Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mike Rogers for his leadership and for including language to improve the safety of U.S. servicemembers in the NDAA.

My provision would establish new Joint Safety Council requirements for each military branch to develop a plan to identify corrective and preventative actions following major accidents and mishaps.

Earlier this year, I introduced the Military Equipment Quality and Safety Reform Act, or MEZr Act, which includes a similar mandate.

My effort to improve safety and transparency in the wake of major accidents is motivated by the tragic death of my constituent and F-16 pilot First Lieutenant David Schmitz, whose call sign was MEZr.

Just over 3 years ago, Lieutenant Schmitz was killed during a training exercise when his ejection seat malfunctioned while he attempted a nighttime landing.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Rogers for including this language in the bill and working to protect our men and women in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Russell ``Russ'' Raymond Lovell, who died on Friday, June 2nd, 2023. Russ was a dear friend who dedicated more than 3 decades to working in public safety in Riverside County.

After high school, Russ joined and served in the United States Coast Guard for a number of years. He then took a job working at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, where he would work for more than 30 years. He initially began as a Correctional Guard, but eventually migrated into a facilities position and retired as a Stationary Engineer. Russ retired from the California Rehabilitation Center in 1995. After his retirement, I had the pleasure of having Russ work for me.

Russ grew up in Corona and while working locally he met Carol Lynn Nolen in 1952 while working at Cal's Cafe. They eventually married in 1957 and began to grow their family which would ultimately include 3 daughters. Russ and Carol shared a love for animals and travel. They also had a mutual interest in collecting first edition books and would often attend author book signings at bookstores.

Russ is survived by his daughters, Lisa Lovell, and Leanne Spinale and her husband Skip; grandchildren, Jacob Holland and Audrey Spinale; as well as other family members and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol, his daughter Lori Holland, and his granddaughter Kelsey Holland. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Lovell family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Russ. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Russ made to his community and family will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Nachhattar and Susana Chandi on receiving the Lifetime Achievment Award from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. Nachhattar and Susana have been true leaders in the Coachella Valley for decades, and residents throughout the community deeply appreciate their many contributions.

The Chandi family story is one that echoes the epitome of the American dream. Both Nachhattar and Susana are immigrants who have become naturalized U.S. citizens while growing a highly successful family business. The couple co-founded the Chandi Group USA, which owns and operates more than 20 gas station and convenience stores, nearly a dozen car washes, and several restaurant businesses. Nachhattar's passion for development led to the establishment of the Black Gold Builders Group, which is responsible for the construction of the Chandi Group's projects. In total, more than 700 people are employed in the Coachella Valley and throughout California by the Chandi Group USA.

In addition to growing a thriving business, Nachhattar and Susana have been incredibly generous in supporting philanthropic causes in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Nachhattar currently sits on the Pepperdine University Board of Trustees and the couple supports over 34 youth, military, senior and community-based organizations from El Centro to Sacramento, California. He has been honored with numerous awards recognizing his leadership and his charitable contributions to the community. He has been named ``Business Person of the Year'' by the State Legislature in 2013, the Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015 by both the Indio Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International, Indian Wells, and the 2018 Large Business of the Year by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. Susana has been an active affiliate of Steven's Hope for Children, Dr. Carreon Foundation, Mecca & North Shore Community, Family YMCA of the Desert, Big Sisters Big Brothers of the Desert, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley.

With their admirable record of entrepreneurship and service, Nachhattar and Susana Chandi are incredibly deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. I would like to thank Nachhattar and Susana for their friendship and selfless dedication to our community and wish them the very best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rear Admiral Lorin Selby, U.S. Navy, as he prepares to complete a naval career that began with his graduation from the University of Virginia in 1986 and concludes with his 3 years of service as the 26th Chief of Naval Research.

As the Chief of Naval Research, Rear Admiral Selby is responsible for the operations of the Naval Research Enterprise, which comprises approximately 5,000 people in 23 locations, and more than 1,000 partners. The dedication required of this mission is extraordinary, and our Nation has benefited from Rear Admiral Selby's steadfast leadership.

Over the course of his career, Rear Admiral Selby excelled as an undersea commander. He served as the commanding officer of the nuclear- powered attack submarine USS Greenville (SSN 772). Prior to command, he served at sea aboard USS Puffer (SSN 652), USS Pogy (SSN 647) and USS Connecticut (SSN 22). During these assignments, Rear Admiral Selby conducted several deployments to the Western Pacific, Northern Pacific, Northern Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Ashore, he served as a company officer and instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, the deputy director of the Navy's liaison office to the U.S. House of Representatives and as the Submarine Platforms and Strategic Programs branch head in the Submarine Warfare Directorate on the Navy Staff. Following selection as an acquisition professional, he served as the program manager for both the Submarine Imaging and Electronic Warfare Systems Program Office and the Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office.

As a flag officer, Rear Admiral Selby served as commander, Naval Surface Warfare Centers (NSWC) and as the Navy's chief engineer and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration and Naval Engineering (SEA 05). Rear Admiral Selby's contributions to the Navy, Marine Corps and Nation have been significant. The new 30-Year Naval Science & Technology strategy focuses on taking back our technological advantage to give our Warfighters the technology they need to win in a future conflict. He has provided the Naval Research Enterprise (NRE) with a blueprint for the future of our fleet and force.

Among his many achievements, Rear Admiral Selby led innovative and new experimentation collaboration exercises to get new technologies into the hands of our Sailors and Marines; pioneered new advances in laser weapons, including putting the most powerful laser on a ship in this nation's history; designed and initiated the SCOUT experimentation campaign to increase productivity and agility; furthered the Navy's capabilities in Artificial Intelligence; worked closely with international partners to bring increased knowledge and capabilities to our Sailors and Marines including awarding 158 new international research grants in 25 countries; advanced naval capabilities through execution of greater than 3,000 research grants and contracts in the United States valued in excess of $12 Billion; sponsored 480 college and 180 high school interns, more than 1,000 Naval Horizons STEM essay contest awards, and the Annual RoboSub competition with 39 teams from 11 countries; designed an alloying modification to the Columbia Class SSBN propeller; supported brilliant work being done by hundreds of small businesses, including Small Business Innovation Research grants; and truly lived up to the motto he often reminded his team to follow: ``Reimagine Naval Power.''

Rear Admiral Selby has been instrumental in the development of both the Navy of today and of tomorrow. His selfless commitment to serving our Nation has better prepared it to respond to threats around the world. He leaves a legacy of service and dedication to the Navy. With our deepest gratitude, we wish him the very best in retirement after an impressive and impactful career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to City of Riverside Fire Department Captain Tim Strack, who passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Tim was a dedicated leader in Riverside, and he will be deeply missed.

Tim joined the Riverside Fire Department 28 years ago. Throughout his career, Tim performed his job with courage and dedication to improving public safety in the community. He was also a tireless advocate for the firefighters who worked beside him. For the past 21 years, Tim served as the President of the Riverside City Firefighters' Association, Local 1067, and as California Professional Firefighters 1st District Vice President for 10 years. He was a leading voice for improving the working conditions of the firefighters in our community, our state, and our country.

Under Tim's leadership, the Riverside Fire Department received a Class 1 Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office, the highest fire protection rating offered. In addition to his legacy of leadership within the Riverside Fire Department, Tim will be remembered for the strong bonds and friendships he developed throughout our community. Personally, I was privileged to call him a friend. I always looked forward to joining Tim and his firefighter colleagues for dinner during their annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.

Tim is survived by his wife Wendy, and their 3 children: Madeline, Justin, and Isabella. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Strack family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Tim. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Tim made to his community and family will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the longstanding relationship between the Coachella Valley Water District, or CVWD, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. In fact, today, these two agencies are celebrating more than a century of partnership to bring Colorado River water to the southwest United States.

One of CVWD's first actions, after being formed in 1918, was to provide farms with a dependable irrigation water supply by importing water from the Colorado River. In 1919, the CVWD board entered into its first contract with the Bureau under the Kettner Bill to survey possible routes for the All-American Canal. A second contract was made under the Kincaid Act in 1921 to survey the route that would eventually bring Colorado River water into the Coachella Valley. In 1934, CVWD executed a contract with the Bureau to participate in the Boulder Canyon Project, which included the construction of Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam), the All-American Canal, and the Coachella Branch of the All-American. In 1938--20 years after the formation of CVWD-- construction began on the Coachella Branch of the All-American Canal. The first segment of the Coachella Canal opened in 1940. The second segment was delayed by World War II but finished in 1943. The remaining segments were built after World War II, and the project was finally completed in 1948.

The Coachella Valley began receiving Colorado River water in March 1949. Shortly thereafter, CVWD developed plans to build a closed pipe distribution system to deliver imported water to farms. The 500-mile distribution system was completed in 1954. Historically, CVWD and the Bureau have prioritized

long-term infrastructure projects to prioritize the efficient use of Colorado River water in the Coachella Valley. CVWD and the surrounding agricultural community have invested heavily in its irrigation delivery system to minimize water loss, including canal lining projects and a closed pipe irrigation distribution system. Agricultural customers are encouraged to irrigate with canal water instead of groundwater. CVWD delivers canal water to more than 1,200 irrigation customers. In addition, more than 60 percent of agricultural customers use drip irrigation systems, which allows the average water application to be less than 3.8 acre-feet per acre.

CVWD, in partnership with the Bureau, implemented significant actions to conserve Colorado River Water. These investments include a 500-mile irrigation delivery system to minimize system losses using pipes and metering 100 percent of properties served. CVWD also lined a 49-mile section of the Coachella Canal that yielded 132,000 acre-feet per year in savings, as well as lined a remaining 35-mile section of Coachella Canal with San Diego County Water Authority and the San Luis Rey Settlement Parties. Today, CVWD and the Bureau are celebrating a $60 million loan for the Irrigation Lateral Replacement Project. The project replaces ten sections of the aging pipeline and other water management structures to provide reliability in the operation and maintenance of this vital irrigation infrastructure. I want to congratulate both CVWD and the Bureau on their long partnership in delivering water to the Coachella Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Michael ``Mike'' Bozick, who passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Mike was a longtime community leader in the Coachella Valley, and he will be deeply missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of Rudolph Cordero and Wayne A. Guther, graduates of Operation Recognition Class of 2022. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, with assistance from the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services, that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who were unable to complete high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Operation Recognition provides a way to express our appreciation and gratitude for the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans.

Born on November 26, 1947, Rudolph Cordero attended Garfield High School in Los Angeles for three years. Answering the call to serve his country, Rudolph enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968 a Hawk System mechanical repairman. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Rudolph was honorably discharged in 1968 and began his career as a butcher.

Wayne Guther was born on September 1, 1953. He attended Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio from 1968 through 1972, prior to enlisting in the United States Navy. Wayne served in the Vietnam War from 1974 to 1975 as an aviation machinist and a Training Air and Administration of the Reserves. He earned two Navy Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Ribbon, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Wayne was honorably discharged in 1994 after 20 years of service and began his career as a computer technician.

On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful nation, I want to thank these veterans for their service to our country and congratulate them on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2022.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Cindy Roth, who is retiring after serving the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce for the past 45 years. Cindy has been a true leader in Riverside County for decades and served as an effective advocate whose many tireless efforts to better our region will be missed.

Cindy's lifelong career at the Chamber began when she was 17 years old. After serving as a staff member and working her way up through the organization, she was chosen to serve as President and CEO in 1999. Throughout her career, Cindy has been a powerful and influential voice for the Riverside business community in Southern California as well as our state capital in Sacramento and here in Washington, D.C. Everyone in Riverside County knows if you want to get something done, one of the best people to turn to is Cindy Roth.

Over the years, Cindy has been a part of many efforts and achievements that have shaped the future of our region, including locating the California Air Resources Board emissions testing facility in Riverside and establishing the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside. My office and I have also enjoyed a productive partnership with Cindy to strengthen the role played by March Air Reserve Base and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, in our national security and Riverside County. In addition to her role leading the Chamber, Cindy has been an active member of many community organizations including the Monday Morning Group of Western Riverside County, The Raincross Club, the Fox Riverside Theater Foundation, the City of Riverside Economic Development Corporation, and the Foundation Board of Trustees for La Sierra University.

Cindy clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community she has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Cindy's significant contributions to Riverside County. Personally, I will always value her friendship and collaboration on so many important issues. I wish Cindy, her husband Richard, and the entire Roth family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5809, legislation I introduced to designate the U.S. Post Office located in Norco, California, as the Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui Memorial Post Office Building.

As we approach the 1-year anniversary of Lance Corporal Nikoui's death, my congressional district continues to honor the life and memory of Kareem, who was a Norco resident and will be forever remembered as an American hero.

As a student at Norco High School, Kareem was inspired to answer the call of service to his country. When he joined the Marine Corps, Kareem was following in the footsteps of patriots. Like his fellow marines, he was not signing up for glory or reward, but out of a sense of duty. Kareem was willing to make sacrifices in his own life so that others could live freely.

In his final days, Kareem was on the front lines of a mission to secure freedom for desperate people trying to flee Afghanistan. Like so many of the U.S. servicemembers and coalition allies, Kareem conducted himself with bravery and compassion, despite the chaos that resulted from a poorly planned exit from Afghanistan. In addition to securing the airfield, Kareem helped care for children, women, and the elderly by sharing with them water and candy.

The suicide bombing that claimed the lives of Kareem and 12 other U.S. servicemembers, as well as hundreds of Afghans, was an act of cowardice and evil. The worst of mankind heartbreakingly robbed us of so many who represented the best of mankind.

This bill, this Congress, and this country can never fully repay the Nikoui family for the sacrifice that they have made, but by passing this bill, the House remembers Kareem's bravery, and we pay tribute to a young life taken too soon. As the sponsor of this bill, I will continue to work so it becomes law so that the community of Norco will forever honor and enshrine the name of Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to welcome now-Representative Connie Conway as the newest Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Conway is a proud, lifelong resident of California's San Joaquin Valley. She has dedicated the better part of her life to public service as a county supervisor, a legislator in the California State Assembly, and as the California Executive Director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency. The constituents in California's 22nd District stand to benefit from Congresswoman Conway's vast experience and dedication.

I congratulate the entire Conway family on this exciting occasion, including Connie's husband, Craig; her children; and, of course, we can't leave out her black lab, Jake.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the dean of the California delegation, Ms. Lofgren, to introduce our new colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation.

Don represented Alaska in this House for nearly as long as Alaska has been a State. Don was a ferocious advocate for the people he represented, not the least of whom were Alaska's Native people, who held a special place in his heart.

We are going to miss Don. He was a champion for the North Slope, Alaska's commercial fisheries, and infrastructure, obviously. Don spent his career fighting for his constituents to use Alaska's vast natural resources to bring prosperity to his State.

Don knew what made our country great and how to work across the aisle to deliver for the people of Alaska.

Don was my first committee chairman when I came here 30 years ago, and he quickly found me and said: ``I heard you want to be on my committee.'' I said: ``Yes, Mr. Chairman.'' ``Well, do whatever I tell you, and you will be just fine.'' I think, at some time or another, all of us have lived by those words.

I will miss Don. I will miss his friendship, his humor, and his passion. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Anne, and the family.

Rest in peace, Don.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations package. As the ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will outline why America's position in the world depends on the passage of this bipartisan bill.

But first I want to thank Chair DeLauro for her hard work and Ranking Member Granger for putting this together. I thank my partner and friend, Chair Betty McCollum, for the hard work that she has put into this bill to make it a reality, and certainly the staff on both sides who have been working day and night to put this together and certainly my clerk, Johnny Kaberlie, who has done a yeoman's job of getting this done.

Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed Russia invade a sovereign nation, indiscriminately killing civilians to the horror of the world. As a matter of fact, just a few hours ago a maternity ward was bombed by Russia, killing new mothers and babies just a few hours ago. And while this happens, President Xi, Kim Jong Un, and other autocrats are watching closely to see how the United States will respond.

I firmly believe that today we are closer to a large-scale conflict with a near-peer adversary than we have been in recent memory. We must get this bill to the President's desk as soon as possible to respond to these acts of aggression. Weakness is provocative, and a year-long continuing resolution would undoubtedly demonstrate weakness on a global stage.

Included in the defense portion of this bill are many priorities for Members of both parties that will strengthen our military. These include 13 new Navy ships, increased investment in next-generation capability, like hypersonics, full funding for our nuclear modernization, and investments in our servicemembers and their families.

And as ranking member, I fought hard to make sure this bill gets the DOD what it needs. We began hearings for the fiscal year 2022 saying that the Mattis national defense strategy is the correct strategy, that we need a 3 to 5

percent net real growth above inflation for fiscal years 2022 to 2025. Although nobody anticipated inflation at the levels we have seen, I am proud to say the Republicans secured a 6 percent funding increase over last year's funding level.

I am also proud to say that we worked closely with the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees to make sure all the priorities across national security were addressed.

Thanks to the bipartisan commitment of Chairwoman Betty McCollum, House Republicans were able to secure over 2,000 Member funding priorities on our side of the aisle like additional Strykers, C-130Js, F-35 modernization, and critical programs. I thank Chair McCollum for her staff and her hard work on this package.

Failing to pass this piece of legislation will only further extend the devastating effects of our military readiness, modernization, and lethality that we have witnessed over the last 6 months.

Mr. Speaker, as the world watches, we must send the message that this Congress stands ready to strengthen its military, to stand by its allies, and continue to make the world a safer and more prosperous place.

Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from voting on Roll Call 42 on February 9, 2022. Had I been present I would have voted no on the En Bloc Amendment to H.R. 3485.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for our law enforcement officers.

The men and women in blue who keep our streets safe are heroes. Every day when they put on their uniform, they do so mindful that they may be called upon to put themselves in harm's way. By stepping forward and selflessly protecting us, they make everything else possible. The recent violence against our police officers is a stark reminder of the dangers of the job.

On May 31, 2021, Sergeant Dominic Vaca of the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department was killed in the line of duty. Sgt. Vaca spent 17 years protecting the Inland Empire and died a hero. He is just one of 346 officers who was shot in the line of duty in 2021.

Homicide rates in California rose 17 percent last year--on top of a 31 percent rise in 2020. I believe these increases can be in large part attributed to radical calls to defund our police and Democrats' soft on crime rhetoric.

Thankfully, most Americans see our officers for the agents of good that they are. In left-leaning states, however, like California, Democrats have enacted laws that actually make it more difficult for our law enforcement officers to do their job. This is wrong. This is dangerous.

I specifically would like to thank those that keep my community safe. Sheriff Chad Bianco; the Riverside County Sheriffs Department who serve our county and contract cities; as well as the officers of the Corona, Menifee, and Murrieta Police Departments; and all those who serve Riverside County and across the Inland Empire. I thank them for the selfless and heroic work they do.

I stand fully behind our law enforcement officers and will continue to vote for policies that support public safety. We can never repay the men and women who wear the uniform and keep our loved ones safe. But we can--and we should--always have their back.