Tony Cárdenas

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American and Angeleno who is the definition of a public servant, Michael Owens. I have had the honor to serve as an elected official for 27 years, and I have learned that the backbone of every office is having a team of dedicated people who work directly with our community members. Just as it is in Congress, a Los Angeles city councilmember's district team has the biggest impact on the constituents they serve, and Michael made an impact on thousands of constituents. Michael changed the lives of those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and all the families of the San Fernando Valley. Michael Owens served Councilmember Bob Blumenfield for 15 years, first as his director of constituent affairs and later as district director. In these roles, he oversaw more than 10 staffers and the delivery of millions of dollars of city resources to their constituents. Before getting involved in politics, he was a paralegal and director of legal affairs at the Motion Picture Association. Michael lived in my district in the community of North Hills. He was a leader in his homeowner association, bringing the knowledge he had from the city to make his community a better place for all its residents. He was known by Councilmember Blumenfield as the ``constituent whisperer'' for his ability to hear constituents' most difficult problems and find solutions for them. No problem was too big or too small for Michael. As district director, he ensured the district office he served was a space where students with disabilities could develop vital career skills. We lost Michael in April. He joins his parents and late husband, Camron. My heart goes out to Michael's family, his sister Susan, Uncle Bob, and cousin Sara, and to Bob Blumenfield and his entire staff during this difficult time. Michael represents the Angeleno and American spirit of going above and beyond to serve the community that gave him so much. Honoring Irma Cantu Acosta

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Irma Cantu Acosta, a beloved leader, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. As a former small business owner and realtor, I saw firsthand the efforts of Irma to help families and young real estate agents attain the American Dream. Irma was born in a small rural town in southwest Texas, and in the fifties, her family moved to Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Irma began her career in real estate, a field where she helped thousands of families navigate the real estate market. Her passion was helping working families find a house they could call home. In 2000, she led the creation of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the largest voice and champion for Latino homeownership and empowerment, which is now tens of thousands of members strong. From the local to the national level, she mentored thousands of clients and colleagues with her warm, reassuring smile and valuable insight. Irma is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Ernie, and her three children, four grandchildren, and one great- granddaughter. Today, I stand to celebrate and honor the incredible life of my friend, Irma Cantu Acosta, someone who believed that we can all aspire for our own piece of the American Dream.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S.J. Res. 11. Last year, more than 137 million people in the United States were living in areas with unhealthy levels of pollution, and we need to do better for them. It is currently estimated that 72 million Americans are exposed to high levels of air pollution due to their proximity to high-traffic trucking routes. These figures have real consequences, and they cost lives. With three of California's largest trucking routes cutting through my district, the district that I represent in the San Fernando Valley, these figures are a community reality for us. After decades of heavy-duty vehicles generating pollution in their backyards, my constituents experienced the injustice of disproportionately high rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular complications, and cancer. The EPA's heavy-duty NOX rule is a long-overdue step in the right direction to protect the health and well-being of communities across the United States, including my own. With this rule, the EPA could prevent up to 2,900 premature deaths per year, 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency department visits, and 18,000 fewer cases of childhood asthma. These are the things that we need to work on in the House of Representatives. These are the lives of our children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents. Last Congress, Democrats worked and secured historic investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate our progress in developing cleaner zero-emission technologies that will improve public health. That includes $5 billion for clean schoolbuses, an effort that I championed alongside Congresswoman Hayes, Senator Padilla, and Senator Warnock. The Republican-backed S.J. Res. 11 unravels the progress that we have made, and we must do more. It attacks necessary Clean Air Act protections and would repeal the meaningful actions that the EPA has taken. Today's CRA abandons the American people. It abandons our children. It abandons our grandchildren and future generations. It forces our communities to continue to breathe polluted air and puts them on a path to an unlivable future. It is important for us to understand that in this great Nation we have technology like no other, and we have capacity like no other. Therefore, all it takes is the political will of us on both sides of the aisle to do the right thing--to make the improvements that I just outlined here. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Los Angeles where we had first-stage smog alerts. Today, my children don't know what they are. Today, my grandchildren are being raised in Los Angeles. If we move the clock back, my grandchildren, unfortunately, will be able to speak of these smog alerts, just like I unfortunately had to be subjected to it as a child. We can do better, and we must do better. Growing up in the neighborhood that I now represent, I was the first councilmember to turn down the expansion of a dump site--another polluting element. Yes, the unions came up to me and said: ``We are going to lose 200 jobs. You can't do this.'' I said: ``We must.'' We found a solution to recreate those jobs on the same site, to have a cleaner, more effective way of dealing with the trash that the over 4 million people in my city create every single day. It is really important for us to understand that for us to pass this resolution it will send us backwards and hurt generations today and more generations to come.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act. I am upset that the Republicans have brought forth this bill, which sells out the health and well-being of the American people. For decades, scientists have warned of the devastating impacts that human-caused climate change will have and do have on our planet. Consider even the first 3 months of this year. In January, Alabama and Georgia were hit by severe storms, straight- line winds, and tornadoes that caused at least nine storm-related deaths. In January and March, my home State of California experienced severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides that ended in at least 27 storm- related deaths across the State combined. Just last week in Mississippi, there was devastation by severe storms and tornadoes that resulted in 26 people dying. H.R. 1 fast-tracks offshore oil and gas developments, guts bedrock environmental and public health laws, silences communities, and reverses the significant progress that we made through the Inflation Reduction Act. These are your Republican Representatives bringing forth this bill. They are selling out the American people for oil profits. Last Congress, Republicans had the choice to join Democrats as we worked to deliver a historic $369 billion in climate action and clean energy investments through the Inflation Reduction Act. Instead, they have chosen to advance bills like this that, if implemented, will worsen the climate crisis and put our children and grandchildren on a path to an unlivable future. Madam Chair, this bill chooses to put polluters over people, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 1.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History Month and the countless women who have given so much to the northeast San Fernando Valley and to our country. March is dedicated as Women's History Month, and I am proud to be part of the party that every day in Congress are expanding women's rights, fighting for wage increases, parental leave, and reproductive rights for all and uplift every woman across our great country. In that spirit, I will be highlighting amazing women trailblazers from the San Fernando Valley who have given so much to our community and to our great country. Honoring Ada Munoz Yslas

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ada Munoz Yslas, the former principal of Andres and Maria Cardenas Elementary School. Daughter of immigrant parents and a proud product of valley schools, Ada has dedicated over 30 years as an excellent educator. Ada has given so much of herself to thousands of students and fellow educators and parents by inspiring and teaching everyone around her that they can become everything that they aspire to be. After her career of over 30 years, Ada is now enjoying time with her family. We thank Ada Munoz Yslas for being an inspirational educator in her well-deserved retirement. Honoring Dr. Judy F. Baca

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the most amazing painters and muralists in the world, Judy F. Baca. Her art is appreciated all over the world from California to Finland and to El Salvador. In 1976, Judy began painting a true landmark for the San Fernando Valley: the Great Wall of Los Angeles. It is a half-mile-long mural along the Tujunga waterway that depicts the history of California. Judy inspired and employed over 400 youth to paint this iconic mural in their own community. In 2017, the Great Wall of Los Angeles received national recognition on the National Registry of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Just last week, Judy received one of the most prestigious honors an artist can ever receive. President Joseph R. Biden awarded her the National Medal of Arts for her decades of inspirational art. Dr. Judy Baca will continue to bless us with her art all over the world, and we pray for her continued success. Honoring Carolyn Rose

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Carolyn Rose, one of the founders of the largest antipoverty nonprofits in the San Fernando Valley, Meet Each Need With Dignity, also known as MEND. In 1976, Carolyn started MEND with her husband, Ed, in their garage in Mission Hills. They collected food and clothing donations and distributed them to the most needy families throughout our community. MEND has grown to continuously serve the most vulnerable in our community with food distribution, one-on-one case management, and support for low-income families. Every year, you can see Carolyn leading the Christmas Family Adoption Program with her dedicated volunteers loading up groceries for Christmas dinner, toys for the kids, and smiles for all to receive. Mr. Speaker, I thank Carolyn Rose for all that she does for our community. Honoring Assemblymember Luz Rivas

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas. Luz was raised by her single immigrant mother and spent her childhood living out of converted garages and back houses in Pacoima. She became the first woman from San Fernando High School to graduate and attend MIT, where she received her engineering degree. Luz then went on to Harvard and achieved a master's degree in education. After working as an electrical engineer at Motorola, she came back home and started a nonprofit, DIY Girls. DIY Girls inspires thousands of girls every year to believe in themselves and pursue a career in STEM. Luz was elected to the California State Assembly in June 2018 and continues to serve communities she was raised in, the northeast San Fernando Valley. As our assemblymember, she is a fierce advocate for all families, expanding education opportunities, and creating green spaces for our communities across our State. Honoring Gospel Music Performer Sandra Crouch

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sandra Crouch, gospel music performer, Grammy Award winner, and copastor at New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima. Sandra and her twin brother, Andrae, who is no longer with us, were raised singing gospel music in the church their father founded. Like her brother, she pursued a career in the music industry. In 1984, she won a Grammy Award for her album ``We Sing Praises.'' On this album, she gave moving performances of songs such as ``My Soul Only Loves You'' and ``No Greater Love.'' Sandra's powerful voice continues to enrich the hearts of many in her congregation and community, and we honor her accomplished career and dedication to her community.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to be a Member in this Chamber of the House of Representatives, very proud to have been blessed to be born an American citizen, and very proud to be raised by my immigrant parents in this great country in a community called Pacoima. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Black History Month. My neighborhood of Pacoima has a long and rich history of wonderful, beautiful, amazing Black Americans, untold stories and uncelebrated heroes who have shaped the San Fernando Valley and my neighborhood of Pacoima, the community I call home, the community in which my immigrant parents raised my 10 brothers and sisters and me. This is the community that gave us our first Latino United States Senator to represent the great State of California, Senator Alex Padilla. A little-known fact is that the first Congressmember from Pacoima and San Fernando High School is my esteemed colleague, the Honorable Barbara Lee. As a teenager, Congresswoman Barbara Lee began her activism when she refused to accept the segregation of her high school cheerleading squad. Rather than accept this injustice, she challenged the White majority school and turned to the local chapter of the NAACP to advocate to allow minorities the opportunity to be cheerleaders. Congresswoman Lee was victorious and won the right to cheer for her school. She was the first African-American cheerleader in the history of our high school, San Fernando High School. She is now a champion for justice as a United States Congresswoman. The history of Black Americans in Pacoima dates back to World War II. Following the war, due to racist redline policies, African-American families were only able to purchase homes in communities such as Compton in South Los Angeles, Sun Village in the high desert, and Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley. By 1960, almost all of the 10,000 African Americans in the San Fernando Valley lived in Pacoima. This community became the center of African-American life in the San Fernando Valley. Pacoima was known as California's first Black suburb. One of the examples was the development of the Joe Louis Homes. These homes were the only hope and opportunity for African Americans to have home ownership. These homes were named after the former heavyweight boxing champion whose name was used as a ruse to steer Black buyers to Pacoima. Joe Louis had little or nothing to do with these real estate developments. But from this, African Americans living in Pacoima set the foundation of the beautiful community that I call home. It is a history filled with heartbreak and tragedy, hope and inspiration. Pacoima's Black history is a thread that keeps our community together. I will use this opportunity to spotlight community leaders that are the cornerstone of our history of Pacoima, religious leaders like the Broadous family. The Broadous name is embedded in Pacoima history through the countless contributions made by Reverend Broadous and his family. Reverend Hillery T. Broadous was the founder of Pacoima's Calvary Baptist Church and served the community faithfully. He helped organize the San Fernando Valley chapter of the NAACP and led efforts to build the Hubert H. Humphrey Memorial Recreation Center. Reverend Broadous was a World War II veteran. He owned and operated a successful barbershop before he turned to the ministry in 1952. In May of 1955, he founded Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima. Through Calvary Baptist Church, he played a fundamental role in bringing healthcare, educational, and recreational opportunities to our community. The former Filmore Street School is now named in honor of Reverend Hillery T. Broadous. In 2022, Hillery T. Broadous Elementary School administration, parents, and students, along with local artist Juan Reyes, painted the largest mural in the Los Angeles Unified School District in honor of the contributions he and his family made to the Pacoima community. Mother Rosa Lee Broadous co-founded Calvary Baptist Church with her husband Hillery in 1955 and served as vice president of the first board of directors of the Pacoima NAACP. Her legendary involvement in community organizations included Church Women United, Braille Institute, Fair Housing Council, Pacoima Coordinating Council, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTA, Los Angeles Public Library, and the YWCA. She was also the first to organize Negro History Week programs in the San Fernando Valley. She served as a board member of Valley Interfaith Council, charged with overseeing local senior citizen centers. Reverend Hillery and Mother Rosa Lee Broadous raised 10 amazing children, six of them pursuing religious and community causes. Unfortunately, three of the Broadouses are no longer with us. The Broadous children include Reverend Alicia Broadous-Duncan, the oldest of 10 children. In the late 1970s, she became a minister. She was a fierce advocate for seniors and served as the executive director of the Northeast Valley Multipurpose Senior Center. In 1990, she was tapped to head the merger of what had been two senior centers into one large facility, serving the diverse northeast San Fernando Valley with a team of over 80 staffers. The services provided at the senior centers are critical to the thousands of seniors living in our community. They provide instrumental resources on nutrition programs, arts programming, socializing activities, and transportation. After her unfortunate passing, the center was renamed in honor of her, the Alicia Broadous-Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center. The center continues to serve as a community hub for our entire neighborhood. Apostle William T. Broadous was the leader of Calvary Baptist following his father's legacy, where he established the Children's Church at Calvary, the Calvary Baptist Church Social Service Ministry, and the Calvary Baptist Koinonia Bookstore. Apostle Broadous led ministry trips to Africa, campaigned against street violence, set up a Latino ministry, and advocated for formerly incarcerated individuals and for economic development in the northeast Valley. The city of Los Angeles dedicated the intersection of Vaughn Street and Dronfield Avenue in honor of Apostle William T. Broadous. Reverend Arthur Lee Broadous. Reverend Arthur was the musical soul of the Broadous family. He was the choir leader and former director of the Pacoima Community Youth Cultural Center Choir. Reverend Arthur served as the San Fernando Valley field representative for Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. During the 1992 riots, in an effort to calm any potential violence, he dispatched ministers to hotspots throughout the Valley. He was a mover and a shaker of the community and always looked to unify the neighborhood. All the Broadous children including, Marie Broadous Neloms, Rosita Furaha Broadous, Hillery L. ``Abdullah'' Broadous, Reverend Zedar E. Broadous, Reverend Pamela J. Broadous, Reverend M. Cecilia Broadous, and Francine Broadous Oputa are the definition of community service, and their work is seen every day in the streets of Pacoima and beyond. When it comes to empowerment, Marie Harris, community activist and honorary mayor of Pacoima, was born on October 10, 1922, in Houston, Texas. She attended schools in Pittsburgh and married Alvin Harris soon after her high school graduation. She led efforts to develop the first new major shopping center, called Pacoima Plaza for the Stars. Marie, a Pacoima resident since 1960, was a devoted mother of three children and known for organizing local fashion show fundraisers. Marie was an amazing fashion designer. She spurred the Pacoima Property Owners Association to produce the Back to Pacoima Expo, a long-running reunion for expatriate residents of Pacoima at Hansen Dam. She was a fierce advocate for the San Fernando Valley and was one of the three original signatories to begin the process for the San Fernando Valley to secede from the city of Los Angeles. She did this to spark debate and ensure that San Fernando Valley residents received their fair share of city services. She was a true community leader advocating to get streets paved, sidewalks cleaned, trees trimmed, and much more. Harris is survived by her three children: Sidney, Rolene, and Alton; five grandchildren; and many, many great-grandchildren. In honor of Pacoima's late honorary mayor, Marie Harris, the city of Los Angeles proclaimed the center of Glenoaks Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard ``Marie Harris Square.'' When it comes to civic duty, Jose DeSosa, former president of the San Fernando Valley NAACP and active civic rights leader, is the epitome of civic duty. In 1988, he was elected as the first statewide president of the NAACP. He was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama, and later migrated to New York City. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served our country for nearly 10 years. DeSosa worked for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. Soon after the company merged with AT&T, he and his wife Juanita moved to Pacoima. As president of the NAACP, he used his Black and Latino heritage to build working relationships between both cultures. He was a passionate critic of the tactics and procedures of the Los Angeles Police Department and led the effort to ban the use of the battering ram and the choke hold by LAPD. He led peaceful efforts to unite hundreds of community members demanding change. He was a former board member of Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, and to this day their community room at Pacoima is named in honor of him. We have many legendary sports heroes that emanate from our community of Pacoima, especially at our great San Fernando High School. The San Fernando High School Tigers football team, during the 1960s and 1970s, the home of the Mighty Tigers, was the training ground of future USC Trojans and NFL stars, an A-list of players such as Charles White, Anthony Davis, Kevin Williams, and Manfred Moore. Charles White, who recently passed away, was a track and football star at San Fernando High School. He was a star running back and won back-to-back city football championships at our high school. He then went on to USC, where Charles White was an All-American and the 1979 Heisman Trophy winner. He played in the NFL and led the NFL in rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1987. After his retirement, Charles worked for USC. Despite his struggles with addiction and mental health throughout his career, he was a true star. Unfortunately, we recently lost Charles White on January 11, 2023. Anthony Davis was another football star. He was also an All-American in 1974 who played for the USC Trojans. At San Fernando High School, he was a running back during their city championship run. He was known by ``Sports Illustrated'' as the ``Notre Dame Killer'' when he infamously led USC to a comeback victory. Notre Dame had a 24-0 lead, but before the end of the first quarter, Anthony Davis scored a touchdown which kicked off a 55-point comeback. He scored six touchdowns, ran and caught for 368 total yard performance in one game versus the Fighting Irish. Anthony Davis helped lead the Trojans to three Rose Bowl games, including victories in 1973 and 1975, and two national championships during his three seasons. During his Trojan career, Davis won five national championships, two in football and three in baseball. He played his professional career in the NFL, the USFL, and the CFL. Another great star is Kevin Williams, who was also a USC football and track star and part of the tremendous trio with White and Moore at San Fernando High School. Known by his family as ``Little Man'' and nicknamed the ``Bug,'' he was known for his speed and elusiveness on the field. He played for USC and was drafted to the NFL. After his athletic career, he worked as a brakeman for the Santa Fe trains. We unfortunately lost him in 1996 in a devastating accident. Before Charles, Anthony, and Kevin were there, Manfred Moore was the running back for the 1967 San Fernando High School city champions. He was a State wrestling champion, as well. As a USC Trojan, he was part of the 1972 national championship team that had one of the most dominant college seasons ever. These four Mighty Tigers set the bar of athletic excellence for all of us in the San Fernando Valley. They are all true champions. Andrae Crouch's musical career began at home. He was a son of a minister, where he found his love and passion for gospel music. His father, Reverend Benjamin Crouch, founded the New Christ Memorial Church. Andrae bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, working with major stars such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones. Songs like Michael Jackson's ``Man in the Mirror'' and Madonna's ``Like a Prayer'' became pop hits because of Andrae's musical genius. He also received Oscar nominations for musical arrangements for movies such as ``The Color Purple'' and Disney's ``The Lion King.'' His popularity laid the foundation of R&B influence in gospel music to this day. His eight Grammys were instrumental in the merging of pop, contemporary gospel, and soul. When it comes to educating the children of our community, there is no one like Leroy Chase. For more than 50 years, the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club president was the tenacious Leroy Chase, running one of the oldest not-for-profits in Pacoima. In 1968, he was hired and ended up expanding the small storefront into the large facility that it is today. Leroy provided resources to over 75,000 youth. One of those youth was me. He gave me my first job. After school, this was a place where boys and girls could study and do their homework. It served as a safe space to stay out of trouble. I would not be here if it wasn't for Leroy Chase. In honor of Leroy, the city of Los Angeles will be dedicating the intersection of Glenoaks Boulevard and Pierce Street in his honor, in his name. The legacy of the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club carries on through the work of his daughter, Nicole Chase, who currently serves as the president and CEO of the San Fernando Valley Boys and Girls Club and continues the legacy of being a center for kids to learn and play. This is all done so that kids like me could reach their full potential, and we are so blessed to have Leroy Chase and his family in our lives. I close by thanking the Pacoima Historical Society and their president, Crystal Jackson, for ensuring that this history, the history of my community, our community, is being shared with future generations. The great work and legacy created by these leaders will always be remembered and always be in our hearts. I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to take some of the time afforded me as a Member of the House of Representatives to comment on the amazing, wonderful work that our President, President Biden, is doing in his administration. As I said earlier, I am blessed to be a Member of the Chamber, of the House of Representatives, to be able to speak on this floor, to be able to address my fellow Americans about the issues that face us, the challenges that we have had, and the hope and challenges that we will tackle in the future. President Biden's administration is one of the most successful administrations, accomplishing in just these 2 short years more than most administrations accomplished in 4 or 8 years. I am excited for the next 2 years to come. People say our government is divided, but at the end of the day, I truly believe in my heart that by working together, by hearing each other, we will be able to accomplish what we were sent to accomplish for the people of this great Nation and, more importantly, to make sure that we restore the confidence that the world has in the reputation of the United States of America. Just recently, one of the most devastating earthquakes, which has taken thousands and thousands of lives, occurred in Turkey and Syria. Immediately, the Biden administration, along with communities around the country, rallied together to send help and rescue teams to the people in need. That is the United States of America that I have always known. That is the United States of America that we all can and should be proud of. That is the United States of America, and we have some work to do to restore our reputation around the world because not every Presidency is the same, Mr. Speaker. Some Presidencies have torn down our image, but I am so proud of the fact that President Biden and his administration are doing the work that we all deserve as Americans for our President to do. That is to restore our position and the faith that people have in what good it is to know that the United States of America is here, here to help, and here to be assisting. More importantly, in any time of need, we are ready to help any nation that needs our support and our help, especially those nations who aspire to be a democracy, especially those nations who need us to be there to make sure that we can help human beings live a dignified life. I am here to say, Mr. Speaker, that we have done it time and time again for generation after generation to help as a world leader without compromising the commitment and the dedication that we have to the people of our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn Azerbaijan's ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor. For more than 6 weeks, under the guise of an environmental protest, Azerbaijan has conducted a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The blockade has left thousands of people without access to critical medical supplies, food, and essential goods. This is needless and malicious and is part of a larger pattern of violence by the Azerbaijani regime against the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. I urge the administration to use every tool at its disposal to ensure the safety of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and put an end to this needless and violent blockade. We must provide direct humanitarian assistance through this administration and every Member of Congress so that we can help the people who are suffering through this atrocity.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 21. If the beautiful, wonderful Marvin Gaye were with us today, he would say, ``What's going on?'' much more beautifully than I could say it. This is what is going on: This legislation is bad policy that will severely increase the price of gas at the pump, destroy our environment, and pollute and poison the air that our children and grandchildren deserve to breathe. It will only help the rich get richer. This bill could require the U.S. to open up over 300 million acres of Federal lands for new oil and gas drilling. To put that into scale, that is three times the size of the State of California. Rather than curbing our dependence on fossil fuels and making America more energy independent, my Republican colleagues are pushing legislation that will only increase our resilience on fossil fuels. This bill is incredibly foolish and does nothing to address the real problems. What are they really up to? They want to put money into the pockets of Big Oil executives while taking it out of the pockets of everyday Americans. So, I ask, what is the true intention of this legislation? Who does this help? Well, I just told you. It helps Big Oil and hurts everyday Americans because I know for damn sure it doesn't help the working families across our great country. I remind my colleagues and all of us that we were elected to come here to this body to represent all Americans, not just special interests. Your bill will only line the pockets of your fossil fuel friends while making gas more expensive for everyday Americans. This bill is shameful. It fails our children and grandchildren, and it fails to protect the American people.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, the alarm bell has been sounding for over a decade on the urgent need to permanently protect Dreamers in America. For years, we have tried and tried to get a solution across the finish line, but there are Members of this body who have lacked the heart to do the right thing and get this done. This is shameful. It is now or never. If we don't act in this session, then DACA could end as early as next year. Immigrant youth deserve better. They are our teachers, firefighters, nurses, small business owners, servicemembers, and leaders across our country. Their contributions of $1.7 billion annually benefit all of us. America is their home, and they deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream and continue to contribute to our economy and our great country. I urge my colleagues to fight for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and I pray that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do the right thing and put forth humane solutions, not senseless legislation that keeps countless immigrant people in the shadows.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Evelyn Cortez-Diaz as a Valley Luchadora, Valley Fighter. Evelyn is a civil engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the water industry, water conservation, water quality, pipeline design and construction, environmental compliance, recycled water, water rights, groundwater remediation and groundwater planning. She is the highest-ranking Latina at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which is the largest municipal water and power utility in the United States. She is also the first Latina and second woman to be appointed Director of Water Engineering and Technical Services. In her role, Evelyn leads a team of over 400 engineers and technical professionals to safely retreat, store, and transport water for the 4 million people of the City of Los Angeles and the thousands of businesses that they serve. At LADWP, Evelyn helped launch the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter to support its employees and inspire the next generation of engineers and STEM professionals. She immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador when she was 12 years old and was placed in remedial English classes to become fluent in English. At a young age, she knew she wanted to help make the world a better place. She aspired to protect the environment and decided to focus her studies on water resources and environmental engineering. After she graduated high school as 10th in her class with a 4.3 GPA, she earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2015, she published her book, which chronicles her family's immigration story and journey to U.S. citizenship. Evelyn Cortez-Davis, thank you for sharing your story and for your commitment to conservation and our environment and to all the people of Los Angeles. It is my honor to recognize you as a distinguished community leader and luchadora this Hispanic Heritage Month. Honoring Margaret ``Mar'' Diego

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret ``Mar'' Diego as a Valley Luchadora. Mar is the co-owner and operator of Dough Girl, a small business pizzeria located in Sylmar. She grew up in San Fernando Gardens, a low- income housing project in my district. Her business, Dough Girl, is much more than a local valley pizzeria. Mar is a proud employer of formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals, two demographics of people who traditionally struggle to find stable employment and who are often ignored and tossed aside. A formerly incarcerated person herself, Mar understands the obstacles people face as they work to rebuild their lives after serving their time in the system. Through her restaurant, she continues to pay it forward and makes a positive impact in her community. Mar can often be found on the street, finding and hiring employees on the spot. She gives people a second chance and a job, training to help them succeed and be productive members of the community. Most importantly, she gives them the opportunity to rebuild their lives. She has made her restaurant a positive rehabilitation-oriented space. Upon her own release from prison, Mar attended the prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary arts school and continued to blossom from there. She has a one-of-a-kind inspirational story and has traveled the world, visiting 16 countries on her culinary journey. She received notable praise and appeared on television with well- known celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Roy Choi. Her restaurant, Dough Girl, has given her the chance to elevate and formally showcase her culinary skills and positively benefit her community. Mar is an inspirational chef and philanthropist who envisions her restaurant as a home for amazing food and a place where people develop vital life skills. She continues her work and is developing a curriculum centered around the teaching of essential life, culinary, and entrepreneurial skills. Thank you, Mar, for your commitment to paving the way forward, making a positive impact in our community, and uplifting others to give them a second chance. Thank you for being a caring and loving person. It is my honor to recognize you as a distinguished community leader and luchadora during this Hispanic Heritage Month. Honoring Veronica Padilla-Campos

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veronica Padilla- Campos as a Valley Luchadora. Veronica continues to serve the community she grew up in and has been fighting for environmental justice in the San Fernando Valley for the past 25 years. She grew up in Sun Valley and is a daughter of hardworking parents. Her dad was a gardener, and her mom worked at a local factory. A graduate of UCLA, she has experience in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, including environmental consulting, GIS mapping, and work for the Los Angeles Housing Department. Throughout the last decade, Veronica has played a crucial role at Pacoima Beautiful, a grassroots environmental justice organization in my district that provides education, impacts local policy, and supports local arts and culture to promote a healthy and sustainable San Fernando Valley. She joined Pacoima Beautiful as deputy director in 2010 and has served as executive director since 2013. During her leadership, she has spearheaded environmental cleanup and safety campaigns in some of the poorest and hardest-impacted areas of Los Angeles County. Previously, she helped lead ICON CDC, a community-based, not-for- profit organization that serves small business owners and entrepreneurs, and serves on the North Valley Area Planning Commission for the city of Los Angeles. In 2020, Veronica joined the South Coast Air Quality Management District as a board member, after being appointed by the speaker of the California State Assembly. In her role as board member, she continues her commitment to building people power and improving the lives and voices of her community. She creates equitable, healthy, and safe neighborhoods every single day by her commitment to the community and the wonderful work that she does. Thank you, Veronica, for your countless years of public service. It is my honor to recognize you as a distinguished community leader and luchadora during Hispanic Heritage Month. Honoring Corinne Sanchez

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Valley Luchadora Corinne Sanchez for her decades of service in our community. Corinne is the daughter of a World War II veteran of the Pacific front in Burma and a mother who worked at the Santa Fe Railroad. Corinne attended Long Beach State University, where she became a student leader and was involved in the creation of the Chicano/Chicana studies program and social justice organizations. There were only three Chicanas that started the United Mexican American Students, UMAS, in 1967 at Long Beach State University, and Corinne was one of them. Corinne is a lifelong trailblazer. Upon her graduation, she worked for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and then went on to travel throughout the Midwestern and Southwestern U.S. to promote the creation of Chicano studies departments in universities and colleges. She then began her work for El Proyecto del Barrio, a not-for-profit, community-based organization that provides health and human services to communities with underserved populations. As president and CEO, Corinne oversees expanded services in comprehensive primary healthcare, employment, childcare, and perinatal social services. After realizing her dream of becoming an attorney, she, alongside eight other women, founded and served as president of the Latina Lawyers Bar Association to help advocate and educate for the advancement of Latinas in law. Corinne has always been a strong leader in the community. She has held numerous roles in various commissions and associations for many years. In more than three decades of service, Corinne has never forgotten her roots. She has worked to make the community a better place for thousands of underserved families and individuals. Her advancements are a testament to how hard work, inspiration, and perseverance can make a difference in helping people realize the power of their dreams. Thank you, Corinne. It is my honor to recognize you as a distinguished leader and luchadora this Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I am so proud of what Democrats have accomplished and delivered for working families across our great country. Since the beginning of the 117th Congress, since January of last year, Democrats have taken action on legislation that puts people over politics. We are lowering costs, creating better-paying jobs, and making a real positive difference in the lives of every hardworking American. In the northeast San Fernando Valley alone, we have created 30,000 new good-paying jobs and countless workforce training opportunities for our community. We know that additional jobs will come to our neighborhoods with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. Soon, we will begin to see more of our family, friends, and neighbors become plumbers, pipefitters, electrical workers, steelworkers, laborers, electricians, and engineers, and so much more. These investments will help us fight the climate crisis, rebuild our roads and sidewalks and grow our clean energy economy. But that is not all. In just one year, we have helped 13,000 entrepreneurs, many of them women and people of color, in the northeast San Fernando Valley build their small businesses from the ground up. That means 13,000 new, local mom-and-pop shops serving our community, employing our neighbors, and helping grow our economy. This is all thanks to our partnership with President Biden. Since he took office, we have created 10 million jobs across the country, dropping the unemployment rate to 3.7 percent, the lowest rate in 50 years. We are seeing the best economy for American workers in decades, with people getting higher wages, better benefits, and better jobs across the country. While we are seeing progress in the fight against inflation, we know that there is much more work to do. The good news is we are finally starting to see gas prices drop after Putin's price hike. Families across the country will soon start to get some additional relief with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowers the cost of prescription drugs, makes health insurance more affordable, provides credits for electric vehicles, and more. From day one of the 117th Congress, we have successfully worked day in and day out to fulfill our promise to the American people. I am so proud of our work, and I look forward to continuing to help families in the northeast San Fernando Valley prosper now and into the future. Inflation Reduction Act Climate Wins

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the profound, positive impact that the Inflation Reduction Act will have on all communities across the Nation, including my district, the northeast San Fernando Valley. Anyone can see that the climate crisis has already taken a huge toll on communities like mine. From poor air quality, droughts, and extreme heat to the constant threat of wildfires, my district has known the realities of climate change all too well and for far too long. But our experiences are not isolated. Over the past 5 years alone, the United States has experienced over 90 climate disasters. As we witness the destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian, it is clear now more than ever that aggressive action to fight climate change is necessary. Last month, we delivered the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history by passing the Inflation Reduction Act. That is a big deal, especially for communities like mine. Growing up, I remember not being able to play outside because the air quality was so, so bad back then. For many of us, it was normal to have someone in our family or a friend have serious respiratory problems like asthma. The fact is that our children deserve to live in a community that is safe and free of toxic pollutants. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are going to be on track to reduce emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030, a necessary step to clean our air and prevent the worst effects of climate change. One of the ways we are going to be able to do this is by electrifying our heavy-duty vehicles and school buses, an investment that I am so proud to have led with our United States Senator from California, Alex Padilla. We are also lowering costs for hardworking American families by making rebates and tax credits available to electrify home appliances, install rooftop solar, electrify air-conditioning and heaters, and make electric vehicles more affordable. We are putting environmental justice communities first and investing $60 billion to reduce pollution to make clean energy more accessible and to provide a better quality of life in lower income neighborhoods across the United States of America. The best part is we are making polluters pay so that communities like ours don't have to continue to bear the brunt of climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act is a transformative law and will do so much good for families in the San Fernando Valley. It ensures that all people, regardless of ZIP Code, can access cost-saving solutions that will help us fight the climate crisis together. It means that our friends, family, and neighbors will be able to breathe clean air and drink clean water. This is just the beginning of the work that we are going to continue to do. We will continue to fight to make sure we keep climate action front and center in the job that we do for all the people of this great country. My Life Has Been Blessed

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to say thank you to the community that I was born and raised in and for which I have the honor to be a United States Congressman. I would like to also recognize that I am so, so blessed to have been raised by my two parents, Andres and Maria Cardenas, who came here as immigrants from Mexico. They never dreamed that any one of their 11 children could have such an honor. They taught me and my brothers and sisters simple values that have served all of us well and that serve me well to have the honor of being a United States Congressman and serve the northeast San Fernando Valley. I also want to thank my constituents for having the confidence in me to represent them here in Washington, and I pray every day that I do the job that they have sent me to do, to make their lives better and to help them live a good and clean life. I also want to take a moment of personal privilege to say how blessed I feel to have such a beautiful, amazing family. My wife Norma, who has been so supportive; our four children, Vanessa, Cristian, Andres, and Alina; my son-in-law, Brian; and our amazing, beautiful grandchildren, Joaquin and Jimena. These are blessings that I have been so, so honored to have in my life. I am so, so fortunate and blessed. To be able to speak on this floor, to be a Member of Congress is so humbling. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to express how much I care about the leaders of my community and how grateful we are for them and for the honor to be a Member of this prestigious and amazing body, the House of Representatives of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the heritage, culture, and immense and amazing contributions of Latinos to the United States by introducing a bicameral resolution recognizing September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month. When you walk into my office, both in my Washington, D.C., office, and the San Fernando Valley office which I represent, you will notice a very important picture of two hard-working gentlemen, two generations of Mexican immigrants, my father and my mother's father, smiling while crouching down picking potatoes in the very hot Stockton, California, sun. No matter how exhausted, how busy, and how much pain they endured, they never complained, and they took the time to pause and smile because they were so proud to be able to do a hard day's work and an honest day's work right here in the United States of America. That same grit and positivity that they demonstrated in that photo are values carried by Latinos throughout our country's history: farmworkers, astronauts, scientists, and many amazing contributors to our great country. They are Latinos who have helped keep our country operating before the pandemic, through the pandemic, and still to this day. It is those same values and stories, those of individuals, many of them immigrants, who encompass an unwavering spirit of perseverance. These are the true stories that will be told at the National Museum of the American Latino. Latinos have been in what is now the United States for hundreds of years. So current and future generations have the opportunity to visit the National Mall and experience our beautiful history, culture, and contributions that make us the greatest Nation in the world. Yes, that is right, Mr. Speaker. The beautiful National Mall will soon have a Latino museum on it so that people from all over the world can appreciate the amazing contributions that Latinos have been making to this great country and this continent for hundreds and hundreds of years. I urge my colleagues in the House to join me in recognizing these amazing contributions of Latinos of the United States, and to encourage everyone to recognize that we are a great country. We are an eclectic country, and we do have much to be proud of. We, as Americans from every part of this world, have made this country their home. To people who are Latinos, it is sad to hear just a few minutes ago that even Members of Congress will say derogatory things about the southern border and make people believe that you should be afraid of immigrants who come to this country, who seek a better life, people who come to this country and do the jobs that most Americans, including me, really don't want to do but need to be done. If you are a senior in the United States of America, it is very likely, as you get older and you need somebody to help you in your day- to-day life, it will probably be somebody with an accent. And yes, I smile when I say that; somebody who gives their love and commitment to that person who deserves the dignity of being cared for. Many, many times, it is an immigrant. Many, many times, they speak Spanish. ``Of course, they speak Spanish.'' ``Seguro que si, hablan espanol.'' Like my grandfather who came to this country, my mother who came to this country, and my father who came to this country did. My grandfather had no formal education; my mother and father only had a first and second grade education. Why did they come to the United States? Because they knew that this was a country of opportunity. And although they suffered many indignities of racism and derogatory comments toward them or what have you, they raised 11 American-born citizens in what some people would call a very tough neighborhood. I say a very beautiful, challenged neighborhood, but a beautiful neighborhood at that. And now I, as their youngest son, get to be a United States Congressman, to contribute to this country as a U.S. citizen and a Representative of the community that I was born and raised in; yet, at the same time, to advance what is good about our country and to be an example to every single one of us. We live in a great country, the United States of America, and Latinos have always made contributions.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, July 16 marked the turning point for America. For the first time in our history, anytime, anywhere in America, you can call 988 for immediate help during a mental health crisis. But to truly meet this moment and carry forward the full potential of 988, we need to do more. Right now, America's default for people who need immediate help when experiencing a mental health crisis is to call 911, and the default treatment facilities are jails and emergency rooms. Time and time again, we have seen repeating tragedies of police officers killing individuals during a mental health emergency. The fact is, we need to stop criminalizing mental illness and get people the crisis help that they need. To truly fulfill the promise of 988, we must make sure anyone who dials 988 will have someone to call, someone to come if they need help, and somewhere to go for compassionate continuous care.

Mr. CARDENAS

Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate a tremendous community leader, a friend of mine, and a friend of the community of Los Angeles and beyond, Irene Tovar, for being conferred an honorary doctorate from California State University at Northridge, otherwise known as CSUN, for her decades of public service as an advocate for education in the San Fernando Valley, throughout the State of California, and across the country. I think of a quote from Saint Francis of Assisi: ``Start by doing what is necessary; and then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.'' That is Irene Tovar. Irene's story begins like many of ours: in search of the American Dream. Her mother is from Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, and her father is from Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico. Her parents met in southern California, where later they married. They first settled in East Los Angeles, where Irene, her sister, and her brother were born, and then they moved to Pacoima and lived on Pinney Street. Irene was a dedicated student and attended Pacoima Elementary School, San Fernando High School, and San Fernando Valley State College, which is now known as Cal State University Northridge. While attending CSUN, Irene, who earned a bachelor's degree in social science from the university in 1969, noticed that the dropout rate for Latino students was disproportionately high, so she helped create an organization to address the issue. It grew into the Latin American Civic Association, known as LACA, which administered the first Head Start program in the San Fernando Valley. This organization helps thousands of working families access quality childcare and education. Alongside leaders such as Dr. Rudy Acuna, Irene began to advocate and organize for the creation of the Equal Opportunity Program and the Chicano Studies Department at California State University Northridge. The Chicano Studies Department was established in 1969 with only 100 students. Now, it is one of the largest Chicano studies departments in the country. Her advocacy caught the attention of then-Governor Jerry Brown, who, during his first tenure, appointed Irene to the State Personnel Board. She was the first Mexican American and first person of color to sit on the board. She was instrumental in implementing policies and procedures that removed artificial barriers in the California civil service system, including differential pay and affirmative action. She also served as a full-time member of the California Public Employment Relations Board, a quasi-judicial body she joined in 1974. Irene's passion for education and public service continues. She currently serves as the CEO of LACA, which now focuses on providing multifamily services and affordable housing. Irene has played a key role in the history of the San Fernando Valley as a founding member of the L.A. Mission College, board member of the United Way, board member of the L.A. Urban Coalition, board member of the CSUN Alumni Association, and many other organizations. She currently serves as a commissioner on the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, whose mission is to promote intergroup peace-building, equity, and human rights. Irene, your service is unparalleled, and this doctorate is a symbol of your sacrifice and hard work for the families of the San Fernando Valley, the great State of California, and our country. Congratulations, Irene, and I am proud to call you Dr. Irene Tovar. Honoring the Life of Rodrigo Garcia

Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a trailblazer who made a difference across this country. Rodrigo ``Rod'' Garcia, founder of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, otherwise known as SHPE, was a man of deep conviction and passion. Not only did he commit to his work as an engineer, but he opened a door for so many, including myself, to follow in his footsteps. As one of the only handful of Hispanic engineers during the 1973 tech boom, he could easily have gone on to a promising career in the sciences. But when he saw a wrong, he set out to right that wrong. In gathering a cohort of fellow Hispanic engineers, he was determined to diversify the STEM industry across our country, and that is when SHPE was born. While Rod Garcia was an incredible man, his legacy in SHPE is equally incredible. Now, the organization has grown into the largest Hispanic STEM association nationwide, with 13,000 members and 286 chapters across the country. An engineer to his core, Mr. Garcia attributed the success of SHPE as such: ``We were engineers. We drew up the plan. . . . To see it take off the way it has, it is really special.'' And special it is. SHPE's impact is only growing. In the 2021-2022 academic year, SHPE awarded scholarships to over 200 students across the country, distributing over $1.3 million. Rod has passed on, and he will be sorely missed, but his reputation and his memory will live on forever.