Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Juan Martinez, a local hero, an influential Chicano activist, and invaluable community archivist. After a year-long battle with cancer, Mr. Martinez passed away, and leaves behind a legacy of storytelling.

The son of a World War II veteran, Juan Martinez was born and raised in the City of Gonzalez. Be attended Gonzalez High School, where he played football and became active in the Farmworkers' Movement.

As an 18-year-old high school student, Mr. Martinez stood with United Farm Workers and Cesar Chavez when he spent 20 days in jail in Salinas in 1970 for refusing to call off a lettuce boycott. Mr. Martinez was among some 2,000 supporters who marched with Chavez to turn himself in at the jail, and Juan Martinez joined the group as a bodyguard to protect Mr. Chavez. This experience fueled Mr. Martinez's passion to support the Farmworkers' Movement and marginalized communities.

He later became a champion of the preservation of the Farmworkers' Movement and its history in Salinas and on the central coast of California. He fought tirelessly to transform the old Monterey County into a Cesar Chavez Museum and was instrumental in having it designated on the National Register of Historic Places. He also kept a personal collection of photographs, testimonies and artifacts related to the movement, ensuring that this important part of our history is never lost. He also organized the installation of signage on Highway 101, designating part of it as ``Bracero Memorial Highway'' to honor 32 seasonal farmworkers who died in a truck crash in Chualar in 1963.

Additionally, he served the Central Coast as a community worker with California Rural Legal Assistance, assisting historically disadvantaged communities. Mr. Martinez also served on the Hartnell College Board of Trustees from 1979 to 1991 and was a co-founder of the Monterey County Pesticide Coalition. The coalition fought to establish the first field posting ordinance in Monterey County in 1983 that would become a model for statewide legislation.

Madam Speaker, Juan Martinez's commitment to service will continue to protect and impact Californians for generations to come. Let us always remember his legacy of service and honor his commitment to the Central Coast and its storied history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 99th birthday of 2nd Lieutenant Ed Cavallini, who was born May 18, 1923, in San Francisco, California, and has dedicated his life to serving our country and the central coast of California.

While attending the University of Southern California, Mr. Cavallini enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and married his wife Jeanne O'Donnell on October 14, 1944. Upon graduation, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. At 19 years old, 2nd Lt. Cavallini boarded a ship bound to Iwo Jima, Japan as a Platoon Commander in the Fourth Marine Division.

Under heavy Japanese bombardment and artillery fire, the 4th Division struggled to dig their foxholes in the fine, black volcanic sand, so 2nd Lt. Cavallini swiftly ordered his men into craters left by the enemy mortars. The Marines were pinned down for two days as their Commander leapt between craters and made note of where his 45 troops were with his black spiral notebook and Scripto mechanical pencil, which he still has to this day. On the second day of battle, Lt. Cavallini was struck by a three-millimeter fragment of mortar, which lodged into his heart muscle. Luckily, the fragment hit his dog tags, saving his life. Shortly after his brush with death, he was struck by more shrapnel, this time hitting his knee, and ending his deployment to Iwo Jima after 34 days of combat. It was only two days after he left that the Marines raised the American Flag over Mount Suribachi. 2nd Lt. Cavallini was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice that resulted in a crucial victory for the United States.

Four months later, 2nd Lt. Cavallini was back training in Maui, Hawaii when the sirens rang and signaled the end of the war. 2nd Lt. Cavallini returned home to his bride, Jeanne, and they moved to Southern California. By 1952 they had a family of four--John, Paul, Marc, and Jane. After careers with Firestone Engineering Laboratory and Lockheed-Martin, he began working for the Santa Clara County

Library System and was head librarian in Milpitas for many years. After the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, the Cavallinis relocated to the Monterey Peninsula. After a brief stint with retirement, Ed Cavallini returned to serving his community by working with the Gilroy Public Library. Additionally, he was an original board member of the Monterey Jazz Festival, which is the longest running jazz festival in the world.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Ed Cavallini is the dedicated community member and leader we should all strive to be. I extend my personal gratitude for his service and sacrifice. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today on his 99th birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic service of U.S. Army Retired Special Forces Major John J. Duffy.

Recently, Major Duffy was recognized as a recipient of the Medal of Honor--not just for his service, but for his gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.

A resident of my district in Santa Cruz, California, Major Duffy served four combat tours in Vietnam, oftentimes operating well behind the enemy lines. Throughout his time in the military, he was the recipient of 64 awards and decorations, 29 of which are for valor.

Recently at a ceremony at the White House, Major Duffy received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden. The medal was in recognition of his actions on April 14 and 15, 1972, when Major Duffy was the adviser for the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division for the Republic of Vietnam.

Over those 2 days, Major Duffy valiantly defended Fire Support Base Charlie against an attack from a battalion-sized group of the enemy. During the battle Major Duffy took charge after his CO was killed in action. Despite constant attacks by the enemy and being shot multiple times, he refused to leave, and he returned enemy fire as he tended to his wounded soldiers. During the eventual evacuation of the base, he led the operation and continued to tend to his soldiers who were wounded in action. He finally left the base, but he was the last man to do so.

Major Duffy exemplifies the heroism that is required to earn this award and represents the type of service and sacrifice that is at times necessary in combat for our brothers in arms and for our country. That is why we in our community, on the central coast of California, are so proud to call Major John Duffy our neighbor, a veteran, and our countryman of the United States of America.

Recognizing the Life of Diane Porter Cooley

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of Diane Porter Cooley, a pillar of the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County community.

Born to a family that settled in Santa Cruz County in the 1850s, Diane was raised on Las Lomas Ranch in Watsonville. Diane had a deep connection to the land and to the people of the central coast of California. Her father, Tom, was one of the four founders of Driscoll's Berries, and Diane continued her involvement with agriculture until her passing earlier this year.

A deeply passionate civic leader, Diane worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the environment and was an outspoken advocate for the people of the Pajaro Valley. She was a dynamic agent of change who championed the creation of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Madam Speaker, Diane Cooley's outreach and philanthropy extended far and wide throughout our community. As Santa Cruz County bids farewell to its beloved daughter of 95 years, may her legacy of giving continue to inspire all of us for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Community Bridges and its impact on Santa Cruz County. Community Bridges empowers people to reach their full potential by providing essential services and resources. With 10 programs, including specific initiatives for Children and Nutrition, Family Resources, and Seniors and Transportation, this organization serves more than 22,000 people a year across Santa Cruz County.

Since 1977, Community Bridges, also known as Puentes de la Comunidad, has provided invaluable resources to the people I represent. At 20 locations and outreach sites, its efforts make a difference in the lives of seniors, children, and countless families across Santa Cruz County, at no cost to the people it serves. The organization meets people where they are, providing bilingual and culturally competent services, respecting the dignity of those they serve, and helping everyone in Santa Cruz County reach their full potential. Moreover, it works to uplift the most vulnerable and historically underrepresented; 76 percent of its clients are people of color, and many of its programs are targeted to seniors and young families.

As a true institution in Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges has expanded its reach through strong connections with countless and equally valuable organizations and programs. With a guiding principle that together, anything is possible, Community Bridges facilitates thousands of volunteers to come together and serve their neighbors and friends.

As the Central Coast continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of wildfires, and rising living costs, Community Bridges plays an invaluable role as a leader in our community and a catalyst for positive engagement, recovery, and improvement.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize this impactful organization on the occasion of its 45th anniversary. I extend my appreciation to its committed Board Members and team of volunteers that continue to support the people of Santa Cruz County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions to the central coast of California's infrastructure and economy by the Granite Construction Company,

which celebrated its centennial on January 4, 2022. Founded 100 years ago, the Granite Construction Company is one of our Nation's largest civil infrastructure contractors and construction materials producers.

Pieces of its legacy came together in 1900 when John T. Porter, his son Warren, and A. R. Wilson partnered to buy the Logan Quarry and form the Granite Rock Company in Watsonville, California.

By 1922, the Granite Construction Company branched out as a wholly owned subsidiary. And since its founding, it has been guided by five core values: safety, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and sustainability. In 1990, Granite Construction Company entered the public market and reached the $1 billion mark in annual revenues by the end of the decade. Over the past century, the company has expanded its projects across the United States, including the California Aqueduct system, highways for the 1960 and 1996 Olympic Games, transit projects in San Francisco and Oakland, California and Washington, D.C., as well as the remarkable rebuilding of the World Trade Center in New York City, New York.

Granite Construction Company and its devoted staff, which includes thousands of Central Coast community members, have created an innovative culture and exceptional team that delivers excellence for clients across the United States. Since 1922, the company has driven the creation of vital infrastructure that millions of people use every day. Granite Construction Company is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the country, as well as a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure, and mineral exploration markets.

Granite Construction Company's headquarters in Watsonville is a source of pride for the Central Coast and has been for the past 100 years. Granite Construction Company contributes to California's 20th Congressional District's social, economic, and environmental success by providing career opportunities, operating ethically and responsibly, and engaging meaningfully for positive social impact.

In addition to being an industry leader in safety and sustainability, Granite Construction is dedicated to diversity from the top down. Its diverse board of directors includes three women, and its Granite Resources and Opportunities for Women initiative is committed to supporting women in a typically male-dominated industry.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to commemorate this company that has grown into one of our Nation's largest civil infrastructure contractors and construction materials producers. I extend my appreciation to Granite Construction and its team members, subcontractors, suppliers, and partners for creating an innovative culture and exceptional team that delivers excellence for our national infrastructure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Commander Matthew Maldonado from the Salinas Police Department after 29 years of service. The Salinas Police Department is an integral part of our community, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Salinas residents for more than 145 years.

Commander Maldonado demonstrated an early commitment to public safety and serving his community. Raised in the City of Salinas, he graduated from Salinas High School in 1989 and attended classes at Monterey Peninsula College and Hartnell College, going on to graduate from Union Institute and University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Management. Following in the footsteps of his father Richard Maldonado, who served with the Marina Department of Public Safety, he began his career with the Monterey County Sheriff's Department in 1992.

After graduating from the Gavilan Police Academy and a two-year assignment to the Correction Division, Commander Maldonado was hired by the Salinas Police Department and assigned to the Patrol unit working the midnight shift. While on the force, Commander Maldonado served in a variety of roles including patrol officer, crime scene investigator, and as a member of the Violence Suppression Unit/SWAT.

In 2004, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he supervised Patrol operations, the Violence Suppression Unit, the Narcotic Unit, and the Monterey County Joint Narcotics Team. Throughout his tenure, Commander Maldonado has been a strong leader with a commitment to public safety and education, having served as a firearms instructor for 17 years and as SWAT team leader-turned-commander for 18 years. He was also a founding sergeant of the California Department of Justice ``STING'' Task Force. Then-Sergeant Maldonado's teams were responsible for Operation Knock Out and Operation Snake Eyes, two successful wiretap cases into the Nuestra Familia criminal organization.

Matthew Maldonado was promoted to Commander in 2018. As a commander, he supervised patrol operations and served as the Hostage Negotiations Team Commander. For the last three years of his career, Commander Maldonado served as the SWAT Commander and was the commander in charge of the Northern California, South Bay Metro, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Salinas Violence Suppression Task Force. His team conducted successful narcotics and gang investigations spanning from Monterey County to the North Bay area and most recently worked closely with the Salinas Police Department's detectives on the wiretap case Operation Black Widow, which reached as far as Yuma, Arizona and the southern border of California and Mexico.

Throughout his career, Commander Maldonado has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community. Along with earning the Monterey County Peace Officer Association's Award of Merit three times, he was also awarded the Salinas Police Department Outstanding Duty Award twice.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Commander Matthew Maldonado for his years of service to our community on the Central Coast. I extend my gratitude to all those who selflessly dedicate their lives to serving their community. I extend my personal appreciation to Commander Matthew Maldonado and his dedication to the community of Salinas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Willy Elliot-McCrea from the Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County after thirty-three years of dedicated service to communities across the central coast of California. The Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation--it was founded in 1972 as an emergency food pantry to distribute U.S. Department of Agriculture surplus food as a part of the Community Action Board in the City of Santa Cruz.

Mr. Elliott-McCrea began his public service career with the Second Harvest Food Bank in 1979 as the warehouse manager and driver, later taking on the responsibility of purchasing food. In that same year, he represented Second Harvest Food Bank as one of thirteen founding members of Feeding America. In 1988, Mr. Elliott-McCrea was promoted to Executive Director and later to Chief Executive Officer in 1993, the position he held until retirement. Shortly after his promotion to Executive Director, the 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta Earthquake devastated Santa Cruz and surrounding areas in October 1989. The Food Bank became ground zero for disaster relief, with the number of people served dramatically increasing from 15,000 per month to 25,000 people per week.

Throughout his time with the Second Harvest Foodbank, Mr. Elliott- McCrea helped guide statewide policy, championing progress in food security resources. He energized the Second Harvest Board of Directors to change its mission to be more community-focused, thus pioneering a new model for food banks and inspiring emergency feeding operations nationwide. To this day, food bank distributions operate around a network of community-based food pantries in senior residential living centers, homeless service centers, schools, churches, and neighborhood resource centers.

Mr. Elliott-McCrea led Second Harvest Food Bank through natural disasters, recessions, and, most recently, the coronavirus pandemic. In 2011, Second Harvest provided an average of 6.7 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to the Santa Cruz community, but in the first year of the pandemic, Second Harvest's operations grew to providing 16.5 million pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition to his role with Second Harvest, Mr. Elliott-McCrea also served as the founding president of the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2019 to 2021. The CAFB ensures its coalition of 41-member food banks have the tools and resources to focus on feeding communities across California. The Association also provides Nutrition Education Programs that work with community volunteers to provide Nutrition Support Groups and Cooking Clubs.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing and thanking Willy Elliot-McCrea for his decades of service. His leadership and dedication to public service have shaped the food bank community not just in Santa Cruz County, but across the nation. I extend my personal appreciation to Mr. Willy Elliot-McCrea and his dedication to the central coast of California.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Ms. Glorietta Rowland after 33 years of public service to Monterey County and her dedication to supporting the Central Coast's unhoused community. Her legacy of service is one of unwavering devotion to improving the lives of others.

Ms. Rowland began her career in 1987 with Domestic Crisis Services, kicking off her admirable and wide-ranging career. Following her departure from the agency in 1988, Ms. Rowland worked with the Salvation Army, providing resources to those experiencing homelessness. She then worked for Sun Street Center, an organization that provides educational services, as well as treatment and recovery opportunities for those battling addiction.

In 2005, Ms. Rowland joined the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, where she assumed the role of Executive Officer. In this position, Ms. Rowland created and developed many programs and campaigns, including the Lead Me Home Ten-Year Plan for Ending Homelessness, Monterey County Stand Down for Veterans, and the Monterey County Homeless Connect Project.

Following her time with the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, Ms. Rowland joined Monterey County Department of Social Services in 2012 as a Management Analyst in the Community Action Partnership and Director's Office. In this role, Ms. Rowland continued her career-long pattern of developing programs to support unhoused people in Monterey County. Here, she influenced programs like the Monterey County Safe Parking Program and was critical in the creation of the Salinas Housing Advancement, Resource and Education (SHARE) Center.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Rowland took the initiative to support our community's relief efforts through the Alternate Housing Site project. She also dedicated her time and talents to the Commission on the Status of Women, the Emergency Food and Shelter Local Board, the Salinas Downtown Community Board, and the Homeless Census Point-in-Time Planning Committee.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Rowland's decades of service to Monterey County. Her career will serve as a model for selflessness and compassion for our community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor her today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vibrant life of Diane Porter Cooley, a pillar of the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County community, who passed away on March 10, 2022.

Born to a family that settled in Santa Cruz County in the 1850s, and raised on Las Lomas Ranch in Watsonville, Diane had a deep connection to the land and people of the central coast of California. Her father Tom was one of the four founders of Driscoll Berries, and Diane continued her involvement with agriculture until her death. Diane and her husband, Don, were active members of the community, constantly engaged in the issues they cared about.

A deeply passionate civic leader, Diane worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the environment, and was an outspoken advocate for the people of the Pajaro Valley. She once said, ``I care for the trees but for humans, too. People should have the chance to thrive just like the Sequoia should stand tall.''

She was a dynamic agent of change who championed the creation of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. She was involved with the Nature Conservancy, served on the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency board, and was a supporter of many other causes, including Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Salud Para la Gente, the University of California, Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and Second Harvest Food Bank in Watsonville. We may never know just how many lives she touched, or how many people received an education, braces, medical care, a home, or love when they needed it most thanks to her.

Madam Speaker, Diane Porter Cooley's outreach and philanthropy extended far and wide throughout our community. As Santa Cruz County bids farewell to its beloved daughter of 95 years, may her legacy of giving continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Federal Pell grant. Created in 1972, the Pell targets students with a demonstrated financial need. It helps cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and many, many other expenses.

Now, unlike loans which can burden low-income students, Pell grants do not need to be repaid. The Pell actually helps students focus on school rather than have them wondering about how to pay for it.

The Pell has benefited more than 80 million students in the past 50 years and is an absolute lifeline for students at colleges in my district on the central coast of California. Currently, there are close to 16,000 students receiving $68 million in Pell grants to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges and universities.

Now, clearly, support for the Pell is widespread and bipartisan. I am proud to say that we here in Congress actually increased the Pell by $400 for 2022. That is the largest increase, Mr. Speaker, to the Pell in 10 years, but I think you would agree with me that this is not enough. As we celebrate this anniversary, Mr. Speaker, the Pell now only covers less than one-third of average attendance costs. So we must do everything we can to strengthen the Pell. I believe we can do that by doubling the Pell.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that that happens and ensure that students, regardless of need, can afford college and attain a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Recovering America's Wildlife Act.

This is a proactive piece of bipartisan legislation that would help our State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies with the recovery and conservation of close to 12,000 species of fish, wildlife, and plants.

Now, I support this bill not only as the United States Representative for the central coast of California, a district that values and cherishes our wildlife, but also as the vice chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.

As some of the most passionate wildlife conservationists across our country, many sportsmen and -women, including those in the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, no matter what their political persuasion, support this critical piece of legislation.

In addition to enhancing the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts, sportsmen and -women want to ensure that our species are protected and perpetuated. From bighorn sheep to the Sierra Nevada red fox, from the California condors to the coho salmon, and from moose to monarch butterflies, the intent of this legislation is to protect those and thousands of other iconic animals well before they need to be listed as endangered or threatened.

This way, rather than impose burdensome and costly regulations on fish and wildlife managers, sportsmen and -women, and private businesses, those species can be recovered and renewed well before any measures are mandated.

Look, it is estimated that it costs the Federal Government more than $19 million, on average, to recover a single species once it is listed, including $1 million to just list the species and $18 million for the science and habitat work. Let's simply take 2,000 of the 12,000 species this bill would help conserve, and it would cost the Federal Government at least $38 billion. This bill is a preventative measure to ensure that does not happen.

Through this legislation, we would not only save billions of dollars by not having to list species, but we would save thousands of plants and animals by ensuring that they are protected.

By providing millions of dollars in funding for the on-the-ground efforts,

we could recover, reintroduce, and restore wildlife, fish, flora, and fauna throughout our Nation.

As many species face the growing threat of becoming extinct at accelerated rates, due to changing global weather events and our climate crisis, this legislation and its proposed funding would protect those species well before they become endangered.

That is why sportsmen, community members, and my country members support this bill, and that is why I urge my colleagues to do the same by voting for and passing the Recovering America's Wildlife Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize those who participated in the National Day of Silence.

This day allows students and allies to take a vow of silence as a way to speak out against any harassment and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ people in our schools.

In my district on the Central Coast of California, Luka Chavez, who attends Watsonville School of Arts, took his vow last week. Luka told me that he wanted to take the vow so that he can make all the difference for all of those who don't have a voice in our own community.

Luka felt that his silence for 1 day was the least that he could do to speak up for those who feel isolated and excluded every day.

Luka, you may have taken your vow last week, but this week, on this day, on this floor, your voice is not only heard but, more importantly, your message is received by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and all who support you but also, most importantly, those who don't.

Luka, your vow of silence allows me to speak for you and inspires Congress to continue its fight for LGBTQ students in our community and equal rights for our democracy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. David Marzetti as the central coast of California celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Shagbag Radio Show. Mr. Marzetti is a pillar of the Monterey Peninsula and its airwaves. The Shagbag Radio Show has featured over 4,000 guests over 1,000 shows, cementing Mr. Marzetti's legacy as the Voice of Monterey.

Mr. Marzetti, originally from Canton, Ohio, has called the Monterey Peninsula home since 1989. Inspired by the beauty of the Central Coast, Mr. Marzetti left behind a behind a burgeoning East Coast radio career to become Program Director and Morning DJ at KOCN 105.1 FM, where he would work for the next 12 years.

In 2002, Mr. Marzetti developed the Shagbag Show, where over two decades, he would air over 1,000 shows and feature over 4,000 guests from all walks of life. Despite airing from the Del Monte Golf Course, Mr. Marzetti's guests extend far beyond golfers and golf enthusiasts, but include celebrities, athletes; local business owners, restaurateurs, writers, doctors, politicians, and more.

Mr. David Marzetti's dedication to the Central Coast and the Monterey Peninsula goes beyond his radio presence. In an effort to promote local businesses, he joined the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau as its Membership Manager. He continues to be involved in the Peninsula's golf community, covering the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Championship golf tournaments at Pebble Beach and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Over 30 years, Mr. Marzetti has interviewed hundreds of professional and celebrity players, bringing his enthusiasm for the sport and the community to the airwaves.

Mr. Marzetti's dedication and enthusiasm has not gone unrecognized. He is a three-time winner of the PGA of Northern California Media Person of the Year and he was the first person bestowed with the Carmel Chamber of Commerce ``Community Champion'' Award.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Marzetti's long career in service to the Central Coast. I extend my personal appreciation to Mr. David Marzetti and his dedication to radio and entertainment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vibrant life of Diane Porter Cooley, a pillar of the Pajaro Valley and Santa Cruz County community, who passed away on March 10, 2022.

Born to a family that settled in Santa Cruz County in the 1850s, and raised on Las Lomas Ranch in Watsonville, Diane had a deep connection to the land and people of the central coast of California. Her father Tom was one of the four founders of Driscoll Berries, and Diane continued her involvement with agriculture until her death. Diane and her husband, Don, were active members of the community, constantly engaged in the issues they cared about.

A deeply passionate civic leader, Diane worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the environment, and was an outspoken advocate for the people of the Pajaro Valley. She once said, ``I care for the trees but for humans, too. People should have the chance to thrive just like the Sequoia should stand tall.''

She was a dynamic agent of change who championed the creation of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, the Pajaro Valley Arts Council, the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. She was involved with the Nature Conservancy, served on the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency board, and was a supporter of many other causes, including Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Salud Para la Genre, the University of California, Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, and Second Harvest Food Bank in Watsonville. We may never know just how many lives she touched, or how many people received an education, braces, medical care, a home, or love when they needed it most thanks to her.

Madam Speaker, Diane Porter Cooley's outreach and philanthropy extended far and wide throughout our community. As Santa Cruz County bids farewell to its beloved daughter of 95 years, may her legacy of giving continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2954, the

Madam Speaker, these bills, along with many, many other provisions in this bipartisan legislation, are commonsense solutions for the futures and the retirements of working families. That is why, Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote for SECURE 2.0.