Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

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

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Jim Pauly, who is stepping down from the Corona Rotary this month after 55 years of dedicated service. Jim has been a true leader in my hometown of Corona, California for decades, and residents throughout the community deeply appreciate his many contributions. Jim has been a Corona resident since his parents moved to the then- small town in 1937 while he was in elementary school. While attending Corona High School, Jim answered our nation's call to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He was just 17 when he enlisted and would miss his own high school graduation due to his service. Following his time in the Navy, Jim returned to Corona and shortly thereafter married his wife, Katherine. He also launched what would become a nearly 50-year career in the Corona retail business by working at Emerson's Men's Clothes. Years later, he would become a partner in the successful store, which would be renamed Emerson-Pauly Menswear. While working and raising a family, Jim always found time to be an active member of the Corona community. Jim joined the Corona Chamber of Commerce in 1948 and served as ``Chairman of the Retail Division.'' He was also a member of the 20-30 Club, the Downtown Corona Redevelopment Project, and the Corona Parking Authority. Jim was also appointed the Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Trustees in 1966. It has been my pleasure to join Jim as a longtime member of the Corona Rotary Club and give back to the city we love. There's no question our region is a better place to live, work, and do business because of Jim's passionate efforts. On behalf of our community, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and wish Jim much happiness in his future endeavors.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Master Sergeant Michael W. MacKay who will be retiring today from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of distinguished service. Mike was raised in New York City and following the September 11th attacks he, like so many patriots, enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 2001. Mike's operational assignments include Operations Chief and Senior Enlisted Leader for the Commander of the Special Operations Command and Control Element in Africa. He also deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan on numerous occasions between 2003 and 2017 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve. As a Critical Skills Operator, or Marine Raider, Mike has been stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC; Camp Pendleton, CA; and Washington, D.C. and has traveled to over 30 countries. He served as the Chief instructor of an advanced technical operations course at the Marine Raider Training Center and is a graduate of the USMC Congressional Fellowship program; USMC Combatant Diver Course; USMC Amphibious Reconnaissance Course; USMC Scout Sniper Course; U.S. Army Airborne Course; U.S. Army Special Forces Military Freefall; and the U.S. Navy Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course. Mike graduated Suma Cum Laude from Norwich University's Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis program. He earned a master's degree in Public Administration and Policy from American University and a graduate certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute in Washington, D.C. He also completed the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education II and earned the Michael A. Monsoor Leadership Award from the Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Advisors Course. Mike's brave actions on the battlefield earned him a number of awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal (Combat), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 3 Combat Action Ribbons, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 7 Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and 6 Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. With his robust, boots-on-the-ground experience serving our nation around the globe, I am honored now to have Mike as a member of my staff. Prior to serving as my national security advisor, Mike was the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense of Special Operations and Combatting Terrorism and the Appropriations Liaison to the Assistant Secretary of Defense from Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict in the Department of Defense, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank Mike for his exemplary service in the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Rogers, and the Members of the Committee for their leadership in crafting a Defense Authorization Bill that is in line with what Secretary Mattis said we needed in the 2018 National Defense Strategy: 3-5 percent real growth from FY22 to FY25. This bill addresses the critical areas of emerging tech, research and development, Airpower and Sea power, shipbuilding, and Space among many others. I would specifically like to thank the Chair and Ranking Member for the inclusion of critical innovation priorities that I requested, such as: The designation of Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects, which will more effectively transition Small Business Innovation Research programs into the Services' budget process; The Pilot Program to Facilitate the Agile Acquisition of Technologies for Warfighters and new line for Agile Procurement Transition Pilot programs in the amount of $100,000,000. This authorization will be critical as we seek to compete with China by leveraging the innovative power of our private sector; And for the much needed report on flexible funding for transitioning science and technology. The DoD should not be doing research and development for the sake of doing research. We should always have an eye on developing cutting edge capabilities for the warfighter. For far too long the DoD has struggled to transition and scale critical innovative technologies from development projects to acquisition programs in a time period that meets the needs of the warfighter and ensures technology providers are able to survive. This report will help Congress understand why so we can develop ways to solve the problem of ``the valley of death''. Let me be clear, we are in a geopolitical competition with China, and experts on both sides of the aisle agree that the current budgeting and acquisition process is not adequate to compete and win. As the Defense bills move through Congress, I look forward to Authorizing and Appropriating the funding, capabilities, and resources that our warfighters need to fight tonight and modernize for the future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a fallen marine from my congressional district. Our Nation relies upon young men and women voluntarily stepping forward to defend and protect the liberties we hold so dear. As a young man growing up in Norco, California, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui was inspired to answer that call. When he joined the Marine Corps, Kareem was following in the footsteps of patriots. Like his fellow marines, he was not signing up for glory or reward but out of a sense of duty. In his final days, Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui was on the front lines of a mission to secure freedom for desperate people. Kareem and our other fallen heroes conducted themselves with bravery and compassion. In those dark days, they shined bright. Our community in Riverside County, California, has stepped up to support and embrace the Nikoui family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. We should honor Kareem by carrying the torch of service, duty, and sacrifice he so proudly advanced until his final breath. May God comfort the Nikoui family, and may God bless America.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and true American patriot, Norco resident and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country on August 26, 2021, as the result of a terror attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Through his actions, Lance Corporal Nikoui has evoked pride in his community for many years. He was passionate about the martial art of jiu jitsu and won multiple medals at competitions throughout the region. As a student at Norco High School, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Air Force JROTC. He volunteered for Norco's Pearl Harbor anniversary as well as POW events. According to his fellow JROTC cadet Gabrielle Murray, ``He was a leader . . . he always tried to help out those in need.'' After graduating from high school in 2019, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines unit stationed at Camp Pendleton. When he was afforded leave, he often returned home to Norco. Eager to share a home-cooked meal and the comforts of home with his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Nikoui invited many of them to tag along for the short trip to Norco where his parents happily hosted. His father said his son loved his Marine Corps family. The compassion of Lance Corporal Nikoui once again shined bright during the final days of his life. Thrust into a chaotic and dangerous mission, he performed his duties with courage and empathy for people desperate for refuge and freedom. In addition to providing safe passage for Americans, our partners, and Afghans, Lance Corporal Nikoui sought to comfort children in distress by giving them candy. Through his deeds, he embodied the ``no better friend'' motto of the unit he served so faithfully until his last breath. As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women just like Lance Corporal Nikoui, who bravely fought for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Nikoui family learned of their son and brother's death was surely the hardest day they have ever faced, and our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to them. His sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom triumphing over oppression. Lance Corporal Nikoui's family has given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one, and we hope they know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the Republican whip.

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

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our esteemed former colleague, Jerry Lewis, the longest-serving California Republican in the history of the House, who on a personal level, was my good friend and mentor. On July 15, Jerry passed from this life into the next. For the last 86 years, Jerry lived a full life. He made an extraordinary impact throughout the Inland Empire community he loved so dearly, leaving it in a far better position than when his decades of public service began. When I was first elected to this body in November of 1992, Jerry was one of the first people I turned to for guidance. As I embarked on this new path, it just so happened that this exciting time in my life coincided with a rare low point for Jerry, who just lost his leadership position as Conference chair following the election. Well, Jerry's loss turned out to be my gain as I was able to hire a number of Republican Conference staff members. From that moment forward, our offices shared a very tight bond, both personally and professionally, that would endure for decades. Personally, I couldn't have asked for a better person to learn from. Jerry possessed a deep understanding of the needs of his district, and he methodically found opportunities to align Federal resources that could help address them. In order to achieve his goals, Jerry recognized the importance of working across the aisle and being bipartisan, the realization that was, no doubt, aided by Jerry's first 16 years in the House as a member of the minority party. Jerry worked with whoever he needed in order to deliver results for the people who sent him here. He demonstrated that if you don't care how it gets done, or who gets credit for it, you can actually get a lot accomplished around here. Jerry's community benefited in countless ways because of his leadership. Thanks to his efforts, veterans and other residents have received better care at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and the Loma Linda University Medical Center. Students have greater opportunities, thanks to his support for STEM education at the Apple Valley Science and Technology Center, which was later renamed the Lewis Center for Educational Research. The entire region is safer, protected from flooding, thanks to the construction of Seven Oaks Dam. I could go on and on. Jerry may no longer be with us, but the tremendous size and scope of his life will endure and continue to make impacts for many years and many generations. In 2005, Jerry became the first Californian to serve as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He was incredibly proud to fill this honored position. Jerry understood his time in that role was finite. He was determined to use that precious time to make a difference for his country, State, and district. In May 2007, I was fortunate enough to join Jerry as a member of the Appropriations Committee. In addition to his affection for the district, the body, and the Appropriations Committee, Jerry had a deep appreciation for his staff. His office was like a family. Jerry had many longtime staff members, a clear sign of mutual admiration. Jerry's greatest love, of course, was reserved for who he always affectionately referred to as ``his bride,'' Arlene. Along with their dog, Bruin, the couple was inseparable. I will always treasure the time I spent together with Jerry and Arlene, especially Wednesday nights at the Capitol Hill Club for prime rib night and our regular get-together for Mexican food at La Lomita here on Capitol Hill. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Arlene, the Lewis family, and all the former Lewis office staff members. Like all of you, I simply cannot imagine our lives without Jerry and the incredible influence he had upon me. I know he is looking down at all of us with that smile and chuckle, saying: ``Enough now, get back to work, Kenny.'' Godspeed, Jerry. We will take it from here. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).

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

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the Democratic leader, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bid farewell to Congressman Jerry Lewis, who passed away last week at his home in Redlands, California. He was 86. His impact on his district, his state, and his nation are enormous and will not be forgotten. Jerry approached the responsibilities of public service seriously. He was one of the longest-serving and most influential Californians in this chamber's history--serving a total of 34 years. He was the chair of the Republican Conference, a cardinal, and the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Through it all, he was tireless and effective, delivering for the people he represented. You can see it in his work: Improving health care; Building dams and the environment; Funding education and scientific research; and Strengthening our national defense and industrial base. Yes, Jerry was a serious legislator. But as everyone who knew him will also tell you, he never took himself too seriously. He was always smiling. He loved his wife, Arlene. He was an optimist--in politics, in his personal life, and about the future of our great nation. That is his legacy. Mr. Speaker, the great Italian writer Petrarch said that, ``love is the crowning grace of humanity, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principles that reconciles the heart to life.'' I don't know if Jerry ever read those words, but he certainly lived them. He was a statesman and a public servant who worked hard for his district, his state, and his country because he loved them. We should always remember that. God Bless Arlene and his entire family.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I want to say we are all going to miss Jerry. It was a privilege to serve with him, and Godspeed, Jerry.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my one of my very best friends, Donald Galleano, who passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Don was a true leader and a larger-than-life member of our community who will be deeply missed. Don was born and raised in Mira Loma's Wineville area of Jurupa Valley, where his family has owned and operated the Galleano Winery since 1927. After earning an associate degree from Riverside Community College in 1972 and studying business administration at San Jose State University, Don would join the family business and eventually become president of the winery. Under Don's leadership, through his hard work, entrepreneurship and passion for winemaking, the winery experienced significant growth, success, and produced several award-winning wines. Thanks to his dedication to upholding the traditions of his family, the Galleano Winery is one of the last remaining bonded, Prohibition-era winery still owned and operated by its founding family at its original location in the region. In 2004, Don was elected to represent the Eastvale, Jurupa Valley and Norco communities on the Western Municipal Water District's Board of Directors. He represented our region on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board and the Chino Basin Watermaster board. Don was previously a member of the Jurupa Community Services District board and served on the National Orange Show Foundation board and the Los Angeles County Fair Association board. He was also a past president of the Western Riverside County Businessman's Association and the Jurupa Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his wife, Charlene, Don is survived by his children Gina (Galleano) Spraggins and husband Scott Spraggins, Annamarie Galleano Metter and husband Cody Metter, and Domenic Galleano and wife Brittanee Galleano; as well as grandchildren Matthew Michael Spraggins, Ryan Scott Spraggins, Gracie Marie Spraggins, Baylee Marie Spraggins, Sophie Marie Metter, Sadie Marie Metter, and Lucca Domenico Galleano. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Galleano family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Don. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Don made to his community and family will have a lasting impact. Don was understandably proud of his family, his wine, and his community. I was proud to call him my friend.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 256. Though a combat-tested security partner, Iraq continues to be a fragile state. The 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force allowed the United States to end Saddam Hussein's reign of terror. It also allowed us to return and assist the people of Iraq when decisions made by the Obama-Biden administration led to the formation of ISIS and enabled the terror group to establish a caliphate in northwestern Iraq in 2014. Now, that same Authorization for Use of Military Force provides the United States with the legal authority for military operations in support of our Iraqi partners, if needed, and against terrorist threats in Iraq, including those from the Iran-backed militia groups. This critical piece of legislation provided the authority for last year's strike on Iran's terror mastermind Soleimani, whose IEDs, I might remind people, killed more than 600 American soldiers and wounded thousands more. The Authorization for Use of Military Force also provides authority to strike Iranian-backed Shia militia groups that have and are currently attacking Americans in Iraq. This shortsighted and purely political effort to repeal the authority without a replacement sends the wrong message and will embolden the Islamic terror groups and the world's largest state sponsor of terror, Iran. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill until we have a viable replacement that addresses the threat of Iran and its proxies. We have already turned our backs on Afghanistan. We should not repeat this error in Iraq.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Bruce Doyle Varner, who passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Bruce was a dedicated leader in the Inland Empire region of California, and he will be deeply missed. Bruce was born in Los Angeles, California in 1936. His family would later move up the coast to San Luis Obispo, where he would spend the bulk of his youth. After high school, Bruce decided to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he would go on to be a star football and baseball player. Despite being recruited by a few professional football teams, Bruce was focused on a future legal career. Before entering law school, Bruce served briefly in the U.S. Army. At UC Hastings Law School, he became Editor in Chief of the Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. After passing the California Bar Examination in 1962, Bruce moved to the Inland Empire and launched his legal career at a prominent law firm. In 1975, Bruce married his wife, Nancy, at the Mission Inn Chapel in Riverside, California. He quickly became one of the region's top corporate and business transactional attorneys. Bruce was especially proud of his work in collaboration with former Stater Bros. Markets' President Jack Brown during the 1986 proxy battle over control of the company. Bruce and Jack were successful, and Stater Bros. would emerge as one of the leading supermarket chains in our region. In another landmark effort, Bruce was instrumental in the conversion of a portion of Norton Air Force Base into the Stater Bros. corporate headquarters, warehouse and distribution center after the base was closed. In addition to his legal practice, Bruce was nominated to serve on the University of California Board of Regents in 2006 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bruce was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy, and survived by his brother Ron; sons Kevin, Sean, Brett, and daughter, Nicole; grandchildren Zoey, Peyton, Marcus, Devin, Ancel, Finley, Fiona and Bruce; daughters-in-law, Tracy and Kristin; and son-in-law Brian. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Varner family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Bruce. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Bruce made to his community and family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and former House staff member Roselee Roberts, who passed away on April 22, 2020 in McDaniel, MD, on Maryland's Eastern shore. Roselee was a tireless advocate for America's space program and she will be deeply missed by many. Roselee was born on April 24, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. After high school, she attended the University of Miami in 1960 and graduated with honors and a degree in math and economics in 1964. While in college, Roselee ran the campus speaker's bureau, where she met her future husband, William ``Art'' Roberts. After graduating, she was recruited and hired into a management position with AT&T's Southern Bell Co. at their Jacksonville, Florida office. About a year later, she and Art wed and moved to Reston, Virginia. A few years later, Roselee was selected to serve as a Junior Economist on President Lyndon Johnson's Council of Economic Advisers. Following positions with the Office of Management and Budget and as Rep. Bill Nelson's (D-Florida) chief aide on the House Budget Committee, Roselee launched her space career by serving as a staff member on the House Science and Technology Committee's Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. In 1985, she left Capitol Hill for a position in the McDonnell Douglas legislative affairs office, which later merged with the Boeing Corporation. In that era, the space and aeronautics industry was predominantly comprised of men with military backgrounds. To support and encourage women in the industry, Roselee helped establish Women in Aerospace. The group now includes more than 2,000 individual and corporate members. In 2005, I was truly blessed to have Roselee head back to the House and serve as the staff director for the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee while I held the gavel as Chairman. With the space shuttle program and International Space Station facing significant challenges, the space industry was at an inflection point at that time. Thanks in large part to Roselee's determination and leadership, we were able to successfully pass and have a NASA authorization bill signed into law for the first time in five years. After serving in the House again, Roselee moved over to NASA headquarters for her final government post as the Special Assistant to the agency's Deputy Administrator. Roselee is survived by her husband, Art, of 54 years; their children, Elizabeth (Libby) Roberts Holah and husband, Greg; and granddaughters Olivia Holah and Violet Holah, and Leigh Roberts Melton and husband, John; granddaughter Harper Melton and grandson Hunter Melton. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Roberts family, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known Roselee. Although she may be gone, the many contributions Roselee made to our country will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and former Norco Mayor Kathy Azevedo, who passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Kathy was a tireless advocate for, and inspirational member of, the Horsetown USA community of Norco, California and she will be deeply missed by many. Kathy proudly called Norco her hometown and graduated from Norco High School in 1971. If you knew Kathy, you know she had a bright smile and lot of energy. She put both of those attributes to work as a Jazzercise instructor and in a leadership role with the Norco Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, Kathy was elected to the Norco City Council where she would serve for 12 years. Throughout her time on the council, Kathy was a staunch proponent for maintaining Norco's rural lifestyle and supported economic development that was a good match for the community. Kathy's legacy will be one of service and putting the needs of others before her own. As someone who understood the value of bringing a community together, Kathy was integral in organizing the Norco Fair, the National Day of the American Cowboy, as well as the Horsetown Parade of Lights and Christmas Festival. After her cancer diagnosis many years ago, Kathy was determined not only to fight her own disease but also to support other women who were battling cancer. She co- founded a non-profit organization, Support Sisterz, comprised of breast cancer survivors who raise money to help women who have been recently diagnosed with cancer and need emotional and financial support. Kathy is survived by her husband Danny Azevedo, mother Ellen Seiberling, brother Lance Seiberling, daughter Stacy Azevedo, son Chad Azevedo, and her grandchildren Troy Nicola, Gracie Nicola, Reagan Azevedo, and Evyn Azevedo. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Azevedo family, her friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known Kathy. Although she may be gone, the many contributions Kathy made to Horsetown USA, cancer patients and her family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Eastvale City Council Member Ike Bootsma, who passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021. Ike was a dedicated leader in our Riverside County community and he will be deeply missed. Ike was one of nine children born to Trynje and Jim Bootsma, his Dutch immigrant parents who were among the first families to establish a dairy in Chino Valley in the late 1930s. Following in the agricultural and entrepreneurial footsteps of his parents, Ike started his own calf ranch in 1975. As the area began to grow and local dairy farms began to make way for homes, Ike was one of the leaders behind the efforts to incorporate the city of Eastvale in 2010. In November of that year, voters elected Ike to the new city's very first city council. In addition to his service as mayor and on the city council, Ike represented Eastvale on a number of regional government boards, including Western Riverside Council of Governments and the Riverside Transit Agency. He also spent considerable time as an active member of community based organizations, including the Eastvale Kiwanis Club, the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, and the Eastvale Roadway Adoption Program. According to his daughter, Metchelle Bootsma, one of Ike's favorite ways to give back was to put his big white beard to work by serving as Santa Claus at various children's events. Ike is survived by his wife Squeaker, and his children Shaun Bootsma, Heidi Tillman, Mike Kirk, and Metchelle Bootsma, as well as six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Bootsma family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Ike. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Ike made to his community and family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Canyon Lake City Council Member Jordan Ehrenkranz, who passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Jordan was a tireless and compassionate member of our Riverside County community and he will be deeply missed. Jordan was born in Los Angeles, California, August 21, 1933. After attending local schools, Jordan began his career by becoming a sheet metal industry apprentice in a shop in Santa Monica. Just a few years later, at the age of 24, Jordan took his first step on what would become a lifelong entrepreneurial path by starting his own business. In 1967, Jordan acquired Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning and shortly thereafter became involved with the local chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association. Jordan would go on to serve in various leadership roles within the association throughout his career and received its Career Legislative Service Award in 2011. Jordan continued to demonstrate his leadership after moving to the City of Canyon Lake, where he would go on to serve on the Board of Directors for the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association for five years before being elected to the Canyon Lake City Council in 2008. After serving 12 years on the city council, including four years as mayor, Jordan became the longest serving city council member in the city's history. In addition to his community service, Jordan enjoyed bowling, playing poker, and dedicating his time to clubs such as the Men's Golf Club, Canyon Lake Association of Men, Fine Arts Guild, POA Facility Reviews Committee, and the Travel Club. In recognition of his significant involvement, Jordan was fittingly honored as the Canyon Lake Citizen of the Year in 2019. Jordan is survived by his wife, Jennie Ehrenkranz, their five grown children, and seven grandchildren. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Ehrenkranz family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Jordan. Although he may be gone, the many contributions Jordan made to his community and family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual from my hometown of Corona, California whose dedication and contributions to our nation are exceptional. On Saturday, May 29, 2021, retired Lieutenant Colonel Arthur B. Cook, Jr. will serve as the 2021 Grand Marshal of the 7th annual Memorial Mile March. The March is an event hosted by the Corona Chamber Foundation to honor our military and those who have proudly served our nation in uniform. Lt. Col. Cook proudly served in the United States Army for 27 years and 7 months. Early on in his career, Lt. Col. Cook held the honor of Platoon Leader of the Old Guard, the Army unit that performs the funeral services for Arlington National Cemetery and guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On the solemn evening when President John F. Kennedy's body was brought to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Lt. Col. Cook was on duty with the Old Guard. Later in his Army career, Lt. Col. Cook graduated with distinction from The Infantry School and Officer Candidate School. During a tour of duty in Vietnam, Lt. Col. Cook was awarded the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for valor in action. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal among many others. Upon returning from Vietnam he and his wife, Dickey, and daughter, Noelle, settled in Corona. The Cooks have lived in the same home in Corona since 1969. In light of all that Lt. Col. Cook has done for our nation and community, it is only fitting to honor him as the Grand Marshal in the Memorial Mile March. On behalf of everyone in the 42nd Congressional District I want to thank Lt. Col. Cook for his service to our nation. I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating Lt. Col. Cook for being selected as the 2021 Memorial Mile March Grand Marshal.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3237. While I support some of its provisions, I have strong concerns about many items included in this bill and the manner by which the majority has crafted it. As the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I am strongly supportive of the reimbursement to the National Guard for the costs incurred due to their extended deployment in support of Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies. We need to reimburse them as soon as possible to avoid having to cancel drill weekend and other training. Our Guardsmen and women have patriotically taken time away from their families, careers, and communities to protect our nation's capital. I, along with my colleagues, thank them for their service. However, I am strongly opposed to the majority's proposal to stand up a Quick Reaction Force comprised of the D.C. National Guard. While Congress should consider the creation of a form of a Quick Reaction Force, it should be comprised of law enforcement, not military. They are better suited and have training that is more specific to this mission. Like much of this bill, the majority has hastily crafted this concept in a partisan manner without thinking through all of the ramifications. Our subcommittee has held no hearings on this issue. This issue deserves a much more thoughtful and deliberate approach. I also echo my colleagues concerns about the funding proposed to create physical barriers around the Capitol complex. The extended duration of the fencing has been entirely unnecessary. Continuing this into the future is expensive, misguided, and is unfair to the American people--who deserve access to their Nation's Capital. For these reasons and others, I urge my colleagues to vote no.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Paul D. Jones II who will be retiring this spring after a highly distinguished career of service in the California water industry. For over twenty-five years, Mr. Jones has been the top executive officer for major water agencies in the Southern California region. Over the last decade, Mr. Jones has served as the General Manager for Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), which serves nearly one million customers in western Riverside County. During his tenure at EMWD, Mr. Jones has been widely recognized for his leadership in elevating Eastern to one of the most respected and forward-thinking water, wastewater and recycled water agencies in the nation. Mr. Jones played an instrumental role in notable accomplishments for EMWD, such as the agency's achievement of 100 percent beneficial reuse of its recycled water supplies, the initiation of its potable reuse program, and the spearheading of key infrastructure investments which will provide safe and reliable services for future generations. Under Paul's direction, EMWD was able to substantially expand the agency's desalination program creating a new local water source for its residents. The federal and state funding secured for this initiative resulted in the construction of the South Perris Desalter project, which will produce 6,000 acre- feet per year of potable water. Mr. Jones was also a leading advocate for transforming the Bureau of Reclamation's Title XVI recycled water funding program into a competitive grant program--a goal which was realized through the enactment of the Water Infrastructure Investment for the Nation (WIIN) Act in 2016. While President of the WateReuse Association, Mr. Jones helped to develop the nation's first ever federal Water Reuse Action Plan which formally launched in February 2020. During California's historic drought, Mr. Jones worked with other state water leaders to create a more equitable system that rewarded proactive water use efficiency measures. In addition, Paul has led the way in California for a more viable alternative to assist failing water systems without the need for a statewide tax on all water users. On the local level, Mr. Jones has played a key role in a local agency partnership to transform the area near Diamond Valley Lake into an environmentally sustainable recreational area. In addition, on behalf of EMWD Mr. Jones has made innumerable contributions at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, the Association of California Water Agencies, the Southern California Water Coalition, and the California WateReuse Association. I would like to thank Paul Jones for his service to the community and water industry and wish him much happiness in his retirement.