Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, I rise on behalf of every member of that delegation to strongly oppose this resolution.

We have got very few legislative days left in this Congress, and the Republican majority has decided to use time on the floor today not to lower costs that are crushing Americans but to once again pick a fight with California.

Now, California has the fourth largest economy in the world. We are also a donor State that pays more in Federal taxes than we get back by about $806 billion a year. But rather than thank us, House Republicans are instead trying to undermine our ability to govern ourselves and protect the health of Americans.

Now, what is the point of this resolution? How is encouraging ships to burn more expensive diesel going to help the families across America struggling with Trump's affordability crisis?

The war of choice in Iran that the President initiated has caused prices to spike. The other day, I was driving by a gas station and saw diesel fuel at $8.99 a gallon. It is easier and cheaper for ships to plug in at the dock, and the only people who will benefit from this resolution are the oil and gas companies.

Finally, there is the question of the legality of repealing these waivers under the Congressional Review Act. The administration resubmitted these waivers in order to designate them as rules to trigger the CRA.

Now, the State of California sued, and a Federal court has ordered the EPA to withdraw or correct the reclassifications of all six Clean Air Act section 209 waiver orders that it submitted to Congress because EPA violated the law in labeling them as rules and submitting them to Congress for action under the CRA.

In fact, just this last Saturday, September 12, the court ordered EPA to undo its illegal actions specifically with respect to these two maritime waivers after the judge learned they were about to come up for a vote. Republicans are ignoring the brand new direct order of the Federal court by continuing on with the CRAs.

I will end with this. California's economy, the fourth biggest in the world, has done pretty well without D.C. Republicans meddling in its business.

I think Congress should reject this illegal overreach and vote ``no'' on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Doug Stocks, one of the most experienced booksellers in Silicon Valley, on his retirement after 48 years. I wish to include in the Record the following excerpt from Ron Charles' article:

Last week, while visiting our elder daughter in Santa

Clara, Calif., I overheard a bookseller at Books Inc. say he

was retiring.

In fact, everyone in the store heard him.

Doug Stocks is not the fading, whispering figure of some

dusty Masterpiece Theatre

bookseller. He's a tall guy with a big, gray beard, somewhere

between a happy Hemingway and an off-season Santa--and around

here, more famous than either one.

Doug is retiring next month after 48 years. ``I'm the

longest-standing bookseller in Silicon Valley,'' he told me.

It's been the only job he's ever had. ``Since I was 18 years

old! Can you believe it? Books, Inc., oldest bookseller west

of the Mississippi, publisher of Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce,

Bret Harte.

Mr. Stocks personally met many authors who were present at Books Inc. and made all feel welcomed. He has made so many Silicon Valley residents embrace their love of literature, and our community is deeply thankful fot his decades-long career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from California, the Honorable Aisha Wahab, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

Her certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to her election.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Shantanu Narayen on his 18-year tenure as CEO of Adobe, one of the largest software systems in the world, which is proudly headquartered in San Jose, California.

Born in Hyderabad, India, he came to the United States to earn his master's degree in computer science from Bowling Green State University and later an MBA from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. He held leadership roles at Apple and Silicon Graphics before co-founding Pictra, an early photo-sharing startup, in 1996.

In 1998, Mr. Narayen joined Adobe as Senior VP of Worldwide Product Development. He rose through the ranks, becoming President and Chief Operating Officer in 2005 and Chief Executive Officer in 2007.

During Mr. Narayen's tenure as CEO of Adobe, the company has become massively successful, being named to Forbes' Most Innovative Companies list and joining the Fortune 500 for the first time ever in 2018. Adobe also expanded its mark on San Jose in 2023, opening the 18-story Founders Tower, the first all-electric building of its size in Silicon Valley. Adobe has also invested in San Jose through the Adobe Foundation and its Hometown Commitment, donating millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to San Jose nonprofits.

Mr. Narayen has received high praise for his executive leadership, being listed among Barron's World's Best CEOs and one of the Top CEOs on Glassdoor based on employee feedback. Additionally, he received the Padma Shri award in 2019, one of the highest civilian honors in India.

In addition to his leadership in the tech industry, Mr. Narayen is vice chairman of the United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

I am grateful for his service, his vision, and his commitment to San Jose and the United States' technological leadership. I congratulate Shantanu Narayen on 18 remarkable years at the helm of Adobe, and I wish him continued success as he begins this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Andrew ``Andy'' D'Arrigo, whose vision, leadership, and dedication to agriculture helped shape the Salinas Valley into the agricultural heart of our Nation. His passing marks the loss of one of California's most respected agricultural leaders, whose influence will endure for generations.

Following his service in the United States Navy during World War II and graduation from the University of California, Davis, Andrew ``Andy'' D'Arrigo returned to D'Arrigo Bros. Company. As President of D'Arrigo Bros. Company of California, he led the business by transforming it into one of the world's premier grower-shippers of fresh produce. His leadership created thousands of jobs, strengthened the regional economy, and elevated California agriculture on the global stage.

Andrew ``Andy'' D'Arrigo believed that strong communities are essential to a thriving agricultural industry. Through the Andrew and Phyllis D'Arrigo Charitable Foundation and his personal philanthropy, he supported healthcare, education, youth development, and community organizations throughout Monterey County, helping improve the lives of countless families and reinforcing the strength of the Salinas Valley.

Mr. Speaker, Andrew ``Andy'' D'Arrigo leaves behind an extraordinay legacy of agricultural innovation, economic leadership, and community service. His life's work strengthened the Salinas Valley, advanced California agriculture, and demonstrated the lasting impact of visionary leadership rooted in service to others.

Therefore, it is with profound respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Andrew ``Andy'' D'Arrigo. On behalf of the people of California's 18th Congressional District, I extend our deepest condolences to the D'Arrigo family and celebrate a life whose enduring contributions will remain integral to the Salinas Valley's agricultural heritage and community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mary Chan Seid, who devoted her life to advancing justice and equality in the Bay Area and beyond.

Mary was born in Walnut Grove, California, on September 3, 1936, to What Lum Chan and Anna Louie. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work.

Together with her husband of 67 years, Allan Seid, Mary helped found Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI), a non-profit group which has worked for decades to serve the health and well-being of marginalized Asian American communities. She served AACI in multiple leadership roles, and in 1981, Mary and Allan formed a statewide group, Asian Pacific American Advocates of California. This organization expanded nationwide in 1986 to become Asian Pacific American Advocates, USA--National Alliance with representatives in 34 states. Mrs. Seid also played a key role in removing racial and gender bias from California public school textbooks and taught Asian American studies at local universities.

In addition, Mary led efforts in 1990 to establish a safe house for women and children fleeing abuse and was a founding member of the Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Commission in 1993.

Mrs. Seid's advocacy earned numerous honors, including Santa Clara County Woman of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Avenidas, and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce's Tall Tree Award for Outstanding Citizen Volunteer.

Mary and Allan had three children, Arline, Marcine, and Marc, and nine grandchildren.

I have known Mary and Allan since 1980, and I will greatly miss her joy, her humor, and her compassion. Mary's love for her neighbors will always be remembered, and her impact will live on in the communities she dedicated her life to serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the Gilroy Garlic Festival, a beloved annual tradition in Santa Clara County dating back to 1979.

Drawing thousands of visitors from across the country, this three-day festival has raised millions of dollars for local schools and charities.

With everything from garlic fries to garlic ice cream, the Gilroy Garlic Festival reminds people every year why Gilroy is the Garlic Capital of the World. In fact, over half of America's garlic is now grown around Gilroy and 90 percent of the country's garlic harvest is processed here.

This cherished event is thanks in large part to the Christopher Family, who made the long journey from Denmark to America in the 1890s. After hearing tale of the Santa Clara Valley's dark, fertile soil and Mediterranean climate, they knew this land would be where they would settle.

In 1979, Donald Christopher co-founded the Gilroy Garlic Festival, with an estimated 15,000 people showing up to the two-day event, about triple the number they expected. By the 1980s, there were more than 100,000 ticket buyers.

Today, the legacy of Don Christopher is carried on by his family, including his son, Bill, and grandsons, Ken and Jason. Thanks to their hard work, the Gilroy Garlic Festival remains a critical part of Gilroy's identity and a moment that families look forward to year after year. The festival also could not take place without the help of thousands of volunteers. We thank them for their help, and we honor the Christopher family for their long service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Sunny Dianne Claggett, an accomplished executive and leader in San Jose.

Ms. Claggett was born in Abilene, Kansas on August 28, 1945, to Maryanne Fuller Robertson and Rees Stewart Robertson. In 1978, she graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Throughout her professional career, Ms. Claggett was widely respected as a premier organizational development consultant at CBIZ, providing advice and executive coaching to countless groups, including Fortune 500 companies. Her guidance helped to shape many careers and assist organizations through their most challenging times.

In addition to being a Vice President at CBIZ, Ms. Claggett founded and led the San Jose Chamber of Commerce's Community Leadership Program. She also dedicated much of her time to the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, the YMCA, and CreaTV.

In 1986, she married William Ernest Claggett. She was a mother to Jerilayne and a stepmother to Peter and Hillary. Sunny and William had five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

I will miss her greatly, as will our entire community. Sunny was a generous, smart, and insightful person who mentored others. She cared about her community and was one of the kindest people I have ever met.

Sunny Claggett's impact lives on in the countless people she coached and the community she loved so much. Her legacy of leadership and kindness will always be remembered.

Madam Chair, today I will vote for the bipartisan Amendment No. 8 offered by Representative Massie to prevent the United States from sending an additional $3.3 billion in foreign military financing to Israel. I support Israel's sovereignty. I support funding for defensive systems such as the Iron Dome. I support a two-state- solution with a sovereign Palestinian state. However, I cannot send $3.3 billion more to Benjamin Netanyahu's government. It is worth noting that Netanyahu himself has indicated that Israel has sufficient resources so that his country no longer needs to rely on the United States for financial aid.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from California, the Honorable James Gallagher, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. Speaker, we welcome a new Member of the California congressional delegation to our ranks.

On June 2, James Gallagher was duly elected in a special election to fill the remainder of the term vacated by our friend and former colleague, the beloved late Doug LaMalfa.

Doug was passionate about his commitment to the people of northern California and advocating for rural Californians, a passion that I am sure is shared by Representative Gallagher.

As chair of the Democratic congressional delegation, it is my honor to welcome you to the largest delegation in Congress, representing the greatest State in the Union.

We look forward to working with you to advocate on behalf of Californians here in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend, Mr. Calvert, dean of the Republican delegation from California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th Anniversary of the Lick Observatory.

In 1876, the United States Congress granted public land to the University of California for the purpose of establishing an observatory. Califolnia's wealthiest citizen of the time, real estate entrepreneur James Lick bestowed $700,000 to the University of California's astronomy department. With an investment equivalent to $1.2 billion in contemporary value, James Lick created a legacy of scientific research and advancement.

The Lick Observatory has been a bastion of groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy since its completion in 1888. The Great Refractor, the site's famous 36-inch diameter telescope, was instrumental to E.E. Barnard's discovery of Jupiter's fifth moon, Amalthea. Another instrument, the 20-inch Double Astrograph, was used to chart skies and count distant galaxies. The Lick Northern Proper Motion program measure systematic patterns in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Through the decades, the Lick Observatory has freely shared its research with international academic institutions and the surrounding Bay Area community. It serves as an experimentation site for technical instrument improvement. They organize programs like the Scientific Teaching through Astronomy Research (STARs) and Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators (ISEE) that advance STEM education and careers. Its summer visitor's program hosts lectures and viewings for thousands of visitors to observe the universe through cutting edge technology.

In its 150-year history, the Lick Observatory has survived challenges to its instruments' longevity and the observatory's ability to offer hands-on programs. The site survived a plane crash, earthquake damage, and wildfire destruction. On Christmas morning, a rainstorm destroyed half of the Great Refractor's shutter dome. Time and time again, the Observatory has rebuilt. I want to recognize the 29 dedicated individuals who spent their holidays working on recovery efforts for the site. Their hard work represents how beloved the Lick Observatory is to the community.

I wish to congratulate the Lick Observatory for 150 years of outstanding scientific contributions and meaningful community building in the Bay Area. Spanning generations of Californians, the Lick Observatory inspires exploration in astronomy and engages the innovative curiosity of the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to reauthorizing FISA section 702 without meaningful reform.

At a time when the Trump administration is building a sweeping surveillance apparatus, trampling civil rights, and disregarding the rule of law, Congress should be strengthening oversight, not rubberstamping warrantless surveillance.

If the government wants to search an American's private communications, it must get a warrant. That is what the Constitution requires, and it is what the American people demand.

Once again, our Speaker is trying to block debate and deny a vote on a warrant requirement. Instead, we are trying to jam through another extension of warrantless surveillance without meaningful reforms.

I have opposed this abuse under both Republican and Democratic administrations, and I oppose it today.

Congress should reject this bill and take up meaningful reform, including my bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act, introduced with Representative Davidson, along with Senator Wyden and Senator Lee in the other body.

We do not have to choose between national security and constitutional rights. That is a false choice. We can protect the country and protect Americans' constitutional right to privacy. Congress should do both.

Mr. Speaker, oppose this bill so we can get meaningful reform.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues Representative Ro Khanna. Representative Jimmy Panetta, and Representative Sam Liccardo representing Santa Clara County, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Rod Diridon, Sr. of San Jose, California, a devoted public servant whose impact on the Santa Clara Valley will last for generations.

Mr. Diridon was born and raised in northern California before attending San Jose State University. He later attended Naval Officer Candidate School and served two combat tours in Vietnam. Following his military service, Diridon returned to California and was elected in 1973 as the youngest-ever member of the Saratoga City Council. From 1975 to 1995, he served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, including six terms as Chair.

Even after his career in public service, Mr. Diridon remained committed to improving the quality of life for others through transportation and regional planning. He chaired the American Public Transit Association (APTA) in 1992, and Governor Gray Davis appointed Mr. Diridon to the California High Speed Rail Authority in 2000.

Mr. Diridon's work emphasized sustainability, regional cooperation, and the importance of accessible public transportation in everyday life. Working closely with the Honorable Norman Mineta through the Norman Mineta Transit Institute, Mr. Diridon led the institute and helped advance a shared vision for modern, integrated transit systems such as light rail development, Caltrain improvements, and the expansion of BART into Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, he was able to work with both the U.S. Department of Transportation and California Department of Transportation to identify research priorities on transit system security, transportation financing, and land use policies related to transportation. Mr. Diridon's vision consistently highlighted the connection between transportation, environmental responsibility, and connecting community.

He was also deeply rooted in family life, which remained an important part of his personal and professional journey. The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Diridon was married to Dr. Gloria Duffy, a national leader in public policy. He was the father of two children, Rod Jr. and Mary Margaret, and a grandfather of four. His family shares and carries the same commitment to civic engagement that defined his life and career.

Rod Diridon, Sr. helped bridge generations of leadership and redefine how communities approach mobility and growth. His forward-thinking vision and dedication to public service have and continue to leave a lasting impact on the region and beyond. His legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment to the public good will be remembered with deep gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3971, a reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR Programs.

For more than 40 years, and Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR), and later its companion program the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR), have been contributing to U.S. leadership in technological innovation through support for small business research and development.

I have had a front-row seat to the explosive growth of entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley over my lifetime. I understand well the importance of innovative small businesses to our local economy and to the U.S. economy. I also understand the challenges these businesses face accessing capital. The SBIR program has long been called ``America's Seed Fund'' because they invest in small businesses at the higher-risk early stages before private capital is willing to invest. I also recognize that every agency has a different mission, and tailors their SBIR program accordingly. While that diversity in missions was an undercurrent in the negotiations, in the end we arrived at a good compromise that continues to support competition and innovation while giving the agencies necessary flexibility.

Last fall, as these programs faced imminent closure, the House sent the Senate a one-year, simple extension to keep the programs open to small businesses as the parties continued to negotiate. Unfortunately, there was not unanimity in the Senate to keep supporting small businesses across the country as we continued to negotiate some policy changes, The 6-month halt in the program has had real consequences for businesses and their employees, for innovation, and even for clinical trials and their patients. All of that was avoidable.

Fortunately, we are here today with a very good bill that provides new forms of support and resources for innovative small businesses, increases access and competition, and strengthens guardrails. I am especially pleased that the bill authorizes the programs through fiscal year 2031. Small businesses need certainty that the funding will be available, and agencies need certainty to manage the program efficiently.

I thank Small Business Committee Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez and Science Committee Chairman Babin, for their partnership in getting this done. I thank all of the committee staff for their hard work and patience through these months of negotiations. And I thank our partners in the Senate for continuing to work with us to find a path forward. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support S. 3971 without delay.