Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I was prevented from voting on the motion to recommit on March 9, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on the motion to recommit H.R. 842.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment en bloc No. 4 and the underlying bill. I have a long list of concerns with this bill, and at the top of this list is nationwide ballot harvesting. Democrats in California have already legalized ballot harvesting in our State. Despite our concerns with the practice, Republicans were determined to play by the rules and utilized legal ballot collection methods in the last election. One amendment in this package, offered by my California colleague, puts this hypocrisy on full display. Under current law, with my colleague's amendment, a foreign operative--maybe a Russian operative, maybe a Chinese spy--could still handle ballots for untold numbers of people. My colleague's amendment is a blatant attempt to criticize ballot harvesting only when the other guys do it. In other words, California Democrats think it is fine when their paid operatives collect ballots from strangers and throw them in a bag. But they object when churches try to collect them for members of their congregation and put them in a box. Don't be fooled. Democrats don't want to facilitate ballot collection for all Americans. They just want to make it easier for their operatives to harvest ballots and will cry foul whenever Republicans try to play by the same rules.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. First, I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for her hard work and her dedication to this institution, and I wish her well in her retirement. And I certainly want to thank our ranking member for her hard work and all the things that went into getting this bill together. I know it is difficult. We certainly appreciate it. And, finally, Chairman Pete Visclosky, not only my chairman, but my close friend, who has worked hard on this bill, and he has done a wonderful job over the years and is certainly a patriot who deserves the credit in putting this Defense bill together. The Constitution grants Congress the explicit and sacred responsibility to provide for our Nation's defense. This bill before us today does just that. It provides funding for many key programs consistent with the National Defense Strategy and its focus on great power competition with China and Russia. The bill prioritizes and funds programs essential to our continued military dominance. It provides our combatant commanders with the resources and equipment they need to carry out their missions around the world. We continue key investments in fifth-generation combat aircraft, ships, and two Virginia-class submarines, while also continuing to invest in the essential research and development of new technologies essential to maintaining U.S. military superiority. We continue to prioritize the health and welfare of our men and women in uniform. The funding in this bill reflects the longstanding concerns that so many of our Members have had with Defense health programs, sexual assault prevention, suicide prevention, and the long-awaited electronic health record, which we need to get fixed. We must get this bill signed into law as soon as possible. According to the DOD comptroller, a continuing resolution wastes $1.7 billion per month and stops many of the modernization priorities that are the cornerstone of maintaining our military's superiority over near-peer threats such as China and Russia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we were able to overcome politically charged issues to negotiate this final passage. I urge all the Members to vote for it.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Freddie ``Fred'' Patrick Neff, who passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Fred was a veteran, small business owner, a devoted family man, and he will be deeply missed. Fred was born on March 17, 1936 in Denver, Colorado. After traveling throughout the West as a youth, Fred decided to join the Air Force. The Air Force took him to many military bases in the Far East as well as around the United States. While stationed at Clark Air Force Base he met his wife, Emerita Arrogante. Following a stint at March Air Force Base, Fred retired from the military after putting in his 30 years as a decorated veteran. Retirement from the military allowed Fred to do many things in the second half of his life. In his later years, he founded and served as president of two construction companies: Kadena Pacific and Cal American Construction Inc. According to his family, Fred loved dogs. Over the years, he was a proud dog dad to Herman, Nikko, Rambo, Ace, Ivan, Jude, Sadie and Rocco. Fred loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed going out to dinner or out for a cup of coffee. Before he passed, Fred shared with his family that he had ``no regrets'' and truly his life's testimony reflected a full, well lived life. In addition to his wife, Emerita, Fred is survived by his children: Susanna, Beverly, and Ray. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Neff family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Fred. Although Fred may be gone, the many contributions he made to his community and family will have a lasting impact.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Director S.R. ``Al'' Lopez for his nearly two decades of dedicated service to Western Municipal Water District (Western). I have had the pleasure of knowing Al for decades, and while his service on the Western Board is coming to a close this month, I know he will continue to be a leader in our community. After serving as a Council Member on the Corona City Council from 1982 to 1994, Al was first elected and joined Western's Board of Directors in January of 2001. He represents Division 5, which includes my hometown of Corona, Home Gardens, El Cerrito, and a portion of Temescal Canyon. Al has been an active community partner throughout his service on the board. He represented Western on committees for several agencies, including the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority; the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council; and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority Liability Committee. In addition, Al served as Western's alternate representative for the Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority Committee and the Joint Inland-Orange County Caucuses. His leadership in the region includes membership on Western's Finance Committee and his roles on the joint committees of Western and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water Districts. Al is a great American, a veteran, a true public servant, and a friend. I want to join our entire region in thanking Al for his many years of dedicated service and I wish him the very best in his next chapter.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my dear friend Yolanda Carrillo, who will be stepping down from the Corona City Council this month. Yolanda is a passionate advocate and a true leader who has made a significant lifetime contribution to my hometown of Corona, California. In October of 2018, the Corona City Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Yolanda to the Council to fill the vacancy left by Dick Haley who resigned due to health concerns. Yolanda was a natural choice to sit on the City Council considering her deep knowledge of and involvement in the community. She currently serves as the Executive Director/CEO of the Corona-Norco Family YMCA, an organization she has been a part of since 1996. Just prior to her appointment to the City Council, Yolanda was appointed as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Corona's Planning and Housing Commission. Yolanda has served in many different capacities for her city, county, and state organizations. She has been a board member of the Corona Police Community Partnership, Corona Chamber of Commerce, UNITY, and Simple Acts of Care and Kindness. She is also a member of the Corona Woman's Improvement Club, Corona Rotary Noon Club, Corona Elks Lodge, the Navy League, among many other organizations. I, like many others in our community, know from experience that when Yolanda becomes an advocate of a cause, you better get on board or get out of the way. Her passion and determination are second to none. I know I speak on behalf of all Corona residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Yolanda's many contributions to the City of Corona. I wish Yolanda and her husband, Ed, the very best in the future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my friend Randy Bonner, who is stepping down this month from the Canyon Lake City Council. Randy is a community leader, a veteran, and a dedicated public servant whose many tireless efforts to better our region will be missed. Randy settled into his lakeshore home in Canyon Lake more than two decades ago after retiring from his two professional careers, which included over 35 years in the computer/disk drive industry, and 28 years in the Marine Corps Reserves, from which he retired as a Colonel. His first foray into serving the small, gated city of Canyon Lake came in 2007 when Randy was elected to serve as the Canyon Lake POA Treasurer, then as the president in 2008. With his experience on the Canyon Lake POA, Randy felt prepared to serve on the City Council in 2010 and was elected by the voters to fill that role. After a brief hiatus off the council, Randy was elected again in 2016 to rejoin the council. He was selected by his city council colleagues to serve as the city's mayor in 2014 and 2017. Throughout his time on the council, Randy has been a Board Member of the Western Riverside County Conservation Agency, the Western Riverside Council of Governments and the Riverside Transportation Agency. He has also served on the I-15 Through Temecula Valley Task Force and the Southwest Communities Financing Authorities Joint Powers Agreement (Animal Friends of the Valley). Randy is also an active member of the Canyon Lake Men's Golf Club, Over The Hill Group, After Lunch Bunch, Canyon Lake Travel Club, Canyon Lake Yacht Club, and was the Master of Ceremonies at the first Canyon Lake Veterans Day event and then again in 2010. I want to personally acknowledge and thank Randy for serving on my Academy Nominations Selection Committee, and helping to determine which students from the 42nd Congressional District receive nominations to our military service academies. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Randy's significant contributions to the city of Canyon Lake. I wish Randy, and his family, the very best in the years to come.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dedicated and trusted member of my staff. At the end of this Congress, my Chief of Staff, David Kennett, will be departing my office after many years of invaluable service. After graduating from Delaware County Christian School in 1990, Dave attended Wheaton College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History. While working at Houlihan's restaurant in Springfield, Virginia, Dave first joined my D.C. office as an intern. After writing up a well-researched memo on the history of Puerto Rico, Dave was offered a job as our staff assistant by my first Chief of Staff, Ed Slevin. He was soon promoted to a legislative assistant position, responsible for a portfolio that included infrastructure and natural resources issues. In 1998, Dave left my office, for the first time, to move to California. Dave and his family would wind up moving back to D.C. and he rejoined my office to serve as my legislative director in 2001, a post he would fill until leaving for the second time, in 2003 to join The Ferguson Group, where he worked as a federal advocate on behalf of a number of Riverside County organizations, including the Western Municipal Water District and the Riverside Community College District. In 2016, following the departure of my longtime Chief of Staff, David Ramey, Dave once again joined my office to serve in that leadership role. His third stint in my office began just as a new Republican administration was forming and Dave played a big role in helping qualified Californians find roles to serve in our federal agencies. Dave staffed our weekly California Republican Delegation lunches as well as aided me in my role this past Congress as a Deputy Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Dave's immeasurable contributions to my office, the constituents I have represented and to our country are something for which we should all be very grateful. Personally, I have and will continue to value my friendship with Dave and wish him and his wife Catherine, their daughter Carolyn and son David the very best and brightest future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend Clarence LeRoy Fleming, who passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Leroy was a tireless and compassionate member of our community and he will be deeply missed. LeRoy was born on August 21, 1939 in Afton, Iowa to the late William Donald Fleming and Virgie ``Dee'' Jeter Fleming. After attending Afton High School, LeRoy worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation and attended a training program at Iowa State University. He moved to California in 1962 working as a lunch truck driver at Orange County Food Service. In the summer of 1963, LeRoy met the love of his life, Sylvia. They became engaged soon after and were married in August of 1964. Once married, LeRoy and Sylvia settled in my hometown of Corona, California. In 1974, LeRoy and Sylvia purchased the Park N' Eat Drive In from Sylvia's mother, Anna Ensley. In 1984 after outgrowing their 6th Street location they moved to a larger location on Industrial Way in Corona. The business soon grew to over 65 lunch trucks. Together, LeRoy and Sylvia owned and operated Park N' Eat Industrial Catering for 39 years in Corona. In addition to being a successful businessman, LeRoy was a well-known and respected fundraiser for many community organizations within Corona. LeRoy truly had a servant's heart and devoted much of his time to helping the community, but his two favorite groups were the Corona Elks and Corona Host Lions. In addition to his wife, Sylvia, LeRoy is survived by his children: Deanna (Dean), Robert (Rebecca), Jennifer (Eric), six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by six younger brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Fleming family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know LeRoy. Although LeRoy may be gone, the many contributions he 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 Jason Scott, who will be stepping down from the Corona City Council this month after serving the city for twelve years. Jason is the embodiment of a public servant, who has made an invaluable lifetime contribution to my hometown of Corona, California. Throughout his life, Jason has dedicated himself to educating the next generation of Riverside County citizens. In a career that spanned four decades, from 1979 to 2019, Jason worked as a teacher and principal for the Corona-Norco Unified School District. In 2008, Jason was elected to the Corona City Council, where he would be selected on three occasions by his peers to serve as mayor. During his time on the City Council, Jason was chosen to represent the city on the Western Riverside Council of Governments Board of Directors. Corona experienced significant growth during Jason's tenure, and his leadership and experience helped the city tackle a number of challenges and seize opportunities presented by that expansion. Jason has worked tirelessly through his deeds to causes other than his own. He has long been an active member of many community organizations in the city of Corona and has served as a Board Member for the Friends of the Corona Public Library, United Way, UNITY, and Corona Fire Safety Foundation. He is a member of the Corona Elks, Corona History Association, Corona-Norco PTA, and the Corona Historic Preservation Society. Jason shared his life for 30 years with his wife Dee until her passing in February 2017 of pancreatic cancer following a two-year battle. During and after that incredibly difficult period, I was truly inspired by Jason's strength and will to keep working and advocating for others. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Jason's significant contributions to the City of Corona. I look forward to seeing Jason around town, and I wish him the very best in the future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 10, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of S. 906 and H.R. 5040. Personal Explanation

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 9, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of H.R. 8900 and H.R. 5758.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 8, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395 and H.R. 8354.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 7, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of H. Res. 512 and S. 461

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 4, 2020. Had I been present I would have voted in favor of the motion to recommit H.R. 3884, against passage of H.R. 3884, and against S. 2981.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 3, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted against ordering the previous questions on H. Res. 1244, against adoption of H. Res. 1244, and in favor of H.R. 1380.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately prevented from traveling and unable to make votes on December 2, 2020. Had I been present I would have voted in favor of H.R. 7995.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend Berwin Hanna, who is stepping down this month from the Norco City Council. Norco, California, is known as Horsetown, USA because of its affection for horses, and few people have embodied its spirit more than Berwin Hanna. As a native Texan, Berwin was raised around horses, cattle and livestock. Under the direction of his cowboy father, Berwin learned to tend cattle and train horses. Eventually, he would become an accomplished thoroughbred trainer and travel to racetracks from Michigan to New Mexico training horses. Berwin would later settle in Norco after being naturally drawn to the community because of its deep equestrian roots. First elected to the Norco City Council in 2007, Berwin was motivated to serve and advocate for maintaining the city's rural, animal-keeping lifestyle. After joining the council, he worked to embrace Horsetown, USA's focus by developing more equestrian events and businesses. He was at the forefront of establishing the National Day of the Cowboy, which has quickly become one of the city's most cherished events. Throughout his time on the council, Berwin represented the city on the Riverside County Transportation Commission, Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District and Riverside Transit Agency. While Berwin will no longer be serving the city in an official capacity, I am confident he will continue to be a champion for Horsetown, USA into the future. I want to thank Berwin's wife, Diane, as well as both of his daughters and son for supporting him while he served his community. I know I speak on behalf of all residents in expressing my heartfelt thanks and praise for Berwin's significant contributions to the city of Norco.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding individual, Mike R. Vasquez, who passed away at the age of 82 on October 27, 2020. As a restaurant entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mike was a dedicated and integral member of the Corona community who will be deeply missed. Mike was born in Phoenix, Arizona on September 8, 1938, and was later raised in San Bernardino, California. Known to close friends as Mickey and Don Miguel, Mike met his wife Mary Sanchez during a trip to Mexico. In 1973, Mike and Mary moved to Corona and bought an existing restaurant that they re-opened as the first Miguel's full-service restaurant serving Mary's family recipes. Just two years later, the couple expanded the family business by opening their first fast food restaurant, Miguel's Jr. Over the decades since then, the Vasquez family has expanded the chain to more than 20 restaurants throughout southern California. The City of Corona, and its residents, are extremely proud to be home to the original Miguel's restaurants and they are second to none in the quality of food and service. As a hard-working small business owner, Mike became increasingly active in his community throughout his life. He was incredibly generous to both his employees as well as causes and organizations throughout our region. In recognition for their significant contributions, Mike and Mary were selected as Citizens of the Year in 2009 by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. As a fellow Corona resident and small business owner, I had the pleasure of knowing Mike and his family and I can personally attest to his numerous achievements and the countless lives he touched. He was a great American, a leader in our community, and a dedicated husband, father, and friend. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mary, to their children, Eva, Danny, Michael, Carol, Sylvia, and Javier; and 14 grandchildren. Although Mike may no longer be with us, he will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of his family and community.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate Director Ronald W. Sullivan for his nearly two decades of dedicated service to Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Director Sullivan has been a Board Member at EMWD since January 2003, representing Division 4, which includes the cities of Menifee and Perris. During his tenure on the Board, Director Sullivan has dedicated himself to helping EMWD advance projects that provide a more reliable water supply for future generations of customers in western Riverside County. He has helped EMWD secure hundreds of millions of dollars in local, state and federal funds that have expanded water, wastewater and recycled water infrastructure. He played a pivotal role in the advancement of EMWD's groundwater desalination program, including the Perris II Desalter. Mr. Sullivan was also a driving force behind the completion of modernized sewer systems in the economically disadvantaged communities of Quail Valley and Enchanted Heights; both projects were offset by significant external funding. Director Sullivan was passionate about addressing arid west issues. He served as a board member on the National Water Resources Association, was a federal affairs liaison for the Association of California Water Agencies, and was honored by the Texas Water Conservation Association for his dedication to multi-state collaboration on federal issues with Texas. Mr. Sullivan was a tireless advocate in Washington, DC, providing testimony before Congress and pushing federal agencies to partner with EMWD to address the needs of his constituents. Director Sullivan has served as EMWD's representative to the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), which manages the Inland Empire Brine Line and other regional watershed management programs as well as the Western Riverside Council of Governments. He is a former Riverside County Planning Commissioner, and City of Hemet Planning Commissioner. Ron is a great American, a true public servant, and a friend. The entire Southern California region, as well as the arid west, thank Ron for his many years of dedicated service and I wish him the best in his next chapter.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, due to a transportation issue, I was unable to make votes on November 16, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of both S. 327 and S. 3147.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every day. As new wildfires start every week, these brave men and women selflessly join the fight to protect life and property, while their families must live with the uncertainty of the threats they face on the frontlines. I commend these individuals, and Congress must provide all the support necessary to ensure our firefighters can return safely to their families. I also commend the heroes joining the fight from across the country. California's firefighting resources are strained by the sheer number and size of the fires we face, and it is a testament to our nation's highest ideals that firefighters from across the West have come to our aid as these historic fires rage in every corner of our state. Riverside County has already faced four distinct fires this wildfire season, burning over 60,000 acres in and around my district. In these fires alone, 17 individuals have been injured, and one firefighter lost his life trying to put out the El Dorado fire. Charlie Morton was a 14- year veteran of the Forest Service, and I send my deepest condolences to Charlie's family for their terrible loss. Nearly every year California seems to break some record during the fire season. It doesn't have to be this way. For years, top congressional Democrats have rejected bipartisan proposals to reform our nation's forest management practices. Many Democrats have outright rejected the idea that how we manage our National Forests has anything to do with the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the West. Well, here are some of the facts: Since 2010, approximately 150 million trees have died across federal, state, and private lands in California. It is estimated that over 2 million properties are at extreme risk of wildfire due to high fuel loads nearby. Between 60 and 80 million acres of national forest are at high- to very-high risk of catastrophic wildfire, but the Forest Service treats between just 1 and 2 percent of high risk acres each year. In January, a study in Nature found that California needs to treat approximately 20 million acres to meaningfully impact wildfire risk. We treat closer to 13,000 acres annually. Bureaucratic delays and frivolous lawsuits have halted much of this proactive work. The town of Berry Creek, received a grant to remove hazardous fuels, but it took the state nearly two years to review the project and allow it to proceed. By the time they did, it was too late, and the North Complex fire was already raging, destroying more than 50 homes in this community. Salvage logging is another example of a win-win solution where companies still have an economic incentive to harvest the timber while helping prevent the next catastrophic wildfire. Charred trees left in the wake of wildfires are extremely flammable and hazardous fuels. Salvage operations must be conducted quickly or the economic value is lost, and extreme environmental groups frequently file lawsuits to halt these efforts. In 2018 when I served as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked in a bipartisan fashion with Congresswoman McCollum to prioritize forest management and fuel reduction on our federal lands. We worked in good faith to achieve some meaningful reforms including a funding fix for the Forest Service and some limited regulatory reforms. Still, much more needs to be done to protect our communities. We need to eliminate the red-tape that prevents these common-sense management efforts. We must take forest management decisions out of the courts and put the forest managers back in the driver's seat. Fortunately, House Republicans have solutions. Congressman McClintock's Proven Forest Management Act takes lessons learned from a pilot program in Lake Tahoe National Forest. Land managers were able to approve the first forest management project in under four months in a 16-page report, compared to an average of 4.5 years and 500 pages. We should pass this bill and expand this successful program nationwide. Congressman Westerman's Resilient Federal Forests Act is another example. This legislation has passed the House twice with overwhelming bipartisan support but was never considered by the Senate. This bill would streamline permitting for a wide array of forest management projects. When it comes to forest management, time is of the essence, and this legislation would dramatically increase our national capability to reduce the frequency and severity of catastrophic fires across the West. I call on Speaker Pelosi to take up these bills and pass meaningful, comprehensive forestry reform. More bureaucracy is not the answer to our wildfire crisis, and we in Congress must act like there are lives at stake, because that is the reality of the threat we face.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to Southern California are exceptional. Today, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Marc Aarons on his year as the District Governor of Rotary District 5320. Marc's Rotary career began in 1997, and since then his involvement in the organization has been expansive. Today, he is a member of the Rotary Club of Newport Balboa and has been recognized with several awards, including the Cliff Docterman Award, for his dedication to the organization. Throughout his years of service, Marc has served as the Rotary Club of Newport Balboa's Treasurer, Vocational Chair, VP Ethics, International Chair, and Immediate Past President. His service goes beyond Newport Balboa as Marc has served Southern California as Rotary District 5320's District Governor for the 2019- 2020 year. Previously, he was an Assistant District Governor from 2013- 2015 and a member of the District's Advisory Board from 2015 to 2017. Marc has also served as a member of the Foundation Committee, the Training Committee, and the Membership Committee. A proud Eagle Scout, Marc's character and dedication to service have been largely influenced by his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. He has received awards and recognition for his service to the Scouts around the world, including in Sweden, South Africa, and Germany. He also served as the Boy Scout's International Committee Chairman for Orange County. Marc is a Certified Senior Advisor who has extensively studied the financial, physical, emotional, and personal issues affecting today's business owners. After living in Japan, Marc speaks fluent Japanese and has vast knowledge of Japanese culture and world markets. Marc is married to Xiaowen and together they enjoy serving their community, trying new restaurants and barbequing. In light of all that Marc has done for Southern California and Orange County, I am honored to recognize him today. Marc has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and our community is proud to call him one of our own. I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating Marc Aarons on his term as Rotary District 5320's District Governor.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a hero and true American patriot, United States Marine Corps Corporal Cesar A. Villanueva. Throughout the history of our great nation, we have asked young men and women to step forward and voluntarily assume the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices required of all Americans who join the finest military in history. Cpl. Villanueva took that important step and today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country. Cpl. Villanueva, or Nova as his friends knew him, is remembered as a kind, respectable man who was outgoing, and had a passion for service. Nova's love for his country and desire to serve led him to join the Marine Corps about four years ago. Cpl. Villanueva has received numerous awards and accolades for his years of service including the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and a Certificate of Appreciation. On July 30, 2020, just a month after he married the love of his life, Sarah, Cpl. Villanueva boarded an amphibious assault vehicle for a routine training exercise with Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The vehicle sank off the coast of San Clemente Island, resulting in the death of Cpl. Villanueva, seven other marines, and a sailor. As we look at the rich history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women, just like Cpl. Villanueva, who so bravely chose a life of military service. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they will be called to face, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. Cpl. Villanueva' s memory lives on through his father Juan, mother, Maria, his wife, Sarah, his two brothers, and numerous extended family members and friends. While we send our deepest sympathies to his family, there are no words that can express or alleviate the grief of losing a son, husband, and brother. Cpl. Villanueva's family have given a part of themselves in the loss of their son and brother, and I hope they know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will always be remembered.