Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Daria Bautista, recognized as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Ms. Bautista is a dedicated public servant, exceptional leader, and vital asset to the United States Air Force. With over 32 years of administrative experience, Ms. Bautista has served at three Air Force Bases throughout her career. She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Commander of the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base. In this role, she has executed nearly 3,000 wing-level meetings, managed 1,100 personal records, and coordinated the Wing's awards program and official correspondence with the 18th Air Force, Air Mobility Command, Headquarters Air Force, and local community leadership.

Her efforts ensure the seamless coordination of critical initiatives that support one of our Nation's most essential Air Mobility Wings. Beyond her official duties, Ms. Bautista mentors a team of 33 active- duty and civilian personnel, overseeing a $216,000 Wing Staff Agency budget to facilitate 11 senior leader travel events and ensure efficient resource utilization supporting the base's mission. Ms. Bautista also initiated the first-ever Base Defense Council, with lessons learned that have informed installation protection procedures throughout the 110,000-member command. Her extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to the United States Air Force's mission are truly commendable. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Ms. Bautista for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Charles William Camp. Mr. Camp, who passed away at the age of 80, leaves behind an indelible legacy of advocacy for social and economic justice for all.

Born in Anderson, South Carolina, in 1944, Mr. Camp dedicated his life to championing the rights of workers and marginalized communities. His journey began at Millsaps College, where he first engaged in the civil rights work and organizing efforts that shaped his lifelong commitment to equity and justice. As a student, Mr. Camp faced threats to his safety because of his activism, yet he never wavered in his fight for racial equity and workers rights.

Throughout his career, Mr. Camp was a tireless advocate for the fair treatment of workers, serving in various influential roles including as Executive Secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council. He skillfully combined his passion for economic justice with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of all community members were heard and valued.

Mr. Camp was also a devoted family man, actively supporting the artistic and personal endeavors of his sons and grandchildren. His generosity extended beyond his family, and he was known for mentoring young activists and always encouraging others to engage in the political process and work towards a more just society.

Mr. Camp's legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to advancing a progressive vision of social justice for all. His impact will be felt for generations to come, not only through the organizations he strengthened but also through the countless lives he touched.

Mr. Camp's enduring spirit will live on in his beloved wife, two sons, and five grandchildren, who will carry on his legacy of service and commitment to justice. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Camp's family and all who were fortunate to know him. Together, let us celebrate his life and the enduring impact he made on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Myrtle Braxton, honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year.

Ms. Braxton is a dedicated community leader and advocate, renowned for her tireless work in social justice and public service. As a long- standing member of Easter Hill United Methodist Church.

Ms. Braxton has worn many hats, championing justice and environmental causes. Following her 35-year career with the Social Security Administration, she continued her public service by becoming the first Black female president of a national citizens branch of the National Parks Association.

Ms. Braxton remains actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Richmond Commission on Aging and the West Contra Costa County League of Women Voters. A staunch advocate for women's rights and police accountability, she inspires others with her compassion and unwavering dedication to justice. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Ms. Braxton for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Keycha Gallon as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As a devoted mother, entrepreneur, community leader, and author, Ms. Gallon has made a lasting impact on her community. Serving as Treasurer for Motivated 2 Help Others, Ms. Gallon provides critical resources to underserved populations. Under her leadership, six major community resource events are held annually across Richmond and Vallejo, addressing urgent needs such as housing, food security, and health services.

Ms. Gallon's passion for raising awareness aboul vital social issues is evident in her coordination of the annual Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, which educates and advocates for health and justice in these crucial areas. In addition to her extensive nonprofit work, Ms. Gallon is the Founder and CEO of Keyz 2 The Future, a grassroots organization focused on supporting Black and Brown youth in the Greater Bay Area who have been affected by gun violence. Through this nonprofit, Ms. Gallon has established a safe environment that fosters healing, leadership development, and entrepreneurial skills for young people facing the challenges of grief and loss.

Her advocacy extends to her volunteer leadership with Moms Demand Action, where she works diligently to end gun violence in our communities. Ms. Gallon is also a talented author, using her platform to elevate important societal conversations. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Ms. Gallon for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Genoveva Garcia Calloway as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. After completing high school, she enrolled at Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, California. During the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, she was a founding member of the Chicano Studies Department, now known as La Raza Studies Department, at Contra Costa College. She also worked with Cesar Chavez's United Farm Workers Union, supporting local strikes and encouraging high school graduates to pursue higher education.

After receiving a master's degree in social work from UC Berkeley, Ms. Calloway began working at La Clinica de La Raza in Oakland, dedicating five years to improving community health. Her career later led her to Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services, where she served for 35 years as a Program Manager, working with individuals and families facing severe mental illness. In 2004, Ms. Calloway was elected to the San Pablo City Council, where she served four terms, including two terms as Mayor. Following her retirement four years ago, she began mentoring individuals interested in political office or nonprofit board appointments.

As a co-founder of Familias Unidas Counseling Center in Richmond, Ms. Calloway has played a vital role in supporting families throughout West Contra Costa County. She continues to serve her community as a Board Member of the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation and a representative on the Contra Costa Community College District's Equal Employment Advisory Committee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Calloway became an active member of United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, working to provide critical information on testing and vaccination to Spanish-speaking communities. In light of the upcoming general elections, she has taken on the role of Elections Ambassador, ensuring voters understand the safety and accuracy of the voting process. I commend Ms. Calloway for her extraordinary contributions to her community and her dedication to public service. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Ms. Calloway for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Dr. Myra Altman as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Dr. Altman has dedicated her career to advancing mental health care, particularly for children. Through her leadership, she helped develop and implement the Brightline Kids program, which provides free mental health coaching to parents and children in California. This innovative program is available to all California residents with children aged 0-12, offering crucial support in a system often hindered by financial and administrative barriers.

Dr. Altman's commitment to improving mental health care is evident in her tireless work leading a national team of clinicians, conducting research to enhance care quality, and developing sustainable models for affordable mental health services. Her vision to expand access to care through both government and private insurance reflects her dedication to ensuring individuals receive the care they need, regardless of financial circumstances. She is a role model whose work is transforming mental health care for children and families across our state and nation. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Dr. Myra Altman for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Diane Dooley, recognized as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Dr. Dooley is a dedicated pediatrician, public health advocate, community leader, former school board trustee, and proud Benicia native. For 41 years, Dr. Dooley served as a pediatrician at Contra Costa Medical Center, providing compassionate care to countless families and ensuring that children received the medical attention they deserve.

In 2004, Dr. Dooley became a Pediatric Quality Physician, working tirelessly for 14 years to improve the quality of care and expand healthcare access for low-income youth. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Dooley founded the Healthy and Active Before 5 initiative, which advances health equity for children by collaborating with community organizations to advocate for sustainable practices through local policy. Since her retirement from clinical roles, she has taken on the role of Chairperson for the California American Academy of Pediatrics Mental Health Legislative Team, where she has been instrumental in advancing legislation that supports the mental well-being of children across our state.

In addition to her healthcare work, Dr. Dooley served on the Board of Trustees for the Benicia Unified School District for eight years, influencing policies that support student success. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor Dr. Diane Dooley for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Barbara Akoro as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Ms. Akoro leads her life with resilience and compassion. After the tragic loss of her children's father, she raised her two children with remarkable strength and determination.

In addition to her family responsibilities, Ms. Akoro has achieved significant academic milestones, earning degrees in chemistry and forensic chemistry, and she will soon complete her doctorate in public health. She has worked as a laboratory scientist and caregiver and has interned with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, focusing on climate change as a public health environmental specialist.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Ms. Akoro co-founded TishZeeLCC, a home care agency dedicated to ensuring individuals can live healthy lives. As a member of Rivertown Community Church in Antioch, her faith and values guide her purpose. Ms. Akoro's commitment to making a meaningful difference is truly an inspiration to our community. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize Barbara Akoro for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruthie Abelson Olivas as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Ms. Olivas has made an indelible mark on West Contra Costa County through her tireless volunteer work and leadership in multiple organizations. As a board member of the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, she addresses the needs of our most vulnerable populations.

As Vice Treasurer and Violet Richardson Scholarship Chair for the Soroptimist of El Cerrito, she skillfully manages financial responsibilities while championing educational opportunities for young women. Ms. Olivas' dedication extends to her service as Secretary of the West County Forum and as a board member for the Bay Area Girls Club and the California Association of Realtors. At the Contra Costa Association of Realtors, she serves as a Trustee for the Scholarship Foundation, where she has significantly increased both the number of applications and the diversity of recipients.

As Vice Chair of the Local Government Relations Committee, she advocates for policies that best support our community's needs. Beyond these roles, Ms. Olivas is an active participant in various local committees, including the Richmond Rotary and the Galileo Club of Richmond, where she spearheads fundraising initiatives to support local projects. Her efforts resonate deeply throughout our community, inspiring many to get involved and make a difference. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Ruthie Abelson Olivas for her remarkable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with my colleagues, Congressmen Ted Lieu and Mike Thompson to honor CC Yin as he celebrates his 88th birthday. Mr. Yin is a remarkable entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist whose impact is felt far and wide.

Mr. Yin immigrated to the United States in the 1960s with only $100 in his pocket. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and later purchased a struggling McDonald's in Oakland, California. Together with his wife, he grew that single location into 30 successful franchises across Northern California. Their business achievements enabled them to focus on philanthropy and community leadership, particularly within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

In 2001, Mr. Yin founded the Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) organization, which promotes civic engagement, leadership, and education within the AAPI community. APAPA's mission has expanded nationwide, with multiple chapters across the United States. The organization provides scholarships and leadership training to empower the next generation of AAPI leaders.

Mr. Yin's vision and dedication are an inspiration to our community and have earned him numerous awards and recognition from both state and national organizations. His leadership has made a lasting difference, and our communities are stronger because of his contributions. We thank him for being a beacon of light in our community.

On behalf of the constituents of California's 4th, 8th, and 36th Congressional Districts, we wish Mr. Yin a very happy 88th birthday and

extend our sincere gratitude for his service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act.'' I thank U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) for sponsoring the companion legislation and my colleagues, Congressmen Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) for cosponsoring my bill.

The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of California's treasured places, protecting more than 24,390 acres of tidal marshes and wetlands in the north San Francisco Bay Area. As part of the Pacific Flyway, the National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for endangered species and migratory birds.

The ``San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act'' would add approximately 5,658 acres of adjacent baylands owned by the State of California and the nonprofit Sonoma Land Trust to the National Wildlife Refuge's boundary. This expansion would increase the National Wildlife Refuge's acreage by more than 23 percent, supporting President Biden's ``America the Beautiful'' National Conservation Goal to protect and conserve at least 30 percent of the lands and waters in the United States by 2030 and Governor Newsom's similar conservation goal for the State of California.

Conserving California's special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the State Legislature, as Deputy Secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a Member of Congress representing Solano County. San Pablo Bay is one of those special places. This bill will help to restore the saltmarshes in San Pablo Bay for future generations and increase outdoor recreation opportunities for Bay Area residents and visitors alike.

Importantly, this bill does not infringe upon state interests or individual property owners and prevents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from using eminent domain to acquire properties within the expanded boundaries. Instead, the bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to only acquire land within the newly extended boundary from willing sale or donation. Furthermore, the bill encourages the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to engage in cooperative management with state agencies to better manage the National Wildlife Refuge and nearby state conservation lands within the San Pablo Bay watershed.

This bill is inspired by the tireless efforts of the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and the late Congressman Don Edwards (D-CA) to restore and conserve the Bay Area's saltmarshes and wetlands. Thanks to their leadership and steadfast work, the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the South Bay now encompasses over 30,000 acres of habitat for millions of migratory birds and endangered species. It is an honor to continue Senator Feinstein and Congressman Edwards' legacy of protecting and restoring resilient bayland ecosystems that benefit both wildlife, people, and our planet.

The ``San Pablo National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act'' takes a critical step toward preserving the Bay Area's ecological diversity and ensuring the resilience of our communities as we continue fighting the climate crisis. I thank the hundreds of Bay Area residents and Californians who participated in the public comment period on my draft bill announced in September 2023. Their thoughtful comments and overwhelming support made this a stronger bill.

My colleagues and I are honored to introduce this bill to help restore vital ecosystems and improve the north Bay's climate resiliency by preserving one of California's special places for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join us in cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment and the underlying bill.

I thank Mr. Westerman as well as Mr. Peters for presenting the bill to us. It is a necessary fix to an ongoing challenge that we have in our national forests and in the urban-wildland interface areas.

I also thank Congressman Fallon, who is the cosponsor of this amendment.

Now, what we are trying to do here is to include special districts. Right now, special districts are not included in the legislation. Tribes and local governments are, and that is all to the good, however, in California, special districts often provide the necessary control of the areas in the wildland areas as well as in the urban-wildland interface.

Specifically, in my district, we have the East Bay Regional Park District. Most of the wildland in the East Bay of San Francisco Bay is controlled and owned by the park district.

Right now, they would not be able to participate in the programs of this legislation, so we clarified that special districts are eligible to participate in the wildfire-prevention programs authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, as well in this new legislation, the Fix Our Forests Act. This would provide opportunities for the special districts to help reduce the wildfire risk, support responsible environmental stewardship, and facilitate emergency response and all of the other elements in the legislation.

Secondly, the amendment expands the Good Neighbor Authority to include special districts. The Good Neighbor Authority allows the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to collaborate with States, counties, and federally recognized Indian Tribes to plan and implement cross-jurisdictional restoration work.

Since special districts are not currently included in the Good Neighbor Authority, they must collaborate with the State government or other eligible entity to participate. Our amendment would finally allow the special districts to enter into Good Neighbor Authority agreements and use their local expertise and partnerships to advance restoration projects in their communities.

As Western States face an increasingly severe year-round fire season, we will need every tool in the toolbox to implement proper forest management practices and reduce the risk that wildfires pose to our communities.

Our amendment would put special districts on par with other forms of government and allow them to be a strong partner in protecting their communities.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to adopt our commonsense, bipartisan amendment that would enable the special districts to participate in existing conservation efforts and further use their specialized expertise to uphold the health and safety of our community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 612, the ``Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act.''

I thank my colleagues, Senator Cortez Masto and Congressman Amodei for their critical efforts leading the bipartisan bill before us today.

I am honored to be an original cosponsor of the House companion bill.

The ``Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act'' would reauthorize $415 million in federal funding for conservation, climate resiliency, and other critical work across the Tahoe Basin through the end of fiscal year 2034.

In addition, this bipartisan bill would renew the cooperative authorities for wildfire prevention and response, first used by the U.S. Forest Service during the 2021 Caldor Fire.

As Deputy Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton Administration, I attended the first annual Tahoe Summit in 1997, organized by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Since then, we have made significant progress to safeguard Lake Tahoe for future generations of Californians and all Americans.

This progress would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Senator Feinstein spanning three decades.

I urge my colleagues to pass this critical bill to Keep Tahoe Blue, paying tribute to Senator Feinstein's legacy by continuing her important work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague Congressman Mike Thompson, to honor and commend Sustainable Solano as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the crucial work Sustainable Solano has accomplished to support sustainable food access in Solano County.

First established as the Benicia Community Gardens in 1999, Sustainable Solano's all-volunteer organization has spearheaded efforts to bolster local food systems and promote ecologically sustainable practices in Solano County. Since its founding, Sustainable Solano has installed 68 sustainable gardens and planted over 400 trees, helping bring green infrastructure to urban areas in Solano County.

Sustainable Solano's critical initiatives are combating food insecurity in our communities, raise public awareness about the climate crisis, and support our local farmers. In addition, Sustainable Solano's efforts to promote youth engagement will help encourage today's youth to become the environmental advocates and sustainability leaders of tomorrow.

As our planet faces increasingly severe threats from the climate crisis, organizations like Sustainable Solano are critical to building sustainable, resilient communities. We look forward to seeing the essential work Sustainable Solano will continue to accomplish in our communities and beyond.

On behalf of the constituents of California's Fourth and Eighth Congressional District, we would like to congratulate Sustainable Solano on its 25th anniversary and extend our sincere gratitude for its service to the Solano County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the California Tahoe Conservancy as it celebrates its 40th anniversary serving the Lake Tahoe Basin and community. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the crucial work the Tahoe Conservancy has accomplished to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin's beautiful natural resources and landscapes.

During my tenure as a California State Senator, I was honored to lead the legislation that established the Tahoe Conservancy in 1984. For four decades, the Tahoe Conservancy has significantly advanced California's efforts to restore and enhance the natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Today, the Tahoe Conservancy continues its legacy as a leader in environmental protection by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wildfire risk, protecting ecologically critical lands, and enhancing the region's climate resiliency.

Since its founding, the Tahoe Conservancy has consistently demonstrated its commitment to collaborating with other public agencies and fostering partnerships with surrounding communities, especially those facing significant inequities. From spearheading initiatives to support the Lake Tahoe Basin's sustainable economy to ensuring public health and safety, the Tahoe Conservancy is helping the region establish an enduring balance between humans and the natural environment.

The Tahoe Conservancy's innovative strategies and groundbreaking projects are protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin's rich biodiversity and restoring the Basin's ecological resilience. The Tahoe Conservancy is a faithful steward of the Basin's natural, tribal, and cultural resources, and I look forward to seeing their continued work to protect this special place for future generations to enjoy.

On behalf of the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the California Tahoe Conservancy on its 40th anniversary and extend my sincere gratitude for its generations of service to the Lake Tahoe Basin and community.