Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Lisa Lacy as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Lisa is a dedicated member of the Antioch community who works tirelessly to protect and care for the local feral cat population of Antioch. Starting her days in the early hours of the morning, Lisa works to trap, transport, house, and medicate feral cats across Antioch. She has worked to prepare formerly feral cats for their new lives in loving homes through trap, neuter, and return efforts. Lisa has helped to create a more humane environment for our feline friends and those who enjoy their company.

To educate and empower her fellow Antioch community members, Lisa created the Scruffy to Fluffy information page. Community members can find adoptable cats, as well as information on how best to deal with those that are feral. Many community members have turned to her after receiving litters that are too large for them to manage, with Lisa helping to arrange adoptions and other methods of care. Her work has benefited both 4-legged and human members of Antioch's community, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Her willingness to give her time and energy to a cause that affects both animals and residents reflects the very best qualities of community service. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Lisa Lacy for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Champagne Brown as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Shaped by her upbringing in South Central Los Angeles and her Louisiana roots, she has dedicated her career to equity, civil rights, and uplifting marginalized and underserved communities in Solano County. In her professional work, she manages a demanding caseload, providing direct services to individuals facing extreme poverty and deep systemic barriers. Beyond her career, Champagne is a devoted labor leader within SEIU 1021, where she advocates for workers and supports the union's mission to build safe, healthy, and equitable communities across Northern California. She is also a respected leader in California politics, serving as the District Director for Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) in Contra Costa and Solano Counties, Regional Director for the CADEM Black Caucus, and co-chair of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County (DPCCC) Club Development Committee. As the founder of Black Girls Politickin, Champagne has helped build political power for historically underrepresented communities and has played a key strategic role in historic campaigns. Her extraordinary contributions have earned her top honors, including the California Black Women's Collective ``Trailblazer Hall of Fame Award for Labor,'' the BWOPA ``Ella Hill Hutch Award,'' and the DPCCC ``Volunteer of the Year.'' On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Champagne Brown for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Sue Duncan as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As a dedicated leader within her community, Sue has worked tirelessly to advance wildlife safety and preparedness in Contra Costa County. Through her work with Make El Cerrito Fire Safe, the El Cerrito Fire Safe Council, and the Firewise USA El Cerrito 1 community, Sue has helped transform wildfire preparedness from a seasonal public-safety message to a sustained neighborhood responsibility.

In 2018, Sue founded Make El Cerrito Fire Safe to organize her neighbors around the growing threat of wildfires. Since then, she has worked closely with city officials, public safety agencies, and community members to promote fire-fuel reduction, evacuation planning, and emergency preparedness. Her advocacy has helped El Cerrito secure more than $1.6 million in outside funding for critical fire-safety tools.

Sue's commitment demonstrates the meaningful impact that dedicated community leadership and engagement can have on public safety. She has helped establish a strong sense of trust between residents and their public-safety agencies through thoughtful dialogue and by translating fire-prevention guidance into actions residents can understand and implement. Her devotion to protecting the safety of her community does not go unnoticed. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Sue Duncan for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Chris Mathias as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Chris, who founded the Indivisible group in El Sobrante, has been an incredible leader and advocate within her community.

Through her tireless efforts, she has built a vibrant and engaged community in West County, bringing people together around a shared commitment to civic participation and strengthening democracy. Through organizing community events, demonstrations, and meetings, she has guided the community with her leadership, passion, and commitment. Her desire to better our Nation and support the well-being of all communities serves as a steadfast example for those who follow.

She has also continually supported marginalized populations, advocating for their voices while working closely with national, state, and local Indivisible groups. She has fostered collaboration and created meaningful connections among organizations and community members.

Her dedication to the strengthening of the Contra Costa community has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many residents. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Chris Mathias for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Kaitlin Clink as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. As a community leader, Kaitlin has distinguished herself by bridging high-level international human coordination with direct, grassroots public service. For the past ten years, Kaitlin has served as a Board Member and Managing Director of Edfu Foundation Inc., where she has coordinated civil society participation across all five sessions of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, helping advance global policy dialogue. Since 2018, she has also helped organize events through the UN Commission on the Status of Women, advancing maternal health, nutrition security, and technological equity for women and girls. Kaitlin's commitment to service extends far beyond her international work. As Executive Director of the Bay Area Street Pantry, she has spent nearly a decade leading weekly food distributions at Melrose Library, providing fresh, nutritious groceries to hundreds of families each week. She has also led youth food distributions at Fremont High School and mobilized emergency food assistance for Coast Guard families and federal workers during government shutdowns. Kaitlin also overcame significant medical challenges throughout her youth, rather than allowing these experiences to define her limitations, she turned them into an unwavering commitment to serving and advocating for others facing vulnerability and hardship. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Kaitlin Clink for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Christine Dean as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Christine has dedicated decades to serving the Martinez community through civic, historical, public-safety, and remembrance efforts. A longtime member of the Martinez Historical Society Board, Christine has successfully chaired its popular Home Tour, coordinating homeowners, sponsors, and volunteers. She has also supported Martinez's national Night Out for many years, helping strengthen police-community relationships and neighborhood connections.

Christine's most remarkable achievement is her decades-long stewardship of the Yuba City Bus Tragedy Remembrance Ceremony, a profound event honoring the 28 children and their teacher who passed away in 1976. She has organized remembrance ceremonies for nearly 50 years, ensuring that families, first responders, survivors, and community members have a place to gather and reflect. Christine's lifelong commitment to Martinez reflects exceptional compassion, leadership, and dedication to preserving history, strengthening community, and honoring those who have shaped it. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Christine Dean for her positive contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Laura Jacques as she is honored as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Laura is a dedicated member of the Antioch Historical Society and the Woman's Club of Antioch. In her role with the Historical Society, Laura has played a central role in organizing and running several community events, including the city's 150th anniversary and the relocation of the Red Caboose. For every event, Laura goes above and beyond, including helping produce a commemorative coin, a book documenting Antioch's history, and a celebratory barbecue. As a part of Antioch's Women's Club, Laura has worked tirelessly to transform her local community. She has dedicated her efforts to enhancing the Women's Club's outdoor space, while also spearheading the early stages of a new mural on the building that will celebrate local history and art. In addition to directly supervising the construction of the space, Laura was instrumental in the project's fundraising. Across all her roles, Laura consistently drives positive changes in her community through her leadership, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to excellence. Her efforts have benefited Antioch community members of all ages, and her dedication to supporting the community is truly commendable and does not go unnoticed. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Laura Jacques for her positive contributions to our community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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