Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jay Pendergraph upon his retirement from the Wheatland City Council. Throughout Mr. Pendergraph's tenure on City Council, he fervently advocated for his fellow

community members and led efforts to revolutionize Wheatland's infrastructure through investments in critical projects.

Mr. Pendergraph has served on the Wheatland City Council since 2003, faithfully advancing the interests of Wheatland residents and helping usher his community into a new era of prosperity. As a prominent member of the Economic Development Sub-Committee, Mr. Pendergraph played an indispensable role in ensuring Wheatland's economic stability. Moreover, his leadership on the Pool and Sewer Ad-Hoc Committees played a critical role in improving the resources and services available to his community. His efforts not only modernized Wheatland's infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient, but also improved Wheatland residents' quality of life.

As the Vice-Chairman of the Feather River Air Quality Management District, Mr. Pendergraph also collaborated with local leaders across Yuba and Sutter Counties to promote and improve their communities' air quality. Mr. Pendergraph's advocacy on this issue was essential in reducing emissions and safeguarding the people of Wheatland from the health impacts of air pollution.

Mr. Pendergraph's dedication to public service extends beyond his role on City Council. Following over 2 decades of brave service in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Pendergraph continued to proudly support his fellow veterans and current servicemembers through his 10 years of work with the Department of Defense at Beale Air Force Base. In addition, Mr. Pendergraph diligently serves his community outside his professional career as a proud member of the Wheatland Lions Club.

While his presence on the Wheatland City Council will surely be missed, Mr. Pendergraph's years of service to the residents of Wheatland have left an indelible legacy. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for Mr. Pendergraph's service to the people of Wheatland and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Holland Barrett White on his 4 years of service as Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmember on the Pittsburg City Council. Throughout Mr. White's tenure on City Council, he advocated for vulnerable populations in his community and valiantly led efforts to revolutionize Pittsburg's infrastructure through investments in critical projects.

From his first months as Councilmember, Mr. White demonstrated his staunch spirit of innovation and leadership by playing an instrumental role in establishing Pittsburg's first Community Services Ad-Hoc Committee. Focused specifically on improving the services available to underserved members of the community, this committee directly led to the formation of a new program providing recent Pittsburg residents with vital information and resources regarding the immigration process.

During his tenure on City Council, Mr. White exemplified a genuine commitment to combatting systemic injustice and racism in our society. Through Mr. White's work, the Pittsburg Police Department invested $10,000 towards implementing the Pittsburg My Brother's Keeper Initiative, which addresses the persistent gaps in opportunity faced by youth of color. Under Mr. White's leadership as mayor, Pittsburg invested $1.49 million through the My Brother's Keeper Challenge towards ensuring all youth, regardless of their race or ethnicity, can achieve their full potential.

In addition, Mr. White also worked tirelessly to modernize Pittsburg's power infrastructure and guarantee internet access for all. Using his extensive knowledge as a member of the Pittsburg Power Company Board of Directors, Mr. White's advocacy was essential in prompting the City Council to authorize a new project to expand internet services for individuals most in need.

While his presence on the City Council will surely be missed, Mr. White's 4 years of service to the residents of Pittsburg have left an indelible legacy. Mr. White is a vibrant young leader and I eagerly anticipate his future work. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for Mr. White's dedicated service to the people of Pittsburg and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce legislation to rename the Mare Island Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic in Vallejo, California as the ``Delphine Metcalf-Foster VA Clinic,'' in recognition of her lifetime of service to others. A life-long resident of Vallejo, Ms. Delphine Metcalf-Foster is a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, longtime leader with numerous veterans service organizations, and a pillar of the community. I thank my colleague Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-4) for being the bill's original cosponsor.

Ms. Metcalf-Foster is a disabled U.S. Army Reserve veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm and is a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. Military service runs in her family. Her father served during the Spanish-American War and was in the U.S. Army's 9th Calvary Regiment, whose members were known as ``Buffalo Soldiers.'' After retiring as a First Sergeant (E-8) in 1996, Ms. Metcalf-Foster began her lifelong work to advocate for and assist fellow veterans.

Ms. Metcalf-Foster has served the VA Northern California Health Care System for over 25 years. She began volunteering to drive veterans to medical appointments. In 2004, she became the Commander of the Disabled American Veterans' Ozie Boler Chapter 21 in Vallejo, DAV Department of California until 2005. Later. she served as the DAV National Commander from 2017 to 2018. This made her the first woman to become the Disabled American Veterans' National Commander, as well as a distinguished leader of this major veterans service organization.

Ms. Metcalf-Foster is also a life-member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the ``Mighty 25: Influencers Supporting the Military Community.'' In 2019, she was selected as the Grand Marshall for the 166th Vallejo 4th of July Parade. Her expertise was sought after for testimony at hearings before the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees advocating to improve outreach to and services for American veterans and those with service-connected disabilities.

lt is truly an honor to reintroduce this legislation. I stand with my constituents in Vallejo and California's 8th Congressional District to honor Ms. Delphine Metcalf-Foster and her service to veterans in our community and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``Clean Water SRF Parity Act,'' with Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL).

This legislation would make nonprofit cooperatives and publicly regulated utilities operating wastewater treatment plants eligible under the Clean Water Act's State Revolving (Loan) Funds. These same entities are already eligible under the Safe Drinking Water Act's State Revolving (Loan) Funds and, by extension, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) revolving loan fund.

For 2022, California's State Water Resources Control Board awarded $2.7 billion for drinking water and wastewater treatment projects. According to most recent Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, California needs an estimated $26.2 billion in federal, state, and local investment for wastewater treatment, wastewater recycling, and stormwater pollution prevention infrastructure over the next 20 years. This includes an estimated $24.4 billion needed to modernize aging water infrastructure across the state.

Under the federal Clean Water Act, each state capitalizes its own State Revolving (Loan) Fund to provide public financing and grants for wastewater, water reuse, stormwater, and surface water pollution reduction projects to keep our nation's waterways clean. Since this public financing is paid back with interest to help recapitalize each State's State Revolving (Loan) Funds, there is no net cost to American taxpayers.

Our bill restricts eligibility for publicly regulated utilities to the amounts greater than the $1,638,826,000 appropriated for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program in fiscal years 2020 and 2021. That way, we ensure that this new eligibility for nonprofit cooperatives and publicly regulated utilities does not come at the cost of municipally owned utilities and public projects under the program.

As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which authorizes all Clean Water Act programs, I strongly support increased federal funding for the State Revolving Fund program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117- 58), of which I am an original cosponsor, provided more than $11.7 billion in new federal funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds nationwide.

With enactment of the ``Clean Water SRF Parity Act,'' I expect the National Association of Water Companies, Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities, Utility Workers Union of America (AFL-CIO), and American Public Works Association to advocate for increased federal funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Funds each year.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members of the House to cosponsor this bipartisan, noncontroversial bill.

Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act,'' which would close early 50 years of anti- Jones Act decisions, known as ``letter rulings'', by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and having served as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013 to 2018, I am committed to rebuilding the U.S.-flagged fleet including international and Jones Act vessels. For nearly 50 years, Congress has stood idly by while federal regulators made bad decision after bad decision chipping away at the Jones Act, allowing foreign vessels paying poverty wages to take jobs from Americans working in our maritime industry. That stops today.

In December 2020, Congress enacted my amendment to the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act as section 9503 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-283) affirming that the application of the Constitution, laws, and civil and political jurisdiction of the United States to the Outer Continental Shelf also applies to non-mineral energy resources and exploring for, developing, producing, transporting, or transmitting such resources. As I stated in my remarks on September 24, 2020 (Congressional Record, Vol. 166, No. 166), Congress always intended U.S. law to apply to any form of exploration, development, production, transportation, and transmission of energy resources under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953.

On January 25, 2021, President Biden's first executive order (no.14005) after assuming office directed federal agencies to maximize the use of American mariners, American-built ships, and U.S.-flagged vessels under the Jones Act. In response to my amendment enacted in the FY12 NDAA, Customs and Border Protection issued a headquarters ruling letter ``HQ H309186'' on January 27, 2021, correctly holding that the transportation of ``scour protection'' materials from the Port of Providence, Rhode Island to a wind project on the Outer Continental Shelf off the southeast shore of Martha's Vineyard is a coastwise activity under the Jones Act.

On March 17, 2021, the national trade association for the offshore wind industry sent a letter to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection requesting that the agency withdraw HQ H309186. In this letter, the offshore wind industry mischaracterized my September 2020, remarks from the Congressional Record as somehow supporting its request that Customs and Border Protection withdraw the January 27, 2021, letter ruling. On March 25, 2021, Customs and Border Protection issued a revised headquarters ruling letter (HQ H317289) contradicting its January 2021 letter ruling and the President's policy to allow foreign vessels to construct energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf.

To be clear, my September 2020 remarks in the Congressional Record state that my amendment to Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act simply clarified that all forms of offshore energy development are indeed subject to the same U.S. laws that apply to the offshore oil and gas industry. That does not mean that I accept the validity of the many administrative loopholes to the Jones Act created by decades of bad letter rulings and poor enforcement by Customs and Border Protection. Rather, I have long held that many of the activities regulators have incorrectly allowed the offshore oil and gas industry to engage in using foreign-flagged vessels are clear violations of the plain text of the Jones Act and original Congressional intent.

It is now clear to me that the regulators at Customs and Border Protection are unwilling to fully implement the Jones Act, as directed by President Biden's Executive Order 14005. My `Closing Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act' would finally force federal regulators to enforce the law as Congress intended in 1920, maximizing job opportunities for American mariners, U.S.-flagged vessels, and domestic shipyard workers. In effect, my legislation would also compel Customs and Border Protection to implement the President's stated policy by fully enforcing the Jones Act.

Madam Speaker, I encourage all members of the House to cosponsor this critical and long overdue legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Technical Sergeant Matthew Keefer of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Technical Sergeant Matthew Keefer epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Technical Sergeant Matthew Keefer of the 60th 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.

Madam Speaker, l rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant Katherine Rosa Orellana of the 60th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. She exemplifies the best of America, and her tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Katherine Rosa Orellana epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Katherine Rosa Orellana of the 60th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for her sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant Idaliz Alicea of the 60th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. She exemplifies the best of America, and her tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Idaliz Alicea epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District. I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Idaliz Alicea of the 60th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for her sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant E-Quantay Mason of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemernbers like Staff Sergeant E-Quantay Mason epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate

Staff Sergeant E-Quantay Mason of the 60th 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant Courtney Smith of the 60th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. She exemplifies the best of America, and her tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the service members of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant service members like Staff Sergeant Courtney Smith epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District. I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Courtney Smith of the 60th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for her sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant Brandon Jensen of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Brandon Jensen epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Brandon Jensen of the 60th 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Staff Sergeant Michael Raucci of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Michael Raucci epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Michael Raucci of the 60th 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Master Sergeant Matthew Newman of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Master Sergeant Matthew Newman epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District. I would like to congratulate Master Sergeant Matthew Newman of the 60th 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Major Katie Lunning of the 60th Air Mobility Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for her service, dedication, and sacrifice during Operation Allies Refuge. She exemplifies the best of America, and her tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

Last year, the servicemembers of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Major Katie Lunning epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Major Katie Lunning of the 60th Air Mobility Wing for receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and extend my sincere gratitude for her sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Major Pete Traylor of the 60th 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 60th 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 60th 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 60th Air Mobility Wing. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. These valiant servicemembers like Major Pete Traylor epitomize the values of courage and patriotism.

On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Major Pete Traylor of the 60th 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.