Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution because American solar companies need the delay on solar tariffs so that they can keep up with the American demand for clean energy.

If we repeal this delay with this CRA, the American solar industry could be hit with more than $1 billion--with a b, billion--in retroactive duties, taxes that would cause cancellations and supply chain issues, stall solar deployment, and set us back on our clean energy goals.

Look, we have already seen, just with the threat of these tariffs, a 30 percent decrease in solar deployment last year. Of course, we want to strategically decouple from China, I believe especially with their solar pieces, parts, and equipment. However, American solar companies need more time to adapt, adjust, and reduce Chinese inputs in solar panels.

I also realize that we need to do more to bolster our domestic solar manufacturing, but that is why we recently made significant investments for domestic credits. However, if we allow these retroactive tariffs to take place now, it would deprive our solar industry of the incentive to invest in our manufacturing projects at home.

That is why we need this delay, and that is why this delay was the right call, not just by this administration but it is also the right call so the American solar industry can catch up to our domestic demands, so Americans can continue to speed up their solar deployment, and America can continue to step up when it comes to the continued success of our economy and the future of our sustainability.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I urge a ``no'' vote on this CRA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Limit, Save, and Grow Act.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Budget Committee, as much as I want to take serious steps to lower our debt and deficit, this legislation is not serious, it is not bipartisan, and it leaves us with a partisan hit list.

I say that because of the way it is written. It would increase hunger and deprive low-income citizens of healthcare. It would make significant cuts to critical government services that could lead to the loss of 780,000 jobs. It would cut IRS funding needed to close the tax gap and collect taxes owed. It would do nothing to raise revenues, and it would do nothing to find common ground on permitting reform. It would target the cornerstone of the industrial policy that we created last term to lower our carbon output by repealing clean energy tax credits.

Solutions to the debt crisis need to be serious, not partisan. This bill brings us closer to default by demanding partisan policies that will never pass the Senate.

I will vote ``no'' on this bill, but I do look forward to raising the debt ceiling and then having serious conversations about how we can ensure that Congress gets serious about a solution to our debt and deficit reduction.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk, specifically No. 26.

Mr. Chair, my amendment to H.R. 21 would exclude the central California planning area from being leased for oil and natural gas production.

The central California planning area extends from Mendocino County to Monterey County and goes out about 400 miles off the coast of California. Although much of this area is already protected by national marine sanctuaries, my amendment, if attached to H.R. 21, would bolster those protections from oil and gas drilling and stretch them further from our coastline.

Having been raised there, raising my children there, and now as the Representative for the central coast of California, I know firsthand how important our oceans and our coastlines are for our environment, for our economy, for our small businesses, for our communities, and, yes, for our future.

That is why I stand here on the shoulders of so many people who have done so many things to ensure the protection of our pristine coastline in California. From utilizing zoning laws to limiting onshore infrastructure and the designation of national marine sanctuaries, we have fought and will continue to fight to ensure that oil drilling does not happen off our California coast. That is why this amendment is so important to me and to my constituents.

Of course, my constituents are concerned with high gas prices, especially when there is an international conflict that causes gas prices to go through the roof. The strategy of releasing oil from the strategic reserve, specifically during those types of international conflicts, has been used time and time again.

In 1991, George H.W. Bush did it during the Gulf war. In 2005, George W. Bush did it during the second Gulf war. In 2011, President Obama did it due to the Libya crisis. In 2022, President Biden did it due to Russia's unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

Each time that oil was released from those reserves, gas prices were reduced or remained stable. That is why I support this long-used strategy without any types of conditions attached to it. The last thing we want to do is restrict the types of tools used in the middle of a global crisis so that the President, this administration, can lower gas prices and help American families.

Let's be clear. Our families, my families that I represent on the central coast of California, we don't need drilling; we don't want oil drilling; and we will continue to do everything we can to prevent oil drilling off our coastline. Our beauty and the bounty received through our multibillion-dollar tourism and hospitality industry is worth so much more.

The future. That is why I will always be against any oil and gas drilling off the central coast of California, and why I will always be a part of the longstanding tradition of fighting to protect our environment and the future of the place that I, my family, and my constituents call home.

Mr. Chair, that is why I urge a ``yes'' vote on amendment No. 26, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mr. Panetta

Amendment No. 26: Page 3, line 9, strike the closing

quotation mark and the final period.

Page 3, after line 9, add the following:

``(4) Offshore exclusions.--The plan required by paragraph

(1) shall not include oil and gas leasing in any tract

located in the Central California planning area.''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the heroism of Paul Bandy; his wife, Aimee Johns; and Heath Braddock.

On a clear summer day last year, Steve Breummer, a triathlete, was doing his routine swim about 150 yards off the coast in Monterey Bay when he was attacked by a great white shark. Pulled under water, bitten across his thigh and abdomen, and bleeding profusely, Steve saw the cold black eye of that predator, fought him off, and yelled for help.

Paul, a police officer, and Aimee, a nurse, heard the cries and paddleboarded to the victim. Heath, who was onshore, grabbed a surfboard and joined in the rescue. Even though there was blood on top of the water and a shark lurked under the water, all three heroes were undeterred, got to Steve, got him out of the water, and saved his life.

For their actions, the rescuers have been honored by the Red Cross and the Carnegie Commission.

Steve, although not yet doing triathlons, is walking and swimming again.

Today, Mr. Speaker, I honor all of them for the determination to fight in the face of danger; for their will to act, despite it being to their detriment; and fulfilling what it means to be a hero in our community on the central coast and in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 23 because our government needs the resources to go after wealthy tax cheats who defraud the government.

Because people don't pay their taxes, the Federal Government is cheated out of at least $400 billion each year. In fact, President Trump's IRS Commissioner said that number could be as high as $1 trillion every year.

That significant source of revenue could go to paying our bills, paying down our debt, and propping up the power of our purse. That is exactly why we passed legislation last year that made significant investments to crack down on tax cheats.

That funding will not be used for families or small businesses making less than $400,000. Instead, it will be used to go after those who have the wealth to pay their taxes but don't or those who can pay for armies of accountants to get out of paying for what they should.

H.R. 23 rescinds that funding for that type of needed enforcement, and that is why I oppose it. Our government should have the resources necessary to ensure that it is not just the middle class that pays our bills and pays our debt, but the wealthy tax dodgers pay their taxes, just like play-by-the-rules, hardworking Americans.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 8622 that would designate the Chief Rudy Banuelos U.S. Post Office in King City, California.

I authored and support this bill because Chief Banuelos was a veteran, a postmaster, and an absolutely thick pillar of our community.

Rudolph Banuelos was born in 1927 to immigrants who came here from Mexico, who worked in agriculture, and raised their family in the Salinas Valley.

Rudy was a proud Mustang at King City High. Yet, in 1941, due to the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rudy left that high school at the age of 17, got on a motorcycle with his buddy, drove up to San Francisco, where he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard.

He served on Active Duty in World War II. He then served in the reserves reaching the rank of chief petty officer. It was then for 40 years he was a recognized recruiter in King City.

Although he was chief, he maintained that title because of his service with the United States Postal Service. Starting off as a letter carrier, he worked his way up to be named the postmaster in King City.

Chief Banuelos made sure that as postmaster, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night prevented his postal carriers from swiftly completing their appointed rounds.

As postmaster, Chief Banuelos understood and upheld the basic function but also the difficult responsibility of the Postal Service to provide prompt, reliable, and efficient postal services in our community so that our Nation is bound together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of its people.

He was a fixture in the community where he was simply known as ``Chief.'' Chief Banuelos passed away November of 2021, but he is survived by his wife, Joanne, and their three children.

He is remembered throughout the community for his years of service to his country and the King City.

Madam Speaker, Chief is the type of person, the type of postmaster we should be honoring; local heroes who make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.

I am honored to author this bill that would give the pillar of my community the recognition he deserves.

H.R. 8622 would dedicate the same post office where he served to Chief Rudy Banuelos.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Tom DiMaggio of Monterey, California, as he celebrates his 100th birthday on November 18, 2022. Mr. DiMaggio is a stalwart of the Monterey Peninsula, and his efforts to lift up our community has already secured his legacy in Central Coast history.

In an effort to provide a better life for her son, Mr. DiMaggio's mother, Maria Radiatti, worked tirelessly to send him to the United States before he was conscripted into the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini's military. Leaving his home country of Italy behind, Mr. DiMaggio joined his extended family in Monterey and worked to turn the fishing hobby of his childhood into a career.

Mr. DiMaggio relocated to Alaska to pursue his fishing career, and for the next 50 years after returning home to Monterey, Mr. DiMaggio captained many vessels, including the Tommy D, the Ronnie F, the Sockeye, the Swan, and the Sea Queen. Throughout his career, Mr. DiMaggio was a well-known and respected figure in the Alaska and Monterey fishing communities.

Outside his distinguished fIshing career, Mr. DiMaggio is a dedicated family man and active community member. On April 24, 1949, Mr. DiMaggio and Eva DiMecurio married, and together, they raised three children: Tommy, Marilyn, and Sal, as well as one granddaughter, Meredith. In 2019, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Throughout their lifetime together, Tom and Eva have proven their dedication to our community by donating their time and talents to the Sanctuary Bible Church in Carmel Valley and as members of the ``Giovanottis,'' a charitable group that provides dinners to the community. Currently, Mr. DiMaggio is an active member of the Italian Catholic Federation, the Compare Club, the Elks Lodge, and Festa Italia, of which he was named the Grand Marshal for the 2010 parade.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Tom DiMaggio for his extraordinary and celebrated life. As he celebrates his 100th birthday, Mr. DiMaggio continues to inspire the Central Coast for generations to come. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Dennis Caprara, who passed away on April 12, 2021. The Salad Bowl of the World lost a key ingredient with the passing of Mr. Caprara, a revered industry leader and farmer in the Salinas Valley. In his 74 years, Mr. Caprara contributed so much to our leading industry of agriculture and our fundamental identity in the Salinas Valley.

A true local boy, Dennis grew up in Gonzales, California, where he grew fond of farming and grew to appreciate the hard work and sound judgment necessary to succeed in agriculture. Founding RC Farms and RC

Packing, Mr. Caprara and his family became the definition of what it means to be a successful family farm.

But Dennis Caprara was not just a farmer, he was a leader. He served as Chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association, director of the Salinas Valley River Coalition, and as a distinguished fellow at a local college. Over the years, he received many honors and awards, such as: CSUMB Distinguished Fellow-Ag Businessman of the Year, Salinas Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Leadership Award, and Future Farmers of America Honorary Chapter Farmer.

Dennis also gave back to the community that gave him so much. He was a member of the Swiss Rifle Club and always attended the local livestock auctions where he and his wife, Janice, were active bidders, supporting the young leaders of 4H and Future Farmers of America.

Mr. Caprara was a friend and a mentor to many, including myself. He offered so much to those who knew him, who worked with him, who listened to him, and who loved him.

Madam Speaker, today we mourn the loss of Dennis Caprara. But because of Dennis, every day we realize that the Salad Bowl of life tastes so good, not just because of its products, but also because of its people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Billy F. DeBerry, who passed away on September 17, 2022. A local legend and inspiration to our community, Mr. DeBerry's life and enduring contributions made a positive impact to many of my constituents across the Monterey Peninsula. Born on February 7, 1939, in Denmark, Tennessee, Mr. DeBerry spent most of his life in Seaside, California. While working at Alabama State College, Mr. DeBerry and his wife were recruited by Mr. Charlie Knight, marking the beginning of a 32-year-long, influential career with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

Mr. DeBerry's prolific career with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District began when he was hired as a professional school counselor for Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in 1968. Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant Principal at Monterey High School, and four years later, he was promoted to Principal. In 1987, Billy joined the Central Office of MPUSD as Director of Personnel and Assistant Superintendent of Personnel. In 1991, he was promoted to Associate Superintendent and would eventually become Superintendent of Schools in 1994. It was this position that Mr. DeBerry would hold until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout Billy's career, he exemplified high standards of integrity, discipline, inclusiveness, and most importantly, compassion. Most notably, Mr. DeBerry worked diligently and tirelessly to become the first and only African American Superintendent of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

These high standards extended beyond his role as Superintendent. Mr. DeBerry worked to lift up the Central Coast through his important and influential positions on the Advisory Board for California State University Monterey Bay Institute for Community Collaborative Studies, the City of Seaside's Mayor's Advisory Committee on Government Efficiency, the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Community Development Program, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury, the Monterey County Equal Opportunity Advisory Commission, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Commission, and the Monterey County Economic Development Commission.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Billy DeBerry was the type of dedicated community member, leader, and educator we should all strive to be. His legacy is a shining example and inspiration to us all to become more involved in our communities. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Chris Shake and Mr. Sabu Shake, Jr. for their contributions to the central coast of California and to celebrate 15 years of their annual philanthropy, ``Sabu's Safari.''

Mr. Chris Shake and Mr. Sabu Shake, Jr. are sons of Sabu Shake, Sr., a well-known restaurateur, family man, and philanthropist, who passed away on December 5, 1998. In his memory, on the first-year anniversary of Mr. Shake, Sr.'s death, the brothers created the Sabu Shake Memorial Fundraiser to assist families during the holiday season. In 2002, it was decided that the Salvation Army Monterey Corps, one of their father's favorite charities, would become the sole recipient of funds raised in memory of Mr. Shake, Sr.

In 2008, the brothers created the dinner and auction event called ``Sabu's Safari'' to raise additional funds for the Salvation Army. The inaugural dinner was attended by over 300 members of the Monterey community. For its first two years, Sabu's Safari was hosted at what is now the Monterey Zoo, and soon the fundraiser outgrew the venue, but the name stuck. Sabu's Safari is now a community institution, attended by more people every year and, to date, has raised more than $1,725,000 for the Salvation Army Monterey Corps.

Through the brothers' generous spirits and commitment to community, Sabu's Safari and other Shake family fundraisers have raised over $5.7 million for Salvation Army Monterey Corps. Over the years, these funds have helped many local families and children in need through daily hot meals and food boxes, showers, laundry, computers, and job assistance at the Sabu Shake Jr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City, adjacent to what is now known as ``Shake Avenue.''

Today, on October 1, 2022, the gala takes place for the 15th and final time. The perennially sold-out event marks the end of an era for the Shake brothers, but their legacy of philanthropy and community values will live on.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Chris Shake and Mr. Sabu Shake, Jr's impact on our community and the Central Coast. I extend my personal gratitude for their inspiring generosity and many philanthropic and civic contributions. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor the Shake family here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Commodore Sloat Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, as it celebrates a century of dedication to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for our children.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded on October 11, 1890, during a time marked by a renewed sense of patriotism and intense interest in the beginnings of the United States of America. It was founded by women wanting to express their patriotic feelings and perpetuate the memory of our ancestors who fought to make this country free and independent.

The Commodore Sloat Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on September 29, 1922, in the city of Pacific Grove, California. Originally named the Pacific Grove Chapter, it was renamed the Commodore Sloat Chapter on September 19, 1934, to commemorate the contributions of Commodore John Drake Sloat, who led the Battle of Monterey and established California as part of the United States of America.

The Commodore Sloat Chapter's 117 members actively support the national objective of historic preservation, education, and patriotism through national, state, and local activities. Their educational efforts include the hosting of an American history essay contest, the Good Citizen awards, and youth luncheons. Understanding the importance of patriotism, the chapter supports the Central Coast's veterans, active-duty military members, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, as well as participates in Monterey's Fourth of July Parade. The Chapter routinely recognizes and honors local members of our community for their contributions to the preservation of American history. Notably, ``Sloat's Landing'' is celebrated annually in Monterey, where Sloat's Proclamation is read.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the century-long efforts of the Commodore Sloat Chapter of the National Daughters of the American Revolution and their invaluable contributions to the Central Coast. It is therefore fitting and proper we honor them here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the half- century of service Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has provided to California's 20th congressional district. This organization has worked for the last 50 years to enhance the health and well-being and provide a sense of community for homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans in the Salinas Valley.

More than 10 million older Americans face hunger each year, and nearly 970,000 of those senior citizens reside in California, all of whom may be at a greater risk for developing a number of debilitating chronic health conditions if they experience persistent malnourishment and isolation.

Since its founding in 1972, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has provided healthy meals to over 16,000 seniors across our beautiful valley, providing an essential resource for the well-being of our community's most vulnerable members. To date, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley has delivered over five million nutritious meals to households throughout the Salinas Valley and serves up to 180 clients weekly. Additionally, 114 pets have received AniMeals through Meals on Wheels' partnership with the SPCA of Monterey County.

Powered by the commitment and expertise of its staff members and the dedication and magnanimity of its approximately 97 active volunteers, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley demonstrate its inestimable value for homebound seniors, disabled adults, and veterans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Each volunteer is connected by their unwavering passion for supporting the independence and well-being of their community members. This past year, volunteers have driven 26,048 miles throughout the Salinas Valley, from Pajaro and Aromas in North Monterey County to San Ardo and Bradley in the South, and have donated 5,814 hours of their time.

Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere appreciation to the Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley for its 50 years of vital service to our community members in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge as it celebrates 125 years of service to the people of the Central Coast. For over a century, the Lodge has fostered the belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Through personal development, philanthropy, and community service, the fraternity has upheld integral objectives of promoting ethics, personal growth, tolerance, education, diversity, philanthropy, family, and community.

Charted by the Grand Lodge of California on February 12, 1897, Grand Master of the Masons in California William T. Lucas granted dispersions to the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge on April 27, 1897. Becoming the 331st Masonic Lodge in California, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge supported local Freemasons' efforts to establish community advocacy and support. The founders of the Lodge were predominant leaders of Pacific Grove business community. Members have included past City Council members California state-elected dignitaries. Among these men were Mr. Russell Giles, the longest-tenured tax collector in the state's history, and Mr. Daniel Turrentine, a local antique dealer and World War II pilot, who served as Lodge Master.

In 1950, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge, after a period of meeting in the building that now houses the Pacific Grove Art Association, broke ground on the Masonic Temple of Pacific Grove. The construction used salvaged material from the recently decommissioned Pacific Grove Station of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Over the last 125 years, the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has emphasized the importance of respecting others' opinions and striving to grow and develop as human beings. Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge has donated over $60,000 to Pacific Grove High School, sponsored Little League teams, supported local organizations like First Friday Pacific Grove and the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, and it is also home to the new Conservatory of Geometry and Music.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the history, dedication, and contributions of the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge to the Central Coast. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pacific Grove Masonic Lodge for its invaluable place in Pacific Grove's history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Watsonville Community Band and their mission to provide members the opportunity to play music, both for their enjoyment and education, and the entertainment of our community on the central coast of California.

On February 23, 1947, the then-called Watsonville Sciots Band held their first rehearsal at Watsonville High School. With just 15 members and their conductor, Ralph ``Slip'' Bohnett, the band performed for the first time at Watsonville's Independence Day Parade on July 4, 1947 and held their first concert at the Watsonville City Plaza on August 10, 1947.

Since its humble beginnings, over the past seven and a half decades, the Watsonville Community Band has given more than 1,500 public performances and amassed 325 First Place Awards out of the 337 times in parade competitions. The Band has appeared in almost every major parade on the West Coast and marched in over 500 parades.

The Watsonville Community Band has performed at fairs, parks, hospitals, festivals, and several televised concerts. It has served as representatives for the California-Nevada Lions Clubs at the International Convention of Lions Clubs in Chicago and performed at the Calgary Stampede Parade, a widely attended annual event in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Notably, the Watsonville Community Band has performed for President Bill Clinton on three occasions: at California State University, Monterey Bay, at the National Oceans Conference in Monterey, and at the July 4th Concert at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Since their first rehearsal, the Watsonville Community Band has represented the vibrant spirit of the community of Watsonville by delivering enriching performances across the Central Coast and around the world.

Madam Speaker, I offer my utmost appreciation to all members of the Watsonville Community Band, both past and present, and their 75 years of service to the Central Coast.