Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor OLE Health, the only nonprofit health center in Napa County, in celebration of its 50 years of outstanding service in California's Fifth Congressional District.

Since its founding in 1972, OLE Health has provided quality and affordable healthcare in the Napa Valley regardless of patients' health insurance coverage, immigration status, or financial resources. OLE Health provides an array of services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, nutrition, optometry, care coordination, and referrals.

OLE Health serves the most vulnerable members of our community. Most of OLE Health's patients live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and OLE Health's dedicated team of healthcare professionals consistently provide vital healthcare to those experiencing homelessness in our community. OLE Health is also the only fully bilingual healthcare center that offers all services in Spanish and English. Over the last 50 years, OLE Health has built healthcare centers in Napa, St. Helena, Calistoga, and most recently, Fairfield- Suisun. Today, the OLE Health team provides care to 25 percent of Napa County residents and treats 40,000 patients every year.

On top of offering a wide variety of accessible and quality healthcare services, OLE Health also holds monthly food distributions in Napa and Calistoga that provide fresh produce and healthy foods to 300 families each month. OLE Health also offers enrollment services that connect anyone in our community with suitable healthcare coverage plans and help eligible individuals apply for CalFresh or other assistance programs. Additionally, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, OLE Health has distributed over 60,000 vaccine doses, offering even more life-saving care to the community.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that OLE Health has been a critical establishment in our community, providing vital and accessible services for so many in our district. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the organization and its staff here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Oscar De Haro for his over 17 years of service as Superintendent of Student Affairs at Napa Valley College.

Born in Jerez, Mexico, Mr. De Haro immigrated to St. Helena, California, at a young age. He worked in the vineyards in Napa Valley, the apple orchards in Sebastopol, and the strawberry fields in Salinas. After graduating high school, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration and a minor in Mexican American studies from San Jose State University. Prior to joining Napa Valley College, Mr. De Haro spent 16 years at Mendocino College as an Assistant Dean of Special Services and Programs and Dean of Student Services.

Throughout his career, Mr. De Haro has made significant contributions to our community through his commitment to education and his efforts to uplift our Hispanic community. Mr. De Haro is recognized for spearheading the ``Declare Yourself'' campaign at Napa Valley College, allowing the college to become an Hispanic Serving Institution. Mr. De Haro is also recognized for his contributions to the Latinos in Napa History Project at Napa Valley College and the Legacy Bracero Program in Napa.

In addition to his illustrious career, Mr. De Haro has taken on many philanthropic projects within our community. Mr. De Haro has helped organize the Cultural Festival at Napa Valley College, and he has been a strong supporter of the Dia de la Familia at St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church. He also serves as a member of the Multicultural Committee in St. Helena. Mr. De Haro always made himself available to his students, displaying genuine care and concern for their success in and out of the office. He has always been passionate about helping students achieve their goals and fervently believed that ``Students are our Business--Our only Business!'' After years of dedicated service, Mr. De Haro retired from his role at Napa Valley College on June 30, 2022.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Mr. De Haro has worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Napa Valley community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cope Family Center for its 50 years of remarkable family support and child abuse prevention services in California's Fifth Congressional District.

Fifty years ago, a child in the City of Napa tragically died due to child-abuse-related causes. Concerned parents in the city took action and established the Cope Family Center to prevent similar events from happening in the future. They envisioned a future where all children could live in happy, healthy homes, and live to reach the bright future they deserved. For the past half a century, that vision

has guided the Cope Family Center as they continue to serve children and families across Napa.

Though much has changed since its founding in 1972, the Cope Family Center is still working hard to protect children. It has served over 82,000 parents and caregivers in Napa County with support services to prevent adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can raise children who thrive. It provides strength-based parent education, home visiting, and basic needs support to parents struggling with stress. The center also provides services that encourage healthy family relationships, enhance childhood development, and build strong community connections.

The Cope Family Center has widened its services to also address community needs in times of disaster, such as wildfires and the COVID- 19 pandemic. Now a two-million-dollar organization with 24 staff members, the center has the power to advocate for positive change to systemic issues affecting children and families in our district. The Cope Family Center is a member and the financial lead of the Community Leaders Coalition, which works to build a vibrant community and respond to policy that may cause concern in the community.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that the Cope Family Center has been an instrumental institution through its work to improve the lives of countless families in our district. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the organization and its staff here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joel Rogers for his outstanding public service to the people of California and his country.

Mr. Rogers was born in Glen Cove, New York. In 1980, he graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a bachelor's degree in political science. Thereafter, he worked for Governor Jerry Brown in Washington DC until 1982. From 1983 to 1991, Mr. Rogers served as the Legislative Director for former Representative Douglas Bosco. After his career in D.C., he moved to Sonoma County where he served as a board member on the Piner-Olivet Union School District Board from 1996 to 1998.

Mr. Rogers was very passionate about protecting California's fishing industry. He was instrumental in developing legislation that improved the conditions of fisheries on California's North Coast. These bills, which were written by Representative Bosco's office and signed into law by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush, include the Klamath River Restoration Act, the Trinity River Restoration Act, the Hoopa- Yurok Settlement Act, the Cordell Banks National Marine Sanctuary, and the Smith River National Recreation Area.

Mr. Rogers had a strong interest in national affairs, and as a result, he played an active and vital role in supporting Representative Bosco's position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. According to Representative Bosco, Mr. Rogers was ``always informed, current, and patient in dealing with the myriad issues involved [in national affairs].'' Additionally, Mr. Rogers' ``kind, quiet demeanor belied an intense commitment to national affairs, especially related to the Reagan Administration's policies in Central America and the general increase in Pentagon spending.''

Mr. Rogers passed away on March 26, 2022. His family remembers him as a selfless, kind, and compassionate father. Mr. Rogers is survived by his wife, Vicky, to whom he was married for 39 years, his children, Jackie, Bobby and Nick, and his mother, Midlred Rogers.

Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that Joel Rogers was a dedicated and hard-working public servant. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him and his legacy here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ron Nersesian in celebration of his outstanding career at Keysight Technologies and his dedicated support to his employees in times of crisis.

Mr. Nersesian was born in New York City and attended Lehigh University in Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Later, he completed a master's degree in business administration from New York University Stern School of Business.

Mr. Nersesian dedicated the past 30 years to Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa and its predecessors. After serving as President and Chief Operations Officer at Agilent Technologies, Mr. Nersesian became Keysight Technologies' first Chief Executive Officer in 2013. He led his company to success during some of the most challenging times in our community. The 2017 Tubbs Fire damaged Keysight Technologies campus in Santa Rosa, and hundreds of employees lost homes. Mr. Nersesian provided disaster pay to affected staff, established an employee relief center with meals and helped find temporary housing for employees and their families.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Nersesian put his company's resources toward charitable efforts. Keysight Technologies made more than $1 million in contributions to non-profits and donated personal protective equipment and janitorial supplies to charitable relief, healthcare and emergency responder organizations around the world. Under Mr. Nersesian's leadership, none of his 17,000 employees lost their job nor wages as a direct result of the pandemic.

Mr. Nersesian is also a member of the Georgia Tech Advisory Council, the North Bay Leadership Council, and Forbes Technology Council. Additionally, he created STEM engagement opportunities for K-12 students and virtual mentorship programs to fill gaps in intern and volunteer opportunities during the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Mr. Ron Nersesian has dedicated his life to serving the people of Sonoma County through his leadership and great generosity. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Sweigert, M.D. in celebration of his outstanding medical career in Napa County.

Dr. Sweigert was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and graduated from Jesuit High School in Carmichael. He received a bachelor's degree in physical therapy in 1981 from California State University, Fresno. He then graduated from Dartmouth Medical School in 1990 with a Doctor of Medicine.

Dr. Sweigert began his medical career at the Providence Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, studying internal medicine from 1990 to 1993. He then moved to Bath, Maine, to practice as a primary care physician. In 1997, Dr. Sweigert moved to Napa, where he joined the medical staff of the Queen of the Valley Medical Center. While working at the Queen of the Valley Medical Center, he also took over the practice of Dr. Alvin Lee Block in 1998 and launched Red Bike Medicine as a solo practitioner in 2014. He is revered in Napa County for his excellent medical care, hard work, and kind nature.

Dr. Sweigert has been a devoted member of the Napa Solano Medical Society (NSMS) and the California Medical Association (CMA) for 25 years. He was a CMA delegate from 2006 to 2012, NSMS president from 2007 to 2008, and a hospital representative to CMA's Organized Medical Staff Section from 2009 to 2013. On May 2, 2022, Dr. Sweigert received the Napa Solano Medical Society Professor Emeritus award in appreciation of his long and illustrious career as a physician, teacher, and friend.

In his free time, Dr. Sweigert enjoys traveling, gardening, bicycling, serving his community, and spending time with his family. Dr. Sweigert has held numerous community-related roles, including being a local soccer coach, a Board of Trustees member for Justin Sienna High School, and a member of the

Honoring Choices Napa Valley steering committee. Dr. Sweigert and his wife, Patricia, have two children, Kelsey and Eric. Following his retirement in 2022, Dr. Sweigert will move to Bozeman, Montana, to be a full-time grandfather.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Dr. Paul Sweigert has dedicated his life to the people of Napa through his medical career. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

While the tragic loss of 19 precious children and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas, and the disgusting racially motivated slaughter in Buffalo, New York, captured the Nation's attention, we know that gun violence survivors and their allies across our country have been working every day to prevent the gun violence that kills 30 people every day and over 100 when you factor in accidents and suicides.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passes three important tests. It is legal, it has the votes, and it saves lives. This bill saves lives by targeting convicted domestic abusers and felons coercing someone to illegally purchase a gun for them. This bill saves lives by strengthening school safety and mental health resources.

This bill and the millions of gun violence victims and gun violence survivors deserve a ``yes'' vote today from every Member in this Chamber. A majority of Americans and responsible gun owners know this bill is important.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, the Congresswoman from Michigan, Debbie Dingell, is correct. It is the intent that the Department of Justice promulgate regulations to govern the application of Section 12005, including defining the terms `serious,' `continuing,' `recent,' and `recently.' It is the intent that this law capture dating relationships in the way they happen in the lives of victims of dating violence.

Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the comments of my esteemed colleague from Michigan. Under California law, `dating relationship' means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional or sexual involvement independent of financial considerations. Similar to the law in Michigan, the law in California very clearly parallels the definition of `dating relationship' in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and it is my intent and understand in voting for this bill that a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against a dating partner under California law is sufficient to trigger the expanded dating violence prohibitor.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and thank Congresswoman McBath and Congressman Carbajal for the great work they have done to put this together.

Red flag laws are supported by a majority of Americans and nearly 70 percent of gun owners. Red flag laws provide an opportunity for an intervention if someone demonstrates that they are a danger to themselves or to others. California's red flag laws have been used 21 times to prevent mass shootings.

The bill we are considering today was originally authored by Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican, and is very similar to the Florida red flag bill that was signed by then-Governor Rick Scott, also a Republican, and today a U.S. Senator. Neither of those two have ever been accused of being antigun or anti-Constitution.

We know red flag laws save lives and we know the issues raised by the other side of the aisle are a stretch at best. If someone files a false complaint, they are subject to a $5,000 fine and 5 years in jail. This bill will save lives, and I urge you to vote ``yes.''

The only real question is how much more bloodshed is needed to spur us to do the right thing and help us keep our kids and our communities safe.

Please vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, the Protecting Our Kids Act. I point out that every argument we have heard against it so far is nonsense.

Every student deserves to feel safe in school, and every parent should know that their child is safe when they walk out of their house in the morning.

After each mass shooting, too many people are content to offer their thoughts and prayers. The Protecting Our Kids Act is more than thoughts and prayers.

I was proud to work on this bill with Chairman Nadler, Chairwoman Jackson Lee, and all of our colleagues who have contributed bills and input that have made this bill the important bill that it is.

As a lifelong hunter, gun owner, and as a combat veteran, I believe in law-abiding citizens' ability and right to own firearms. As a gun owner, I believe that all responsible gun owners have that responsibility to support efforts to help keep our schools, streets, and communities safe from mass shootings and from the everyday gun violence that often goes unreported by the media.

Each provision in this bill helps reduce gun violence, and it saves lives. Raising the age to buy an assault weapon saves lives. Limiting magazine capacity will limit the carnage of mass shootings, and it saves lives. Going after traffickers keeps guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them, and it saves lives. Safe storage helps reduce suicides and keeps kids safe at home and school, and it saves lives. The unregulated sales of bump stocks and ghost guns is tearing up our communities; regulating ghost guns and regulating bump stocks saves lives.

This bill respects the Second Amendment while taking steps to protect our communities from the epidemic of gun violence. None of our careers are worth more than the lives of the children in this country. We need to pass this bill, and I hope we do it with strong bipartisan support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Aldea Children and Family Services in celebration of the organization's 50 years of service in Napa and Solano counties.

Aldea has specialized in helping people who face financial, mental, cultural, and other barriers in their lives. The organization provides mental health services, transitional housing, child welfare services, and substance abuse services in Napa and Solano counties. The dedicated workers at Aldea assist our communities through three main offices, various outpatient therapy clinics, and over 30 co-locations, including schools, primary healthcare facilities, and community-based organizations.

Aldea incorporated in 1972, opening its first group home which served as a residence for six teenage girls. Two years later, it opened the Redwood Residential Treatment Center to house eight teenagers. In 1982, Aldea expanded its services to adults with developmental disabilities who live independently. A few years later, Aldea grew by opening a group home in Solano County. In 1987, Aldea yet again expanded its services by becoming a licensed private Foster Family Agency.

In 2007, Aldea began offering Intensive Treatment Foster Care for children with severe behavioral and mental health issues. Later, the organization began offering substance abuse prevention and treatment services for youth in Napa County. Aldea was certified by the Council on Accreditation for their effective programming and organizational management in both 2012 and 2016. This honor is achieved by only one percent of human service agencies in the nation.

Aldea Children and Family Services grew from a group home for adolescents to a multi-service organization that serves over 3,900 people each year, providing necessary services that help patients reclaim their lives.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Aldea Children and Family Services have served the people of Napa and Solano counties well for over 50 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Victoria Brandon, whom I have named the 5th Congressional District's 2022 Climate Crisis Champion from Lake County for her inspiring leadership in combatting the climate crisis currently gripping our communities.

Victoria Brandon was born in New York City and attended Brandeis University. She has been a California resident since 1976, and she has resided in Lake County since 1981.

Ms. Brandon has been an active community member, beginning her service in 2004 as Secretary of the Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch, where she served until 2020. The next year, she increased her involvement by joining the Sierra Club Lake Group, followed by the Tuleyome Board of Directors and then the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter, which she still serves to this day. From 2009 to 2015, Ms. Brandon represented the Sierra Club on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which she chaired in 2013. Additionally, she chaired the Sierra Club Agriculture and Food Task Force from 2014 to 2015. Ms. Brandon was also a member of the Sierra Club national political team from 2013 to 2021, serving as the chair from 2016 to 2021.

Ms. Brandon has worked on many essential environmental projects, such as the designation of Cache Creek as Wild and Scenic River in 2005, the adoption of California Strategic Framework on invasive species in 2010, the development of Sierra Club policy on Agriculture and Food in 2015, and the designation of Berryessa Snow Mountain National monument in 2015. Ms. Brandon founded the Sierra Club Grassroots Network Team on Food and Agriculture in 2016 and organized the data on Clear Lake Hitch spawning migrations from 2004 until 2020. When Ms. Brandon is not fighting for climate justice, she enjoys reading, gardening, and other outdoor activities.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Victoria Brandon has dedicated her life to combating the climate crisis in our communities. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Rainer J. Navarro in celebration of his outstanding career in the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Chief Navarro was born in Lynwood, California, in 1969 to Rainer and Cecilia Navarro. He served in the United States Navy from 1987 to 1989. After his time in the Navy, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College and earned an associate of arts degree in 1991. He later earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Sonoma State University in 1996 and a master's degree in law enforcement and public safety from the University of San Diego in 2018.

Chief Navarro began his career in the Santa Rose Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer. In 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant and six years later, was again promoted. As a Lieutenant, he oversaw the Traffic and Special Events Bureau and served as Watch Commander. Chief Navarro made Captain in 2015 and supervised both the Special Services Division and Field Services Division. After over 25 years of service, the city named him Chief of the Santa Rosa Police Department in 2019.

Chief Navarro's personal values focus on his faith, family, and service. He volunteers with Special Olympics, Shop with a Cop, Roseland Unified School District, and Rosewood Gospel Mission. Chief Navarro also has served on the Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership Policy Team, California Police Chiefs Association, CHOPS Teen Club Board of Directors, Social Advocates for Youth Board of Directors, and the Sonoma County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.

Chief Navarro has been a dedicated member of the Santa Rosa Bible Church. He married his high school sweetheart, Diedre, in 1989 and they have been happily married for 33 years. Together, they have two children, Trent and Alexa, and two grandchildren, Caspian and Griffin.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Chief Navarro has dedicated his life to serving the people of Santa Rosa through his career in law enforcement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with Congressman John Garamendi, to honor Chief Manjit Sappal as he retires from his outstanding, six-year service as the Chief of Police for the city of Martinez, California.

Born in the United Kingdom, Chief Sappal and his family immigrated to the United States in 1981 and settled in the Bay Area, where he has lived ever since. In the late 1990s, Chief Sappal began his 26-year- long career in law enforcement as a police officer in Pittsburg, California. Later, he moved to the Richmond Police Department, where he worked for 18 years and became a captain. While working as a police officer, Mr. Sappal graduated from Golden Gate University with highest honors, earning a master's degree in public administration. He also graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police.

Chief Sappal's rigorous work ethic and impressive credentials propelled him to the office of Chief of Police of Martinez in 2015, a position from which he retired from on March 17, 2022. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Chief Sappal has worked in several positions. From Homicide Investigator to Guns and Gang Detective, he has always put himself on the line to make his community safer. While these experiences were memorable, Chief Sappal considers his time as Chief of Police, working with an amazing, high-performing team, to be the highlight of his career. Chief Sappal's service extends beyond law enforcement. As a member of the Contra Costa Council for Homelessness and the Martinez Rotary and Kiwanis, Chief Sappal has worked hard to maintain trust with the community and keep the public safe.

After retirement, Chief Sappal looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Tina, and their two teenage children, Alexis Lily and Andrew Tyler. While the people of Martinez will miss his excellent police work and leadership, the sense of empathy and compassion he established in the community will last a lifetime.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Chief Manjit Sappal has served our community through his exceptional career in law enforcement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rue Mapp, whom I have named the 5th Congressional District's 2022 Climate Crisis Champion for her inspiring leadership in combatting the climate crisis currently gripping our communities.

Ms. Mapp was born in Oakland, California. She earned a bachelor's degree in the history of art, with a minor in city and regional planning from the University of California, Berkeley. She also earned a Women in Leadership Certificate from Mills College, Institute for Civic Leadership in her hometown of Oakland.

Ms. Mapp founded Outdoor Afro in 2009 to celebrate and inspire Black people to connect with each other through nature. For the past five years, Outdoor Afro has included a policy and education cohort that has advocated for environmental protection legislation, including the Land Water Conservation Fund, which funds parks and public land. Today, Outdoor Afro includes over 60,000 participants and over 100 volunteer leaders who promote and participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking and more.

Ms. Mapp has received various honors for her environmental work. Ms. Mapp has been appointed to the California State Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council's Foundation for Youth Investment, where she serves as program officer. Ms. Mapp is also on the board of the Outdoor Industry Association Governance Committee and the vice-chair of The Wilderness Society Governing Council. Additionally, she was invited to the White House by the Obama Administration for the America's Great Outdoors Conference.

In her free time, Ms. Mapp is an avid outdoorswoman, Recreational Vehicle enthusiast, hunter, and fisher. She loves to cook, sew, write, and spend time with her loved ones. Ms. Mapp's family includes her husband, Darin; her three children, Seth, Delaney, and William; her grandchild, Kendrick; and her beloved Pitbull, Lulu.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Rue Mapp has dedicated her life to combating the climate crisis in our communities through Outdoor Afro. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Williams, whom I have named the 5th Congressional District's 2022 Climate Crisis Champion from Napa County for his inspiring leadership in combatting the climate crisis currently gripping our communities.

Born in Clymer, New York, Mr. Williams earned his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and his master's degree in Oenology from University of California, Davis. Mr. Williams founded Frog's Leap Winery over 40 years ago, working as a cellar hand at Stag's Leap Winery and Spring Mountain Winery to finance the first vintage of Frog's Leap wine.

On top of his deep passion for making excellent wine, Mr. Williams has made Frog's Leap Winery a pioneer of organic viticulture practices by abstaining from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reducing irrigation, and installing solar technology. In fact, he brought a solar installation to Frog's Leap before any other winery in Napa County, starting a climate-friendly trend in the industry.

Mr. Williams participates in various community activities that work to combat climate change. He is a founding member of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers Environment and Climate Committee and also serves on the organization's Industry Issues Committee, which works to educate on climate-smart farming practices and setting measurable climate action goals for the wine industry. He was the 2020 Porto Protocols Speaker on Climate Change and the recipient of the coveted ``Susty'' award from the Ecological Farming Conference. Mr. Williams has also played a major role in the Napa Valley River Restoration project.

Mr. Williams' family have only good things to say about his amazing climate work and environmental business practices. John and his wife Tori have been married for 12 years, and collectively are the proud parents of Rory, Kylor, Kelly and Owen and four grandchildren, Hal, Alma, Casey and Sophie.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that John Williams has dedicated his life to combating the climate crisis in our communities. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.