J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), who is the author of this legislation.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking Mr. Carter for H.R. 1374. This legislation will play a critical role in ensuring that our local jurisdictions maintain the ability to detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Without initiatives like this legislation, the STC, efforts to combat these dangers could be significantly hindered or even discontinued, putting the safety and security of our communities, taxpayers, and citizens at risk. Passage of this legislation is very essential to preserving our national readiness and to strengthen security against emerging threats and those who would do us harm. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bharat Patel for his incredible career and contributions to our community. In 1976, the Patel Family acquired the original Peter Pan Motor Lodge, located right across the street from Disneyland, and began renovating and expanding it to its current size. Almost 50 years later, Mr. Patel's leadership has helped transform this small business into Castle Inn & Suites, a true Anaheim staple. This charming hotel has become a popular destination for vacationing families, and is known for its castle theme, friendly staff, and Mr. Patel's own personal customer service as its owner-operator. Mr. Patel is much more than a business leader; he is an active philanthropist and sits on the boards of Whittier College, California Lodging Industry Association, Visit Anaheim, Anaheim Transportation Network, and Chapman University. Mr. Patel is much more than a local business leader; he is an active philanthropist and a homegrown product of our community. A fellow California State University, Fullerton, alumni, he shows his dedication to our community through his work with the Anaheim Family YMCA and Anaheim Police Association. I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Patel for the positive change he has helped create in Anaheim and Orange County, and congratulating him on being honored by Cypress College's Americana Awards as Citizen of the Year. Our community is grateful to Mr. Patel for his leadership and contributions. I thank him for his steadfast support for our hometown-- these honors are well-deserved.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share an incredible story of one of my constituents, a proud DACA recipient, Martha Delgado. Raised by a single mother who worked in the fields and cleaned houses, Martha was determined to earn the American Dream. She graduated with high honors from Godinez Fundamental High School in Santa Ana and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in public health from UC Merced in 2019. Martha's passion for innovation led her to University Lab Partners, where she helps startup companies develop groundbreaking medical devices and diagnostic devices. She helps bridge the gap between research and real-world problems. Martha's journey is a testament to the impact our youth can have when they have the opportunity to earn the American Dream. I will not stop fighting until she and other DACA recipients have a shot to earn American citizenship.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II hero and U.S. Navy Corpsman Jack Gutman, who passed away just a few days before his 99th birthday. Jack answered the call to serve our Nation after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was barely 18 when he enlisted as a corpsman in the Navy. Jack defended our country in some of the most harrowing battles of the war, including bravely providing care to the wounded on the beaches of Normandy on D-day. Years after returning home with his invisible wounds, Jack sought help through the VA and received treatment for his PTSD. His recovery inspired him to dedicate his life to help fellow veterans find the courage to seek support for their own PTSD challenges. Sergeant Gutman's life of service to this country and his fellow veterans continues to be an inspiration for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and legacy of my good friend and American hero, Jack Gutman, part of America's Greatest Generation. Honoring the Life and Legacy of U.S. Army Veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Army veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley. Sergeant Neeley served our Nation proudly as a Green Beret in the elite 1st Special Forces Command, Airborne. Roy's dedication and service to our country continued after he left the military. As a civilian he worked as an operations manager. Roy married Elaine McDonald in 1972, and together they built a life filled with love and beautiful memories. Our community lost Sergeant Neeley on October 12, 2024, at the age of 76. His memory lives on through his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and our Orange County community. Sergeant Neeley, thank you for your service to our country and dedication to our community. We will miss you.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remind my colleagues who Dreamers are. Dreamers and DACA recipients came to this country as young children by no fault of their own. They follow the law and pay taxes. They are nurses, teachers, police officers, and police chiefs. There are Dreamers like Dr. Oliver Lopez, a professor of mathematics at Chapman University in my district. What America needs are more STEM degrees. What America needs are more STEM instructors. We need more people like Dr. Oliver Lopez. Dreamers are also people like Officer Mitchell Soto-Rodriguez, a police officer in Blue Island, Illinois. She dreamed of being a police officer all her life. She achieved her dream because of DACA. Officer Soto-Rodriguez and Dr. Lopez are essential pillars of our community. They are Dreamers, and they deserve an opportunity to earn the American Dream.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this upcoming Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as TIt, or Vietnamese New Year. This annual holiday is one of Orange County's most important celebrations. Families cook traditional dishes, exchange red envelopes, and come together at festivals across our district and all over the country. Orange County's Vietnamese community is an essential part of our Orange County family--in fact, we are proud be home to the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. Immigrants and Vietnamese- Americans are our firefighters, teachers, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and local leaders. I'm proud to have represented parts of Little Saigon for decades throughout my career in public service, and I will always recognize the contributions and positive impact they've had in Orange County and across the United States. In fact, I was honored to host the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Marc Knapper, a year ago for his first visit to Orange County. As the proud co-chair of the Vietnam caucus, we engaged with local community leaders and discussed ways to strengthen the ties between our two countries. We stopped by the Bao Quang Temple in Santa Ana, met with business leaders throughout Little Saigon, and focused on bringing attention to our local Vietnamese community's concerns. As we prepare to kick off the Year of the Snake, I want to wish everyone at home and around the world a happy TIt celebration. Happy New Year (Chuc Mung Nam Moi).

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army veteran Royal ``Roy'' Edward Neeley. A former Green Beret with the 1st Special Forces Command, Airborne, Sergeant Neeley was born on April 8, 1948, in Los Angeles to Charles and Mary Neeley. He passed away October 12, 2024, at age 76. Although he lost his mother at an early age, Roy enjoyed his youth growing up in Los Angeles with his two sisters. A graduate of Fremont High School, he was an avid sports fan and music lover. On October 23, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Buckner, Okinawa, Japan. As a radio operator and a Green Beret, his unique skill set made him and his fellow soldiers in the Army Airborne's 1st Special Forces Command one of the most adaptable and capable forces in the United States military, poised to protect the Nation's interest across the globe at a moment's notice. Sergeant Neeley was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1970. Two years later he married Elaine McDonald on December 2, 1972, in a private family service in Las Vegas. The wedding reception was memorable because the newlyweds and guests celebrated both the nuptials and Anthony Davis' six touchdown run that helped the University of Southern California clinch a 45-23 win over Notre Dame. The day was a win-win for Roy and Elaine, who would enjoy 52 years of marriage. Roy was totally immersed in his work as an operations manager with Tanne Apparel, Value City Department Stores, Liz Claiborne, and Hybrid Apparel. These ventures took him and the family to Ohio and Alabama. Service and loyalty were always part of his everyday life. At all of the McDonald-Neeley Family events, there wasn't a bid whist game he wouldn't play rise and fly. He never missed an opportunity to play golf with his brothers-in-law Bobby and Billy McDonald. Even if it meant being late to a family function, the links with Bobby and Billy came first. Memories of Roy will be cherished by his family, including his wife, Elaine; sons Aaron Paul Neeley and Craig Edward Neeley; daughter-in- law. Alexis Neeley; grandchildren Nia Phillips, Nicolas Neeley, Ian Neeley, Brenden Neeley, Brennah Neeley, Maddox Anderson, Royce Neeley, and soon-to-be Scarlett Neeley; countless nieces and nephews; and his best friend Bud Feldman. Roy will be remembered for his cheerful smile, strong positive attitude, and dedication to providing for his family. Please join me in celebrating the life of Royal Edward Neeley, one of our Nation's most esteemed veterans, who lived a life of honor and service to his family, community and country.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those fighting the deadly wildfires that are destroying our homes, businesses, and taking lives across southern California. In the face of this natural disaster, I thank our brave first responders who are on the front lines fighting one of the worst fires in California history. I am also proud of our local Orange County firefighters that are helping our neighbors in Los Angeles. I am happy to say that we are not alone. I am grateful for firefighters from across the country, neighboring States, as well as our neighboring countries, Canada and Mexico, who have also come to help us fight these fires. Moments like this remind us that strength is through unity and helping each other out. Of course, that includes almost 750 incarcerated individuals who are stepping up and acting as firefighters on the front lines. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the immigrant community in the area who are offering free food to the first responders and collecting donations for the families in need. From firefighters to food vendors, friends, and local neighbors, all coming together in this time of tragedy, that is what community is all about. That is what this Nation is all about. Recognizing Lestonnac Free Clinic Executive Director Edward Gerber

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of my very good friend, Ed Gerber, the executive director of the Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange. Ed graduated from the University of Texas after 4 years in the military. Since then, he has dedicated his time as an executive director at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. His priority is free medical and dental services to the uninsured and low-income families across southern California. Under his leadership, Lestonnac Free Clinic has expanded to 13 satellite clinics and 2 mobile medical vehicles. He pioneered the specialty care program to help low-income families access specialty medical care. We love Ed. We want him to stay healthy. We need him, and we thank him for his very, very good work in our community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Howard Koch, a World War II and Korean War veteran who is celebrating his 100th birthday on January 19, 2025. Raised in Oakland, California, Koch developed a love of skiing and rock climbing at a young age--skills that would eventually lead to his unique call to service during WWII in the 10th Mountain Division. At 13 years old, Koch learned to ski at the Donner Summit Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, paying for lessons with money he earned from his paper route. His dad would drop him at the Southern Pacific train station and, with rented skis in hand, he would ride up the mountain by himself. He would arrive early in the morning and sleep in the snow until the slopes were open for skiing. Koch soon learned to make his own skis and began his life as an outdoorsman as a member of the Sierra Club. After graduating from high school at 16 years old, Koch attended UC Berkley as a geology/mining engineering major. A natural athlete, Koch played baseball and was a right guard on the football squad. He still remembers winning a game against USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum. By the time he turned 18 in 1943, the United States had been at war for two years and he knew he would be drafted. The military was advertising for volunteers who could ski and rock climb to join a division that, at the time, was called the Ski Troops. Eventually renamed to the 10th Mountain Division, this group was America's only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit. Koch knew this Army unit was where he belonged. He was sent to Camp Hale in Colorado, high in the Rockies to join an elite group of champion skiers, mountain climbers, and European mountaineers for training. In what would be its biggest victory, the 10th completed a night climb on Riva Ridge to land a surprise attack against German troops who were entrenched in the snowy mountains of Italy. After climbing Riva Ridge, a famous battle that is documented in the film ``Fire On The Mountain,'' Koch was field promoted to 1st Lieutenant and went on with his Division to help capture Mount Belvedere. Soon after, Koch became ill and was sent to the hospital in Livorno, where he stayed for several weeks and then sent back to his company near Torbole. Before the Nazis surrendered to the 10th Mountain Division commanders, the company commander was injured. At the urging of the sergeants in Koch's platoon, Lt. Colonel Henry Hampton appointed Koch as ``acting company commander.'' He was 20 years old and the youngest 1st Lieutenant. Koch retained this status through the surrender and was then sent with his troops to Slovenia, where he ran a climbing school to keep the soldiers fit and to train replacement troops. In July 1945, Koch was shipped back stateside to train for amphibious landings with the intent of being shipped to North Tokyo Bay to help end the war. While heading home, the war drew to a close. After being released from the Army in May 1946, Koch joined the Army Reserve and returned to UC Berkley to earn an accounting degree. In 1948, he met and married Averil, who would be his wife of 72 and a half years. He was working as a successful businessman when, in August of 1950, he was called to active duty for the Korean War. Koch trained as an infantry officer--but once the Army found out about his accounting degree, he was stationed in Japan as a budget and finance officer to oversee the numerous military projects in post-war Japan. When his discharge came, he declined the offer of being promoted to Major so that he could return to his wife. Koch always kept in touch with his 10th Mountain Division buddies and attended several reunions, including the 50th anniversary re-enactment climb up Riva Ridge that included some of the German soldiers he helped capture. While he remembers the atrocities of war, Koch cherishes the fellowship and camaraderie of his fellow Mountain Soldiers. He will still sing the ballads the 10th sang when they were warming themselves by a fire or hiking miles in the snow. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Howard Koch a happy 100th birthday, and in thanking him for a century of service to our country and our community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear: Under current law, people who commit sexual offenses are already inadmissible to this country and subject to deportation. Let's be clear: I fully support, all of us fully support, getting convicted sexual predators off of our streets, irrespective of their legal status. Sexual crimes are the most heinous crimes. However, to solve a crime, first you have to report it. Sadly, sex crimes are the most underreported crimes there are. Mr. Speaker, in Orange County, we have worked for years to make sure to earn the trust so the immigrant community can step up and report crimes, and this bill is going to undo all of that work. This bill, by using the broader VAWA definition, will make victims who acted in self- defense, victims who were wrongly accused by their abusers, unable to defend themselves, and subject to deportation. This bill will also apply to individuals with legal status, people with green cards, students, temporary workers, DACA holders, and TPS holders. Mr. Speaker, this bill will now give crime victims all the reasons in the world not to report a crime. This bill punishes victims, pushes victims back into the shadows, telling the victims if they report a crime, they are subject to deportation. I ask my colleagues to let us go back. Let us redraft this bill to do what it is intended to do, to get sexual predators off our streets and to protect the victims of sex crimes, the most heinous crimes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this measure.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Councilmember Shirley McCracken, a beloved servant, neighbor, and good friend. After spending 10 years as a nun, Councilmember McCracken moved to Anaheim, where she would marry her beloved Paul and raise two children. Once she settled in our community, Mrs. McCracken taught math with the Anaheim Union School District and became a very active member of our community. She donated her time and energy to organizations like the YMCA and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Orange County. She later was elected to the Anaheim City Council in 1996, becoming the second woman to be elected to the Anaheim City Council. Mrs. McCracken would go on to serve 8 years on the Anaheim City Council and two years as mayor pro tem in 1999 and 2000. I ask my colleagues today to join me in honoring her legacy and service to our community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my very good friend, Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Al Mijares, who passed away after a long battle with cancer. Dr. Mijares was a champion for our students to prepare them for college and careers. During the 2022 school year, over 90 percent of Orange County High School graduates graduated on time, beating the California average. During Dr. Mijares' tenure, he also fought to make Orange County a better place to live for everyone. He established the One Billion Acts of Kindness initiative, allowing Orange County residents to honor acts of kindness. He never stopped fighting to make our communities better. The legacy of Dr. Mijares, my good friend, lives. We will never forget the passion for education that he showed us and his efforts to create future leaders for our great Nation. We will miss Al.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate UCLA's next chancellor, Dr. Julio Frenk. Having served as president of the University of Miami and dean of Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Frenk is bringing decades of experience to UCLA. Dr. Frenk was born in Mexico, where he discovered his passion for public health and service and spent 6 years as Mexico's secretary of health. I am excited to see Dr. Frenk bring his leadership and experience as he serves the Bruin community and keeps UCLA as a top public university in the country. We welcome Dr. Frenk to the Bruin family, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of our constituents, our students, our educators, and our community. I look forward to continuing to do more good things. I thank Dr. Frenk for his service to the Bruin community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Donald McLeod, an Orange County airman. In 1945, Mr. McLeod joined the Army before transferring to the newly created U.S. Air Force. From the excitement of the Berlin airlift to the isolation of Greenland, Mr. McLeod faithfully served his country at every post. When he returned to civilian life, Mr. McLeod used his aircraft expertise to land a job with McDonnell Douglas, where he worked for almost 10 years. In 1985, Mr. McLeod retired and began a career with his newly minted wedded wife as a Catholic missionary. Mr. McLeod retired for a second time in 2010 and currently lives in my district in Anaheim, where he enjoys the events put on by the American Veterans Assistance Group. His dedication to serving others is unmatched, and I am happy that he is enjoying his well-deserved second retirement. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McLeod for serving his country and for his dedication to our community. He is a valued member of our community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of my good friend, Mayor Mark Murphy, and to recognize his lifetime of service to the city of Orange. Mark was a loving husband, a lifelong Orange County resident, and a committed public servant. He served our community for more than 30 years as the Orange County Transit Authority chairman, city of Orange councilmember, and then city of Orange mayor. It is because of his love for his neighborhoods and his community that he earned the nickname ``Mr. Orange.'' Mark's passion was improving our community's parks and recreation centers. He oversaw the construction of Grijalva Sports Center, the expansion of the Orange library, and the acquisition of several park spaces. While many know Mark for his strong advocacy, his voice as a singer is less known. He actively participated in his church choir and even sang on stage during park concerts. Mark was also known as a Harley-Davidson bike rider. Mr. Speaker, we love Mark and his legacy continues.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of WWII hero and U.S. Navy Corpsman Jack Gutman, who passed away just days short of his 99th birthday. Born December 19, 1925, in San Francisco, California, Jack was the third of nine children. His father, who spoke seven languages, served in World War I, after which he worked at the Grand Hotel in Shanghai, China. Gutman's mother, from a wealthy Russian family, was a ballerina. When her family fled the Bolsheviks, they went to Shanghai, and the two met, married, and settled in America. The Great Depression was a difficult time for the family and his father had to travel to make a living selling apples. By the time Jack was a teenager, the family was living in New York. Jack was hanging out with his high school friends when the news of Pearl Harbor broke. Gutman enlisted right away at age 17 as a Navy seaman. After boot camp, Gutman thought he was going to be an aerial radio man--but an urgent need arose for medics, and his training was diverted. At age 18, Corpsman 1st Class Gutman provided treatment to the wounded and dying on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and at some of the bloodiest battles throughout the European and Pacific theaters. Gutman vividly remembers when his unit landed on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944. With bullets flying, bombs exploding, and men dying all around him, Corpsman Gutman helped those he could, giving shots of morphine, applying bandages and tourniquets, and providing words of comfort to soldiers who died in his arms. Gutman would later write a book about his experience titled ``One Veteran's Journey to Heal the Wounds of War.'' His story was recorded by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jack was also interviewed as part of a documentary film about the 75th anniversary of D-Day. A quote from his book best describes the impact the war had on his life: ``I went into the war with a fervor to fight for my country and protect our freedom, but the experience had been nothing like what I thought when I signed up to join the Navy. Back at home, I thought constantly of the men that had died overseas. I wondered how and why I survived. There I was, a young teenager thrown into a crazy war with thousands of young men dying in front of me. I never dreamed it would be that awful, and that those horrifying images would stick with me now that I was safely at home, and for years to come.'' After his combat experiences, Gutman decided to become a doctor. He took night school classes, and before algebra, would tell jokes. He met his wife, Mary Jo, in that class, and they were married June 22, 1947, a union that lasted 77 years. Once his children came along, he never made it to medical school. Throughout his life, Jack kept quiet about the flashbacks that haunted him ever since returning home from war. As a band-aid to cover his recurring nightmares, he immersed himself in his work, including performing as a successful comedian under the name of Jackie Walker. When things took a turn for the worse, he finally turned to the VA for help and was seen by a therapist, who diagnosed him with post- traumatic stress disorder and helped him receive treatment and VA benefits. With a new lease on life, Jack began helping other veterans experiencing PTSD by encouraging them to seek support to live happy, productive lives. Gutman's valiant service to both his country and his life of service to his fellow veterans serves as an inspiration for us all. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to join me celebrating the life and legacy of Jack Gutman, a true American hero.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8150, which allows Customs and Border Protection to make low-cost maintenance repairs at our ports of entry without involving the General Service Administration. It makes sense to allow CBP to carry out expedited low-cost repairs needed to facilitate their operations at our ports of entry. We should not let minor maintenance issues slow down or disrupt legal trade and travel through our ports of entry. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which eliminates red tape. I thank Representative Gonzales for leading this important initiative. This is a commonsense bill, Mr. Speaker. It allows CBP to carry out low-cost repairs needed to facilitate the operations at our ports of entry. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career and professional achievements of Diana Gomez, who spent over 36 years as an electrical engineer and contributed to our community as part of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Born in Fresno and raised in the City of Parlier, Ms. Gomez graduated from Parlier High School and was named as the first member of the Parlier Unified School District Hall of Fame. She earned her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at California State University, Fresno. Ms. Gomez developed more than 36 years of transportation experience with Caltrans in various positions, including Senior Transportation Electrical Engineer and Chief for the offices of Traffic Management and Systems Management Operations. In 2011, Ms. Gomez was appointed as the Deputy District Director of Operations in Los Angeles, making her the highest-ranking Latina engineer within the California State Employees, a title she still holds. Her last assignment with Caltrans was serving as District 6 Director with responsibility for the State Highway system in Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties. From the time she filled the role in July 2020 up to her retirement, she helped secure more than one billion dollars for the district and local partner projects. Prior to her appointment as District 6 Director, Ms. Gomez was appointed by Governor Brown in 2012 to serve as the Central Valley Regional Director of the California High-Speed Rail Authority. As the Regional Director, she worked to build strategies and maintain relationships with local advocates, residents, consultants, and policy makers to ensure the high-speed rail project in the Central Valley continued on-time and on budget. Ms. Gomez is an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and was even named one of the ``100 Most Influential Hispanics'' by the Hispanic Business magazine for her role as SHPE's National President. She served in this role for six years, having also occupied several other leadership positions with the organization. Under her leadership, SHPE grew exponentially in its membership and revenue. Ms. Gomez has maintained her roots in Fresno County and is a member of the Fresno State School of Engineering Advisory Council, Vice Chair of the Fresno State Alumni Association, and Board Member for the Fresno State Transportation Institute. Her other professional affiliations include serving on the Board of Directors for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and she is a member of Women in Transportation (WTS) and founder of the WTS Central Valley Chapter. I call on my colleagues to join me in celebrating the exceptional career and lifetime achievements of Diana Gomez, and to congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize California State University at Fullerton's new president, Dr. Ronald Rochon. Dr. Rochon was born on the south side of Chicago where he founded and nurtured his passion for education and community service. He stepped into the top role at Cal State University at Fullerton, my alma mater, this past July. Dr. Rochon brings 14 years of experience to southern California, having led the University of Southern Indiana through COVID-19 and a new athletic division. As the proud Titan that I am, I am very excited to see Dr. Ronald Rochon at the helm. We are happy to see Ron at Cal State, Fullerton, and we look forward to working with him. Let's get busy.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Deceptive Downsizing Prohibition Act of 2024 (DDPA). This vital piece of legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect consumers and small businesses against deceptive downsizing, the act of maintaining a product's packaging while reducing the content size. By defining deceptive downsizing as a prohibited unfair and deceptive practice, the FTC can pursue an action against a manufacturer of a consumer product who deceives everyday Americans and businesses on Main Street. DDPA bans the deceptive downsizing of consumer products, making it unlawful for manufacturers to sell products of reduced size, volume, or weight in packaging previously used for the same or similar product of a larger size. Holding manufacturers who engage in this deceptive practice accountable will protect consumers and small businesses. The practice of deceptive downsizing has become a significant concern for American households, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Food, personal care items, and household products that Americans rely on most are particularly impacted by this deceptive practice. As manufacturers reduce the size or weight of products while maintaining the same exterior packaging, consumers are left with less, often for the same or even higher price. Most disturbingly, many consumers do not realize that the item they purchased was smaller than expected because the packaging looked the same, further intensifying the financial burden on hard-working Americans. Honesty in packaging is essential in enabling consumers to make informed choices, and misleading the public is unacceptable. This is not simply an issue of safeguarding the wallets of Americans--it is about fairness. When hardworking American consumers and businesses shop, they expect the product that comes in the same size packaging will remain the same size. When that happens, consumers and small businesses rightly feel duped. I am introducing this legislation to ensure that no American family or business is deceived and getting less than expected. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this crucial legislation that will help protect American consumers and businesses from the practice of deceptive downsizing so they will know that when they buy a product, they get what they expect and deserve.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th Annual Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival, which will bring our community together this Sunday, December 8, 2024. The festival rings in the holidays with a very special tree-lighting celebration on the steps of Anaheim City Hall in Downtown Anaheim. For the past 30 years, the Annual Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival has provided holiday fun to everyone in our community--and it is one of my hometown's favorite annual celebrations. The City of Anaheim worked together with many community partners to create this event, including Children Dental Fun Zone, Credit Union of Southern California, Home Comfort USA, Knorr, Land Care, Taqueritos, The Frida Cinema, Zambos, and the Orange County District Attorney's Office. This year, the Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival includes entertainment and food, a Holiday Village, the Candy Canine Costume Contest, a visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, a brief performance of The Nutcracker by the Anaheim Ballet Company, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival, which for 30 years has brought joy and festive spirits to help greet the holiday season.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the remarkable career of my very good friend, Anaheim City Council Member Stephen Faessel. Stephen has spent his entire life giving back to the city of Anaheim. He was first elected to the city council in 2016 and now serves as a member of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Stephen is a strong advocate of history, and he is a founding member of the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim. As board secretary, he has been able to teach history to young people, tourists, and anybody else in Anaheim who wants to listen to the great story and history of the city of Anaheim. As he leaves the Anaheim City Council, I want to recognize Stephen for his hard work and dedication to our community. We thank him for giving back. I know he is not done, and I know we are going to hang out at more events in the years to come.