Floor Statements

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

Joseph was born in Sonoma, California, and attended Sonoma Valley High School, from which he graduated as valedictorian in 2021. While in high school, Joseph participated in various extracurriculars, many of which related to environmental causes. He was the founder and President of Sonoma Valley High School's Campus Beautification Club, which organized club workdays to plant trees and flowers, coordinated with the school's art club to design campus murals, and secured funding from local charitable organizations. Joseph also

spearheaded the environmental sustainability program at Crescent Montessori School in Sonoma, implementing several low-cost, regenerative gardening projects.

Joseph mentored incoming freshmen students at Sonoma Valley High through the school's Link Crew Program, offering them advice, resources, emotional support, and academic support. He also volunteered through the Interact Club, the socio-civic nonprofit organization La Luz, First Baptist Church of Sonoma, Food for the Hungry, Sonoma Valley High's Wildlife Club, Skiing for Change, and Operation Christmas Child.

Joseph is currently a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley, College of Engineering, where he studies environmental engineering. He is a member of the UC Berkeley Biofuels Technology Club and serves in various roles within the club, such as Club Officer, Scale-Up Team Lead, and Head of Fuel Production. Joseph is integral in the club's work on producing biodiesel from local restaurants cooking oil with the goal of eventually fueling campus and student vehicles with renewable fuel. He is currently leading the gardening and environmental program at the Crescent Montessori School of Sonoma, which teaches young children about sustainable gardening.

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

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

John Muir Land Trust was founded in 1989 by residents of Martinez to protect the Alhambra Valley Open Space known as Stonehurst. Since then, the organization has permanently protected over 3,500 acres of natural space to be used for passive recreation, wildlife habitat, clean drinking water protection, and scenic views. The organization's guiding principle is that natural, open spaces are essential to the health of our earth, air, water, plants, animals, and all of us.

The organization has taken on many large-scale environmental projects in the area, such as the addition of Mount Wanda to the John Muir National Historical Site, stewardship of the Contra Costa Goldfields preserve, the acquisition of Almond Ranch, the merging of Franklin Canyon into Fernandez Ranch, the public opening of Acalanes Ridge, the campaign to save Carr Ranch and the permanent protection of Painted Rock.

Currently, the organization has partnered with the Contra Costa County Flood Control District and the East Bay Regional Park District to restore the wildlife habitat and wetland activity of Pacheco Marsh in Martinez. Pacheco Marsh is home to ten special-status plant and animal species that require protected land to ensure the continued survival of their species. The marsh is planned to become a refuge for migrating birds, spawning fish, and the threatened salt-marsh harvest mouse. The site will include 2.4 miles of walking trails, elevated vistas, bird blinds, kayak launches, interpretive signs, and an environmental educational facility.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that John Muir Land Trust has dedicated its work to combating the climate crisis in our communities for the last 30 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the organization and its staff here today.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has hammered every section of our economy. Small businesses have been hit the hardest; and among small businesses, restaurants have been crushed. An estimated 90,000 restaurants have permanently closed.

These are cornerstones of our communities and the linchpin of our economy. If more restaurants close, then more workers will be out of work, and transitioning to a new job will be a challenge for many of those workers. Now is not the time to abandon small businesses.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Hazel Wilson, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Solano County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Born in Bristow, Oklahoma, Mrs. Wilson graduated from Langston University, an historically Black university, with a bachelor's degree in business administration. After her graduation, she moved to Vallejo, California, in 1973, where she co-founded the Kappa Beta Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Kappa Beta Omega Chapter focuses on introducing students to the different options of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the benefits of attending these schools.

Mrs. Wilson also served on the Vallejo City Unified School District governing board for 14 years and still attends their meetings to support Vallejo students by addressing community concerns to the district and its board.

As a Community Liaison Volunteer for the CC and Amber Sabathia PitCCh-In Foundation, Mrs. Wilson has worked to provide free backpacks and school supplies to elementary school children and teachers in Vallejo. She also contributes to an annual scholarship for a high school senior who will be attending an historically Black college or university.

Mrs. Wilson is an advocate and a consensus builder for students across the city. Through her extensive work with the school district and other non-profits like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the African American Alliance of Vallejo, and the Solano County Chapter of the Link, Inc., she has directly impacted the lives of so many children.

Her husband, a retired teacher, Michael Wilson and their two children, Michael Wilson III, a teacher, and Andrinee Wilson-Tucker, Ph.D., a psychologist, also graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Mrs. Wilson's family and the rest of the community describe her as incredibly compassionate, dignified, and motivated in supporting students with their education.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Hazel Wilson has dedicated her life to the students of Vallejo through her public service. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of American Canyon as it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Nestled between Solano and Napa counties, the City of American Canyon, formerly known as ``Napa Junction,'' was incorporated on January 1, 1992. Since then, the small city has proved itself to be a vital part of the North Bay Area, earning the nickname ``The Gateway to the Napa Valley.'' According to the late John Mikolajcik, often called the ``Father of American Canyon,'' the city is named after the Native American, Hispanic, and Caucasian communities that lived in the area together as one people: Americans.

Since its incorporation, American Canyon and its people have made many contributions to the nearby Napa and Solano communities, including the construction of a water reclamation facility, senior center, Boys and Girls club, community center, public library, high school, and middle and elementary schools. The city also has a 640-acre open space preserve donated by residents Jack and Bernice Newell, where people can enjoy the beautiful nature of Wine Country. Further, American Canyon has acquired its own zip code, 94503, and a post office.

The people of American Canyon are the backbone of this thriving city. From amateur sports leagues to religious congregations to Girl Scout and Boy Scout chapters, the residents of American Canyon have created a strong, interconnected community.

American Canyon's convenient geographical location, steady growth, and vibrant community culture has earned its status as a premier city in Northern California. Over the past three decades, the city's population has grown to 21,000 residents and is now the gateway for travelers from all over the world who seek to experience our famous winegrowing region.

Madam Speaker, it is fitting and proper that we honor the City of American Canyon here today to celebrate its 30 years of prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Jared Huffman, to honor Marylou Hernandez Armer in recognition of her service to the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Born in 1977, Mrs. Armer grew up in National City, California, and attended Morse High School. Her aspirations to be a police officer began early when she enlisted in the National City Police Department's Explorer Post 2859.

Mrs. Armer dedicated her career to protecting her community. Mrs. Armer served with the Santa Rosa Police Department for over 20 years. She joined the Santa Rosa Police Department as a field evidence technician in 1999. Nine years of civilian service later, she was sworn in as an officer. Mrs. Armer became a detective in 2016 and was an investigator in the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Unit. She was a person of deep empathy and compassion and always showed kindness to survivors for whom she pursued justice.

On March 31, 2020, our community and our Nation lost an outstanding citizen when Mrs. Armer passed. She was the first peace officer in the state of California taken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mrs. Armer leaves behind her husband, Mark Armer, and their daughter. Our community and state continue to mourn her loss.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Mrs. Armer dedicated her life to the people of Sonoma County through her service to the Santa Rosa Police Department and the victims of domestic and sexual violence. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Labastida, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Napa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Ms. Labastida was born in El Centro, California, to Rosa and Leopoldo Labastida. She graduated from California State University, Los Angeles in 1968 with a degree in nursing. Ms. Labastida began her professional career in hospital nursing, and then worked in public health nursing. After earning her master's degree in health service and family nurse practice from the University of California, Davis in 1973, she worked for county medical services and community clinics for 43 years. During her nursing career, she also spent 20 years working with the Department of State Foreign Service.

After retiring from nursing in 2014, Ms. Labastida became dedicated to community service. She is best known for her work as a volunteer at COVID vaccination sites in Napa County, where she utilizes her family nurse practitioner experience and her bilingual speaking skills to help people register for vaccinations and infection screenings. Ms. Labastida has volunteered at approximately 55 vaccination clinics, primarily through Ole Health.

Ms. Labastida has been a devoted volunteer with the non-profit Napa Valley CanDo, which creates and collects donations for food banks. She has volunteered in CanDo's community garden for four years and has served as a Food Project Neighborhood Coordinator for five years.

Ms. Labastida is known throughout her community for her humble demeanor, dedication to others, cheery disposition, and bright smile. When she is not serving her community, she is having adventures abroad. She is also a devoted mother and grandmother to her daughter, Alisa, and her grandson, Sebastian.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Betty Labastida has dedicated her life to the people of Napa County through her community service and nursing career. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today along with Congressman Jared Huffman, to honor Bonnie Sue Graham for her outstanding career at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, helping our veterans secure the proper care they need and deserve.

Mrs. Graham was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Winthrop, where she attended public school. She then graduated from Tufts University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy. Following her graduation, Mrs. Graham spent years in the private sector, working at medical centers in Connecticut and New Mexico. Eventually, she became the vice president of the Lovelace Health System, the largest healthcare provider in New Mexico.

After her service at Lovelace Health System, Mrs. Graham became a senior administrator at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque. In 2007, Mrs. Graham became Associate Director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Later, in 2013, Mrs. Graham became the director of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, where she cultivated a culture of support, openness, and a commitment to excellence.

As Director, Mrs. Graham has served on numerous national Veterans Affairs committees and mentored several Veterans Affairs executives and administrators. In 2000, she began a trailblazing program to educate Veterans Affairs workers on how to address matters of diversity and equity, an effort that has achieved widespread recognition today.

As Mrs. Graham prepares to retire from her excellent service at the end of this month, she looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Glenn, and their son, Garrett.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Bonnie Sue Graham has spent her life serving and supporting our brave service members. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Quiroz, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Sonoma County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Mrs. Quiroz was born in San Francisco, California. At a young age, she became a victim of human trafficking. After escaping trafficking, she pursued an education with the hope of learning how to help other victims of human trafficking recover and move forward. In 2014, Mrs. Quiroz began attending Santa Rosa Junior College, where she volunteered for the Bear Cub Scholar Program, which provides academic counseling for foster youth. She graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with highest honors in three associate degrees: social advocacy, behavioral science and human services. In 2021, shegraduated from Sonoma State University with a bachelor's degree in sociology with distinction.

While in school, Mrs. Quiroz worked as a substance use disorder counselor and co-founded the nonprofit Redemption House of The Bay Area, which helps victims of human trafficking reclaim their lives. Mrs. Quiroz received many awards recognizing her incredible work, including the 2019 American Red Cross Humanitarian Hero Award, the 2019 Achievement and Community Service Award from the Sonoma County Lowrider Council, and the 2021 Inaugural Spirit of Sonoma County Award. She also received the Unconditional Governor's Pardon from Governor Jerry Brown in 2018.

Mrs. Quiroz currently serves as a substance use disorder counselor at Athena House Residential Treatment Center for women in Santa Rosa, while pursuing a master's degree in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University.

Outside of her community work and her education, Mrs. Quiroz finds joy in her family, including her husband, Jose, their five children and one grandson. She is also looking forward to publishing her memoir, Purified in the Flame, on March 31st of this year.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Elizabeth Quiroz has devoted her life to helping and supporting vulnerable individuals in our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lisa Diaz-McQuaid, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Sonoma County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Ms. Diaz-McQuaid was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California. She is a survivor of human trafficking and has been committed to helping human trafficking victims. In 2018, Ms. Diaz-McQuaid co-founded the Redemption House of the Bay Area, a non-profit organization based in Sonoma County that helps victims of human trafficking reclaim their lives. Ms. Diaz-McQuaid is currently a student at Santa Rosa Junior College, working toward three associate degrees in human services, advocacy and addiction studies.

Ms. Diaz-McQuaid has dedicated her life to supporting human trafficking victims, She is a member of the Sonoma County Human Trafficking Task Force, an advocate in the Missing Murdered Indigenous Women movement, and the co-facilitator of the first peer-lead human trafficking victims support group in Sonoma County. Ms. Diaz-McQuaid is also a team leader of a monthly street outreach program that helps human trafficking victims leave their abusers.

Furthermore, Ms. Diaz-McQuaid participates in community activities that support at-risk youth and recovering addicts. She mentors youth survivors of human trafficking and works at the Girls Circle of Valley of the Moon, an emergency shelter center for children who are unsafe with their parents or guardians.

After graduating from Santa Rosa Junior College, Ms. Diaz-McQuaid hopes to transfer to Sonoma State University to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology and eventually earn a master's degree in social work. On top of being an outstanding community member and student, Ms. Diaz-Mctjuaid is a mother and grandmother. She has three adult children, Gabriella, Anthony and Josephine Hall, and five grandchildren, Maya, Carmello, Jayvion, Millianna, and Dream.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Lisa Diaz-McQuaid has devoted her life to helping and supporting vulnerable individuals in our community. Therefore. it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today 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 Tina Wong, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Contra Costa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Ms. Wong was born in San Francisco, California, to Darlene Roth and Marvin Wong. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor's degree in English and earned two teaching credentials for Single Subject Teaching in English and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Ms. Wong began working in the Elk Grove Unified School District at the Union House Elementary School in 1993. Then, in 1995, she began teaching in public schools in Martinez, California, including Martinez Junior High School. The year after, she became the Assistant to the Upper Head of School and Academic Dean at The Athenian School. During her time at The Athenian School, Ms. Wong volunteered to mentor students in areas of social justice, equity and diversity as a board member of the Bay Area People of Color in Independent Schools, an organization that represents people of color in the Bay Area education system.

Additionally, Ms. Wong volunteers with organizations that aim to empower and support

young people in her community. She is the Earth Ambassadors Program Manager for New Leaf Collaborative, a local non-profit that provides learning and leadership opportunities for students, educators, and community partners in areas of science, nature, and ecological literacy.

Ms. Wong is well-known in her community for her passion for learning, communication skills, planning expertise, and commitment to collaboration. She has been married to Robert DiBetta for over 20 years, and they have two children, Sam and Kate.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Tina Wong has dedicated her life to educating and supporting the students in our district. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jennifer Strong, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Lake County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Jennifer Strong was born in Davis, California, and is a sixth- generation Lake County resident. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business. Ms. Strong started her career as a branch manager for Tri Counties Bank. She quickly developed a passion for helping her customers feel comfortable with their finances. In 1998, she expanded this passion and founded Strong Financial Network as a Certified Financial Planner. Her firm is built upon the principle of holistic financial planning with a focus on helping her clients maneuver through all aspects of life. Ms. Strong provides hours of free financial planning to all ages, including young people, regardless of the size of their assets. She is often found at a career day event at a local school and meeting individually with young people about the importance of a healthy relationship with money. Additionally, she has hosted countless student interns in her office over the years.

Ms. Strong is also a member and supporter of many non-profit organization in Lake County. She donates countless hours of service to local non-profits in financial planning, as well as providing MC services for annual charity fundraisers. Ms. Strong is a long-time member of the Lakeport Rotary Club. She is known for her 15-year service as Ride Director for the annual cycling event, Konocti Challenge, bringing in millions of dollars in economic benefit to Lake County. She also founded the Rotary Fire Relief Fund, which was established during the Valley Fire in 2015, and raised over $1 million that year. All of the fund was used to support fire survivors.

Ms. Strong's passion for her community is described by loved ones as ``infectious and always at the forefront of her decisions.'' She is known for her dedicated passion in helping others believe in their own ability to effect change in the world. Outside of her career and community work, Ms. Strong is passionate about outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, gardening, travelling, and is also a licensed private pilot.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Jennifer Strong has dedicated her life to the people of Lake County through her career in financial services and her community work. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Rhodes, whom I have named the 2022 Woman of the Year in Napa County, California. Woman of the Year recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 5th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.

Mrs. Rhodes was born in Taft, California, in 1927. She graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles and then attended Los Angeles City College and Ventura Junior College. She married her husband, Tom, in 1950, and they moved to Ventura County. The couple relocated to Napa in the 1980s to be closer to one of their daughters Judy.

After Tom Rhodes passed away in 1990, Mrs. Rhodes became greatly involved in the Napa County community, joining the Napa County Commission on Aging, where she has served for 15 years. She used her experience with the agency to spearhead the Napa County Caregiver Ordinance, which requires independent caregivers and home care aides to complete a background check and register through the state. The Ordinance, which was adopted by the Napa County Board of Supervisors, is nicknamed ``Betty's Law'' in honor of her tireless, seven-year advocacy for the Ordinance.

Additionally, Mrs. Rhodes has been a voice for seniors by serving on the Napa County Paratransit Coordinating Council, Napa and Solano Area Agency on Aging, and Molly's Angels Board of Directors. She also writes a weekly column for the Napa Valley Register about issues that are important to seniors.

As a member of the California Senior Leadership Alliance, Mrs. Rhodes has advocated for seniors at the state level by meeting with State Senators and Assembly Members to discuss matters that affect seniors. In 2008, the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce named Mrs. Rhodes the Community Booster of the Year, honoring her distinguished record of leadership.

Mrs. Rhodes has four children, Greg, Susan, Steven, and Judy, seven grandchildren, twelve greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Madam Speaker, it is evident that Betty Rhodes has dedicated her life to advocating for the senior citizens of Napa County. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for their hard work on this important piece of legislation.

The Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 is bipartisan legislation that gives workers the tools they need to retire with the financial stability they deserve and worked so hard to obtain.

Importantly, this legislation allows individuals to pay down a student loan instead of contributing to a 401(k) plan while still receiving an employer match in their retirement plan.

I have heard from thousands of individuals in my district who are facing an overwhelming amount of student loan debt. These are people who are struggling to start their careers while also trying to pay off their loans. The SECURE Act provides the opportunity to make payments on their student loans now while also investing in their future.

I am proud to support this legislation that we are hearing today, and I thank you for this great bipartisan bill that you have put before us.