Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the outstanding contributions of Ms. Ariana Leon, a compassionate leader, dedicated coach, and tireless advocate for authentic leadership. As a Congressional

Excellence Partner, Ariana has played a vital role in developing the leadership capacity of Members and teams here in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her guidance has helped create cultures grounded in authenticity, resilience, and service.

With over 25 years of experience in management, cross-cultural education, and international development, Ariana has helped countless individuals and organizations communicate more effectively, lead more intentionally, and bring clarity and inclusivity to their missions. Her passion for empowering others is matched only by her skill in creating environments where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

Ms. Leon's background includes a Master's in International Affairs, certification as a Co-Active Professional Coach, and recognition from the International Coaching Federation. But beyond her impressive credentials, it is her human touch, her ability to truly listen, connect, and guide, that sets her apart.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ariana Leon for her service as a leadership coach. Her work has made a lasting impact on me and the people she has coached and the institutions she has strengthened, including in this very Congress. I thank Ariana, for reminding us that leadership is about presence, coinage, and compassion.

She inspires all who strive to lead with compassion and purpose. From the bottom of my heart, I thank her.

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for Republicans who are, under the cover of night, forcing this one, big, ugly bill on working families. What the hell is wrong with them?

They are taking away over $300 billion worth of food from the mouths of millions of hungry children, seniors, and veterans. They are taking away healthcare from over 14 million people by cutting Medicaid by nearly $800 billion.

Despite these and many more cuts to working families, they are raising the debt by more than $5 trillion. For what? Is it to give billions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires like Elon Musk? What the hell is wrong with them?

The millions of uninsured will be millions of uncompensated care for hospitals that rely on Medicaid. Hospitals will cost more. Services like pediatrics, maternal health, and labor and delivery will be cut. Many hospitals will close. Premiums will rise and cost more.

Mr. Speaker, whether people have private insurance or Medicaid, if their community hospital closes, where the hell will they get their care?

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to Trump's one big, ugly bill which would cut Medicaid by $715 billion and devastate access to healthcare for millions of Americans, like Victoria. She is a young graduate student in the Imperial Valley, a rural and impoverished region.

She says: ``Medi-Cal is the only way I can access essential healthcare. It protects me from financial hardship and ensures I can get the care I need to live and thrive.''

Victoria isn't alone. She speaks for millions who rely on Medicaid for basic services like birth control and cancer screenings. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office warns that this bill would cause at least 13.7 million people to lose coverage.

Mr. Speaker, 42 percent of my constituents depend on Medicaid, and 60 percent of children in the district depend on Medicaid. Republicans are choosing to strip healthcare from those who need it most to provide tax cuts to billionaires.

Mr. Speaker, I choose to protect healthcare for working-class families, and I urge my colleagues to stand with Victoria and protect Medicaid.

Mr. Speaker, despite the deliberate and targeted domestic terrorist bomb attack at the American Reproductive Centers IVF facility in Palm Springs, Dr. Abdullah, his staff, and all eggs and embryos are safe, thank God.

Palm Springs is strong. The people are beautiful, resilient, inclusive, accepting, and cherish their community. All law enforcement and first responders acted with courage, professionalism, and excellence.

I and all the people in the surrounding communities and in Palm Springs thank Police Chief Andy Mills, Fire Chief Paul Alvarado, FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis, and all law enforcement officers, first responders, and healthcare professionals who responded swiftly and effectively.

Thanks to their rapid response, all those injured in the bombing have been released from the hospital, and Palm Springs is safe.

To the people of Palm Springs, my heart is with them, and I stand by them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and service of law enforcement officers across California's 25th District and our Nation.

I thank every officer in my district, from city departments to county and Federal agencies, for putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

On May 2, the 17th Annual Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony brought our community together in El Centro to remember the 49 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to the Imperial Valley.

This week, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office held its own memorial, recommitting to their mission to protect and serve. This is a sad reminder that each day police and first responders make the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.

That is why Congress needs to do more to support officers and their surviving families. We must pass my legislation, the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gilbert Vega First Responders Survivors Support Act, which increases and improves access to financial and educational benefits for the families of the fallen or disabled officers.

Let's honor our officers not just with words but with meaningful actions that support their well-being and their family's well-being and safety.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 113 and NAY on Roll Call No. 114.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 84, and YEA on Roll Call No. 85.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 6 and NAY on Roll Call No. 7.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life and legacy of Walter Francis Ulloa, a friend and trailblazer who transformed Spanish-speaking television.

Walter grew up in the under-resourced, underserved city of Brawley with humble beginnings and a big dream. Walter was a visionary, a beloved husband, father, brother, and a dear friend.

He started his career at KMEX in Los Angeles, a Spanish language television station where he worked his way up from writing commentary to becoming the news director.

In 1996, he cofounded Entravision Communications, which grew to become a global digital media powerhouse with a presence in over 40 countries. Throughout his career, Ulloa remained deeply committed to diversity and Latino/Latina representation in the media.

I introduced H.R. 8641 to designate the U.S. Post Office building in Brawley, California, as the Walter Francis Ulloa Memorial Post Office Building. My bill is a token of gratitude for Walter Ulloa's legacy, which continues to inspire the people in Brawley, in the entire California's 25th District, and our Nation.

His legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication will forever be a cornerstone of our community's history. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.

Mr. Speaker, every November, we honor military families and transitioning veterans during National Veterans and Military Families Month.

It is important to recognize the sacrifices that our veterans and families have made for our country every day so we can enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect.

Two years ago, when Democrats were in the majority, we passed the Honoring our PACT Act, a once-in-a-generation expansion for veterans' healthcare and benefits.

Earlier this year, we celebrated a major milestone of more than 1 million PACT Act-related cases being granted to over 880,000 veterans who are now finally receiving their service-connected disability benefits due to exposures to burn pits and other toxins. They are from across all 50 States and U.S. territories. These are historic numbers for a piece of legislation.

Prior to the PACT Act, the burden fell on veterans to prove the conditions and illnesses they were sick and dying from were results of their service and burn pit exposure. No longer must veterans carry that difficult burden. They

have presumptive benefits to over 300 illnesses caused by burn pits and other toxins, and the list keeps growing.

I will always fight so that our veterans and their families' needs are met. Thank you to all who have served.

To my constituents, my doors are open if they need any assistance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable man of faith, a devoted community leader, and a dear friend, Reverend Dr. Gerald Sharon. Dr. Gerald Sharon is a rostered pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church and retired on August 12, 2024, from Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert, California. After 45 years of faithful ministry across numerous churches and denominations, Dr. Sharon leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped countless lives.

When I think of his leadership, I'm reminded of how, in 2015, Southwest Church grew under his guidance to become one of the fastest- growing congregations in the Nation, a milestone recognized by Outreach Magazine and Lifeway Research. Additionally, Dr. Sharon traveled extensively preaching and training pastors across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He didn't achieve this by chance; he did it through his unwavering commitment to inclusion and his deeply rooted belief that every person deserves love and respect.

It was the good Reverend Gerald Sharon who baptized my wife, Monica, who dedicated my daughters in the church, and who has been a friend and a guide through life. His Kentucky roots gave us a unique bond over bourbon, but it was his courage and transparency that set him apart. His openness brought a sense of ease to those who confided in him, and his storytelling is legendary. Dr. Sharon has that rare gift to touch both hearts and minds, inspiring people to love God, follow Jesus, and lead better lives.

Due to his leadership skills and community involvement, he was invited to join the governing board of John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, California, where he served as Chairman from 2018 to 2020. After completing a one-year term as Chairman Emeritus, he was asked to continue his role on the board. He also serves on the hospital's Bioethics Committee.

Dr. Sharon received his bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees from Georgetown College in Kentucky. His master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees were earned at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

In addition to his numerous degrees and accolades, it is his kindness and dedication to everyone he encounters that truly defines him. And, alongside his beloved wife, Gesa, he has built a beautiful family. Together they have four children, three of whom are married, and five grandchildren.

For me, my family, and countless others, we thank Reverend Dr. Gerald Sharon for his years of unwavering service, friendship, and for being a true beacon of faith and compassion. May his retirement be filled with joy and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a remarkable individual whose dedication and service to our communities has spanned nearly seven decades--Mr. William ``Bill'' Teague. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, I want to express my deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the residents of Indio, California and the Coachella Valley.

Bill's journey with the Valley Sanitary District began in 1951 when he was hired as a Plant Operator. Over the next 34 years, he rose

through the ranks to become the General Manager, a position he held for 28 years. His leadership not only enhanced our wastewater management but also set a standard for excellence that continues to benefit our community today.

Bill retired as an employee of Valley Sanitary District in 1985, but his passion soon brought him back. In 1991, Bill was elected to the Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors, where he has served tirelessly for over 33 years, including two decades as President from 1992-2011. His contributions have been invaluable, ensuring that our local water resources are managed with care and innovation. Bill also served on the East Valley Reclamation Authority, taking on various leadership roles, including President and Treasurer, further demonstrating his commitment to environmental stewardship.

Throughout his career, Bill has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Wm. D. Hatfield Award and recognition from both the Santa Ana Basin and Colorado River Basin for his significant contributions to the wastewater industry. His work with the California Water Pollution Control Agency and other organizations underscores his passion for public service and community improvement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill has actively engaged with various community organizations, from the Indio Chamber of Commerce to the Coachella Valley Boys Club, always seeking to uplift those around him. His service on multiple committees and boards reflects his dedication to fostering a better community for all.

As Bill retires from the Board of Directors in December 2024, we celebrate not only his professional achievements but also the lasting impact he has made on the lives of countless individuals in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Bill Teague's outstanding contributions to our community and extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of dedicated service. On behalf of California's 25th Congressional District, we wish him all the best in his retirement, knowing that he leaves behind a foundation of excellence that will inspire future leaders.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.J. Res. 136, a resolution seeking to overturn the EPA's very important tailpipe emissions rule finalized in April 2024.

This rule sets strong pollution standards for passenger cars, light- duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles for model years 2027 through 2032. It is a vital step toward cleaner air and healthier lives for all Americans.

As an emergency physician, I have witnessed firsthand the severe health impacts of air pollution on our communities. In fact, recent scientific literature shows that those communities

that live in high-polluted areas live 10 years less than those that do not.

The Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley in southern California, in my district, despite their beauty, consistently rank among the worst air quality in the Nation. Without surprise, this has led to an alarmingly high asthma rate in our district, nearly double the average national rate.

Approximately 27 percent of our children suffer from asthma and experience some of the highest asthma-related hospitalizations in California.

Families, particularly those in low-income, frontline, vulnerable communities, are grappling with the consequences of living in one of the worst regions for air quality in the country.

This is not just an issue in my district. Madam Speaker, this is an issue in your district. This is an issue in all of our districts.

Across the United States, air pollution is responsible for over 100,000 premature deaths each year and results in billions in healthcare costs. These are healthcare costs that the middle-class family cannot afford from preventable illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, and asthma.

The EPA's new rule is expected to prevent nearly 1,000 premature deaths annually, reduce millions of tons of harmful emissions, and save American families who are struggling with the cost of living $1.6 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050.

For my constituents, this rule means fewer children suffering from asthma attacks, fewer seniors rushed to the emergency room for respiratory illnesses, and cleaner air for everyone. Yet, some of my Republican colleagues are attempting to repeal it, prioritizing the profits of big polluters over the health of our families.

This resolution, in fact, is straight from Trump's 2025 playbook because it aligns with his plan to put corporate polluters in the driver's seat and prioritize Big Oil profits over Americans' health and well-being.

Repealing this rule would erase $280 billion in net benefits and prolong the suffering of vulnerable communities from preventable diseases.

This resolution serves corporate interests at the expense of the public's health. This resolution will revoke the EPA's protections and replace them with nothing. This will not only repeal the EPA's rule but prevent any further administration from tackling this issue and taking any similar type of action.

By rejecting H.J. Res. 136 and supporting the EPA's rule, we are choosing to prioritize our constituents' health and advance justice for the most vulnerable. Clean air is a right. It is a common good.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical EPA rule and vote against H.J. Res. 136 because our communities are suffering incredibly from the pollution that they breathe.

Asthma is a horrible illness, especially in children--children who come in from playing with their family and suddenly start wheezing. Sometimes you have minutes to give them the appropriate treatment to prevent them from dying. Sometimes, because they live in rural areas like in my colleagues' districts, they don't have the time to get to that emergency department for that treatment. I have seen it.

This would help reduce the risks that can lead to higher asthma mortality and is aimed at ensuring that we have healthier middle-class families, middle-class families that aren't burdened by the cost of disease, middle-class families that need the support to live healthy lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Republican- led, 6-month continuing resolution that will devastate veterans and jeopardize their care.

In 2022, when I helped lead the passage of the Honoring our PACT Act through Congress, we promised veterans with exposures to toxic burn pits and other toxins that they would be taken care of. In fact, just last week, I hosted my annual Veterans University, and I heard from veterans directly about the life-changing impact PACT Act benefits have had on their lives.

An additional $12 billion is needed before the new year to maintain this medical care for veterans, but this CR bill provides zero dollars for veterans' medical services and restricts access to the medical care they earned and deserve.

According to the Office of Management and Budget, without the $12 billion, the VA would have insufficient funding to maintain medical care operations for veterans through fiscal year 2025.

The additional funds requested for the toxic exposure fund is largely due to the overwhelming increase in PACT Act enrollment. Our veterans need the medical care.

The success of the PACT Act has been evident in my district alone, where over 5,200 veterans have filed a claim.

Without this funding, the VA needs to begin addressing any potential shortfall as early as the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.

This continuing resolution pulls the rug from under the feet of veterans who are finally receiving access to care and benefits that they have fought for for almost a decade.

The extreme House Republican majority seems uninterested in those commitments to veterans, and they are shortchanging veterans $12 billion.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 406.