Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Gene Maurece Harper.

Gene was born April 10, 1923, in Ontario, California. He grew up in Ontario and graduated from Chaffey High School. Just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, Gene had enrolled at Chaffey Junior College. Rather than staying to finish school, Gene felt called to serve and enlisted in the Naval Reserve. Beginning in June 1943, at 20 years old, he served aboard the LST 952 during World War II and was sent to sea in November 1944. On April 1, 1945, his ship sent Marines into Okinawa, Japan where they took Yontan Airfield, which served as an important victory for the United States. After the war, Gene completed his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University. He returned to Ontario, California and worked for the County of San Bernardino as an Entomologist, a scientist who studies insects. Eventually, he became the Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for the county. He and his wife, Ndala Grace Hall, have been happily married for 67 years. The couple have 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandsons.

On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Gene on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent courageous people like him. I am grateful for his service to this county. I hope that he enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Madam Speaker, as the mother of a Pomona police officer and former 911 dispatcher, I rise today to commemorate National Police Week. This week, we celebrate the heroes who don't make the headlines.

I know, from my son and other officers, how much our society expects from the law enforcement community. We expect these brave men and women to put themselves in harm's way and even endanger their own lives to keep us safe.

Our police officers are protectors, peacekeepers, and public servants, and I am proud to recognize them for what they do.

Law enforcement is a demanding and often thankless calling, and that is why I will always fight to give our public safety professionals the resources they need to carry out their duties.

As a 911 dispatcher for over 17 years, I answered calls from people in danger and helped make sure that Los Angeles police officers were in the right place at the right time with the right support they needed to keep the city safe.

Anyone calling for budget cuts to law enforcement, including our heroic Capitol Police, has clearly never heard the calls that I have.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have repeatedly called for and secured crucial funding for law enforcement and public safety in California's 35th Congressional District and across our country.

I have also introduced the 911 SAVES Act, which gives our 911 dispatchers the recognition they deserve by officially classifying them as emergency responders.

Law enforcement personnel must have the resources and support that they need to appropriately carry out their duties. I will always fight to ensure that they can uphold their sacred promise to protect and serve our communities.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for supporting the 911 SAVES Act over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Avila and his 25 years of public service and dedication to the City of Los Angeles as a Police Officer III. The calling to be a police officer is an incredibly difficult 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 of our district, State, and Nation.

Paul entered the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Academy in 1998 and six months later he began his probation period in Northeast Los Angeles. Five years later, he was transferred to Southeast Los Angeles where he served for the rest of his career. Throughout his 25-year career, Paul rose through the ranks of LAPD. He trained new recruits as a field training officer, became an undercover vice investigator, and was a probation officer coordinator. In addition to his professional roles, Paul was the oldest member of his division's Baker to Vegas relay team that placed in the top 3 within the division every year.

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

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Police Officer Paul Avila. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Los Angeles are worthy of the highest commendation.

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

Josefina was born February 10, 1923, in Contla, Jalisco, Mexico. She migrated to the United States in 1961, starting a new life in the City of Pomona. For 18 years she worked as a seamstress at Betty Oden Dresses in Walnut, California--famous for their vintage ruffle lace tulle and church dresses. In 2015, she became a proud naturalized citizen of the United States.

On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Josefina on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent courageous people like her. I am grateful for her 62 years of residency in my district. I was honored to join her and hear her sing at her 100th Birthday celebration. I hope that she enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miguel Cervantes and his decades of public service ensuring the safety of his fellow community members and his many years of dedication to the City of Rancho Cucamonga as a Fire Engineer. Together we mourn the loss of a community hero.

Miguel started his over 20-year career serving the Inland Empire as a Volunteer Firefighter with Riverside County Fire Department. He became an Apprentice Firefighter with Norco Fire Department in 2000 where he later promoted to Firefighter. In 2006, Miguel transferred to the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District as a Firefighter and was promoted to Fire Engineer 5 years later. Throughout his many years of service with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, Miguel was a member of the Honor Guard, Technical Rescue Team, Regional FEMA USAR Team. Additionally, he served as the Executive Board Vice President of the Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters' Association. As an experienced Firefighter, Miguel served his community as a Fire Academy Instructor, Peer Support Member, and Paramedic.

Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Wednesday, February 8th, Miguel tragically passed away due to work-related non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma (NHL), a cancer of the lymphatic system. He is survived by his wife, their 3 children, and his family. I offer my deepest condolences on their loss.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Firefighter and Fire Engineer Miguel Cervantes. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Rancho Cucamonga are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer amendment No. 5 to H.R. 185.

The decision to change COVID-19 vaccine requirements for global travelers into the United States should not be made by Members of Congress but instead by public health experts.

Colleagues, if we must continue with this reckless bill that puts politics over science by replacing guidance from our public health experts with harmful ideology at the expense of our communities, our hospitals, and our health, then I would ask for your support for my amendment.

Knowing that other countries have different health standards, have little access to vaccines for COVID, why would you risk the number of hospital beds that are currently available for yourselves, your families, your community that you represent, why would you risk that to allow visitors who are traveling into the United States to not show the bare minimum of having had a vaccine?

My amendment would require that the Secretary of Health and Human Services certify that the end of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for foreign air travelers will not result in an increase in U.S. hospitalizations due to this deadly virus.

We do not want to threaten the progress that we have made in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and push hospitals, healthcare providers, and public health resources past their breaking points again.

COVID-19 is still a public health threat, with new variants of concern having emerged globally and entering the U.S. every single day.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to please, if you must move forward with this bill, vote in support of this commonsense amendment to protect our constituents, our hospitals, and our healthcare system.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I have amendment No. 50 at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to the Strategic Production Response Act.

The purpose of this bill is to use our strategic national stockpile of oil so that Big Oil can keep profiting at the expense of hardworking families.

Let's remember, the purpose of the strategic stockpile is to protect national security and to reduce prices at the pump for the American people.

My amendment would require the Secretary of Energy to certify that the plan to increase oil and gas leasing on Federal lands is necessary to restore our stockpile to protect our national security. My amendment would let this or any future administration have the flexibility it needs if we reach another energy crisis.

When the people of my district and across the country were facing sky-high prices at the gas pump, President Biden tapped into our strategic stockpiles to ease the prices at the pump and gave working families the financial help that they needed at the time when they needed it.

Now, instead of protecting national security and helping reduce inflation, Republicans are trying to take away the tools that we have to help hardworking Americans.

Last Congress, Democrats passed several bills to reduce inflation:

Over 80,000 families with children in the Inland Empire received monthly payments of up to $300 thanks to the child tax credit.

We also created good-paying jobs with the passage of a once-in-a- generation infrastructure bill that invests in our construction and transportation industries and ensures people have access to the education and training necessary to secure good jobs.

We passed legislation to bring down the cost of healthcare, lower prescription drug costs, cap the price of insulin and expanded coverage for hearing aids, which would benefit everyone, especially the 85,000 Medicare-eligible seniors in my district.

Why are we here trying to pass a bill to help the Big Oil corporations that will force Americans to pay more at the pump?

Republicans are so out of touch that they have put before us a bill that ties the President's hands and restricts him from using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve even if Americans desperately need the help.

I ask my colleagues to vote in support of my amendment to require the Energy Secretary to certify that this oil and gas drilling is necessary to replenish the strategic stockpile because that is what we should be focusing on, ensuring that we have the appropriate tools to protect our national security and Americans' wallets, not the Big Oil corporations' bottom line.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mrs. Torres of California

Amendment No. 50: Page 2, line 13, strike ``date of

enactment of this subsection'' and insert ``date this

paragraph takes effect described in paragraph (4)''.

Page 3, line 9, strike the closing quotation mark and the

final period.

Page 3, after line 9, insert the following:

``(4) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall take effect on

the date on which the Secretary certifies that the oil and

gas leasing on Federal lands contemplated in the plan to be

developed under paragraph (1) is necessary to replenish the

Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the amount of petroleum

products held by the Reserve on February 23, 2022.''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chuck and Charlyn Singleton for their many years of dedication to the city of Fontana as pastors.

Pastor Chuck has served his community for over 40 years as the Senior Pastor of the Loveland Church in Fontana with his wife Charlyn, who serves as the First Lady and Executive Pastor. Pastor Chuck holds a Doctorate in Theology and became an instructor at the Claremont School of Theology, the International School of Theology, and the Cincinnati School of Theology, among other institutions. He also served on the board of trustees for many of these institutions. Since 1981, Pastor Charlyn served as President and CEO of the God's Woman Conference, which aims to teach women about the principles of their church. Pastor Charlyn holds a Doctorate in Theology as well. Her service activities also include hosting a weekly podcast and bible studies. Pastor Chuck and Charlyn have separately authored several books. Additionally, they have been recognized by various government officials and faith and community-based organizations acknowledging their civic engagement and service to their community.

Today I speak in recognition of yet another one of their accomplishments. On Sunday, January 29, Mr. and Mrs. Singleton will celebrate their 50th anniversary together as husband and wife.

For their outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Pastors Chuck and Charlyn Singleton. Their years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Fontana are worthy of the highest commendation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David Pesko, Jr. and his many years of dedication to the United States and Inland Empire as a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration.

David served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 9 years and 7 months from February 1985 until September 1994. During his service with the Marine Corps, David attended Air Traffic Control Communication Technology school. In 1986, he used this expertise to serve with the Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron 18 while stationed in Japan. In 1989, David was transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine, California, where he served in the G-6 Communications Data and Electronics Squadron. Later he continued with this squadron but transitioned from the Marine Corps to the Department of Defense. After more than 10 years of dedication to the Marine Corps and Department of Defense, David transitioned to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he rose in the ranks to become a supervisor at the Ontario National Air Space Electronics Service Support Center. After his transition to the FAA, David continued to serve his country as he was deployed to Haiti in 2010 to support the FAA's Air Traffic Control at the Port Au Prince Airport.

At the end of this year, David is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family, including his three grandchildren. We are grateful for his service to our country.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize David Pesko, Jr. His years of civic service and commitment to the United States and the people of the Inland Empire are worthy of the highest commendation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of my constituent, the late BarBara L. Chavez. BarBara served our community in a variety of ways, including as a Board Member of the Fontana Unified School District and member of the Planning Commission for the City of Rialto.

BarBara was devoted to helping others. She worked as a teacher's aide for many years, and from 2003 to 2006 served as the first Latina President of United Steelworkers Local 8599, where she represented childcare providers, substitutes, and college tutors. In 2008, BarBara was elected to the Fontana Unified School Board where she served for 8 years, continuing her service to the children and educators of her community.

In 2018, BarBara L. Chavez was selected to be a member of the Planning Commission for the City of Rialto, where she would go on to serve as Vice Chair. Her work on the Planning Commission contributed to many projects that benefit the city and residents of Rialto and continue to play a pivotal role in the economic development of our region.

BarBara shined as the embodiment of generosity and compassion. As an active parishioner at St. John Catholic Church, she worked tirelessly to help those in need throughout Rialto and beyond.

Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Sunday, August 21st, BarBara tragically passed away in a traffic collision. I offer my deepest condolences to her friends and family on their loss.

For her outstanding accomplishments and her contributions to her community, it is my honor to recognize BarBara L. Chavez. Her years of civic service and commitment to the people of Rialto and Fontana are worthy of the highest commendation. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort during this time. She will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Curtis Trevor Gold and his many years of dedication to the City of Ontario as an Ontario Fire Engineer.

Curtis joined the Ontario Fire Department in 2016 as a firefighter. In 2019, he was promoted to fire engineer. During his time at the Department, he served as a member of the Urban Search & Rescue Team. This team involves technical rescue operations that requires extrication and medical stabilization of victims of various emergencies. As an experienced firefighter, Curtis also became a training instructor, mentoring younger firefighters. He was also a member of Ontario Professional Firefighters Local 1430.

Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Saturday, August 27th, Curtis tragically passed away in an off-duty accident. He is survived by his wife and family. I offer my deepest condolences on their loss.

For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Firefighter Curtis Trevor Gold. His years of civic service and commitment to the Department and the people of Ontario are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent the late Honorable Grace Vargas for her countless years of dedication to the Inland Empire as the former Mayor of Rialto.

Grace served her community for nearly 35 years and shined as a trailblazer for women of color throughout the Inland Empire. As a single mother of seven children, Grace moved from Yuma, Arizona, to Fontana, California, in 1959. She joined the California Employment Training Act (CETA) program, gaining new skills and turning towards a life of public service for the City of Rialto.

She began her career in 1979 with the City Clerk's office, later transferring to clerk for the Rialto Police Department and the City Treasurer's Office. She was elected to the City Council in 1998, where she served for two years.

In 2000, Grace Vargas was elected Mayor, becoming the first woman and first Latina to hold that position. She served as Mayor for 12 years, retiring in 2012. During her tenure, she accomplished several crucial economic development projects, such as Renaissance Rialto and a new senior center. Her legacy would later be memorialized as the city established the center as the Grace Vargas Senior Center in 2016.

Her work in Rialto and the Inland Empire uplifted residents and businesses, leaving an impact that will be felt for decades to come. Grace's coworkers and friends gave her the nickname ``Amazing Grace,'' exemplifying her dedication and influence on the community. Grace Vargas will be missed in the Inland Empire, but she will remain in our memory through her contributions to the community.

Today, Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Honorable Grace Vargas on the House floor for the contributions she has made to the greater community of the Inland Empire. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort during this time.

This is unacceptable. The Inflation Reduction Act will allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. The cost to seniors per year will not exceed $2,000. It also caps insulin for them at $35 per month. This is a game changer for working class people, not only in my community but across America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to support this bill and to be proud to help American families move forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of Mt. Zion Church--a pillar of the Ontario community and the Inland Empire region.

Since Mt. Zion's founding in 1922, the church has stood resolute to its values by advocating for civil rights and supporting the growth of Ontario and the community. Over the past century, Mt. Zion has witnessed events like the Great Depression, the desegregation of the Ontario Police and Fire Departments, and much more. Through it all, the church has been a source of peace and security to our community. Mt. Zion continues to pour into the people of the Inland Empire with their food assistance, preschool, and their English as a Second language programs. Now more than ever, their compassion is needed as our nation faces unique challenges.

Under Pastor Kennedy's leadership, Mt. Zion has kept our community together and provided critical services during a pandemic that has rippled through our lives. Mt. Zion is a source of comfort for many families who have experienced loss during the pandemic and reminds me of what it looks like to support the working families in the Inland Empire.

Partners in the Inland Empire community like Mt. Zion, Senior Pastor Dr. Brian E. Kennedy and his wife Lady Hilda Kennedy are invaluable as we try to fix the issues facing Ontario and our region. I will continue working with the Mt. Zion community to bring further opportunities and support to our home and neighbors.

For the remarkable and incalculable contributions to our community, it is my honor to recognize the 100th anniversary of Mt. Zion Church of Ontario. The church's decades of

service and support to the people of the Inland Empire is worthy of the highest commendation.