J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, 18 years after the most devastating terrorist attack on our country, it is imperative that DHS continue its efforts to prevent foreign terrorist organizations from carrying out attacks on our homeland. By passing H.R. 3526 today, Congress can ensure that DHS continues to address border or homeland security threats long before they are present at our borders. I would also note that last Congress, the House overwhelmingly passed similar legislation in a bipartisan manner. It was approved by a vote of 410-2. I would hope that my colleagues would again lend their support and join me in passing this legislation today. I want to thank Ms. Underwood for this most important and timely piece of legislation to protect our homeland from terrorists. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood).

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3526, the Counter Terrorist Network Act. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, is charged with the important mission of securing our Nation's borders and ports of entries against a range of threats, including foreign terrorist networks. In pursuit of this mission, it is vital that CBP and the Department of Homeland Security collaborate with international partners to effectively prevent foreign terrorists from carrying out attacks on U.S. soil. H.R. 3526 authorizes CBP's National Targeting Center, or NTC, to collaborate with international partners to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist networks. The NTC uses technology and analytical tools to identify threats and share this information with domestic and international partners. This bill seeks to solidify CBP's collaboration with international partners outside of our borders. The Counter Terrorist Network Act will authorize CBP to assign NTC personnel abroad to perform critical information-sharing operations in real time to ensure that individuals who are known or suspected of being associated with terrorist networks are prevented from entering the United States. Even as Congress addresses the rise of domestic terrorism, we must continue to be vigilant of the threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida and the Islamic State. H.R. 3526 underscores this by authorizing CBP to counter terrorist and criminal networks from exploiting legitimate avenues to enter the United States. Due to its border security mission, CBP is uniquely situated to combat these threats that originate from terrorist and criminal networks around the globe. This bill will allow Congress to work with CBP to ensure our borders are secure in a proven and effective manner. I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood) for introducing this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this commonsense legislation, the SAFE Banking Act. When I was a State senator in California, I was visited by Dr. Moynihan, who came to visit my office to ask that I do some legislation to help his daughter. In her short lifetime, she had been tormented by epileptic seizures. The only drug that worked for her without severe side effects was cannabis. It breaks my heart to know that these legit businesses can pay their taxes with cash, yet customers like Dr. Moynihan can't use a credit card. He also has to pay with cash to get legitimate products. It doesn't make sense. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please support commonsense legislation. Please vote ``aye'' on this legislation.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of U.S. Marine Corps World War II Veteran Ysabel Cisneros. Ysabel Cisneros was a lifelong resident of Orange County. He was born on October 6, 1925 in Anaheim, CA and raised in the segregated La Jolla barrio in the city of Placentia. Mr. Cisneros joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 in 1943 at the height of World War II. When given the choice of waiting two weeks, or joining immediately, he chose to enlist immediately and served his boot camp at Camp Pendleton. Ysabel Cisneros served in the Guam and Palau campaigns that freed the South Pacific from Fascist Japanese oppression. Mr. Cisneros and his company were then chosen to be a part of the invasion of Iwo Jima, a decisive battle in World War II. Ysabel Cisneros was among the many brave Americans to storm Mount Suribachi, in one of the deadliest battles in American History. During this time, Mr. Cisneros served with and befriended the legendary Ira Hayes, the Native American soldier who helped lift the American flag on Mount Suribachi. Mr. Cisneros was wounded in battle and spent the remainder of the war recuperating from his injuries. Mr. Cisneros was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps on June 26, 1946. Mr. Cisneros settled back in his hometown of Placentia and married his loving wife Amelia in 1947 and lived the remainder of his life. Ysabel Cisneros is survived by four of his children, 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Let us remember World War II Marine Veteran Ysabel Cisneros, a true American hero.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Orange County Historical Society's 100th year of historical preservation. The County of Orange in Southern California was officially formed on August 1, 1889. Thirty years later, on May 28, 1919, the Orange County Historical Society was founded to collect and preserve all materials relating to the history of Orange County. The founding directors were prominent civic leaders: Samuel Armor, one of the County's first supervisors; H. Clay Kellogg, a civil engineer; Charles C. Chapman, citrus pioneer and philanthropist; and Samuel M. Davis, lawyer and former O.C. District Attorney. The Society assisted with the interpretation of archaeological sites, planned rancho-style fiestas, organized parades and all manner of activities that involved or reflected local history. They even successfully petitioned the federal government to rename Sugarloaf Peak in the Santa Ana Mountains as Pleasants Peak, in honor of pioneer and Society member ``Judge'' J.E. Pleasants. The Society has encapsulated Orange County's history through many landmark books and distinguished publications, including the Orange County History Series, the Centennial Bibliography of Orange County (1989), and the Orange Countiana, a journal that features articles written by many of Orange County's finest historians. The Society has collaborated with local universities, such as California State University of Fullerton and Chapman University, to host historical conferences, workshops, tours of historic sites, and banquets honoring local pioneers. One especially popular event is the OC History Round-Up, a gathering where history comes alive through storytelling, music, and reenactments of some of Orange County's iconic historical figures. The Society has hosted hundreds of diverse speakers who have played significant roles in Orange County's history. Additionally, the group recognizes outstanding work by historians with its Terry E. Stephenson Award and, for student historians, the Friis Pioneer Press Award. The Orange County Historical Society will mark its Centennial with a celebratory gala on September 14, 2019. Please join me in congratulating the Society and its members for reaching this important milestone and for their tireless work bringing together families, residents, and historians to discover and explore Orange County's rich history.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Connie Jones, who is retiring after 35 years of serving her community as Executive Director of the Southwest Minority Economic Development Association, which operates Santa Ana's Southwest Community Center. Each day, Ms. Jones and the Southwest Community Center carry out their mission of ``helping people help themselves.'' The Southwest Community Center serves as a vital life line to single mothers, seniors, veterans, recovering addicts, the disabled, the homeless, those who suffer from mental illness, as well as neighborhood families and children. Under Ms. Jones' direction, her dedicated staff and volunteers serve 10,000 meals a month, distribute food baskets, clothing, provide health screenings, rental and utility assistance, transportation vouchers, job referrals, and much more. The Center has also created an environment that fosters friendship and a sense of belonging. Ms. Jones, a Santa Ana native, has worked tirelessly to continue the vision started by her grandmother, the late Annie Mae Tripp, who began serving meals in her garage to homeless men, while struggling to make ends meet as a domestic worker with seven children. From that starting point in 1970, her ministry for the poor and homeless expanded to a rented building that--with the help of other dedicated neighborhood women, area churches, community and business sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers--went from serving soup and bread to 12 homeless men to providing a life-saving services for thousands in need. Even a devastating fire in 2009 did not stop the success of the Southwest Community Center. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Center continued operations in rented facilities until a beautiful new building opened two years later. The new Center was built nearly for free by contractors who wanted to give back to their community. One of those contractors grew up in the neighborhood served by the Southwest Community Center. The Center's services and caring atmosphere helped him thrive and succeed, which is also true for hundreds of other men, women, and children from this Santa Ana neighborhood. Ms. Jones' receipt of the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the Community Action Partnership of Orange County is a true testament to her spirit and love for the Santa Ana community. It is my distinct honor to recognize my constituent and friend, Connie Jones, for her humanitarian accomplishments and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Toastmasters Founder's District for their 75th anniversary of service and support to our local community. Ralph C. Smedley founded the Toastmasters Founder's District 75 years ago with the vision of establishing a first-choice center for developing dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills. Since then, the Toastmasters has grown to over 140 clubs throughout Orange County, California, and has more than 2,500 members. The Toastmasters Founder's District assists other communities in building new clubs while supporting existing clubs in achieving and maintaining excellence. The Toastmasters Founder's District continues to grow and now includes an international community under Toastmasters International. The Founder's District and Toastmasters International aim to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Members of Toastmasters, both past and present, have used their skills and experiences from the organization and applied them to careers in politics, teaching, and more. Notably, one member placed in the top three at the World Championship Competition of Public Speaking, surpassing over 30,000 competitors. Furthermore, the member was invited to speak at a TEDx event as well as in various countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. They believe that although there are many types of speeches, if you can master one, you can master them all. Toastmasters provides the tools and valuable experience to practice and master skills such as speaking on a global platform. Through the experience, members are better equipped to achieve their goals. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Toastmasters Founder's District for its dedication to our local community and in honoring its 75 years of achievements and innovation in communication and leadership skills.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions of Mr. John Scribner and his well-deserved retirement. Through his leadership and devotedness, he has influenced and dedicated a life-time service to the people of California. In the 1970s, Mr. Scribner began his public service career to better the lives of Californians. Mr. Scribner has dedicated his life's career to leading and assisting Elected Officials. In 1980, as a young professional he assisted in various assembly campaigns throughout the State of California. By 1992, Mr. Scribner successfully ran for office in the Sacramento County Board of Education. A few years later, in 1997 Mr. John Scribner worked under Freshman Assemblymember Scott Wildman, catering to the needs of our fellow Californians. In 1999, I had the honor to work alongside Mr. Scribner as he became Capitol Director to my Sacramento office. His passion and enthusiasm reflected in his work for the constituents of my district. In 2006, Mr. Scribner became Political Director in my Capitol office, where he continued to fight for the welfare of Californians. He focused on various issues including infrastructure and addressing school bullying. Mr. Scribner continues to believe that when ordinary people come together to work towards a common goal, they can make the world a better place. He demonstrates tremendous leadership and serves as a great example and inspiration for many. He empowers others to give back to their communities and inspires others to choose the path of public service. Today we celebrate Mr. Scribner's well-deserved retirement and wish him many more years of success. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. John Scribner's civil service career to the State of California.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Santa Ana Valley High School in Santa Ana, California for their 60 years of dedicated service to high school students in our local community. Founded in 1959, amid Orange County's population boom, Santa Ana Valley High School was the second high school opened in the City of Santa Ana. In its first year of operation, it served only grades 10 and 11. Now, Santa Ana Valley High School prepares students in grades 9-12 with the skills necessary to meet the career and academic challenges of our 21st century global society. Graduates of Santa Ana Valley High School over the past several decades have gone on to successful careers in a variety of careers, including professional sports, music, entrepreneurship, medicine, and more. Today, Santa Ana Valley High School educates over 2,200 students and boasts a 90 percent 4-year graduation rate, which is above the California state average. Students from this year's graduating class will be attending elite institutions such as Stanford University, Georgetown University, UC Berkeley, among many others, which is a testament to Santa Ana Valley High School's growth and advancement over the past 60 years. Santa Ana Valley High School always seeks to innovate student service and preparation for college and the workforce. One notable example of this is High School Inc., a non-profit organization housed at Santa Ana Valley High School that has helped their students secure hundreds of internships, earn over 400 certifications, and attend dozens of industry relevant competitions. This unique college and career readiness that started at Santa Ana Valley High School has now become an emerging mode for schools nationwide. Santa Ana Valley High School has also developed successful extracurricular programs to support a variety of student interests in becoming more well-rounded individuals. Additionally, Santa Ana Valley High School has numerous incredibly successful athletics programs, winning several CIF championships of various sports over the years. Santa Ana Valley High School has made countless achievements over the past 60 years, and they are on track for even more success in the future. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and recognizing the accomplishments and service of Santa Ana Valley High School.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th birthday of Frank Garcia, my constituent, friend, and the founder and owner of La Casa Garcia. Mr. Garcia and his wife, Sylvia Garcia, opened La Casa Garcia in 1973 and have since expanded to three locations in Orange County. La Casa Garcia and its authentic, delectable Mexican food has become a staple in our community over the past four decades. Beyond being a successful restaurateur, Mr. Garcia has also become a well-known philanthropist in Orange County as the founder of the We Give Thanks Foundation. Mr. Garcia's passion for giving back earned him the Points of Light Foundation Medal from former President Bill Clinton. In addition, his restaurant, La Casa Garcia, received the designation of ``Small Business of the Year'' from California State Senator Tom Umberg. Mr. Garcia began his career in the restaurant industry at the young age of 13 as a dishwasher in a restaurant in Texas. He also worked in the fields picking cotton and onion with his father, Luis Majin Garcia. During his time as a dishwasher, Mr. Garcia worked hard to master cooking skills and was soon promoted to chef himself. It was through these formative experiences that Mr. Garcia learned the value of hard work, the power of food as a way of bonding, and the importance of connecting with the community. Mr. Garcia credits God for his success and expresses his gratitude through every meal that he serves. Growing up, his mother, Elvira Garza Garcia, one of the founders of LULAC, instilled in him a strong sense of philanthropy. After the success of La Casa Garcia, Mr. Garcia followed his mother's philosophy of charity and founded We Give Thanks Inc., a nonprofit that has been hosting a Thanksgiving feast every year for the past 32 years. The annual We Give Thanks feast began as a small-scale event attended by a few thousand people in the parking lot of one of the La Casa Garcia restaurants. Since then, it has expanded to the lot of the Honda Center, where 1,500 volunteers serve around 17,000 people each year. It has become the largest Thanksgiving feast hosted in Orange County. Mr. Garcia's dedication to serving others also extends beyond Orange County; when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas in 2017, Mr. Garcia participated in efforts to raise money for victims and personally flew out to Houston to provide hot meals for those in need and displaced by the hurricane. In his 75 years of life, Mr. Garcia has become a beacon of light for the Orange County community. He is a constant and consistent supporter of numerous community events and has become known for his community service and volunteer work. His dedication for providing quality food and his passion for helping others brings warmth and comfort to the lives of Orange County locals every day. Mr. Garcia's story is a moving example of the power of hard work, dedication, and charity. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Garcia many more years of health, success, and prosperity and in thanking him for his invaluable contributions and presence in our community. Happy Birthday.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 117th anniversary of the Santa Ana Elks Lodge No. 794 and the grand opening of their third Lodge. The Santa Ana Elks Lodge was formed in 1902 by William L. Tubbs and several businessmen from the city. Mr. Tubbs was previously a member of the Lodge in Council Bluffs, Iowa before to moving to Santa Ana. On June 2, 1902, the Santa Ana chapter was granted dispensation by the Grand Lodge to form the Lodge. When he was installed as the first Exalted Ruler on July 14, 1902, Mr. Tubbs became the ``Father'' of the Santa Ana Elks Lodge. The Lodge was issued its Charter on August 14, 1902. The Lodge was first located in McFadden Hall until October 20, 1902, when they moved to the Odd Fellows Hall. The Lodge relocated to the Hervey Building at Fourth and Spurgeon Street on May 18, 1903. This is also where the first Flag Day observance was held on June 14, 1907. In September 1907, in need of room to expand, the Lodge bought a fifty- foot lot. On March 14, 1911 they moved to this location at Sycamore and Sixth Street. The Lodge remained there until April 2, 1961, when they opened a brand-new Lodge at 212 Elk Lane. The Lodge celebrated their 100th anniversary at this location in 2002. Finally, in April of 2018, the Elks Lodge temporarily moved to downtown Santa Ana until the completion of their current location at 1751 S. Lyon Street. Exalted Ruler Dan Breece, his wife and First Lady, Sharon Breece, and his Officers held their first Elks event on June 15, 2019. The Inaugural Ball was attended by 730 members and guests including the incoming Grand Exalted Ruler. The Santa Ana Elks Lodge is known as the ``Mother Lodge'' for all of Orange County and has a rich and unique history. Santa Ana Elks No. 794 are active members of the community. They host a school supply drive for Santa Ana and Tustin schools and fund raising for special needs students with their ``Purple Pig'' program. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Santa Ana Elks Lodge No. 794 for their contributions to our community and I congratulation them on the opening of their new Lodge.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe H. Barragan, an esteemed Californian and an outstanding gentleman to everyone who knew him. Mr. Barragan passed away on November 19, 2018 but will continue to be remembered for his love of family, commitment to serving his community, and passion for working to make the world a better place. Mr. Barragan was born on December 31, 1931 and attended Saint Ferdinand School and San Fernando High School. A man of extraordinary character and patriotism, he nobly served our nation as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Though his sacrifices for our country alone are enough to warrant the highest respect and praise, we could not properly celebrate a man such as him without mentioning the generous life he led in his community. In the years after he returned from war, Mr. Barragan spent his time enriching the lives of others without ever expecting anything in return. He will be remembered for his endless kindness and love of all people. Mr. Barragan is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia Barragan; his two daughters, Susan Arriaga and Belinda Barragan; his son-in-law, Danny Arriaga; his two grandchildren, Daniel Arriaga Jr. and Jessica Arriaga; and his dog, Demi. As his family and community continue to hold the legacy and memory of Mr. Joe H. Barragan in their hearts, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding man and the virtues he held so dear to him. May his memory serve as an example for all seeking to lead a happy and joyful life and may his spirit rest in peace and glory.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. George Georgieff, an American veteran and well-known orthodontist from Orange County, California. Born on November 15, 1931, Dr. Georgieff grew up in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. After graduating, Dr. Georgieff nobly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant in the Weapons Specialist Division from 1954 to 1956. After returning to civilian life, Dr. Georgieff expanded his career by attending the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1961. Dr. Georgieff then earned a Certificate of Orthodontics in 1963 from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Georgieff operated a private orthodontic practice from 1963 until 2012. In that time, Dr. Georgieff served more than 25,000 clients. Of that impressive client base, over 1,500 were surgical cases. Additionally, Dr. Georgieff was on staff at St. Joseph, a prestigious hospital in the City of Orange, from 1965 to 1984 as an oral surgery consultant and assistant in oral surgery procedures. A lifelong academic, Dr. Georgieff lectured on orthodontics across the United States, as well as in London, England; Sophia, Bulgaria; and Belgrade, Serbia on behalf of the American Association of Orthodontics. In addition to his hands-on work in his practice, Dr. Georgieff also worked with various organizations to enhance the professional community of orthodontics in Orange County. Dr. Georgieff was a longtime member of the Orange County Dental Society, where he served as Program Director from 1970 to 1972 and the Press Relations Chairman in 1973. Given his outstanding professional career, it is no surprise that Dr. Georgieff received numerous prestigious accolades. Dr. Georgieff became certified through the American Board of Orthodontics in 1977, becoming the second orthodontist in Orange County to earn this achievement. In 1981, Dr. Georgieff received the Man of the Year Award from the City of Hope Foundation for outstanding service to the community. In 1984, Dr. Georgieff was named the Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Most significantly, Dr. Georgieff was named the top provider of orthodontic treatment for children receiving ``Denti-Cal'' in the State of California. Dr. Georgieff lived a rich and vibrant life filled with countless professional achievements and personal fulfillment. Dr. Georgieff is survived by his wife, Joyce, as well as his three children, Stephanie, Evan, and Adam, and two grandchildren, Olivia and Wesley. Dr. Georgieff will continue to be an inspiration, personally and professionally, to many. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Dr. George Georgieff.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Viet Bao Daily News for the 20th anniversary of the Writing on America program. Viet Bao Daily News introduced Writing on America twenty years ago, on April 30, 2000, which marked the 25th anniversary of the beginning of a new Vietnamese population in the United States of America. In the face of adversity, the Vietnamese community in the U.S. has demonstrated commendable resilience and strength, building a home for themselves and laying a strong foundation for generations of Vietnamese Americans to come. Viet Bao, one of the most well-respected and widely read sources of Vietnamese daily news, has become an integral part of this legacy. Outside of being a reliable news source for the Vietnamese community, Viet Bao's Writing on America program has fostered the stories of Vietnamese and Vietnamese American individuals traversing the negative impacts of the Vietnam War and the Vietnamese diaspora. The program hosts an annual writing contest for the Vietnamese community to submit essays on their unique overseas experiences. The top winners of the contest are given a monetary award, but all approved submissions are published daily in Viet Bao and aggregated into a book available for purchase online. These stories attract more than 80,000 readers per year. The Writing on America program became a tool of healing for the individuals sharing their stories and for the individuals who could relate to their experiences. It is also an archive of Vietnamese history in America, one that is filled with the grief of leaving one's home country, an unrelenting belief in the American dream, and the hope for a future of happiness and prosperity. Over time, it has become a forum for celebrating the achievements and joys of the Vietnamese community. Viet Bao is an exceptional example of the balance between the preservation of the Vietnamese language and culture with the need to establish a strong presence in America. For the past twenty years, Viet Bao has been building a collection of the most heartfelt and humanizing stories of Vietnamese survival, family, and revitalization, and uplifting these stories to a broader audience. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Viet Bao on cementing their place as a bridge between Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans, old and young, and I wish them success for many more years to come. Thank you for your commitment to enriching the lives and experiences of the Vietnamese community in the U.S.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the U.S. Coast Guard on its upcoming 229th birthday on August 4, 2019. In honor of this significant occasion, I would like to particularly recognize the contributions of Coast Guard men and women from diverse and underrepresented communities. They have fought for our country in times of war and rescued thousands in time of peace. ``Semper Paratus'' is the U.S. Coast Guard motto, and regardless of the day, time, or crisis, they have always been ready. Such U.S. Coast Guard members include James Leftwich, a member of the Chickasaw nation. In 1943, Mr. Leftwich enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was 14 years of age and the youngest enlistee. Two years later, he was wounded at the Battle of Eniwetok. Mr. Letwich recovered and continued to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard until 1964. Master Chief Melvin Kealoha Bell, a native Hawaiian, joined the Coast Guard in 1938. Stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Mr. Bell transmitted the first radio message warning vessels and military institutions of the attack on Pearl Harbor. He then served as a member of the Navy's Fleet Radio Unit Pacific and helped break the secret Japanese Imperial Navy code that led to U.S. Navy victories in the Pacific. Myrtle Rae Holthaus Hazard Gambrill was the first woman to serve on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. She joined on January 7, 1918, before women could vote. Ms. Gambrill served as an electrician at Coast Guard headquarters and was honorably discharged in November 1919. Olivia Hooker, Dorothy Winifred Byrd, Julia Watson Mosley Shields, Aileen Anita Cooke Moore, and Yvonne Cumberbatch were the first five African-American women to serve as Coast Guard service members during World War II, as part of the ``Semper Paratus, Always Ready'' (SPARs) program. Dr. Hooker was the first one in this group to enlist in the U.S. Guard in February 1945, and she was one of the last known survivors of the Tulsa race riots of 1921 . Their sister SPARs included other trailblazers: Cuban-American Mary Rivero and Filipina-American Florence Finch Smith. Ms. Smith joined the SPARs after surviving torture and incarceration at the hands of the Japanese during the occupation of the Philippines. Admiral Vivian Crea, former Vice Commandant, is the highest-ranking woman in Coast Guard history. Admiral Crea joined the service in 1973, and in 2000, she became the first female Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard. Admiral Crea was selected as Vice Commandant in 2006. Master Chief Vince Patton became the highest ranking African-American Coast Guard enlisted member when he was selected in 1998 to be the Eighth Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. He was the senior enlisted advisor on workforce and personnel issues. Henry Garcia, born in Puerto Rico, became the first underrepresented minority to receive an officer's commission in 1928. Ten years later in 1938, he took command of the Coast Guard Cutter Morris and became the first Hispanic-American to command a Coast Guard cutter. In 1991, Katherine Faverey took command of Coast Guard Cutter Bainbridge Island, becoming the first Hispanic-American woman to command a cutter. Happy birthday, U.S. Coast Guard. You consist of a diverse group of men and women, and your diversity has been essential to your success.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, remembering to act with kindness in the United States and affirming our commitment to fostering community and building resiliency through every day acts of kindness can do wonders. Kindness can change a family, a neighborhood, a school, a city, a nation, and ultimately, our world. We must recognize the long history of Americans demonstrating kindness daily in their homes, schools, places of faith, businesses, community organizations, and throughout their neighborhoods. The resolution also recognizes that kindness and compassion can heal the country from within and promote a healthier society. Creating a culture of kindness can foster strong bonds that will bring individuals together despite their differences in order to tackle the challenges that face us. We must ensure that we remain a nation who acts with kindness towards one another.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 504, the Let Everyone Get Involved Opportunities for National Service Act, or the LEGION Act. This bipartisan bill will expand the eligibility for American Legion membership to include honorably discharged veterans who have served in unrecognized conflicts. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919. Since then, The American Legion has grown to become the Nation's largest veteran service organization, with more than 2 million members. In Orange County alone, The American Legion is home to nearly 8,000 members. For millions of veterans The Legion has offered a community of support. Sadly, not all veterans are eligible to join The American Legion. Currently, only veterans who serve during periods of declared hostilities are eligible. Over the past decades, military personnel have served during at least 12 unofficial combat operations. They also deserve to be members of The Legion, and this bill will allow veterans who have honorably served in our Armed Forces during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Libyan conflict, and other recognized conflicts to join The Legion. I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 504) to amend title 36, United States Code, to authorize The American Legion to determine the requirements for membership in The American Legion, and for other purposes.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their support of this process, and, once again, I ask for their support of this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor lifelong Santa Ana resident and the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion of the World, Ronny Rios. Ronny was born in Compton, California and his family moved to Santa Ana when he was just a toddler. Ronny grew up in Santa Ana and attended Monroe Elementary School, McFadden Intermediate School and graduated from Saddleback High School, where he was a proud Roadrunner. Ronny was introduced to boxing at the age of 13, when he joined the local boxing club, TKO Boxing. Ronny immediately demonstrated talent in the sport and became one of the top prospects at TKO Boxing. Ronny began to make a name for himself as an amateur boxer. He was a finalist in the Olympic Trials, narrowly missing a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. He was a two-time U.S. Amateur National Champion and national Golden Gloves Champion. Ronny was one of the most decorated amateurs to hit the boxing scene in many years. In 2009, Ronny made the step to become a professional boxer and signed with Golden Boy Promotions, the boxing promotion company run by legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya. As a professional boxer, Ronny racked up an impressive list of wins, going 23-0 in his first 5 years as a professional with 12 knockouts. He scored NABF and WBA Silver Championships and sought a world champion title. After a couple of losses, Ronny went into semi-retirement in early 2018, choosing to enter a career in real estate. A year later, Ronny returned to the sport to take one last shot at a title. The comeback began with a win over Daniel Olea on April 26. Ronny's next fight was for a title was against the undefeated Diego De La Hoya, cousin of Oscar De La Hoya, and a rising star in the sport of boxing. Ronny was considered the underdog. The two faced off at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson on July 13, 2019 for the titles of NABF Super Bantamweight and the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion. In an ending that could be written for a movie, Ronny completed his comeback and achieved his dream of a world title with a 6-round knockout of De La Hoya, who suffered his first loss. With this win, Ronny was crowned the NABF Super Bantamweight Title and the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion. Ronny Rios has truly made Santa Ana and America proud. Please join me in recognizing world boxing champion and my constituent, Ronny Rios.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Diocese of Orange Christ Cathedral on the completion of its renovations. The Christ Cathedral, formerly known as the ``Crystal Cathedral,'' has been a recognizable architectural marvel landmark in Garden Grove since 1955. The 34-acre land has been a beacon to the community and continues to be a space for community members to practice their faith. In 1955, protestant mega-church leader Dr. Robert Schuller began preaching at the Orange Drive-in Theater. By 1975, his congregation outgrew the first church and Dr. Schuller began searching for architects to build a creative and beautiful space for worship. He worked with Philip Johnson and John Burgee to create a plan for an all glass church. In 2012, the campus and its buildings were sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and have since become the new spiritual center of the division. Starting in 2015, the campus began major renovations including extensive restorations to the grounds and buildings. These renovations included the restoration of 11,000 glass panes, the construction of scaffolding inside the cathedral, and the design of sacred art. Construction workers involved in the project logged over 100,000 hours of work without a single accident. The renovations are now complete, and today the refurbished cathedral is ready to serve as a spiritual home to Orange County's more than 1.3 million Catholics, and the local community at-large through services and programs available to everyone including weddings, conferences, concerts, and family-friendly events. It is my distinct honor to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the new building design of the Christ Cathedral.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am proud to support Chairman Engel's H.R. 2615, the U.S.-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the Northern Triangle and to meet with elected officials, law enforcement officials, and humanitarian organizations to discuss the difficult and dangerous conditions that force families and children to flee their homes in search of a better life. I discovered what we all knew: The root causes of the refugee crisis are, of course, violence and lack of economic opportunity. During my trip, I was encouraged by the positive impact and effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance and the changes it has made in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. For example, U.S. programs have supported micro, small, and medium enterprises in El Salvador. During my trip, I also learned of China's interest to build a deepwater port and to buy coastline in the area. Clearly, it is in America's best strategic long-term interest to make sure that the area is economically stable and that the region is economically and politically stable. We must continue to invest in regional security and economic development to ensure that our neighbors are safe, strong, stable, and secure. And by ensuring our region is secure, we can build strong and lasting peace and prosperity and build markets for American products and services. I urge my colleagues to pass this vital legislation.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, as the United States faces a humanitarian crisis at its southern border, we must reaffirm and restore our commitment to provide aid to our southern neighbors in the Northern Triangle. We must recognize the impact of U.S. support in reducing corruption, crime, and drug trafficking in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The resolution also recognizes that U.S. aid has spurred economic development and job growth in the Northern Triangle. Cutting funding for various preventative programs is not the answer. Cutting foreign aid will undo the progress that has been made within the region and will make the root causes of migration greater, which in tum will force even more individuals to flee their home country. We must ensure that the United States remains committed to helping individuals in need.