Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak against the misguided, anti-immigration bills being considered in the House today.

The ENFORCE Act would challenge the executive order that halts the deportation of young people who are studying and working to become contributing members of our society. This is another attack on immigrant communities by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. It is proof that their actions don't match their rhetoric. They want the Latino community's support, but they refuse to allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform. Instead of working to keep hardworking families together, they are punishing communities by pushing misguided legislation.

To my Republican colleagues: you can't have it both ways. The facts are simple. Passing comprehensive immigration reform would grow our economy by $1.4 trillion and reduce our deficit by $850 billion. You can't just say you support Latinos, Asians, and other immigration communities. You have to do something about it. You have to walk the walk.

Here is some free advice: if you don't want an empty conference room when you are attempting minority outreach, then pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary of the pogrom that took place in Sumgait, Azerbaijan against people of Armenian descent. A pogrom is a violent riot aimed at massacre or persecution of an ethnic or religious group. On the evening of February 27, 1988 hundreds of Armenians were massacred in the seaside town of Sumgait in Soviet Azerbaijan. This violence against Armenians continued for three days and resulted in the reported killing of 32 people, with countless others that remain unaccounted for.

It is my hope that by speaking out publicly against atrocities suffered by our brethren around the world, we will help reaffirm America's commitment to an enduring, peaceful and democratic resolution.

I ask that my colleagues join me in solemnly commemorating the death of these innocent lives. My thoughts are with the Armenian community, especially those that lost loved ones during the pogrom at Sumgait 26 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Jake Ignacio Alarid on his 80th birthday, which will be on February 1, 2014. Mr. Alarid has a lifetime of achievements in service to his country and his community, and I am proud to work with him on issues facing veterans in Los Angeles.

Born in 1936, Jake is the oldest of thirteen children. Jake displayed spirit and independence at a young age, taking jobs on cattle drives and working the family farm to help support his siblings. In 1953, Jake was drafted to serve in the Korean War. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Okinawa and Iwo Jima, Japan, to support the Prisoner Exchange in Inchon, Korea. Three years later, Jake received an Honorable Discharge as a Sergeant and proud Hispanic veteran.

After relocating to Los Angeles, California, Jake completed his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering at Northrup Aeronautical Institute. In 1964, he went on to work as a reliability test engineer on the Apollo program, which included the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission and Apollo 13. Jake later worked on the Space Shuttle program as a Manager in Space Shuttle Test Operations. After 34 years of service, Jake retired from Rockwell International.

In addition to his strong work ethic, Jake has also demonstrated leadership in the G.I. Forum, a veterans' and civil rights organization, and the largest Federally Chartered Hispanic Veterans organization in the U.S. He was elected as the National Commander for the American G.I. Forum from 1983-1984, and again from 1994-1998.

As Commander, Jake met with Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton to discuss issues facing Hispanic veterans. He was selected by the Department of Defense and State to participate in fact-finding missions to Bosnia, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Iraq. He has encouraged young students to continue their education and pursue careers that would further their goals, including careers in the military, just as the Marines helped launch his own career.

Following his years as National Commander, Jake continued to remain an active advocate, serve as a voice for veterans, and recognize the contributions made by the Hispanic community. Jake has been an advocate of education as a way for people, especially Hispanics, to excel and be successful in life. Jake remains an active member of my own Veteran's Committee, carrying on as a voice for our new generation of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, Jake Ignacio Alarid is a man who has selflessly given his time and efforts to the Los Angeles community and to Hispanic veterans across the country. He has become an icon in our community and has impacted the lives of countless men, women, and children during his lifetime. Jake exemplifies the true meaning of service to one's country and service to others, and for that his community is grateful. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Jake a very happy 80th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to

lend a voice to the 1.5 million workers who have lost their Federal unemployment benefits.

Imagine a choice before you where you had to either put food on the table or have a roof over your head. This is the decision that millions of workers, including 53,000 people in L.A. County alone, will face, all because my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refused to extend unemployment insurance benefits.

Last week, I had an opportunity to talk personally with constituents who are affected by the loss of these benefits. Their message for me to send to my colleagues was clear:

We are not lazy or unmotivated. We want to work. But as we

continue to navigate a tough labor market, we need these

benefits in order to provide for our families and to pay for

the gas and phone bills that help us talk to potential

employers and get ourselves to interviews.

Mr. Speaker, unemployment benefits are not handouts. These are benefits workers have earned. They paid into the system to help them precisely during times like this.

It is time to stop disrespecting these people who are continuing to try to find work by mischaracterizing them as lazy or somehow fat and happy living on unemployment benefits.

One of my constituents, in particular, Anthony, wanted me to make crystal clear the fact that he resents those who say that is he not trying hard enough to find a job. He has a bachelor's degree in finance from Cal State Long Beach and has worked as an accountant in the private sector.

In his 47 years on Earth, he has never once been unemployed until now, and he has been trying everything he can to find work, but hasn't found anything yet.

He told me that every morning he gets up and goes to a work center to search the online listings, and that the 20 computers at this particular work center are always full, and every single person at one of those computers is actively looking for work.

Mr. Speaker, unemployment insurance benefits are a lifeline to families who are struggling. Please don't cut off this critical lifeline. Give unemployment insurance the vote that it deserves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angela Acosta-Salazar, a member of the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees, for her tireless work in increasing access to higher education.

Professionally, Angela has committed herself to the issues of higher education and community empowerment. Through her service as Trustee she fostered relationships and strengthened communications between the college and its student body. As an educator, Angela has educated hundreds of students in the Social Sciences and has created a space

that encouraged personal development and academic excellence. As a public servant, Angela has generously dedicated her time to the Rio Hondo College Foundation.

Having served as a Los Angeles Community College District adjunct instructor for over ten years, her commitment to education should be an inspiration to all at Rio Hondo College. Although she now completes nine years of service to Rio Hondo College's Board of Trustees, she leaves behind a legacy and a mission that will not end when she steps down.

Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Ms. Angela Acosta-Salazar. Let us congratulate her on her many accomplishments to the Rio Hondo Community College District and our community. We wish her good health and success in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Frank Leal Elementary School for being named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School. This is a remarkable honor that deserves our recognition and praise.

Frank Leal Elementary School is in Cerritos, California and was among three Los Angeles County schools named as a National Blue Ribbon School.

This prestigious award is given in recognition to schools where students perform at remarkably high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' academic achievement.

Leal Elementary School was recognized as a ``blue ribbon'' honoree because it ranked among the highest-performing schools on state assessments in language arts and mathematics, achieving an Academic Performance Index score of 972. That's nearly 200 points higher than the state average of 789.

This award would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of teachers, counselors, parents, and, of course, the brilliant students at Leal Elementary School. Countless Leal parents will one day see their children attend and graduate from college, fostering future generations of service-oriented, civically engaged Cerritos residents.

The National Blue Ribbon recognition is just one of many more milestones to be achieved by these bright young scholars. The community pride they have created through their exemplary achievement encourages students in our communities to strive for even greater academic success. For that reason, I would like to recognize Frank Leal Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Robinson for his public service to the people of La Mirada, California. Tom began with the city in 1985 as the Community Resource Manager and, in 2008, Tom was appointed City Manager. After 27 productive years of service to La Mirada and its residents, Tom has retired.

During his tenure with the City of La Mirada, Tom always provided strong leadership and knowledgeable direction for major projects. Those numerous projects included the City's Community Services Master Plan, the Social Services Model Plan, and the development of the Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.

Over the past decade, Tom has worked tirelessly to ensure La Mirada operates on firm financial footing and never outside its fiscal means. While the struggling economy has impacted many cities throughout Southern California, La Mirada has managed to maintain funding for all city services and capital improvement projects and Tom is a big reason why. It's no surprise La Mirada was listed by CNN and Money Magazine as one of the ``Best Places to Live'' in 2007.

As an active civic member, he has served as a member of the American Society for Public Administration, an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, and a member and former president of the Rotary Club of La Mirada. Robinson has been recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO). The award recognizes exceptional service and career achievement by public communicators.

From one public servant to another, I praise Tom Robinson and commend him on his many years of outstanding public service and dedication to the City of La Mirada and its residents. Let us wish him and his family the very best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I am here to congratulate Cristian Roldan, who is the recipient of the 2012-2013 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year Award. This is an amazing feat that deserves our recognition.

In 1985, The Gatorade Company established an award to recognize high school athletes across the country. Since then, more than 12,500 students have been honored with the award of State Player of the Year and 250 National Players of the Year. This prestigious list includes many top professional athletes such as Payton Manning, Lisa Leslie, and Derek Jeter. The Gatorade Player of the Year award is presented to high school athletes that have achieved athletic excellence as well as high standards of academic achievement and model character on and off the field. Cristian was selected as the National Player of the Year out of 400,000 boys high school soccer players.

Cristian, recently graduated from El Rancho High School in Pico Rivera, CA. Cristian; a 5-foot-7, 165-pound midfielder; was without a doubt the catalyst of the El Rancho Dons boys' soccer team this past season leading them to a 29-2-1 record and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division III title. Scoring 54 goals and 31 assists, he also helped the Dons capture the Division I title at the CIF Southern California Regional Soccer Championships. As the season came to a successful end, Cristian was awarded Most Valuable Player of the CIF Southern Section Division Ill.

In addition to his success on the soccer field, Cristian was a three- year varsity volleyball player, all while earning a 3.74 GPA his senior year. Cristian is a member of the California Scholarship Federation for his academic excellence and serves as a peer mentor in his spare time. Cristian has displayed

his exemplary character by serving as a volunteer coach for the American Youth Soccer Organization, participating in the El Rancho's Blue Pride service project, and for being a member of the Dons' College Bound Athletes Committee.

Cristian is the fourth boys Gatorade National Player of the Year from California and the first from Los Angeles County. Cristian intends to play soccer on an athletic scholarship at the University of Washington this fall.

What Cristian has achieved is something that deserves our recognition today. Cristian has displayed great academic and athletic achievement. I would like to recognize and congratulate Cristian Roldan for receiving the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award. I wish him a successful college career at the University of Washington.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Lillian Kawasaki, who proudly served the Los Angeles community for more than three decades, working tirelessly to protect our environment.

Lillian was an inspiration and a trailblazer. In 1990, she was named general manager of the Department of Environmental Affairs for the City of Los Angeles, becoming the first Asian American in city history to be appointed a department chief.

It is because of Lillian's leadership and her vision that Los Angeles launched major initiatives in air and water quality protection and environmental cleanup. Local businesses began investing in renewable energy thanks to Lillian Kawasaki.

I had the privilege of working with Lillian when she served as board director for the Water Replenishment District. It would be hard to find a public official more involved in her community than Lillian was.

On a personal note, it was an honor for me to call her a close friend. Lillian was an extraordinarily giving person. She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries. She asked me often how my family and my son were doing because she truly cared.

I offer my condolences to Lillian's husband, to her family, and to her loved ones. She was a tremendous public servant, a shining example for others, and a generous and truly kind human being, and I will miss her greatly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of a young man who lost his life battling the recent wildfires in Arizona. Kevin Woyjeck was a member of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Squad of Prescott, Arizona, whose life was tragically lost along with 18 of his colleagues while fighting to protect those in danger from this blaze. He, and his entire squad, bravely put their lives at risk, and all but one paid the ultimate price.

Kevin, the son of Captain Joe Woyjeck of the Los Angeles County Fire Station, was only 21 years old when he lost his life. Growing up in Southern California, he was passionate about one day becoming a professional firefighter, a dream realized by serving as a member of such an elite squad. He and his colleagues trained hard to be the first line of defense against dangerous fires, and during the recent blazes they fought in brutal conditions to stop the advancement and destruction of the wildfire. For days they fought to contain the flames, but on Sunday, June 30, the fire surrounded them and proved impossible to escape.

We recognize the lives and bravery of Kevin and his team. Our hearts and thoughts go out to his family and all those affected by the loss of these brave men. We know that while they are no longer with us, their work and courage will never be forgotten.

Kevin's life was taken too soon, but he made his family and his country proud. He accomplished so much in his 21 years, and we will always remember his sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2013 the House of Representatives passed H.R. 527--the Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act. During that roll call, I inadvertently voted against the bill. I rise today in support of H.R. 527.

The Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act is a common sense plan to sell helium from the Federal Helium Reserve in a responsible manner to prevent a global shortage, protect jobs and the economy, and ensure a fairer return for taxpayers. This bill provides a positive alternative to authorizing a continuation of the current program. H.R. 527 prevents an extremely small number of companies from controlling a significant segment of the U.S. economy that relies on helium.

The three phase system carefully outlined in this legislation is strongly supported by my colleagues and the administration. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has said it can implement this legislation without a lengthy rulemaking process. Transparency and the prevention of collusion are central components of this legislation, allowing all users to know for how much the BLM helium is being sold, creating a stable price environment. This legislation and the three phase program will ensure that there remains a stable, predictable supply of helium for the U.S. economy, as well as continuing to provide taxpayers a fair return on this supply of helium.

Mr. Speaker, 98 years ago, the world suffered its first deliberate act of systematic mass murder of people of one culture by another. With this, the unspeakable horror of genocide was born.

The massacre and mistreatment of one and-a-half million Armenians in the final years of the Ottoman Empire shows the incredible depths of inhumanity that the human race can sink.

Out of this wretched episode of history, we, as human beings, have made a determined effort to move beyond hatred and to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

We are morally obligated to learn from the lapses of the human soul that caused the Armenian Genocide. We are morally obligated to make sure that we do all that we can to protect all oppressed, vulnerable, and subjugated peoples.

I want to express my sympathy to the survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide. I hope we can all take time to reflect on this solemn day of remembrance.

As we commemorate this somber anniversary, it's also important that we recognize the resiliency of the Armenian people. Armenia has been a great champion of freedom and democracy. I expect our two nations will continue to build strong commercial ties and support peace and stability in the region.

I am proud to consistently co-sponsor resolutions affirming the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide. Our policy should appropriately reflect understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to the Armenian Genocide. This should be documented in the United States record.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rio Hondo College 50th Anniversary. Located in Whittier, California, Rio Hondo College is a collaborative center of lifelong learning which provides innovative, challenging, and quality educational offerings for its diverse students and community.

Since Rio Hondo first opened its doors in 1963, over one million students have come to the hillside campus to pursue their educational goals. Today Rio Hondo College serves more than 20,000 students each semester on a beautiful campus and new satellite facilities equipped with essentials for 21st Century teaching and learning.

Rio Hondo College strives to be an exemplary California community college, meeting the learning needs of its changing and growing population. In 2011, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine ranked Rio Hondo College one of the ``Top 50 Community Colleges'' by Hispanic Full-Time Enrollment, by Hispanic Faculty, and for Hispanics Awarding Associate Degrees. Rio Hondo was also ranked nationally in the annual ``Top 100'' producers of Associate Degrees awarded to minority students in all disciplines by Community College Week, and in the ``Top 50'' for degrees awarded in homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting. For the fourth consecutive year G.I. Jobs Magazine designated Rio Hondo College as a ``Military Friendly School.'' The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America's military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

Our community is especially grateful for the strong and vibrant Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) program and outstanding Veterans Service Center. In 2010, Rio Hondo College launched the award-winning South Whittier Educational Center (SWEC) partnership that provides a seamless pipeline to college for students from underserved areas with a historically low college attendance.

Throughout its history, Rio Hondo College has assembled strong leadership teams in support of the work done by outstanding faculty in the classroom and caring and able classified staff who provide essential services in all phases of college operation. As a teaching/ learning institution, Rio Hondo College comes together and strives to meet the needs, aspirations, and goals of our changing student population and communities.

The contributions and achievements of Rio Hondo are far too many to count, but the enrichment and sense of community they have created is something to be acknowledged. For that reason, I would like to recognize Rio Hondo Community College for 50 years of lifelong learning and quality education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1120, the Republican plan to shut down the NLRB. This plan is just the latest in a seemingly unending series of Republican attacks on working people.

Make no mistake: the real goal of this legislation is to attack workers' rights. This bill will make it harder for workers and employers to settle disputes. It will essentially end the National Labor Relations Board's ability to hear cases until the Senate confirms the President's NLRB nominees. And we all know that that deliberative body is often better at obstruction than getting the people's business done.

Instead of trying to shut down the NLRB, shouldn't my colleagues on the other side of the aisle be calling on the Senate to have an up-or- down vote on the President's nominees for the NLRB?

Allow me to separate fact from fiction. This bill is not about certainty. This bill is about making it harder for working people to have their voices and their cases heard.

This bill is not about making the NLRB function efficiently.

This bill is a partisan move to gut the NLRB's implementation of the law. After all, if you fire all the judges, there's nobody there to hear your case.

Once again, the Republican leadership has decided to waste time making political points at the expense of working class Americans. We should be working on legislation to grow jobs. The American people are sick of politics. They want Congress to work on creating jobs and economic certainty. What our Republican friends are giving the American people today is more of an assault on workers' rights.

This legislation doesn't do anything to help the 23 million Americans looking for good-paying jobs. Vote ``no'' on this turkey of a piece of legislation.

I want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for understanding the need to stop dancing with default. Recognizing that we can't disregard our obligations to seniors, veterans, and active military is a first big step. But this legislation doesn't create the long-term certainty that our economy needs. The small business owners that I talk to tell me that they need certainty before they can invest in their businesses and hire more employees.

Instead of providing small businesses the long-term certainty they need, the Republican-led House is just playing games. They're stringing the American public along so they can set up yet another dramatic showdown that only hurts our recovery. The mere mention of default sends markets plummeting, dries up hiring, and pulls the rug out from under consumer confidence.

Businesses in my district and all across the country can't afford more tantrums threatening defaults and government shutdowns. It's our job to find a solution and give businesses, the markets, and American families the long-term certainty they deserve. This legislation isn't a long-term solution. It's yet more irresponsible gamesmanship.