Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Gene Fisher, whose exceptional leadership and tireless advocacy as Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Regional Defense Partnership have strengthened Ventura County's defense community, bolstered our regional economy, and ensured that our military installations remain resilient and mission-ready. Under Gene's leadership, the Regional Defense Partnership has served as Ventura County's community-based organization supporting our military installations and commands as essential assets to our national security and key contributors to our local economy.

During periods of uncertainty and significant challenges, including threats of base realignment, downsizing, and evolving defense priorities, Gene was a steady and trusted leader who helped ensure that Naval Base Ventura County continued to thrive as the county's largest employer, generating an estimated $4.6 billion annually and supporting more than 24,000 military, civilian, and contractor jobs.

Throughout his tenure, Gene represented the interests of Naval Base Ventura County with distinction, communicating its needs and priorities to local government leaders, educational institutions, and business partners, while building enduring partnerships among military commands, public agencies, and the private sector. His deep commitment to both the base and our community is evident in his work to ensure that Ventura County's infrastructure, workforce, and expertise continue to meet the evolving demands of 21st century national defense.

Among his many accomplishments, Gene led the Regional Defense Partnership's efforts to expand Naval Base Ventura County from approximately 70 to 110 commands, helped secure funding and legislative support to enhance critical capabilities such as the Center for Maritime Directed Energy Testing, and worked to ensure that Ventura County remains at the forefront of advanced defense innovation and collaboration.

Of particular importance to me is Gene's genuine passion for fostering cooperation and partnership. In addition to his many other community-focused initiatives, he convened monthly joint military-- community meetings, creating an essential forum for dialogue, coordination, and mutual support among base leadership, local stakeholders, and elected officials.

As he steps down from this role, I am proud to join our community in recognizing Gene's 27 years of dedicated public service and his extraordinary contributions to preserving the defense, economic, and technological vitality of the County of Ventura.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I recognize Gene Fisher for his steadfast leadership and for the lasting impact he has had on our community.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and ranking member for bringing my bill forward today.

I rise in support of the bill titled: Establishment of Qualifications for the Appointment of a Person as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Qualified to Provide Clinical Supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration, legislation I have authored, because of the very real stories I have heard from veterans, from their families, and from therapists, not only in my district but across our great country.

Ventura County has a long and proud military history. We are home to Naval Base Ventura County, and more than 40,000 veterans call our community home.

Every day, I see the strength, the resilience, and sacrifice of these families. I also see the challenges they face when their service ends and their transition back to civilian life begins. That transition is not only difficult for many servicemembers. It affects their spouses. It affects their children, and it affects entire families.

Many of these families, rightly so, turn to therapy and counseling for support as they navigate major life changes, trauma, and the stress that can follow after years of service.

Licensed marriage and family therapists are often the professionals helping these veterans and their families. They help couples work through their challenges. They help parents and children communicate. They help veterans develop healthy coping mechanisms and rebuild stability at home.

However, the VA's current promotion rules are discouraging many of these highly trained and qualified therapists from working at VA facilities throughout the country. While VA hires marriage and family therapists who are accredited through different organizations, under current VA regulations, only therapists who graduated from the one specific accreditation pathway are eligible to be promoted into supervisory roles at VA. This is despite the fact that, nationwide, nearly 30 percent of licensed marriage and family therapists did not graduate from that specific accreditation program. In States like New York, Florida, and Ohio, that number is closer to 40 percent. In my home State of California, 95 percent of licensed marriage and family therapists hold licenses from other programs.

Let's be clear: All of these marriage and family therapists are fully licensed in their States where they practice and are fully qualified professionals. Their accreditations are also already recognized by private insurance, TRICARE, and some State Medicaid programs.

However, inside the VA system, they hit a career ceiling, which they cannot fix because this credential cannot be obtained retroactively. What happens? They leave, or they never come to the VA in the first place, and veterans and their families lose access to care or lose the therapists that they have trusted.

I have heard directly from therapists who want to serve veterans but feel pushed away by this outdated rule. I have heard from so many veterans who want to keep their therapist who has helped them and their family through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

This bill is about fixing that. It is about recognizing that these therapists are qualified, capable, and already doing life-changing work for veterans and their families. It is about removing an unnecessary bureaucratic barrier that is shrinking the pool of providers and supervisors at a time when demand for mental health services has never been greater.

More importantly, this bill is about upholding our promise to care for veterans after their service, not just with words, but with access to support their families' needs to stay strong and healthy.

This legislation passed the Veterans' Affairs Committee with strong, bipartisan support.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill today and support our Nation's veterans and their families who depend on this care.

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank him for the very kind words. I appreciate it very much. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their support of this bill, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act, and for their work to bring it to the floor today.

Every day, far too many veterans across this country are waiting for a VA benefit decision, but not only for the benefits they are due, but for the stability, the security, and the relief that comes with these benefits.

Too often, that wait stretches from months and sometimes into years. During that time, veterans are left in limbo, unable to work, struggling to support their families, and forced to navigate a system that moves far too slowly for the urgency of their lives.

Across our district offices, our caseworkers hear directly from veterans who are desperate for answers about their claims and appeals. In many cases, a timely VA decision could change a veteran's life. Yet, even after waiting for an initial decision, they may need to appeal their case to the Board of Veterans' Appeals where they face more months and often years of additional delay.

Veterans deserve a system that works with the same urgency and seriousness with which they served our Nation. In recent years, despite hiring new veteran law judges, the board has often lacked the experienced personnel needed to move cases efficiently and accurately. This is in part due to the fact that in February 2020 the longstanding experience requirement for the veteran law judges was eliminated, opening the door to hiring judges without a background in veterans law.

While we respect the commitment of those entering this workforce, the reality is that lengthy training periods slow decisions, increase errors, and leave veterans waiting even longer for answers.

The Veterans Law Judge Experience Act takes a practical, commonsense, and targeted step to address this challenge to encourage the Board of Veterans' Appeals to prioritize hiring judges with at least 3 years of veterans' law experience. That means more cases decided, fewer delays, and stronger retention of professionals who already understand this complex and deeply consequential area of the law.

Hiring experienced veteran law judges will help speed the appeals process, improve the accuracy of decisions, and reduce unnecessary appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 200,000 pending appeals before the board today--200,000 pending appeals before the board today.

Further, a GAO audit spanning 2019 to 2022, showed the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran Claims either partially or fully remanded more than 80 percent of veteran cases back to the board, resting the clock and compounding delays.

Madam Speaker, our obligation to veterans does not end when they no longer serve in uniform. It continues in how we care for them, how we honor their service, and how seriously we take the responsibility to deliver the benefits they have earned. That is what guides my work on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and why I am proud to see this bipartisan bill move forward.

By strengthening the expertise of the Board of Veterans' Appeals, we can reduce the backlog, restore trust in the system, and ensure veterans receive the timely and fair decisions they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill which passed the House Veterans' Affairs Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Coalition for Family Harmony as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of unwavering service, compassion, and commitment to protecting survivors, rebuilding lives, and strengthening families across Ventura County.

For half a century, the Coalition for Family Harmony has stood as a lifeline for those in crisis and a guiding light for survivors seeking safety, strength, and healing. Since 1976, the Coalition has provided life-saving and life-changing support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Based in Ventura County and operating the county's only rape crisis center, the Coalition helps survivors rebuild their lives and create healthier, safer futures. Through its tireless work, the Coalition not only restores hope and independence but also helps end the patterns of abuse that have long harmed families and communities.

What began as a small grassroots effort to provide safety and shelter has grown into a steadfast source of care, understanding, and healing for our community. Over the course of five decades, the Coalition has gone far beyond providing shelter and counseling. It has offered a path forward. Out of the bleakest of moments, the Coalition has provided survivors light, and in their most difficult hours, it has been there with the support that many never knew was possible. Through its 24-hour bilingual crisis hotline, community education, prevention programs, and trauma-informed services, the Coalition has made it possible for survivors and their loved ones to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience.

This extraordinary work would not be possible without the dedicated staff, volunteers, and advocates who carry out a mission that truly changes lives. Their compassion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to justice have touched countless individuals and strengthened our entire community. As the Coalition celebrates this remarkable milestone during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are reminded that its mission to build stronger, safer, and more resilient families has never been more vital.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep admiration and heartfelt gratitude that I recognize the Coalition for Family Harmony for fifty years of extraordinary service. I thank every staff member, volunteer, and supporter who has carried this mission forward for being a beacon of hope and healing in Ventura County and beyond.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 20, which would place a blanket statutory ban on any DOD research, development, procurement, or promotion when it comes to cultivated cell-based meat.

Let's be clear. This isn't about whether the Pentagon is going to serve cultivated meat tomorrow. It is about whether we let our military continue doing what it has always done best, and that is preparing for the future.

Readiness has always been America's edge. Our military leads the world because we don't close doors. We open them. We evaluate every tool, every technology, and every option that might keep our servicemembers better supplied and better prepared for future missions. This amendment does just the opposite. It ties our hands. It says: Don't even consider it.

Meanwhile, China has already made cultivated meat a national priority in its 5-year plan. They are scaling up production, while countries like Singapore, Israel, Australia, and the U.K. are moving forward, as well.

If cultivated meat helps deliver cheaper, scaleable protein solutions worldwide, do we really want China setting the standards, dominating the intellectual property, and reaping the jobs this burgeoning industry creates?

Mr. Chair, I have spoken directly with senior DOD officials who have shared with me the potential benefits cultivated meat could bring to readiness. This includes from operating in harsh bases to sustaining missions where supply lines are contested or disrupted.

Keeping the option open for DOD research and evaluation ensures we remain competitive and ensures U.S. leadership in the broader protein biotech space that underpins global supply chains.

Voting ``no'' on this amendment preserves the military's discretion-- let me say that again--preserves the military's discretion to explore technology that could strengthen readiness, create U.S. jobs, and help maintain our competitive edge.

This ban doesn't save money, and it doesn't improve readiness. All it does is close off technology others are racing to develop while handing China a free lane in a strategic biotech domain.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment to ensure DOD can test, validate, or reject technology on the merits, not because of shortsighted, anti-science ideology.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I would just say that, yes, I want to be competitive with China's military and their readiness first and foremost.

Second, our DOD officials are talking about the future. They are not talking about today. They are talking about preparedness for the future.

Mr. Chair, if you want a ribeye steak, cultivated meats can create that, and I assure you it will be delicious. They will love it, and they will not know the difference. Our military will not know the difference.

Mr. Chair, if we take this even out of the military, this is about investing in a new industry in our country that both Democrats and Republicans support because it is an opportunity for us to move and lead this, as opposed to China, Singapore, Israel, or Australia, which are already leading in this.

We want to be competitive in the global marketplace. We want our military to be ready.

This is about the future. This is about research. This is about science saying it is either good or bad, but to move forward with the research so that we know what our options are for the future for our military, which might be deployed to an offshore island somewhere, where there is no access to food whatsoever except for what they can develop.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Channel Islands Harbor, which is celebrating 60 years of rich history, vibrant community, and natural beauty.

This beautiful gem in my district is Ventura County's first-ever recreational harbor, nestled between the cities of Port Hueneme and Ventura. Since its grand opening to the public on Memorial Day in 1965, the Channel Islands Harbor has helped transform our region into an economic engine for both the state and the nation.

Our ports and harbors are vital for driving economic growth, spurring job creation, uplifting small businesses, fostering community engagement, generating tourism, protecting coastal ecosystems, and so much more.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked closely with local leaders and community stakeholders to ensure the harbor remains fully operational and accessible. I am proud to have secured millions in federal funding to meet the harbor's dredging needs, combat coastal erosion, and keep the harbor accessible to the commercial fishing industry, supply chain businesses, and the general public.

Thanks to our shared commitment to the dredging and maintenance of Channel Islands Harbor, nearly 1,500 harbor vessels. including the Channel Islands National Park ferries, commercial fishing vessels, and private boaters have safe and unrestricted access between the open ocean, Ventura Harbor, and the Ventura Keys.

For over 60 years, the Channel Islands Harbor has given us breathtaking access to our scenic ocean and stunning natural landscapes, welcomed tourists to experience the quintessential California dream with us, and captured the splendor of California's 26th Congressional District to its fullest--all while strengthening our local economy. Today, the Channel Islands Harbor continues to play an invaluable role in making Ventura County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

I am proud to mark the 60th anniversary of the Channel Islands Harbor, and I join our community in honoring this iconic local landmark.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 77.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect and admiration to honor Richard F. Camacho for his exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County. For nearly four decades, Richard has selflessly served his fellow veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are not only recognized but deeply honored. His unwavering commitment to this mission has left an indelible mark on our community, and it has been a true privilege for me to work alongside Richard over the years, witnessing his dedication, passion, and respect for his fellow veterans.

Richard's journey of service began in 1966 when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. A proud son of Santa Monica, Richard answered the call to duty, joining the Second Recon Battalion at Camp Lejeune after completing training with Honor Platoon 136 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. In 1967, he deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, where he displayed extraordinary courage in combat. During Operation Chamberland that August, Richard was wounded by a grenade explosion. For his heroism and sacrifice, he was awarded numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart.

After his honorable discharge in 1968, Richard returned home and began to focus on serving his fellow brothers and sisters in uniform. In 1968, he co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, an organization dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and recognition for local veterans. Over the years, Richard has served in virtually every leadership capacity within the organization, including as President, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that all veterans receive the care, respect, and recognition they deserve.

Under Richard's leadership, the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County has achieved remarkable milestones, including bringing The Moving Wall--a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.--to Ventura County eight times, allowing thousands of community members to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served. Additionally, Richard was instrumental in the dedication of the Ventura County Veterans Memorial Highway, ensuring that the contributions of our veterans will never be forgotten.

Richard has also been a steadfast advocate for veterans in need of assistance, working to help them navigate the complex process of securing benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Ventura County Veterans Services Office. His compassion and commitment have directly improved the lives of countless veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the care and services they have earned.

As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have had the honor of working with Richard and collaborating with him to improve healthcare access for our veterans. Richard was an invaluable partner in the establishment of the Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner VA Outpatient Clinic, which opened in 2022. His dedication to this project helped expand access to healthcare for our region's veterans, ensuring they receive the timely and high-quality care they deserve.

In addition to his work on behalf of veterans, Richard has been deeply committed to educating future generations about the Vietnam War and its lasting effects. He has brought veterans into local classrooms, of sharing their stories with students, and has sponsored annual college scholarships for Ventura County high school students, helping to pave the way for their future success.

Personally, I have the deepest respect for Richard--not only for his service to our country but for the kind of person he is. His integrity, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to our veterans, our community, and our country make him a remarkable leader. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and see firsthand the lasting impact of his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, today, I join a grateful community in recognizing Richard F. Camacho for his exceptional leadership, tireless advocacy, and lifetime of service to the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County. He is a hero, a mentor, and a true friend to all of us, and his ongoing legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, Elon Musk, an unelected, unvetted billionaire who has seized control of our government, addressed the Nation from the Oval Office.

Instead of tackling issues like rising costs, the Musk-Trump administration is consumed by an agenda to dismantle our democracy and deliver nothing but chaos.

It has provided no relief at the gas pump or at the grocery store. Worse, today, reports show a 3 percent inflation rate, the highest since June 2024, due to Musk-Trump tariffs.

While the Musk-Trump administration is on track to rack up over 100 lawsuits in its first 100 days, a direct result of its illegal, unconstitutional actions, it has failed to take any steps to help everyday Americans with everyday challenges.

House Democrats are working to protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, nutrition assistance programs, Head Start, the Department of Education, and much more. I urge this administration and House Republicans to

work with us on real solutions that prioritize the interests of working families over the interests of billionaires.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disgust over the Trump administration's reckless actions to dismantle DEIA programs across the Federal Government, particularly within the Veterans Administration. These programs have been crucial in ensuring that veterans of all walks of life receive the gender specific and culturally competent care they deserve.

Over 9 million veterans rely on the VA for their care, and the President's directive to end all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives jeopardizes the health and well-being of our veterans.

Healthcare providers know that understanding the unique needs of veterans from diverse backgrounds is key to improving their health outcomes. This assault on DEIA programs puts those outcomes at risk and widens healthcare disparities.

These actions are disgraceful and dangerous. I call on the President not to put veterans' lives at risk in order to further extremist ideology and an extremist agenda.

Mr. Speaker, during the week of September 9th to September 12th, I was unable to travel to Washington, D.C. due to an illness. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call No. 401--YEA; Roll Call No. 402--YEA; Roll Call No. 403--NAY; Roll Call No. 404--NAY; Roll Call No. 405--YEA; Roll Call No. 406--YEA; Roll Call No. 407--YEA; Roll Call No. 408--NAY; Roll Call No. 409--YEA; Roll Call No. 410--YEA; Roll Call No. 411--NAY; Roll Call No. 412--YEA; Roll Call No. 413--NAY; Roll Call No. 414--YEA; Roll Call No. 415--NAY; Roll Call No. 416--YEA; and Roll Call No. 417--NAY.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize John Zaragoza, the esteemed Mayor of the City of Oxnard, for his outstanding and unwavering commitment to public service, which has positively impacted the lives and livelihoods of all who call this vibrant community home.

Throughout his remarkable career, John has been a dedicated public servant and his work on an array of projects and initiatives have shaped the city for future generations. For almost three decades, he has faithfully served our community, proving himself to be a tireless advocate for the people of Oxnard. From his time on the Oxnard City Council from 1996 to 2008, to his tenure on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors from 2008 to 2020, and as Mayor of Oxnard since 2020, John has worked relentlessly to address the city's most pressing needs.

During his time in office, John has led efforts to improve public infrastructure, expand community services, and enhance the quality of life for residents. He has played an instrumental role in addressing the region's evolving transit and infrastructure needs. From street restorations to park maintenance to pipeline replacements to sidewalk repairs, John has delivered critical investments that have helped maintain and fortify the city's timeless character, all while ensuring that its residents have safe and equitable access to the resources they need to survive and thrive.

John has also been a steadfast champion for children and families. As Supervisor, he established the Nyeland Acres Center, an invaluable community resource providing after-school and family services. In recognition of his advocacy for the Nyeland Acres community, the County Board of Supervisors dedicated the John C. Zaragoza Community Park in his honor.

John's commitment to improving the quality of life for Oxnard's residents has been evident in his hands-on approach to engaging with constituents and driving community projects that directly respond to their needs.

A long-time resident of Oxnard, John has a deep and personal connection to the city and its people. His life story is a testament to his dedication to service and to the betterment of the community. He has consistently led with integrity, humility, and a fierce commitment to making Oxnard a better place for all.

I must also acknowledge the unwavering support of his wife, Mary Ellen Zaragoza, who has been a steadfast partner in John's public service journey. Mary Ellen's dedication and commitment to their shared vision for the city have been instrumental in his success. Her support, both in public and behind the scenes, has been a pillar of strength throughout the years, and together, they have made an indelible impact throughout the city.

As John steps down from his role as Mayor, I am proud to join our community in acknowledging his immeasurable contributions to our region and expressing our gratitude for his outstanding public service. It has been my sincere privilege to work alongside John throughout my career in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I recognize Mayor John Zaragoza for his invaluable service to the City of Oxnard, and I join the people of Oxnard in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Bryan MacDonald, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Oxnard, a notable public servant whose unwavering dedication has left an indelible mark on our community.

Bryan's service to Oxnard began in 2008 when he was first elected to the City Council, and his leadership and commitment to public service have been steadfast throughout his tenure. He was re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to the city's growth and prosperity. In 2020, Bryan was appointed Mayor Pro Tem, a role that has allowed him to further influence the city's progress and address the needs of its residents. Prior to his time in local government, Bryan served for 30 years in the Oxnard Police Department, retiring as Assistant Chief of Police. His leadership in law enforcement has been a pillar of the city's public safety efforts and continues to serve as a lasting testament to his dedication and commitment to our community.

Beyond his roles in law enforcement and city governance, Bryan continues to share his wealth of knowledge as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice at Ventura College. His influence extends well beyond the classroom, as he has taken on leadership positions with organizations that impact the entire community. Bryan has served as the Chairperson for the American Cancer Society Gold Coast Community Council, Board President of the Elite Theatre Company, and is an active member of the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board for the County of Ventura Behavioral Health Department. He is also deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus, Council 750, and has contributed countless hours to making Oxnard a better place for all.

A long-time resident of Oxnard, Bryan and his wife Lorraine have called this community home since 1985. Together, they have been a constant presence in our city, investing in its people, its future, and its wellbeing.

As Bryan steps down from his role on the City Council, I join our community in expressing our appreciation for his immense contributions to public safety, education, and the overall commitment to building a better and stronger Oxnard. From his distinguished career in law enforcement to his leadership in governance and his community involvement, Bryan MacDonald has served our community well.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great esteem and respect that I recognize Bryan MacDonald for his invaluable service to the City of Oxnard. I thank him for his many years of leadership and commitment, and I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life's journey.

Mr. Speaker, I was not able to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 477 and YEA on Roll Call No. 478.

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