Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Anne Mayer, who is retiring after serving the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) for the past 18 years. Anne has been a true leader in Riverside County for decades and served as an effective advocate over the years to improve our region. She will be sorely missed. After earning a civil engineering degree from Michigan State University, Anne began her career as a Professional Engineer. After nearly 15 years working at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) implementing transportation projects across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Anne joined RCTC as Deputy Executive Director in May 2005. Just two years later, Anne was appointed Executive Director. In a region where transportation infrastructure provides vital connectivity for residents and our economy, Anne's leadership and vision enabled the Commission to get some of the biggest and most transformative projects ever constructed in the Inland Empire region across the finish line. Anne oversaw the construction of the 91 Freeway expansion project that provides the western gateway into Riverside County. I was proud to work alongside her and RCTC to combine federal financing with local investments to provide Corona and surrounding residents with desperately needed upgrades to one of the most congested corridors in the nation. Anne also oversaw the successful completion of numerous interchange improvements along the I-10 and I-15 corridors and an expansion of the region's Metrolink system. With such an accomplished record of achievement, it is no surprise that Anne has been recognized on many occasions, including being presented with the California Transportation Foundation's Person of the Year award; the Inland Empire WTS Woman of the Year award; and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Athena Award given to individuals that demonstrate professional achievement, community service, and mentorship. Anne clearly possesses a passionate belief in public service and a dedication to the community she has served so faithfully. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Anne's significant contributions to Riverside County. Personally, I will always value her friendship and collaboration on so many important infrastructure projects that will benefit our region long into the future. I wish Anne the very best in the years to come.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the negotiated appropriations package. Today is zero hour. We are out of time. Today's vote may be the most consequential of your lifetime. Right now, our troops around the world are facing multiple threats. Our supremacy on land, sea, air, and space is being challenged, and our allies are under attack. I could go through a long list of vital programs and funding included in this bill--the wins for our troops, the historic funding for innovation and counter-drug activities, and the focus on countering China. Time is short, and the stakes have never been higher. For the Members who are considering voting against the bill due to objections in other titles and are under the impression that if this bill fails, we will have another chance to vote for a full-year Defense bill, I want to be very clear: This is it. Every Member must understand the impact of not passing this package. The only other option will be a full-year continuing resolution, which will devastate our national security and put our country at risk. A CR will cut defense spending by $27 billion and trigger additional cuts from sequestration. This is something that has not happened in the history of this country and will cut our military off at the knees in the midst of the most dangerous period we have seen since World War II. A CR maintains policies negotiated by the last Congress, eliminates all Member priorities from the bill, and gives the Biden administration the freedom to shift appropriations as they see fit. Simply put, we will cede all congressional authority and oversight on spending to the Biden administration. A CR would be an abdication of our responsibility to our military and to this body. A ``no'' vote is a vote for China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Hamas. Vote ``yes'' for our men and women in uniform, for all Americans, and for our country.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and former California State Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who passed away at his home in Palm Desert earlier this month. Brian was a dedicated leader in the Coachella Valley who has left us far too soon, and he will be deeply missed. Born in Orange County, California, on January 10, 1964, Brian was exposed to the world of public service and politics at an early age. Brian's father, Bruce, was a staff member for then-California Governor Ronald Reagan and later an elected member of the State Assembly and Orange County Board of Supervisors. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton in 1991, Brian started his own political career by taking a position as the Deputy Campaign Manager for the successful congressional campaign of Michael Buffington in Santa Barbara County. A few years later, Brian managed then-Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono's congressional campaign, which was also successful. He went on to serve as Sonny's Chief of Staff. In 1998, it was Brian who made the unforgettable phone call to me to share the shocking and tragic news of Sonny's death. After Sonny's passing, Brian went on to serve as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Mary Bono from 1998 until 2000. He launched a government affairs consulting business named Nestande and Associates, and worked collaboratively with clients on alternative energy and healthcare issues. In 2008, Brian's own name was on the ballot for the first time and he was elected to the California State Assembly, where he would serve until 2014. In Sacramento, Brian was a tireless advocate for the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, working on important local issues like the Salton Sea and improving our infrastructure. After his time in the Assembly, Brian joined the County of Riverside where he served as Deputy CEO, coordinating legislative priorities with state and federal representatives in the region. Brian is survived by his wife Gina; his son Hayden; his daughter Sophia; and his stepchildren Sadie, Tad, Mason, Molly and Savana. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Nestande family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Brian. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to his community and family have left an enduring legacy.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the importance of credit unions in the competitive financial services marketplace. I especially appreciate the 263 credit unions and their 14 million members in my state of California. The country's two storied trade associations, the Credit Union National Association and the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions are now merged into a new organization called ``America's Credit Unions.'' As a long-time credit union member and supporter, I appreciate the difference between credit unions and banks. Credit unions are not-for- profit financial cooperatives that are democratically controlled. Every member, regardless of how much they have in savings or loans at a credit union, has an equal voice and vote in the governance of their credit union. There are no outside stockholders and no motive for the credit union's leadership to gouge the membership or provide poor member service. In fact, credit unions consistently rank as the most popular form of depository institutions in America. So today I congratulate the unification of the two national credit union advocacy organizations and I expect great things to come from this newly-minted trade organization called ``America's Credit Unions.''

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, this is a bipartisan effort. This is a bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), who is the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time to close.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7217) making emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the attacks in Israel for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer H. Res. 7217, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. This bill provides $17.6 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations, which will provide needed military assistance to America's great ally, Israel, and support U.S. military forces operating in the region. On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out a brutal, unprovoked terrorist attack on the people of Israel. The horrific acts committed on this day resulted in 1,200 deaths, thousands injured, and 240 hostages, 136 of whom remain in captivity, and over 30 are believed to be dead. The Israeli people are still reeling from the horrors of October 7, but they have bravely pushed their sorrow aside to root out and fight Hamas and ensure that their people are never threatened again. Last November, the House passed a $14.3 billion supplemental to shore up our ally. The bill included: $5.2 billion in missile defense systems such as Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Iron Beam; $4.4 billion to backfill U.S. stocks; $1 billion for U.S. munitions production, such as 155 rounds and small diameter bombs; $3.5 billion for foreign military financing of U.S. systems and munitions; and $200 million for the protection of U.S. personnel and emergency evacuations of American citizens in the region as a result of this conflict. These requirements remain unchanged and are aligned with the Biden administration's supplemental request. They are included, again, in the bill we are considering today. Unfortunately, the situation in the Middle East has continued to deteriorate since November. The Houthis have launched dozens of missile, drone, and boat attacks on military and civil ships in the Red Sea. On January 28, three U.S. soldiers were killed and 40 were injured by a drone attack at a military base in Jordan caused by an Iranian-backed militia. Just this morning, the Houthis fired missiles at two civilian ships in Yemen, one British and one American. We are putting our military in an untenable situation, and attacks continue to escalate. Now, we must act to shore up our ally, Israel, and provide our military with the resources they need to protect our troops in the region. The new funding in this bill addresses that changing reality by providing $3.3 billion for U.S. military operations in the region funded through December 2024. This includes $1 billion for low-cost defensive capabilities to thwart future attacks on U.S. forces in the region. In many instances, we have been intercepting low-cost Iranian-backed drones with multimillion-dollar missiles. This funding will protect our forces and put us on the right side of the cost curve. This funding bill resupplies Israel's defensive capabilities, restores America's defense industry to replenish our stocks, funds necessary operations for our forces in the region, and sends a strong signal that the United States will not back down. I am grateful for the support of Chairwoman Granger, Chairman Diaz- Balart, Republican leadership, and the dozens of Members who have cosponsored this bill. I am also grateful for the support expressed by many of my friends across the aisle. We have an opportunity today to come together and send a strong message that the United States stands with Israel. I want to address the position of the Democratic leadership, including President Biden's veto threat. Assertions that this bill plays politics are patently false. Last November, Democrats said they wanted a clean bill. That is exactly what this is. This bill simply provides necessary resources to our closest ally in the region and our own military. I introduced this bill because it is the right thing to do. The only people making it political are those who oppose it. Tomorrow is the 4-month anniversary of the horrific October 7 terrorist attack, which is an act of war. Israel knows that we stand with them, and today we can send a clear message that we support their efforts to eradicate Hamas, the only way to truly bring peace to the region. Likewise, our American military men and women should know their government stands fully behind them as they respond to these numerous attacks. Terrorists and those supporting them should have no question of American resolve. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to support the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today is regarding Israel. We have time to debate Ukraine at a later date, but today, this is regarding aid to Israel, which we need to do immediately. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), a member of the Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee and chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Murphy).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the House was excluded from all negotiations regarding the Senate supplemental, and today we are talking about assistance to Israel that is needed immediately. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Van Orden).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the folks that believe in genocide is Hamas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), the Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining on both sides.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. The gentlewoman is correct. This bill is not about Ukraine or INDOPACOM or some other things that I would love to have some discussions about in the future. This is about Israel. I think my friends on the other side of the aisle know I am not a cynical person. I have been in favor of moving an Israel bill for some time, and now is the time. I think it is just simply the right thing to do. Let's pass this bill. Let's support Israel. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Nathan Diller for his exemplary dedication and service to our nation. Over the past year, Nate has been a key asset to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Prior to this, Nate--known then as Colonel Diller--had a distinguished career as an Airman in our United States Air Force. A proud Texan and graduate of the Air Force Academy, Nate received his commission as a United States Air Force officer in 2000. A pilot with over 2,800 flying hours. Nate flew over 60 different aircraft, was a combat F-16 instructor, instructed at the Air Force Test Pilot School, and held many other positions that bolstered the careers of countless Airmen. After receiving his wings, Nate was deployed to the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base in South Korea where he was responsible for the Korean Peninsula F-1 6 war plans. In 2006, he was identified as the top F-16 wingman at the squadron. Due to his success with this important mission, Nate was then sent to Shaw Air Force Base. Here he served as the executive officer to the Commander, was a flight instructor, led flights for theater security package deployments, and engaged in operational flight tests with the United States Army. Yet again. Nate showed his ability to excel, being named the top company grade officer of the 20th Fighter Wing. Next, Nate was sent to his hardship tours--the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and the French Test Pilot School in Toulouse and Itres, France. Here, Nate gained language and flight experience with a close ally in a wide array of aircraft. After barely making it through these assignments, Nate dove headfirst into assignments that would shape the rest of his career as an Airman. In the following years, Nate was assigned to the Air Force's Science Advisory Board, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Joint Staff, the White House Office of Science and Technology, the Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office, the Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office, and later as the proud Director of AFWERX. At AFWERX, he was the lead change agent for the Air Force and was responsible for the largest small business innovation budget in the federal government. Over these years, he also somehow found time to lead flight tests and operations for the F-35 and the F-16, serve as the commander of the 586th Flight Test Squadron, and work on many classified programs. He also is perhaps the most educated person I have come to know. His degrees include bachelor's degrees in Physics and Humanities from the United States Air Force Academy, a master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology, a master's degree in International Security and Political Economy from Harvard, a master's degree in Flight Test Engineering from Institut Superieur de I'Aeronautique et de l'Espace, and a master's degree from the National Defense University at the Eisenhower School. In 2023, Colonel Diller departed the Air Force and became a Professional Staff Member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In this role, Nate used what he learned as an Airman to craft an innovation strategy adopted by the House of Representatives in the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Bill. Because of Nate, the entire Department of Defense is increasingly focused on the challenges facing our Nation and is more appropriately resourced to address them. On a personal note, Nate has become a trusted advisor, staffer, and friend to the Members of the Subcommittee on both sides of the political aisle and all the staff. Nate's deep knowledge of just about every issue has been a tremendous addition to the Subcommittee. As Nate departs to pursue other goals, I am confident that ``past will prove future'' and Nate will continue his legacy of service. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Nate for his service to our country, and we wish him all the best.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As the Dean of California's Republican delegation, it is my honor and privilege to come to the floor of the people's House to recognize someone from the Golden State who has made a historic impact on this institution. Kevin McCarthy is not from one of California's world-famous cities. He hails from the blue-collar city of Bakersfield. Kevin is not the son of politicians or corporate titans. He is the son of a firefighter. His story is an American story. He is the grandson of an Italian immigrant. From staffer to Speaker, he has devoted the better part of his life to the House of Representatives. In politics, nothing is handed to you. That certainly holds true in this town and in this building. Kevin's success is the result of hard work and determination. Kevin is a fighter. Time and time again, he fought for his constituents, his State, his conference, and his country. The first sign of Kevin's go-get-em attitude was when, at the age of 19, he started his own small business selling sandwiches. While attending college at Cal State Bakersfield, Kevin got interested in politics, took a job working for our former colleague, former chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Bill Thomas. For the next 15 years, he worked as a congressional aid and ultimately served as a district director for Congressman Thomas. In 2000, Kevin stepped forward as a candidate for the first time and was elected as a Kern Community College District trustee. Just a couple years later, in 2002, he was elected to the California State Assembly. After just one term in the Assembly, he was chosen to serve as the minority leader. Upon retirement of Mr. Thomas, Kevin was elected, in 2006, to follow in the footsteps of his former boss here in the House. As a freshman, Kevin was appointed to serve on the Republican Steering Committee. From those early days in the House until today, Kevin has been a strong and effective advocate on a number of important issues. Water is the lifeline of the Central Valley in California. In California, we have a saying: ``Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.'' Kevin approached the issue of water with his characteristic optimism that brought anyone together who wanted to find real solutions. California has a proud history of being at the forefront of aeronautics and space exploration, including the region Kevin has represented. He has been a champion for recognizing that past and investing in the future. Our State is a leader in innovation, and Kevin has always been a vocal promoter of industries that will shape our economy and America's competitive edge in the years ahead. Here in the House, we have seen Kevin answer the call to lead time and time again--as chief deputy whip, majority whip, majority leader, minority leader, and then, ultimately, Speaker. Kevin has consistently led the charge for our Conference and conservative priorities. During some difficult times, Kevin was always the calm in the storm, levelheaded and positive. Republicans would not be in the majority here today without Kevin's tireless work and leadership. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Our loss is his wife Judy's gain. I wish his family, including his son, Connor, and his daughter, Meghan, the very best as we head into the holidays and the next chapter of his life. As I mentioned earlier, Kevin is from Bakersfield. He is probably the second most famous person to hail from Bakersfield. Country music legend Merle Haggard has had him beat for that top spot. A few years back, Kevin introduced and passed a bill renaming the Bakersfield post office in honor of Merle Haggard. As we join here today to celebrate another son of Bakersfield whose journey in the House is coming to an end, it seems fitting that Merle had a song titled ``If We Make It Through December.'' In that song, Merle sings: If we make it through December Got plans to be in a warmer town come summertime Maybe even California If we make it through December, we'll be fine. Kevin, I have no doubt that warmer days await. I am grateful for your service, your friendship, and your leadership. You will continue to make your mark, and I look forward to the many great things to come. Until then, farewell, my friend. God bless, and I know I will see you soon. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and submit extraneous materials.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).