Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the swift reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program.

CHIP helps families provide care for their children. Throughout our Nation, it covers 9 million children and pregnant women. In California, it covers 2 million children. And in my district, half of the kids get their healthcare from Medicaid or CHIP.

Now, CHIP was implemented over 20 years ago, championed by two Senators on opposite sides of the political spectrum, Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy, and it has continued to receive strong bipartisan support. But because of inaction by the House of Representatives, because of the distractions by this administration, millions of our children may be denied coverage.

They may not get to see their doctors for routine checkups. With the upcoming flu season, kids may not be able to get the necessary care when they are sick, and children with allergies may not have access to lifesaving medications and health services.

If this Congress does not step up to fix this mistake before it is too late, children will pay the price of our inaction.

Congress must take action to come together to pass CHIP for the millions of kids who continue to depend on us for this healthcare.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Debbie Merrill on her retirement. A committed public servant, Ms. Merrill faithfully worked to represent her constituents and our country on Capitol Hill for over 43 years.

Ms. Merrill learned the value of public service at an early age. Her father, a Native American from the Sioux tribe, served our country in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge, he attended college with help from the G.I. Bill. He later served in the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee as a career staffer. Debbie credits the federal help of the G.I. Bill with providing her family a path to success, saying that her career choice was a way for her to ``give back to the country that gave [her] family so much.''

Over the course of Ms. Merrill's notable career, she worked for five Democratic Congressmen. In 1974, she was hired for her first job in Congress as a legislative assistant to Congressman Clement Zablocki of Wisconsin. She went on to work for Congressmen Nicholas Mavroules and Marty Meehan of Massachusetts. In 1994, she joined Congressman Sam Farr's office as Legislative Director. Among her many efforts on behalf of the people of California's 20th congressional district, she was instrumental in establishing in Marina the country's first joint-from- inception Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs clinic; supporting the opening of the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery; and creating Team Monterey, a collaborative team environment for local defense and national security entities as they seek federal investment. Ms. Merrill served in Congressman Farr's office for over 20 years, until his retirement. She proudly joined my staff after I was sworn in this past January, and swiftly got my office off the ground. Her presence proved invaluable as she led our junior staffers in her capable hands, ensuring that once she retired, I was left with a knowledgeable and strong legislative team. Her background on defense, veterans, transportation, and housing issues was exceptional.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Debbie Merrill for all she has done to serve the people of the central coast of California, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, and to serve our country. I wish her the very best in her retirement and in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Reese, an outstanding constituent in my district on the Central Coast of California. Robert has served as the executive director for the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts for over 30 years. His dedication to preserving a vibrant artistic culture that pays homage to the traditions of the original artists' colony of Carmel, CA has served to make the central coast a hub of innovative art and science. Whether it be through sculptures, paintings, concerts, poetry readings, recitals, or multi-media performances, the Center for the Arts has consistently provided the invaluable service of allowing residents the opportunity to see themselves, and their community, through a different lens.

Throughout his tenure as executive director, Robert has remained true to the founding vision of Jeanne D'Orge, who founded the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts in the 1940's. Famous for producing and hosting some of the world's greatest artists, poets, and writers since the turn of the 20th century, Carmel-by-the-Sea continues to nurture original art and new forms of theater, a wonderful public service that Robert has contributed to tirelessly over the past three decades. His keen eye for fully exploring the ``ethos'' behind any given piece of artistic expression is a gift that served him well at bringing the community the best kind of art--that which challenges our preconceived notions, and changes the way we think.

In addition to being an expert curator of fine arts, Robert is also a former journalist and award-winning writer. His writing earned him an anthology in the publication Best Spiritual Writing, and the Monterey County Cultural Arts Benefactor Award. A man of great civic virtue, he also regularly volunteers as a chaplain for the Monterey County Jail, and at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert Reese for his many accomplishments and contributions to his community. In these polarized times, bringing people together in any way possible is of the utmost importance, and there is no better way to accomplish this than through appreciation of great art, whatever form that may take.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the anniversary of the Food Stamp Act of 1977.

Tomorrow, the program we know as SNAP--the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--turns 40. We also know that before the implementation of SNAP, families couldn't afford healthy meals and kids were going to school on empty stomachs.

Today, thanks to this program, over 18,000 families in my district on the central coast of California count on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables at home and help their children feed their minds at their schools.

In my district, the number one industry is agriculture. We ship our many fresh fruits and vegetables all over the country and to even other parts of the world. As a representative of this area, it is my goal and it is my responsibility to make sure that the families in my district have access to the same nutritious produce that is grown in our backyard.

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Conaway, I look forward to working on the 2018 farm bill with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle so that we can support strong investments in SNAP. By doing that, we will support stronger families and a stronger future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating the Monterey County Farm Bureau on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. Throughout the last century, the Bureau has assisted ranchers and farmers with crop cultivation and production. Over time, the organization has grown to become one of the region's most important economic institutions. In 1951, the Bureau formed various committees such as the Dairy, Field Crops, Grain Improvement, Tomato Growers, Tax and Legislation, Farm Service, and Water Problems Committees to ensure that farmers had the support needed to overcome challenges in farming. Under the direction of William ``Bill'' Barker, who served as a leader for the Bureau from 1956 until his passing in 1999, Monterey County Farm Bureau continued to develop its ability to meet the needs of local farmers and ranchers. Throughout its history, the Bureau has invested time and effort into ensuring that local programs, such as Ag Extension, were available to the community. These local partnerships have been integral to the success of the agricultural industry in my district.

Behind the economic might of agriculture on the central coast of California are individuals that work on the farms and ranches. As an organization, Monterey County Farm Bureau supports local farmers and ranchers by serving as a collective voice for agricultural firms and by providing them with the information, benefits, and services they need to succeed. By collaborating with various agricultural institutions, the Bureau supports farmers by helping them deal with the complex issues facing the agricultural community such as labor, land use, and water policies. The group also provides a vital voice for local agricultural firms by advocating for them on the local, state, and national level. At the 2014 California Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting, Monterey County received a County of the Year award for excellence in activities including membership, policy implementation, leadership agricultural education, and public relations. This is a testament to the hard work and tradition of excellence of the Bureau.

As the organization celebrates its centennial anniversary, I am proud to commend Monterey County Farm Bureau for its continued support of those working in agriculture in my district where crop cultivation is the cornerstone of the economy. Over the past century, Monterey County's agriculture industry has grown exponentially and now provides much of the nation's lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, wine grapes, and over 100 specialty crops. Monterey County Farm Bureau's support of farmers and ranchers in my district has undoubtedly helped establish regions like the Salinas Valley as the uncontested Salad Bowl of the World. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Monterey County Farm Bureau on 100 years of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in my district on the central coast of California. This weekend will mark twenty-five years since the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Referred to by many as the Serengeti of the Sea, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration designated the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 1992. Twenty-five years later, thanks in large part to this designation, the central coast of California has become a vibrant international tourist destination. Millions of people from all over the world now travel to my district to enjoy the pristine natural beauty of this Sanctuary, creating not only cherished memories for visitors, but also thousands of jobs for local residents Among these destinations is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-renowned aquarium where thousands of visitors every year learn about the rare and diverse ecosystems that thrive within the giant kelp forests of the Sanctuary.

While several generations on the central coast of California have always known the Monterey Bay to be a place of protected natural beauty, a sanctuary designation was a long-delayed dream for many. While a Marine Sanctuaries Study Bill was first proposed in 1967, it was not until the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 that the Environmental Protection Agency was authorized by Congress to regulate commercial activities in offshore areas. Thus, Congress delegated power to the Executive Branch to create federally protected marine sanctuaries. Unfortunately, despite tireless local efforts to achieve this designation for the Monterey Bay, the Reagan administration dropped the area for consideration as a sanctuary in 1983. The Congressman at the time recalled recently that when he approached then- Interior Secretary James Watt to lobby for the designation, he pointed out a picture on the wall of the room of a beautiful coastline, using it as an example of the kinds of areas worthy of conservation. Secretary Watt allegedly replied, ``Looks like a good place for an oil rig.''

However, this did not stop the residents of the central coast from achieving their long-held dream. In 1988, Congress voted to re- authorize the Sanctuaries Act, and the Monterey Bay was included in the bill as a proposed sanctuary. It was an important step, but much work remained to make certain that the Sanctuary would be large enough to ensure the protection of the coastline from offshore oil drilling, and other practices that would harm the delicate ecosystem within the Monterey Bay. Finally, on September 18, 1992, Congress authorized the designation of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary through legislation proposed by Congressman Leon Panetta. My father has referred to this many times as one of his proudest moments, and it certainly stands as one of his greatest accomplishments.

Of course, the thanks for the establishment of the Sanctuary should not go to just one man. Rather, it was the culmination of decades of tireless work by hundreds of citizens and public servants. Their determination preserved a living postcard to pass on to the future generations. The endless hours dedicated to this monumental achievement stand as an enduring testament to what is possible when citizens take an active role in our democracy. When Americans put their minds to something, anything is possible.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in taking a moment to recognize the value of conserving areas like the Monterey Bay. Preserving our nation's natural beauty has a long and storied tradition spanning over a century, with champions from both political parties. Let us now, then, commit ourselves to the continued preservation of our nation's public lands, now and forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of veterans from the 20th Congressional District in California: Rick ``Phin'' Phinney, Steve ``Pops'' Culver, and Hy ``Crash'' Libby, the three ``black sheep'' from the American Legion Post 31, who are about to complete an epic motorcycle ride across our country to raise awareness and financial support for the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery.

Two weeks ago, I met and sent off the three riders and their crew at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, and tomorrow, all of them will arrive at the Arlington National Cemetery. Throughout that epic ride, they have been carrying a large American flag, and once they get here, that flag will be flown over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The veterans will then return that flag to Central Coast Veterans Cemetery where it will be proudly flown over that hallowed ground.

Having driven 10,000 miles through 21 States, the three black sheep will truly have an epic ride. From our community's veteran cemetery there on the central Coast to our Nation's veterans' cemetery here in our Capital, this journey will not only support the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, it will serve as another demonstration of what our veterans do best: serve those who serve our Nation. And for that, I not only recognize Phin, Pops, and Crash, I honor them and I thank them, once again, for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major William Clark, Jr. for his forty years of service to the California National Guard. Sgt. Clark has long demonstrated a commitment to this country and the state of California. Upon entering basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. in 1974, Clark's sense of honor and duty was apparent as he voluntarily enlisted during a time when the armed forces draft was still well in place during the war in Vietnam. Recognizing the importance of developing specialized trade skills while simultaneously serving in the Army, Clark trained to be a contract construction engineer. He was subsequently stationed in Fort Ord on the central coast of California where he excelled as an engineer and met his wife Laurie, who also came from a military family. While by all accounts Sgt. Clark served his country selflessly, he maintains that his wife has sacrificed more throughout their marriage.

After serving in the Army for three years, Sgt. Clark went on to start a career as a facilities engineer and eventually entered the federal workforce as a journeyman. However, as Sgt. Clark was preparing to leave active duty, a military recruiter convinced him to take a position with the National Guard. He started his National Guard service for the state of California with the 149th Armor Company, a unit he served with honorably, eventually earning the position of Platoon Sergeant. Clark continued his service by taking on various responsibilities with the California National Guard, serving as Command Sergeant Major in 1997, and eventually became ``Senior Enlisted Advisor'' to the Adjutant General in 2008. One of Sgt. Clark's most notable achievements came during his deployment to Kosovo with Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Gidley, the Deputy Commander of the California Army National Guard. For his service in Kosovo, Clark was awarded both the NATO Medal and Kosovo Campaign Medal. In addition to these awards, Sgt. Clark's achievements also include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

In honor of his retirement, I would like to commend Command Sergeant Major William Clark, Jr. for his service. His local roots and long career of service and sacrifice to our country make me especially proud to recognize Sgt. Clark. His career is an example of selfless sacrifice and honor. I wish him the best in his retirement and am especially grateful for his contribution to the armed forces of the United States and the State of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Steven Whyte, a sculptor based out of Carmel, California. His most recent sculpture, a bronze bust of our colleague, Congressman John Conyers, Jr., has been accepted into the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.

Steven Whyte was born in England. He spent his youth living throughout Europe where he was inspired by the continent's expansive culture and history. From an early age, it was evident that art would maintain a constant presence in his life. Mr. Whyte studied at the prestigious Sir Henry Doulton School of Sculpture, which served as a catalyst for his remarkable career in portrait sculpture. His accomplishments in the medium were recognized when he became the youngest-ever member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors at age 24 and later the organization's Vice-President.

Whyte works out of his studio and gallery on the central coast of California in Carmel. He is

credited with more than 40 life size and larger bronze figure and monuments in the United States and United Kingdom. Whyte's work includes memorials for fallen first responders and soldiers, tributes to beloved cultural figures, and public art installations. One of his most prominent pieces on the Central Coast is the Cannery Row Monument located in Monterey. This piece features nine life-size figures, including author John Steinbeck, recipient of the Nobel Prize, and other figures prominent in Central Coast history.

Whyte's bronze bust of Congressman John J. Conyers, Jr. is one of the first busts sculpted of a sitting Member of Congress. His work captures Congressman Conyers' significance as the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

On behalf of California's 20th Congressional District, I thank Steven Whyte for the rich tribute that his bronze sculpture affords our Congressional colleague, John J. Conyers, Jr. I also appreciate the recognition that Steven Whyte has brought to the Central Coast's artistic community through the acclaim of his art by the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Senior Detective Arlene Currier for nearly a decade and a half of serving and protecting the community in Salinas, California.

Detective Currier obtained a law enforcement certificate from Gavilan College in Gilroy, California, and continued her education at Evergreen Valley College and San Jose City College. In 2003, she transitioned from a career in sales and marketing to a position in the Salinas Police Department's Patrol Division. Patrolling assigned areas in the city of Salinas, she embraced her role as both an enforcer of the law and as a leader in her community. Officer Currier investigated criminal activity with efficiency, provided assistance and first aid, and fostered a strong relationship with residents. In 2005, as a Field Training Officer, she instructed new recruits in proper procedure, and helped the Salinas Police Department maintain its standard of excellence.

As of 2007, Officer Currier became a robbery and homicide detective. In this capacity, she took an active part in nearly every aspect of law enforcement--from the crime scene to the courtroom. Detective Currier also served on the board of directors of the Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers Association, an organization dedicated to promoting, ``fraternal relationships and cultural awareness among all law enforcement personnel and the communities [they] serve.''

I stand with the City of Salinas, and the entirety of California's 20th District, in expressing our gratitude for Arlene Currier's many years of meritorious service. I wish her well in her retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant John D. Lynn of the Salinas Police Department for over 25 years of dedication to the residents of the city of Salinas.

After leaving active duty in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, John Lynn opted to serve his community by entering an officer training program for law enforcement in 1990. Upon completion, he was assigned as a patrol officer in the city of Salinas, California. In 1993 he became a D.A.R.E instructor, educating the students in Salinas High School and Washington Middle School about the dangers of drug abuse. Over the ensuing years, as a community service resource office, Officer Lynn coordinated neighborhood watch meetings and organized crime prevention presentations. Sergeant Lynn also conducted the Salinas Police Department's first ever National Night Out event, in which neighbors and police convene for a night of community conversation, casual dining and community festivities.

In 2000, Sergeant Lynn became a traffic motorcycle officer, tasked with leading major traffic collision investigations. Over the years, he was promoted to sergeant, served with various capacities in the Salinas Police Department, including the personnel and training unit, patrol, supervision of the traffic unit, internal affairs, and a role coordinating a DUI enforcement campaign.

In a dramatic episode in November 2015, Sergeant Lynn and two fellow officers successfully prevented an attempted suicide by hanging of a man. He is a hero and was honored as Monterey County Officer of the Year.

For the past six years, Sergeant Lynn has been the S.P.D representative for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Only a few weeks ago, a golden torch passed through Salinas, escorted by several local officers, an event that raised more than $13,000 for the program. It is yet another example of Sergeant John Lynn's dedication to this community. On behalf of California's 20th District, I thank him for his many years of service, and I wish him the best of luck in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the over 20,000 DREAMers in my district on the central coast of California.

Due to the administration's pledge to end DACA, those young men and women, who have done everything right after they got to America, are now being punished for a choice that they did not make before coming to America.

Their mothers and fathers came to the central coast to work hard and contribute to the economies and communities in the salad bowl of the world and the most scenic place in the world so that their children could have the opportunity to live the American Dream in the best country in the world.

Now, it is clear that DACA doesn't just give them that dream. All that DACA does is give those children the opportunity to come out of the shadows and fulfill that dream. That is why DREAMers work in our businesses, study in our schools, and serve in the military of the only country that they know.

This is why Congress should vote on and pass the Dream Act. If we do our job, we will allow DREAMers to not only do their jobs, we will give them the opportunity to give back to the communities and country that gave them and their parents so much.

As immigrants, they understand that obligation. Let's show them and let's show this country that Congress understands that obligation as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, to protect the 20,000 DREAMers in my district on the central coast of California like Adam, a student at the University of California Santa Cruz majoring in mathematics.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, but like a typical marine, he actually got it wrong. I was actually in the Navy.

I was a Navy officer. I am sure that was on purpose.

So standing here actually as a Navy officer, being asked to address this bill, H.R. 873, and to support this bill, being asked by a bunch of marines is a true honor, and it is very humbling at the same time.

Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support of H.R. 873, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, to create the foundation, which will then provide for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial right here on the National Mall.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Gallego from Arizona; Mr. Moulton from Massachusetts; and, of course, Mr. Gallagher from Wisconsin, my classmate here in the 115th Congress, a fellow freshman. Again, it is quite a privilege to stand here with these fellow veterans as peers, but also as a true sign of bipartisanship in the House of Representatives.

Now, I had remarks prepared yesterday to address the House about this topic, but last night I went to Arlington National Cemetery. I took my two daughters, who are here in town. We saw what people normally see, the changing of the guard, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the tomb of President Kennedy. But I made it a point to go to area 60, the area where there are many recent interments from the people, from our veterans, from our brethren, who have served in the global war on terrorism.

On that hallowed ground, I made it a point to seek out someone I served with, a gentleman by the name of Brendan Looney. I served with Mr. Looney in Korea. He was an intelligence officer back then. Both of us made sure that we wanted to do more. I went forward, but Brendan Looney wanted to do more than just that: he wanted to become a SEAL, and he did. He served in Iraq and he served in Afghanistan. It was in 2010 when the Blackhawk he was riding in went down and crashed, killing everybody onboard.

Now, Brendan is interred in area 60 at Arlington National Cemetery right along with his brethren, with his brother in arms, Travis Manion. I looked at Travis Manion's tombstone, and on that tombstone is a quote that I would like to share. On that tombstone, it says:

If not me, then who?

And right next to Mr. Manion's tombstone was another 19-year-old who was interred there, a veteran of the global war on terrorism. And on his tombstone was a quote that I would like to share. It said:

I just want to do my part.

Mr. Speaker, it is this attitude that was inscribed on those tombstones which is the attitude of this generation of veterans who served in the global war on terrorism, my generation, our generation, men and women who didn't step back; instead, they stepped forward. They didn't just step forward; they ran forward, they ran to the fight.

Now, also at Arlington National Cemetery was another quote that I would like to share, and it was from John F. Kennedy. The quote that they had up there by his tomb was from one of his speeches, in which he stated:

In the long history of the world, only a few generations

have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour

of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility.

I welcome it.

The men and women who served in the global war on terrorism did not shrink from that responsibility. They did not run away. They ran forward.

So, Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is important to have this memorial because the families, the friends, the men and women of this country should not just have to go to cemeteries to honor those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. That is why I stand here, Mr. Speaker, in full support of the memorial here on the National Mall to not just honor, but to celebrate the service and the sacrifice of the veterans of the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2781, the Ensuring Veteran Enterprise Participation in Strategic Sourcing Act.

It is a bill that the kind gentleman from Florida and I have sponsored so that it is easier for the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with the very veterans whom they serve.

As a veteran and someone who has worked with veterans, I understand the challenges our servicemembers can face when they transition from military to civilian life. That is why we in Congress are working to serve those who served us by opening every opportunity for our veterans to thrive and contribute not just to our communities, but to our country.

Throughout the United States, there are many quality veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses that sell office and janitorial supplies or provide building maintenance services. Those businesses and the government would mutually benefit if the businesses seeking Federal contracts were given a fair chance to compete.

But as it stands now, veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses are losing out on such opportunities because of an unintentional loophole when the VA contracts with the General Services Administration, the GSA, for office and janitorial services, equipment, and supplies.

Now, that loophole opened up last year when the VA implemented the Kingdomware Supreme Court ruling. Normally, when it comes to its contracts, the VA ensures that veteran-owned small businesses are considered in the bidding process. But the Kingdomware ruling required that the VA set aside contracts for veteran-owned small businesses when there are two or more companies that are interested, capable, and can perform at a fair and reasonable price. So when the VA contracts with the GSA for janitorial or office supplies, the GSA is not giving veteran-owned businesses the proper consideration for those types of contracts; thus, the requirement to consider veteran-owned businesses is not being implemented.

Fortunately, this bill, our bill, Democrats' and Republicans' bill, would close that loophole. It would require the VA Secretary to work with the GSA to increase the number of service-disabled veteran and veteran-owned small businesses represented in that contracting process.

The bill would eliminate that barrier that limited our veterans and their businesses from contracting with the government. It is a solution that is fair to veteran entrepreneurs. It is a bill that has strong bipartisan support. It is a bill that moved through the House Veterans' Affairs Committee with unanimous consent, and it is a bill that all of us are proud of, Democrats and Republicans, and that is why I am proud to sponsor this bill. I am proud to present it to you with the gentleman from Florida because it will do

what is smart for our country's veterans, and that is why I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.