Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank our great chairman, Chairman Takano, and our ranking member for their great work. It is an honor to continue serving our veterans in a bipartisan manner and to chair the relevant subcommittee.

As the Representative for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and thousands of military families in the region, I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in the past few years for our Nation's veterans.

Back in January of this year, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law. It was a historic omnibus bill for veterans that strengthened many benefits and services for those who have served our country. It was a great bipartisan accomplishment. Again, I am grateful to all of my colleagues for getting it across the finish line.

It included provisions to improve services for homeless veterans, to protect GI Bill benefits, improve the Transition Assistance Program for servicemembers returning to civilian life, and so much more. It was the product, again, of bipartisan, bicameral work, proof that we can do things on a bipartisan basis here in Washington, D.C., and I was proud to help lead that bill.

Most recently, we passed the American Rescue Plan, a landmark piece of legislation to help Americans get through this pandemic, including our veterans who have struggled to get back on their feet during this difficult time.

A key piece of that bill was nearly $400 million for a rapid retraining program for veterans who are unemployed as a result of this pandemic and don't have access to other veteran education benefits.

Both of these bills were huge accomplishments; but, like all legislation, they weren't perfect, and there are still steps that we must take to make these programs work even better for the veterans they are intended to serve.

That is why I was proud to introduce legislation with Ranking Member Mike Bost of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, amending the American Rescue Plan and the Isakson-Roe legislation to improve job training and education programs for our veterans.

For example, our bill makes changes to the Rapid Retraining Assistance Program so we are focusing on high-demand occupations.

Madam Speaker, it will also improve the VA's communication with veterans about employment placement services. It will clarify veterans' eligibility for housing stipends under the retraining program. And it will ensure the VA works with qualified nonprofit business associations to facilitate the employment of participating veterans.

Nothing in this bill is controversial. It is all about improving existing veterans' programs so they can get back to work and make the most of the services they have earned and deserve.

Madam Speaker, I hope we can pass this bill without delay, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Moore, who passed away on February 25, 2021, after a lifetime of service to his country.

Robert was born in 1929 in Queens, New York. After enlisting in the Marines in 1946, he became one of approximately 20,000 Black men to train at the segregated Camp Montford Point in North Carolina. The Montford Point Marines were regularly subjected to racist attacks from White Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune.

Robert spent over four decades at Camp Pendleton, which I am proud to represent. He served honorably in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he ran mess halls and trained Marines in food service. In 1972, he retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of gunnery sergeant and received his degree from Palomar College. He spent the following 20 years working at Camp Pendleton as a dietic technician at the Naval Hospital.

Robert was one of the last surviving Montford Point Marines in the San Diego area. Fewer than 400 of the original 20,000 Montford Point Marines are still living. He was a proud recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal awarded to all Montford Point Marines.

Robert was married to his wife Willie Mae Miles for 56 years before her death in 2004. They had 11 children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great- grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

Robert Moore lived an incredible and full life. He was a dedicated husband, parent, and friend. His courage and valor laid the foundation for future generations. We are grateful for his service to his country.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Oceanside resident and Executive Director of Leap to Success Dana Bristol-Smith, as my March Constituent of the Month. March is Women's History Month, a chance to celebrate and pay tribute to women and all the ways they have made profound impacts on our nation. While we use this opportunity to commemorate phenomenal women of the past and present, I am honored to include Dana in the celebrations, a woman who has dedicated her life to uplifting women every single day right here in my district.

Dana started her Leap to Success Women's Leadership program in 2008 after learning of the correlation between domestic violence victims' lack of self-confidence and their ability to avoid returning to abusive partners. In response to this discovery, she developed a program to help these women own their power and start living for themselves again. Her program brought immense success and joy from the participating women, and from then on, she made it her mission to expand Leap to Success to as many women as she can.

With helpful guidance and an environment full of encouragement and love, Dana's goal is for women who may be in abusive situations to discover the courage to find their voice, own their worth, and feel empowered to move forward in life. Dana's community of supporters help women realize that their past is nothing to be ashamed of, but rather, an opportunity to create a brighter and healthier future. While there is so much more we must do to prevent domestic violence, I am grateful for leaders like Dana whose passion and heart creates hope and inspiration for women. I am honored to recognize her as my Constituent of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, as the proud vice chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I particularly want to call out the critical relief that the American Rescue Plan provides for those who have served our country.

The bill includes important funding for the Veterans Health Administration, prohibits copayments for medical care for veterans during the pandemic, strengthens VA's supply chain modernization, and helps State Veterans Homes upgrade and enhance their safety operations.

It provides critical funding to increase VA's claims and appeals process to reduce the backlog caused by COVID-19, and it funds enhanced oversight through VA's Office of Inspector General.

As chair of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I am particularly proud that it provides $386 million for a rapid retraining program to help unemployed veterans get back to work.

Thanks to the leadership of Committee Chairman Mark Takano and our colleagues, this bill provides the relief that veterans need and deserve.

To our Nation's veterans, help is on the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act.

This legislation has one simple goal: keep guns out of the hands of people who are dangerous.

More than 90 percent of the American people support universal background checks on every firearm sale or transfer, and that is what this bill does.

Our constituents expect us to find common ground to finally end the gun violence epidemic in this country. They expect us to pass this bipartisan bill. The era of offering only thoughts and prayers is over. It is over. The American people demand action. H.R. 8 is the action they are calling for.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and vote ``yes.'' Let's get this done.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Enhanced Background Checks Act.

In order to truly prevent bad actors from purchasing guns, we need more transparency. My amendment to this legislation demands transparency from government at both the State and Federal level and ensures that we have complete information about prohibited individuals attempting to get their hands on guns.

Right now, the background check system relies heavy on States uploading accurate records. And with this amendment we can better understand which States are doing a good job of uploading records to the system and which are not. Without good and reliable information and without transparency, background checks are much more likely to be delayed resulting in a higher risk of more tragedies like the one at Mother Emanuel Church.

With this amendment we can ensure that prohibited individuals won't be sold a gun before their background check is fully completed. If we truly want to keep guns out of the hands of violent individuals, my amendment will get it done.

Madam Speaker, our democracy is in grave danger. We are seeing unrelenting efforts across the country to suppress voters and limit access to the ballot box, particularly in communities of color. We are seeing record-breaking waves of dark money backing candidates and campaigns with no transparency or accountability, and we are seeing efforts to increase partisan gerrymandering that allows politicians to pick and choose who they represent.

It is wrong and it is undemocratic. We need to make it easier to vote for those who are legally eligible otherwise to vote, not harder to do so. We need more transparency in our campaigns, not less. We need to strengthen ethics rules, not weaken them, and we need to pass the For the People Act.

This bill will transform our democracy and return power to the people, where it belongs. It will ensure that every American who is eligible to vote can do so easily and securely. It will crack down on the culture of corruption that has defined Washington for far too long. It will finally end the era of dark money in our politics that has plagued this House for years.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to defend our democracy and to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize North San Diego County NAACP President Satia Austin, as my Constituent of the Month for February. Every February, we celebrate Black History Month, and this year, I am honored to highlight Satia as an incredible member of my community.

From an early age, Satia's parents stressed the importance of education, personal responsibility, and achievement. These values became her guiding principles as she pursued her passion through a career in youth advocacy and activism. As the current President of the North San Diego County NAACP, the State Advisor for the Youth and College Division for California and Hawaii, and the Adult Representative for Region I of the National NAACP Youth Works Committee, Satia uses her resources and platform to help guide young adults into the professional world. Instilling each of the same core values she was raised on, Satia's dedication to the betterment of local youth ensures African Americans and other people of color in the District aren't confined to their circumstances and can achieve success in their adult lives.

This past year, we experienced a nationwide awakening to systemic racism in America. We have much more work to do to confront inequality in our country, but I'm thankful for residents like Satia who are passionate about helping underserved youth succeed. As we continue to come together to address racial injustice, leaders like Satia bring me hope and inspiration. I am honored to recognize her as my Constituent of the Month.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Encinitas local, Syndee Wood, as my January Constituent of the Month. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our hospitals, small businesses, and communities in the 49th District at a devastating rate. After a friend presented Ms. Wood with an opportunity to deliver pizzas to strained ICU workers and ten different departments at Scripps hospital in Encinitas, Syndee felt gratitude and inspiration from their reaction.

Our hospitals and ICU's continue to hit devasting capacity numbers, leaving our medical staff with longer hours and hectic shifts with not much time to sit down for a refueling meal. Additionally, our small businesses have been particularly hard hit with less opportunities for patronship. In an effort to combine both of these prevalent issues, Syndee gathered funds from neighbors and friends, and so far, with the help of nearly 250 donations equaling more than $13,000, her volunteers have helped support 23 San Diego and North County locally-owned and franchised restaurants.

The pandemic has shown us how valuable and vital community is for getting through this trying time in our country. I am incredibly thankful for residents like Syndee who have the heart and drive to rise to the occasion on the behalf of CA-49. As we continue working through this unprecedented time, it's critical that we find inspiration in our friends and neighbors all around us. I am deeply grateful for Syndee bringing that hope to our cherished entrepreneurs, small businesses and health care staff, and I am honored to recognize her as my Constituent of the Month.

Madam Speaker, what each of us chooses to do today, whether we vote to hold this President to account or look the other way, we will be remembered by history, by our children and their children.

The facts are clear, the evidence of Trump's insurrection overwhelming. History calls on us to do what is right rather than just politically expedient. Let us look back on this day with honor, not disgrace, knowing we were up to the oath we all took.

Madam Speaker, for the first time since 1814, the United States Capitol Building was breached by an angry mob. More than 200 years ago, it was British troops. This time it was domestic terrorists, inspired and encouraged by President Donald Trump.

I started the day prepared to uphold my oath of office--an oath I took this past Sunday at the launch of the 117th Congress to ``support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.''

I planned to uphold that oath by voting to certify the results of the Electoral College, and we are getting back to our work and certifying Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as our next President and Vice President. We will do that work thanks to the efforts and bravery of the Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies who have intervened. While there will be many questions about how this security breach occurred, I am incredibly grateful for the men and women who risked their lives to keep us safe today.

As for the domestic terrorists who sought to overthrow our democracy, they must be prosecuted. Their leader must be removed from office as soon as possible and their enablers in Congress must be held responsible for their role in this catastrophe.

Despite 81 million votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, multiple recounts, and more than 60 failed lawsuits challenging the election results, many of my Republican colleagues followed Trump's lead and pushed outlandish conspiracy theories and baseless claims of voter fraud without any evidence, entirely void of reality.

Many Congressional Republicans are seeking to overturn the results of a free and fair election because they don't like the results. They didn't realize--or didn't care--that their actions could result in a violent coup attempt. That's exactly what happened today.

The question now is a vital one: where does our country go from here?

For many decades, we have had passionate but peaceful political disagreements--a shining beacon of democracy. We Americans do not support insurrection or mob rule. In short, we are so much better than this.

We are now at a crossroads in our great nation's history, a moment where we see two divergent paths in front of us. We can continue down a path of hyper-partisanship, divisiveness, and democratic decay, or we can try to heal our country. We can come together to reject the violence we saw today and recommit to upholding the values that unite us as Americans: democracy, justice, and equality. It is paramount that we choose the right path.

I hope my colleagues who insist on continuing this charade, understand that their actions will be remembered as among the most shameful in our nation's history. Generations of Americans to come will learn of their attempt to undermine the democratic institutions our country was founded upon.

To those other colleagues--Republicans and Democrats alike--who will uphold their oath of office and help lead us down a better path, I thank them for defending our democracy. Our Constitution must never be taken for granted. We must continue to support and defend it every day, as our oath demands. I am proud to serve alongside them, and I look forward to addressing our nation's greatest challenges with them in the months and years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mrs. Colleen O'Harra, the co-founder of the Oceanside Women's Resource Center and a former member of the Oceanside City Council, as my Constituent of the Month for July. For 45 years, Colleen and her team have been serving survivors of domestic violence and their children at the Women's Resource Center, working tirelessly to ensure that community members receive the services and support they need to recover.

The Women's Resource Center opened during a time when there was limited to no services available for domestic abuse victims, becoming the only facility of its kind aiding North County San Diego families. Under Colleen's trailblazing leadership, the Women's Resource Center grew from an ``underground'' network where domestic abuse survivors received short-term assistance in private homes, to a 31-bed shelter providing long-term housing, support, and resources to survivors.

Colleen's work is imperative as we address the epidemic of violence against women that plagues our country. Each year, approximately 12 million adults and over 15 million children are exposed to domestic violence. These alarming figures tell us that we must do more at the local, state, and federal level to empower survivors and raise community awareness, ensuring that domestic violence and sexual assault are neither tolerated nor accepted in our communities. In April, the House of Representatives passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 (VAWA) with bipartisan support to prevent domestic violence and ensure survivors have resources to recover and seek justice. Today, I urge my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to help end the cycle of domestic violence and reauthorize the VAWA.

I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize residents of the 49th District who have gone above and beyond to support our neighbors and make our community stronger. After 45 years of providing critical support services and shelter to survivors in our community, we owe Colleen a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to recognize her as the Constituent of the Month.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Captain Jason B. Fitch. Captain Fitch has devoted his young adult life to the service of his family and country. Later this year, on December 1, 2019, Captain Fitch will retire from active duty after honorably serving this Nation for 28 years. As he completes his tour of duty in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, and prepares to hang up his military uniform, we all know that his influence has reached far beyond the strict confines of his rank and previous job titles.

Captain Fitch's military career began 28 years ago today as a Midshipman when he took the Oath of Office at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign into the United States Navy. He served honorably in uniform for nearly three decades with tours of duty across the United States and deployments around the world. He served as the Supply Officer for Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California. He served aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and the USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39). In 2006, Captain Fitch was recognized as the Navy Fuel Officer of the Year and as the Fuel Director for the Navy Bulk Fuel Terminal of the Year for 2007. He also served as the Naval Aviation Enterprise Officer and Director for the H-60 ``Seahawk'' Integrated Weapons Support Team at Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command, he deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (2013) in support of the Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan (SOJTF-A) as the J4 director.

Captain Fitch was entrusted with command ashore, where he served as the Commanding Officer for Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Logistics Support Unit. During his tenure in command, he deployed to Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (2015) as the J4 director of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Iraq and received the Bronze Star Medal. He currently serves at the Pentagon as the Director for Outcome Based Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management (E&LM).

In addition, Captain Fitch earned a master's degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Petroleum Management and International Business from the University of Kansas. He earned a Master of Science in National Security and Resource Strategy from the National Defense University's Eisenhower School. Captain Fitch also completed Kellogg's Executive Development Program.

In honor of his service, I would like to express my gratitude for Captain Jason B. Fitch's dedication to this country and our community. I wish him and his family the best as he retires to San Diego this December.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Kevin J. Killea on the event of his retirement.

Brigadier General Killea has dedicated his life to service. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, he graduated from St. Johns University, the Naval War College, the Industrial College of Armed Forces, and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

In March 1988, he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He is a career F/A-18 fighter pilot that included multiple combat tours and key billets, which are highlighted by his command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 in the Western Pacific from 2004 to 2006, and the Marine Aircraft Group 11 from 2009 and 2011. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, and as Assistant Director, Land Domain, for Homeland Defense Policy for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In July 2016, Brigadier General Killea assumed command of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and it has been my recent honor to work with him. He has had a profound impact on Camp Pendleton and the surrounding residents providing service support to more than 50,000 Marines, Sailors, families and civilian employees. He has been continually focused on ensuring our warfighters have all of the vital base support necessary to be operationally ready, and all the issues that impact of the quality of life for families. He has been a leader in environmental issues and has been dedicated to finding solutions to a range of complex problems to ensure all of the five Marine Corps West Coast installations remain tremendous neighbors to our local communities.

Brigadier General Killea has dedicated his life to serving his country. We cannot thank him enough for his service to Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mrs. Barbara Mannino, the longtime leader of the Vista Community Clinic, as my Constituent of the Month for June. After more than 30 years serving North County patients at the Vista Community Clinic and working tirelessly to ensure community members received the care they needed, Barbara retired, and I am deeply grateful for all of her service.

Under Barbara's leadership, the Vista Community Clinic expanded from one location in an animal shelter to a health center network with eight locations providing care to 57,000 patients each year, primarily North County community members who are low-income and uninsured.

Throughout the country, families are struggling to access affordable health care, pay for their prescription drugs, and make ends meet, in part because of this Administration's efforts to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. While I have fought for legislation to lower prescription drug prices, protect people with pre-existing conditions, and expand access to affordable care, it's the work of people like Barbara that has helped so many of our neighbors receive the care they desperately need.

I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize outstanding individuals in the 49th District who have gone above and beyond to give back to our community, support our neighbors, and make our country stronger. After more than 30 years providing critical health care services to local families most in need, we owe Barbara a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to call her the Constituent of the Month.