Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of investing in our Nation's infrastructure. And, in particular, to fix our broken and aging water delivery systems, not only in California but throughout the country. In California's San Joaquin Valley, the availability of a clean and reliable water supply is absolutely essential for the foundation of our economy. Farmers need water to feed the world, and life becomes obviously very difficult if residents don't have a clean drinking water supply. The waterways that carry our water were built decades ago in California and throughout the country. Last week, I introduced legislation to fix two pieces of critical water infrastructure, the Delta-Mendota Canal and the California Aqueduct, that were built decades ago. The Conveyance Capacity Correction Act will provide $400 million to fund these needed projects. This legislation is just one of the many tools we have that can fix the water system that we have; one of the water tools in our water toolbox. We need to invest in our water infrastructure now for the future sustainability of our State and the livelihood of our residents. Food is a national security item.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for the good work that she does on behalf of her constituents, and I appreciate the opportunity to make comments that are important investments that we should be making in our infrastructure for all Americans. The President, when he ran for office, talked about his willingness to invest in America's infrastructure. Sadly, we have seen little follow-through on behalf of the administration to do just that. America was built over decades and generations on Americans willing to invest in our infrastructure. Clearly, today, we are living off the investments our parents and grandparents made a generation or two ago. In California, but throughout the country, that includes fixing our aging water systems, our transportation systems, and investing in our school sites. In my home in the San Joaquin Valley, the development of water over the last 100 years has allowed deserts to bloom. A reliable water supply is a foundation for any economy. Farmers need water to feed the world. We say, ``where water flows, food grows,'' and life becomes increasingly difficult when we have literally hundreds and thousands of Californians and elsewhere around the country in which communities that are small, that are not incorporated, cannot meet or comply with clean drinking water standards either by the State or by the Federal Government. That is just wrong. The richest country in the world, and yet we have communities that don't meet clean drinking water standards? We know that many of these water systems were built decades ago. California now has doubled its population. We need to invest. Madam Speaker, this last week, I introduced legislation for critical water infrastructure in parts of my district, the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, the Delta-Mendota Canal that has lost 15 to 20 percent of its capacity. The California Aqueduct that not only brings water from the north to the San Joaquin Valley but to Los Angeles as a critical supply of those water needs for Los Angelenos, these canals supply water to tens of millions of people, and also to the Santa Clara Valley Water, the home of what? Silicon Valley. The legislation that I introduced, the Conveyance Capacity Correction Act, will provide $400 million to fund these needed repairs. This is just one piece of legislation to address the many tools in our water toolbox in California's aging water system, but we need to invest now in our water infrastructure. We also need to invest now in our transportation system. The roads that were built in California and the highways, the inner city and transit systems and our air transportation have really, post-World War II, been the reason why California has become the Golden State. And we, again, are living off those investments our parents made. We need to make the same kinds of investments. When the President talks about $1 trillion of investment across America, that is wonderful, and our Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has sought where those needs should be felt. But to do that, you have to put up real money to match local, State dollars with Federal money. We haven't really provided any new Federal sources of funding since the 1990s; and it is absolutely essential if we are going to have this sort of 21st century system of transportation that is intermodal, that is interconnected, that will be provided for people for work, for pleasure, and for a host of purposes to get from point A to point B, to ensure that they can do it safely, in a way that makes the quality of life absolutely better. So those are the challenges we face. We are working to put an infrastructure package together that will fund our roads and highways, our transit systems, our inner-city rail systems that include high- speed rail. We are building high-speed rail in California, and I have introduced legislation that will provide money for fast trains throughout the country, as well as in California. We are under construction now. But that is one part of an overall connected system that makes sure that our air transportation, that our inner-city transportation and our roads and highways are connected as we see in Europe and in other parts of the world. That is the challenge. Madam Speaker, I think, if we can come together in a bipartisan fashion as we have done traditionally, we can overcome these challenges and invest in ways that do what? Provide good-paying jobs; because when you invest in the infrastructure--whether it is our water, our transportation, our schools--we are investing in Americans, and those create the good-paying jobs that raise all boats for working people. And, really, that is what we are talking about here when we talk about investing: investing for working people, for all Americans. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Orange County for all of her good work. Freedom of Religion

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of my friend, Mr. Robert ``Bob'' M. Sanders, who passed away on December 17, 2019. Bob was a selfless public servant and hardworking American citizen, who left an impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bob was born in Tulare, California and raised in Merced. He graduated from Merced High School and went on to attend California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Bob joined the California National Guard and attended artillery school in Fort Still, Oklahoma. On his flight home after his initial service, he was seated next to California Assemblyman Gordan Winton, which would send his career path in a new direction. Assemblyman Winton hired Bob as his aide in his Sacramento office and he also worked on his campaign in 1966. After Assemblyman Winton declined to run for reelection, Bob ran for the seat himself. During the 1968 California primary, Bob traveled the Central Valley with presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, one of his most treasured memories. Bob met the love of his life, Suzanne White while they both worked for the United Teachers of Los Angeles. Bob eventually moved on to work as Chief of Staff for Los Angeles City Councilman Zev Yaroslavsky. Later in life, he worked for Rusty Areias and served as my first district director after my election to the House of Representatives. Assembly Speaker's Office and the Senate Democratic Caucus. Bob's impressive career made him a well-respected figure in California politics. Outside of politics, Bob enjoyed poetry, sports, and wrote scripts, directed and did voiceovers for military training films. Bob loved his family most of all and enjoyed being around his beloved friends. His knowledge of political trivia and baseball statistics was unmatched. Bob was preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Anna, and his younger sister, Jo Anna. Bob is survived by his wife, Suzanne, daughter Erica, by his brothers Jim and Jeff, and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of my dear friend, Robert ``Bob'' M. Sanders. His commitment and dedication to the State of California was clear. We join his family and friends in honoring his great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tom Nassif, as his service as President and CEO of Western Growers comes to an end. The career of Tom Nassif has been defined by strong consistent advocacy for growers of produce in the western United States. The national discourse on immigration, trade, and water policy has been distinctly shaped by his work for more than four decades. Tom Nassif received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles and his Juris Doctorate from California Western University, School of Law in San Diego, California. Nassif has set himself apart by serving in a multitude of prestigious positions. He was a labor attorney for the agricultural industry, and most notably, one of the first attorneys to try a case before the Agricultural Labor Relations Board. In President Ronald Reagan's administration, he was appointed Deputy and Acting Chief of Protocol for the White House. In 1983, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near East and South Asian affairs. After two years, President Reagan appointed him to be his ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco. After his term, he moved on to work as chairman of Gulf Interstate Engineering in Houston. Next, he became managing partner of Aequitas International Consulting, an international business and political consulting company. In February of 2002, Nassif became President and CEO of Western Growers. In 2013, he utilized his legal skills to help produce an immigration bill that passed in the Senate. Not only that, under his leadership, he assisted with the first time specialty crops received recognition in federal policy, with the passage of Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act as part of an agriculture appropriations bill. He also was a huge contributor for the specialty crop provisions in the Farm Bill. Nassif was named the Western Growers' 2019 Award of Honor in recognition of his unique approach and impact on the produce industry. This is the highest recognition of achievement in the industry. Tom Nassif has left his mark by advocating for transparency and quality service. Nassif's affinity for protecting farms has directly resulted in laws and programs that will carry on his legacy in the industry. He has commitment to creating programs to address areas like food safety and technology that are state of the art. Now, Nassif serves on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C. and is one of the three national co-chairs for the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service of Mr. Tom Nassif and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the healthcare crisis that we have in America today--primarily, the physician shortage that exists throughout the entire United States. It is a crisis that we must do something about. In the next 15 years, the United States is expected to face a shortfall of over 4,000 primary care physicians alone. Rural and low- income communities, many of which I represent, are expected to feel the brunt of this shortage, communities such as those in California, like the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley has the lowest number of physicians in the State, approximately 0.9 physicians per 1,000 people. That is less than one. The statewide average is 2.2 physicians for every 1,000 people, which is twice as many. Last week, I introduced legislation to help tackle this crisis. The Expanding Medical Education Act of 2020 will provide over $200 million in funding to promote medical training in areas of high need throughout the country, like the San Joaquin Valley, with a focus on diverse and medically deprived communities. We have Governor Gavin Newsom's and our local legislators' support on this legislation. Medical institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco, have used funding from this effort to train and develop homegrown physicians under the residency program for 45 years in the valley and throughout the State. It is very important. We have discovered that when you train physicians locally, residents, they are more inclined to practice in that area--in our case, in the valley--and bring healthcare to our communities. Studies consistently show that students who can find quality education near their homes and families will be more likely to stay there after graduation. It is just common sense. Growing our own doctors is essential to confronting this medical crisis, and I will continue to fight for every dollar to ensure that our valley residents have access to the necessary healthcare that they deserve. Recognizing Tom Flores

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the career of Tom Flores, a trailblazer in the Latino/Hispanic communities in professional football. It is appropriate. With the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, I can't think of a better time to do it. A native of my hometown, Fresno, California, Tom Flores was a gifted athlete, both in high school and college, and, later, in professional football. He played for the Oakland Raiders, becoming the first Hispanic starting quarterback in professional football. Tom's success didn't stop there. After ending his playing career, he went on to win Super Bowl XI as the assistant coach for the Raiders in 1977. Then, 4 years later, he again led the team to victory as head coach, becoming the first Hispanic coach to win a Super Bowl, both in 1980 and in 1983. He won it twice. To this day, he is one of only two people in history to win multiple Super Bowls as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. Mike Ditka is the only other coach who falls in that category. Tom Flores is terrific. He left professional football with a record of 97 wins and 87 losses as head coach, including a playoff record of 8 wins and 3 losses, including a stint as head coach and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks. Since retiring, Tom Flores has used his influence to bring educational opportunities to the valley, his home, a place he has never, ever forgotten, through the Tom Flores Youth Foundation effort. Over the years, he has raised nearly $2 million to support local school districts in science, art, and athletic programs. Sadly, Tom Flores was short of the required votes needed for induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, and this is not the first time he has been passed over. This week, I am introducing a resolution calling for the recognition of his significant accomplishments in the sport and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame--well deserved and overdue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and honor the invaluable contributions that Coach Tom Flores has made to his community, to his country, and to America's game. We have the Super Bowl this Sunday. We will all be watching it, I am sure. I know Tom Flores will be. He deserves to be in the national Pro Football Hall of Fame at Canton, Ohio. I can't think of anyone more deserving than Coach Tom Flores.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Larry J. Raven, who passed away on January 6, 2020. Larry was an appointee to the City of Fresno Parks Commission, the blue-ribbon Zoo Commission and the General Plan Commission for over 40 years. Larry J. Raven was born on January 25, 1939 in Selma, California to Isabel and Phil Raven and was a lifelong Fresno County resident. He and his older brother, Jerry W. Raven started a dairy on their parent's ranch when Larry was just 13. Larry was active in Future Farmers of America at Selma Union High School, serving as president in 1957. He earned the title of California Farmer and in 1958 achieved the highest honor of American Farmer. In 1961, he and his brother opened a drive- thru grocery store in Selma and sold their own brand of milk, Roselane. In June of 1963, Larry married the love of his life Penny Nichelini. Two years later, Penny and Larry opened the first R Pantry Market, a drive-thru grocery market. In a few short years they had 9 convenience stores and an additional 3 old fashioned meat markets called, Holy Cow Meat Markets. Always ahead of his time, the R Pantry Markets, Inc. was the first franchised convenience market chain in the state of California and the first business in the state to offer self-service gasoline pumps. In the 1970s, Larry and Penny purchased an old winery in Selma, renamed it Raven Alcohol Distillery, and converted it to California's first fuel alcohol distillery, producing thousands of gallons of product daily. He became a national expert on the conversion of molasses to fuel alcohol and obtained a U.S. Patent in 2002 for his ``Process and Apparatus for Conversion of Biodegradable Organic Material into Product Gas''. In the 1970s, both Larry and Penny became licensed California Real Estate brokers and founded The Raven Company. Shortly after, Larry became a licensed California Contractor and built his first subdivision in Selma, eventually building over 1,000 family homes and neighborhoods. For the America's Bicentennial, Larry spearheaded the idea of planting thousands of red, white and blue petunias along the old boulevard and it was designated ``America's Largest, Private Bicentennial Display''. Larry was an outspoken supporter of the completion of Highways 41, 180 and 168 and invited the California Highway Commission to meet in Fresno; at his urging the Commission voted to allocate the funds to build Highway 41. In the 1980s, Larry and his sons began the yuletide tradition of ``Candlelight Christmas on Huntington Boulevard'' with over 100 homeowners decorating their homes which delighted tens of thousands of visitors annually and continued for 21 years. Larry also organized an effort to paint the 52 classic lampposts in the historic mile, becoming the largest private improvement ever made to city property and featured in Sunset Magazine. Between 2010-2015, the couple acquired several ranches with plans to build subdivisions. As a result, Larry went back to his roots and became a successful farmer, devoting most of his time to a 120-acre ranch in Sanger with oranges and almonds. Larry is survived by his wife, Penny and their sons Tagge and Corbyn; Corbyn's wife Stephanie Raven and their four children, Bella, Carsyn, Audrey Grace and Declyn Raven; his brother Jerry W. Raven and wife LaVerne Raven and many nephews and a niece. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Larry J. Raven. His commitment and dedication to the Central Valley community left an impact on many. We join his family and friends in honoring his great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Ronald D. Moore of Chowchilla, California, who passed away on January 14, 2020. Dr. Moore leaves behind a legacy of steadfast service to his country, community, and family. Dr. Moore was born in Madera, California on October 16, 1939 and graduated from Chowchilla High School in 1957. Later that year, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and later went on to graduate from Fresno State. In 1961, he married Shirley Marie Pacheco at St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Madera. Dr. Moore attended Officer Candidate School in 1966 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant after graduating as the honor man of his platoon. Dr. Moore then began a distinguished career as a Marine. Dr. Moore served in Vietnam as a platoon leader, executive officer, and company commander from 1967 to 1968 and upon his return, was promoted to Captain. He then served with the Fifth Marine Division, Third Regiment until he retired in 1969. During his service, he was awarded many medals, including the Navy Commendation Medal with a bronze ``V'', the National Service Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Republic ofVietnam Gallantry Cross--Foreign with a bronze service star, among others. After his retirement from the Marines Corps, Dr. Moore returned to Chowchilla with his family and began his career in education as a teacher and coach of football and track at Chowchilla Union High School. Dr. Moore later became the Superintendent of Schools and held that position for 23 years until his retirement in 1999. Throughout his life, Dr. Moore remained involved in his community and committed to making it a better place. He was a member of many organizations including VFW Post 9886, the Third Marine Division Association, the Marines Memorial Club of San Francisco, Rotary International, and the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation, where he was honored as ``Hero of the Game'' at a Fresno State football game in 2017. Dr. Moore enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with his wife Shirley. Together, they traveled to a variety of countries, including a return to Vietnam in 2006 and particularly enjoyed their annual Caribbean cruises. As a lifelong student of history, Dr. Moore published two novels in retirement, ``Chopper Caper'' and ``Dragon Force: The Last Salute.'' Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring a man whose service to our country and his community have undoubtedly made the world a better place. It is both fitting and appropriate we honor him as many gather to celebrate his legacy. I wish Dr. Moore's family and friends the best as they celebrate his life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, regrettably, I was unable to attend the votes series for January 13, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on H.R. 4335--8-K Trading Gap Act of 2019, and YEA on H.R. 2398--Veteran HOUSE Act of 2020.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his life of service to our Nation. Next week, on January 20, we will observe Martin Luther King's birthday. We know that Dr. King was the most influential civil rights leader in our Nation's history among so many great civil rights leaders, such as our own Congressman John Lewis. Dr. King's commitment to public service brought historic change to our Nation, affected our entire country and society, and reshaped the way we interact. So it is fitting that we observe the 25th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as ``A Day On, Not a Day Off.'' It serves to remind us to ask ourselves: What are we doing for others? Dr. King called this ``life's most persistent and urgent question.'' What are we doing for others in our country? As a public servant for the past 40 years, I firmly believe that every individual has an ability and an opportunity to make a change. Communities across the United States will host events to commemorate Dr. King's achievements and give back to the community, including in my own district in the San Joaquin Valley. I will proudly participate in the Martin Luther King Day Community March in Fresno and Merced, as well. My office will join the city of Fresno at an awards ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding service to give back to our communities in the spirit of Dr. King. I urge all Americans to find ways to help others in communities on Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday. You can find those options at NationalService.gov, a way for us all to give back. Because in the words of Dr. King: ``The time is always right to do what is right.'' Recognizing National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today also to recognize National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness about this atrocity that plagues our Nation and the world. There are estimated to be more than 40 million victims of trafficking across the planet. It happens in all of our communities here, and because of the geographic location that I represent in California's San Joaquin Valley, my district sees a disproportionately high amount of human trafficking. The fighting of this atrocity requires all of us to be involved, and we must do more. Every year, I work hard to secure additional funding for the Crime Victims Fund and to strengthen our efforts to stop human trafficking. We were successful in getting an additional $2 billion to support investigations and operations to prevent human trafficking and another $2.6 billion to improve services for these victims in the spending bill that passed just last month. This helps organizations like Breaking the Chains in Fresno, which is crucial to survivors. We must understand that these trafficking victims are just that; they are victims of crime. We also need to bolster our efforts to prevent this from continuing to occur, from supporting law enforcement efforts to holding perpetrators accountable to educating our children about the dangers, especially in this day and age, when the internet, sadly, is oftentimes a tool for traffickers. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the survivors of human trafficking cases are identified. That is an astounding number, I think: less than 1 percent of the survivors of human trafficking are actually identified. Last year, as co-chairs of the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, which I helped found with Congressman Ted Poe, Congressman Pete Olson and I introduced a resolution in the House to prevent, eradicate, and raise the awareness of human trafficking as today's modern slavery. It calls for the Federal Government to coordinate efforts to fight human trafficking between agencies and with State and local governments and other organizations that are out there trying their best. Just yesterday, I met with John Cotton Richmond, the State Department's Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, both here and abroad, to discuss how we can work together to fight this injustice. I promise you, we must fight this injustice. As a member and a co- chair of the Victims' Rights Caucus, for survivors of these kinds of crimes, we will continue to put this among our highest priorities. The Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus will continue to lead this bipartisan fight to end modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Ken Takeuchi, who passed away on December 8, 2019. Ken was the beloved voice of the Central Valley's auto racing circuit for over 60 years. Kenneth Kazuto Takeuchi was born on January 27, 1927 in Fresno, California. During World War II, Ken and his family were ordered into internment camps in Jerome, Arkansas. Shortly after, Ken and his five brothers were drafted into the military and served their country during the war. Eventually, the family returned to Fresno and their farm. After his military service, Ken worked for the Fresno County Parks Department, before taking a different course in life. Ken was best known as a speedway announcer and organizer of races throughout the Central Valley. He got his start in the 1950s at the Selma Speedway. His voice graced auto races throughout the state for more than 60 years. Ken was so well known, he was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including in 1995 the San Jose's Speedway Hall of Fame, the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2017, and the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2019. Ken was also a competitive runner. His passion for running flourished in different avenues. He was the founder of the Valley Runner of the Year series and the Pro Race Group in Fresno. His goal was always for people to come together through running and walking for good causes. In the 1980s, he began directing races. Ken also helped found the Shinzen Run, which supported the Shinzen Japanese Friendship Garden in Fresno, a cause that was deeply important to Ken and the community. In his later years, he worked with Special Olympics and appreciated his friendships with athletes of all ages. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Campbell and her husband Duane; brother Leo Takeuchi; sister Erma Aoki; three grandchildren, Lindsay, Chelsea, and Ashley Campbell, and his great grandchild, Melody Haussmann. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Ken Takeuchi. His commitment and dedication to the Central Valley sporting community left an impact on many. We join his family and friends in honoring his great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the impending impacts of climate change on our planet and the unquestionable impact that all of us are aware of. Over the world, we see prolonged droughts fueling disastrous fires. Over the last 6 months we have watched horrific bushfires in Australia with tremendous losses. People have died, half a billion animals have been lost, and millions of acres of land have been swallowed up by flames. As a lifelong resident of California, I have witnessed similar devastation in our own communities as a result of climate change. The past 2 years alone were the two worst fire seasons on record. Climate change has, no doubt, heightened the impact of these fires which is why we are witnessing these horrific impacts, and they are so difficult to manage. Climate change is happening now and we must do more. For starters, we must continue to make significant efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. We must continue to invest in clean air and affordable transportation made more readily available to all of our communities throughout the country. Last year, the House took strong steps to protect our planet in the future by passing H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. H.R. 9 confronts the climate crisis by keeping us in the Paris Agreement, and demanding a plan of action from the administration to participate in a meaningful fashion. But that bill, along with hundreds of others, are currently sitting on Senator McConnell's desk collecting dust, sadly. These current events have made it clear that we have an imperative need to act on this climate crisis. And while we wait for the Senate to act, I am doing all that I can to make a difference in California as it relates to our air quality, transportation, and our water needs that are impacted. As a member of the State legislature, years ago, I created the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to help monitor and reduce pollution in the valley and improve our air quality, and we have made progress. I am also the cosponsor and helped to introduce the Clean Corridors Act and the Clean School Bus Act that also reduced greenhouse gases. We have also helped kick-start California's High-Speed Rail project which will get millions of drivers out of their cars and into cleaner, more accessible transportation, along with our inner-city transportation, our intermodal concept to use all of the modes of transportation more effectively for cleaner air quality. I am also working on water legislation that will help improve conservation and work toward a sustainable water supply for our farmers and cleaner water for our communities throughout California. California's broken water system is not suited to deal with the increased volatility caused by climate change. For those of you who are unaware, California gets most of its water, its moisture, between November and March. The rains are important. They are critical, and the snow in the mountains are Mother Nature's icebox. With climate change, we see the droughts have become longer and more intense, and the storms that we rely on for the snowpack are fewer and are at a higher elevation, which means this incredible water system that we have created over the last 100 years has to adapt to those changes. Food is a national security issue, not only in California, but in America and throughout the world. Without a reliable supply of water, we cannot grow food, not only for our Nation but for the planet, and so this is a critical issue. We need to understand that for 7 billion people on the planet in the last 2 years--suggested to increase to 9 billion by the middle of this century--the ability to provide a sustainable water supply for the entire world and for us to grow food to feed our people in this country is absolutely critical. Therefore, we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of this planet that we call home for ourselves and for the future generations to come. As we begin the new year, let's work together now to find bipartisan, commonsense solutions to help us pass along a better planet for future generations to come. This, among all of the other difficult issues we face, I believe, is the primary challenge of the 21st century.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize all the hard work it took to reach this agreement for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement: Chairman Neal, Chairman Brady, Chairman Blumenauer, the good work of Ambassador Lighthizer, the working groups the Speaker put together, and the Speaker's desire to see this get across the finish line. It is important to update NAFTA for the sake of the American workers and our agricultural economy. This agreement will improve opportunities for good-paying jobs in America by updating labor protections and standards in Mexico that can be enforced. The agreement goes a long way to improve environmental standards and clean up cross-border pollution between California and Mexico and other border With nearly half of California's agricultural products destined for foreign markets, the certainty this deal brings to relations between our two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, cannot be overstated. I was glad to be a part of this bipartisan effort to bring people together for today's vote. I congratulate the President. The fact of the matter is, this is good for America, good for working people, and good for agriculture. Madam Speaker, I look forward to supporting USMCA, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart. The two most difficult votes any Member of Congress ever has to cast is to vote to go to war or to impeach. Today, I will vote for the Articles of Impeachment. Over the last few months, I have listened carefully to my constituents. I have weighed all the available information to determine whether or not the President committed any wrongdoing. There are disturbing facts from this administration that informed my decision, including the President's own words. His handpicked Ambassador to the European Union testified there was a quid pro quo to withhold aid to Ukraine for an investigation of former Vice President Biden, and that everyone was in the loop. His own National Security Advisor, John Bolton, said he wanted nothing to do with this drug deal, as he called it. Then, the President openly acknowledged that China and Ukraine should investigate Mr. Biden. There is much more evidence pointing to the President violating his own oath of office. I have not made this decision lightly, but I must uphold my own oath of office because I believe the President has failed to uphold his oath of office. The weight of history, my belief in the Constitution of the United States, and our own national security interests have led me to this vote.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Let me first thank Chairperson Zoe Lofgren and Ranking Member Dan Newhouse for their hard work in forming this bipartisan compromise. Farmworkers are some of the hardest working individuals you will ever meet. I know. As a farmer's son, I have done that work. It is hard, but it is skilled work. It is simply wrong that they are subject to living and working in the shadow of uncertainty and fear of deportation. Just last month in the city of Madera in my district, I met with members of the United Farm Workers organization to tell them of the promise of this bill. I spoke with these hardworking men and women and their young children who work to put food on America's dinner table every night. I could see the hope in their eyes, hope for a normal life free from the dread of possible family separation and deportation that hangs over them every day when they leave to go work and hope for a chance to change their reality and reshape their story. We owe it to these individuals who do so much for us. This monumental, bipartisan compromise is a unique opportunity to provide us with the first meaningful reform in the immigration system in over four decades. Many of us would like comprehensive immigration reform for our Dreamers and to fix our broken immigration system. For now, that is not possible, but this legislation that would provide legal status for seasonal and year-round farmworkers is. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support the Farm Workforce Modernization Act that we will vote on later today. Lower Drug Costs Now

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I also rise to support the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Americans want Congress to tackle issues that they care most about, and spiraling drug costs is one of the most important issues. Passing H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, will help lower prescription drug prices and hold drug companies accountable for unfair price hikes. Prescription drugs in the United States we all know are four times higher than what they charge for the same drugs in many other countries. The soaring cost of insulin is one example of the way we see gouging, quadrupling over the last decade. Diabetes is an epidemic in our country, affecting over 30 million people in the United States and costing Americans more than $100 billion a year to manage. In Fresno County, one of the counties I represent in my district in the San Joaquin Valley, it is estimated 68 percent of the adults between the ages of 55 and 69 have diabetes. These Americans need insulin to manage their condition, but these high prices are causing them impossible choices. The question is: Do they pay for medication or do they put food on their dinner table, making sacrifices that are simply unacceptable? Democrats are committed to putting the healthcare of American people first and stopping this unfair practice. So far this year, we have sent multiple bills to the Senate to reduce healthcare and prescription drug costs. Silence. Silence is the only answer we get from the Senate. Tomorrow, we will pass another bill, H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and this aims to stop drug companies from gaming the system unfairly and raising prices on American families. That is what we are trying to do. This bill also builds on the Affordable Healthcare Act by adding $10 billion a year for expanding community health centers, which have been instrumental in my area and throughout the country in increasing healthcare and access to healthcare in rural America. In my district, 400,000 people would benefit if we passed H.R. 3 and it is signed into law. My constituents who rely on prescription drugs are depending on us to act to ensure that medications are affordable, and I intend to do that by voting to support this legislation. It will also save Americans over $500 billion over the next 10 years. So now is the time to act, and it is the time for the Senate to do their job.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today is a monumental and historical day. This bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 will truly help people throughout the country. I want to thank Chairperson Zoe Lofgren and Dan Newhouse for their hard work over the last 9 months in bringing all the parties to the table. Earlier this year, in September, Chairperson Lofgren, with Congressmen Panetta, Cox, and myself, held a workshop where all the organizations from farm country, as well as the UFW, and others, presented what needed to be done. And, lo and behold, it has happened. My colleagues ask, Why do we need to have the urgency of this bill? Well, last month I visited with United Farmworkers in Madera, California, and told them the promise of this legislation. I saw in their eyes, and their children who were there, I saw hope; a hope to become free of fear and the fear of deportation; hope for the American Dream, and all that that entails, that all immigrants past and present have shared, in this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill today. The Senate must pass it, and the President should sign it into law. This is the right thing to do.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor outgoing Turlock Irrigation District (TID) Manager Casey Hashimoto. In his three decades with the district, Mr. Hashimoto has been a consummate professional whose dedication and determination has positively benefited the people and businesses served by TID. Since beginning his tenure as General Manager in 2010, Mr. Hashimoto has been instrumental in keeping electricity rates some of the lowest in California while also improving the reliability of TID's water and electrical systems. During his time with as General Manager, Mr. Hashimoto has overseen efforts such as design and construction the Hughson-Grayson high voltage transmission line and TID's new state-of- the-art Power Control Center, both of which have helped TID improve their energy efficiency and adapt to the demands of the changing Western energy markets. Most notably, Mr. Hashimoto has worked tirelessly on the Don Pedro Hydroelectric Project, having led efforts on the complex and complicated relicensing of the 203-megawatt Don Pedro dam, reservoir, and powerhouse. Mr. Hashimoto and his team oversaw a multi-million- dollar extension and upgrade to the Don Pedro Project while continuing to work with numerous stakeholders, federal agencies, tribes, scientists, and recreational outfitters to ensure this project remained a vital resource of the San Joaquin Valley for generations to come. In addition to his work for TID, Mr. Hashimoto has been active in many influential utility industry organizations, including the California Municipal Utilities Association, the Norwest Power Pool, the Association of California Water Agencies, and the American Public Power Association. It is evident that his accomplishments and industry expertise will continue to make positive impacts in our Valley and the water and power industry long after Mr. Hashimoto's retirements. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring a man whose professionalism and determination has benefited many of the water and power users of California's San Joaquin Valley. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Casey Hashimoto as he retires from his role as General Manager of Turlock Irrigation District. I wish Casey and his family the best as he embarks on this new phase of life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the important successes of the Food for Peace Act. Since 1954, Food for Peace has provided life-saving food assistance to some of the world's most vulnerable people. While it has already saved the lives of millions, there is more work to be done. Tens of millions of children suffer from the effects of malnutrition, while natural disasters, civil strife and other crises put food supplies at risk every year. I have introduced H. Res. 742 to mark these important achievements and call for continued appropriations prioritization of Food for Peace. This resolution has strong bipartisan support and also the support of a number of interested organizations, including Action Against Hunger, Alliance to End Hunger, American Maritime Congress, American Maritime Officers, American Maritime Officers Service, American Soybean Association, Bread for the World, Breedlove Foods, Inc., Bunge, CARE USA, Cargill, Incorporated, Didion Milling, Edesia, Feed the Children, Food for the Hungry, InterAction, Land O'Lakes Venture37, Land O'Lakes, Inc., Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID), Masters, Mates & Pilots Union, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Navy League of the United States, Seafarers International Union, The Borgen Project, The Port of Virginia, Transportation Institute, UNICEF USA, USA Rice, World Food Program USA, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the passage of legislation this week called the AMIGOS Act. It is a bill that will spur Portuguese investment in our economy and help create jobs here in America. As a proud Portuguese American and a co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus and a member of the Hispanic Caucus, I joined with Congressmembers Cicilline, Nunes, and others, in being the original cosponsors of the AMIGOS Act. I want to thank my colleagues this week for their support in the passage on a bipartisan basis. Our friendship with Portugal and the contributions of hardworking Portuguese American immigrants are an important part of our country's history and our heritage, as well as our economy. The United States is Portugal's largest trading partner outside the European Union. In 2018 alone, trading between our two countries reached in excess of $5 billion. This will only increase that economic activity, because this bill will make it easier for Portuguese investors, business people, to increase their operations in the United States, growing both our economies, drawing our nations even closer together, and creating more jobs. More than 100 Portuguese companies today already have operations in the United States. What do those operations do? They create jobs. They create opportunities. And they build additional prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. We have done our part. Now it is time, we hope, that the United States Senate will do their part so that we can send this bill to the President that has, again, strong bipartisan support. It will obviously be good to get this measure passed, hopefully, before the end of the year. Senators Whitehouse and Toomey, again bipartisan, have already introduced their version of the legislation, the AMIGOS Act, in the United States Senate. We thank them for their strong efforts and their partnership. Sharing prosperity in this instance can only benefit both the United States and Portugal, and it is this kind of commonsense trade policy that we need to be advocating for, along with continuing to build on our partnerships both within the European Union as well as within South America and with Asia, and, of course, with our closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Trade obviously done properly can create good-paying jobs in America and benefit our relationships and our economic activity with those countries who we value the most.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Parnagian family as they are honored at the 2019 Fresno State Ag One Foundation Community Salute for their contributions to the Central Valley and California agriculture. The Parnagians are champions in our Valley and have played an integral role in transforming California agriculture for the 21st century. The legacy of the Parnagian family began in 1943, when Gladys Girazian, a lieutenant in the United States Navy Nursing Corps, met a young Marine, Sam Parnagian, at the San Diego Naval Hospital. Sam, a World War II veteran, had just returned from Pearl Harbor. Just two weeks later, the couple knew they were meant for each other and were married on December 2, 1943. The couple were blessed with four sons, Dennis, Kenneth, Randy, and Philip. In 1950, Sam established Fowler Packing Company in Fowler, California. With Sam at the helm, the help of his four sons, younger brother Pete and nephew Jim, Fowler Packing quickly found success. Today, the family fruit farms and state-of-the-art packing facilities have grown into one of the largest packers and shippers of tree fruit, citrus and table grapes in the industry. Sam was involved in the day- to-day operations of the business until his passing in 1980. Thereafter, Sam's four sons held executive roles in the company and managed day-to-day operations. After 40 years of success, the Parnagian brothers passed along leadership responsibilities to Justin and Leland Parnagian in 2017, making the way for the third-generation. The family places an emphasis on social responsibility and creating a welcoming work environment. They have an on-site cafeteria, with free meals provided daily to their employees. Additionally, they have added a health clinic at their headquarters and offer free healthcare and medications for employees and their families. They have also established the Fowler Packing Scholars Program to help bring the dream of a college education for their employees' children closer to reality. The Parnagians stay hue to their commitment to excellence as they put the best interests of customers, growers and employees first. The Parnagian family holds core values of family, honor and strong work ethic. They have always been generous with the community. In 2015, the Parnagian family made a $1.5 million-dollar gift to Valley Children's Healthcare, establishing the Sam and Gladys Parnagian Child Life Endowment. Additionally, Fowler Packing has been a longtime supporter of the Community Food Banks. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Parnagian family for their contributions and exemplified leadership in the Central Valley. I wish the Parnagian family continued health, happiness and prosperity.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman O'Halleran for leading this Blue Dog Special Order on a very important issue affecting rural America. The Blue Dogs, obviously, represent the breadth and width and diversity of our country, but many of us represent rural areas. Healthcare for every American is a critical need, a critical issue. In 2010, before the Affordable Care Act became law, in the district that I represent in California, in the San Joaquin Valley, 22 percent of my constituents had no healthcare insurance whatsoever, and 17 percent were underinsured. The Affordable Care Act has a number of areas where we could provide improvements if we could get bipartisan agreement, but the fact is that we have the ability to protect individuals who have preexisting conditions; children can be on their parents' healthcare insurance until the age of 25; things have really expanded with Medicaid and Medicare; and, what often gets overlooked, $8 billion was provided in the Affordable Care Act for rural healthcare clinics across America. What does this mean in my district, a district that represents one of the richest agricultural regions in the entire country and the world? We have gone, in 9 years, from 22 percent underinsured to 10 percent underinsured. We have cut the number of people who have no insurance by more than half. We have reduced the level of those who are underinsured. In addition, clinics in my area, Camarena, Livingston, Golden Valley, Clinica Sierra, to mention at least four or five, have all expanded their rural healthcare clinics to provide more healthcare for people who live in rural areas, from prenatal to elderly and everything in between. In addition, they have done innovative things like other clinics across America. They have put healthcare clinics in high schools and middle schools, which has provided greater access to healthcare. We have made a difference. We have improved the level of healthcare. But the reality is this: For three decades, the number of hospitals in rural areas in our country has declined at a steep pace. Among the 50 rural hospitals in California, more than a dozen have closed since the early 2000s. It also has been devastating not only to the level of healthcare but to the residents who live in those communities, hardworking people who contribute to our economy every day, part of our farm communities. I think it is important to note that for every 1,000 people in the place I live, we have 0.9 physicians. Anywhere else in California, for every 1,000 people, there are 2.2 physicians, twice as many physicians. While this is an important part of improving healthcare, we also need to get medical schools. That is something that I have worked on. I have worked on trying to get additional medical schools not only across the country but in the San Joaquin Valley. We know that if you get a medical school there, it provides an opportunity for students who graduate from that medical school to practice in the area in which they have graduated. We have proof of that. We have residency programs that I have been very supportive of with the University of California, San Francisco, UCSF, which has over 280 residents who are being trained in the valley right now. Over half of those physicians over the last 40 years who have graduated from that residency program have stayed to practice in our valley. So a medical school is an important part of an overall strategy. As Blue Dogs, we want to continue to support expanded healthcare throughout our rural areas. This is something I believe Democrats and Republicans can come together on in a bipartisan manner. These are many ways in which we can work to ensure that rural America gets reliable, affordable healthcare that they deserve, like every other American. That is why Blue Dogs are speaking out on this issue today. Since taking office, this administration, sadly, has made repeated efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act without putting anything in its place. That makes no sense. That makes no sense whatsoever. Just this week, we voted on a continuing resolution to keep government open for the next 6 weeks. We should have a real budget in place at this time. It is irresponsible to ever, as the President did earlier this year, shut down government. But in this continuing resolution, we have funding to ensure that our community health centers keep receiving the funding they need to stay open and serve their patients. This year alone, Congress has voted on 10 different proposals to improve healthcare and stabilize the Affordable Care Act for American families. They are over in the Senate right now. Sadly, instead of taking action, Senator Mitch McConnell refuses to bring up these good measures. We could be lowering the cost of prescription drugs, which affects all Americans, whether you live in rural areas or urban areas, and ensuring that we protect those who have preexisting conditions, preexisting conditions of heart disease, cancer, diabetes. These bills, sadly, are collecting dust on the majority leader's desk. I want to close by saying, as a 15-year member of the Blue Dog Coalition, our caucus stands together to try to improve healthcare for all Americans. For those of us who represent rural America, like Congressman O'Halleran, myself, and many others, it is important to note that we must improve our healthcare system for the people who live in our rural areas. It is time for the Senate to do their job and pass these important bills. We will continue to work to try to expand access to healthcare in rural areas with our clinics and to create medical schools in areas that are significantly underserved. While we continue to patiently ask the Senate to act, I know the Blue Dogs will continue to advocate for policies that improve access to healthcare for all Americans, especially for those rural Americans we represent. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership in this important area as the legislative chair for the Blue Dog caucus. The citizens of Arizona are fortunate to have a good Representative.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman again, and I wish him a happy Thanksgiving.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the United States- Mexico-Canada trade agreement and the need for commonsense change to see that our trade policies with Mexico and Canada better reflect the current economic conditions and the changes that have occurred since the initial act was put together over 25 years ago. The administration's trade policies, though, currently with these tariff wars, I believe, are not only hurting consumers, but they are hurting our farmers, ranchers, and dairymen and -women. Let's be clear about it: These are hidden taxes that consumers pay and that agriculture pays as well. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, I think, would address these concerns if we get it right. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture, opening new trade opportunities for agriculture is one of my top priorities. My home State of California is the number one agricultural State in the Nation, and nearly half of our ag products are exported abroad, over $20 billion a year. I am a farmer, third generation. I understand the importance of our ability to trade and have a fair and level playing field. Mexico and Canada combined is our largest destination for these products. Maintaining these markets is essential to ensure prosperity for our farmers and the viability of our ag economy. We have had 25 years of a mostly successful trading relationship with Canada and Mexico since signing the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, but a lot has changed. It has also resulted in, let's be frank, a loss of jobs that has hurt American families here, and we need to address that. This is an opportunity to deal with the flaws that have existed in NAFTA for over 25 years. Since 2002, Canada has been the United States' top agricultural export market, and Mexico has either been second or third. In 2018, we exported $143 billion worth of agricultural products to the two countries combined. The amount equaled over a quarter of total U.S. ag exports. That is significant. The USMCA leaves in place, I think, the key wins for agriculture established under NAFTA. It updates key provisions pertaining to important issues like labor, technology, and the environment. It also provides some new access to Canada's protected dairy market, which I think is important. The conversations between House Democrats and the administration to hammer out the remaining differences, I think, have been constructive. I disagree with some of the narratives that this has been a delay. We want to get it right. You must get good trade agreements right. Our negotiators are making good progress, including efforts to ensure that enforcement to the agreement is done. But enforcement of labor standards continues to remain a concern. This is important. Labor in America doesn't want the same impacts that took place under NAFTA, so enforcement of the provisions is critical. USMCA's labor chapter does reflect a strengthening of standards, including freedom of association and the right to organize in Mexico. We have had numerous delegations meet with our counterparts in Mexico. This spring, Mexico passed landmark labor legislation laying the legal framework for compliance with the United States-Mexico-Canada labor chapter. Now we must ensure that those labor standards are enforced. That is the critical area today. House Democrats are working in good faith with the administration to put in place assurances that these standards are enforced over the long term. The same goes for enforcement of environmental and biomedical standards. Commitments need to be made, and they have to be enforceable to make this a successful agreement. If these issues are addressed, the USMCA would stabilize some trade policies that are otherwise unpredictable with this administration, including serious concerns that President Trump may, as he said, kill NAFTA and reject the deal if we don't pass this. We want to get it done ASAP for sure, but we need to make sure it is done right. Sound trade policy should not be a partisan issue. I will continue to make sure that we can vote on USMCA as soon as possible. Once again, though, we have to have the assurances. I expect strong passage of an agreement if we can get those assurances, but there must be a way to address this so that we will get to ``yes.'' Then we can turn our attention to other trade matters. An agreement with China, obviously, is very important and in Europe with the European Union. Let me say, finally, good trade agreements, I think, mean good-paying jobs. Let me repeat that. Good trade agreements mean good-paying jobs for all Americans. That is obviously what we want to do for our entire economy.