J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Doris Ann Derleth Hirota. Doris was a Santa Ana resident, the youngest of seven, and she was born at the beginning of the Great Depression in Rochester, New York, in 1932. Doris went on to attend nursing school in Chicago, where she met her husband, Tomio, when they both began their life of service to others. In 1965, Doris and Tomio bought their home in Santa Ana, California, where they raised eight children and countless grandchildren and great- grandchildren. It was in this same house, on January 14, 2026, that Doris passed away at the age of 93. Doris was surrounded by her family, sending her back to Heaven, where they all know she came from. Mr. Speaker, Doris' legacy and memory will live on in her family. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Howard Koch

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of World War II and Korean war veteran Howard Koch. During World War II, Howard served in the Army's elite 10th Mountain Division, America's only mountain and winter warfare fighting unit. This unit, the elite 10th Mountain Division, was formed to defeat the Nazis who were entrenched high up in the snowy mountains of Italy. This unit was made up of champion skiers, mountain climbers, and European mountaineers. After intensive training atop the Colorado Rockies, they climbed Italy's Riva Ridge and defeated the Nazi troops in a surprise attack. That was not without paying a heavy price. Nearly 1,000 soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division were killed, and some 4,000 were wounded in 4 months of fighting the Germans. They were successful, and the Germans surrendered. Howard lived to be 101 years old, making his final journey to Heaven just last month. Mr. Speaker, the memory of my very good friend, Howard, will live on, and his heroism will continue to inspire all of us.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my neighbor, Helen Moraga's, 100th birthday. Helen graduated in 1945 from Santa Ana High School. After graduating, she played shortstop on an all-female professional baseball team in Orange County. Later, Helen married Frank Gomez Moraga, a fellow Orange County resident, and they raised their three sons in the same neighborhood they grew up in. Helen and Frank were married for 60 years and shared 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. At 100 years young, Helen loves reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family. Mr. Speaker, I wish Helen a happy birthday. Go Saints.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Banales who has been a longtime community leader and organizer in the interfaith partnerships and the Chicano culture. Through his career, he has worked with both Chicano and Muslim community activists who have been committed to preserving their cultures and helping improve their neighborhoods to make them a better place. As chairman of the Hispanic Business Council of Santa Barbara, he helped local businesses adapt to modern technology, plan for the future, and succeed. In 2001, he became a member of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara, where he eventually became key to the development and construction of a local mosque. Today, Frank sits on the board of the Interfaith Initiative of Santa Barbara County, and Frank continues to give and give and give to make his community much, much better. I thank Frank for a lifetime of commitment.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the memory of one of my constituents, Dolores Owens. She came to Santa Ana 60 years ago when she married Dewey Flournoy, and together they raised five boys. After Dewey's passing, Dolores later married Neddie Owens and continued to build a life rooted in love, family, and faith in Santa Ana. Dolores was a strong and active woman, always cooking for her family, even at the age of 92. She had a deep love for the word of God and a heart for giving, donating to community. Whenever she found anybody in need, she would give, no questions asked. She was a true example of a strong woman and a loving mother who took care of everybody in her community. Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with her family. Recognizing the 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in my district, Xiong Yi. Xiong's app, MathFluent, helps students understand math by transforming complicated equations into helpful visualized stories. Users can input an equation or a problem, and MathFluent will generate a story or art piece that helps explain the solution. Xiong is a student at Fairmont Prep Academy in my home city of Anaheim, and he is a perfect example of how the 21st century students are incorporating technology into their educational experience. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Xiong on a well-deserved honor. January 6 Five-Year Anniversary

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, I was on this floor when insurrectionists stormed the Capitol to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power. On this anniversary, I remember the brave Capitol police officers who put their lives on the line to protect not only Members of Congress but America's democracy. Today, in 2026, political violence continues to threaten the fabric of our society and of our country. I hope as we reflect back on January 6 that we look at those memories as a lesson that we have to stand together and we have to fight, not with violence, but with debate, looking at each other with understanding the way we have done in this great democratic country for over 250 years. That night of January 6, it was both Republicans and Democrats that came together after the insurrection that night to make sure we completed the peaceful transfer of power and make sure that democracy continued to reign in America.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent and missed the following votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted accordingly: YEA on Roll Call No. 333, Motion to Recommit on H.R. 3668, and YEA on Roll Call No. 334, Passage of H.R. 3668, Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act. Personal Explanation

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, who, after 8 years as chief, will be retiring. While at Orange County Fire Authority, Chief Fennessy led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and through the Bond, Silverado, and Blue Ridge fires. He was named by the Orange County Register as one of the most influential individuals in Orange County in 2020. After his retirement, Chief Fennessy will now assume the director role in the newly created U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Fennessy for his commitment to keeping Orange County safe. He will be missed. I congratulate him on his retirement. recognizing anaheim police chief rick armendariz

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anaheim Police Chief Rick Armendariz, who, after 30 years at Anaheim Police, will be retiring from law enforcement. In 2019, Chief Armendariz joined the Anaheim Police Department. During his time as chief, Chief Armendariz championed community engagement, worked with local schools, and pushed to improve conditions and resources for Anaheim's homeless population. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Armendariz for keeping our community safe, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. honoring james t. poston

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jamie'' T. Poston, a proud American and Vietnam combat veteran who has dedicated his life to serving our great country. Jamie entered the United States Army in 1966, deploying to Vietnam as a Mustang crew chief. Today, at 80 years young, Jamie remains a pillar of support for our local veterans. Every Thursday, he volunteers at the military diversion court in Santa Ana. He attends bimonthly veteran treatment court meetings, and he drives fellow veterans to recovery groups. He makes sure that no one walks their journey alone. Jamie Poston represents the very best of our veterans and Vietnam war veterans--courage in war, compassion in peace, and service that never ends. recognizing 75th anniversary of orange county water district

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 75th anniversary of the Municipal Water District of Orange County. For 75 years, MWDOC has been our county's water supplier. In Orange County, they have been critical to delivering emergency preparedness, water use efficiency, and public education. From working with local Scout groups to supporting investments in our future water supply reliability, MWDOC has truly impacted every life in Orange County. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate MWDOC on its 75th anniversary. recognizing le dinh luong

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the birthday of Vietnamese human rights defender Le Dinh Luong. Mr. Le is a peaceful activist and a prisoner of conscience. In 2018, he was persecuted for campaigning for compensation for Vietnamese fishermen affected by the Formosa environmental disaster. Mr. Le is not the first Vietnamese individual to be persecuted by the Vietnamese Government for speaking in support of the victims of the Formosa environmental disaster. I am committed, Mr. Speaker, to working with the State Department to work with the Vietnamese Government for an end to Mr. Le's solitary confinement, to allow him to practice his religion in prison, to allow him to receive appropriate medical care, and, finally, to consider his early release.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize two Thanksgiving food drives held in my district last week. First, Santa Ana's Nicholas Academic Centers hosted a food drive for students and their families to pick up groceries and Thanksgiving meals to enjoy during the holidays. The second is, in Anaheim, the YMCA joined forces with the legendary Frank Garcia to host the annual We Give Thanks food drive. Thanks to hundreds of volunteers and donations, thousands of Orange County families had a Thanksgiving dinner with their families. Recognizing Anaheim High's Flag Football Team

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Anaheim High School girls' flag football championship win. Earlier this month, the Anaheim girls' flag football team brought home their first-ever division championship. Thanks to their strong defense, aggressive offense, and dedicated coaching staff, the Colonists again earned a well-fought victory. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Anaheim, which has again made us proud. Recognizing Max Madrid's Retirement

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the retirement of my very good friend and longtime staff member, Mr. Max Madrid. Max has worked for me as a field rep since I started in Congress and, before that, when I worked in the State senate. Max is a Navy veteran, a Vietnam war veteran who served our country for 20 years in the Navy. Today, Max is again retiring from public service. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Max, even though I don't really think he is retiring, and I thank him for his good work. Honoring Gilbert Avina

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and memory of Anaheim's true son, Gilbert Avina. A graduate of Anaheim High School, he went on to dedicate 32 years of service to the city of Anaheim. Gilbert also served as the president of the Anaheim Car Club, where he gave back to the community that meant so much to him. Above all, Gilbert's heart belonged to his family. Married to his beloved wife, Teresa, he was a father, stepfather, and proud grandfather. His kindness, strength, humor, and work ethic touched all of us. Mr. Speaker, Gilbert will be missed. Sharing Sonia Talavera's Story

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concerns over how healthcare costs are rising in our communities and how they are impacting our communities back home. Today, I want to share the story of Sonia. Sonia is an elderly and disabled individual who relies on disability retirement and Social Security to get by. Today, she can't afford a full-time caregiver, so her son is taking over to take care of her on a full-time basis. I have to ask, how long can her son take care of Sonia? Is this how we are meant to take care of our seniors in this country? Sonia's story is not unique. Without renewing the Affordable Care Act tax credits, millions of Americans could face the same situation that Sonia is facing today. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sonia for sharing her story.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate four Orange County schools named 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools. The honorees include Oxford Academy, Troy High School, Orange Lutheran High, and Tustin Memorial. These schools were selected for their exceptional academic performance or progress in closing the opportunity gap. Mr. Speaker, I thank all the students, teachers, administrators, and staff who have worked very hard to make Orange County schools great places and the best places to learn.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II veteran, Korean war veteran, and my neighbor, Howard Koch. This year, Howard turned 100 years old. I wish a happy birthday to Howard. Howard grew up in Oakland, California, and spent his childhood traveling in the Sierra Nevada mountains to ski and to learn survival skills. They were skills that he would later use in World War II. He joined the Army's 10th Mountain Division and climbed Riva Ridge, where he attacked German troops hidden deep within Italy's mountains. He was promoted to first lieutenant at just 20 years old. After World War II, he returned home to California and earned his degree at UC Berkeley. Howard Koch is a member of the Greatest Generation. Honoring Maria Esperanza Castro

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 25 years of dedicated service by Maria Esperanza Castro. Maria studied medicine in Mexico before finding her true passion and calling at the Regional Center of Orange County, where she changed the lives of many families. She was the voice that families met as they sought support for a loved one with developmental disabilities. For 25 years, she was a guiding advocate and a trusted source of information for these families. I congratulate Maria on her retirement. Recognizing Efrain Solis

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Santa Ana's finest, Efrain Solis, who is currently performing with the New York Metropolitan Opera. The son of Mexican immigrants, Efrain grew up learning to sing at Saddleback High School. He attended Chapman University and was the first in his family to obtain a college degree. Efrain has performed all over the country, and Santa Ana is proud to have one of our own performing on the New York stage. I congratulate Efrain. Honoring William Chan

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my neighbor and World War II veteran, Bill Chan. Bill was born in China and came to the United States as a young student. At 19, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the USS Mississippi during World War II. According to Bill, he was the only Chinese American on that ship, the USS Mississippi. Bill then retired to Orange County, where he still lives today. Bill, I would say, is a true example of our Greatest Generation: an immigrant willing to put his life on the line for his new country. Honoring the Life of Rudy Cordova

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rudy Cordova, a beloved member of our Santa Ana community and my good friend. Born and raised in Santa Ana, Rudy was a proud graduate of Saddleback High School, and he was a soccer dad. He was my daughter's soccer coach. Rudy dedicated his life to celebrating Chicano culture through art, food, and more. Under his guidance, the Santa Ana Dia de los Muertos became one of the biggest events in Orange County. I thank Rudy for all he has done for the city of Santa Ana and for our community. We are going to miss him. Our prayers are with his family.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Rudy Cordova, a beloved figure in Santa Ana whose spirit, vision, and generosity left a profound mark on our city and the 46th Congressional District. Rudy was a community builder. He believed in the power of culture, art, and connection to bring people together. He created space for artists, for creativity, and for community to flourish. His work gave life to possibilities for those who may have otherwise gone unseen or unheard. His voice became the voice of those around him. Rudy lived as a proud ``Santanero,'' someone rooted in the place and people he loved deeply. He drew people in by opening doors, literally and figuratively, to opportunities, gatherings, dialogue, and artistic expression. The canvas of his life was colored by commitment to cultural heritage, to mutual respect, and to inclusion of everyone in our community. His legacy will be measured in the moments of human connections he fostered. The young artist who found a gallery wall because of him. The neighbor who found a place at the table because he made it available. The community that felt supported and heard. As we commemorate Rudy's legacy, let us also commit ourselves to carry forward his vision of open-hearted community and to serve with the same kindness and courage that Rudy embodied. In the days ahead, may we honor his memory by continuing the work he started--by making room, by creating connection, and by telling our stories together. Rudy Cordova may no longer be with us in person, but his presence lives on in the lives he touched, the art he nurtured, the community he strengthened, and the promise he gave to every person who dared to imagine a better tomorrow. Let us remember him, celebrate him, and act in his spirit.