Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, and I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member, also Mr. Carbajal and the minority team for putting together a good piece of legislation.

This bipartisan legislation authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard, our fifth national military service branch, for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

We know the Coast Guard is critically important. We just heard that here. This bill also goes beyond just the Coast Guard. It deals with the Jones Act and something I have worked on for 13 years here, which is Make It In America and how we can do that in our maritime industry.

In this bill, there are policies and proposals that include long overdue language to close some egregious loopholes to the Jones Act that would allow foreign vessels to undercut American-flagged vessels operating in America's offshore environment and the intercontinental shelf. This amendment, H.R. 6728, which is included in this bill, would close that loophole so that those foreign-flagged vessels are held to the very same high standards that American vessels have to hold to in those same offshore waters.

A lot of this comes down to the new offshore wind industry that is flourishing in the northeast and soon will be found in many other parts of this Nation. Do you want those to be American jobs or do you want those to be foreign jobs? The question is pretty simple. This bill, as amended, would make sure that those ships and crews operating offshore would have to meet the same high standards. They would have to be certified that they know what they are doing, that they pass the various background checks as American mariners must.

Now, if you want a wide open thing, then just forget it, but this bill is there to protect American workers in the offshore wind industry, the offshore oil industry, and further beyond that to the general Jones Act fleet.

It is a good bill. There are other things in this bill that are good. I had the great pleasure of working with our former colleague, Don Young, on his Oil Spill Response Enhancement Act. We worked together on that for several years. It is included in this bill, and it would certainly be appropriate that that stay in this bill.

We are going to have always the normal trouble with the Senate. They just seem to not understand all that they should, but this is a great bill. I want to compliment all who worked on it. The minority teams did excellent work. I thank them so very much. I see the coauthor of our amendment, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who has done good work on this bill, has taken his position to carry on.

Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation to allow operators of Jones Act-compliant passenger ferries to establish Capital Construction Funds. Only car ferries are currently eligible for this special, tax-exempt domestic shipbuilding program administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Federally regulated Capital Construction Funds allow operators of US- flagged vessels to legally forgo paying federal business taxes pertaining to such vessels, provided all that forgone tax payment is reinvested in constructing new US-flagged vessels in American shipyards.

Current law only allows operators of cargo and fishing vessels to establish Capital Construction Funds for such vessels. Car ferries are only eligible because they are treated as ``cargo vessels'' for the purposes of the program, not ferries. Under my bill, all ferries and similar vessels with 50-plus passenger capacity would be eligible to establish Capital Construction Funds.

Through my tenure in the Congress, I have worked to increase federal funding for expanded passenger ferry service. Regrettably, Congress has historically underfunded the Federal Highway Administration's formula program and the Federal Transit Administration's competitive grant program for ferries, ferry terminals, and related infrastructure. Privately operated passenger ferries remain ineligible under both U.S. Department of Transportation programs.

Both public and private operators are working to expand service in the San Francisco Bay Area. My legislation is intended to support proposed service expansion by private ferry operators in the Bay Area and nationwide, at no cost to American taxpayers. Many Bay Area ferry operators are also considering replacing their existing fleets with new renewable energy-powered ferries, like hydrogen fuel cells. Those ferries can and should be built in American shipyards by skilled workers.

Madam Speaker, I plan to make this legislation a priority in the forthcoming Coast Guard Authorization Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean ``Dino'' Cortopassi and his legacy as a loving family man, career farmer, and champion of communities in the Delta area. Patti and I are deeply saddened by Dino's passing, and our hearts are with Joan and their family during this difficult time.

Dino was born and raised in Stockton, California, as the son of immigrant farmers. After graduating high school Dino proceeded to study farming at the prestigious agricultural school at the University of California, Davis. In 1958, Dino took on his first job as a grain buyer through which he immersed himself in the world of managing goods, markets, and the art of running a successful agribusiness. In the same year, he married his high school sweetheart Joan DeCarli and they both went on to raise four remarkable children, Gino, Katie, Becky, and David.

While Dino continued to build on his success as a dynamic and innovative farmer and businessman, he also fell in love with the Delta. An avid fisherman and hunter, Dino became a powerful advocate and protector of the Delta's waterfowl and their habitats. His efforts were crucial to preventing the proposed Delta tunnels project from devastating the region's ecosystems. Dino founded the Wetlands Preservation Foundation, which continues to help conserve the Delta's naturaI habitats.

In 2005 he was named the Stocktonian of the Year. Dino's Life's work undoubtedly had

an indelibly positive impact on the Delta community and inspired those around him. He was a dear friend for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration. He will be deeply missed as Patti and I send our condolences to Joan and the Cortopassi family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent and friend Ann D. Carlson, who is retiring from her position as the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor after 33 years of federal service. I had the privilege of working with Ann to ensure our National Forests in California were healthy and effectively managed.

Ann began her career at Tahoe National Forest serving as a fish biologist, where she conducted stream surveys, built partnerships with local groups to provide aquatic restoration opportunities, environmental education and improved fishing, including coordinating kids fishing events. After 13 years of improving fish habitat and community relations, Ann took her skills to Missoula, Montana to work as the R1 Regional Aquatic Ecologist. Following her time in Montana, Ann was detailed to South Dakota as Acting District Ranger for Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and then to Boise as Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor at the Boise National Forest. She then went onto Lassen National Forest in California to serve as the Eagle Lake District Ranger. In addition, she was also detailed to Modoc and Sequoia National Forests as Acting Forest Supervisor.

Ann concluded her career while serving as Forest Supervisor at Mendocino National Forest. At Mendocino National Forest, Ann tirelessly worked on wildfire prevention and forest management to protect the communities who are frequently impacted by forest fires. Ann was critically important for disaster response and forest recovery efforts to numerous conflagrations including the 2019 Complex Fire. Throughout her career Ann supplemented her work with additional training programs, such as participating in the Senior Leadership Program (SLP6) in 2009 to learn more about common and emerging leadership and management issues while developing strategies for effective change

Beyond Ann's passion for our National Forests, she is also very active and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities including biking, running, cross-country skiing, fly fishing and hiking. The same year that she participated in Senior Leadership Program she also completed the New York Marathon--what an achievement. Ann is also a dedicated mother, when she began her career she had not accrued enough leave and had to bring her daughter, Tess, into the office and field. I'm sure this contributed to Tess's love for the outdoors just like her mom.

I congratulate Ann on her prestigious career with the United States Forest Service and wish her well in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the service, dedication, and sacrifice of the members of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and their partner agencies at Travis Air Force Base, which I have the distinct privilege of representing as part of California's Third Congressional District. They exemplify the best of America, and their tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

For eighty years, Travis Air Force Base has stood as a pillar of strength, projecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and providing support to American troops around the world. This mission is only accomplished thanks to the blood, sweat, and fortitude of the 18,000 airmen and their families that maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability. Every single day this all-volunteer force provides essential aerial refueling, airlift operations, aeromedical evacuation, highly-specialized rapid response contingency operations capabilities, and unmatched support to produce and execute rapid global mobility in support of our national defense.

Last year alone the men and women of Travis Air Force Base met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. Team Travis aircrews evacuated 12,962 Afghans while managing security and operations at the airport in Kabul.

The valor and heroism displayed by the men and women of Travis was imitable and worthy of recognition. Last month, I spoke with Captain Kayleigh Migaleddi, who helped evacuate 117 orphan children from the region during Operation Allies Refuge. She spoke about how she would have been at the Abbey Gate the moment a suicide bomber killed 13 Americans had it not been for an orphaned child who needed her assistance elsewhere on base. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she owed her life to that child, who she later helped reach safety and begin a new life. Captain Migaleddi's story is just one of the many stories I heard 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 these men and women. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to represent such an upstanding community in Congress.

This total force effort of active and reserve airmen directly enabled the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known world history, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. Simply put, Travis Air Force Base is the very best our nation has to offer. Its strategic importance stands as a beacon of hope to our allies and a stern reminder of American resolve to our enemies. On behalf of a grateful nation and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to thank the men and women of Travis Air Force Base and express my sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the service, dedication, and sacrifice of the members of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and their partner agencies at Travis Air Force Base, which I have the distinct privilege of representing as part of California's Third Congressional District. They exemplify the best of America, and their tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home.

For eighty years, Travis Air Force Base has stood as a pillar of strength, projecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and providing support to American troops around the world. This mission is only accomplished

thanks to the blood, sweat, and fortitude of the 18,000 airmen and their families that maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability. Every single day this all-volunteer force provides essential aerial refueling, airlift operations, aeromedical evacuation, highly specialized rapid response contingency operations capabilities, and unmatched support to produce and execute rapid global mobility in support of our national defense.

Last year alone the men and women of Travis Air Force Base met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. Team Travis aircrews evacuated 12,962 Afghans while managing security and operations at the airport in Kabul.

The valor and heroism displayed by the men and women of Travis was imitable and worthy of recognition. Last month, I spoke with Captain Kayleigh Migalesdi, who helped evacuate 117 orphan children from the region during Operation Allies Refuge. She spoke about how she would have been at the Abbey Gate the moment a suicide bomber killed 13 Americans had it not been for an orphaned child who needed her assistance elsewhere on base. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she owed her life to that child, who she later helped reach safety and begin a new life. Capt. Migalesdi's story is just one of the many stories I heard 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 these men and women. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to represent such an upstanding community in Congress.

This total force effort of active and reserve airmen directly enabled the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known world history, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. Simply put, Travis Air Force Base is the very best our Nation has to offer. Its strategic importance stands as a beacon of hope to our allies and a stern reminder of American resolve to our enemies. On behalf of a grateful Nation and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to thank the men and women of Travis Air Force Base and express my sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation that would designate vital roads around Travis and Beale Air Force Bases in northern California, under the Defense Access Road Program. I thank my colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA01), who represents the neighboring Congressional district, for being the bill's original cosponsor.

Military installations play important roles in communities around the country, but also pose unique challenges by increasing traffic and subjecting civilian roadways to harsh use by moving heavy military equipment. In California, Travis and Beale Air Force Bases were built with an infrastructure to support the size of the communities and the bases at the time. But over the decades, both the civilian and military populations have outgrown the current roads providing base access at the gates.

The Defense Access Road Program exists to support communities in precisely this situation, allowing the U.S. Department of Defense and service branches to pay for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads surrounding military installations. This ensures that communities hosting bases have the infrastructure needed for civilian life and to support the military installation. Travis and Beale Air Force Bases each have some roads already designated under the Defense Access Road Program. My legislation would simply designate the remining access roads for each base under the program. As the communities surrounding Travis and Beale Air Force Bases continue to grow, the military should pay its

fair share for roadway improvements for better base access and to lessen traffic congestion.

As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I continue working to secure forward-looking investments to expand Travis and Beale, while ensuring that the Air Force remains a good neighbor. I plan to make these Defense Access Road designations a major priority for the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023.

Travis and Beale Air Force Bases and the surrounding areas must have the world-class infrastructure needed to carry out their mission. The legislation I introduce today would ensure just that.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the rule, I rise to offer the Garamendi-Johnson amendment No. 89 to the America COMPETES Act.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, my amendment No. 89 is the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, H.R. 4996, which the House passed under suspension of the rules on December 8, 2021.

I introduced this legislation with Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota last summer to provide the first major overhaul of the Federal rules for the global ocean shipping industry in nearly a quarter century. We did this because American exporters have a serious and, in some cases, an existential problem.

Many exporters cannot get a container to ship their goods. For those who can get a container, they cannot get it on a ship.

Last Friday, a farmer in my district pleaded for help. His business depends upon exporting his crop. He had worked with the normal forwarding and shipping companies to no avail. His words were: ``I will be out of business. I will lose my market. Help me.''

For months, I have heard similar words from the wine, almond, walnut, beef, and other industries. I know that my colleague, Congressman Johnson, has heard the same.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is the solution to this problem. And the House has already acted, passing our bill by a strong bipartisan vote of 364 yeas to 60 nays.

All but two members of the House Democratic Caucus voted for our bill, and I am looking for them now to vote on this in a positive way. Seventy percent of the Republican Conference also voted aye.

In short, this is among the most bipartisan bills considered in the House this Congress, and it has the potential to get signed into law.

Congressman Johnson and I are offering our Ocean Shipping Reform Act as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, the House counterpart to the U.S.-China competition bill passed by the Senate last summer.

The world has changed greatly since Congress last reformed the Federal law governing the global ocean shipping industry. In late 2001, the People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States, the so-called most-favored-nation status, following that country's admission to the WTO. The United States' trade imbalance with the People's Republic of China grew from approximately $83 billion in nominal dollars in 2001 to a trade imbalance of over $310 billion in 2020, increasing nearly every year.

Our bipartisan legislation in this amendment would better support American exporters by ensuring reciprocal trade to help reduce the United States' longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries.

There has also been considerable consolidation among the foreign- based ocean carriers, coinciding with the continued decline of the U.S.-flagged international fleet in favor of foreign flags of convenience. A handful of foreign-flagged ocean carriers now dominate the global ocean shipping industry. Many of these foreign-flagged carriers are effectively controlled by foreign governments: China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

In 2021, as Americans endured monumental port congestion and supply

chain problems, the largest foreign-flagged ocean carriers saw their profits more than triple over the previous year. Last year, the China Ocean Shipping Company, COSCO, reported annual profits nine times greater than the company's earnings in the previous year.

Madam Speaker, I am here today to say, once again, that foreign exporters' access to the American market and our consumers is a privilege. It is not a right.

American agricultural exporters and other businesses are willing to pay to ensure that their products reach the emerging market in the Asia-Pacific region. In turn, companies looking to off-load foreign- made products at West Coast ports must provide opportunities for American exports.

In 2019, America exported more than $21.7 billion in agricultural products. Our farmers, ranchers, and producers in the Central Valley of California and throughout the State have worked for decades to unlock foreign export markets. That hard-won access to those valuable foreign markets, particularly in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, is now threatened by the ocean carriers' anticompetitive and likely illegal business practices.

Congress must ensure reciprocity in trade with other countries to reduce the American trade imbalance, particularly with cheap imports from Asia. Even during the pandemic, trade must be mutually beneficial, and that is exactly what the Ocean Shipping Reform Act would ensure.

Dozens of agricultural exporters contacted my office, as I have already said, and the outright refusal of American exports is not conscionable.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation that would convey a small land parcel at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in northern California to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority for the Congressionally authorized Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project. I thank my colleague Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA01), the bill's original cosponsor, who represents the neighboring Congressional district.

The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority is responsible for providing 200-year flood protection for southern Yuba County in California, protecting homes, businesses, and military infrastructure at Beale AFB. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I secured authorization for the Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project in the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-270). The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority is the non-federal sponsor for this project, which will provide 200-year level of flood protection to the community surrounding Beale AFB.

Specifically, this project extends the Yuba River South Levee and crosses Beale AFB outside the fence line. Upon completing survey work for the proposed levee improvement project, the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority discovered that the U.S. Air Force owned a small parcel of approximately 0.3 acres outside the fence line and separated from the rest of Beale AFB by Smartville Road. In September 2020, I helped to secure a 25-year easement from the Air Force on behalf of the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority needed to construct, operate, and maintain the levee.

However, this legislation would convey ownership of the 0.3-acre parcel from the Air Force to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority, so that the non-federal sponsor can continue to ensure area flood control in perpetuity. This public interest land conveyance will ensure that the area, including Beale AFB, is better protected from future flooding.

As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I plan to legislate this land conveyance necessary for the long-term maintenance of the Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act, if necessary. This is but one example of how Congress can make our military installations more resilient to flooding and other extreme weather exacerbated by climate change by improving coordination between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' civil works projects and the service branches.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in remembrance of longtime Yuba Sutter native, David ``Speedy'' Gonzales, who left us on January 14, 2021. As a pillar in the community, he owned and helped operate the El Zarape Restaurant with his wife Ana for over 75 years.

Born in Los Angeles, David moved to Wheatland, California at 7 years old. In 1952, his parents moved into a studio apartment above a Mexican restaurant on Garden Highway in Yuba City known as the El Zarape Inn. Together as a family, he and his four siblings helped their parents start the El Zarape that has now become one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the region.

David loved and strived to support his growing community his entire life. He was a proud member of the Yuba City Rotary Club, Alliance for Hispanic Advancement, Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce, and various other community events. Throughout the years, David grew friendships with everyone he interacted with, whether it was his fellow Rotarians or all the friends that met at the Colusa Casino. David was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Eleanor Gonzales, Mary Cartago, Gloria Laswell, and Irene James. He is survived by his wife Ana and sons Robert and David (spouse Shannon), 6 grandchildren, and 1 great- grandchild.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Rani Yadav- Ranjan, the Head of Artificial Intelligence at Ericsson's Global AI Accelerator, and a member of the Ericsson CTO's Technology Leadership team.

Rani's contribution to technology and society shapes the way we live, enables how we work, and underscores the path forward for a more secure, inclusive future.

While coming from modest means, Rani has achieved considerable success as a successful entrepreneur and Executive Technology leader. Her work has pioneered industry leading solutions for Big Data Artificial Intelligence, E-commerce, and Blockchain technologies. People refer to her as a visionary and expert in data science, as evidenced in her 10+ patents in innovative new industries. Many companies make use of her patent for fully encrypted mobile payments and text communication.

At Ericsson, Rani has innovated solutions for Blockchain-based data monetization, and Cyberthreat detection for encrypted flow.

Rani's formidable talents have also been used to create stronger social fabrics between people at her places of work and in her community. These actions often create access to resources and opportunities which provide others a higher quality of life.

Her influence on Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Ericsson has created safe spaces for employees of all backgrounds to bring their complete selves to work, a precondition for the creativity and innovation that drives Ericsson's market offerings.

Rani is the founder of the University of California, Merced CITRIS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, which is now held at the University of California, Berkeley and has inspired the start-up ecosystems in both Merced and Berkeley. Rani is also the founder of the University of California, Berkeley CITRIS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge. She also serves as a Recurring Guest Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, and Merced, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Southwest Law School, where she most recently served.

Rani is a member of the Committee of 200, a powerful network of the most accomplished female C-suite executives in industry, who collectively employ more than 2.5 million people and are committed to developing women's leadership in business.

Rani is deeply committed to the Sikh community in San Jose and is widely regarded as a pillar of the community. As a long-time volunteer and board member, Rani has a strong personal commitment to making neighborhoods stronger. She has volunteered in the fight against hunger and other causes which impact diverse backgrounds. A truly concerned individual who is eager to see others improve and live well.

Rani has served on the boards of several for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including Navigator Technology, the Santa Clara County Women's Commission, the University of California, Merced Foundation Board, where she served as chair of the Nominating and Governance committee and as chair of the Audit committee, and the State of California Infrastructure and Goods Movement Board, where she served as chair of the Audit committee.

Rani is most proud of her children, Shaan, Alisha, and Krisha, as well as her grandson, Hugo Berglund, out of all her accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act,'' with Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA05) as the original cosponsor. Our legislation would expand the National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of federal land in Lake County, California; create new co-management opportunities with federally recognized tribes; and rename Walker Ridge to ``Molok Luyuk,'' meaning Condor Ridge in the Patwin language of Native Americans indigenous to the area. It is endorsed by the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the Tribal Council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

In the 114th Congress, I championed bicameral legislation (H.R. 761/ S. 393) to establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, with then-Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Thompson. Our legislation would have included the Walker Ridge tract in Lake and Colusa Counties, California, administered by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the National Monument's boundary.

In December 2014, Congressman Thompson and I hosted then-Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell at the Lake Berryessa reservoir, so she could view the landscape and hear from local community and tribal leaders about the need to permanently conserve this special place. Said Secretary Jewell at the time: ``This is a beautiful area with cultural history and great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing so it's no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation.'' In July 2015, President Obama issued Presidential Proclamation 9298, designating the federal land surrounding Lake Berryessa administered by the BLM and U.S. Forest Service as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

The ``Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act'' would expand the existing National Monument boundary to include the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge, which the legislation renames to Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk). This ridgeline is an extinct volcanic mountain range with an unusual ``serpentine'' soil composition supporting a trove of rare and beautiful plant species like the adobe lily (Fritillaria pluriflora) found only in this part of northern California. Other at-risk and protected animal species such as the bald eagle, golden eagle, and tule elk also make their home there.

Our legislation would not affect privately owned, state, tribal, or non-federal land. The federal land parcel proposed for inclusion within the National Monument does not include acreage of the BLM's Walker Ridge tract in Colusa County. Our legislation would also ensure that federally recognized tribes--whose ancestors called the National Monument home for millennia--have a meaningful role in the land stewardship of the National Monument. Finally, our legislation would direct the BLM and the Forest Service to complete the management plan for the National Monument, which has remained unfinished since 2015.

Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members of the California delegation to join us in cosponsoring this legislation to permanently conserve this special place in Lake County. We must protect this unique landscape for future generations to enjoy and honor the Native American peoples who walked this land well before our country was even founded.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Francis Kenneth Silva. A retired farmer, Fran had resided in Sutter County all his life. He was a Director and Board Member of Levee District 1 and a Director of the Feather River Water District. He served as an advisor and historian to local water and levee agencies. He served on the Sutter County Sheriff's Posse and was an avid fisherman.

Fran is survived by his wife Darlyne Elizabeth Silva of Yuba City; his daughters, Nancy Ellen Silva and Julie Anne Oliver, both of Sacramento; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Janice Faye Wildanger of Sacramento, and his son John Francis Silva of Forrest Hill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Mr. Sean Mullin, upon his completion of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. Mr. Mullin served as a Knauss fellow in my Washington, D.C., office during the 2021 calendar year.

As an integral member of my legislative staff, Mr. Mullin assisted my work on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, particularly my work on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management pertaining to natural disasters. Over this past year, he worked closely with my personal office staff in developing several pieces of legislation. He revamped my ``Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act'' from previous Congresses into bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6059) I reintroduced on November 19, 2021. He also developed the ``End Palm Oil Deforestation Act'' (H.R. 5863) from an outline into actual legislation and reworked the ``Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2021'' (H.R. 5692), of which I assumed sponsorship from former Congressman Ben McAdams (D-UT).

Mr. Mullin received his doctorate in geobiology from the California Institute of Technology in 2020, and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in microbial biology in 2011. While his fellowship with my office has ended, I am very pleased that Mr. Mullin's public service with California's Congressional delegation will continue as he joins the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

I have no doubt that Mr. Mullin's innate curiosity and aptitude for navigating complex policy problems to develop actionable solutions will serve him well in this new role. Mr. Mullin will remain a deeply valued member of Team Garamendi, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's third Congressional district, I extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Sean Mullin for his dedicated service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Commander Rebecca E. Wolf, U.S. Navy, upon her completion of the Department of Defense Legislative Fellowship program. Assigned to my office for the 2021 calendar year, Commander Wolf quickly became an integral part of my legislative staff.

Her expertise as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer informed my work as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness. Over this past year, Commander Wolf worked closely with both my personal office and Readiness Subcommittee staffs on the military's most pressing readiness challenges. In particular, she helped to secure passage of my ``Support Our Military Working Dogs Act'' in section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

She also helped to develop several legislative priorities that I will be pursuing in the forthcoming Coast Guard Authorization Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. As chair of the State Lands Commission while serving as California's lieutenant governor, I am grateful for the compromise she negotiated between the U.S. Coast Guard and our state regulator on the public availability of information regarding the performance of ballast water management systems. She will be deeply missed after an exceptional year of service, where she made a lasting impact.

Commander Wolf was commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in oceanography. She went on to earn a Master of Science in physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. Commander Wolf's operational assignments include service aboard the USS WASP (LHD 1), USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98), and USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91). She was also the executive officer and then commanding officer of USS GLADIATOR (MCM 11). Her shore and staff assignments include tours in Afghanistan, at the Surface Warfare Officer School, and at COMDESRON 23.

Her extensive naval background, work ethic, and problem-solving skills were critical to my work toward recapitalizing our military's organic industrial base and ensuring that our military is ready when needed. While Commander Wolf will be missed by Team Garamendi, the U.S. Navy is lucky to have her back in the ranks leading sailors. We wish her fair winds and following seas as the executive officer of the USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) and are excited for all her future successes.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's Third Congressional district and a grateful nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Commander Rebecca E. Wolf for her dedicated service.