Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting contributions of Vallejo NAACP President Jimmie Jackson. Passing away at the age of 75, Mr. Jackson leaves behind an indelible legacy of advocacy and community service to Solano County.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Jackson demonstrated his persevering and industrious spirit from a young age, earning recognition for his football abilities and eventually enrolling at Fisk University on an athletic scholarship.

In 1966, Mr. Jackson was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, where he bravely served our nation in Vietnam. He was later stationed at Travis Air Force Base, beginning his long-term residency in Solano County. After being honorably discharged in 1969, Mr. Jackson continued his selfless service as a member of the Army Reserves, while also earning his bachelor's degree in Government and his master's degree in Public Administration.

Mr. Jackson's commitment to his country was not only expressed through his military service, but also through his public service to Solano County. From 1977 to 1980, and again from 2011 to 2023, Mr. Jackson served as the Vallejo NAACP President. Additionally, he served on the NAACP National Credentials Committee, the NAACP Vallejo Executive Committee, and the CA/HI NAACP Executive Committee. He was a valiant advocate for the NAACP and his courageous leadership was instrumental in advancing the fight for justice.

Throughout his tenure with the NAACP, Mr. Jackson demonstrated his sincere love for his community through his compassionate leadership and altruistic advocacy. His tireless efforts as a freedom fighter, especially his work within the NAACP Youth and College Division, made him a beacon of light within his community and undeniably advanced the fight for civil rights, equality, and justice.

In addition to his crucial contributions to the NAACP, Mr. Jackson also exemplified the spirit of altruism and leadership in all areas of his life. He served on the Solano Community College Human Relations Committee, Vallejo Human Relations Commission, Solano Red Cross Board of Directors, and Vallejo Planning Commission. Mr. Jackson's indispensable leadership in these organizations played a vital role in fostering equity and unity in his community.

Mr. Jackson will be remembered not only for his decades of service to the city of Vallejo, but also for his genuine spirit of kindness and compassion. He impacted the lives of so many in his community and was known both for his service with the NAACP and the unfailing love he had for his family. His steadfast leadership, constant smile, and patient mentorship have left a lasting legacy on Solano County and the people of Vallejo.

Mr. Jackson is survived by four children, four siblings, and a community that will dearly miss his enduring spirit. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Jackson's loved ones. I know that they, along with the people of Solano County, join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``American Port Access Privileges Act,'' with Congressmen Jimmy Panetta (D-CA19) and Jim Costa (D-CA21). Foreign-flagged vessels' access to the American market and its consumers is a privilege, not a right. Congress must ensure reciprocity in trade and the ocean shipping industry, which is dominated by a handful of foreign-flagged ocean carriers. Some of these foreign ocean carriers are effectively state-controlled enterprises.

Our ``American Port Access Privileges Act'' would correct the structural disadvantages facing American exporters at our nation's ports by rewarding ocean carriers that serve both importers and exporters. First, the bill would codify the current preferences for military, Jones Act, and other US-flagged vessels in place at many major American ports. Second, the bill would establish a secondary berthing preference for ocean-going commercial vessels servicing multiple ports in the United States or with significant cargo bookings of American exports.

This new preferential berthing will reward ocean carriers that serve both importers and American exporters by moving those vessels to the front of the queue for unloading and loading. It will similarly incentivize ocean carriers to make second-leg voyages to ports like the Port of Oakland, which is critical for California's agricultural exporters. Any port authority seeking federal funding from the Maritime Administration's port infrastructure development grant program would be required to accept these berthing preferences.

However, our bill ensures that the new preferential berthing and port access for export carrying-vessels would never interfere with U.S. Coast Guard orders for commercial vessels, port safety, or collective bargaining agreements for port workers. Our ``American Port Access Privileges Act'' would require that export-carrying vessels seeking preferential berthing report cargo bookings at least 7 days in advance to port operators.

Lastly, our bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics to collect data on berthing and cargo practices at U.S. ports. This will evaluate ocean carriers' practices for port calls and cargo bookings, as well as the impact of preferential berthing afforded under our bill. A similar data-collection provision sponsored by U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker's (R-MS) on container and chassis availability is incorporated as Section 16 (Dwell Time Statistics) of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-146), of which I was the House sponsor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all members to cosponsor the ``American Port Access Privileges Act'' to ensure fair trade for U.S. businesses and keep hard-won foreign markets accessible to California's agricultural exporters. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the former ranking member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from the 113th to the 115th Congresses, I plan to make this legislation a major priority.

Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduced my ``Federal Ship Financing Improvement Act,'' expanding the Maritime Administration's (MARAD) federal ship financing program--commonly referred to as ``Title XI'' of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936--to include re-flagging, repair, or conversions of U.S.-flagged civilian vessels for commercial and military purposes.

Currently, MARAD's Title XI program only provides federal loans and loan guarantees for the construction of new civilian vessels in U.S.- based commercial shipyards or facility and equipment upgrades at those shipyards. My bill would allow MARAD to also provide loan guarantees for corrective or preventative maintenance or re-flagging work at U.S.- based shipyards, including to convert a commercial vessel to a more useful military configuration to carry out federal contracts. The bill would also require that all shipyard improvement projects with loans or loan guarantees from MARAD use construction materials produced or manufactured in the United States. In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92), U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and I implemented these ``Buy America'' requirements for MARAD's small shipyard grant program.

As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and the former ranking member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I have long supported our domestic shipbuilding and U.S.-flagged international fleet. The bill I reintroduced today builds upon my work in the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283), in which I helped to secure Congressional authorization for the new tanker security fleet and strengthened the military's US-flagged preference for seaborne cargo contracts. In the 117th Congress, my ``Federal Ship Financing Improvement Act'' was partially incorporated as Section 307 of the Chairman's mark of the House's ``Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022'' (H.R. 6865) but removed from the final law.

Mr. Speaker, American shipyards are ready, willing, and able to take on this additional work. Expanding MARAD's Title XI loan guarantee program to support that work means more well-paying jobs for American workers and better maintained vessels flagged in the United States, useful for military and commercial purposes. I urge all members of the House to cosponsor the ``Federal Ship Financing Improvement Act.''

Mr. Chair, I miscast my vote on rollcall No. 112 this evening on Amendment No. 3 offered by Representative Jared F. Golden (D-ME) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) to H.R. 185. My vote was recorded as ``No'' when I intended to vote ``Aye.''

Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Rose

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Pinole Valley High School Spartans football team upon winning the 2022 Division 7 California State championship. This outstanding achievement marks the first high school State football title secured by the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of Pinole Valley players, coaches, parents, students, and educators. The Spartans' unwavering commitment to their craft and their remarkable teamwork represent the very best of our students, athletes, and schools.

This championship title demonstrates both the talent of the Spartans football team and their discipline. They exemplified the character, steadfastness, and capability that is cultivated at Pinole Valley High School.

On behalf of the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District, I congratulate the Pinole Valley High School Spartans football team for achieving this championship title and reassert my continued support and pride for all of our student athletes.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2023, which would require using the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) when calculating cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for federal retirement programs. The proposed index would adjust the benefits programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, civil service retirement, military retirement, veterans' pensions and compensations, and other retirement programs.

Current law uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) which measures costs solely of working individuals--unlike most Social Security beneficiaries. Using CPI-W does not adequately consider the rising expenditures of retirement, such as housing and healthcare costs. This inadequate accounting amounts to an effective decrease in benefits for those who rely on these federal programs. The proposed change will lead to increased COLAs, ensuring that seniors are able to keep up with the rising costs of their real-world expenses.

I thank Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lucy McBath (GA-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Dina Titus (NV-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jason Crow (CO-06), Joyce Beatty (OH- 03), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) for their support as original cosponsors. I look forward to working with the Chairpersons of the Ways and Means, Veterans' Affairs, Oversight and Reform, and Armed Services Committees to ensure this critical piece of legislation becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Master Sergeant Silva Foster of the 349th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. He exemplifies the best of America, and his tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 349th Air Mobility Wing met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. This command was critical in the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known history, Operation Allies Refuge, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. The 349th Air Mobility Wing directly supported the evacuation of nearly 13,000 Afghans while simultaneously managing the security and operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport. I have listened to countless stories from this group of brave men and women that exemplify the character, leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base.

Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by the 349th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Master Sergeant Silva Foster epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Master Sergeant Silva Foster of the 349th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for his sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend First Lieutenant Kyle Anderson of the 349th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. He exemplifies the best of America, and his tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 349th Air Mobility Wing met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. This command was critical in the largest

noncombatant evacuation operation in known history, Operation Allies Refuge, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. The 349th Air Mobility Wing directly supported the evacuation of nearly 13,000 Afghans while simultaneously managing the security and operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport. I have listened to countless stories from this group of brave men and women that exemplify the character, leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base.

Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by the 349th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like First Lieutenant Kyle Anderson epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate First Lieutenant Kyle Anderson of the 349th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for his sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Calderon of the 349th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. He exemplifies the best of America, and his tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 349th Air Mobility Wing met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. This command was critical in the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known history, Operation Allies Refuge, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. The 349th Air Mobility Wing directly supported the evacuation of nearly 13,000 Afghans while simultaneously managing the security and operations at Hamid Karzai International Airport. I have listened to countless stories from this group of brave men and women that exemplify the character, leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base.

Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by the 349th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Calderon epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Calderon of the 349th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for his sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act,'' which would make commonsense reforms to reduce congestion outside military installations. The Defense Access Roads (DAR) program is a unique partnership between the U.S. Departments of Defense (DOD) and Transportation. Under the program, the Secretary of Defense designates civilian roadways that provide critical access for domestic military installations as Defense Access Roads, making them eligible for military construction funding transferred to the Department of Transportation for road improvements off base.

Military installations anchor communities across the Nation, including Tavis Air Force Base in my Congressional district. The DAR ensures the DOD pays for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads impacted by military traffic and the constant movement of heavy equipment and vehicles.

My ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act'' would create a new, public process for state, county, or municipal governments to petition the Department of Defense to designate new Defense Access Roads, unlocking military funding for needed roadway improvements off base. My bill would establish a new online database for designated Defense Access Roads and any outstanding federal funding requests, which improves public transparency and holds the Pentagon accountable. Lastly, my bill would also allow roads leading to commercial shipyards used by the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard to be designated as Defense Access Roads under the program, instead of just seaports as under current law.

This is a continuation of my work last Congress on the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees all U.S. military installations and the Defense Access Road Program. I am committed to securing additional federal investment in off-base infrastructure. As a senior member of both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to make this legislation a top priority.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join me in cosponsoring the ``Defense Access Roads Improvement Act.''

Offered By: Mr. Garamendi

Amendment No. 130: Add at the end the following new

sections:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Tony Ubalde upon his retirement from the Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education. Throughout Dr. Ubalde's 12 years of service, he advocated for Vallejo students and worked tirelessly to improve his community's education system.

Dr. Ubalde first joined the Board of Education in 2011 and has since served 3 terms, during which he was instrumental in successfully raising the high school graduation rate and fostering a safer environment in Vallejo schools. Dr. Ubalde's dedication to the youth of Vallejo is evident through his efforts to ensure all students in his community can achieve their full potential.

Throughout his twelve-year tenure on the Board of Education, Dr. Ubalde ushered the Vallejo City Unified School District into a new era of financial stability. In addition to collaborating with his fellow Trustees, superintendents, and community members to establish a strong financial foundation for Vallejo's education system, Dr. Ubalde was also vital in instituting an independent Citizens Fiscal Audit Committee. Focused on promoting transparency and financial accountability, this committee directly ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, prioritizing Vallejo residents.

In addition to his crucial contributions on the Board of Education, Dr. Ubalde also exemplifies the spirit of leadership in all areas of his life. Not only has he previously been on the Board of Trustees at Solano Community College, but he is also a prominent member of the California Board Association, having served on their Board of Directors since 2014. Dr. Ubalde's indispensable leadership has played a vital role in modernizing Vallejo's education system.

Dr. Ubalde's advocacy as a board member of the Filipino Community of Solano County, his selfless service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and his compassionate guidance as a former pastor clearly demonstrate that his work to improve the Vallejo community expands beyond his position on the Board of Education. Dr. Ubalde's devotion to Vallejo has undeniably improved his community.

While his presence on the Board of Education will surely be missed, Dr. Ubalde's 12 years of service to the residents of Vallejo have left a lasting legacy and significantly enhanced the lives of the students and teachers in his community. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ubalde for his public service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Harry K. Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of the Dutra Group, upon receiving the 2023 Golden Beaver Management Award. Mr. Stewart has dedicated over 40 years to the Dutra Group, providing invaluable support to our nation's infrastructure, protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and directly contributing to the rapid development of the dredging and marine construction industry. Throughout Mr. Stewart's incredible career, he has demonstrated a sincere commitment to the construction industry and an unyielding zeal for defending the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta community.

Born and raised near the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the hub of California's water supply, Mr. Stewart grew up witnessing the comprehensive planning and detailed care necessary to maintain our nation's harbors and waterways. After graduating from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in civil engineering, Mr. Stewart embarked on what would become a 4-decade-long career with the Dutra Group.

Since joining the Dutra Group in 1983, Mr. Stewart has served in each of the company's divisions: dredging, marine construction, and aggregates. Today, he uses his firsthand knowledge and on-the-ground experience of every facet of the Dutra Group to manage and oversee the 3 subdivisions as Chief Operating Officer. From helping protect America's coastal regions to promoting environmental responsibility through sustainable practices, Mr. Stewart plays an integral role in furthering the Dutra Group's work as a leader of the marine construction industry.

For his decades of service in the construction industry, Mr. Stewart has been honored as a recipient of the 2023 Golden Beaver Management Award. This recognition is bestowed by the Beavers, a social organization formed by companies and individuals engaged in the heavy engineering construction industry and committed to fostering goodwill an partnership among members of the industry. Mr. Stewart's exemplary career, contributions to our Nation's infrastructure, and service to the people of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta area, make this high honor of the Golden Beaver Management Award well-deserved.

Through the hard work and innovation of leaders like Mr. Stewart, our Nation's infrastructure has greatly advanced to where it is today. Mr. Stewart's 40 years of service with the Dutra Group has left an indelible legacy on the maritime construction industry that will last for many years to come. l would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Stewart upon receiving this great honor and extend my deepest gratitude for his decades of vital service to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting contributions of dear friend and incredible public servant,

Mayor Harry Price. Passing away at the age of 85, Mayor Price leaves behind an indelible legacy of over 60 years of public service to the people of Solano County.

Born in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Mayor Price demonstrated his persevering and industrious spirit from a young age, working numerous jobs throughout his youth. While earning his bachelor's degree at Lock Haven State University, Mayor Price broadened his horizons, gaining a myriad of professional experiences as the Master of Ceremonies for his community and as a news anchor for a local station.

After Mayor Price and his family moved to Fairfield in 1965, he began teaching English at Vanden High School. Throughout his 33-year-long career as a teacher, Mayor Price worked tirelessly to support his students. His selfless dedication to the youth of Fairfield earned him the well-deserved honor of Solano County Teacher of the Year in 1986.

Following his teaching career, Mayor Price continued to serve his community through an incredible three decades of public service in Solano County. His career in public service first began with his appointment to the Fairfield Community Services Commission in 1988, followed by his service on the Fairfield Planning Commission. As a critical member of these commissions, Mayor Price was instrumental in modernizing Fairfield's infrastructure and advocating for the interests of his fellow community members.

Driven by a genuine passion for service, Mayor Price went on to serve on the Fairfield City Council in 1997 and was subsequently elected to 4 consecutive terms as Fairfield Mayor. During his 16-year tenure as mayor, Mayor Price demonstrated his sincere love for his community through his compassionate leadership and altruistic advocacy. He continued his commitment to the students of Fairfield, spearheading efforts to institute youth empowerment programs and serving as a staunch supporter of the local Boy Scouts Troop 100 and the Leaven Kids Program.

In addition, Mayor Price's remarkable leadership of Fairfield was characterized by his unyielding advocacy for Travis Air Force Base. Having served eight years in the U.S. Army, Mayor Price was a proud champion of our Nation's servicemembers and played an integral role in representing the thousands of citizens who support Travis Air Force Base. Throughout his time as an elected public servant, Mayor Price faithfully supported Fairfield's military families, making him a loved and respected member of the Travis Air Force Base Community.

Mayor Price will be remembered not only for his 6 decades of service to the city of Fairfield, but also for his spirit of kindness and selflessness. His gentle demeanor, constant smile, and persistent optimism have left an indelible legacy on Solano County and the people of Fairfield.

Mayor Price is survived by 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and a community that will dearly miss his enduring spirit. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mayor Price's loved ones. I know that they, along with the people of Solano County, join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Timothy Burke on his retirement from the City of Vacaville, following an incredible 26-year career devoted to serving the people of Vacaville. Throughout Mr. Burke's public service career, he has demonstrated a sincere commitment to improving his community and an unyielding zeal for addressing the pressing challenges faced by the residents of Vacaville.

During his tenure as a public servant, Mr. Burke served as Assistant Engineer, Associate Engineer, Senior Engineer, and most recently, as Assistant Director of Public Works and City Engineer. From his first role as Assistant Engineer, Mr. Burke has played an instrumental role in revolutionizing Vacaville's infrastructure, demonstrating his staunch spirit of innovation and leadership.

Throughout his career as an engineer, Mr. Burke approached every challenge presented to him with ingenuity and resourcefulness. He worked tirelessly to improve Vacaville's public systems, making them more efficient and prioritizing the concerns of his community. Mr. Burke's engineering efforts played an indispensable role in ensuring the safety of Vacaville residents.

As the Assistant Director of Public Works, Mr. Burke collaborated with Vacaville land developers to negotiate countless agreements to ensure the stability of Vacaville's infrastructure. In these negotiations, he demonstrated his great commitment to serving the needs of his community.

Mr. Burke's remarkable career is characterized not only by his wealth of knowledge and profound engineering skills, but also by his spirit of kindness and empathy. His patient guidance and persistent optimism left an indelible legacy on the people of Vacaville and Solano County.

While his presence will surely be missed, Mr. Burke's 2 decades of service to the residents of Vacaville will leave a long-lasting impact. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for Mr. Burke's dedicated service to the people of Vacaville and wish him the best in his future endeavors.