Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion of the San Fernando Valley, a trailblazer, a leader, ``y una de las nuestras,'' ``and one of ours,'' the Honorable Cindy Montanez from the city of San Fernando.

Cindy and I have had the privilege of representing the northeast San Fernando Valley for the past 27 years. Cindy is a strong, unwavering community leader who, throughout her years of public service, has made sure that the voices of the people of the valley are heard and that they have a seat at the table.

Cindy has lived a quintessential American immigrant story, just like the monarch butterfly. They are bicultural and bring beauty everywhere they go.

She is the proud daughter of Miguel and Margarita Montanez, immigrants from Veracruz and Chihuahua, Mexico. The Montanezes came to the city of San Fernando, where Cindy and her five siblings were born and raised. Together, her family pursued the American Dream, a dream that includes giving back to the community and the country that has given us so much.

Cindy's activism began in 1993, as she pushed to establish the Chicano studies department at the University of California, Los Angeles by participating in a 14-day hunger strike.

At the age of 25, she won a seat on the San Fernando City Council, and 2 years later, she became the mayor of that city. Her exceptional leadership extends to the California State Legislature, where Cindy was the youngest woman elected to the California State Assembly at the age of 28 at that time. At the age of 30, she became the first Latina to chair the powerful assembly rules committee.

She fought for workers' protections, consumer rights, and healthcare access. Out of these accomplishments, what Cindy is best known for is her environmental work.

She continued her environmental activism to become the CEO of TreePeople, one of the largest environmental organizations in all of southern California. With over 3 million volunteers, they planted hundreds of thousands of trees, from San Fernando to Huntington Park.

In 2020, she was called back to her role in public service. She returned home to serve as a councilmember for the city of San Fernando.

Cindy is a titan who has worked tirelessly for her community. It is an honor to stand before you today to tell Cindy Montanez' story. I am not the only one highlighting her and her accomplishments. Last month, the city of San Fernando and the city of Los Angeles voted to rename Pacoima Wash Natural Park, which is shared by both cities, to Cindy Montanez Natural Park.

On August 28, the California State Legislature declared January 19 as Cindy Montanez Day.

These distinctions are well deserved, built on years of tireless service.

I just saw Cindy when I had the privilege to join our community in a celebration to rename Cindy Montanez Natural Park. Cindy was surrounded by dozens and dozens of community members, full of love and prayer. It was a beautiful tribute to a hero in our community. For all of this and more, I honor my friend and my ``hermana,'' ``sister,'' Cindy Montanez.

Every time I see a monarch butterfly, I will think of the impact she has had, from the tree-lined streets of San Fernando to the committee rooms of Sacramento and all across our great State of California.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cindy Montanez when she was running for city council 28 years ago. I remember her coming into my office and saying some of her supporters had abandoned her, and I listened to what she had to say. I stood up and said: ``I will support you. What I see in you is someone who is running for the right reasons. You care about the community.'' She said thank you. That is where she launched her career in 1995.

Sometimes in life we meet people and never know where our journeys are going to go, but I am so honored to have called Cindy Montanez my colleague and friend. I am so honored to be able to witness one of the first people who got elected to the State legislature out of our community of the San Fernando Valley who could speak to every constituent both in Spanish and in English. That had never happened before in our community, even though our community of northeast San Fernando Valley was over 75 percent Latino by population, parents like Cindy's parents and my parents who came from Mexico to make a better life for the next generation and the next.

Once again, it is my honor to speak before all of you in this beautiful House about an amazing, beautiful person, Cindy Montanez.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I wish to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Cesar Millan. Cesar has transformed the lives of countless people and dogs and has also touched the hearts of people all over the world.

From humble beginnings in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, working on his grandfather Teodoro Millan Angulo's farm, Cesar came to the United States undocumented and unable to speak English. He lives his dream right here in America doing the job that he has always wanted to do, to be the best dog and human trainer in the world.

Through his television series, ``The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan,'' Cesar taught us how to understand our four-legged friends and to better understand ourselves. He launched the Cesar Millan Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to support the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused and abandoned animals.

Cesar Millan has inspired us to become more compassionate, more understanding, and more forgiving. As Cesar would say, better human, better dog, better together.

Cesar is both a proud immigrant and a proud United States citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I start by thanking the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for yielding me time.

I rise today with an update for the American people: We are investing in America, and it is paying off.

Like every other Representative in this room, I just returned to D.C. after a district work period. Back in Southern California, I heard story after story about transformative changes in our communities that are going on. All thanks to bills and programs that President Joe Biden signed into law after we passed them right here in Congress.

I met with employees at Capstone Green Energy Corporation, one of the many successful clean energy companies that employ over 37,000 people in my district and are working to advance the carbon reduction goals.

With support from the Inflation Reduction Act, businesses like Capstone will grow and hire more employees to help us transition to a cleaner energy future.

I sat down with veterans to speak with them about what we are doing in Congress to go beyond thanking them for their service. We talked about benefits they can access through the PACT Act and support they can receive from 988's Veterans Crisis Line, initiatives championed by House Democrats and signed into law by President Biden.

Recently at a roundtable, local healthcare workers explained to me how lower drug prices for people on Medicare are making a big difference.

House Democrats and President Biden are committed to making healthcare more affordable, and that includes lowering the prices of drugs that our seniors need. That is why we capped the price of insulin. Anyone who takes insulin every day to stay alive knows just how life-changing lower insulin prices are.

Before we brought prices down, the high cost of insulin forced many people with diabetes to make extremely risky decisions, like rationing insulin because they just couldn't afford to buy more.

I know how devastating diabetes can be, especially when you can't afford to manage it. My dad, Andres Cardenas, died at the age of 67, and I can tell you from personal experience how painful it is to watch someone you love choose between providing for his family and getting lifesaving medicine.

No one in America should ever have to do that. No family should suffer through that.

That is why Congressional Democrats and the Biden administration are working so hard to lower drug prices for Americans so that no one has to watch a loved one suffer from an illness that they just cannot afford to treat.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration has successfully capped out-of-pocket insulin prices for those on Medicare at $35 a month.

It was momentum behind these policy ideas that moved insulin manufacturers to lower costs across the board on insulin products. This will allow people to live longer, healthier lives.

We know mental health is just as important as our physical health. This summer, America celebrated 1 year since the launch of 988, the number for the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that anybody in America can call 24 hours a day. The 988 system is saving lives.

Back home, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, the lead crisis center for the Lifeline in California, released data showing that California centers answered over 280,000 calls, chats, and texts, with 98 percent of these contacts getting resolved.

Communities across America are thriving because of the investments that Congressional Democrats and President Biden has made in our futures. We are rebuilding crumbling infrastructure and designing new transportation, ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed internet, lowering drug prices, providing mental health resources, giving our veterans the resources they need, and kick-starting job creation around the country.

I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish with President Biden. I invite our Republican colleagues to join us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fernando Valenzuela, former pitcher and current Spanish-language broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is a husband, father, grandfather, and on top of that he is a cultural icon for Latinos worldwide.

Coming up on August 11, 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be retiring his number, Number 34.

This honor will cement his legacy with other Dodger greats such as Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, and Sandy Koufax. It is certainly a fitting tribute.

Fernando Valenzuela's name is synonymous with Los Angeles sports culture. His nickname, ``El Toro,'' and his iconic, unorthodox pitching windup, raising his hands above his head and glancing skyward before tossing his deadly screwball, is just as much a staple of Los Angeles sports history as Kobe Bryant's 81-point game or Vin Scully's legendary calls, but his impact extends far beyond Los Angeles.

Fernando's humble origins and charisma made him an inspirational icon for Latinos across not only just Los Angeles, but the entire Nation. He expanded the footprint of Latino players in the sport, building on the legacy of Latino players like Roberto Clemente transforming the demographics of baseball's fan base and player base.

Fernando's inspirational story reflects the awesome potential that all immigrants can achieve their dreams right here in America.

I am honored to stand before you today, Mr. Speaker, to share some of that beautiful and amazing history.

Fernando Valenzuela was the youngest of 12 children born to an impoverished family in the town of Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, in 1960. His parents, Avelino and Maria, were farm workers of native Mayo descent.

While pitching in the Mexican league for the Mayos de Navojoa in 1979, Valenzuela stunned famous Dodger scout, Mike Brito, with his talent. After falling behind 3-0 in the count, Fernando tossed three perfect strikes to close out the game, prompting Brito and the Dodgers to take a gamble on Fernando. It took just over 1 year for Fernando to ascend to the majors.

After signing Valenzuela in the summer of 1979, the Dodgers assigned him to the Lodi Dodgers of the High-A level California league, then to the San Antonio Dodgers of the Texas league.

His stay in the minor leagues was short-lived, and in September of 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In the last month of the season, Valenzuela helped the Dodgers by pitching 17 scoreless relief innings.

One year later, Fernando would experience a season that can only be characterized as a spectacular dream come true. 1981 for the city of Los Angeles was our bicentennial, but really, only one word can describe 1981 in L.A.: Fernandomania.

After a teammate suffered a last-minute injury, manager Tommy Lasorda named Fernando to be the Dodgers' opening day starter.

Fernando won his first eight starts, including five shutouts. After returning from a midseason strike, Fernando won the Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, and a World Series.

Fernando kept his streak alive off the field. He married the love of his life, Linda. The ceremony was attended by 4,000 people and drew congratulations from then-President Ronald Reagan. Fernando and his wife, Linda, have four children. The couple celebrated their 41st anniversary last year.

Fernando would continue to pitch for 15 years with five additional teams, adding to his resume a no-hitter and six consecutive All-Star selections.

Fernando's impact on the field was phenomenal, and his greatest impact was actually off the field.

Before Fernando, baseball largely ignored Mexico as a scouting destination. Since Mel Almada, the first Mexico-born Major League Baseball player, debuted in 1933, Mexican players accumulated little name recognition and few accolades beyond Bobby Avila and his batting title in 1954.

While Fernando was not the first Mexican-born player on the Dodgers, he reached a new stratosphere of skill and popularity. His talent helped catapult Mexico into a coveted destination for Major League scouting and funding. Fernando blazed a trail for future Mexican greats like pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Teddy Higuera.

He helped build that infrastructure that cultivated the careers of fellow

Mexican Dodgers like Ismael Valdez, Esteban Loaiza, Adrian Gonzalez, and World Series champion, Julio Urias.

Fernandomania transformed Los Angeles baseball from a sport for the White upper-class people into a cultural staple cherished by people of all colors, creeds, and backgrounds. He truly transformed not only the Dodgers but Los Angeles history.

We must not forget the ugly history between the Dodgers and the families of Chavez Ravine. We must not forget the dark horrible events in history where hundreds of Latino families and other poor families of color were pushed out of their homes by the city of Los Angeles to build Dodgers Stadium. This bitterness from the Latino community has lasted for decades, and some of it still lingers in the hearts and the minds of many.

Fernando was able to be that bridge to unite everybody in Los Angeles under that shade of Dodger blue. Fueled by an outpouring of Latino fans, Fernando sold out 11 of his first 12 home starts and pushed the Dodgers home attendance to a Major League Baseball record of 3.6 million fans in 1982.

Just like many Latinos, Fernando donned the modest demeanor of a man of humble origins. Fernando's improbable journey from a Mexican pueblo to the center of the baseball universe instilled a sense of optimism for all Latinos, many of whom had recently immigrated or were struggling with meager salaries and very, very difficult jobs and conditions.

To the Latino community, Fernando was a peer and an inspiration and the embodiment of the dreams that do come true.

Fernando's impact on Latino communities extends far beyond my home city of Los Angeles. Latinos from coast to coast saw a reflection of themselves in Fernando.

When the Dodgers packed their bags for a road trip, opposing teams would sell 13,000 more tickets per game when Fernando took the mound compared to other Dodger starters.

Fernando was aware of his impact. During the height of his career, Fernando said: ``I knew I was representing Mexico to many people. I was aware of that.''

Yet this titanic burden of embodying the face of a nation may still have been an underestimation.

Throughout the Americas, from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America to South America, people turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of Fernando. He didn't merely represent Mexico. He represented all of us.

Perhaps one of the most qualified persons to speak on the impact of Fernandomania is Jaime Jarrin, the Dodger's Spanish-language broadcaster. He broadcasted for 64 years. Jaime began announcing games for the Dodgers in the 1950s as part of Major League Baseball's first- ever, full-time Spanish-language broadcast.

Jaime concluded his groundbreaking 64-year career when he retired last year. He called games during Valenzuela's entire Dodgers tenure and shared the broadcast booth with Valenzuela for over a decade and a half.

Jaime has made no secret of the respect and admiration he holds for his colleague, Fernando Valenzuela. Jaime has said that Valenzuela drew more fans than any other player in baseball history because he tapped into an entirely new demographic. According to Jaime, before Valenzuela, the percentage of Latinos at Dodger games sat in the single digits. After a few years, that number ballooned to 30 percent, and today it has grown to almost 50 percent, including my family members, my children, and my grandchildren.

In Jaime's words, Fernando created interest in baseball among people who did not know what baseball was. His monumental impact transformed the Dodgers and all Major League Baseball into a beacon of diversity both on and off the field and in the stands.

Few players could be more deserving of his number being retired than Fernando.

I congratulate Fernando Valenzuela for his number being retired.

I call on the Baseball Writers' Association of America and the Veterans' Affairs Committee to induct Fernando Valenzuela to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

His career and cultural influence, including his ongoing work within the Dodgers on their Spanish-language broadcast is a true inspiration to everyone.

I honor the incredible career of Fernando Valenzuela as he takes his place enshrined forever in Dodger history.

I look forward to seeing Number 34 next to the greats such as Jackie Robinson's Number 42 and Sandy Koufax's Number 32.

As the great Dodger announcer Vin Scully said after Fernando threw his no-hitter on June 29, 1990, against the St. Louis Cardinals: ``If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky.''

This is just a glimpse of the impact and the life of the legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

I think it is important that we all understand that we do live in a great, great country. It is amazing to see when people have an opportunity to come to our great country, they truly are allowed to be the best that they can be.

Fernando and many, many other people who have come to this country have exuded that, and I truly do believe that immigrants who come to our great country are incredibly grateful not only for their opportunities but the love and loyalty that they show and have for the great country of the United States of America.

I also say on behalf of my colleagues, especially my Los Angeles colleagues who couldn't be here today and who would have loved to share some of their stories about what Fernandomania and what Fernando Valenzuela means to them, how proud we all are that they are retiring his number which is a tremendous, tremendous honor that only comes to very few in any sport.

I also want to share my own family's story and history with Fernando Valenzuela.

My mother and father came from Mexico. My father never participated in sports. He only went to school to the first grade. My mother went to school to the second grade. They were too poor to engage in sports.

At the age of 5 and 6, their job was to work to help the family just get by. My parents came to this country and certainly appreciated every opportunity they were afforded here, especially watching their 11 American-borne citizens in Los Angeles grow to our potential.

I remember my mother would ask me: ``Esta jugando Fernando?'' ``Is Fernando playing today?''

If I said yes, then Jaime Jarrin in Spanish on the radio got turned on, and she listened to the whole game.

To be honest with you, Mr. Speaker, my mother, Maria, really didn't understand baseball, but she was proud of the fact that somebody from her country of Mexico was showing a positive impact and was competing with the best right here in our country of America.

She didn't have to understand baseball, but she understood that this young man, Fernando Valenzuela, was giving it his best, competing with the best, and making her and millions of people proud because he was a positive and shining example of what good people can do when given the opportunity to shine.

It is my honor to say congratulations to Fernando Valenzuela and to tell him in his native tongue: ``Te lo mereces,'' ``You deserve this.''

I am honored to be a Member of the United States Congress, and this is a great opportunity for me to honor this great person, the wonderful human being, who has exuded everything that every parent, every teacher, and every person wants all of our young people to become: good and responsible adults who take the best opportunities that they have been given and make the best of it.

Honoring Dr. Firouz Michael Naderi

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who inspired us to reach for the stars, Dr. Firouz Michael Naderi.

Dr. Naderi was born in Shiraz, Iran. He came to the United States and received an electrical engineering degree from the Iowa State University and the University of Southern California.

He returned to his native Iran, where he worked for the state remote sensing agency, but the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 brought Dr. Naderi to the United States, where he served our country as part of NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, otherwise known as JPL, in Pasadena, California.

When Dr. Naderi retired, NASA awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal and named an asteroid after him.

In his post-NASA career, Dr. Naderi was a vocal advocate for human rights and civil rights. He demonstrated the strength, power, and kindness of the Iranian community while speaking truth to power against all injustices.

I stand here to celebrate and honor the incredible life of my friend, Dr. Firouz Naderi, who was lost too soon last month.

Dr. Naderi was someone who saw no borders, no lines, no separating of people on this blue marble spinning around the Sun that we call Earth.

Dr. Firouz Naderi was born on March 15, 1946, and left Iran in 1964. In 1969, he earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University and, in 1972, a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California; in 1996, a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.

When he returned to Iran, as I mentioned earlier, he was forced to leave his beloved country and came back to California, to the United States, where he pursued the distinguished career that has made him one of NASA and JPL's most amazing scientists.

He was JPL's associate director for project formulation and strategy and director of solar system exploration. In 2000, he became head of the Mars Exploration Program and, in 2005, received NASA's Distinguished Service Medal.

From 2000 to 2012, he led six consecutive, successful American missions to Mars--four landers and two orbiters--on January 4, 2004, landing the Spirit rover and on January 25, 2004, landing the Opportunity rover.

He was a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He was a board member of various organizations, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, Arasteh-Amin Foundation, Keep Children in School Foundation, and Iranica Encyclopedia.

In February 2016, the International Astronomical Union named an asteroid after Dr. Naderi. In 2017, he accepted the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which was by Asghar Farhadi and called ``The Salesman,'' with Anousheh Ansari.

I am honored to be a United States Congressman, and it gives me great pleasure and honor to take the opportunity and privilege of honoring people like Dr. Naderi.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Gloria Molina, a trailblazer for Latino politicians.

Gloria fiercely served and advocated for the communities she represented, for the city of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. She passed away in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on May 14, at the age of 74.

Gloria was raised in an immigrant household with her nine siblings. Her father, Leonardo, was a construction worker born in Los Angeles but raised in Casas Grandes, Mexico. Her mother, Concepcion, was a homemaker from Mexico. Together, her parents immigrated to the U.S. in the 1940s. Gloria was the oldest of 10 children. As she did everything in life, she led by example and helped wherever and whenever she could.

Gloria's commitment to public service began during President Jimmy Carter's administration, where she served as a deputy for Presidential Personnel and soon after that with the San Francisco Department of Health and Human Services.

Gloria's activism was sparked by the Chicano movement, as she was a woman of firsts. Gloria was first elected to office in 1982, when she became the first Latina elected to the California State Assembly. Some people made the mistake of underestimating Gloria's commitment to her community and her tenacity. She beat the establishment candidate.

In 1987, Gloria ran for the Los Angeles City Council seat that had been redistricted, becoming the first woman councilmember of Mexican ancestry to serve on the Los Angeles City Council.

In 1991, she was elected and became the first Latina member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She was known as a fiscal watchdog committed to governance reforms, protecting public healthcare, and fighting for quality-of-life issues for millions of residents.

Throughout more than 30 years as an elected official, Gloria changed the landscape of Los Angeles, putting an end to a 100-year pattern of dumping negative land-use developments on the east side of Los Angeles. Her work in East LA resulted in the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors naming a train station in her honor.

Gloria worked with Mothers of East Los Angeles, a group that organized against and successfully defeated the proposal to build a prison in East Los Angeles.

Gloria valued the power of storytelling through art. She founded the historical LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and the Eastside Arts Initiative, which provides financial support to community-based organizations.

Thanks to her love of quilting, Gloria founded the quilting group the East L.A. Stitchers, so that others could express themselves through this art form.

Gloria successfully advocated for increased access to parks and green spaces, as well as culturally engaging recreational areas. The motion to rename Grand Park to the Gloria Molina Grand Park was approved and will allow Gloria's legacy and impact to live on in projects that she fought so hard to create.

On top of green and recreational spaces, Gloria constantly fought for the improvement of women's rights and representation. She would regularly fight against the construction of projects that would disrupt predominantly Chicano and Mexican neighborhoods.

On top of her work in politics in the mid-2000s, she would drive around through Skid Row in her free time looking for children living in unsafe conditions so that she could call the Department of Family and Children Services to find them a home.

She led a program that was later named the Gloria Molina Foster Youth Education Program, with the sole purpose of being able to increase the high school graduation rates of students in foster care systems.

As its leader, she and the program did just that and elevated graduation rates from the national average of 58 percent to an amazing 80 percent. One of her final statements as she retired was that she only regretted not being able to raise the average even more.

Gloria stood as a constant beacon of hard work, perseverance, and strength--a role model to Latinas looking to succeed in politics, and a role model to everyone.

Gloria taught us all to fight for those without a voice and to let our passion drive our success. Her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Valentina; son-in-law, Brendan; grandchildren, Santiago and Ximena; nine siblings; nieces; nephews; Ron Martinez; and many die-hard Molinistas.

Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Pacoima, California, a working-class neighborhood that was unjustly targeted by the justice system. It is a community that I am proud to currently represent.

There are kids like Jerome Dixon, who was wrongfully incarcerated as a child and locked up for 20 years because he was pressured into giving a false confession after 25 hours of interrogation without having an adult or a parent present with him. He spent 20 years of his life behind bars for a crime that he did not commit.

For over 25 years, I have worked to fix a broken system that has prioritized stuck-on-stupid incarceration over proven, effective rehabilitation. That is why, last week, I announced the ``Second Chance for Justice Package'' with my colleagues, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Senator Cory Booker.

These bills further invest in youth development and crime prevention programs. They will make our communities safer, reduce expenses for taxpayers, and demonstrate a real commitment to treating children with dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these commonsense bills. We owe our children a system that works with them, not one that is out to get them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month and stand with all members of the LGBTQ community.

June celebrates the LGBTQ community and the Pride movement's progress. It also reminds us of our history.

We have made progress in our efforts to further the LGBTQ movement and

promote nationwide allyship, yet anti-trans legislation continues to be presented in legislative bodies across the country, and hate crimes targeting LGBTQ communities continue to rise.

The LGBTQ community and its allies will not be silenced.

The cities of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., both hosted their annual Pride parades on June 11 and 9, with thousands participating in both. It is a beautiful sight to see such strong, growing support in our hometown of Los Angeles and right here in our Nation's Capital.

Let's recommit to defending the rights and privileges of all LGBTQ people as they face a hate-filled wave of anti-equality legislation across our country.

For all this and more, I stand and celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month this June.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bert Boeckmann, one of the San Fernando Valley's most treasured community members. We lost Bert last month at 92 years of age.

A catalyst in the prosperity of the San Fernando Valley, Bert was a beloved friend, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great- great-grandfather, and my friend.

Bert's impact began as a Galpin Motors salesman in 1953, when he was only 22 years old. Determined to succeed, he was the general manager by 1957. Bert was named president by 1964 and became sole owner in 1968.

As a salesman, Bert's desire to put the customer first by demonstrating his honesty and integrity was seen as an unusual practice, but it soon became the trait he and Galpin Motors were known for. Even as the company continued to grow, Bert always said that his, along with every employee's of Galpin Motors, goal was to serve the customer first. Employees who did not agree with this message were told: ``Go work for the competition.''

Galpin Motors expanded from a tiny, three-car dealership to an automotive enterprise with a large showroom, retail store, restaurant, and other amenities.

Since 1989, Galpin Motors became the number one Ford auto dealership in the world for both cars and trucks. Dedication to customer service helped the company grow, eventually expanding to include 12 brands. Today, Galpin Motors has more than 1,000 employees and earns more than $1 billion in annual revenue.

Bert has always been on the cutting edge of customizing cars at the dealership level for his customers. He called it Galpinizing, which included custom paint jobs and bodywork, interiors, and van conversions.

Bert would push for innovative concepts, such as the introduction of European sunroof technology to America, which was hugely popular in sunny southern California.

Innovation and customization are central concepts of Galpin Auto Sports, which designed and built custom vehicles for enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Galpin Auto Sports would go on to be the home of the famous MTV show ``Pimp My Ride,'' hosted by hip-hop artist Xzibit, which was viewed by millions of people across the globe.

Bert served on various national and regional boards, such as the Ford Motor Company's Performance Advisory Committee, National Dealer Council, Dealers Advertising Association, along with the California and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Associations.

His efforts to innovate the business culminated in his induction into the Ford Hall of Fame.

Bert was equally renowned for his work as a devoted civic leader, having worked with nearly every organization in the San Fernando Valley. Bert and his wife, Jane, received the Fernando Award, recognizing them as citizens who have contributed enormously to the San Fernando Valley.

Bert served on the Los Angeles Police Commission for over 16 years, for three mayors and six police chiefs.

He was a fierce advocate for the valley and worked to help us receive our fair share of resources.

Bert was known for his dedication to his company and his community. However, Bert's greatest commitment was to his relationship with his family, especially his wife, Jane. The two were married for 50 years, sharing their passion for spreading kindness to everyone who surrounded them.

While we greatly miss Bert, he is reunited with his wife, Jane, on the second anniversary of her passing. Jane was an amazing businesswoman and civic leader in her own right. She had many talents. She was a gifted interior designer, skilled golfer, licensed airplane pilot who flew across the country, and a driver for the Galpin Motors 24-hour endurance land race. Jane was the longtime publisher of Valley Magazine and was involved in various community groups.

Bert and Jane inspired us to practice kindness at all times.

Bert and Jane are survived by his daughters, LaVerne and Denice; his sons, Brett, Brad, and Beau; their 12 grandchildren, Dascha, Jacob, Amie, Brandon, Blake, Brooke, Amelia, Logan, Bliss, Brielle, Beau, and Blair; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, Phillip, Dennis, Brody, Violet, Anna Bell, Brayson, Brynlee, Bailee, Bronson, Pate, and Thatcher; and three great-great-grandchildren, Natalie, Mia, and Alice.

For all of this and more, we miss and honor the incredible life of our friend, Bert Boeckmann.

Madam Speaker, House Republicans are playing political games and threatening to default on our country's debt.

The extreme MAGA Republicans have taken over the House of Representatives, and they are creating a crisis. It is a crisis that they created, they manufactured in their minds, and now they are trying to convince the American people what they are doing is right.

It is not right for them to make cruel cuts to hurt children, seniors, veterans, and teachers, threatening a devastating default on our debt.

Ladies and gentlemen, Madam Speaker, the Republicans gave billions of dollars in tax cuts to the biggest corporations and the wealthiest people in America. That was step one.

Now, step two, they are coming after you, the hardworking American people, saying now we are going to take away from you after you have actually done so much for your country.

They are stepping into this situation. They want to take food away from children and seniors. They want to see us lay off 100,000 teachers and take away childcare from children.

They are doing this only to try to score political points.

Let's get back to work, Republicans. Let's do the right thing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American and Angeleno who is the definition of a public servant, Michael Owens.

I have had the honor to serve as an elected official for 27 years, and I have learned that the backbone of every office is having a team of dedicated people who work directly with our community members.

Just as it is in Congress, a Los Angeles city councilmember's district team has the biggest impact on the constituents they serve, and Michael made an impact on thousands of constituents.

Michael changed the lives of those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and all the families of the San Fernando Valley.

Michael Owens served Councilmember Bob Blumenfield for 15 years, first as his director of constituent affairs and later as district director. In these roles, he oversaw more than 10 staffers and the delivery of millions of dollars of city resources to their constituents.

Before getting involved in politics, he was a paralegal and director of legal affairs at the Motion Picture Association.

Michael lived in my district in the community of North Hills. He was a leader in his homeowner association, bringing the knowledge he had from the city to make his community a better place for all its residents.

He was known by Councilmember Blumenfield as the ``constituent whisperer'' for his ability to hear constituents' most difficult problems and find solutions for them. No problem was too big or too small for Michael.

As district director, he ensured the district office he served was a space where students with disabilities could develop vital career skills.

We lost Michael in April. He joins his parents and late husband, Camron. My heart goes out to Michael's family, his sister Susan, Uncle Bob, and cousin Sara, and to Bob Blumenfield and his entire staff during this difficult time.

Michael represents the Angeleno and American spirit of going above and beyond to serve the community that gave him so much.

Honoring Irma Cantu Acosta

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Irma Cantu Acosta, a beloved leader, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

As a former small business owner and realtor, I saw firsthand the efforts of Irma to help families and young real estate agents attain the American Dream.

Irma was born in a small rural town in southwest Texas, and in the fifties, her family moved to Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.

Irma began her career in real estate, a field where she helped thousands of families navigate the real estate market. Her passion was helping working families find a house they could call home.

In 2000, she led the creation of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the largest voice and champion for Latino homeownership and empowerment, which is now tens of thousands of members strong. From the local to the national level, she mentored thousands of clients and colleagues with her warm, reassuring smile and valuable insight.

Irma is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Ernie, and her three children, four grandchildren, and one great- granddaughter.

Today, I stand to celebrate and honor the incredible life of my friend, Irma Cantu Acosta, someone who believed that we can all aspire for our own piece of the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S.J. Res. 11.

Last year, more than 137 million people in the United States were living in areas with unhealthy levels of pollution, and we need to do better for them. It is currently estimated that 72 million Americans are exposed to high levels of air pollution due to their proximity to high-traffic trucking routes. These figures have real consequences, and they cost lives.

With three of California's largest trucking routes cutting through my district, the district that I represent in the San Fernando Valley, these figures are a community reality for us.

After decades of heavy-duty vehicles generating pollution in their backyards, my constituents experienced the injustice of disproportionately high rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular complications, and cancer.

The EPA's heavy-duty NOX rule is a long-overdue step in the right direction to protect the health and well-being of communities across the United States, including my own.

With this rule, the EPA could prevent up to 2,900 premature deaths per year, 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits, and 18,000 fewer cases of childhood asthma. These are the things that we need to work on in the House of Representatives. These are the lives of our children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents.

Last Congress, Democrats worked and secured historic investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate our progress in developing cleaner zero-emission technologies that will improve public health.

That includes $5 billion for clean schoolbuses, an effort that I championed alongside Congresswoman Hayes, Senator Padilla, and Senator Warnock.

The Republican-backed S.J. Res. 11 unravels the progress that we have made, and we must do more. It attacks necessary Clean Air Act protections and would repeal the meaningful actions that the EPA has taken.

Today's CRA abandons the American people. It abandons our children. It abandons our grandchildren and future generations. It forces our communities to continue to breathe polluted air and puts them on a path to an unlivable future.

It is important for us to understand that in this great Nation we have technology like no other, and we have capacity like no other. Therefore, all it takes is the political will of us on both sides of the aisle to do the right thing--to make the improvements that I just outlined here.

Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Los Angeles where we had first-stage smog alerts. Today, my children don't know what they are. Today, my grandchildren are being raised in Los Angeles. If we move the clock back, my grandchildren, unfortunately, will be able to speak of these smog alerts, just like I unfortunately had to be subjected to it as a child. We can do better, and we must do better.

Growing up in the neighborhood that I now represent, I was the first councilmember to turn down the expansion of a dump site--another polluting element. Yes, the unions came up to me and said: ``We are going to lose 200 jobs. You can't do this.'' I said: ``We must.''

We found a solution to recreate those jobs on the same site, to have a cleaner, more effective way of dealing with the trash that the over 4 million people in my city create every single day.

It is really important for us to understand that for us to pass this resolution it will send us backwards and hurt generations today and more generations to come.

Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act.

I am upset that the Republicans have brought forth this bill, which sells out the health and well-being of the American people.

For decades, scientists have warned of the devastating impacts that human-caused climate change will have and do have on our planet. Consider even the first 3 months of this year.

In January, Alabama and Georgia were hit by severe storms, straight- line winds, and tornadoes that caused at least nine storm-related deaths.

In January and March, my home State of California experienced severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides that ended in at least 27 storm- related deaths across the State combined.

Just last week in Mississippi, there was devastation by severe storms and tornadoes that resulted in 26 people dying.

H.R. 1 fast-tracks offshore oil and gas developments, guts bedrock environmental and public health laws, silences communities, and reverses the significant progress that we made through the Inflation Reduction Act.

These are your Republican Representatives bringing forth this bill. They are selling out the American people for oil profits.

Last Congress, Republicans had the choice to join Democrats as we worked to deliver a historic $369 billion in climate action and clean energy investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. Instead, they have chosen to advance bills like this that, if implemented, will worsen the climate crisis and put our children and grandchildren on a path to an unlivable future.

Madam Chair, this bill chooses to put polluters over people, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History Month and the countless women who have given so much to the northeast San Fernando Valley and to our country.

March is dedicated as Women's History Month, and I am proud to be part of the party that every day in Congress are expanding women's rights, fighting for wage increases, parental leave, and reproductive rights for all and uplift every woman across our great country.

In that spirit, I will be highlighting amazing women trailblazers from the San Fernando Valley who have given so much to our community and to our great country.

Honoring Ada Munoz Yslas

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ada Munoz Yslas, the former principal of Andres and Maria Cardenas Elementary School.

Daughter of immigrant parents and a proud product of valley schools, Ada has dedicated over 30 years as an excellent educator.

Ada has given so much of herself to thousands of students and fellow educators and parents by inspiring and teaching everyone around her that they can become everything that they aspire to be.

After her career of over 30 years, Ada is now enjoying time with her family.

We thank Ada Munoz Yslas for being an inspirational educator in her well-deserved retirement.

Honoring Dr. Judy F. Baca

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the most amazing painters and muralists in the world, Judy F. Baca. Her art is appreciated all over the world from California to Finland and to El Salvador.

In 1976, Judy began painting a true landmark for the San Fernando Valley: the Great Wall of Los Angeles. It is a half-mile-long mural along the Tujunga waterway that depicts the history of California. Judy inspired and employed over 400 youth to paint this iconic mural in their own community.

In 2017, the Great Wall of Los Angeles received national recognition on the National Registry of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Just last week, Judy received one of the most prestigious honors an artist can ever receive. President Joseph R. Biden awarded her the National Medal of Arts for her decades of inspirational art.

Dr. Judy Baca will continue to bless us with her art all over the world, and we pray for her continued success.

Honoring Carolyn Rose

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Carolyn Rose, one of the founders of the largest antipoverty nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley, Meet Each Need With Dignity, also known as MEND.

In 1976, Carolyn started MEND with her husband, Ed, in their garage in Mission Hills. They collected food and clothing donations and distributed them to the most needy families throughout our community.

MEND has grown to continuously serve the most vulnerable in our community with food distribution, one-on-one case management, and support for low-income families.

Every year, you can see Carolyn leading the Christmas Family Adoption

Program with her dedicated volunteers loading up groceries for Christmas dinner, toys for the kids, and smiles for all to receive.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Carolyn Rose for all that she does for our community.

Honoring Assemblymember Luz Rivas

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas.

Luz was raised by her single immigrant mother and spent her childhood living out of converted garages and back houses in Pacoima. She became the first woman from San Fernando High School to graduate and attend MIT, where she received her engineering degree. Luz then went on to Harvard and achieved a master's degree in education.

After working as an electrical engineer at Motorola, she came back home and started a nonprofit, DIY Girls. DIY Girls inspires thousands of girls every year to believe in themselves and pursue a career in

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sandra Crouch, gospel music performer, Grammy Award winner, and copastor at New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima.

Sandra and her twin brother, Andrae, who is no longer with us, were raised singing gospel music in the church their father founded. Like her brother, she pursued a career in the music industry.

In 1984, she won a Grammy Award for her album ``We Sing Praises.'' On this album, she gave moving performances of songs such as ``My Soul Only Loves You'' and ``No Greater Love.''

Sandra's powerful voice continues to enrich the hearts of many in her congregation and community, and we honor her accomplished career and dedication to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to be a Member in this Chamber of the House of Representatives, very proud to have been blessed to be born an American citizen, and very proud to be raised by my immigrant parents in this great country in a community called Pacoima.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Black History Month.

My neighborhood of Pacoima has a long and rich history of wonderful, beautiful, amazing Black Americans, untold stories and uncelebrated heroes who have shaped the San Fernando Valley and my neighborhood of Pacoima, the community I call home, the community in which my immigrant parents raised my 10 brothers and sisters and me.

This is the community that gave us our first Latino United States Senator to represent the great State of California, Senator Alex Padilla.

A little-known fact is that the first Congressmember from Pacoima and San Fernando High School is my esteemed colleague, the Honorable Barbara Lee. As a teenager, Congresswoman Barbara Lee began her activism when she refused to accept the segregation of her high school cheerleading squad.

Rather than accept this injustice, she challenged the White majority school and turned to the local chapter of the

NAACP to advocate to allow minorities the opportunity to be cheerleaders.

Congresswoman Lee was victorious and won the right to cheer for her school. She was the first African-American cheerleader in the history of our high school, San Fernando High School. She is now a champion for justice as a United States Congresswoman.

The history of Black Americans in Pacoima dates back to World War II. Following the war, due to racist redline policies, African-American families were only able to purchase homes in communities such as Compton in South Los Angeles, Sun Village in the high desert, and Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley.

By 1960, almost all of the 10,000 African Americans in the San Fernando Valley lived in Pacoima. This community became the center of African-American life in the San Fernando Valley. Pacoima was known as California's first Black suburb.

One of the examples was the development of the Joe Louis Homes. These homes were the only hope and opportunity for African Americans to have home ownership. These homes were named after the former heavyweight boxing champion whose name was used as a ruse to steer Black buyers to Pacoima. Joe Louis had little or nothing to do with these real estate developments. But from this, African Americans living in Pacoima set the foundation of the beautiful community that I call home.

It is a history filled with heartbreak and tragedy, hope and inspiration. Pacoima's Black history is a thread that keeps our community together.

I will use this opportunity to spotlight community leaders that are the cornerstone of our history of Pacoima, religious leaders like the Broadous family.

The Broadous name is embedded in Pacoima history through the countless contributions made by Reverend Broadous and his family.

Reverend Hillery T. Broadous was the founder of Pacoima's Calvary Baptist Church and served the community faithfully. He helped organize the San Fernando Valley chapter of the NAACP and led efforts to build the Hubert H. Humphrey Memorial Recreation Center.

Reverend Broadous was a World War II veteran. He owned and operated a successful barbershop before he turned to the ministry in 1952. In May of 1955, he founded Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima.

Through Calvary Baptist Church, he played a fundamental role in bringing healthcare, educational, and recreational opportunities to our community.

The former Filmore Street School is now named in honor of Reverend Hillery T. Broadous.

In 2022, Hillery T. Broadous Elementary School administration, parents, and students, along with local artist Juan Reyes, painted the largest mural in the Los Angeles Unified School District in honor of the contributions he and his family made to the Pacoima community.

Mother Rosa Lee Broadous co-founded Calvary Baptist Church with her husband Hillery in 1955 and served as vice president of the first board of directors of the Pacoima NAACP.

Her legendary involvement in community organizations included Church Women United, Braille Institute, Fair Housing Council, Pacoima Coordinating Council, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, Los Angeles Public Library, and the YWCA.

She was also the first to organize Negro History Week programs in the San Fernando Valley. She served as a board member of Valley Interfaith Council, charged with overseeing local senior citizen centers.

Reverend Hillery and Mother Rosa Lee Broadous raised 10 amazing children, six of them pursuing religious and community causes. Unfortunately, three of the Broadouses are no longer with us.

The Broadous children include Reverend Alicia Broadous-Duncan, the oldest of 10 children. In the late 1970s, she became a minister. She was a fierce advocate for seniors and served as the executive director of the Northeast Valley Multipurpose Senior Center. In 1990, she was tapped to head the merger of what had been two senior centers into one large facility, serving the diverse northeast San Fernando Valley with a team of over 80 staffers.

The services provided at the senior centers are critical to the thousands of seniors living in our community. They provide instrumental resources on nutrition programs, arts programming, socializing activities, and transportation.

After her unfortunate passing, the center was renamed in honor of her, the Alicia Broadous-Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center. The center continues to serve as a community hub for our entire neighborhood.

Apostle William T. Broadous was the leader of Calvary Baptist following his father's legacy, where he established the Children's Church at Calvary, the Calvary Baptist Church Social Service Ministry, and the Calvary Baptist Koinonia Bookstore.

Apostle Broadous led ministry trips to Africa, campaigned against street violence, set up a Latino ministry, and advocated for formerly incarcerated individuals and for economic development in the northeast Valley.

The city of Los Angeles dedicated the intersection of Vaughn Street and Dronfield Avenue in honor of Apostle William T. Broadous.

Reverend Arthur Lee Broadous. Reverend Arthur was the musical soul of the Broadous family. He was the choir leader and former director of the Pacoima Community Youth Cultural Center Choir. Reverend Arthur served as the San Fernando Valley field representative for Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley.

During the 1992 riots, in an effort to calm any potential violence, he dispatched ministers to hotspots throughout the Valley. He was a mover and a shaker of the community and always looked to unify the neighborhood.

All the Broadous children including, Marie Broadous Neloms, Rosita Furaha Broadous, Hillery L. ``Abdullah'' Broadous, Reverend Zedar E. Broadous, Reverend Pamela J. Broadous, Reverend M. Cecilia Broadous, and Francine Broadous Oputa are the definition of community service, and their work is seen every day in the streets of Pacoima and beyond.

When it comes to empowerment, Marie Harris, community activist and honorary mayor of Pacoima, was born on October 10, 1922, in Houston, Texas. She attended schools in Pittsburgh and married Alvin Harris soon after her high school graduation.

She led efforts to develop the first new major shopping center, called Pacoima Plaza for the Stars.

Marie, a Pacoima resident since 1960, was a devoted mother of three children and known for organizing local fashion show fundraisers.

Marie was an amazing fashion designer. She spurred the Pacoima Property Owners Association to produce the Back to Pacoima Expo, a long-running reunion for expatriate residents of Pacoima at Hansen Dam.

She was a fierce advocate for the San Fernando Valley and was one of the three original signatories to begin the process for the San Fernando Valley to secede from the city of Los Angeles. She did this to spark debate and ensure that San Fernando Valley residents received their fair share of city services.

She was a true community leader advocating to get streets paved, sidewalks cleaned, trees trimmed, and much more.

Harris is survived by her three children: Sidney, Rolene, and Alton; five grandchildren; and many, many great-grandchildren.

In honor of Pacoima's late honorary mayor, Marie Harris, the city of Los Angeles proclaimed the center of Glenoaks Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard ``Marie Harris Square.''

When it comes to civic duty, Jose DeSosa, former president of the San Fernando Valley NAACP and active civic rights leader, is the epitome of civic duty.

In 1988, he was elected as the first statewide president of the NAACP. He was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama, and later migrated to New York City. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served our country for nearly 10 years.

DeSosa worked for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. Soon after the company merged with AT&T, he and his wife Juanita moved to Pacoima.

As president of the NAACP, he used his Black and Latino heritage to build

working relationships between both cultures.

He was a passionate critic of the tactics and procedures of the Los Angeles Police Department and led the effort to ban the use of the battering ram and the choke hold by LAPD. He led peaceful efforts to unite hundreds of community members demanding change.

He was a former board member of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, and to this day their community room at Pacoima is named in honor of him.

We have many legendary sports heroes that emanate from our community of Pacoima, especially at our great San Fernando High School.

The San Fernando High School Tigers football team, during the 1960s and 1970s, the home of the Mighty Tigers, was the training ground of future USC Trojans and NFL stars, an A-list of players such as Charles White, Anthony Davis, Kevin Williams, and Manfred Moore.

Charles White, who recently passed away, was a track and football star at San Fernando High School. He was a star running back and won back-to-back city football championships at our high school. He then went on to USC, where Charles White was an All-American and the 1979 Heisman Trophy winner. He played in the NFL and led the NFL in rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1987.

After his retirement, Charles worked for USC. Despite his struggles with addiction and mental health throughout his career, he was a true star.

Unfortunately, we recently lost Charles White on January 11, 2023.

Anthony Davis was another football star. He was also an All-American in 1974 who played for the USC Trojans. At San Fernando High School, he was a running back during their city championship run.

He was known by ``Sports Illustrated'' as the ``Notre Dame Killer'' when he infamously led USC to a comeback victory. Notre Dame had a 24-0 lead, but before the end of the first quarter, Anthony Davis scored a touchdown which kicked off a 55-point comeback. He scored six touchdowns, ran and caught for 368 total yard performance in one game versus the Fighting Irish.

Anthony Davis helped lead the Trojans to three Rose Bowl games, including victories in 1973 and 1975, and two national championships during his three seasons.

During his Trojan career, Davis won five national championships, two in football and three in baseball. He played his professional career in the NFL, the USFL, and the CFL.

Another great star is Kevin Williams, who was also a USC football and track star and part of the tremendous trio with White and Moore at San Fernando High School.

Known by his family as ``Little Man'' and nicknamed the ``Bug,'' he was known for his speed and elusiveness on the field. He played for USC and was drafted to the NFL.

After his athletic career, he worked as a brakeman for the Santa Fe trains.

We unfortunately lost him in 1996 in a devastating accident.

Before Charles, Anthony, and Kevin were there, Manfred Moore was the running back for the 1967 San Fernando High School city champions. He was a State wrestling champion, as well. As a USC Trojan, he was part of the 1972 national championship team that had one of the most dominant college seasons ever.

These four Mighty Tigers set the bar of athletic excellence for all of us in the San Fernando Valley. They are all true champions.

Andrae Crouch's musical career began at home. He was a son of a minister, where he found his love and passion for gospel music. His father, Reverend Benjamin Crouch, founded the New Christ Memorial Church.

Andrae bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, working with major stars such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones. Songs like Michael Jackson's ``Man in the Mirror'' and Madonna's ``Like a Prayer'' became pop hits because of Andrae's musical genius.

He also received Oscar nominations for musical arrangements for movies such as ``The Color Purple'' and Disney's ``The Lion King.''

His popularity laid the foundation of R&B influence in gospel music to this day. His eight Grammys were instrumental in the merging of pop, contemporary gospel, and soul.

When it comes to educating the children of our community, there is no one like Leroy Chase. For more than 50 years, the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club president was the tenacious Leroy Chase, running one of the oldest not-for-profits in Pacoima.

In 1968, he was hired and ended up expanding the small storefront into the large facility that it is today.

Leroy provided resources to over 75,000 youth. One of those youth was me. He gave me my first job.

After school, this was a place where boys and girls could study and do their homework. It served as a safe space to stay out of trouble. I would not be here if it wasn't for Leroy Chase.

In honor of Leroy, the city of Los Angeles will be dedicating the intersection of Glenoaks Boulevard and Pierce Street in his honor, in his name.

The legacy of the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club carries on through the work of his daughter, Nicole Chase, who currently serves as the president and CEO of the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club and continues the legacy of being a center for kids to learn and play.

This is all done so that kids like me could reach their full potential, and we are so blessed to have Leroy Chase and his family in our lives.

I close by thanking the Pacoima Historical Society and their president, Crystal Jackson, for ensuring that this history, the history of my community, our community, is being shared with future generations. The great work and legacy created by these leaders will always be remembered and always be in our hearts.

I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to take some of the time afforded me as a Member of the House of Representatives to comment on the amazing, wonderful work that our President, President Biden, is doing in his administration.

As I said earlier, I am blessed to be a Member of the Chamber, of the House of Representatives, to be able to speak on this floor, to be able to address my fellow Americans about the issues that face us, the challenges that we have had, and the hope and challenges that we will tackle in the future.

President Biden's administration is one of the most successful administrations, accomplishing in just these 2 short years more than most administrations accomplished in 4 or 8 years. I am excited for the next 2 years to come.

People say our government is divided, but at the end of the day, I truly believe in my heart that by working together, by hearing each other, we will be able to accomplish what we were sent to accomplish for the people of this great Nation and, more importantly, to make sure that we restore the confidence that the world has in the reputation of the United States of America.

Just recently, one of the most devastating earthquakes, which has taken thousands and thousands of lives, occurred in Turkey and Syria. Immediately, the Biden administration, along with communities around the country, rallied together to send help and rescue teams to the people in need.

That is the United States of America that I have always known. That is the United States of America that we all can and should be proud of. That is the United States of America, and we have some work to do to restore our reputation around the world because not every Presidency is the same, Mr. Speaker.

Some Presidencies have torn down our image, but I am so proud of the fact that President Biden and his administration are doing the work that we all deserve as Americans for our President to do. That is to restore our position and the faith that people have in what good it is to know that the United States of America is here, here to help, and here to be assisting.

More importantly, in any time of need, we are ready to help any nation that needs our support and our help, especially those nations who aspire to be a democracy, especially those nations who need us to be there to make sure that we can help human beings live a dignified life.

I am here to say, Mr. Speaker, that we have done it time and time again

for generation after generation to help as a world leader without compromising the commitment and the dedication that we have to the people of our great Nation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn Azerbaijan's ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

For more than 6 weeks, under the guise of an environmental protest, Azerbaijan has conducted a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.

The blockade has left thousands of people without access to critical medical supplies, food, and essential goods.

This is needless and malicious and is part of a larger pattern of violence by the Azerbaijani regime against the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

I urge the administration to use every tool at its disposal to ensure the safety of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and put an end to this needless and violent blockade.

We must provide direct humanitarian assistance through this administration and every Member of Congress so that we can help the people who are suffering through this atrocity.