kaur Deol, daughter of Sarbjit Singh Deol and Surinderpal Kaur Deol in 2004. They are blessed with two boys Kanvar ``Kamran'' and Bashan.

Gary started his career with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. He spent five years at Ford before job opportunities brought him and his family west to California. He initially settled in San Jose, before moving to the San Joaquin Valley.

I first met Gary in 2012 at an event I hosted for the Indian community. Throughout the next few years, I would frequently seek Gary's council on matters relating to the Indian, and specifically Sikh American, communities. An interest in politics and desire to serve the Valley led Gary to accept the District Director position in my office in February 2016.

Throughout his tenure as District Director, Gary has cultivated relationships in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties and worked hard to serve the people of the district. Gary has worked on a number of high profile policy issues, including immigration, international relations, water and agriculture. One project he is particularly proud of is the creation of the exchange partnership between California State University, Fresno and the Punjab Agriculture University in India.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to note that Gary is the first Sikh District Director in the United States Congress, an achievement that speaks to the great diversity we have in the San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Gary Singh Chahil on his successful tenure as District Director for the 16th Congressional District. My staff and I are proud to have had the opportunity to work with him over the past two years. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing his achievements and ask that you join me in wishing Gary, his wife Kim and their two boys continued success and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of U.S. Ambassador Phillip V. Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez, who served under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford in Honduras and Colombia, was a distinguished and influential leader serving the San Joaquin Valley. He was one of the first Latinos to hold public office and was known for his charitable nature, diplomatic character, and perseverance. The San Joaquin Valley will be forever indebted to Ambassador Sanchez for his tireless efforts on behalf of the community.

Phillip V. Sanchez was born on July 28, 1929. He was raised in Pinedale, California. At just six years old he would join his mother in the fields to pick fruit and cotton. His mother heavily influenced him to pursue an education. Mr. Sanchez graduated from Clovis High School in 1946 and continued his education at Fresno State in political science. While in college, Mr. Sanchez joined the Army National Guard and advanced to the rank of colonel in the Army Reserve. He had over 40 years of military service.

In the 1960s, he began his career in public service as the Chief Administrative Officer of Fresno County. Ambassador Sanchez became a board member for Clovis Unified School District before being appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the California State University and Colleges Board of Trustees. He was also a trustee of the National Hispanic University. In the 1970s, Mr. Sanchez was appointed by President Nixon as the Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity.

After the Office of Economic Opportunity was dismantled in 1973, Mr. Sanchez was appointed Ambassador to Honduras. While in Honduras, he and wife Juanita adopted a child and began to help Americans adopt orphans. They had a love of children and later founded an orphanage in Mexico that they oversaw for 25 years. Under President Ford, Mr. Sanchez was transferred to Ambassador of Colombia.

Later in his life, Ambassador Sanchez worked as publisher of the New York Tribune and Noticias del Mundo, and was president of CAUSA USA, a faith-based anti-communist organization. After 9/11, Mr. Sanchez decided to return to the Fresno area to retire. He was honored at the 2008 Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala and in 2010 was named Chicano Alumni Legacy Builder by Fresno State. Mr. Sanchez made a positive difference in many lives and inspired people to follow their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of U.S. Ambassador Phillip V. Sanchez, whose generosity and unending dedication to the community will be greatly missed. Mr. Sanchez's memory will live on through the contributions he made to our Valley and throughout the world. It is my honor to join his family and many friends in celebrating his impactful life, which will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today. to honor the life and accomplishments of U.S. Army Sergeant Fred Cuaresma Yurong. Following the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, Fred answered President Roosevelt's call to service and joined the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment. He went on to serve in both New Guinea and the Philippines during WWII. During this time, Fred served with distinction, reaching the rank of Sergeant and displayed a level of commitment to serving others that would show throughout the rest of his life.

Out of the 250,000 Filipino soldiers who served during World War II, Sergeant Yurong was one of the few to be granted citizenship in a mass naturalization ceremony held in Camp Beale on March 20, 1943.

Upon completion of his service, Sergeant Yurong married his wife in the Philippines before relocating back to California and raising a family of five children. He continued his service to the community through his active involvement in the American Legion and several Filipino organizations in Stockton, California. His contributions speak to the testament of our country's servicemen and women selfless commitment to serve our communities. While

he passed away on May 26, 1976, the impact of his contributions to this country and to those whose lives he touched remains just as strong today. His children continue to honor his legacy by engaging in community building and serving others, values that their father instilled in all of them.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service and life of a man whose commitment to serving others was displayed through a life of service to his country and community. It is both fitting and appropriate that we recognize Sergeant Yurong, who made sacrifices for the freedoms enjoyed by our country, served with distinction, and went on to leave a legacy that is carried on by his family today as he is honored for his service. I join the family of Sergeant Fred Cuaresma Yurong and wish them the best as we honor his service with the Congressional Gold Medal along with the other Filipino Veterans of World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Filemon ``Memoy'' Cabasal Dantes Alinea, Sr., and the accomplishments of this distinguished gentleman. Filemon was living in the Philippines and attending Mapua Engineering College when WWII broke out. Upon the news of the war, Filemon immediately gathered his sisters from their college dorms and brought them back to Cabangan, Zambales to be reunited with their parents. He then enlisted and joined the military, where he held a position in the Filipino Army.

During his service in WWII, Filemon was captured by the Japanese, tortured as a prisoner of war, and forced to dig his own grave. Luckily he was rescued. After the war, he reunited with his family and waited for his college to reopen, at which point he returned to Mapua Engineering College to finish his undergraduate studies. Upon completion of his degree in mechanical engineering, Filemon graduated as one of the top students in his class and scored among the highest on his engineering board exams. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished engineering career.

Filemon's engineering career started when he was a junior engineer assigned to the Caliraya Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant in Caliraya, Laguna. He then became the Chief Engineer for Marcelo Fertilizer Plant and then Chief Engineer of Union Carbide in Iligan City. After this point, brilliant as he was in his career, Filemon was recruited by PHINMA, a huge conglomerate in the Philippines, where he became their Chief Engineer and Project Manager. In this position, his leadership and building expertise led him to oversee a multitude of expansion and infrastructure projects, including the building and construction of a cement plant and steel plant in Davao, a steel plant in Cebu, and a pulp and paper plant in Bulacan.

At this point in Filemon's career, he was brought on to the team at the PHINMA Corporate Headquarters in Makati. During this time, Filemon decided that the corporate environment of wearing suits and attending board meetings was not for him, and decided to go work for Roblett, an international engineering company. It was at Roblett where he completed the final project of his career, the Mosul Dam in Iraq.

Upon his retirement, Filemon, petitioned by his two daughters who had come for graduate school, immigrated to the United States. During retirement, he enjoyed traveling, touring, fishing and spending time with his family, which included his 6 children and 9 grandchildren. In 1992, Filemon passed away from cancer, may he rest in peace.

He is survived today by his dear wife Beatriz, his 5 remaining children, and his 8 remaining grandchildren. He is beloved and remembered by his family, relatives, and those whose lives he touched for his service during WWII and many throughout the world from his engineering career. He had helped a lot of his relatives, friends, and ``kababayan'' to find work wherever he had a project to build.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a man who made immense sacrifices for his country and his family through service during WWII, as well as contributions made during his distinguished career as an engineer. It is both fitting and appropriate that we recognize a man who endured hardships for the betterment of others, served his country with distinction, and went on to leave a legacy through his family and his life's work as he is honored for his service. I join the family of Filemon ``Memoy'' Cabasal Dantes Alinea, Sr. and wish them the best as we honor his service with the Congressional Gold Medal along with the other Filipino veterans of World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and the women of the Los Banos Police Department as Heroes and Heroines of the Month for California's 16th Congressional District, part of the people whom I have the honor and pride to represent.

These men and women tirelessly serve our community and truly are remarkable in embodying their motto: Pride in Service, Integrity in Action--Pride in Service, Integrity in Action.

But the pursuit of excellence is not without cost. We know that they risk their lives every day on a 24/7 basis.

Earlier this summer, two Los Banos police officers, Kristifer Hew and Aaron Pinon, were shot in the line of duty. I am happy to report that both officers are making spirited recoveries, but the risk police officers face every day to keep us safe cannot be overstated. So we salute them and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Los Banos Police Department Heroes and Heroines of the Month for California's 16th Congressional District, as well as recognizing all of America's law enforcement officers. We can never ever thank them enough for their dedicated service as they protect all of America throughout our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Marge Medellin's 80th birthday celebration. Marge is the former mayor of Madera, California and a dear friend of mine. She has been an inspiration to many and trailblazer throughout her career in public service. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Marge as she celebrates this special milestone.

Margaret Medellin was born on October 8, 1937 to Mary and James Martinez. She is a lifelong resident of Madera. Marge overcame adversity at a young age and went on to have a successful career at the Madera County Office of Education. She worked there from July 1956 to December 2002.

Marge was married in 1957. She was blessed with four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A call to service and the desire to help the community led Marge to run for the Madera City Council. She was first elected in March 1978, serving two terms from March 1978 to December 1986 and another term from December 1988 to December 1992. Marge served the city of Madera as mayor, beginning in 1982, for two consecutive terms and an additional four-year term. She was recognized by the state as California's first Latina Mayor.

Aside from her career in office, Marge has served on countless boards and commissions throughout the years. She is a founding member of the Pan American Club which provides college scholarships for young Hispanic students. She is also a founding member of Latinas Unidas, an organization that empowers young Hispanic women.

One of her proudest moments came in December 2016, when Marge swore in her son Andy Medellin as the mayor of Madera. Marge and Andy are believed to be the first mother and son elected mayor to the same city in California.

Marge is a true pioneer. She is known as an advocate for equal rights and always leads by example. Marge has served as a mentor and inspiration to many. She has made an indelible mark on Madera and our Valley.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Marge Medellin as she celebrates her 80th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Jerome Jackson, professor of Criminology at California State University, Fresno. Dr. Jackson has had a remarkable career, spanning over 30 years. He is a renowned criminologist, author and lecturer known for his work for various civil rights causes.

Dr. Jerome Jackson was born in Texas before relocating to California. He earned his Bachelors in Arts in Political Science from Southern University in Baton Rouge Louisiana, a Master's in Public Administration from Texas Southern University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Currently, Dr. Jackson is the first and only African American born in the state of Texas to graduate from the distinguished Ph.D. program at Sam Houston State University. He also holds a Masters in Theological Studies and Doctorate in Theological Studies from the Faith Seminary in Tacoma, Washington.

Currently, Dr. Jackson is a tenured Full Professor of Criminology at California State University, Fresno. During his tenure at Fresno State he took on a number of roles. This includes serving as the president of the Black Faculty and Staff Association and chairing the Martin Luther King Monument Statute Committee, helping to raise over $75,000.00. His work has been well recognized and he has received a number of honors throughout his career. This includes the Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1998. His outstanding work has also been recognized by the cities of Fresno and Clovis.

Mr. Speaker, it with great pleasure that I ask you to join me in celebrating the career of Dr. Jerome E. Jackson. I wish Dr. Jackson and his family continued success and happiness going forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Special Agent Daniel ``Danny'' Ruiz for his outstanding work as Resident Agent in Charge (RAC) at the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a directorate within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). Special Agent Ruiz serves as RAC in the Fresno, California office.

Special Agent Ruiz began serving as the Resident Agent in Charge at HSI Fresno on November 1, 2015 and was responsible for fulfilling the mission of HSI in Tulare, Merced, Madera, Mariposa, Fresno and Kings Counties.

In his capacity as the Resident Agent in Charge at Fresno HSI, Danny is always available to discuss and work together on issues of concern with me and my staff.

Danny has been a U.S. Government employee since 1994. Before his Fresno HSI assignment, Danny served in multiple capacities and positions in Newark, New Jersey; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Jacksonville, Florida; Dallas, Texas, and two separate tours in Washington, D.C.

Danny holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Peter's University, Jersey City, New Jersey with a Major in Political Science and Minor in Criminal Justice.

It is with great pleasure that I applaud and congratulate Daniel Ruiz for his many years of tireless work on behalf of the United States Government and to our local community. His ongoing dedication to public service is extremely commendable.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication and success of Daniel ``Danny'' Ruiz, and wish him well as he embarks on new endeavors in his role with HSI Florida.

Mr. Speaker, family reunions are a great way of staying connected, strengthening bonds and recognizing heritage.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I take this opportunity to commend and congratulate the Cardoza Family on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary and Family Reunion which was held at the Bird Ranch in Gustine, California on Saturday, September 9, 2017.

There is nothing quite like a family reunion. Family from far and wide gather and share in the joy of fellowship, love and precious memories that reunions generate. Therefore, I commend and congratulate them and pray that they had a wonderful weekend.

The Cardoza family story begins in the early 20th century. In approximately 1915-1916, Manuel S. Cardoza, an orphan, emigrated from the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. He was sponsored by his uncle, Joe S. Cardoza, and arrived to the San Joaquin Valley to work on his dairy farm. Manuel worked for room, board and a cow as his compensation. Their implied agreement was that as soon as Manuel had a string (15) of dairy cows he would go out on his own as a dairy farmer. He quickly accomplished his goal.

At approximately the same time, Manuel Coelho emigrated from the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. His name has never appeared on any ship roster, but it is rumored that he was a stowaway destined for Stratford, California in the San Joaquin Valley. By 1916, Manuel had earned enough money to send for his family. Shortly thereafter, his wife, Rose, her daughters Lucy, Lucille, Olympia, and Margaret, and sons, John and Manuel, boarded the Cornucopia and sailed for the United States.

Shortly after, Manuel S. Cardoza met Lucy Coelho, they married and started a dairy farm in partnership with another Azorean immigrant. The two were blessed with three sons and 5 daughters, whose descendants are here today. Through hard work, tenacity and faith, they survived World Wars and the Great Depression. They always managed to have enough to eat, clothes on their backs, and a roof over their heads.

The first generation consisted of dairymen; a butcher; an HVAC specialist; and a grocer. The occupations of the second generation consist of a wine specialist; a graphic artist; a doctor; a nurse; a teacher; an accountant; HVAC specialists; a real estate appraiser; a real estate broker; a politician; a cattleman; an office manager; CEO and a medical supplies specialist. The third generation includes marketing professionals; lawyers; accountants; teachers; financial advisors; construction managers; a pharmacist; tech professionals; an environmental consultant; and a software engineer. What the next generation will achieve only time will tell.

Mr. Speaker it with great pleasure that I congratulate the Cardoza family on the occasion of their 100th anniversary and family reunion. The Cardoza family truly embodies the American dream. They are one of hundreds of thousands of Portuguese that came and settled in California to seek the opportunities that our state has given to immigrants past and immigrants present. I ask that you join me in wishing them continued success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legendary career of Mr. Lou Pardini. Lou is a Grammy nominated keyboardist, vocalist, composer and Fresno, California native. For the last 8 years he has been a member of the legendary rock band Chicago. Lou has successfully worked alongside various high profile musicians throughout his career. He is a distinguished composer that has base fans all over the world.

Lou Pardini was born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Fresno. He attended local schools including my alma mater San Joaquin Memorial High School. Lou would go on to attend Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. Eventually he enrolled at the renowned Berklee School of Music in Boston to follow in his favorite musician's footsteps. Lou met and married the love of his life Betsey and the two would eventually move to Los Angeles, where Lou could fully pursue his music career.

Lou's natural talent was apparent early on in his childhood. He could easily perform songs on the piano by ear. His parents took notice and enrolled him in private guitar and piano lessons when he was just five years old. As he grew older his taste in music progressed. Among his favorite artists were Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.

Lou is a remarkable multitalented artist. He is known for his work with Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers, The Temptations, Elton John, Smokey Robinson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Patti Austin, Larry Carlton and many more. He has worked with artists in Rock/Pop, R&B, Jazz, Blues and Gospel genres.

Lou's biggest break came when his song ``Just To See Her'' was recorded by the legendary Smokey Robinson. The song won Smokey his first and only Grammy for ``Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal''. Lou has also recorded two solo albums which are fan favorites to this day.

In 2009, he got a call that would truly change his life. Following the departure of longtime member Bill Champlin, Lou was asked to join Chicago on a permanent basis. This was the culmination of a career marked by hard work and a true passion for his craft.

He continues to build his fan base around the world. As a member of Chicago, Lou tours the world, drawing sell-out crowds wherever they go. On April 8, 2016, Chicago was inducted into the 31st Rock and Roll Hall of Fame cementing their place in history.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask that you to join me in celebrating the career of Lou Pardini as he makes his homecoming to the city of Fresno. We are honored to have Chicago performing today at the Big Fresno Fair. I ask you to join me in wishing Lou and his family continued success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Arte Americas on the occasion of their 30th anniversary. Arte Americas is the largest Latino Cultural Arts Center in the San Joaquin Valley, located in the heart of my district in downtown Fresno, California. Since its creation 30 years ago, Arte Americas has made a significant impact on the Valley by making the arts accessible to the local community.

Beginning in rented space in downtown Fresno in 1987, Arte Americas has developed into a significant center on Van Ness Avenue, housing the Valley's Latino arts culture. Arte Americas serves the important role of both preserving Latino culture and introducing it to the Valley. The museum not only showcases Arts in Mexico, Latin America, the Southwest, and California, but an array of cultures from throughout the Central Valley. Arte Americas has become a hub of activity for the Latino and arts communities, frequently hosting receptions, meetings and special presentations. They frequently collaborate with local groups furthering their mission ``To make Central California a flourishing place for Latino arts.''

Over the years Arte Americas has been fortunate to have the support of a truly dedicated and vibrant staff, board members, and devoted volunteers. Their hard work has been the key to their years of successful events, installations and exhibits. Over the years poets, musicians, playwrights, novelists, sculptors, writers, dancers, and painters both local and from across the world have been featured at Arte Americas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating Arte Americas' 30th anniversary. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work together to further the arts in the Central Valley. Once again, congratulations on this special milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the significance of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran, more commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear agreement.

I have always been a vocal advocate for tough sanctions on Iran. While I was a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in 2010, I was a member of the conference committee which drafted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. These sanctions, in 2010 and subsequently, did make a difference.

Unfortunately, Iran continues to support terrorist organizations, and its record on human rights is well known. But we should not withhold certification of the Iran nuclear agreement without credible evidence that Iran is not complying. Let's remember, this agreement has always been about Iran, not obtaining nuclear weapons.

Doing so would strip the United States of our credibility in future international agreements not just with Iran, but with our allies as well.

In addition to Iran, we negotiated the Iran nuclear agreement with the United Kingdom, Germany, European Union, China, and Russia, and we must keep our word. In other words, to remain credible, the United States cannot change positions on international agreements from one administration to another without serious justification and without the consent in working with our allies.

Especially now, as we are facing an increasing threat with North Korea, we must work with our allies and, together, make a safer world through a comprehensive strategy that involves diplomacy, sanctions, and, yes, deterrence, if we must use such force. We have methods for addressing Iran's nonnuclear behavior besides refusing to recertify the agreement, and I will continue to advocate for the use of these tools to take a strong stance against Iran for their support of terrorist state activities and their abuse of human rights.

But refusing to recertify the Iran nuclear agreement, without clear evidence that Iran has breached the agreement, will deeply damage our relationships with our allies, and it will weaken our credibility worldwide.

Commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is from September 15 to October 15 every year.

This month we honor and celebrate the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic leaders in communities throughout our great country. From serving in our Armed Forces, to starting businesses that further develop our economy and provide employment for Americans, Hispanics have contributed great advancements in science, medicine, literature, and education. The Hispanic community and its people have been critical in shaping our Nation and the valley that I have the honor to represent.

For example, in my home State of California alone, there are over 815,000 Hispanic- or Latino-owned companies, which, together, generate over $98.9 billion in general receipts in our economy. In Fresno, Merced, and Madera counties, which I represent, there are nearly 27,000 Hispanic- or Latino-owned companies, which, together, generated, last year, over $2 billion, $700 million in our economy.

The story of our Hispanic friends, neighbors, and loved ones is the story of the American Dream, as they have the same hope and aspiration that all Americans have: to make a better life for themselves and their families through hard work, access to a better education, and equal treatment under the law.

Let us remember, after all, we are a nation of immigrants past and present.

For over 250 years, since the formation of the United States, immigrants have come from all over the world to America to have a better life for themselves and, in turn, have made us the greatest country in the world.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I am honored to celebrate the community whose determination and achievements are an integral part of not only our Nation, but the San Joaquin Valley that I have the honor to represent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to spotlight the statement of Lieutenant General Jay Silveria, the superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, made after an incident involving racial slurs.

His speech made three clear points:

First, the appropriate response for horrible language and horrible ideas is a better idea.

Second, we currently have the opportunity to think about our defining values as Americans and to stand firm on our values.

Lastly, if you cannot treat someone with dignity and respect, then you need to get out.

Lieutenant General Silveria is a role model. I stand here to share these words because we in Washington need to hear and heed them. We must think about who we are as a nation and we must stand firm in our values. After all, we are Americans. Our values have always defined us.

So we simply cannot accept the words and actions of those who do not treat others with dignity and respect. We must respond to horrible language and hateful ideas with better ideas and a strong resolve to rise above hate. This is how we become a better and a stronger nation.