Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the 100th day of Donald Trump's second term as President.

While some of my colleagues celebrate his actions, I am reminded why I first ran for office and why I continue fighting for my community.

I was raised to believe that the United States of America was built on the principles of liberty, democracy, and equal opportunity. For more than two centuries, those ideals have guided us, creating a Nation where everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, serve their communities, and have a voice in their government without reprisals.

Today, we are witnessing something deeply troubling: the erosion of the rule of law, the abandonment of democracy norms, and a betrayal of the very values Americans of all backgrounds have long fought to uphold.

On this 100th day of the 119th Congress, I stand firm in my belief that: I, too, am an American. I, too, am a patriot. I, too, will continue to defend the values and principles that made this country a beacon of hope for the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant Jess Gomez, Jr., and his commitment to our nation throughout his three years of military service and twelve years of service in the U.S. Army National Guard (USANG). During his service with the USANG, he achieved the rank of Sergeant with Service Battery 2/144 Field Artillery.

In 1965, on Christmas Day, Sergeant Gomez was deployed to Vietnam, and in July of 1968, he was honorably discharged. Sergeant Gomez further answered the call to service with the USANG, demonstrating his dedication to protecting and serving his community. His unit was located at the U.S. Armory in Arcadia, California, where he participated in monthly weekend drills and annual Summer Camp for two and a half weeks. He was loved by many in his personal and professional life, including his section of Ammo buddies, with whom he kept in touch throughout his life.

As a result of his service, Sergeant Gomez was praised by local leaders for his dedication to protecting the safety of his local and greater community, regardless of the need. He was an Army truck driver for firefighters during the Northern California Red Bluff fires. In 1992, during the Rodney King riots, he was called out to protect cities in the Los Angeles area. The community was known to express genuine respect and heartfelt gratitude toward him and his team for the protection they provided as members of the National Guard.

Following Sergeant Gomez's military and USANG service, he became a loyal member of Vietnam Veterans of America's (VVA) Chapter 47 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12034.

Not only did he spread awareness for the VVA by serving as a board member and by joining his chapter in local parades, but he also volunteered for the VVA Food Pantry. Mr. Gomez's work with the VVA Food Pantry was critical to ensuring more than 500 veterans received essential food products each week throughout the Greater Los Angeles region.

VFW Post 12034 remembers Sergeant Gomez fondly for his mentorship of younger and incoming veterans, praising him for embodying the phrase ``still serving.'' He regularly attended community events to increase membership and engagement, and could be found annually at Rancho Remembers, ensuring high schoolers could understand the experiences of veterans.

During a challenging time when our city faced funding cuts that led to the potential closure of Pomona's beloved library, Sergeant Gomez showed up for his community--organizing and protecting a space that serves as a cornerstone for learning and dedication. His tireless efforts not only safeguarded the Pomona library but also inspired a renewed sense of unity and purpose.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Sergeant Jess Gomez, Jr. His civic service and commitment to both California and our Nation are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a matter that is critical to the functioning of our government.

As House appropriators, we are tasked with ensuring that our Federal agencies are properly funded so they can serve the American people. However, we are being asked to perform this vital duty without even knowing what plans DOGE has for the future of our agencies, let alone the true role Elon Musk plays at DOGE and the rules it follows and under what authority.

How can we, as lawmakers, fund the government and trust that our instructions written into law are faithfully executed?

How can we make informed decisions that directly affect the lives of millions of Americans who rely on these services?

We are being left in the dark without knowing about what plans DOGE, OPM, and OMB have. The lack of transparency is alarming, unacceptable, and illegal.

We need to end Elon Musk's power grab over agencies and services that Americans depend upon before it is too late.

The Republic is in crisis, and Republicans need to wake up.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as we find ourselves in a situation where a small group of very powerful individuals led by Elon Musk are gaining unprecedented influence over critical national systems.

Right in front of our eyes, we can see how Republicans are allowing Musk to take full control of key resources, including access to Treasury payments and government-backed projects.

The consequence of this unchecked power is a billionaire's unchecked ability to take earned services away from American families, distort markets for personal gain, and influence the future of American democracy.

It is time to ask the tough questions: Why are Republicans enabling this concentration of power, and who is really benefiting from this arrangement?

It is time to take a stance for transparency and accountability in our government. It is time to stand for the rule of law and for our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over the cancelation of an appropriations subcommittee hearing by my Republican colleagues and the decision to replace it with a private briefing to silence Democrats.

I am alarmed by the illegal impoundment of Federal funding and the attempted destruction of USAID. Americans deserve to know why this decision was made.

The administration's decision to close USAID is a direct violation of our Constitution and the law. USAID is essential in stopping the flow of drugs, gangs, human trafficking, and migrants across our borders.

Why are Elon Musk and the Trump administration working to dismantle the very agency that addresses the root causes of migration, violence, and drugs that are devastating our communities?

USAID's work is critical to combating criminal organizations and strengthening international partnerships with the FBI, DEA, and the Department of Justice. Earlier this year, USAID's support was acknowledged as critical when top MS-13 leaders were arrested on terrorist charges.

Mr. Speaker, I demand answers. If our Republican colleagues are too scared to push back, then Democrats will do our job.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible bravery and dedication of our 911 dispatchers, first responders, and firefighters across California.

These men and women, many of whom work around the clock, have been on the front lines fighting tirelessly to protect our homes and communities from devastating impact of the ongoing fires.

I am also deeply proud of the way our communities have come together. From local volunteers to neighbors checking on one another and organizations offering aid, California's spirit of unity and resilience shines brighter than ever.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to navigate these difficult times, I urge my colleagues to not play politics and ensure we provide the disaster relief aid that California deserves and needs now more than ever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mayor Dennis R. Yates and his 24 years of public service and commitment to the City of Chino. He was also an honorable Vietnam War veteran, serving in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for his valiant service.

Dennis Yates was elected to the Chino City Council in 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, Mayor Yates was instrumental in shaping Chino's growth and development. His leadership saw the establishment of the Chaffey College Community Campus and Information Technology Center, the renovation of Downtown Chino, the construction of low-cost senior housing, and the construction of the Carolyn Owens Community Center.

Additionally, Mayor Yates was dedicated to advocating for youth programs. He was integral in the creation of the Chino Youth Museum, a lasting tribute to his belief in fostering educational opportunities for children. He also spent decades as a volunteer and mentor with Chino Pop Warner football, where the Yates Field at Ayala Park stands in his honor, named after him in recognition of his 28 years of service to the program. Mayor Yates' unwavering dedication to his community was honored with Chino's highest accolade, the prestigious Spirit of Achievement Award in 2019.

Sadly, our community is now in mourning. This September, Mayor Yates passed away at the age of 79. I offer my deepest condolences to his family.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Mayor Dennis R. Yates. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Chino are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Baackes and his nine years of steadfast service as the L.A. Care Health Plan Chief Executive Officer, the nation's largest publicly operated health plan serving over two million members in Los Angeles County.

John Baackes joined L.A. Care in 2015. Throughout his extensive tenure, Baackes helped spearhead and sustain a number of significant initiatives, including expanding from 4 to 14 community resource centers throughout Los Angeles County; launching a scholarship program for medical school students committed to practicing in underserved communities; and developing a school loan repayment program for physicians who establish their medical practice within disadvantaged communities. He also works with L.A. Care's Board of Governors to set the strategic vision while overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Additionally, Baackes currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Charles Drew University and sits on the boards of America's Health Insurance Plans, California Association of Health Plans, Local Health Plans of California, and Urban Voices Project.

At the end of this year, John Baackes is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family. We are grateful for his service to our community.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize John Baackes. His years of civic service and commitment to the betterment of Los Angeles County is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christian Hsu and his 30 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona. The calling to be a police officer is an incredibly selfless and important vocation of public service. Those who risk their lives for the good of the community are worthy of the highest respect and appreciation.

Deputy Chief Hsu joined the Pomona Police Department in 1994 after graduating from the University of California, Irvine, where he worked several years at its campus police department. He also interned at the Laguna Beach Police Department. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Hsu served as Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was appointed as Deputy Chief in May of 2020. In that role, he assisted the Chief of Police in the day-to-day operation of the department.

Additionally, Chief Hsu holds Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management POST certificates. He has also attended many distinguished trainings including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, LAPD Leadership Program, California Police Chiefs' Executive Leadership Institute, POST Command College, and POST Executive Development.

This November, Chief Hsu is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family. We are grateful for his service to our community.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Chief of Police Christian Hsu. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Pomona are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Luberta Lee.

Luberta was born in Coushatta, Louisiana in 1924. She and her late husband, Sigmund Lee, have 7 children and 17 grandchildren together. They were married for 46 years until he passed. As a couple, the Lee's made the cross country move from Louisiana to California. They settled in San Bernardino, where she dedicated 20 years of service to her community at Community Hospital before her retirement. She has now lived in San Bernardino for 75 years.

On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Luberta on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent courageous people like her. I hope that she enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Myles OConner Mauldin and his service in ensuring the safety of his fellow Americans as a Transportation System Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Together we mourn the loss of a community member, gone too soon.

Myles worked with the FAA at the Ontario Airport in my district for 13 months, where he was responsible for maintaining a wide range of radar equipment for the National Air Space System. This entailed modifying and certifying radar, automation, and voice switches. As a safe-keeper of the systems that ensure air travel is safe, Myles helped support the backbone of our national airspace system.

Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On June 24, 2024, Myles passed away in a tragic accident while on his way to FAA training in Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife and their son. I offer my deepest condolences on their loss.

For his outstanding accomplishment, it is my honor to recognize Airway Transportation System Specialist Myles OConner Mauldin. His commitment to civic service and to the safety of the American people are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Dr. Schrier, and also Assistant Leader Joe Neguse for holding this wildfire Special Order tonight.

I rise to speak on the devastating impact that wildfires have in my district, in the Inland Empire, southern California.

Right now, there are two devastating wildfires surrounding my entire district: the Bridge fire that has burned over 4,000 acres so far, and the Line fire that has burned over 27,000 acres to date. My heart goes out to the families and all the communities affected.

I thank our firefighters and first responders for their selfless sacrifice, putting themselves in harm's way to save lives. I also thank the city of Fontana and all of their employees helping to evacuate as they host families at the Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center.

As our region continues to experience record-breaking heat waves, extremely dry conditions, and other unprecedented weather, it is so important to ensure the public has the resources necessary to prepare for these disasters.

In 2005, I lost my own home to a fire. I had to live in a hotel in temporary housing for 14 months with my husband, my three sons, and my pets, all while running to be the mayor of my home city of Pomona. I know all too well the great financial, physical, and emotional impacts of losing your home in a fire.

It is my goal that by raising awareness and providing the appropriate tools and resources to prepare for and recover from fires, we can help people adequately prepare and avoid similar devastation.

That is why I have introduced multiple wildfire and mudslide bills, including my annual Wildfire Preparedness Week resolution to protect and evacuate our communities and to educate our communities on the impacts of wildfires.

Our Federal firefighters do increasingly dangerous work to save lives and protect property, and many of them sleep in cars, tents, and man- made holes when they are responding to wildfires. These shelters fail to adequately protect them or provide the necessary rest and nourishment needed when responding to wildfires.

We need to do more to support these local heroes, and I urge my colleagues to provide more resources to support these Americans. Since January, there have been over 6,000 wildfires in California with our firefighters on the front lines. We cannot over-prepare or be overly cautious when it comes to wildfires.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Aurelia Gonzalez Lopez.

Aurelia was born July 25, 1924, in Buenavista, Mexico. She migrated to the United States in 1990, establishing a new life in the City of Pomona for the last 34 years. Raising her family is one of her proudest accomplishments. She had 12 children with her husband, and now her family has expanded to 43 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Aurelia on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent people like her who bring so much to family and neighbors. I am grateful for her 34 years of residency in my district I hope that she enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Castleman and his 39 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona with the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, Plasterers' Local 200.

Tom joined the union in 1985 and became a business agent for the union in 2003. In 2010, he was appointed as a business manager for the Plasterers' Local 200. Throughout his time with the union, he also served on the Apprenticeship Committee mentoring the next generation of plasterers entering the field.

Tom is officially retiring this year. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his wife, Patti, and family. We are grateful for his service to our community.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize union leader Tom Castleman. His years of civic service are worthy of commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Casey and his 29 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona with the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, Plasterers' Local 200.

David joined the union in 1995 and became a business agent for the union in 2012. In 2022, he was appointed as a business manager for the Plasterers' Local 200. Throughout his time with the union, he also served on the Apprenticeship Committee mentoring the next generation of plasterers entering the field. In 2001, David was instrumental in leading a ``Labor to Neighbor'' program in the City of Pomona. This program was designed to help seniors improve their homes while beautifying the neighborhood. Through the Plasterers' Union Apprenticeship Program, led by David, local apprentices would work to re-plaster homes of pre-approved low-income seniors.

David officially retired on March 24, 2024. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his wife, Cyndee, and children, Jason, Kerry, and Stewart. We are grateful for his service to our community.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize union leader David Casey. His years of civic service are worthy of commendation.