Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 81, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 82, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 83, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 84, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 85.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 79 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 80.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month.

Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, with over 250,000 Sikhs calling California home. The Sikh community has given so much to California and, in particular, to my district in San Joaquin County. In fact, the Sikh community helped build Stockton and San Joaquin County into what they are today. The very first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton over 100 years ago.

Sikh farmers, truck drivers, doctors, and business leaders have contributed so much to making our community what it is today. My wife, Pam, and our daughter, Lillian, are proud of their Indian heritage.

The Sikh community has opened their arms to my family, sharing their traditions, warmth, and hospitality. I am eternally grateful.

As November comes to an end, I hope we can all take some time to celebrate our Sikh loved ones and recommit to our shared values of equality, justice, and religious freedom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Diwali and honor its message of light triumphing over darkness.

This Sunday, families in San Joaquin County and across the world will gather to celebrate the festival of lights with their families and friends.

Diwali holds a special place in the hearts of the South Asian community and serves as a beacon of hope, unity, and joy.

My wife grew up celebrating Diwali with her own family. From lighting diyas to decorating her doorstep with rangoli, it is a chance now to make sure that that tradition lives on with my own daughter and her Indian heritage celebrating the values that Diwali embodies.

I am so grateful to the South Asian community whose hard work, dedication, and vibrant culture are such an important part of San Joaquin County and across the United States.

Madam Speaker, I hope this year's Diwali is filled with joy, love, and plenty of good sweets.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today beyond frustrated by the crisis in veterans' healthcare in my community. Right now, we have just four physicians and only two mental health clinicians trying to provide care for over 27,000 veterans in San Joaquin County.

Veterans are waiting up to 90 days to even speak to a doctor or get something as simple as a prescription refilled. That is the longest wait time in the State of California and, frankly, it is a disgrace. One of our veterans recently had to have his leg amputated because he couldn't see a doctor to get his diabetes medication refilled. That is unacceptable.

I know our local VA staff are doing everything they can, but right now we need Secretary McDonough to step in and help. We need more doctors, and we need them now. I have petitions right here in my hand from veterans across our community begging for a response and an action plan from the Secretary and the VA. We need answers.

These brave men and women fought and sacrificed for our country, the last thing they need to do is fight for their healthcare right now. It is time to fix this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of concern for the ongoing shortage of primary care physicians at Stockton VA Clinic in my district.

There are nearly 30,000 veterans that live in San Joaquin County, but earlier this year the Stockton VA Clinic went from eight doctors to just four in the span of just a couple of months, a 50 percent reduction of full-time, in-person physicians. This is completely unacceptable. This is leading to a caseload of over 7,000 veterans for every doctor that we have.

My constituents have been telling me that they have to wait more than 90 days to get an appointment. Men and women who risk their lives for our freedom deserve better than months-long wait times to see a doctor.

As we consider the VA's budget this week, it is clear that we can do so much more to address the workforce shortages in my district and across the country at the VA. Our veterans deserve better.

Primary care is an essential part of every veteran's medical care, and it is on us to make sure that that care is never in jeopardy. I will continue to fight for the funding to fully staff our clinics until we get that done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the history-making career of Ellen Junn, the President of California State University Stanislaus, and to thank her for her endless contributions to student success. Upon her appointment in 2016, President Junn made history as the first Korean-American woman to be appointed President of a four-year public institution in the United States. President Junn is now retiring after tirelessly leading CSU Stanislaus for 7 years, following her 30 years of service across five other California State University campuses.

During her tenure, President Junn championed and invested in student success, ensuring students from all backgrounds could succeed on campus. She launched the President's Central Valley First-Generation Scholars Initiative, the first in the CSU system to support first- generation college students from a specific geographic area. President Junn also forged a path for students from local community colleges to successfully transfer into Stanislaus State by creating the Warriors on the Way program. The institution's academic success also thrived under President Junn's leadership: MONEY Magazine names Stanislaus State among California's Top 10 colleges.

President Junn's investment in students transcends her ro]e on campus. Throughout her career, President Junn has published peer- reviewed research and journal articles focusing on the needs of underserved students and the role of community engagement at universities. She leads several community organizations, including being the President of the Central Higher Education Consortium and the Board of Directors for the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley. President Junn is also a member of the Stanislaus Community Foundation's Cradle to Career Leadership Team, ITHAKA Higher Education Insights, California Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Association for Psychological Science.

I am honored to recognize President Ellen Junn's significant contributions to the California State University community, and I congratulate her on a long, successful career dedicated to the lives of students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and mourn the thousands of innocent Sikh lives that were stolen over the course of the Sikh Genocide. Thirty-nine years after the onset of the Indian government's military operation to decimate the holy city of Amritsar, the scars of genocide remain ever present in the Sikh community across the globe. Yet, even in the face of numerous tribulations and outright hate, the Sikh community continues to rise above and uphold their principles of humility, compassion, and generosity.

The Sikh Genocide began in June of 1984 with Operation Blue Star, a military operation targeting the Harmandir Sahib, also known as The Golden Temple Complex, lasting ten days. For days, innocent worshippers that were celebrating a Sikh religious holiday were trapped inside the gurdwara. Deprived of food and water, deprived of their right to worship, and deprived of their basic human rights. Thousands of innocent Sikh worshippers were murdered in Operation Blue Star. Today, the bullet holes scarring the Golden Temple Complex serve as a heart wrenching visual, forever reminding all who visit of the atrocities that occurred.

Tragically, Operation Blue Star wasn't the end of this genocide, but only the beginning. The horrendous military operation was immediately followed by a sharp uptick in human rights violations targeting innocent Sikhs across India. Over 40 other gurdwaras were attacked across the Punjab province. And the attacks on innocent Sikhs persisted for seven years.

We cannot forget the thousands of innocent people who were persecuted. We follow the lead of the Sikh community, who now commemorate these 10 days by holding special prayer services in honor of the innocent lives which were lost. I offer a moment of silence to honor the innocent people harmed over the course of the Sikh Genocide. May we never forget the atrocities that occurred.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don Riggio Elementary School's rededicating of the music and multipurpose room complex to the Chris Anderson Center for the Arts. Mr. Anderson devoted 34 years teaching the gift of music to generations of students in Stockton. Over the course of his life, Mr. Anderson exemplified what it means to be a dedicated teacher, musician, and to lead a life of service.

Described as the ``heart and soul'' of Don Riggio Elementary School's music program, Mr. Anderson changed the lives of the countless students who had the pleasure of walking into his classroom. His love and passion for music was evident in every lesson he taught. Mr. Anderson is quoted saying, ``most people would consider the sounds students first make on their instruments as cringeworthy. But to me, that is music to my ears, as it is the first time students give a voice to their instruments.''

But Mr. Anderson did more than teach students how to give a voice to their instruments. He taught students how to use their own voices and express themselves creatively. Furthermore, Mr. Anderson fostered an encouraging and collaborative community in his classroom, where students strengthened both their musical voice and their own voice. His compassionate, yet disciplined, style of teaching reached every student, making sure that every child left his classroom with an appreciation for music. Mr. Anderson's teaching ability was recognized far beyond his classroom--in fact, Mr. Anderson was a quarterfinalist for the 2017 Grammy Music Educator Award.

When he wasn't playing ``Lassus Trombone'' with his band students, Mr. Anderson and his trombone were a familiar sight across San Joaquin County. He directed the Valley Concert Band for a decade and was a guest conductor for the Stockton Concert Band when it performed at Carnegie Hall. He also played with several musical groups. including Tropical Nights, the Swingaires, the Lodi Community Band, and he often appeared in Stockton Civic Theatre's orchestra pit.

Mr. Anderson's influence reverberates across San Joaquin County and beyond. He is missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

I am honored to celebrate Mr. Christopher Anderson, his contributions to our community, and his gift of teaching music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Stockton East Water District. Over the past 75 years, the Stockton East Water District has played an integral role in supporting our region's agricultural industry and providing San Joaquin families with clean drinking water. On the 75th anniversary of the District's establishment, I'm honored to recognize its incredible level of commitment to our community.

The Stockton East Water District was formed in 1948 under the 1931 Water Conservation Act of the State of California. From 1948 to 1963, the District focused on water resource planning by evaluating groundwater conditions and determining requirements for supplemental water, but have since expanded their focus. In 1971, District boundaries were expanded to include the entire Stockton urban area. Stockton East Water District supplies not only surface water, but also develops sustainable groundwater for both urban and agriculture usage in San Joaquin County. The Central Valley's reputation of being the ``food basket of the world'' likely would not be without the Stockton East Water District's pivotal role in supporting our community's agricultural industry.

For decades, Stockton East Water District has also worked to protect and develop local habitats. The District partnered with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2001 to complete the Farmington Groundwater Recharge and Seasonal Habitat Study. The study was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers Water/Environmental Project of the Year in 2003 and the San Joaquin Council of Government Regional Excellence award in 2004 for the establishment of 60 acres of recharge ponds and fields adjacent to The Dr. Joe Waidhofer drinking water treatment plant.

As we've seen over the past year, flooding has become a major issue in our community. Yet, in the face of this challenge, the Stockton East Water District has continuously worked day and night with local agencies and constituencies to redirect flood flows from the Calaveras and Stanislaus Rivers. Their constant perseverance in the face of new challenges reiterates the fundamental role that Stockton East Water District fulfills in San Joaquin County.

I am honored to recognize the Stockton East Water District for their service and commitment to San Joaquin County's water supply and congratulate the District for a successful 75 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Davis Hibbard, a special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 48, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

John has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years, John has earned numerous merit badges and served in several leadership roles, including as Senior Patrol Leader of his Troop. Through his Eagle Project, John has made a significant contribution to the community in building a garden for the Marin City Senior Center.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the efforts of John's older brother, William Robert Hibbard, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 48, and earning in 2021, the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Wi]liam was very active with his troop. Over the many years that William has been involved, he has earned numerous merit badges, and served in several leadership roles, including as Senior Patrol Leader of his Troop. Through his Eagle Project, William made a significant contribution to his community in building seating and storage boxes for Westminster Presbyterian Church of Tiburon.

I am honored to recognize both John Davis Hibbard and William Robert Hibbard for their accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for their efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinctions of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because, frankly, I am angry.

This week, D.C. Republicans' hypocrisy is on full display. At the same time they push a bill they claim supports parents, they are slashing funding for critical programs that countless parents depend on.

My daughter Lillian just turned one, and as one of the few people in this Chamber who has changed a diaper recently, I am tired.

Republicans can't claim to be the party of parents when, in the same breath, they are gutting childcare and education funding. They can't claim to be the party of parents when they focus more on banning books than teaching kids to read.

Our kids really are struggling right now. It is time Congressional Republicans put aside their political tantrums and actually do something to help. Better yet, get out of the way and let us parents get it done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Filipino American History Month. Across the United States, Filipino Americans have played a crucial role in this country's success and have built a remarkable legacy that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

In our community especially, Filipino Americans have a rich and storied history. In the early 1900s, thousands of Filipinos immigrated to the United States, with many settling in and around Stockton, California. In fact, according to 1930s census data, over half of all Filipinos in the United States were in San Joaquin County. From this large population grew Little Manila, a Filipino neighborhood in Stockton that served as a home for the newly formed immigrant community. Little Manila was a safe harbor from discrimination and became a place for Filipino culture and families to thrive. While only a small portion of Little Manila remains, its impact can still be felt throughout Stockton all these years later.

Today, Filipino Americans have built on the legacy started by their parents and grandparents and continue to enrich our nation. In San Joaquin County, we have a strong and vibrant Filipino American community of nearly 30,000. They work in every industry, serve our community in numerous ways, and have brought immense value to the Central Valley. The history of Filipino Americans is preserved

and rightfully applauded thanks to the hard work of advocacy groups like the Filipino American National Historical Society, which chose Stockton as the location for the organization's museum.

In countless ways, the history of Filipino Americans embodies the ideals of the American Spirit: hard work, dedication, resiliency, and a firm belief that better days lie ahead. Filipino Americans are an integral part of our area and have played an irreplaceable role in the larger American story. I am incredibly proud to celebrate October as Filipino American History Month and eagerly anticipate the role that Filipino Americans will play in our community's future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of Victory Gardens in French Camp, California. Upon its opening, Victory Gardens will deliver housing and access to crucial resources for over forty homeless veterans in our community, thus providing a stable foundation that our local heroes deserve.

Veteran homelessness is an issue that impacts every corner of this country, and our community is not immune to this problem. No one who fought for our freedom should ever have to spend a night on the streets. Victory Gardens works towards solving this problem, as it has 48 units earmarked specifically for veterans struggling to find permanent housing. Victory Gardens will do more than provide housing, as the development is focused on helping our veterans with their mental and physical health as well. In line with this goal, the community will include a garden, common, computer room, and is located near San Joaquin General Hospital.

This life changing project has been made a reality thanks to the hard work, collaboration, and genuine care of so many in our community. Advocacy for this development came from the federal, state, and local levels in the form of letters, official applications, and lobbying. The funding comes from organizations and agencies like the State Veteran Housing and Homelessness Prevention fund, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and much more. Finally, DFA Development and the Housing Authority of San Joaquin County worked together and saw this project through to completion. Though the problem of veteran homelessness persists, Victory Gardens is a major step towards our collective goal of ensuring that each and every veteran has a secure place to live.

Our way of life is only made possible thanks to the immense sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. It is our obligation to be there when they need us, and that is exactly what Victory Gardens does. I am grateful for the work done by those in our community to make this project a reality, and immensely proud to honor the opening of Victory Gardens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Burchell Nursery. Located in Oakdale, California and perfectly nestled within our beautiful Central Valley, Burchell Nursery has been a pioneer in the industry and is now one of the leading fruit and nut tree nurseries in California.

Founded in 1942 by Irvin Burchell, Burchell Nursery has, from the start, lived out Irvin's vision: ``To grow trees of the highest quality, sell trees with the highest integrity, and represent them honestly.'' It is this core vision that has led Burchell Nursery to where it is today, as it has grown to more than 1,000 acres and has over 150,000 square feet of greenhouse space. Every year, this independent nursery provides more than three million fruit and nut trees to farmers across America. The nursery's influence can also be felt across the globe, as it collaborates with nurseries in Chile, Australia, South Africa, and Europe.

Like any fruitful endeavor, Burchell Nursery's success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of its staff and leadership. Today, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Tom Burchell leads the nursery, serving as president of the company. Continuing the family tradition, Tom has made sure that Burchell Nursery remains innovative and ready for what comes next. This can be seen through the nursery's development of nut trees designed to excel in our changing environment. Mr. Burchell has also been focused on the future through his community involvement, as Tom serves on advisory boards and is working to mentor the next generation through classroom, FFA, and 4-H programs.

Over the last 80 years, Burchell Nursery has done more than just withstand changes in the industry. Rather, under the leadership of the Burchell family, the nursery has seen every challenge as an opportunity for innovation and has consistently met the moment. I am incredibly proud to honor this remarkable achievement and wish the Burchell Nursery and Burchell family continued success.