Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Bill Rosendahl, a tireless advocate for the City of Los Angeles and a deserving recipient of the Valley Democrats United Badge of Courage Award.

From 2005 until 2013, Bill was a public servant in the City of Los Angeles and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the priorities of the city and its people.

Bill has always been a champion of the issues that matter most in his community. Serving the areas of Pacific Palisades, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice, Mar Vista, Brentwood, Del Rey, West Los Angeles and Westchester, he has been instrumental in providing affordable housing, supporting neighborhood empowerment initiatives, finding innovative solutions to remedy the city's traffic problems, and was always a champion of government transparency.

During his term as District 11 Councilmember, Bill always ensured that he pushed for projects and investments that truly helped the communities he served. In Del Rey, he helped to restore the USPS mail delivery service to Mar Vista Gardens and worked with Caltrans to address residents' concerns with highway widening plans. In West Los Angeles, Bill's commitment to keep kids out of gangs resulted in the establishment of a youth intervention program at Stoner Recreation Center. Bill also supported a community-friendly modernization of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

As a veteran himself, Bill has advocated for and championed numerous projects that serve veterans in the region. Most notably, he supported the construction of the Fisher House in Brentwood to serve families of wounded veterans. Bill also took on the challenge of providing sustainable housing and resources for the thousands of homeless veterans.

During the course of his career, Bill has helped his constituency with the installation of countless stop signs and traffic signals and the repavement of dozens of roads and streets. Additionally, he oversaw the completion of several large city projects and secured

funding to help the city and residents of Los Angeles.

His career and life have always been centered on the ideals of positive change for Los Angeles. As the first openly gay man elected to the Los Angeles City Council, he serves as an inspiration to others and has set an important precedent for other gay leaders to run for office.

I have personally known Bill for many years and I can say that he is an individual who exemplifies compassion, optimism and dedication to public service. His leadership and charisma have created a needed forum for public dialogue and community exchange for which Angelinos will be forever grateful.

Valley Democrats United is honoring Bill for his ``conviction, courage, and integrity'' as an advocate for the homeless, tenants, LGBT rights, and innovative transit solutions. He is also being recognized for his public service and for empowering people through the media. I am pleased to join with the Valley Democrats United in honoring, my friend, Bill Rosendahl.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Jay Kapitz, who will be honored by the Los Angeles Democratic Party as a 2013 Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Democrat of the Year.

Jay is a community activist who possesses a vested interest in the social, economic and political well-being of Ventura County. He has always gone above the call of duty to explain the political nuances that will impact our community.

His insight and knowledge about the political process are invaluable. As a community volunteer, member of the Ventura County Democratic Party Communications Committee, and Election Strategy Chair of the Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley, Jay is a committed advocate of progressive issues and has long supported the priorities of the Democratic Party.

Jay has always taken his passion, charisma, and expertise in political organizing into the community. As a champion for environmental sustainability, he was involved in raising awareness over the Santa Susana Field Laboratory superfund site clean-up and Ventura County's Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR) initiative in the Conejo Valley. He is dedicated to the protection of open space and stands against further development of the hillsides around Oak Park, the Conejo Valley and all of Ventura County.

For being an exemplary grassroots activist who is consistently on the frontline for Democratic candidates and important statewide propositions, I extend my sincere congratulations and join the Los Angeles Democratic Party in honoring Jay Kapitz.

Mr. Speaker, Today, I rise to recognize Lori DeMersseman, who will be honored by the Los Angeles Democratic Party as a 2013 Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt Democrat of the Year.

Lori is a political leader whose tireless efforts can be seen in her important contribution to our community. As a founder and the current President of the Democratic Singles of Ventura County, Lori created an organization for like-minded individuals who are passionate about the economic, social and environmental issues facing our nation. The DSVC is a welcoming club for individuals to volunteer and socialize with other Democrats while participating in the political process.

Lori has always been engaged in improving our community. She is a committed advocate for equality and has long supported the priorities of the Democratic Party.

For being an exemplary grassroots activist who is consistently helping Democratic candidates and important statewide propositions, I extend my sincere congratulations and join the Los Angeles Democratic Party in honoring Lori DeMersseman.

Mr. Speaker, our country is asking and I am asking unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, to open our government and go to conference on a budget so that we will end this Republican government shutdown now and get our government back to work for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Lisa Maki, who will be honored with the 2013 Inspiration and Impact Award presented by Imagine LA.

Imagine LA's unique program pairs individuals exiting out of homelessness with mentors to provide critical support as these people enter the next chapter of their lives. As a board member with a personal experience overcoming homelessness, Lisa has taken a leadership role to ensure Imagine LA achieves its mission--to empower families to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Immediately after being admitted to the California State Bar in 1992, Lisa opened her own legal practice dedicated to protecting consumers and enforcing our State's civil rights law. Lisa currently serves as the President of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) because of her unceasing advocacy to protect our citizens' rights.

For her tireless work, Lisa has received countless awards and titles that highlight her expertise and character and further emphasize her prominent standing among top attorneys across the State. Her accolades include the 2006 Orange County Trial Lawyers' Association's Employment Lawyer of the Year, the Consumer Attorneys of California's first ever ``Street Fighter'' Award and nominee as Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles for four consecutive years.

I am delighted to congratulate my friend Lisa, on this most recent accomplishment as the recipient of the 2013 Inspiration and Impact Award. I am confident that she will continue to be an active and effective leader in the discourse of civil rights and a champion in the struggle to combat homelessness in California.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed.

Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to H.R. 3273. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended.

My amendment is a simple, straightforward improvement that I believe both sides can agree is absolutely necessary, and it is also supported by the majority of the American people. If my amendment passes, it will end this reckless and irresponsible government shutdown.

The majority claims that the bill before us right now will force the House and Senate to negotiate; but as written, this bill will do nothing of the sort. It will simply prolong the government shutdown. It will prolong the pain being done to our veterans, to the National Guard and Reserves, and to women, infants, and children; and, most importantly, this bill will prolong the pain being inflicted on our economy.

Let's be clear, this bill is a bill to nowhere. In my view, there is no one in this room right now who thinks this bill will reopen the government.

Since April, the Senate has tried 19 times to request a conference with the House; but each time, the request was blocked by Senate Republicans.

After months of stalling and preventing a budget conference, I am amazed that my friends on the other side of the aisle want us to believe that they are ready to negotiate a budget. We have had months to produce a budget that the House and Senate could agree on.

If my colleagues truly want to negotiate a budget that will move our country forward, they must vote ``yes'' on my amendment.

Once we have reopened the government, we can then sit down and work out a budget for the long term. We can do this in a bipartisan manner, without our economy sinking, without our constituents being hurt, and we can do it in a manner that is becoming to this House.

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Congress must get its fiscal house in order, and I believe both sides must come together to find solutions that better reflect the values of the American people; but instead of ending the shutdown, we continue to consider bills that play games.

We cannot open the entire Federal Government one bill at a time. If we continue down this path, the government will remain closed for the next 3 months.

How much damage would that do to the economy?

How many veterans would go without their benefits?

How many kids would lose Head Start funding?

How many families would go without nutritional assistance?

We cannot continue to play these games for 3 more months. The American people and the residents of my great county, Ventura County, deserve better.

We can end this insanity right now. Reopen the government. Spare the American people the effects of this shutdown, and then come together to resolve our differences.

To put bills on the floor that pretend to take care of our Nation's critical needs, when they do not, is shameful.

I came to Congress to move our country forward, to help the families, the veterans, the small and large employers in Ventura County, to create jobs, and to invest in our future. We need to end this shutdown today.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit.

Point of Order

Mr. Speaker, I request to be heard on the point of order.

Mr. Speaker, doesn't the bill before us set up a commission to examine deficit reduction?

My motion to recommit would open up the entire Federal Government so that our taxpayers can receive the benefits they have already paid for. The recommit deals with government expenditures, and right now we are running a deficit. So isn't the amount the government is spending a relevant topic to deficit reduction?

Can the Chair explain why it's not germane to open up the entire Federal Government while we discuss deficit reduction?

Mr. Speaker, if you rule this motion out of order, does that mean we will not have a chance to keep the entire Federal Government open today? Can the Chair please explain why we can't keep the entire Federal Government open today?

Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I remain appalled by the gimmicks that the House continues today.

The majority claims that the bills before us will fund WIC and FEMA programs. But let's be clear. The only way these programs will be funded is by ending this irresponsible and reckless government shutdown.

I have no doubt that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle want FEMA to function and WIC recipients to continue to receive life- sustaining nutritional benefits. But to put bills on the floor that pretend to take care of these issues when they do not, or to take care of the American people when they do not, is shameful. We should not be using FEMA and critical safety net programs as political footballs.

Mr. Speaker, if we truly want to end this shutdown and help American families, we must allow a vote on the floor to end this government shutdown. Let us do what we all know is right.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Ricardo F. Icaza, a revered labor leader whose lifelong work and dedication has resulted in the success of Southern California's workforce.

For more than 50 years, Ricardo has been a loyal and effective member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union Local 770, which currently has over 30,000 members in the food, retail and healthcare industries.

Ricardo has held numerous positions in Local 770 including, research assistant, organizer, business representative and secretary-treasurer. In 1981, Ricardo became the first Latino president of Local 770 because of his commitment to preserving middle class values.

Under Ricardo's resilient and unwavering leadership, Local 770 has become the largest local union in California and one of the largest in the entire nation. Ricardo demonstrated his adept negotiation skills numerous times in order to ensure that his members are fairly compensated with the pay and benefits that they have worked so hard to earn.

In 2003, Ricardo stood up for the middle class and successfully led his members through a difficult 142 day lockout and strike resulting in the preservation of the health care benefits that he worked so hard to create throughout the course of his presidency. The tenacity Ricardo displayed during the lockout illustrated his dedication to improving the lives of working men and women.

In addition to Ricardo's determined efforts for our region's workers, he is an outstanding citizen who defines philanthropy. His generosity and commitment to charitable causes demonstrate Ricardo's passion for the betterment of our community and country. In 2001, Ricardo established the UFCW Local 770 Icaza Foundation, a unique non- profit organization that raises funds for leukemia research and other worthy local charities.

Ricardo's contributions to our community surpass his duties with Local 770. He is currently the Vice President of the Labor Council of Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), a current board member of the National Association for Hispanic Elderly and a former trustee of the California State University system. He also serves as the President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, which is the largest labor federation in the country.

Ricardo's remarkable and longstanding career exemplifies his passion and commitment to our community's working people. I am pleased to join the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council in honoring Ricardo F. Icaza.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize John Beaumont, an influential and respected individual whose work on behalf of California's labor community is not only remarkable, but truly commendable.

John began his long-standing career as a labor leader in Ventura County. It was here where he joined Branch 2902 of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and began his commitment to the organization and the thousands of individuals it represents. Since its establishment in 1889, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) has been safeguarding the rights, liberties and well-being of the United States Postal Service employees.

Over the trajectory of his career, John has successfully climbed the professional ladder on multiple occasions. He served as the NALC Branch 231's Financial Officer and was also elected as the Director of Education for the California State Association of Letter Carriers (SCALC). He served as the California State Association of Letter Carriers Vice President and subsequently became the organization's first, full-time President.

John's perseverance and overarching dedication to our labor force has been instrumental in the fruition and strengthening of California's working families. Under John's unwavering leadership, dozens of NALC branches across the state of California have prospered and successfully executed numerous labor campaigns and initiatives.

John exemplifies the finest in California's workforce. His dedication to our community and state is one that I applaud. It gives me great pleasure to join Tri-Counties Central Labor Council in honoring John Beaumont's work.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor my predecessor, former-Congressman Elton Gallegly for his steadfast dedication to Ventura County and his service as an elected official for thirty-three years.

Starting his career as a member of the Simi Valley City Council and serving as Simi Valley's Mayor, Congressman Gallegly was a tireless advocate for Simi Valley, Ventura County, and the State of California. He is remembered fondly in Congress by the many Members who had the pleasure of serving with him on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at California Lutheran University is a fitting tribute to Congressman Gallegly's career and on-going service to our community. The Center will prepare our next generation of leaders for careers in public policy while also teaching them the core principles of integrity and veracity.

In partnership with the center, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library has generously offered to give students the prestigious opportunity to intern at the library. The Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement will be a great addition to Ventura County.

I want to personally thank Congressman Gallegly for all of his years of public service to our Nation. I wish him, and his wife, Janice, all the best in the next chapter their life together.

Mr. Speaker, instead of working with Democrats and Republicans to find a bipartisan budget solution, Monday night the Speaker made the reckless and irresponsible decision to shut down the government. This did not have to happen.

There is bipartisan support in the House for the Senate-passed legislation. Let's come together and solve this crisis now. Every moment we wait, it hurts small businesses trying to apply for startup loans; it hurts our veterans applying for pension, disability, education, and job training benefits; and it could send our very fragile economy back into a recession.

I came to Congress to create jobs, to grow our economy, and to move my county, Ventura County, and my country forward.

The Speaker must allow the House to simply vote on the responsible Senate-passed plan to get the government working again for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to express my support for the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2013. This legislation includes the reauthorization of several fundamental programs that serve some of our most vulnerable veterans who are overrepresented in our nation's homeless population. These programs are the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program, the Grant and Per Diem Program for Homeless Veterans with Special Needs program, the Supportive Services for Veterans Families programs, and the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program.

I believe that Congress and the VA must do what it necessary to end the homeless veterans problem, which is why I introduced H.R. 2485, the Helping Homeless Veterans Act. In addition to the programs that will be reauthorized in H.R. 1412, H.R. 2485 would reauthorize several other homeless veterans programs, such as the Therapeutic Transitional Housing component to the Compensated Work Therapy Program and the Acquired Property Sales for Homeless Veterans Program. This important legislation has been endorsed by numerous Veteran Service Organizations, including the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and the Center for American Homeless Veterans. Without Congressional action, we will neglect our nation's heroes by letting these programs expire at the end of this calendar year.

These veterans fought for our country and now it is our time to fight for them. I commend Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud for their leadership on this legislation to reauthorize these programs, and I appreciate their effort to end homelessness among veterans.

With so many men and women returning home and transitioning to civilian life, now is not the time to waiver on our resolve.

I encourage my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 1412, and also join me in supporting H.R. 2485, the Helping Homeless Veterans Act.

Mr. Speaker, over 68,000 Ventura County residents in my district rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet and put food on the table. More than half of those 68,000 people are children. The bill before us today won't create jobs or improve our economy. It simply makes it harder for families, including our Nation's veterans, to feed their children.

From 2008 to 2011, SNAP food purchases tripled at commissaries throughout the country, which are open to military families and veterans. Currently, 900,000 veterans across the country receive SNAP benefits. Under H.R. 3102, benefits would be cut for as many as 170,000 veterans, and some would lose their benefits entirely.

A vote for this bill is a vote to let millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans go hungry. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting hunger in America by opposing this bill.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Manuel Munoz, an activist and entrepreneur, whose leadership and dedication to his community have played a vital role in ensuring that the residents of Ventura County be informed and engaged on issues of local, national and international importance.

On September 15, 1983, Manuel founded VIDA Newspaper--the only bilingual newspaper in Ventura County. This publication reaches thousands of bilingual individuals in the county, safeguarding and continuously maintaining the right of members of our community to have access to critical news and information. Since its founding, Manuel has served as Publisher and Director of VIDA Newspaper.

Manuel has played a vital role in not only the founding of this publication, but the successful manner in which it has thrived. While journalism and publishing can be a difficult industry and at times an unpredictable one, VIDA Newspaper continues to grow under Manuel's leadership.

Manuel's editorial leadership and proficiency in journalism have been recognized on both a local and national level. Manuel has been the recipient of several resolutions and commendations from the Mexican Government,

the City of Oxnard and the California State Assembly and State Senate. Additionally, Manuel has been recognized as the Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Hispanic Publications.

Today, almost thirty years since VIDA Newspaper's founding, I am pleased to join the Institute of Mexicans Abroad in honoring Manuel Munoz with the Ohtli Award. The Ohtli Award is presented to an outstanding civilian who has dedicated most of his or her life to the well-being of Mexicans residing abroad, thus paving the way to create for them new professional opportunities. The Ohtli Award, which includes a medallion, a silver rosette, and an official diploma, is the highest honor that the Mexican government can present to a Mexican or a Hispanic of Mexican descent residing outside Mexico.

I am pleased to join the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard in honoring Manuel Munoz as an exemplary trailblazer who has without a doubt paved the way for many in Ventura County.

Mr. Speaker, today, I pay tribute to Tony Skinner, a highly dedicated Ventura County resident, whose commitment to the development and growth of today's skilled labor force is remarkable and commendable.

For the past 10 years, Tony has served as the President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #952. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers represents 750,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, and manufacturing. Under his leadership, IBEW Local #952 has been instrumental in ensuring the strengthening and prosperity of Ventura County's technical and high-skilled occupations.

Tony has worked to organize, mobilize, reach out to community partners, and build coalitions to change people's lives. He has been a staunch and unwavering leader in the labor community that has dedicated his career to working for our county's working families.

As an advocate for technical and vocational training in the region, he has worked to bring to fruition a vision for a strong and relevant 21st century workforce. Tony founded the Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in Camarillo, a unique and distinctive school that seeks to prepare students for construction affiliated careers through demanding circumstantial, hands-on curriculum that prepares them for higher education, apprenticeship programs, or a career. Tony currently presides as the President of the Board of Directors for the school.

In addition, Tony's service to the community is extensive. He currently serves on multiple local industry associations and boards including the Tri-Counties Central Labor Council, the Ventura County Workforce Investment Board, and the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County.

Tony personifies dedication and commitment to the growing workforce in Ventura County. I am pleased to join Ventura County's Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council in honoring Tony Skinner as a true champion of America's workers.