Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise because 3 short years ago, the Isla Vista community in my district was rocked by an act of tragic and senseless gun violence. A young man took the lives of 6 UCSB students and injured 14 others. That day families were torn apart by a kind of grief that no one should have to ever experience--the loss of a child.

The tragedy in Isla Vista we remember today is once again a reminder of the consequences of inaction by Congress regarding the epidemic of gun violence across our Nation. Far too often there are many red flags of someone intending to do harm, but no one can connect the dots.

Today I introduced legislation, with my colleagues Congresswoman Esty and Congressman Beyer, that will allow families and loved ones who see disturbing warning signs the ability to work with law enforcement and the courts so that they may intervene and better prevent acts of violence.

States like California and Connecticut have led the way on important measures to combat gun violence. This bill would encourage other States to adopt these proven preventative measures. The Gun Violence Restraining Order Act would help ensure that family members can go to court to seek a gun violence prevention order to temporarily stop someone who poses a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing a gun.

When someone alerts law enforcement and members of their own family that they wish to do harm to themselves or members of the community, as was the case in Isla Vista, it is irresponsible of lawmakers not to give judges and police the ability to intervene.

I urge my colleagues to act and pass this commonsense legislation so that not one more family must live through the nightmare that parents experienced in Isla Vista on March 23, 2014.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to recognize the second anniversary of the devastating Refugio oil spill off the Gaviota coast in my district.

I remember all too well the horrifying sights and smells when over 100,000 barrels of crude oil poured from the Plains All American pipeline rupture. Our local funds were stretched as we mounted our cleanup effort that ended up costing over $100 million. The full extent of the damage to our local economy and environment in our region won't be fully known for years.

I was pleased that President Obama signed into law last year the SAFE PIPES Act, directing the Department of Transportation's pipeline safety program, PHMSA, to increase the frequency of their pipeline monitoring on the California coast. We must ensure that PHMSA is fully funded to ensure that it can effectively monitor our oil pipelines and hopefully prevent future disasters like the Refugio Plains All American pipeline oil spill.

Mr. Speaker, today I urge President Trump again to make good on his promise of partnering with Congress to invest $1 trillion in America's infrastructure.

This week marks National Infrastructure Week; and yet, disappointingly, little action has been taken by this President and the majority in Congress to provide substantive funds for our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. Easing congestion on our highways is just one investment that will have a significant return, getting central coast residents to their jobs and back home to their families faster.

This is also an issue of safety for our constituents. California currently has over 1,300 structurally deficient bridges, 678 high- hazard dams, and 50 percent of its nearly 200,000 miles of public roads are in poor condition.

I urge my colleagues to work together in a bipartisan way to address the infrastructure crisis in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise because I am deeply troubled by the Trump administration's executive order expected to be signed today that will potentially expand offshore oil drilling in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. My district, the central coast, knows all too well the havoc wreaked from gas and oil platforms off our coasts. We cannot afford another disastrous oil spill.

California's coastal region generates over $1.9 trillion per year in GDP. This order poses a direct threat to our local tourism economies and the success of local businesses, which are undeniably tied to a clean coast and healthy, thriving ocean ecosystem.

It is crucial for Congress to pass my bill, H.R. 731, the California Clean Coast Act, to permanently ban drilling off California's coast and to take further action to protect every coastal community across our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I joined with over 80 of my House colleagues in calling upon President Trump to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide for what it is--a genocide.

Unfortunately, the president continued to extend U.S. complicity in Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide by failing to properly characterize the near annihilation of the Armenians of the Ottoman Empire as a genocide.

The facts are indisputable. Over 1.5 million Armenians were massacred during the first genocide of the 20th century.

As crimes of genocide continue to plague this world, Turkey's policy of denying the Armenian Genocide gives license to those who perpetrate genocide everywhere.

As we recognize and commemorate the 102nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide I join my colleagues in calling upon the Turkey government to ends its campaign of denial and urge the administration to end American complicity of this crime against humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge this Congress to work together to avoid a shutdown of the Federal Government this week.

We must pass a clean funding bill that Members from both parties can support, without any ideological riders. We cannot allow the American public and central coast families in my district to foot the bill resulting from partisan gridlock. A shutdown would mean disrupting economic growth and potentially triggering job losses across the country, as we experienced in the partisan 2013 shutdown.

A shutdown damages both our economy and national security. It is vital that this Congress put forward a clean funding resolution. It would be irresponsible for us to engage in partisan political games with the funding of our Federal Government.

Madam Speaker, I rise today because the American people have the right to know the truth regarding Russia's interference in our democratic process.

I am a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and the message I hear from our military leaders is consistent: Russia is a top threat to the United States and our interests.

Russia has not only used its military to destabilize regions around the world, but it has completely undermined and disrupted the democratic values of this country.

This is unacceptable. And yet my colleagues from the other side of the aisle refuse to do their job as an oversight body and establish a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate Russia's egregious behavior.

We have a responsibility to be transparent with the American people. I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to not only immediately establish an independent investigation into Russia's interference in our election, but I also call for the release of President Trump's tax returns.

America's security and values are on the line. Any treasonous and unlawful relations with Russia cannot be tolerated.

Mr. Speaker, before I came to Congress, I worked in local government as a county supervisor. One of my proudest achievements during that time was working in a bipartisan way to create a program that reduced the rate of uninsured children in our county by over 90 percent--all before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. Since the Affordable Care Act, I saw firsthand the direct and positive impact of this legislation over the past 7 years to communities and families across the central coast.

The Affordable Care Act meant Sarah, from Lompoc, could open her small business and afford insurance coverage for her two children.

It meant that Kathleen, in San Luis Obispo, who was diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer, that her $500,000 medical bill was covered by her healthcare plan.

It meant that Adrienne, from Buellton, now could afford to pay for her husband's nursing facility, as his debilitating disease prevents her from being able to physically care for him.

Repealing legislation that has improved the quality of life not only for Sarah, Kathleen, and Adrienne, but for the over 20 million Americans who have gained health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, would be callous, cruel, and irresponsible.

Instead of taking away health care from 24 million Americans, let's work together to create a more equitable, affordable, and accessible healthcare system for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Every year, we give special recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by America's women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who are making a difference in my District. I would like to recognize one outstanding woman, Brenda Galvez, of Los Alamos, California.

Brenda serves her community as a bilingual translator for the Orcutt Union School District at several school sites, but plays a particularly important role at Olga Reed School in Los Alamos, where she has been part of the staff for several years and is beloved by both parents and students. Los Alamos is an agricultural community and leans on Brenda to serve as a liaison between the schools and Spanish speaking parents.

Her expertise is utilized at Special Education IEP meetings, where having a translator for the parents and service providers is vital for student success. Brenda continues to aid her community by being the sole founder of Padres en Accion, a committee whose mission is to keep Spanish speaking parents informed about school matters.

Brenda goes above and beyond by also helping on the school playgrounds, the administration offices, and the cafeterias. There is no doubt that Brenda embodies the credo of her school district ``where a dedicated staff means kids come first.''

She serves as an instrumental lifeline to the Los Alamos community and has selflessly served her students. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Brenda Galvez, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Every year, we dedicate the month of March to give special recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by America's women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who are making a difference in my district. I would like to recognize one outstanding woman: Sylvia Barnard, of Santa Maria, California.

After facing incredible challenges in her early life, Sylvia has risen to not only empower herself, but other women facing similar difficulties in our community. Once a single mother on welfare at nineteen years old, Sylvia decided that pursuing a higher education was the best way to ensure a better life for her and her daughter and went on to get her Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Wanting to help other single mothers, Sylvia used her education from UCSB to write a book titled ``One Mother to Another.'' Her book focuses on the importance of determination, resilience, and the positive impact of higher education.

Currently, she passionately dedicates herself to leading The Good Samaritan Shelter, which gives support to the homeless and other vulnerable populations, serving almost 2,000 people per year. The agency also helps veterans, parolees, mothers fighting addictions, and those in rehabilitation. As the Executive Director, Sylvia has grown the small agency from a shelter that had only eight rooms to one that now has over fifteen rooms for people to escape living on the street.

Sylvia began working at the Great Samaritan Shelter over sixteen years ago as a grant writer, and about ten years ago took the helm of the organization. Under the helm of her leadership, the shelter is now the largest homeless shelter provider for the Santa Maria area.

She has gone above and beyond the call of duty and is a force of light and positivity for vulnerable communities in Santa Maria. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Sylvia Barnard, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Every year, we dedicate the month of March to give special recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by America's women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who are making a difference in my District. I would like to recognize one outstanding woman: Dawn Addis, of Morro Bay, California.

Dawn saw the need for women in San Luis Obispo County to rise together and vocalize their demand for equal rights, which led to her becoming the co-founder and co-organizer of the Women's March San Luis Obispo (SLO). Her hard work and dedication granted San Luis Obispo County residents the opportunity to participate in the single biggest one-day demonstration in our nation's history. Dawn offered her community a platform to join a larger movement and have their voices be heard.

Because of Dawn's leadership, about 10,000 people marched in unity through the streets of downtown San Luis Obispo. She also ensured that the march remained peaceful and non-violent by working with the San Luis Obispo Police Chief. She worked from various community members to organize a successful, inclusive and safe event. The response from San Luis Obispo citizens about restoring their hope for the future was a testimony for the importance of Dawn's work.

Dawn's leadership empowered women from across San Luis Obispo County and allowed them to take part in a larger national conversation. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Dawn Addis, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Every year, we dedicate the month of March to give special recognition to the accomplishments and

sacrifices made by America's women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who are making a difference in my District. I would like to recognize one outstanding woman: Nancy Weiss, of Santa Barbara, California.

After graduating from Boston University, Nancy attended the Culinary Institute with the hope of becoming one of the nation's best chefs. Soon after graduating from the Culinary Institute, she went to work for chef Gabino Sotelino. Nancy quickly became the head chef of a restaurant in Arizona, but wanted to create a place of her own. She opened an upscale pizzeria called Pop's, and two years after the opening her restaurant was featured on a PBS television special titled ``Great Chefs of the West.''

Now, Nancy is the Director of Food Services for the Santa Barbara School District (SBUSD), and she has revolutionized food service for our students to an incredibly high standard. She has eradicated fried foods, high fructose corn syrup, and frozen entrees from the menu to give students the healthiest choices for their daily meals. Nancy has also made an enormous mark on making public school cafeterias more environmentally friendly by banning Styrofoam trays.

Nancy is dedicated to the health of her students, and guarantees that every fruit and vegetable are sourced from local Santa Barbara farmers. Nancy has also enlisted a fleet of six food trucks to serve students at elementary schools without a cafeteria, and two pre-school sites without meal programs. Nancy wants to ensure that our students can eat well during the summer months, and has expanded her responsibilities to include serving Santa Barbara's kids over school vacations.

She has gone above and beyond the call of duty and has led the way for current and future Food Service Directors. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Nancy Weiss, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Every year, we dedicate the month of March to give special recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by America's women. I consider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary women who are making a difference in my District. I would like to recognize one outstanding woman: Suzanne Curtis, of San Luis Obispo, California.

Suzanne is one of the quiet heroes of her community by selflessly contributing her time and resources over several years to the local American Red Cross and victims of fires. She is a Volunteer Coordinator of the San Luis

Obispo chapter of the American Red Cross, and is tirelessly working to aid victims of natural disasters. Last year, San Luis Obispo County faced a devastating fire that consumed nearly 4,000 acres and forced residents to evacuate their homes. During the Chimney Fire, Suzanne was instrumental to securing people shelter and ensuring and assisting in their recovery from the disaster.

She continues to help natural disaster victims by serving as the local Red Cross Disaster Action Team dispatcher. In this capacity, she aids community members affected by house fires, earthquakes, and flooding. Her dedication to San Luis Obispo County's disaster victims is volunteered, and Suzanne gives most of her free time to working on behalf of others and protecting her fellow community members' safety.

As a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, Suzanne continues to be a passionate supporter of our troops and local veterans. She is always willing to extend a helping hand to those who need it. She set up a scholarship specifically for women veterans at Cuesta College, which is the sole funding available for them.

Suzanne has been a champion for natural disaster victims and selflessly works for those who need it most. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Suzanne Curtis, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of millions of students and graduates in this country that are struggling to finance their higher education and pay off student loans.

Yesterday I invited Izeah Garcia to the President's address. Izeah is an advocate for increasing accessibility and lowering the cost of a higher education. Izeah and I share a similar story: sons of hardworking immigrant parents, and the first in our families to attend a university, both at UC Santa Barbara, located in my district.

Like many students today struggling to afford the rising cost of tuition, we relied on student loans to put us through college. In the President's speech last night, we didn't hear one mention of the over $1.3 trillion student loan debt crisis.

I urge this administration and Congress to commit to addressing the unsustainable future of student debt by allowing students to refinance their debt at a lower interest rate and expanding access to Pell grants. We can ensure that every student is afforded the opportunity to pursue a higher education and to better their lives, their communities, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recommit myself to work first and foremost for the interest of the American public, regardless of political ideology.

I am under no illusion about the overwhelming partisanship that permeates this Congress. But I believe that, as vigorously as we debate our policy differences, we should also commit to upholding the principles of civility and respect to encourage productive discourse. To this end, we must work together, when at all possible, to advance the policy that serves our constituents and our country.

In this effort, I reflect on my service in the United States Marine Corps. We did not first stop to question whether our fellow marine was a Democrat or a Republican. We counted on each other to protect and defend our country. That is the approach to service we should aspire to in this distinguished legislative body.

On the issues of national security and to provide for the needs of the American people, there is no doubt in my mind that there is more that unites us than divides us. I look forward to working with my colleagues here today to do just that.

In the infamous words of President Kennedy: ``Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.''