Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce, yet again, the radical rightwing war on women, which is attacking fundamental rights and putting our military readiness at risk.

Before I came to Congress, I served our Nation in the United States Marine Corps. As a marine, I am appalled to see that for the first time in over 150 years marines are without a Senate-confirmed leader because of this misguided war on reproductive freedom, one of more than 200 confirmations being held up in the United States Senate.

I thoroughly condemn using these promotions as hostages and every single Member of Congress who is choosing to put their radical agenda over our national security, the same agenda that warped this year's NDAA with countless culture war amendments.

Our servicemembers give their lives to protect our country. We owe it to them to protect their basic rights to privacy and healthcare.

For the sake of our servicemembers and for women across America, I urge my colleagues to drop reckless precedent-setting blockade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate Kevin Klinkenberg for his service to the New Democrat Coalition. Kevin has been an incredible and integral member of the New Dem team, and we thank him for his 2 years of service.

In my capacity as New Dem Vice Chair of Outreach, I have had the sincere pleasure of working closely with Kevin to strengthen our Coalition's outreach efforts to key stakeholder groups. From relationships with labor organizations to the business community, Kevin has undoubtedly strengthened the New Dem brand through his ability to convene diverse groups and facilitate important dialogues.

Throughout my tenure as Vice Chair, I have had the privilege to observe Kevin's dedication and remarkable work ethic firsthand. I can say with certainty that the Coalition's success would not be possible without Kevin's contributions.

As Kevin departs to join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Senior Advisor and Congressional Liaison, New Dems can be sure he will continue to demonstrate the qualities that made him such an integral member of our team. I wish him well, and I look forward to witnessing all the incredible work he will accomplish throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, one year ago tomorrow, the Supreme Court overturned a half century of precedent by ending the nationwide guarantee that women be allowed to make choices over their bodies.

Since then, we have seen the devastating result: Numerous States enacting bans that deny a woman's ability to make decisions over her body, oftentimes without any exception.

In the face of this new wave of attacks on reproductive freedom, I have fought with many of my colleagues to preserve access to abortions and to restore a nationwide right to abortion access.

House Democrats produced and passed legislation to ensure women can travel safely and freely to States in which abortion is still legal, have access to contraception, and cover abortions regardless of income or health status.

We will not stop there.

We will continue to push for legislation that will once again allow women everywhere in America to be in charge of their own health decisions.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, E.J. Borah of Santa Barbara, California. Born in Arlington, California in the 1930's, E.J. Borah possesses an unwavering commitment to education, advocacy, and civic engagement.

Since graduating with her teaching credential from the University of California, Santa Barbara, E.J. has left a lasting impact on countless students. In 1968, she earned her masters in education and became a highly regarded reading specialist, helping several students throughout her career in Ventura County, Seattle, Washington, and Orange County.

E.J. is not only passionate as an educator, but has dedicated her time and talents to bring change through social justice. As a woman of color, E.J. has experienced firsthand the need for equal representation and has been a vocal advocate for underrepresented communities.

E.J. has also taken action by serving as a parks commissioner for the City of Fullerton in the 1970s and continues to be involved by participating in voter registration and get-out-and-vote initiatives for over 15 years.

Wherever there is a public event or festival, you can almost always find E.J. with her voter registration materials, avidly advocating for individual participation. E.J. is a passionate leader in the community, and is involved in several organizations. She recognizes the importance of representation and takes an active leadership role in local civic organizations and activities to advance the interest of women, particularly women of color.

E.J.'s contributions to society have been recognized with several accolades. She was named the Woman of the Year by the Democratic Women of Santa Barbara in 2012 and honored as the Annual Suffrage Day Honoree by Women for Orange County in 1998. E.J. is a shining example of a strong, proud, and dedicated woman of color who has tirelessly worked to make a positive difference in her community and beyond.

I am honored to recognize E.J. for her continued commitment to educate, advocate, and take a leadership role to engage others in her community to bring impactful changes for all. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, E.J. Borah, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Laura Selken of Santa Maria, California.

A longtime resident of Santa Maria, Laura Selken, has dedicated her time, talents, and skills to several community organizations. Laura has taken leadership positions at all the organizations she is a volunteer for and is always one to take the initiative when a task needs to be completed.

Laura is passionate about advancing and promoting women's education and women's rights. She understands the power of social media and puts her ideas into action by creating eye-catching social media publicity and e-newsletters for all the groups she's involved in. In addition to planning and organizing thoughtful programs and events that help to educate the Santa Maria Valley community at large on the status and experiences of women locally, nationally, and globally.

You can always quietly see Laura involved in organizing events such as the hybrid, online and in-person, event on women in Iran for International Women's Day 2023 to Chairing the American Association of University Women (AAUW)--Santa Maria's 2023 Tech Trek program, to sponsor five rising eighth grade students who reside in North Santa Barbara County and identify as girls to spend a week taking STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) courses at University of California, Santa Barbara.

Laura Selken is dedicated to making it possible for historically excluded voices of the Santa Maria Valley, particularly the voices of young women of color, to be heard. In fact, whether online, in person, or both, Laura is often the one making sure that the audio and video technology are functioning optimally so that everyone at an event feels seen and heard. She is never one to shy away from learning or teaching others new technology, or anything new and innovative, and thus inspires those of us who work with her to do the same.

Laura Selken often does not receive the recognition she deserves for all of the time and energy she gives to ensuring the progress and success of women's organizations in the Santa Maria Valley. The commitment and passion she invests in the community is invaluable.

I am honored to recognize Laura Selken for her continued commitment to volunteerism education, social justice, and advocacy throughout the Santa Maria Valley. Her contributions have provided opportunities for young girls throughout the Santa Maria community. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Laura Selken, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Casie Killgore of Santa Barbara, California.

Raised in Santa Barbara, Casie Killgore has always been committed and involved in her community. As an educator, Casie has dedicated her career in making a difference and leaving an impact in her student's lives. She started her career as a sixth-grade teacher in the early 2000s and has been the Principal at Franklin Elementary School for nearly 15 years.

Casie is a leader who cares about providing the best support for her students, parents, and staff. She is always thinking of innovative ways to support her students and how to bring programs on campus to support what is best for her students and for the families.

Her leadership has helped to create resources like the Franklin Neighborhood Center. Always thinking of her students, Casie has also partnered with organizations throughout the community to provide the support required to assist her students accomplish their future goals and inspire them to continue their education.

Having her community interest in mind, Casie has stepped up to provide resources on campus for students to learn essential life skills and create options for her students. Casie is committed to motivating her students and prepare them for success by providing programs such as Language Arts, Science, Fine Arts, Technology, STEAM programs and so many more.

Her campus has become a trusted resource for so many families that continue to return to the school for its programs, even after the students have graduated and moved on to other schools.

Casie believes in investing in the students, the school, but also in the entire Eastside neighborhood. Casie's dedication extends beyond the school, bringing resources to support the community and the families who call the Eastside their home. She has nurtured trust with the families who know their children will get the education they deserve and will have access to the opportunities to reach their future goals.

Her service goes beyond her work in education, as she serves as a board member on

Central Coast nonprofits including Old Spanish Days, the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation's Education Outreach program, and the Mariachi Festival.

I am honored to recognize Casie's dedication and commitment in developing and providing opportunities and resources for the students, school staff, and the families at Franklin Elementary School and surrounding community. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Casie Killgore, for her exceptional service and commitment to her students and her community.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Dr. Van Do-Reynoso of Santa Barbara, California.

Dr. Van Do-Reynoso is an exemplar of public service, both as a professional and as a volunteer, and as a health equity professional who has led the Santa Barbara region in advocating for the needs of all, but especially of those on the margins. Dr. Do-Reynoso came to this country from Vietnam at the age of 9, with an older sibling and no English. Nonetheless, she quickly adapted, receiving first a degree from UC Santa Cruz, then a Master's from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in Public Health from UC Merced.

Dr. Do-Reynoso has made health equity her mission; it was the reason she went into public health, and ultimately why she worked for and received her doctorate, all while raising three girls and holding increasingly demanding `day jobs' as she rose through the ranks in public health, serving in both Madera and Tulare Counties.

She ultimately ended up as the Public Health Director for Santa Barbara County, taking on a demanding, large department that serves a wide range of communities.

Santa Barbara County has one of the highest child poverty rates in the state, as well as

large numbers of migrant workers who speak neither English nor Spanish. Dr. Do-Reynoso came to ensure that these residents received quality services.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit, Dr. Do-Reynoso rose to the challenge, leading the department response to a once-in-a-century global pandemic. She did far more than just ensure that the County responded to the need for education and services; she spearheaded the creation of the Latinx & Indigenous Migrant COVID-19 Response Task Force, which ultimately pulled together over 100 governmental and non-profit agencies to address health inequities and reach the most at-risk and endangered residents of the region.

She quickly came to be the face of equitable public health on the Central Coast. Dr. Do-Reynoso recently moved over to CenCal, to serve as Chief Customer Experience Officer. Given her openness to others, her collaborative work style, and her commitment to inclusivity, her sendoff at the last Board of Supervisors was a tribute to the love and respect that all feel for her as a leader, colleague, and friend.

I am honored to recognize Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, for her exemplary leadership during a global pandemic and ensuring the resources and information was available to everyone in the Central Coast. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Katheen Minck of Arroyo Grande, California. A retired teacher who has dedicated her life to service. Kathleen has been a leader

and advocate for several outstanding causes affecting those in her community, as well as those affected by hardship around the world.

Following a 32-year career as an educator within the Lucia Mar School District, where she promoted tolerance and diversity among her students, Kathleen traveled overseas to help build schools in Thailand and Kenya, while serving as a Human Rights Observer in Cuba and Venezuela. This work earned Kathleen the Peace & Justice Human Rights Award from the California Teachers Association in 2013.

Since its inception in 2017, Kathleen has served on the board of the Diversity Coalition of SLO County, an organization focused on building diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community through advocacy and education. As Education Chair, Kathleen has spotlighted such issues as the Holocaust, immigration, Japanese internment, civil rights, and other important topics, through programs specifically aimed for children.

Through Kathleen's work with Diversity Coalition of SLO County, she strives to educate people about human rights at a young age, before their belief systems are fully formed. Kathleen has used her years of experience in childhood education to plan and execute over 30 school speaking events with the coalition, introducing students and teachers to speakers whose lives have been perniciously affected by hate and bias.

Kathleen is also a board member of SLO04Home, a non-profit group devoted to helping refugees from Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan relocate to the Central Coast. Through SL04Home, Kathleen has been directly involved with helping two Afghan families transition their lives to California.

Providing dignity and compassion during difficult times is an attribute that Kathleen possesses through her work as a volunteer at Wilshire Hospice. Losing her twin sister to brain cancer at the age of 7 has left a special spot in her heart for pediatric cancer patients. Prior to the pandemic, Kathleen made weekly trips to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara to read to children with cancer and bring them gifts as a personal passion-project of hers.

I am honored to recognize Kathleen for her continued commitment to fostering acceptance and empathy among our Central Coast youth and for her continued efforts in aiding those in need. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Kathleen Minck, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memoriam of Owen Bailey. Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Center (EDC), who was a constituent of mine and a champion of our natural environment.

Owen was a compassionate leader of the EDC for over nine years and made an impact on everyone he came in contact with. His relentless passion and determination to tell EDC's story was unmatched and his vision and inspiration made an immense contribution to the strength of the organization.

His love for the environment originated while he was growing up in rural Connecticut, surrounded by a recovering forest with awakening wildlife. He attended the local university, University of Connecticut, where he met his wife, Laurie.

After traveling extensively, the two settled in Los Angeles, where Owen's enthusiasm for the environment turned to advocacy. He started volunteering for the Sierra Club, which quickly evolved into a paid position due to his unique ability to rally people around a cause by telling a story. His work with the Sierra Club culminated with his service in the position of Southwest Advancement Director.

In that position, he worked along the California Central Coast to protect the Oceano Dunes and to preserve the Hearst Ranch. He also worked tirelessly to stop the BHP Billiton liquefied natural gas proposal offshore Oxnard, California. His ability to communicate the threat of these projects to the community caught EDC's attention and a partnership was launched.

Owen's work ethic and humble communication style led EDC to offer him the Executive Director position which he took in 2013.

His work at EDC was critical in giving voice to the concerns and outrage of our community following the 2015 Plains All American Pipeline oil spill at Refugio Beach. He also helped lead the successful 2016 effort to oppose the Phillips 66 proposed rail spur that would have routed oil trains through Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Owen's integrity was unassailable. as his character was above reproach. When Owen spoke. everyone would listen as they knew he spoke the truth. Two of Owen's greatest gifts he has left us are his son Ben and daughter Nicola. Owen's joy and love for his family was always evident and his delight for them was unmistakable.

Although Owen left us too soon, he made an indelible mark on our community through his work and his commitment to many causes. I am honored to have known Owen. who was a testament that through courage and graciousness, you can be effective in achieving positive change.

I ask all Members to join me today in honoring Owen Bailey, an exceptional individual and environmental hero from California's 24th Congressional District for his exemplary service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Woman of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Janna Nichols of San Luis Obispo, California.

A longtime resident of San Luis Obispo, Janna Nichols, has been a leader and advocate by providing support and resources to some of the most vulnerable in our community. Since 2009, Janna has been the Executive Director of 5Cities Homeless Coalition, a local non-profit, assisting individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness.

Through Janna's leadership and insight, 5Cities Homeless Coalition is working to strengthen community by mobilizing resources and providing support and hope for individuals at risk of being homeless or are already homeless. She not only provides the services that are crucial to assist those in need, but engages her community to fully understand the complexities of homelessness and invites those to get engaged in creating and implementing solutions to reduce it.

When Janna sees a need in the community, she steps up and mobilizes by bringing other agencies together and finds the funds to make projects come to fruition. Janna found the funding and the resources to make the newly opened Cabin Project in Grover Beach a reality. The 20- cabin project contains a bath house, community room and on-site case managers contributing to the success of the project.

Janna is well liked and respected in the 5Cities community in San Luis Obispo County. She has many agencies who consistently show support, donating their time and goods to the project she manages under the 5Cities Homeless Coalition. She has a strong connection to the Central Coast, and a proven track-record of community involvement through her partnerships with local restaurants, the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, and other non-profit, state, and local agencies.

Janna has inspired change and empowered others by enabling her staff to know their clients and understand the situations that bring them to the 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Janna has created a safe place for people who are vulnerable in our community, developing a welcoming space to come and find the support they need.

I am honored to recognize Janna for her continued commitment to provide services and resources to individuals and families on the Central Coast. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District, Janna Nichols, for her incredible service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mario T. Garcia has recently retired from University of California at Santa Barbara where he was a professor of Chicano and Chicana Studies for the last 47 years. He was among the first generation of scholars who conducted extensive research on the Chicano Movement and Mexican American civil rights struggles. He has helped pave the path for scholars entering the field.

Dr. Garcia describes himself as a self-described liberationist historian aiming to inspire progressive social change. His work encompasses more than a dozen books and several edited collections all of which advance the inclusion of the poor and oppressed and spotlight the leaders of social justice movements. His publications include ``Desert Immigrants: the Mexicans of El Paso, 1880-1920;'' ``Mexican Americans: Leadership, Ideology, and Identity, 1930-1960;'' ``BLOWOUT: Sal Castro and the Chicano Struggle for Educational Justice (co- authored with Sal Castro);'' and ``Catolicos: Resistance and Affirmation in Chicano Catholic History.''

Dr. Garcia has led a distinguished career having been a professor around the country at universities including Yale University, San Diego State University, San Jose State University, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of California at Santa Barbara. His books have demonstrated the numerous contributions that Chicanas and Chicanos have made to U.S. history, including military veterans, teachers, labor organizers, priests, and students who have organized and pushed for democracy and justice for all people.

I am honored to recognize Dr. Garcia for his continued commitment to the expansion and research of the Chicano movement and history on the Central Coast and throughout the nation. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring the exceptional life and legacy of the scholar of the 24th Congressional District, Dr. Mario T. Garcia, for his incredible service and contributions to his community.

Madam Chair, I rise today to share my disappointment and to oppose H.R. 1.

As a Representative of California, I work to find solutions that deal with price spikes at the pump, bring down high heating bills, and deliver lower costs overall to my constituents.

You can imagine my optimism when I first saw on our agenda a bill that supposedly aims at lowering energy costs.

When I read it, I was shocked to see that the only lower thing that it does is lower standards for our Nation's polluters.

This bill doesn't deliver less cost to families. It only forces more giveaways of our public lands to Big Oil, the same oil companies that already have thousands of unused drilling permits.

This bill doesn't decrease energy prices. It increases the number of loopholes in our public health laws.

This bill just doesn't fail to help families bring their utility bills down. It actually repeals solutions that we put in place last year to bring down heating costs and to help folks upgrade to more efficient home energy appliances.

Higher levels of pollution, higher costs for families, and, let's not forget, higher budget deficits to the tune of $2.4 billion over the next decade--is that being fiscally responsible?

Madam Chair, putting polluters ahead of people is bad enough, but actually raising energy costs and our Federal deficit while proclaiming to care about this is even worse.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' so we can actually work together to build on the laws we have passed that promote clean energy, cut energy costs for families across the country, and reduce the deficit.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to applaud the innovative and compassionate approach exemplified by one of my exceptional constituents--Ty Safreno who implemented a childcare center as part of his business Trust Automation, Inc.

Ty embodies the true spirit of American entrepreneurship. Utilizing his degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Ty began his business in the 1990's alongside his wife Trudie. In just three short decades, he turned his technology start-up into a staple of the Central Coast. Boasting over 100 employees, Trust Automation, Inc. works on cybersecurity, semiconductors, and other technologic advancements.

What makes Ty remarkable is how he treats and cares for community members. He cultivates a workplace environment that emulates a close family dynamic and is described as brightening people's day. Amongst the Safreno family's achievements is successfully installing the Trust Children's Center, an affordable and high-quality daycare center that services both Trust employees and the San Luis Obispo community. On- site childcare is a feat that only a few companies, let alone a small business, have successfully conquered. Ty's commitment to the well- being of his employees is equally impressive and commendable.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District, I am honored to congratulate Ty for his well-earned title of 2022 San Luis Obispo Citizen of the Year. I would like to personally thank Ty for his admirable leadership and wish him well in all his future endeavors. His story is an inspiration to small businesses everywhere.

Offered By: Mr. Carbajal

Amendment No. 49: Page 2, line 17, insert ``and excluding

lands within the boundaries of a national monument'' after

``Shelf''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative for the central coast of California, which has endured some of the worst storms and flooding in recent memory, to say thank you.

Thank you to our firefighters, our emergency crews, our search and rescue teams, our law enforcement officers, and all of our first responders and local leaders who have stepped up to save lives and protect property in our communities.

I share one story of this effort. On Monday, members of the Lompoc Fire Department reacted quickly to save a couple from rising flood waters.

As they carried out the rescue, they discovered that moments before, the woman had given birth. Thanks to the quick work of the Lompoc Fire Department, all three were rescued and are resting safely.

Mr. Speaker, our first responders have stepped up to avert further disaster this week, and I am proud today to take a moment to recognize their service in the permanent Record of this body.