Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Equal Pay Day. This day marks how far into this year that a woman must work to earn what a man earned up to December 31 of last year.

In the United States, a woman is paid 20 percent less than her male counterpart. In California, a woman earns 86 percent of what men earn. Pay disparities in California are even more stark for women of color. Latinas make just 56 percent of what a man makes.

In order to continue to close the pay gap, Congress must pass the Paycheck

Fairness Act. That law would strengthen the Equal Pay Act by requiring employers to demonstrate that wage differences are not due to gender, and they would hold employers accountable for discriminatory actions.

This bill, which I proudly cosponsored, is only one step forward. Congress must also pass legislation to address family leave and fight to protect a woman's right to choose, because, ultimately, the challenges and burdens women face are shared by all Americans, and when half of our citizenry is in any way impeded from their full potential, all of our country suffers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monterey County Superior Court Judge, Albert H. Maldonado for his 22 years of service in Monterey County courts.

In 1969, Judge Maldonado received his bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands. In 1974, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law in Berkeley. Prior to finishing law school, Judge Maldonado served the U.S. Army from 1970-1971 where he received a number of awards, including: the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 1995, Judge Maldonado was appointed to the bench in the Municipal Court at the Monterey Judicial District, becoming the second Mexican- American to be appointed since 1836. In 2000, Judge Maldonado became a Superior Court Judge for the state of California. During his twenty-two years of service, Judge Maldonado worked to solve a range of social and legal issues on behalf of Monterey County, including drug treatment, criminal and civil mental health, and criminal matters.

Judge Maldonado has been an exemplary figure for social change through the framework of public and legal service. A proud Mexican- American, Judge Maldonado is the first person of Mexican descent to be appointed to the bench by a California governor in 150 years. My congressional district is a heavily Mexican populated district, and Judge Maldonado's mark in Monterey County's legal field history will undoubtedly continue to be a seed of inspiration for generations to come.

As someone who has dedicated their career to public service, it is an honor to recognize Judge Albert Maldonado for his many years in the legal field and his unending efforts to create a positive impact for the lives in Monterey County. On behalf of California's District 20, I would like to thank Judge Maldonado for the many years of service and positive involvement in our community, and wish him a wonderful retirement. There is no doubt that Judge

Maldonado's commitment to social justice inside and outside the courtroom will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition of the executive order that was signed that attempts to destroy the Clean Power Plan.

Once again, we are seeing politics driving policy. We are seeing the fulfillment of a past campaign promise rather than a focus on our future. The administration claims that the Clean Power Plan limits jobs. The reality is that the jobs were not lost due to tougher carbon emission standards. Instead, jobs were found due to our innovation, more competition based on cheaper natural gas, more mechanization due to advances in technology, and more tax credits for renewable energy.

The reality is that more jobs and property will be lost without reducing our CO2 output. More CO2 will lead to more acidification which will lead to less fish and less fishermen. More CO2 will lead to shrinking icecaps and expanding sea levels causing damage to property not only along the central coast of California, my district, but along all coastlines around the world. Homes, businesses, and even our Navy bases will be affected, threatening not just our personal but our national security.

The administration needs to stop taking steps backwards when it comes to our CO2 output. But like many businesses, it needs to start pivoting and taking steps forward to protect our jobs, our coastlines, and our future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of what has become basically the complete repeal of the ACA. Don't get me wrong. I have talked to small-business owners, and I have talked to patients who have talked about the expenses of the ACA. But I have also heard from people in my district on the central coast of California how much it has benefited them, including 65,000 people who now have coverage under Medicaid and 25,000 people who have gained it through the marketplace.

If the AHCA becomes law, we are not making it cheaper, and we are not making it more accessible. Instead, all that is happening is that they are fulfilling a campaign promise.

Mr. Speaker, we must make sure that the ACA is here. We cannot take it away. We must make sure that we provide care, we provide coverage, and we provide the covenant that we promised our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Deputy Chief Daniel Perez Jr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Salinas' Sheriff office after serving the public for 32 years. An outstanding officer and citizen, Deputy Chief Daniel Perez Jr. has dedicated much of his life to safeguarding the community of Salinas County. In addition to his time as an officer of the law, Daniel Perez is a strong voice in many nonprofit organizations and within his own community.

Dan was born and raised in Salinas and is a graduate of Alisal High School. He has a degree from Hartnell College in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco, and a Master's Degree in Human Resources from Chapman University. He is a graduate of the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute and POST Command College. He's received several awards and recognitions throughout his 32-year career.

Deputy Chief Dan Perez began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the Monterey

Co. Sheriff's Dept. as a Level II Reserve deputy working patrol, and special events. He was hired full-time as a Patrol Deputy in May of 1995. He attended the Alameda County Police Academy in Pleasanton, CA., graduating No. 2 overall in his class. During his career at MCSO, he worked out of the Salinas, and King City stations. He attained the rank of Corporal/FTO, and also worked as a Coroner's Investigator. He was on the Sheriff's SWAT team and Riot Control Team. He worked for the Sheriff's Office until February 1, 1992.

Dan joined the Salinas Police Department on February 2, 1992. He's held many assignments in his career to include patrol officer, field training officer, and SWAT team member. He was promoted to Police Corporal in 1993 and Police Sergeant in 1995. In addition to patrol, he's been the sergeant of the Violence Suppression Unit, Personnel and Training Unit, and Traffic Unit.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001 and later to Police Commander in 2005. He has managed units and programs in all three divisions of the police department: Patrol, Investigations, and Administration. He served as an Area Commander, Tactical Commander, and Incident Commander throughout these assignments. He was then promoted to Deputy Chief in 2013, and is currently the Investigations Division Chief.

Dan has been active in the community throughout his entire career. He has volunteered his time towards programs and committees such as explorers, school yearbook committees, and youth and high school football, basketball, and baseball programs. He sat on the board of directors of three local non-profit agencies: The Salinas Police Activities League (PAL), Sun Street Centers, and Second Chance Youth and Family Services.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the dedication and hard work Deputy Chief Daniel Perez Jr. has done for others during his time serving with the Salinas Police Department. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the selflessness service of Deputy Chief Daniel Perez Jr. and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I extend my personal appreciation to Deputy Chief Daniel Perez Jr. for his service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the American Health Care Act and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act 7 years ago, in my district, the uninsured rate has dropped from 19 percent to 9 percent. In my district, there has been the creation and the funding of 6,500 jobs in local hospitals and rural healthcare clinics.

Yet, despite this progress in my community and across our country, the majority wants to replace the ACA with a quickly and carelessly crafted AHCA.

If the AHCA becomes law, in my district, 56,000 people will lose their healthcare coverage. In Salinas, hardworking families will pay more than $3,000 for healthcare coverage; and in Santa Cruz, low-income senior citizens will be stripped of $10,000 worth of subsidies.

Yes, the ACA does have its faults, but we should come together to thoughtfully fix it. But it is not just about money; it is about people. And it is not just about people; it is about the security that the ACA provides people to live their daily lives.

Mr. Speaker, the AHCA makes us insecure, and that is why I am voting against it.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 1029, the Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act of 2017.

Once again, Madam Speaker, I stand before you to urge the passage of H.R. 1029. As we know, the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating the sale, use, and distribution of pesticides. To facilitate and expedite that pesticide approval process, pesticide manufacturers have long supplemented the EPA's annual budget. This system allows the products to be reviewed in a timely manner, without sacrificing environmental and safety protections. It is truly a win-win for both manufacturers and consumers, and, as you heard Mr. Davis speak about, it is a clear example of government at its best. It is exactly why I enjoy working on the Committee on Agriculture. It is exactly why I enjoy working with people such as Rodney Davis. We have a bipartisan, effective, public-private legislative solution for a more predictable pesticide evaluation process that literally helps everybody.

The Pesticide Registration Enhancement Act, H.R. 1029, is an exceptional piece of legislation not only because it is supported by a unique coalition of pesticide registrants, environmental groups, and agricultural labor representatives, but H.R. 1029 provides a more effective, predictable, and transparent pesticide evaluation process. It promotes shorter review periods for reduced-risk pesticides and enhances scientific and regulatory activities related to farmworker protection.

My district on the central coast of California is not only bountiful in its agriculture, it is absolutely beautiful with its environment. Therefore, we on the central coast work hard to find that balance of being known as the salad bowl of the world and one of the most scenic places in the world. That is why our agriculture producers are the most thoughtful stewards of the land and recognize the need to protect the environment and the natural resources.

This legislation facilitates that balance. This legislation provides a unique coalition building and encourages the agriculture industry to work with environmentalists. Thus, H.R. 1029 helps all of us who live and work in our community and, ultimately, our country. That is why I am absolutely honored to speak in this debate, humbled to share the floor with Representative Davis, and why I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advocate for a national infrastructure plan.

I represent the central coast of California, and this winter we got rain. We got a lot of rain. So much so that it caused millions in damage to the area, including the closure of the famous Highway 1 in Big Sur, with major mudslides in the south and the loss of the 315-foot Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur.

That damage has left 450 people isolated: kids can't get to school; families are separated; and employers and employees are suffering, including the loss of $8 million in 1 month in the off-season.

But the effects of that damage extend beyond Big Sur to the surrounding towns, counties, and, actually, the entire State of California. People from all over the world come to Big Sur. They drive down from San Francisco. They drive up from Los Angeles. They patronize towns all along their way to Big Sur.

We understand why. It is the most beautiful place in the world. It is my home. And we want it to be open to all of you.

It is time that the Congress and our President help Americans by investing in our American infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John V. Narigi for being named the 2016 Citizen of the Year by the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and to recognize Mr. Narigi's leadership in our community on the Central Coast.

Mr. Narigi is a native of Gig Harbor, Washington and graduated from Gonzaga University. In 1993, Mr. Narigi made a permanent move from Washington to the Monterey Peninsula. Since his move, Mr. Narigi has played an important role in leading the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa's executive team. Among his many other accomplishments, Mr. Narigi has served as President and remained an active board member for the Monterey County Hospitality Association and has served on the Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association, the Cannery Row Business Association, the Monterey Bay Issues and Candidates Political Action Committee, and the Coalition of Peninsula Businesses.

He has proven himself to be a natural leader by transforming and raising the profile of local organizations that have improved the lives of residents and visitors alike. Mr. Narigi has dedicated his life's work to improving non-profits, local small businesses, Monterey County leadership boards, and youth sports.

Mr. Narigi served as the Chairman of the Board for Rancho Cielo, a community organization dedicated to helping underserved youth in Monterey County become self-sufficient through vocational training and education. His commitment to the work done at Rancho Cielo is a testament to how much he cares about his community and making sure that our young people have opportunities to succeed.

As someone who has dedicated a lifetime to public service, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Narigi's tireless involvement on the Central Coast. Mr. Narigi's commitment to improving the well-being of our community is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of the plan to repeal the ACA. A recent analysis of this plan concludes that 10 million people would lose their health insurance. That is mainly due to the fact that the plan would stop Medicaid expansion and shorten the Medicare trust fund.

Many people in my district would be affected by this plan. 68,000 of my constituents are covered by the Medicaid expansion, 23,000 constituents receive assistance to afford health insurance through the exchange. If the ACA is repealed and the new plan implemented, thousands of my constituents, my neighbors, and my friends would lose their coverage.

But don't just take my word for it or my constituents' word for it. Let's ask the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to look at the plan carefully and to give a report as to who and how many people it will affect. If you are going to take on something that affects so many Americans, then America deserves to know how our health care and our lives will be impacted by your plan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my continued disappointment with President Trump's anti-immigrant stance, especially based on his joint session remarks last night.

I admit I was very honored to attend my first joint session as a Member of Congress, but as a Member of Congress, as an American, and as a grandson of an Italian immigrant, I was disheartened that the President doubled down on his divisive and dangerous rhetoric against immigrants and continued to create fear by focusing on the worst in people.

Before I came to Congress, I was a prosecutor. I understand and believe that those who commit serious and violent felonies should be prosecuted and deported. But I also grew up on the central coast of California, and I realize and appreciate how much immigrants contribute to our community.

That is why I want to ask President Trump to come down from his gold tower, come out of the White House, and come to the green and fertile Salinas, San Juan, and Pajaro Valleys. He will see that immigrants are the reason why my district is called the salad bowl of the world. He will see that immigrants are the cornerstone, the foundation not only of that economy, not only of that community, but of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak against restricting the family planning services that are provided by title X.

Just prior to signing title X into law, back in 1970, President Richard Nixon recognized how essential family planning was to public health. He actually sent a message to Congress telling them, ``no American woman should be denied access to family planning assistance because of her economic condition.'' Last year, Mr. Speaker, President Obama reaffirmed that sentiment by making family planning services a part of basic health care, regardless of where one lives. Although Presidents Nixon and Obama couldn't be more divided in their politics, even they were united behind title X. I believe this is understandable, considering how title X ensures basic preventive health care and family planning services for 4 million low-income people every year.

In my district, title X family planning services saves an average of $7 on Medicaid-related costs for every dollar of Federal investment. That means that clinics in my district, like Mar Monte, are able to help more women and men receive a full range of healthcare services.

Rather than restricting family planning clinics, we should be promoting, we should be protecting, and we should be preserving access to those vital services, especially for those families that value and need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Warrant Officer Five Mary A. Hostetler on her retirement from the United States Army Reserve and to recognize the tremendous contributions of her 40 years of service to our Central Coast and country.

Chief Hostetler has a special connection to the Central Coast, receiving degrees from Monterey Peninsula College and the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has also worked as a Supervisory Criminal Investigator for the Presidio of Monterey and as a Police Officer for the Seaside and Sand City Police Departments, all located in my congressional district.

In 2003, Chief Hostetler deployed for the first time to Iraq. There, she provided security to the Presidential Envoy to Iraq, L. Paul Bremer. Not only was this her first deployment, but she also distinguished herself as the first woman to provide protective services in a combat zone.

After her deployment to Iraq, she served as the team officer in charge of the protective detail for former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, my father. Her service to my family is greatly appreciated by my parents, my two brothers and me. There is nothing more awe inspiring than public servants who are willing to place themselves in harm's way for the protection of others. I know my family joins me in commending Mary for her forty years of public service to our nation, and wishing her the very best for a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson) for this opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to discuss our commitment to civility, a promise that I have made to my constituents at home and a promise that I have made to my colleagues here in Washington, D.C.

Prior to my being sworn in, during my campaign of 2016, the number one question I heard and I received from the people in my district on the Central Coast of California was: Why would you want to go to Washington, D.C., right now?

I heard that over and over and over. I heard that people were dissatisfied with the dysfunction in Congress. I heard that they were disgusted with the partisanship of Congress. I heard that they were disheartened with our system of government. And I believe that it is that sentiment that lent to the denouement of November 8.

I admit I was disappointed by the Presidential election, and I believe that partisanship that was displayed during that election continued in Washington, D.C. It started when I got here for new Member orientation.

When we got here as freshmen, Republicans and Democrats, we were automatically split up. I did not get to know my fellow freshmen Republican colleagues here in D.C. It wasn't until we went on to Boston and Virginia that we actually took time to get to know each other, where they are from, and what they were about.

What I can tell you--the thing that I say that gives hope to so many people--is that my freshman class heard the exact same things during this past election: That it is time that we get things done and that we do it together.

Now, I believe that once we get past these turbulent times at this point, I do hope we can work together on issues that affect our country, be it immigration reform, investment in our infrastructure, and ensuring that our health care is not just accessible but affordable.

But I also realize, as many of you, that that is easier said than done. Yet I believe that to get things done in Congress, you have to treat it like a marathon and not a sprint, and I believe that we begin this race by building relationships.

My predecessor, Congressman Sam Farr, spent 23 years representing the place I call home on the central coast of California. He will tell you that for most of that time he was in the minority, yet he was able to get numerous things done; and he will tell you that the way he was able to do it is by relationships, with Democrats and Republicans.

I can tell you that Sam's predecessor would say the exact same thing; and I can tell you that Sam's predecessor and his three roommates, whom I was able to live with back in the eighties, would all say the same thing, that it is the personal chemistry amongst people here in Washington, D.C., that will lead to our ability to compromise professionally. That is what we must develop.

That is why I am honored and pleased to enter into this commitment of civility, for that is the first ingredient to that chemistry that we must strive for. And I believe that this commitment that we have all taken to each other, to our communities, and to our country, that will lead to our constituents' confidence, not just in Congress, but in our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sabu J.R. Shake, the Paisano of the Year, for all that he has done for our community on the central coast of California.

The fourth son of Isabella Shake and the late Sabu Shake, Sr. and brother to Benji, David, Chris, Angelo, and Tene, Sabu was born and grew up in Monterey, California. He is the proud father of five children and grandfather of two.

From a young age, Sabu understood the value of hard work. He worked at the family restaurant, Old Fisherman's Grotto, as a busboy and worked his way up to become a maitre d', cashier, and manager. Through this experience, he learned all aspects of the restaurant business.

Building on his early experience in the hospitality business, Sabu and his brother Chris opened The Fish Hopper restaurant on the historic Cannery Row in 1995. With the huge success of that restaurant, Sabu opened another Fish Hopper in Kona, Hawaii and, recently with Chris, Scales Seafood & Steaks on the Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

While Sabu is a pillar in the business community, he is also a steadfast servant to the community he calls home.

As a past board member of the Boys & Girls Club and current member of the Paisano Club, Chaine des Rotisseurs, Compari Club, Sheriff's Advisory Council, and Italian American Cultural Center Foundation, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service.

In memory of his father, Sabu Shake, Sr., Sabu organized the first Sabu's Safari to raise money for The Salvation Army's Monterey Peninsula Corps in 2007. Today, the annual gala is attended by close to 500 people and raises thousands of dollars for The Salvation Army. To date, this event has raised more than $1,725,000.

In 2012, Sabu initiated a Turkey Drive challenge by reaching out to friends and business colleagues for donations to purchase turkeys for people in need during the holidays. The Turkey Drive has become an annual tradition which provides nearly 1,500 turkeys every year.

Sabu also hosts an annual Christmas Toy Drive. Through that event each year, nearly 300 toys are collected for The Salvation Army to give to children during the holidays.

Following Hurricane Iselle, which hit Hawaii in 2014, Sabu raised more than $15,000 for The Salvation Army in Hawaii to aid recovery efforts. Later that fall, Sabu hosted the first annual Red Kettle Kickoff for The Salvation Army at The Fish Hopper in Kona, Hawaii and it was a huge success.

Due to his incredible generosity, The Salvation Army gave Sabu the M. Temple Eliott award and The Others Award, which is the highest national award given to a civilian by The Salvation Army.

Mr. Speaker, I know the whole U.S. House of Representatives joins me in honoring and congratulating Sabu J.R. Shake on being chosen as the Paisano of the Year.

Thank you, Sabu, for your service to our Central Coast and nation