Gilbert Cisneros

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. As this month marks National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I am grateful the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees are working across the aisle to improve mental health services for our veterans. I am proud that this package includes my bipartisan bill, the STOP Veteran Suicide and Substance Abuse Act. We know that too many veterans struggling with mental health challenges, like PTSD, are often also dealing with substance misuse issues and the impact of various traumas, including military sexual assault. Given how common these co-occurring problems are, VA healthcare providers need evidence-based guidance for working with multiple issues all at once. My bill ensures that the VA will develop and disseminate this clinical practice guideline to share best practices VA-wide. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Mast for working with me on this bill, and Chairman Takano for his tireless leadership on this issue. And I also want to thank Dr. Roe for his years of service to the country, both as a doctor, a soldier, and as a member of this committee and service in the House of Representatives. I thank him very much for his friendship, always stopping to say hello. We are going to miss him here. But I know he will continue his service back in civilian life, and so I thank him very much for his years of service.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment related to COVID-19. The AAPI community in the 39th District has been an integral part of fighting the coronavirus. They are first responders, essential workers, educators, and small business owners. Yet there have been too many stories in my district and across the country of racism, discrimination, and physical and verbal assault towards Asian Americans. I had the opportunity to hear some of these stories during one of my town halls, including the emotional encounter of a constituent from Brea, California. This young woman was unable to pick up her mother's prescription drugs due to racist aggressive remarks she received that were directed towards her. She left, running away in tears. This resolution will assure that cases like hers are justly investigated and receive the attention they deserve. I thank my colleague Representative Meng for her leadership, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this resolution to ensure protection, safety, and respect for our AAPI community.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Child Care Is Essential Act. Without additional Federal assistance, half the childcare capacity in California and across the country is at risk of disappearing. This bill would provide much-needed relief for these facilities in my State and support working families. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative DeLauro for her leadership on this issue and for working with my friend, Representative Bacon, and me to include language from our bill in this package. My bipartisan bill ensures childcare providers can pay for cleaning supplies and safety equipment to protect children and childcare workers from the coronavirus. According to a nationwide survey, 91 percent of childcare centers are incurring additional costs for cleaning supplies. We must provide the necessary resources to protect the health and safety of our children and childcare workers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this bill to ensure childcare facilities nationwide can continue to serve our families.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of our local cities in the 39th Congressional District and across America. Our cities continue to combat the coronavirus and provide central services, but they are losing revenue fast. Citizens in my district sent a letter urging support, and since the beginning of this pandemic, I have been advocating on their behalf. Without Congress stepping up, public safety will be on the chopping block. While my Republican colleagues and the White House want to speak out against defunding the police, their lack of support for our towns and cities means they are not only defunding the police but also the fire department and other public safety services. This last-minute Senate Republican COVID relief bill does just that and puts the safety of the American people at risk. It also ties school funding to reopening and puts big corporations over frontline workers. I renew my call to all of my colleagues and to the White House to not put our cities in a situation where they have to lay off first responders and cut community programs. Let's provide our cities with the financial support they need.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The Latino community has and continues to play a pivotal role in the growth and success of the United States. For hundreds of years, Latinos have been at the forefront of the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity, breaking barriers and advancing rights for all Americans. In Orange County, in the 1940s, five Mexican-American families challenged school segregation. In the landmark case of Mendez v. Westminster, they paved the way for desegregating schools in California. It influenced the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling 7 years later. People should know this story. From education to science and politics to art, Latinos and Latinas have been pioneers, leaders, innovators, and game changers. Latino history is American history. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Serrano for championing this cause. It deserves a place on The National Mall. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of the National Museum of the American Latino Act.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, during this pandemic, many companies and individuals in California's 39th have gone above and beyond to help and support others. Some have donated PPE; others raised money; some even changed their entire business operation to support the district. But today I want to mention one young lady, L'Mio Edwards, a rising freshman at Diamond Bar High School and the number five cross country runner for her age group in the country. Using her gift as a talented runner, L'Mio committed to running a 5K for 30 consecutive days in order to raise money for local food banks to support families during COVID-19. So far, she has raised thousands of dollars and helped hundreds of people. Last Saturday, I had the honor of joining this young lady for a run, and she blew me away both with her commitment to support her community and with her speed, leaving me in her dust. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting L'Mio Edwards for her commitment to her community and our country.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the HEROES Act. The mayors and local leaders in California's 39th and across America are asking for Congress to help their cities and towns. The HEROES Act will do that by providing $870 billion in direct funding to States, cities, and counties, and it will give them the flexibility to use the funding where it can do the most good. This is what our leaders in the 39th are asking for, because it will allow them to maintain crucial programs and adequately fund public safety in order to protect our citizens. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1961 and authorized by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, National Peace Officers Memorial Day was proclaimed on May 15th. The proclamation further established the calendar week of May 15th as National Police Week. National Police Week honors the heroic and selfless devotion of our peace officers to our country. It is a time to honor those who make sacrifices year-round, missing weekends, holidays, and family events to serve their communities. It is also a sacred time as we honor the fallen men and women in law enforcement who have laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect others. This week we are humbled by the challenges they face and the profound sacrifices that they make. Despite the daily adversity officers face, their dedication to protect the rule of law and their communities remains unwavering. Even in times of grave danger and uncertainty, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, our nations' police officers were some of the first to stand ready to serve and protect the citizens of their communities. The spirit of National Police Week is exemplified by those whose actions reflect courage, sacrifice, and selflessness. I am honored to rise today and recognize several individuals who bravely serve the residents of California's 39th District. Serving the Cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar I'd like to honor Lieutenant Tomas Giandomenico, a 30- year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and an Army Veteran, Sergeant Paul Parkhurst, who has served since 2006, and Deputy Jesse Acuna who has served since 2010. From the Fullerton Police Department, I would like to recognize, Sergeant Ryan O'Neil, who has served our community since 2008. From the Chino Hill's Sheriffs Station, I would like to honor Deputy Ed Hernandez, Deputy Eileen Negron, and Deputy Tony Ortega for the daily sacrifices that they make to keep our citizens safe. These deputies have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Not only serving their community while in uniform, but also using their personal time to help those in need. Lieutenant Giandomenico and Deputy Acuna help disadvantaged youth in Kenya at the School of Angels, a school they founded to provide over 100 children a safe place to gain educational opportunities. Sergeant Parkhurst, a Marine combat veteran, helps transitioning veterans who are returning from active duty adjust to civilian life in the Los Angeles Sheriffs Departments, Vets to Vets program. Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these heroes: Lieutenant Tomas Giandomenico, Sergeant Paul Parkhurst, Sergeant Ryan O'Neil, Deputy Jesse Acuna, Deputy Ed Hernandez, Deputy Eileen Negron, Deputy Tony Ortega, as well as all law enforcement officers, past, and present that make our country, and my District such a special place.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, for the better part of the last century, U.S. leadership has been essential to addressing critical global challenges. From rebuilding Europe after World War II to building an international coalition to respond to the Ebola Outbreak, the United States is unique in the world in its ability to build international coalitions and marshal resources and support around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis that necessarily requires a global response in order to solve it--and the United States must take up the leadership role it has fulfilled for decades to facilitate the response. COVID-19 knows no borders--quickly spreading across the world in a matter of months, accelerated by our inter-connected world. As such, while we should extend every effort to arrest the spread in the United States, stopping the spread in the United States alone is not enough. If we are to truly be able to reopen our economy and engage in global trade and participate in the global supply chain, we risk greater exposure and transmission of the virus if it continues to spread unchecked around the world. Fortunately, the United States possesses not only the requisite knowledge and expertise in its public health and medical officials, but also decades of experience in global health efforts necessary to lead a coordinated global response. The United States has done this before. Through the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has led efforts to combat the spread of HIV, malaria, Ebola, and other infectious diseases. Doing so not only made the epicenters of those outbreaks safer, but it also made the United States and American citizens safer. As a result, we contributed to an environment that enabled the American and global economies to thrive. Today, amid the worst global pandemic in at least a century, the United States must step back into the leadership role it has held for decades and work with the international community to chart a pathway to defeat COVID-19. We must commit the resources necessary across our global health, humanitarian, and economic toolkits to defeat the coronavirus. According to the CDC, 70 percent of the world remains underprepared to prevent, detect, and respond to a public health emergency. That means we must ensure our diplomats and development professionals on the frontlines receive the support they need to maintain operations, provide for emergency preparedness needs, and protect Americans. After committing trillions to relief at home and more than $2 billion in emergency funding to support the global COVID-19 response, it is understandable that some may be reticent to spend more on the international effort. However, as the data suggests that an outbreak in a remote village can spread to major cities on all six continents in less than 36 hours, that funding is an investment in a safer and more prosperous America. I thank the Frontline healthcare workers, first responders, military servicemembers, and other essential personnel who are keeping our society going during an unprecedented crisis at home--and I thank the diplomats and development professionals around the world that are working to keep us safe. We must now honor their dedication and sacrifice by committing the resources to them that they will need to stop the spread of this virus and re-create an environment that will enable our communities to thrive.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a man from my district and to mark, in his passing, both what we have lost and what we must refuse to lose as our country faces a great crisis. This man was not lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. But his memory almost was. Mac Jaramillo was born on March 10th, 1927 in Hanford, California, and died peacefully a few miles from his La Habra, California home on March 22nd of this year. Mr. Jaramillo was not a great statesman, not a wealthy man, at least in material things, nor was he any kind of dignitary except to his family, his community, and his church. I only learned about Mac from his children who reached out to my office asking for help in remembering him because in the midst of our public health crisis, Mac's family and friends were denied a funeral mass. They were nearly barred from his burial altogether. On April 7th, Mac, a man who was rich in friends and family, was buried by his parish priest and nine family members. The many more people who loved him and wanted to render their respects were denied that opportunity. That is why I felt the need to speak, so that an American who came from the humblest of roots, who carried himself with great humility and dignity, who sought little for himself, who served his country in the Second World War, and who not only exemplified the American dream but helped build and expand it for his children, could be remembered and honored. This is not then merely a gesture to a grieving family; it is a reminder of the great stock of which our country is made and how the example of men like Mac give us strength when we are called to answer our own challenges. Mac's father and mother, Fortino and Sotera Jaramillo started their family in the State of Guanajuato where, like many other peasant farmers of the revolutionary era in Mexico, they had trouble feeding themselves between harvests. Like my ancestors, they sought greater opportunities in an Estados Unidos that was often hostile to them even as it profited from their labor and skill. The City of Hanford became their home, but they really lived across California's great Central Valley and out to its lush Central Coast. The seasonal rhythm of migrant farm work brought the family out of Hanford every March and down to the lettuce and bean fields in coastal Nipomo and Santa Maria. Then it was north to San Jose to pick cherries and pears. By August, the family would find work back in the central valley grape regions and only return to Hanford in September for the cotton harvest. The Jaramillos worked hard for little. Tough times in the 1920s became unimaginably harsh by the early 1930s as the country sank into the depths of the Great Depression and the winters left the children hungry. For the family, the winter of 1934, when the average temperatures in Hanford hovered in the low 40s, was the worst of the Depression. It was that year that the family lost Mac's youngest brother who succumbed to a combination of cold and influenza. But even in the face of such tragedy, the family carried on. For meager wages, they lent their backs to the agricultural colossus of the Central Valley that fed and clothed so much of the nation in those lean years. It was a system of work that cost Mac a formal education as he left school in the eighth grade to join his parents and siblings in the fields. It was the body he developed in those fields that gave him the physical strength to carry his two brothers out of their bedroom during a 1941 house fire. The fire had engulfed their bedroom and the two brothers were already unconscious from smoke inhalation when Mac, a mere boy of 14, saved their lives without even a thought for his own. In the summer of 1945, Mac was inducted into the US Army. He served as an infantryman and a firefighter in the Second World War. Though he was garrisoned in Panama and never saw combat, on at least two occasions he showed his courage again fighting fires, first aboard a heavily laden ammunition ship and later rolling barrels of oil down the side of a mountain before they were engulfed in flames. Heroism and quick action in the face of fire seemed to be a theme in Mac's life. Even in middle age, when a neighbor's house was set ablaze by fireworks, he instinctively jumped into action putting out the fire and saving the house before the La Habra Fire Department arrived. Like most men of his generation, Mac Jaramillo came home from the war with wider eyes and bigger ambitions. Building on skills he had acquired in the service, Mac no longer worked in the fields but as machinist running cotton gins. In 1955, he joined his brother Dave in La Habra, working first in a packing house, then in manufacturing plants in La Habra, Brea and Placentia. He purchased a Texaco gas station and ran it for three years. Until, with his GI Bill benefits, he decided on barber college. He worked in a variety of shops until founding his own barbershop in downtown La Habra. Then in 1969, searching for better benefits, and perhaps looking for something to distract him from the recent loss of his child Lucy Lita to Leukemia the year before, Mac started a new chapter. At the age of 42, he became a Teamster and drove RC Cola deliveries for 19 years until he finally retired to tend a modest garden of roses and fruit trees. But Mac Jaramillo's real ambitions were always to be a faithful servant to his God and family. In 1956 he met and married his wife of 63 years, Lucina Quintero. Together they used his GI Bill benefits to buy a home in La Habra where they raised eight children. All eight children received their baptism, first communion, and confirmation in La Habra' s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where Mac and Lucina were married and Mac remained a parishioner until his passing. The couple taught their children to revere God, protect the family, and love their country. They also taught their children to seize opportunities. Mac and Lucina's proudest achievement was to see all eight of their surviving children graduate from La Habra High School and to watch two of them graduate from the California State University at Fullerton. Mac Jaramillo left this world as the beloved patriarch of a large and proud family, he regularly entertained groups of 30 to 40 at Christmas and other holidays. Indeed, it is a great irony that this family man, this veteran of the greatest generation, this partner in America's post-war prosperity, who loved his church, his family and his community so much more than he loved himself, was denied a public mass and a large burial reception. He is survived by his wife Lucina, brother Greg, sisters Lita and Mary, children Carlos, Dona, Mack, Eileen, Inez, Joachim, Peter, Lucy, 24 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren, seven of whom have followed in the patriarch's footsteps by serving in the Army, Air Force or Marines. With this, we have tried to ease the hurt of this one family by helping to remember Mac Jaramillo and the life he led. I feel we all gain from learning about him. He isn't the kind of man who history will normally take note of. But if we can remember him and the millions like him who built the American and Californian dream out of the ruins of the Great Depression and the Second World War, if we can remember their courage as well as their kindness and humility, then how can we despair for our future. God bless Mac Jaramillo, his family, Our Lady of Guadalupe where he worshipped, his adopted city of La Habra, the people of my district, and the country we all love.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, our country is in a crisis, and the American people are looking to Congress for action and leadership. That is why I stand in support of the CARES Act, which provides our workers, small businesses, healthcare workers, and so many more in California's 39th District the relief they need. Whether it is to provide PPE and medical equipment to our healthcare workers, financial support for our workers without jobs, or resources for our small businesses, Congress is taking significant steps to help our communities. At the same time, we are enforcing strict oversight to prevent secret bailouts and ensure that those on the front lines of our global epidemic come first. While the CARES Act throws a lifeline to our workers and our economy, we will need to do more. There is not a single community across the United States that hasn't been affected by the coronavirus in some way. That is why our next stimulus package must provide direct funding for our cities and towns with less than 500,000 residents. Although we have had to be physically apart, our community and our country have come together with the American spirit and determination needed to help us get through this crisis.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Thompson, for his steadfast leadership on this critical issue and for working with me to ensure that this amendment be made in order. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize the hiring of veterans and related preference-eligible individuals, including disabled veterans and widows or widowers of veterans, for positions within the Transportation Security Administration. Mr. Chair, I rise as a supporter and cosponsor of H.R. 1140 because I believe we must do what we can to ensure our public servants have fair pay and adequate protections. This is especially true for the Federal workforce charged with preserving our national security and protecting our Nation. As the threats against our Nation continue to evolve in complexity, TSA employees are tasked with adapting just the same. They deserve the ability to negotiate compensation equitable to the service they provide. I rise to offer this amendment to ensure that our TSA workforce includes the fortitude of our Nation's heroes, veterans who are already mission-driven, molded in integrity, national-security minded, and, above all, driven by a proven track record of service to the mission. I have heard firsthand testimony of servicemen and -women, many returning with service-connected disabilities, but many who still yearn to serve and protect our Nation. What better way than with the Transportation Security Administration, a crucial necessity to the safekeeping of our Nation's citizens? My amendment would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize our Nation's heroes first when hiring to support TSA's workforce. This includes veteran-related-preference-eligible individuals such as disabled veterans and widows or widowers of veterans. As a Navy veteran and member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, the hiring of our servicemembers and veterans is one of my top priorities. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment to ensure we do not overlook veterans who would strengthen the TSA workforce. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close. Mr. Chairman, I just want to reiterate this is a simple amendment in support of our Nation's veterans. I urge my colleagues to adopt the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial of one of the finest institutions in the 39th Congressional District. On Monday night, January 5, 1920, a cold wind blew out of the San Gabriel Mountains, through the Brea-Olinda Oil Field, the goat and sheep pastures, and into orange groves that surrounded the tiny hamlet of Brea. With little more than a thousand residents, Brea could hardly host a U.S. Post Office, but it held a small group of proud, determined men. They were American veterans of the Great War, and only 10 months after the founding of the national parent organization, with the ink still wet on national charter, they founded American Legion Post 181 in Brea, California. The founders of Brea Post 181 were men like Ted Craig who returned home to Brea in 1919 and helped secure the charter and property for the new Post only a few months after returning from ``Over There.'' Many had seen things, carried traumas off the battlefield and certainly bore emotional and physical scars of the first fully industrialized conflict. But their commitment to the Legion gave them a new mission, a common purpose and a way to channel the evils of war into a peace and prosperity that was good. The first line of the Legion's mission statement pledges every member to re-dedicate themselves to ``uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States.'' But it requires more. Built into the very fiber of the Legion's national mission is a commitment to programs that build better communities and a better country in five areas: From honoring America's war dead and supporting the rehabilitation of our nations wounded warriors, to supporting a strong national defense, the patriotic education of younger generations and, most broadly, to build support for American ideals and values. And Brea Post 181 has been an exemplary participant in all five areas from its beginning with a city-wide Armistice Day Celebration on November 11, 1920, just ten months and five days after the Post's founding. Carnivals, dances, bingo nights and parades have been an important part of the Post's connection to the community. But the Post's work has also included scholarship funding, the Boy's Nation Program, voter registration, and a long-standing collaboration with the city's patriotic celebrations, especially the annual 4th of July Country Fair. And our Brea Legion Post has always been there in times of crisis. In 1933, Brea Legionnaires reacted heroically to the major earthquake that so heavily impacted Long Beach. The Post hosted displaced families, took care of the injured victims, and even stepped in to direct and coordinate recovery resources. World War II may have been 181's finest hour. With the founding generation being too old for direct military service, men like Eugene Streed--a proud Marine who had fought Bolshevism in Vladvostock in 1918-1919--led war drives, supervised civil defense activities and put on remembrances and memorials. In Streed's case, this included handcrafting more than 1000 white crosses to identify veterans' graves. He was also the co-founder of Brea's Memory Garden, where American flags with the names of Brea's lost soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are displayed on Memorial Day. Brea is not such a small town as it was in Eugene Streed's day. One hundred years later, its population, at well over forty thousand, is 40 times the size of a rural village that gave birth to Brea Post 181. Yet, for all the city's growth and for all that the Post has done to underwrite that growth, our local Brea Legion has not always prospered in the same way. Indeed, I would be remiss if I failed to point out the struggles. The demographic shift from the mid-twentieth century, when service was almost universal for physically qualified men, to today's all-volunteer force has dramatically changed the recruiting and financing picture of the Legion. Local membership had declined so precipitously that by 2014, the Post had to sell a property it owned to avoid insolvency. It might have collapsed, and the story might have ended before this centennial celebration. But the warrior spirit has always been fierce among the veterans of Brea, and Post 181 has evolved to thrive in its new demographic environment. The membership has made smart business decisions and even smarter partnership arrangements with other veterans and civic groups like Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5384 and St. Angela Merici Church. The Post has come through its crisis. It is more intergenerational than ever before with former Brea Mayor Carrey Nelson--a retired Navy Master Chief who served in both the Second World and Korean Wars--still an active contributing member alongside current Brea Mayor Pro Tem and Brea Post 181 Commander Steven Vargas, who is also a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserves. I hope that other Legion Posts are beginning to thrive and reinvent themselves to meet a rapidly changing country that, however different, still needs a strong American Legion. As a member of the neighboring Legion Post 277 in Placentia, as the son of a Vietnam combat veteran and grandson of two World War II combat veterans, but most of all, as a member of the House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committees, I congratulate and commend the Legionaries of Brea Post 181 and wish them another century of excellence.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, in 1960 my mother's life changed dramatically forever. That was the year her father was murdered through an act of gun violence. She was just 10 years old and my grandmother became a widow with six children left to raise on her own. This week marks National Gun Violence Survivors Week, where we listen to stories like my mom's and other survivors of gun violence through the country. But here in Congress, we need to do more than just listen to these stores. We need to act. Last year, the House passed commonsense, bipartisan gun safety legislation, H.R. 8, to expand background checks. This measure is something over 90 percent of the American public wants. Unfortunately, it has been sitting in the Senate for almost a year and that is unacceptable. Survivors of gun violence, victims of gun violence, and the American people deserve a Congress who will act and pass these gun safety bills. Enough is enough.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and congratulate 13 elementary schools in California's 39th District for their selection as 2020 California Distinguished Schools. The 39th District elementary schools awarded this distinction include: Acacia, Blandford, Buena Terra, Charles G. Emery, Golden, Hidden Trails, Killian, Laguna Road, Laurel Elementary Magnet School of Innovation and Career Exploration, Mesa Robles, Robert C. Fisler, Wedgeworth, and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology. Our students' success is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the tireless efforts made by educators, administrators, staff, and parents. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my honorable colleagues join me in congratulating these 13 California distinguished schools for their tremendous educational achievements.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and congratulate ten elementary schools in California's 39th District for their selection as 2020 California Distinguished Schools. The California Distinguished Schools Program is a component of the California School Recognition Program and serves to recognize schools that demonstrate outstanding education programs and practices. Schools awarded with this distinction hold the Distinguished School title for two years. This year, eligible elementary schools in the State of California were identified through a multiple measures accountability system that examines performance and progress on state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard. Schools were identified and selected within two distinct categories: Closing the Achievement Gap and Exceptional Student Performance. Elementary schools in California's 39th District awarded this distinction include: Acacia Elementary School (Fullerton School District), Blandford Elementary School (Rowland Unified School District), Buena Terra Elementary School (Centralia Elementary School District), Charles G. Emery Elementary (Buena Park Elementary School District), Golden Elementary School (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District), Hidden Trails Elementary School (Chino Valley Unified School District), Killian Elementary School (Rowland Unified School District), Laguna Road Elementary School (Fullerton School District), Laurel Elementary Magnet School of Innovation and Career Exploration (Brea-Olinda Unified School District), Mesa Robles School (Hacienda La Puente Unified School District), Robert C. Fisler School (Fullerton School District), Wedgeworth Elementary School (Hacienda La Puente Unified School District), and Ybarra Academy of Arts and Technology (Rowland Unified School District). As California Distinguished Schools, these institutions set the standard for an immersive educational climate bound by a student-driven learning philosophy. Exceptional student achievement in each school is a testament to the efforts made by educators to realign pedagogical practices to allow for student empowerment and engagement. This relies on a comprehensive platform that supplements the breadth of academic rigor with collaboration and social support. Through programs ranging from dual immersion to positive behavior intervention, these schools reconcile differences in theory and praxis to close achievement gaps and instill traits vital to academic success. What results is a seamless integration between teacher guidance and student participation. It is this attunement to the holistic well-being of each student that sets Distinguished Schools apart. As a strong believer in education and its life-changing advantages, there is nothing more pleasing than knowing that the community I serve is paving a brighter road for the academic future of California's youth. I am proud of the tireless efforts made by parents, teachers, administrators, and staff to advance a scholastic agenda that rewards integrated educational experiences. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my honorable colleagues join me in congratulating these ten California Distinguished Schools for this tremendous achievement in the world of education. I am wholeheartedly assured in their ability to guide and leave a lasting impact on the students of California's 39th District.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor and congratulate ten elementary schools in California's 39th District for their selection as 2020 California Distinguished Schools. The California Distinguished Schools Program is a component of the California School Recognition Program and serves to recognize schools that demonstrate outstanding education programs and practices. Schools awarded with this distinction hold the Distinguished School title for two years. This year, eligible elementary schools in the State of California were identified through a multiple measures accountability system that examines performance and progress on state indicators specified on the California School Dashboard. Schools were identified and selected within two distinct categories: Closing the Achievement Gap and Exceptional Student Performance. Elementary schools in California's 39th District awarded this distinction include: Acacia Elementary School (Fullerton School District), Blandford Elementary School (Rowland Unified School District), Buena Terra Elementary School (Centralia Elementary School District), George B. Miller Elementary School (Centralia Elementary School District), Golden Elementary School (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District), Killian Elementary School (Rowland Unified School District), Laguna Road Elementary School (Fullerton School District), Mesa Robles School (Hacienda La Puente Unified School District), Robert C. Fisler School (Fullerton School District), and Wedgeworth Elementary School (Hacienda La Puente Unified School District). As California Distinguished Schools, these institutions set the standard for an immersive educational climate bound by a student-driven learning philosophy. Exceptional student achievement in each school is a testament to the efforts made by educators to realign pedagogical practices to allow for student empowerment and engagement. This relies on a comprehensive platform that supplements the breadth of academic rigor with collaboration and social support. Through programs ranging from dual immersion to positive behavior intervention, these schools reconcile differences in theory and praxis to close achievement gaps and instill traits vital to academic success. What results is a seamless integration between teacher guidance and student participation. It is this attunement to the holistic well-being of each student that sets Distinguished Schools apart. As a strong believer in education and its life-changing advantages, there is nothing more pleasing than knowing that the community I serve is paving a brighter road for the academic future of California's youth. I am proud of the tireless efforts made by parents, teachers, administrators, and staff to advance a scholastic agenda that rewards integrated educational experiences. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my honorable colleagues join me in congratulating these ten California Distinguished Schools for this tremendous achievement in the world of education. I am wholeheartedly assured in their ability to guide and leave a lasting impact on the students of California's 39th District.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in defense of our Constitution and express the urgent need of Congress to reestablish itself as an equal branch of government. Our Founders explicitly laid out the roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, creating a necessary system of checks and balances, but today we find our democratic system in jeopardy. In the past week, there has been an increasing concern about the United States going to war with Iran. Let me be very clear: If and when the President decides to use military action, he must go through Congress first. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war. Any attempt to undermine that power would be unsafe, unacceptable, and unconstitutional. As a Navy veteran, I am constantly thinking of our brave servicemembers. It is why I take this constitutional responsibility seriously. We cannot turn our backs to our principles, we cannot turn our backs to our values, and we cannot turn our backs to the Constitution. I look forward to voting for the War Powers Resolution and taking Congress' power back.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, when I was 18 years old, I joined the United States Navy and took the oath to support and defend the Constitution for the first time. I took that oath again earlier this year as a Member of Congress; and every day I work hard to live by that oath and give the 39th District the representation it deserves. I have always maintained that impeachment is a serious undertaking and must be done with incredible care. When the unprecedented allegations against the President and his interactions with Ukraine were first reported, I felt that it was Congress' duty to investigate and find out the truth. Now the facts are before Congress and the American people. The President betrayed his oath to support and defend the Constitution by attempting to undermine the integrity of our election for his own personal benefit. He asked a foreign government to investigate a political rival and endangered our national security by withholding military aid to an ally. For me, it is not about personal politics or party affiliation. It is about upholding my oath to put our country and our Constitution first and protect our national security. This is why I will vote to move forward with the impeachment of the President. I hope all my colleagues will join me in recognizing this grave threat and stand up to this administration in defense of our country and our Constitution.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two high schools in my district on their CIF Southern Section football championships. I offer my sincere congratulations to Sunny Hills High School's Lancers from Fullerton for their win in the CIF Southern Section Division 8 final. I also want to congratulate the Esperanza High School Aztecs for their win in the CIF Southern Section Division 13 final. We are all especially proud of both schools for their amazing run through the playoffs. This is both Sunny Hills' and Esperanza's first CIF championships since 1972. Their championships speak to the leadership of their head coaches, Pete Karavedas and Wes Choate, and their respective coaching staffs. But, more importantly, these championships were possible due to the dedication, commitment, and teamwork of the players. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of continued success for both programs. Again, on behalf of the 39th Congressional District, I want to congratulate both Sunny Hills and Esperanza High Schools for two outstanding championship seasons.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the taxpayers in my district and urge my colleagues to quickly pass bipartisan legislation to lift the cap on the State and local tax deduction. Capping the deduction hurts homeowners and undermines State and local efforts to invest in our roads, schools, teachers, and first responders. Setting the cap at $10,000 for both individuals and joint filers unfairly punishes married couples. Richard from Walnut wrote that while he and his wife are trying to plan for their retirement, ``the net result of the cap was less money in my pocket.'' Kyle from Yorba Linda wrote to me: ``This new marriage penalty is a slap in the face to those of us who are trying to grow our roots in your district.'' I introduced bipartisan legislation with my colleagues, Representative Sherrill from New Jersey along with Republican Representatives Peter King and Elise Stefanik. Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I urge my colleagues to join us in support of this legislation before the year's end.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, it is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that I rise to mark the passing of the Honorable Henry ``Hank'' Wedaa, former mayor and longtime council member of Yorba Linda. On the morning of November 13, 2019, Henry passed away in his Anaheim home at the age of 95. As a member of the Greatest Generation and a Yorba Linda ``founding father'' who dedicated his life to public service, Henry was a shining example of courage, determination, and selflessness. He will be missed dearly by family, friends, and the community he devoted his life to. Though an established Yorba Linda resident for over 50 years, Henry's roots began in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was born on February 15, 1924 as the eldest child of five to Henrik and Anna Wedaa. As a young child, Henry discovered a love for aviation and spent time watching planes make emergency landings on a golf course near his home. Though uncertain of the future, he was resolute in his belief that he would one day take to the skies. Henry's prediction proved to be correct with the news of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent declaration of war. Like many of his time, Henry became part of the nationwide movement of young individuals who lent their youth and passion to protect the freedom of their beloved country. On January 5, 1943, at the age of 18, Henry joined the infantry but was soon transferred to what he knew to be his true calling--the United States Air Force. Assigned to the 467th Bombardment Group as a bombardier and aerial gunner, Henry and his fellow men left for Rackheath, United Kingdom on his 20th birthday. Beginning April 10, 1944, the 467th Bombardment Group would complete its required 30 missions in just 78 days. Henry solemnly watched events of the European Theater unfold as he sat on the nose of a B-24 Liberator 20,000 feet up in the air. Returning to the United States after his last mission, Henry was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. After his service in WWII, Henry graduated from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1949, majoring in physics and chemistry. He then attended graduate school at the University of Arizona and was employed at the U.S. Naval Weapons Center in China Lake, California for eight years. It was during this time that Henry was met with the fortuitous opportunity to settle down in Yorba Linda, California. In 1970, three years after the incorporation of Yorba Linda, he began his second act of public service as a city councilmember. Henry would serve Yorba Linda for 29 years. During this extensive tenure, in which he served as mayor five times, Henry championed for a particular quality of life in Yorba Linda. The Yorba Linda in existence today that favors a semi-rural, low-density community owes its idyllic charm and methodical process of change to Henry's original vision. During his time on the city council, many iconic city projects were approved: the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, the SAVI Ranch Retail Center, the Yorba Linda Community Center, and over a dozen city parks. Henry represented the city council on numerous committees including the Southern California Association of Governments' Aviation Work Program Committee. Henry also acted as chairman of the governing board of South Coast Air Quality Management District and president of the Southern California Association of Governments. Though public service was always at the forefront of his life, Henry also led a distinguished professional career that aligned with his passion for pure, unadulterated quality of life. Working in parallel as he helped shape Yorba Linda, Henry dedicated himself to specializing in transportation and environmental studies. As a founder of the California Hydrogen Business Council, Henry made a name for himself as a renowned advocate for clean air, alternative energy, and reducing emissions. He urged for the development of hydrogen fuel cells in the 39th District and was awarded the Haagen-Smit Clean Air Award from California Air Resources Board for his commitment to accelerating the future of hydrogen vehicles and green sources of energy. Henry is survived by his sons Eric and Jim, and daughters Karena and Tina. He also leaves behind an insurmountable legacy reinforced by the people whose lives were touched by his leadership and care. Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in remembering Henry ``Hank'' Wedaa: an American patriot, a devout environmentalist, and a visionary father to the city of Yorba Linda