Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel Orpilla, in recognition of nearly 40 years of distinguished public service, community leadership, advocacy and dedication to preserving the history heritage of Filipino Americans. Mel Orpilla is a lifelong resident of Vallejo, his commitment to public service began through community-based organizations, including Filipinos for Affirmative Action and Fighting back Partnership. He then spent the next nine years as the Community and Government relations manager for Kaiser Permanente. Mel subsequently brought his experience in community advocacy to Congressman Mike Thompson's office, serving as his Senior Field representative for nearly ten years in the Vallejo office.

Mel has continued his work, serving as our Senior District representative for the last four years, where he has been pivotal in bringing federal funds and resources to Vallejo and Solano County.

Throughout his work, he became the trusted resource for constituents, elected officials, city staff, and everyone in between to assist. Beyond his professional work, Mel has devoted decades to preserving Filipino American history, promoting cultural pride, and ensuring that the contributions of Filipino Americans are recognized and remembered by future generations.

As a leader of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Mel played a significant role in the effort to establish Filipino American History Month in California. He and his team helped advance legislation through the California Legislature recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. Under the leadership of key figures like Mel, FANHS helped advance the recognition of October on the federal level. In 2015, the White House recognized FANHS's longstanding efforts to establish Filipino American History Month and hosted the first-ever White House celebration of Filipino American History Month, with Mel, then FANHS National President, delivering keynote remarks.

Mel Orpilla's career reflects the very best of community and public service, a commitment to people and determination to ensure that his community's history and voice are valued and remembered

We proudly recognize Mel Orpilla for his decades of service and his lasting contributions to Vallejo, Solano County, the Filipino American community and the people he has had the privilege of serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Zion Jerge for his heroic acts of bravery. When Zion was faced with a life- threatening situation, he acted quickly and decisively to courageously rescue a father and son from drowning, saving their lives. He demonstrates the strength and care that should inspire us all to act with care for our neighbors and community.

As a Cadet at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Zion exemplifies qualities of perseverance, leadership, and readiness, which align with the Academy's values, and which are needed for success in the Maritime industry. I am confident that Zion will carry these qualities forward as he continues his journey and distinguished career in the Maritime industry.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, please accept my sincere gratitude for his brave and honorable service as well as my best wishes for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jeanne Gibson. Jeanne's life and legacy are immeasurable. Jeanne, a real life ``Rosie the Riveter,'' inspired generations of women across our country through her example of service, determination, and patriotism.

Jeanne grew up in Minnesota before moving to Seattle in 1944. She entered a shipyard world of heavy steel, protective face shields, and the afternoon-to-night swing shift at the height of World War II. She was one of the more than six million American women who answered the call on the home front as a ``Rosie'' during the war. Jeanne later reflected that the work felt exhilarating, but its urgency made it seem ordinary to the people doing it.

After the war, Jeanne moved to California, which she called home for the rest of her life. She earned an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Across a 30-year teaching career, Jeanne touched the lives of thousands of students, always focused on supporting and uplifting younger generations.

In 2024, she and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation. I had the privilege of meeting Jeanne several times over the years, and every accolade she received was well deserved. She was a pioneer, an advocate, and a true patriot.

Even in her later years, Jeanne remained a tireless champion for preserving the legacy of the Rosies. She volunteered at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on ``Rosie Fridays,'' sharing the stories of the women whose work helped win World War II and ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.

Just days before her passing, Jeanne was honored with a Wall of Honor banner at the park she loved so dearly and recognized during a San Jose Earthquakes halftime ceremony celebrating Bay Area heroes. It was a fitting tribute to Jeanne, a woman whose life was defined by selfless service, strength and grace.

On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jeanne's family and to all those whose lives she touched. I thank Jeanne for her service, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of the ``Rosies.'' Her story will continue to inspire generations to come and she will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Joe L. Fisher. The Richmond community mourns the loss of an extraordinary leader. Joe was a dedicated community advocate, respected businessman, trusted mentor, and man of faith whose decades of civic engagement and spiritual guidance left an enduring mark on the City of Richmond and the community.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1943, Joe moved to Richmond with his parents, Jesse and Idell Scott Fisher, in 1944. He attended Richmond High School, Contra Costa College, and Moler Barber College before purchasing his first home in Richmond's Coronado neighborhood at age 26.

Joe was a successful entrepreneur whose businesses became fixtures in the Richmond community. He owned three barber shops in Richmond, including the well-known Umoja Barber Shop. He also co-owned Les and Joe's Clothing Store, and managed Smith's Clothing in Oakland.

As Richmond evolved, so did Joe's vision for serving the community. He transitioned into real estate and founded Fisher Realtors. Through his work, he helped generations of Richmond residents achieve the dream of homeownership.

Joe was deeply committed to Richmond's civic life, particularly through the Coronado Neighborhood Council, where he served for more than twenty years. His leadership helped make Coronado's National Night Out celebrations among the most successful in the city. Joe was the first person to help my office establish faith-based meetings in the Richmond area. Through his tireless leadership and service, he supported my team in every way possible, enabling us to better serve the entire Richmond community.

Beyond his civic and business accomplishments, Joe was a devoted man of faith and extraordinary spiritual leader. Joe faithfully served the congregation at Southside Church of Christ in Richmond, California, where he was baptized in 1989. The Bay North Church of Christ congregations in Fairfield and Sacramento also recognized him as a faithful servant, an exceptional shepherd, and a gifted mentor who guided young business owners and welcomed them into his new convert's class. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his entire church family.

Throughout his life, Joe earned the admiration of fellow residents, business leaders, and elected officials because of his unwavering commitment to Richmond. His legacy is reflected not only in the businesses he built but in the lives he touched, the families he helped, and the sense of pride he instilled throughout the community.

On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Maxine Fisher, who was an unwavering partner in his ministry and service; to his children and grandchildren; and to his extended family and countless friends. Joe Fisher's legacy of faith, mentorship, generosity, and community service will live on across the Richmond community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Keith Anthony Bottoms, father to my long time Chief of Staff Bradley Bottoms. Throughout his life, Keith was a dedicated father, husband, and brother. His legacy of joy, his dedication to his work and family and his humor will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Born in San Francisco and raised in South San Francisco, Keith married the love of his life, Caroline Connolly Bottoms, on October 25, 1980. Together, they built a life in Pacifica centered on family, on hard work, and on generosity. Keith was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Lauren Bottoms (son-in-law Andrew Stiffler), and his son, Bradley Bottoms, who has spent his career serving California as my Chief of Staff. Keith dedicated himself to ensuring his children had every opportunity, no matter what, and took immense pride in sharing their achievements with anyone who would listen. Keith believed to his core that Lauren and Bradley were the best at whatever they chose to do. And I know he was immensely proud of the children he and Caroline raised.

Keith spent 42 years working as a union automotive technician, a career that reflected his work ethic, skill, and pride in repairing even the most challenging of vehicles. He was incredibly curious and wanted to know how every system and structure functioned. After he retired, he focused his skills on home improvements, confident in his abilities as a carpenter, electrician, and landscaper.

To know Keith was to know his humor. He was funny, playful, and unapologetically sarcastic. He had a rare ability to connect with people--often stopping strangers on the street or at Costco just to say hello, turning quick encounters into deep conversations. He took a genuine interest in others, caring about where they came from and often asking how he could help. Everyone knew Keith--from his Pacifica neighbors, who he talked to while gardening or while working on cars, to the clerk at the local market where he purchased lottery tickets-- his curiosity and interest made a profound mark on each of them.

He loved the simple things that brought him joy: long walks in San Pedro Valley Park or at the Pacifica Pier, cheering on the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, debating politics with strangers, and donating twice a week to the lottery fund. He also enjoyed international travel with Caroline and their friends. Keith also took pleasure in his daily rituals that he kept on a tight schedule even until his last days, which included providing Caroline with breakfast in bed at 6:00 am every workday, feeding the squirrels and birds in his backyard, watering the garden, and putting away his neighbor's trash cans every Wednesday morning. These small acts of service gave him purpose every day and his life gave meaning to everyone who knew him.

On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Bradley and Keith's family and friends on their loss. Keith's joy, humor, and work ethic have left a lasting legacy that forever bettered the lives of everyone he met.

Mr. Chair, I begin by honoring those members of the military that lost their lives recently in the Iran conflict.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership. It has also been a pleasure to work with Chairman Bergman. He is a great partner. I also thank the Readiness Subcommittee, both on the majority and minority sides.

I am proud of what we were able to accomplish this year, authorizing over $2 billion for new barracks and dormitories and other critical infrastructure projects. The bill includes positive

provisions, including servicemember pay raises, protections for civilian workers, right-to-repair authorities, and transparency on military operations in the Middle East.

Good provisions do not cure the larger problems this bill faces. I voted against this bill in committee and will on the floor.

This bill cannot continue to increase military spending while the administration unilaterally misuses our Armed Forces at home and abroad, as they intend to fight immigration and Iran.

This bill also authorizes more than $1.5 trillion, plus another $300 billion in the reconciliation bill, which apparently will be with us soon, plus another $80 billion or $90 billion to pay for the Iran war. This is an outrageous and dangerously irresponsible amount of spending.

Increasing the budget is not a strategy. Without discipline and oversight, it rewards programs that are over budget, behind schedule, and failing to deliver.

How is all this paid for? It is paid for with cuts to healthcare. Medicaid is eviscerated in the upcoming months ahead. The children's food programs, in schools and out, are not there. They will go hungry. Several hundred billion dollars in healthcare is gone, and it goes on and on. This could not possibly be in our interest.

I haven't even gotten to my favorite issue, the Sentinel and the programs of our nuclear arsenal. Again, why? We don't need the Sentinel. We don't need to spend billions on it. We can get along quite well with the existing Minuteman.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, we seem to be fighting over who gets the last word, so let me take a shot at the last word.

If you are interested in the power of the State to regulate its environment, to regulate its communities, roads and streets, and rivers and lakes, then you should be opposed to this amendment. Why would we do this? This has little to do with national defense. This has everything to do with sticking it to California.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Yes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Carbajal).

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, we need to be very, very clear about what this is all about. This is about a company--one company using the Congress and the power of this Congress to feather its nest, to conduct an oil exploration program off the coast of California that can, and has, in the past been extremely detrimental to the communities in California and to the environment of California.

We ought not be doing this for any single company. This is not a national security issue and certainly not a national defense issue. This is about Sable using this Congress to further enrich itself at the expense of California, the environment, the communities along the coast, and particularly the communities in Santa Barbara County.

Mr. Chair, I urge a strong ``no'' vote.

Mr. Chair, isn't this an interesting amendment? I happen to resent all of northern California's oil refineries, all five of them. Yes, things are changing. It is not just because it is necessary for all of the environmental reasons that we should be aware of and that seem to be totally ignored by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Yet, the reality is that there really is a need for the kind of projects that my colleague from Santa Barbara just spoke to: offshore wind.

Why is it that this administration is killing the offshore wind projects in California? Why is this administration killing the solar and geothermal projects in California?

Now we have from our Republican colleagues some crying about whether we ought to give an open door to our refineries so that they can do anything that they want to do, and we are going to use the Comptroller of the Department of Defense to write some sort of a document about why it is necessary.

The reality is that we need to move forward. The refineries are going to go forward. It may very well be that some in northern California, as in southern California, will shut down. Why? It is because there is a dramatic change that is occurring in this Nation as to how we are going to use energy. Why would we want to stop that process?

This makes very, very bad public policy that we have used the Comptroller to do what should be done by the staff of the minority party.

Mr. Chairman, this is the fourth amendment in a row that basically preempts State laws of many different kinds. Frankly, I don't understand why we are doing this. I didn't understand, but I have come to understand we are doing this for a specific company that now has a contract to recycle military equipment at the Sierra Army Depot in California.

Basically, what this amendment does is to reduce or eliminate any California law about recycling, the safety of it, the disposition of the hazardous materials, and the way in which they may be affecting the land, the people, or the environment if the California law is

different from the Federal law. In reality, there may be no Federal law whatsoever.

We are faced with a situation here of totally removing the ability of the State, any State, actually--this isn't just for California; this is for every State--the ability of the State to regulate the recycling and the disposition of hazardous defense materials in the State of California.

Why would we do that? What is the logic behind this except to benefit a single company, which is exactly what this does? Why would we do that? Just like the previous three amendments, to benefit one company: Sable. Here we are taking our time, providing a specific opportunity for that company to operate.

With regard to the Sierra facility, I am familiar with it. I am also familiar with the Federal laws in that area. They do not protect the people who are doing the work. They do not protect the community around the depot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an institution that is purely California, the California Conservation Corps, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

It started in 1976 with Jerry Brown in his first iteration as Governor. When wildfires come, when floods rise, when the Earth shakes, and when pandemics descend, you can count on the California Conservation Corps answering the call.

Every year, corps members have protected our forests and built and maintained trails so that many of us can enjoy the outdoors.

When the Nation calls, the California Conservation Corps answers far beyond the borders. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the California Conservation Corps answered the call for mutual aid by sending crews to support post- disaster recovery. If there is a flood, if there is a fire, look to the levees, look to the forest, and you will find the California Conservation Corps. It has a rich and well-deserved history.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back in honoring the California Conservation Corps's 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague, Representative Mark DeSaulnier, to recognize Eddie Hart as he is inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Born in Martinez, California and raised in Pittsburg, California, Eddie is known as the ``World's Fastest Human.'' He started his track and field career at Contra Costa College, winning state titles in the 100- and 200-yard events. He went on to earn NCAA titles for the 100- yard dash and 4 x 110-yard relay while competing at UC Berkley. He was ranked one of the top sprinters in the Nation between 1970 to 1979.

Eddie went on to compete in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. During the U.S. Olympic Trials, he tied the world record for the 100-meter race with a run time of 9.9 seconds. He ran the anchoring leg in the American 4 x 100-meter relay team, earning a gold medal and helping the United States to set the world record in the race. In 1989, Eddie set the Masters world record in the 100-meter race, holding that record for 14 years.

Eddie has also demonstrated his commitment to serving youth in our community. In 2003, he co-founded the Eddie Hart All in One Foundation with his wife, Gwen, and son, Eddie, Jr., to empower disadvantaged youth through music, sports, and education. He was recognized as a Hometown Hero by the City of Pittsburg in 2024 for his incredible impact in the community.

Our community takes great pride in honoring Eddie's legacy of service and athletic excellence. Please join us in recognizing Eddie Hart upon his induction to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Reverend Germaine M.W. Anderson, Th.M. for his inauguration as the 14th Pastor in Succession of Second Baptist Church of Vallejo.

I also rise to extend my sincere appreciation for his distinguished leadership, service, and commitment to community transformation. The Second Baptist Church of Vallejo has stood for more than 118 years known to be a pillar of this proud community, earning its other name as ``The Mother Church'' and as ``The Jewel of the North Bay.''

There is probably no better word to describe Second Baptist Church of Vallejo as ``The Mother Church'' because like a mother who loves their children, this church has provided for the community, with food, with emergency relief for families and with unity for almost 120 years. Think of everything that has happened in the last 118 years. The Mother Church was there. The Jewel of the North Bay was there. This place of worship was there. We cannot talk about the history of this church without mentioning this incredible fact: That this is the first and oldest Black church in Vallejo. This church saw Jim Crow, which manifested itself here in Vallejo when families fled the violence of the South.

This church saw the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act; all of which is even more relevant now, as everything that the Civil Rights movement built is now being torn down but that means that faith is even more important now than it has ever been.

This church needs a capable leader to navigate these hard times and with no doubt, that is why Reverend Germaine M.W. Anderson, Th.M., is the right person to serve as the 14th Pastor in Succession of Second Baptist Church of Vallejo. Reverend Anderson has faithfully served the Oakland community and the greater Bay Area through years of impactful ministry, community outreach, mentorship, and civic engagement, earning recognition and acknowledgments from distinguished civic leaders, including former Mayor Libby Schaaf, for his commitment to strengthening communities and serving the people of the Bay Area.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that such a historic place of worship will be in the most dedicated and capable hands of Reverend Anderson. Once again, I congratulate Reverend Anderson whose distinguished leadership, service, and commitment to the community will no doubt continue the stellar reputation of this church for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the 60th Comptroller Squadron at Travis Air Force Base and to congratulate the team at Travis for being named the Comptroller Squadron of the Year by Air Mobility Command. These honors reflect the exceptional professionalism, innovation, and dedication of the men and women at Travis who support the financial readiness of our Airmen and the broader mission of the United States Air Force.

The 60th Comptroller Squadron (60 CPTS) has demonstrated unparalleled financial stewardship in service to our Nation, managing a $1 billion payroll for 16,000 personnel and overseeing a $500 million budget in support of a 1-Star Command. Their work underpins the only Air Mobility Command installation executing all four of its primary mission sets, enabling 32,000 missions across eleven Combatant Commands.

The Squadron's leadership has fostered a culture defined by integrity, respect, and excellence. This commitment is reflected in the highest Defense Equal Opportunity Climate Survey ratings in the wing and in achieving a 100 percent civilian position fill rate. The 60 CPTS has also distinguished itself as a pioneer in workforce development and personnel processing. It established the first official SkillBridge location within an Air Force Comptroller Squadron, created a Palace Acquire Program, and acquired off-network laptops to digitize in- processing and reintegration, eliminating paper delays and significantly reducing member wait times. These initiatives strengthen the future of the Air Force financial management enterprise and set new benchmarks for efficiency.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the men and women of the 60th Comptroller Squadron for their extraordinary accomplishments, their unwavering dedication to mission readiness, and their profound contributions to the strength of the United States Armed Forces. Their innovation, leadership, and commitment to excellence bring great credit upon themselves, the United States Air Force, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on April 22, 2026, I was recorded as NAY on Roll Call Vote No. 133. I intended to vote YEA on Roll Call No. 133.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the opening of the new Hillview Junior High School Replacement Campus in Pittsburg, California--a transformative investment for the Pittsburg community and a major milestone for the Pittsburg Unified School District.

On January 7, 2026, students walked through the doors of this state- of-the-art campus for the first time, marking the culmination of a large-scale construction effort that began in November 2023. This project reflects years of planning, collaboration, and steadfast community support.

The development of the new Hillview campus included several significant milestones. Built adjacent to the former school site, the new campus features modern classrooms, improved facilities, expanded parking areas, and sustainability-focused upgrades such as solar energy systems. These enhancements ensure that Pittsburg students have access to a safe and innovative learning environment.

Hillview Junior High School has been a cornerstone of Pittsburg since its founding in 1958, serving generations of families and shaping the lives of countless young people. The opening of the replacement campus honors that legacy while ushering in a new era of educational opportunity.

This achievement was made possible through the enduring support of the Pittsburg community, which shares in the belief of the power of strong public schools and the vital role they play in supporting youth, families, and our Nation's long-term success.

On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor the opening of the new Hillview Junior High School Replacement Campus and to recognize the educators, community leaders, students, and residents whose dedication made this milestone possible. This campus stands as a testament to Pittsburg's enduring commitment to its children and its future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Phillips 66 Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex, located in California's 8th Congressional District in Contra Costa County.

Founded in February 1896, the Rodeo facility celebrates 130 years of continuous operation in 2026, making it among the longest-operating refinery sites on the West Coast. For more than a century, the site has played an integral role in the economic and industrial life of Contra Costa County and in California's broader energy landscape. Generations of workers and families have relied upon its operations, and its presence has supported local businesses, community institutions, and regional economic development.

Throughout its history, the Rodeo site has demonstrated an ability to adapt to meet the evolving energy needs of our state and Nation. From its early days as a petroleum refinery to its modern transformation, the facility has continually embraced technological advancement and operational innovation.

In 2024, the facility completed its Rodeo Renewed transformation, transitioning from a traditional petroleum refinery into a renewable energy complex capable of producing approximately 800 million gallons of renewable diesel annually. This significant shift supports lower- carbon transportation fuels and contributes to both national and state climate goals. The complex has also expanded into the production of sustainable aviation fuel, generating approximately 10,000 gallons per day of neat SAF blendstock into approximately 20,000 gallons per day of finished SAF, which helps address emissions in the aviation sector.

Further strengthening its clean energy portfolio, the facility completed an 88-acre on-site solar field in 2025, reducing its environmental footprint while diversifying its energy sources. These advancements reflect a sustained commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of good-paying jobs in Contra Costa County and throughout California.

The Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex continues to operate under the core values of safety, honor, and commitment. These principles resonate deeply with the ideals of public service and community partnership.

On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th District, I commend Phillips 66 Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex AC Transit for their long- standing contributions to the energy sector, the workforce, and the surrounding community, and I congratulate them on 130 years of continuous operation.

Mr. Speaker, on February 2, 2026, I was recorded as ``Not Voting'' on rollcall Vote No. 50. During the vote, I remained present in the House Chamber after voting on rollcall No. 49, and I attempted to cast my electronic vote on rollcall Vote No. 50. I then departed the House Chamber, though my attempted vote apparently was not recorded. Had my vote been recorded without error, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 50.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Betty Reid Soskin, who used all 104 years of her life to the fullest.

Betty lived in the East Bay since 1927, when her family moved from New Orleans. As a young woman during World War II, Betty worked as a shipyard clerk for the all-Black auxiliary lodge of the segregated Boilermakers Union.

In 1945, she and her husband founded one of the first Black-owned music stores, which remained open until 2019.

Over the years, she has worked with many elected officials, State senators, and assembly members.

In the early 2000s, she became involved in the plans for opening the Rosie the Riveter WWII/Home Front National Historical Park. This led to her later career as a park ranger, which she began in 2007 at the age of 85.

Betty led talks explaining the importance of the park in memorializing the contributions of women and African Americans working in the war industries supporting the U.S. effort at the home front.

Betty used her experiences and observations as a Black woman to bring light to the untold stories of African Americans during World War II and underscored the racism experienced by her and countless other women of color.

Through Betty's hard work and storytelling, she has touched the lives of thousands of park visitors and millions of Americans. It was just 2 months ago that she and I were together at one of the premier facilities, the Mare Island Dry Docks, where she was able to, once again, call upon all of us.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Betty's family. From all of us, I thank Betty for her tireless service and dedication to the community. We will deeply miss her.