J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment No. 73 which is included in this en bloc package. My amendment would seek to allocate $10 million for additional K-9 teams for Customs and Border Protection. Many legal drugs that come into our country enter through our Nation's port of entries. Last year, CBP seized 3.3 million pounds of narcotics. Trained canine teams were keys to these successes. Yet when it comes to canine teams, U.S. border authorities are severely understaffed. I thank my colleagues for including my amendment in this package.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of First Sergeant Margaret Barker, an honored veteran who passed away just last week. Sergeant Barker was a highly-respected service woman and a loved community member, and she would have been 100 years old this August. Raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Sergeant Barker was the third eldest in a family of nine children. When World War II broke out, Sergeant Barker felt called to serve this nation she loved and enlisted in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942. She was sent out to Angel Island just off the coast of San Francisco and moved on to Fort McDowell, where she served until the War ended as a First Sergeant in charge of one of the first all-female, all-black companies in the Army. In 2015, Mrs. Barker traveled to Washington, D.C. with 19 other World War II veterans to view the national war memorial and be honored, and she was the only woman in the group. Sergeant Barker was a trailblazer and a maverick, serving with grace and distinction in a time when forces were still segregated and gendered. Her devotion to duty and her Company earned her the nickname ``Top'' in the Military, a name usually given to Sergeants for their commitment to especially caring leadership. This is just one instance of her selflessness, and how highly she valued those around her. Sergeant Barker was known for her warmth and resilience, which is reflected in the close relationships she shared with her family. After serving in the Military, Mrs. Barker returned to her home in Boston, where she then married longtime friend, Vernon Barker, who was a fellow service member. Together, they decided to move to California, where they started their family and made their home in our community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and remembering Sergeant Margaret Barker, whose strength and steadfastness identifies her as a role model to us all. Her generous and always kind spirit will live on in the hearts and lives of everyone she touched, and I extend my deepest condolences to her children, Gail and Beverly, and the rest of her family. May God bless her soul and her family.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank all of our veterans for their service and sacrifice for our great country. I come from California, the home of the greatest number of veterans in this great country. On their behalf, I would like to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their tremendous job and leadership in addressing the needs of all of our veterans. I am pleased that we reached the bipartisan agreement, and I hope the rest of this place learns from the work the Veterans Affairs' Committee has done. I hope that tomorrow, when we wake up and open up those newspapers, this is a front-page story, because it deserves to be. Democrats and Republicans, everybody coming together to work for our veterans, that is the way it should be done. Three years ago, Congress created the Choice Program. This was an alternative to make sure that our veterans didn't have to wait to get the health services they needed. This bill will provide additional funding and short-term sustainability for this program called the Choice Program. This bill will also allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to open up more clinics and to hire additional doctors to make sure that our veterans get the service they deserve. Again, I am glad that we are here today and that we could work to make sure that our veterans get the services they earned. I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of amendment No. 8 offered by Mr. Langevin to provide funding for the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program. Our country is facing a severe shortage of trained cyber professionals, a shortage that includes about 10,000 cybersecurity experts in government alone, and estimated to be about 1 million shortages throughout our economy by 2019. We need to give young people the incentive to follow careers in cybersecurity to learn skills such as computer coding and ethical hacking. This amendment provides $10 million for scholarships for associate degrees at community colleges and assists with program execution from DOD and NSA. I cosponsored this amendment, and I want to thank Congressman Langevin for offering this important piece of legislation. I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, on Friday we are voting on a crucial funding program for armed services. Yet somehow it also includes $1.6 billion to begin funding the construction of an unnecessary border wall. Without discussion, the funding for the border wall was added. This wall won't make us safer, and it won't stop drug smugglers, and it will not keep out the bad hombres. If we are serious about protecting our borders, then let's invest the $1.6 billion in programs that have a proven record of success. Let's invest in drug detection canine teams. Let's rebuild our Coast Guard. And let's strengthen our partnership with Canadian and Mexican law enforcement. These are the proven methods that will keep America safe.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a special person that gave greatly to our community, Joseph Granados Elias, who passed away July 6, 2017 at the age of 81. Mr. Granados Elias was a respected business owner, a loved community member, and a selfless husband and father. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Granados Elias moved to California where he was the longtime owner of Fiesta Juice in downtown Santa Ana. A fierce advocate for Latino businesses, Mr. Granados Elias was known in our community as a fearless warrior and loving friend. Mr. Granados Elias truly had a heart for others, and he spent his life serving those in greater need than him. One of the first Latino members of Kiwanis, Mr. Granados Elias was heavily involved with the organization, always thinking of how best to offer his time. When a community park needed more money to build a playground accessible for children with special needs, Mr. Granados Elias was instrumental in working with Kiwanis to raise sufficient funds. This is just one example of how greatly Mr. Granados Elias cared for his community and how strong the relationships he built were. Mr. Granados Elias was known for his warmth, generosity, and incredible joy, which is reflected in the close relationships he shared with his family. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring and remembering Mr. Joseph Granados Elias, whose innovative entrepreneurship and loving spirit will live on in the hearts and lives of all those he knew and loved. He is an example to us all of what it means to be a public servant, and I extend my deepest condolences to his children, Suzanne, Sharon, Elizabeth, David, Paul and Albert; his ten grandchildren, and his seven great grandchildren. May God bless this family.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing a House Resolution supporting the development of programs that prepare students for careers in cybersecurity. As a Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have come to understand that we need to invest in our nation's students to make sure our country is prepared to combat the cyber challenges of the 21st century. It is critical that the United States develop cybersecurity programs that allow students to keep up with the demands of rapidly evolving technology and to address the risks associated with cyber threats. The United States faces a critical shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals, a shortage that includes an estimated 10,000 cybersecurity employment openings in the Federal Government alone. This number is likely to grow to as many as one million unfilled positions throughout the United States by 2019. Educating and training our students is vital to bolster the cyber capabilities of our government, military, and private sector. By encouraging students to develop cyber skills, we can begin to work towards building robust cybersecurity education. It is well known that early exposure to skills such as computer programming and ethical hacking increases accessibility to higher education and can encourage students to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Over the years, the United States has become a target of a growing number of malicious cyber attacks, including large-scale breaches that compromise the personal identities and personal information of millions of Americans. These cyber threats pose a significant risk to the protection of our critical infrastructure, privacy, and national security. It is essential that our country continues to support the development of cybersecurity education programs to ensure the United States is protected from cyber attacks. Our students are the key to the future, and we must do everything we can to make sure they are equipped with the skills necessary to combat the cyber challenges of the 21st century.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing a House Resolution recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of Vietnamese Americans. I represent part of one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the United States, and I am proud to recognize the valuable contributions of 1.7 million Vietnamese Americans currently living in the United States. The United States is home to the largest number of individuals of Vietnamese descent outside of Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnamese Americans make up the fourth largest Asian American population. Currently, more than 70,000 reside in California's 46th Congressional District. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, approximately 800,000 Vietnamese refugees fleeing persecution resettled in the United States. Today, Vietnamese Americans contribute to American society through their work in business, education, science and technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, gastronomy, the armed forces, and public service at every level of government. Vietnamese Americans add to the rich cultural and religious diversity of our Nation. As a member of the Congressional Vietnam Caucus, it is critical that we continue to represent and celebrate our Vietnamese families, friends, and neighbors, and recognize their significant contributions to American society.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment in en bloc package 3, amendment 53, that would require the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to provide Congress a report of any cyber attack attempts by the Russian Government and other Russian actors targeting the Department of Defense within the past 2 years. These Defense Department systems are the foundation of our Nation's defense and security, and it is crucial that they are protected. Despite this understanding, our Nation is still not fully aware of the magnitude of the problems, and Congress is not appropriately advised of these past breaches. My amendment would require a report from the Secretary of the Defense to Congress so that we can begin to properly address the strength of our Nation's security. I thank Congresswoman Shea-Porter for supporting my amendment, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment No. 88 of 228, H.R. 2810. This amendment would call upon the Department of Defense to update its cyber strategy, requiring the President to draft guidance for offensive cyber capabilities, and to authorize international cooperation, including building of our NATO partner allies' cybersecurity. World war III is raging in cyberspace now. It has become one of the most crucial homeland and global security issues. Our Presidential election came under cyber attack, possibly compromising the American electoral system. But the U.S. is not alone. There were press reports of massive cyber attacks of French President Emmanuel Macron's campaign as well. My amendment will increase our offensive cyber capabilities to prevent our adversaries from engaging in cyber espionage like we witnessed during the past election cycle and recent global cyber attacks. Protecting our network is vital to the security of our Nation and allies, and my amendment works to that end. I thank Congresswoman Rosen for supporting my amendment as well, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a special person in my district, Teresa Reynoso de Gonzalez. Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez and her family have contributed enormously to our community through their efforts in founding and expanding the Northgate Gonzalez markets in California. This month, Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez celebrates her 90th birthday. Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez was born in Jalostotitlan, Jalisco Mexico on July 2, 1927 and emigrated to the United States in 1976, where she has served as a loving figure and role model to our community as the co- owner of Northgate Market. Her leadership of Northgate Market has allowed her family to serve the larger Latino population of Southern California, providing affordable and quality foods and services at over thirty locations and offering a taste of home for the many families that visit Northgate Market with Latino products, culture, and language. Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez and her family's philanthropic efforts extend even further through the Gonzalez Reynoso Family Foundation, which supports neighborhood schools, sports teams, and other events. They have also been instrumental in uplifting the hard-working immigrant community and fostering invaluable memories, such as organizing Christmas gifts for children and hosting reunion meals for local families. I want to thank Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez for the love she has offered so freely. Today, I join my district in recognizing the impact Mrs. Reynoso de Gonzalez has made on the lives she has touched, and wish her a very happy and blessed 90th birthday.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak about H.R. 3004, but let me first talk about two of my constituents, Officer Jose Vargas, one of the most decorated police officers in the State of California, and the other, Jose Angel Garibay, a young marine that made the ultimate sacrifice for America. In 1977, Jose Vargas was named as 1 of the 10 most outstanding police officers in America by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. But it wasn't always that way. At age 16, Jose Vargas headed north to the border for a better life. Officer Vargas crossed the border 15 times over 4 years. Officer Vargas was probably the only police officer who we know that spent time in a Federal holding cell. America today is better because of Jose Vargas. Jose Vargas added to the greatness of this country and to the security of this country. Jose Angel Garibay, a young marine, was the first soldier from Orange County, California, to make the ultimate sacrifice in the Middle East. He also came to this country undocumented and became a U.S. citizen posthumously. Mr. Speaker, yes, we must keep out the bad hombres. We don't welcome those who would do us harm, but America must continue to welcome those who come to America to work hard and to contribute. This bill fails to make this critical and important distinction. At the end of the day, we are all immigrants and we are all part of this great country, and I urge my colleagues today: do not brand millions of immigrants as criminals when their only crime is searching for the American Dream. I urge Members to vote ``no'' on H.R. 3004.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month this June and to honor the over five million Americans that are currently living with this disease right now. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that disables the memory of individuals and causes cognitive decline. Of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States, Alzheimer's is the only disease that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. On top of that, more than 15 million Americans are currently providing unpaid care for loved ones that suffer from Alzheimer's. As a nation, we have a duty to serve all members of our community. We cannot allow this disease to progress unchecked, which is why I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in honoring Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month and ensuring that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has the necessary funding to continue Alzheimer's research. When it comes to the health of Americans, we cannot afford to take shortcuts. Though Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month has come to an end, our efforts must continue. Mr. Speaker, it is with situations like this that our nation must come together. I am honored to help raise awareness for this worthy cause and invite my colleagues in Congress to join me on this fight.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank my colleague from Virginia for bringing forth this most important accountability measure. This bill enhances the Department's accountability and provides greater acquisition oversight to intercede before programs fail to meet important cost and schedule milestones. Given DHS's limited budgetary resources and the importance of its mission, it is critical that DHS improves its management of major acquisition programs. Although the Department has made some progress in its major acquisition programs, DHS cannot afford to neglect the day- to-day management of the agency and how it procures essential goods and services. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1282, the DHS Acquisition Review Board Act of 2017, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the Department of Homeland Security has strengthened the management of its major acquisition programs, which historically has been weak. H.R. 1282 authorizes the key mechanisms from the previous administration to ensure acquisitions valued at more than $300 million, which account for over $7 billion of DHS' annual budget, receive ongoing scrutiny--let me repeat, receive ongoing scrutiny. Since 2008, the Acquisition Review Board has brought leaders together from across the Department to validate foundational acquisition documents such as cost and schedule estimates and performance requirements. The Department has had to learn the hard way about the importance of adhering to its acquisition best practices, including the establishment of realistic requirements in cost estimates that take into account the life cycle of costs. An example is the SBInet program, started in 2006, that was supposed to bring together integration of systems of infrastructure and technology to secure the border. This program was terminated in 2011 only after $1 billion had been spent. Let me repeat that. This program was terminated in 2011, but only after $1 billion had been spent. The acquisition went wrong because CBP bypassed required processes and awarded a multimillion-dollar contract without having laid the foundation to oversee contractor performance, cost controls, and scheduling. Just last week, the Department was forced to cancel its $1.5 billion Agile Services contract, or the FLASH contract, due to significant errors and missteps in the procurement process. Many of us are concerned that, in the Department's haste to deliver the President's campaign promise to build a wall, critical steps in the acquisition process will be short-circuited, leaving Americans with a bill for a bad investment. At this time, a centralized oversight body for DHS major acquisitions is more important than ever. This bill provides for the board to convene when a major acquisition program requires authorization to proceed from one decision event to another, or is in breach of its approved requirements, or requires additional review. Efficiency and effectiveness in the acquisition process is imperative for the DHS mission of procuring goods, services, and supplies in support of its national security efforts. The Committee on Homeland Security unanimously approved this measure earlier this Congress, and similar language was approved by the House in October 2015. By establishing this board into law and laying out its responsibilities, Congress can ensure that this vital oversight will continue and that DHS will continue to show progress in its management of acquisitions. I urge passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2131, the DHS FIRM Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2131, or the DHS FIRM Act, seeks to ensure greater consistency and transparency in how discipline is administered across the Department of Homeland Security. Discipline administered in a fair and equitable manner has a huge implication on job satisfaction. Since 2003, DHS, a diverse, multimission Federal Department, has struggled with low morale. At the end of the prior administration, there was evidence that the DHS workforce was starting to feel a more fair and cooperative and supportive DHS. In 2016, the Office of Personnel Management reported a 3 percent increase in the annual Employee Viewpoint Survey, which indicated that DHS supported fairness and protection of employees from arbitrary action. While the OPM survey results are positive indicators, more must be done by the current DHS leadership. This bill seeks to give the Department's Chief Human Capital Officer a more prominent role in ensuring that discipline is handled in an equitable and fair manner. Specifically, this bill charges the Chief Human Capital Officer with oversight of how employee misconduct is managed across all components. To ensure fairness and transparency, the bill requires each component to accomplish a matrix of offenses and penalties that is tailored to the needs of that organization, and upon approval by the Department's Chief Human Capital Officer, such information to be shared with the workforce. While it is essential that senior-level human capital personnel at DHS have a structure to address discipline, it is equally important that such discipline be administered in a fair and equitable manner. This is what this bill actually does. Mr. Speaker, the implementation of a Departmentwide discipline and adverse action policy should improve employer and employee relations and communication. Enacting this legislation will send a message of support for the Department's workforce who, every day, do things big and small to guard our country against terrorists and other bad actors. These Department personnel are entrusted with the security of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 2131, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Tony Napoli, for his immense dedication to serving Santa Ana's youth. Mr. Napoli is an accomplished businessman with a background in technology, having graduated from the Connecticut College of Electricians as an electronic technician. But Mr. Napoli is far more than just a businessman. In his spare time, Mr. Napoli volunteers as a Chamber Ambassador to the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, and his great service earned him the Ambassador of the Year Award in 2011. Mr. Napoli fully embodies the value of community service in all aspects of his life. Concerned with local high school graduation rates and skill level of recent graduates, Mr. Napoli with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Santa Ana Unified School District to start the High School Incorporated Program, a unique collaboration that seeks to provide vocational training and career advice to high school students. Passionate about investing in youth, Mr. Napoli chose to give even more of his free time to this program, especially the Automotive and Transportation division. Mr. Napoli also serves as a Business Advisor, advising the division on budget matters and providing valuable mentorship while also consistently visiting the inspirational students in class. Mr. Napoli's dedication and service has helped raise the graduation rate for the program to 95 percent with many students already fully certified and well equipped for their bright futures. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Napoli is an example to us all of the incredible value found in community engagement. I am honored to recognize Mr. Napoli for doing his part in bridging the gap, and thank him for the positive impact he has made on the Santa Ana and Orange County community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, World War III is raging in cyber space right now. It has become one of the most crucial homeland and global security issues. In May, there was a global cyberattack--most likely by the North Koreans--that was reported to have hit 200,000 computers in more than 150 countries. Last year, our Presidential elections came under cyber attack, possibly compromising the American electoral system. According to a January report of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, ``Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election represent the most recent expression of Moscow's longstanding desire to undermine the US-led liberal democratic order.'' The United States is not alone. There were press reports of a massive cyber hack of French President Emmanuel Macron's campaign. This is an issue that impacts the security of the United States and our allies. We cannot wait for the next attack. Instead, we must have a comprehensive, proactive cybersecurity strategy. That is why I am introducing legislation today. First, my legislation will call on the Department of Defense to update its cyber strategy. Second, it will require the President to draft a strategy for offensive cyber capabilities. Finally, it authorizes international cooperation, including building up NATO partner cyber capabilities. My legislation will increase our offensive cyber abilities to help prevent our adversaries from engaging in the types of cyber espionage we witnessed during the past election and in recent global cyber attacks. Protecting our networks is vital to the security of our nation and allies, and my legislation works towards that end.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take a few moments today to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Scott Glabb, for his contributions to Orange County youth over the last twenty years. Mr. Glabb has been an important figure as a teacher and wrestling coach at Santa Ana High School. After wrestling in college for Pacific University and Eastern Washington University, Mr. Glabb took his talents to Santa Ana High School in 1990, where he became a teacher and head wrestling coach. Leading by example, Mr. Glabb's dedication has led Santa Ana High School to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championships year after year. Mr. Glabb also coached two individual National High School Champions: Tony Perez in 1998, and Jose Leon in 1999. He had similar success through coaching two female Wrestling State Champions: Lizette Tenorio in 2009, and Berenice Blanco in 2012. Mr. Glabb focused on more than winning, and has always made an effort to better his students. He has taken kids from a challenging neighborhood and made them leaders. Because of his guidance, many have gone on to pursue higher education. Recently, Mr. Glabb was inducted into both the California's Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the California State Wrestling Hall of Fame. Mr. Glabb's tremendous efforts are not left unnoticed and his accolades are well-deserved. More important than his awards is his impact, which made our community a better place. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Glabb and the positive impact he has made on the Santa Ana community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Walz. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for giving me the opportunity to share my enthusiastic support for this bill, H.R. 2288. I also want to thank Mr. Bost and Ms. Esty for their remarkable leadership in guiding this legislation to the floor and for taking the steps to finally fix the appeals process. I stand here today to support the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. This legislation reforms the VA appeals process so that our veterans can begin to receive the benefits they have earned through their dedication to our country. Veterans in California and all across America, including those in my district, currently face a backlog of sometimes more than 5 years to get their benefits. This is not acceptable, and that is why I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation. A veteran who files a disability claim for an injury that they sustained during their military service is issued a VA rating decision, which either grants or denies a claim. If a veteran disagrees with the outcome, they may appeal the VA's decision and then wait and wait and wait. This bill will improve the process by creating a multiple appeal streams, which will accelerate the process. Our veterans who suffered injury during their time in service can now be assured that they will be one step closer to having their appeals cases reviewed and decided in a timely manner.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the men and women who protect our families, our streets, and our communities. Fifty-five years ago, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 National Police Week. Each year, Americans come together to honor our law enforcement professionals and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our families and our communities. I remember that infamous day, 9/11, when thousands were running away from burning and crumbling buildings; yet, at the same time, our police and first responders ran into the same burning and crumbling buildings to save lives. These brave men and women knew that they were running to certain death. Every day, police leave their homes knowing full well that they may not return that evening. Every day, they have our backs. It is our job to make sure that they know that we have theirs.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday we commemorated the 42nd anniversary of Black April and the fall of Saigon. On this day, we are reminded of the pain of losing your homeland and of the sacrifices made in search for freedom. When Saigon fell in 1975, thousands of families were forced to flee their home, and many came to America with nothing but hope and their dreams to keep them alive. Today I am proud to have represented Little Saigon, the largest concentration of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam. Each and every one of them has a personal connection to the sacrifices that their families have made and to the loss of their homes. This shared experience has made the Vietnamese community and culture thrive in Orange County, California. I am honored to represent this community and mourn alongside with them. I am proud that America gave them shelter in their time of need. The U.S. must always be a beacon of hope to those without hope. We must continue to stand up for human rights and religious freedom.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe and our ranking member, Mr. Walz, for all the good work for all of our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I rise also in support of the Choice Act and urge my colleagues to also protect our veterans' access to health care. Our veterans all gave some, and many, many made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. Providing our vets with the best health care our Nation can deliver on a timely basis is the least we can do for our veterans. Sadly, as all of us know, in 2014, the average wait time at a VA medical center was 115 days. The Choice Program has provided vets with the opportunity of obtaining health care in their community on a timely basis. The VA, of course, is an excellent institution that takes care of many, many of our veterans. Yet, when the VA is not available, the Choice Program can be the best option for our heroes. No one--no one--should have to wait 3 months to see their doctor, especially our vets, our heroes. We must meet our commitment one way or another. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Let's, all of us, keep the promise this country has made to every one of our veterans.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, in January, I wrote to President Trump requesting information about why the Spanish language option on the White House website was deleted. Although the White House did state that a Spanish option was under development, in the almost two months since I wrote the letter, I have not received a response nor has an official White House Spanish website been published. As I stated in my letter to President Trump, there are many taxpayers whose first language is not English. Spanish along with Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese are the most commonly spoken languages in the U.S. Constituents benefit tremendously from having language options to access their government and receive information that may impact their lives. This is why it is imperative that the White House and federal agencies continue to be accessible to all taxpayers. It is vital for my constituents and all Americans to be able to follow issues that affect their lives. I will continue to work to ensure that more taxpayers have access to information in the language they choose to utilize at home and in their communities. Therefore, today, I am introducing the White House Accountability for Language Diversity Act. This legislation will require the White House and federal agencies to establish Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese language options for their official websites. This will ensure that millions of taxpayers have the option of accessing up-to- date information in their preferred language.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take a few moments today to honor one my constituents, Mr. Frank Barbaro, for his decades of incredible service to Orange County. Mr. Barbaro was born in Detroit, Michigan and arrived in California in 1954. From a young age, it was clear that Mr. Barbaro was bound to be successful. By the time he was a teenager, Frank hosted his own radio show which aimed to find employment opportunities for young people. After graduating from Garden Grove High School, Mr. Barbaro went on to graduate magna cum laude from the University of Southern California and then earn his law degree, also from USC. As a lawyer, Mr. Barbaro distinguished himself among his peers in several noteworthy cases. Mr. Barbaro won 11 multimillion dollar verdicts for his clients. Mr. Barbaro began his career in politics in 1977 as Chair of the Democratic Party of California. In 2001, Mr. Barbaro was asked by his colleagues to serve as chair once again which he did until his resignation in 2013. Mr. Barbaro also served as the chair for the Orange County campaigns of President Carter and President Obama. During his time as party chair and successful attorney, Frank's colleagues praised his ability to inspire and work with others. Above all, Mr. Barbaro sought to be inclusive and bring people together despite their differences. Mr. Barbaro also made helping others a personal goal, such as when he organized the ``Front Line Defense Fund'' which delivered food to the United Food and Commercial workers during their strike. Mr. Speaker, Frank Barbaro is an example to all of us of the tremendous importance of hard work and dedication in service to others. I am honored to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Barbaro and the positive impact he has made on Orange County.