Mark DeSaulnier

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, for nearly 3 years, frontline and essential workers have experienced traumatic stress while navigating different and difficult barriers and new challenges in the workplace. Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of adults, 63 percent, believe their lives have been irreversibly changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many reported worsening mental health, traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other negative health outcomes. For those who experience loss or workplace violence and harassment, traumatic stress can make a demanding workload, longer shifts, repeated staff shortages, and administrative challenges difficult to manage. That is why Representative Mrvan introduced H.R. 8887, the Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health and Resilience Act. Throughout my career in public office, I have worked to ensure that resources are available for those impacted by PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The pandemic was particularly challenging for many members of organized labor in the manufacturing and construction industries, who continued to show up to work every day during that challenging time, and this provision would aim to give them the support they deserve. As Mr. Mrvan's designee, I am offering the text of his Prioritizing Workplace Mental Health and Resilience Act as an amendment to H.R. 7780 today. This amendment will ensure affected workers, who made it possible for our Nation to recover from various challenges posed by COVID-19 in the public health emergency, are afforded the adequate support services during their times of need. The amendment will establish a research program to identify and apply comprehensive approaches to support frontline and essential workers exposed to and affected by workplace stressors that contribute to adverse mental health outcomes. If adopted, this amendment will require NIOSH, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, to coordinate with other research programs within the Institute to develop comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to support mental health and behavioral health; inform NIOSH on best practices and recommendations for organizational-level workplace interventions; support the Institute's mission to prevent worker injury or illness and reduce the risk of such mental health outcomes among frontline, essential, and other affected workers. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I will just say it is vital that we address the adverse mental health outcomes that stem from work environments and provide resources to workers living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1396, providing for consideration of three measures. First, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 7780 under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor, and makes in order two amendments, and provides one motion to recommit. Second, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3843 under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary and a motion to recommit. Third, the rule provides for consideration of S. 3969 under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on House Administration and a motion to commit. The rule provides the majority leader or his designee the ability to en bloc requested roll call votes on suspension bills considered on September 28 to September 30. This authority lasts through September 30, 2022. Lastly, the rule provides standard recess instructions from October 3 to November 11. Mr. Speaker, an average of 18 young Americans took their own lives every day in 2020. When children take their own lives, families and communities are left broken. This includes the community of Moorhead, Minnesota, which faced the devastating loss of 13-year old Horizon Middle School student Jacoby Blake to suicide just last year. These sad stories happen all over this country in all of our districts. Mental health disorders, as a whole, are a common cause of death. It is estimated by CDC that 8 million deaths worldwide, which represents about 14.3 of total annual deaths, are attributable to mental disorders. Even before the pandemic, the unmet mental and behavioral health needs of young people, students, and teachers, were a serious problem. In talking with teachers in the district I represent in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay area, it is clear that this problem has become a crisis. Teachers, administrators, and parents, often tell me that dealing with their students and their children's and their own mental and behavioral health challenges is among the most difficult things they deal with every day. The data, unfortunately, backs up these stories. Teachers are saying, just last year, almost half of the students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, and nearly 20 percent seriously considered suicide. Think of that, Mr. Speaker. Almost one in four American children have considered suicide in the last 2 years. At the same time, 27 percent of teachers reported symptoms of depression, which is significantly higher than average adults, and those numbers have been growing. Despite these warning signs, over 60 percent of children experiencing major depression do not receive any form of mental health treatment, and only 22 percent of teachers reported receiving emotional support from their school, their school district, or professional staff. This is at a time when investments in the National Institute of Mental Health is discovering exponential information about how our brains work, how they cognitively develop, and the danger to trauma. We are not getting this information out to the people who need it the most. We know that when people get treatment, they succeed. They overcome their difficulties. As a Nation, we are underinvesting in the resources our students need, and our communities, our parents, our teachers, our administrators, to stay healthy, to succeed in school, and retain talented teachers and professionals and make sure that future Americans grow and are ready to carry on the legacy that we have inherited from former generations. While the School Social Work Association of America recommends a ratio of 250 students per social worker, not one single State meets this recommended ratio. The national average is 2,106 of students per social worker; 2,106, as opposed to the recommended average of 250. I am proud this week that the House is advancing my legislation, the Mental Health Matters Act, to confront this crisis head on, to give communities and parents and teachers the resources they need. This bill was drafted with the needs of students, parents, and teachers in mind and is the product of months of careful consideration about how Congress can best respond to our Nation's mental health crisis. This legislation before us would expand the school-based mental and behavioral health workforce, promote accessibility for students with disabilities, provide resources to address trauma in young children, and strengthen the ability of Americans with employer-sponsored insurance to access mental health and substance use disorder treatments they are statutorily entitled to. From my discussions with mental health professionals over the years and research that has informed this legislation, it is clear that failure to address these challenges at a young age can harm performance at school and work and lead to ever worsening mental and behavioral health outcomes later in life for individuals and for our country. Anxiety and reading disorders co-occur in approximately 25 percent of students. For individuals whose reading challenges persist into adulthood, there is a greater likelihood of depression, low self- esteem, and difficulty in social functioning. To break this cycle, a provision I authored would help Head Start agencies implement evidence-based interventions to improve the health of children and staff. While investment is needed for greater access to school-based mental health and behavioral health, individuals and families with employer- sponsored health insurance must also have robust access to treatment outside of school. Some insurers, unfortunately, have placed arbitrary coverage limits on mental and behavioral health care, making it hard for patients to access treatment in the same way they would for physical ailments. This legislation makes great strides in the fight for mental health parity so that families can focus more on staying healthy and less on battling insurers for coverage. Mental health and suicide prevention are deeply personal issues for me, having lost my own father to suicide almost 34 years ago. In advancing this bill, it is my hope that we can prevent many families from having to experience what mine went through several decades ago. Also included in today's rule is the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill would increase the filing fee that large corporations must pay the Federal Trade Commission in order to conduct a merger. A recent surge in merger filings has placed a strain on the FTC's resources, and updating the fee schedule will help the agency cope with its many demands. Finally, we will also consider the PAVA Program Inclusion Act under the rule. This Senate-passed legislation would help ensure that all programs designed to help voters with disabilities can access Federal funds regardless of their location. Unfortunately, programs designed to help individuals with disabilities vote who are Native Americans or who live in the Northern Mariana Islands are not currently able to access the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access funds in the same manner as other Federal programs. The PAVA Program Inclusion Act will fix this injustice, and passing this bill will send it to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. Mr. Speaker, we have a great opportunity this week to make transformative investments in our Nation's future and our mental health and pass other commonsense legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1396 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the comments from my friend. Just on the mental health part, we did have hearings in the subcommittee I am proud to chair, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. We have had ongoing discussions with both the ranking member of that subcommittee and the ranking member of the full committee, so I think this is to be continued. I would say on the mental health part of the rule, the urgency is right now, as I outlined in my opening comments. It is something we will have to continue to work with and hopefully will in good faith because all of these issues are on mental health, particularly for young people. I have agreed in my conversations with my friends, the ranking members, Ms. Foxx and Mr. Allen, and I look forward to continuing that. I think there is a real urgency on that. On the trust, I respectfully disagree. Given the level of inequality in this country right now, I think it is really important that we support competition in the marketplace, and the Federal Trade Commission needs the resources to make sure that that happens. The PAVA bill obviously has bipartisan support. On all of these bills, I am anxious to get them off the floor today as a rule and look forward to seeing the continued debate tomorrow on the specific bills and the outcome of those bills. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I always say that I respect and admire my friend from the San Francisco Bay Area. Sometimes, we disagree. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the names and correspondence of several organizations I will mention just briefly. These are 40 different organizations that have written to Congress in support of H.R. 3843, the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. Amongst them are Accountable Tech, American Trust Institute, American Family Voices, Artist Rights Alliance, Center for Democracy and Technology, Center for Digital Democracy, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action, Consumer Reports, Free Press Action, Open Markets Institute, Our Revolution, the Service Employees International Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and the Writers Guild of America West, amongst others. We have covered a broad group here. These organizations include: Accountable Tech, American Antitrust Institute, American Economic Liberties Project, American Family Voices, Artist Rights Alliance, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL- CIO, Athena, Campaign for Family Farms and the Environment, Center for Democracy & Technology, Center for Digital Democracy, Center for Economic and Policy Research, Common Sense Media, Consumer Action. Consumer Reports, Demand Progress, Demos, Economic Security Project Action, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Farm Action Fund, Fight for the Future, Free Press Action, Future of Music Coalition, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Grocers Association, New York Communities for Change. Open Markets Institute, Our Revolution, P Street/ Progressive Change Campaign Committee, People's Parity Project, Public Citizen, Public Knowledge, Revolving Door Project, Service Employees International Union, The Democratic Coalition, The Tech Oversight Project, UltraViolet Action, Writers Guild of America West (WGAW).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record The Washington Post article titled: ``U.S. arrests along Mexico border top 2 million a year for first time.'' [From the Washington Post, Sept. 19, 2022] U.S. Arrests Along Mexico Border Top 2 Million a Year for First Time (By Nick Miroff) U.S. authorities made more than 2 million immigration arrests along the southern border during the past 11 months, marking the first time annual enforcement statistics have exceeded that threshold, according to figures provided by senior Biden administration officials Monday. In August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained 203,598 migrants crossing from Mexico, the latest figures show, putting authorities on pace to tally more than 2.3 million arrests during the government's 2022 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. The total, which includes some people apprehended more than once, far exceeds last year's record of more than 1.7 million arrests. The historic migration wave this year has been driven by soaring numbers of border-crossers from outside Mexico and Central America, the two largest traditional sources of illegal entries. Migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba accounted for more than one-third of those taken into custody along the southern border last month, according to Customs and Border Protection, a 175 percent increase over August 2021. Biden administration officials blamed the governments of those countries, whose strained relations with Washington severely limit the ability of authorities to send them deportees. Many of the migrants apply for humanitarian protection in the United States and tend to have strong asylum claims. ``Failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba are driving a new wave of migration across the Western Hemisphere, including the recent increase in encounters at the southwest U.S. border,'' Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus, said in a statement. ``Those fleeing repressive regimes pose significant challenges for processing and removal,'' he said, using the official term for deportations. Biden administration officials continue to insist they are building a ``safe, orderly and humane'' immigration system while blaming the Trump administration for ``dismantling'' channels for legal migration. Critics say Biden administration officials have fallen far short of meeting their refugee admission goals, and the number of migrants who have died this year attempting to cross into the United States is at an all-time high. Scores have drowned in the Rio Grande in recent months, and 53 were killed in June when smugglers in Texas packed migrants into a sweltering tractor trailer with a failing cooling system. Republican lawmakers blame the record number of crossings on President Biden's reversal of Trump administration border policies. Over the past several months, the Republican governors of Texas and Arizona have sent more than 10,000 migrants on buses to Washington, New York and other northern destinations to put pressure on Democrats by straining relief services in their jurisdictions. Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) shipped a planeload of Venezuelans to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, transporting them to a wealthy island enclave with limited services for migrants. Biden administration officials also say the high border numbers are distorted by repeat crossing attempts by migrants who have been previously arrested. Last month, 22 percent of those taken into custody had a prior arrest in the previous 12 months, the latest figures show. One factor Biden administration officials blame for the repeat crossings is the Title 42 emergency public health policy, implemented at the start of the pandemic, that allows U.S. agents to rapidly ''expel'' some migrants back to Mexico. The Biden administration's attempt to phase out Title 42 was blocked in federal court last spring. The latest figures show the percentage of border-crossers expelled under Title 42 has been falling and remains far lower under Biden than President Donald Trump. About 36 percent of the 203,598 migrant ``encounters'' resulted in an expulsion last month, down from 83 percent when Biden took office. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), said Monday that the strain on Democratic-run cities will force the administration to see the border surge as a crisis. ``Maybe, just maybe, they'll see that what's happening along our border every day is dangerous, unsustainable, and a problem that we need to work on together to address,'' he said. Biden officials defending the administration's border record pointed to a decline in the number of Mexican and Central American migrants arrested over the past three months as a sign their enforcement policies are having some success, including efforts to target smuggling organizations in Latin America.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, the numbers don't lie. If the annual number of apprehensions at the border is set to break records, that means fewer migrants are making it into the country. The notion that Biden is doing nothing is just absolutely not true. Just secondarily, my good friend and co-chair of the Cancer Survivors Caucus from Georgia, we have a wonderful relationship. On this I agree, but I disagree on the process. As somebody who has spent a lot of time on opioid abuse, and we know that in our experience with people like myself who survived cancer, particularly more painful ones, that is a product when used properly that can bring relief to people, but we know about the abuse. As you said, a lot of that led to fentanyl. We are against illegal drugs hurting Americans. We want to support effective remedies to that. I would say that one of the most effective things we can do--having had a long experience personally and professionally in behavioral health--is to invest in the kind of bill we have in front of us--with all due respect, with my name on it--to get upstream, so we make sure that people have the resources, evidence- based resources. So it is not as subjective to get the services they need to protect themselves in an, unfortunately, far-too-free market when it comes to the abuse of both legal and illegal drugs. With all due respect, again, I am happy to work with the gentleman, but I really think, from my perspective, it is an argument to engage in the investment in behavioral health and mental health services. I will still work with the gentleman to make sure people aren't bringing these awful products across our border.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would say in brief response that I have great respect, obviously, for our emergency responders. I appreciate what the gentlewoman's husband does for a living and what they have to go through. We all agree that we have to support thoughtful oversight to stop these drugs from getting into the hands of people who it can do great damage. I have been to the border multiple times, both as a Member of Congress and as a member of the California State Legislature. We have a problem, and it has been a problem through Republican administrations and Democratic administrations, both in State houses in the border States and here in Washington, D.C. We are not for open borders. We want to stop people being harmed by illicit drugs. So the idea that we are not, I would respectfully say that is not accurate. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I will read a few numbers, particularly on the part of the rule that is the Mental Health Matters Act, which I am proud to be the author of with Chairman Scott. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages of Americans 10 to 24; second for 12 to 18. For adolescents, depression, substance abuse, and suicide are extremely important concerns--an epidemic, I would say--among adolescents age 12 to 17. In 2018 to 2019, 15.1 percent of young Americans had major depressive episodes; 36.7 had persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness; 4.1 had a substance abuse disorder; 18 percent seriously considered attempting suicide; 16 percent made a suicide plan; and 10 percent attempted suicide. Madam Speaker, 10 percent of America's young people have attempted suicide; 2.5 percent made suicide attempts requiring medical treatment. For all those reasons, the part of the rule that is the Mental Health Matters Act is extremely important to this country. Is it perfect? Of course not, from every perspective of 535 Members of Congress and 435 Members of the House. But the need is too urgent, in my view, to wait. That is why it is so important that not just this rule passes but the bill is passed. We need to put resources in the FTC with the most income inequality and consolidation of wealth through mergers. Not always in our best interest. It is important that the FTC has the resources it needs to actually enforce the statutes as they currently have. Madam Speaker, we need to help Americans, and specifically teachers and students, get back to doing what they do best, teaching and learning. The legislation before us on the rule will help provide the resources to improve mental health outcomes and educational attainment. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the previous question.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Reverend Michael Russo. Throughout his life, Michael demonstrated his dedication to his faith and his passion for education. He earned his bachelor's in communications and later his Master of Divinity from Seton Hall University. Michael became an ordained minister in 1971 and was known from that point on as Father Mike. Father Mike was especially interested in political communications and American journalism. He earned a Ph.D. in American Social and Political History from New York University (NYU). His doctoral dissertation, which focused on CBS News's impact on American politics, received the 1983 Bayrd Still Award in Historical Writing. Father Mike was eager to share his knowledge and passion for U.S. history with future generations. He began his career as an educator teaching Religion and Communication Studies at Seton Hall. He later served as chair of Seton Hall's Religious Studies Department. He began teaching Political Communication at Saint Mary's College in the early 1980s and was later appointed as chair of the Academic Senate and chair of the Communication Department. Father Mike was adored among the Saint Mary's community and has touched countless students' lives. Father Mike worked closely with CBS News for many years, offering his expert analysis on papal happenings. His partnership with CBS began when Mike was still in college, serving as Walter Cronkite's desk assistant. Father Mike was later asked by CBS to cover events surrounding the Pope where he provided his expertise to a global audience. Father Mike had the honor of travelling with Pope John Paul II on ``Shepard One'' when His Holiness visited Northern California in 1987. Sadly, Mike passed away on August 10, 2022. He is survived by his brother Joseph and his wife Anita, his sister Marian, his nieces and nephews, Leah, AJ, Philip, Bettina, Tim, William, Josephine, and Julian, and many other loving family members, friends, colleagues, and parishioners. Father Mike will be remembered for his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to his faith. He will be deeply missed. Please join us in honoring Reverend Michael Russo for his many contributions to our community and to our Nation.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of long-time community member, Nancy Kay Young Placier. Nancy was born in 1936 in Modesto, California, to Jack and Lois Young. She went on to graduate from Downey High School and later attended Stanislaus Community College. In 1963, she married Philip Placier in San Francisco, California. Later, she and Phil became adopted parents to their three children, David, Tom, and Betsy. Throughout her life, Nancy has shown her passion for her faith and her dedication to service. For 40 years, Nancy volunteered with nonprofits such as Peralta Cancer Research Institute, Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, and more, helping fundraise for breast cancer research and raising awareness about the disease. Nancy was also dedicated to her faith and was a member of the Presbyterian Church for 58 years, even serving as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon. Sadly, Nancy passed away on January 18, 2022. Nancy is survived by her husband, Phil, her sons, David and Tom, her daughter, Betsy, and her grandchildren, Alex, Tyler, Michael, and Zariyah. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Please join us in honoring Nancy for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Jack Broadbent to our Nation, our environment, and our community upon his retirement from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Over the years, Jack accrued extensive experience in environmental policy and administration. He earned his master's degree in environmental administration from UC Riverside. Jack previously served as Deputy Executive Officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District where he directed multiple landmark programs to help improve air quality in the Los Angeles area. Jack later went on to serve as Air Division Director at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region IX. He also had prior experience working in the private sector as an environmental programs manager for Hughes Aircraft Company which is the largest private employer in the state. Starting in 2004, Jack served as the Executive Officer/Air Pollution Control Officer for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Under Jack's leadership, the Air District developed innovative strategies to improve air quality and to foster a healthier environment in the Bay Area. Under Jack's direction, the Air District was responsible for managing indoor air quality and radiation programs for the Pacific Southwest as well as ensuring proper implementation of the Clean Air Act. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is one of the most esteemed air quality management agencies in the Nation thanks in part to Jack's dedication and hard work. We thank Jack for his diligence and passion for protecting our environment. Please join me in congratulating Jack on his retirement and honoring him for his more than 18 years of service as head of the Air District.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of long-time community leader and Health Officer of Contra Costa Health Services, Dr. Chris Farnitano, as he enters retirement. Chris has dedicated his career to improving the lives of others and advancing wellness and compassionate care within Contra Costa. In 1997, he assisted in the development of the Pittsburg Health Center's HIV Medical Clinic, which was the first-of-its-kind in the nation. Over the course of more than thirty years, Chris served in various leadership roles within the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center & Health Centers including as Family Medicine Department Chair, Director of Ambulatory Care, and Assistant Residency Program Director. In 2018, Chris began serving as county health officer, continuing his commitment to provide excellent health care to Contra Costa residents. Chris's commitment to promoting public health and wellbeing in our community is apparent in all the work he has done. As a part of Contra Costa Health Services, Chris has led our county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris was instrumental throughout the pandemic in helping to minimize the spread of the virus within our county and countless lives have been saved thanks to Chris' leadership. Throughout his career, Chris has been an exceptional health care provider to countless families and a reliable source of quality information and guidance to our office on the pandemic. Chris's work has had a significant impact in our community and our county admires his compassion and dedication. While we will miss him, please join me in congratulating Chris on his retirement and honoring his more than 30 years of service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Randy Sawyer upon his retirement from Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS). Randy began his career at Contra Costa Health in 1992 as a specialist engineer in Accidental Release Prevention within the Hazardous Materials Division. At this time, he worked with numerous chemical and oil refineries to prevent accidental material leakage. Randy also helped to champion the county's Community Warning System, establishing one of the best response teams in the state, and the Industrial Safety Ordinance, which we worked on together. In 2004, Randy became the Director of the Hazardous Materials Division. In 2005, Randy was appointed to the California Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Forum Board where he was instrumental in helping to formulate policy on statewide hazardous materials programs. Randy served as Chair of the board from 2007 to 2008. Randy's leadership was crucial in the county's COVID-19 recovery efforts, serving as Deputy Health Director of CCHS. In this role, he worked closely with the department's Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health, and Climate Health and Policy divisions. Randy's work has had a significant impact on Contra Costa and its residents. Please join me in congratulating Randy on his retirement and honoring him for his 30 years of public service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize long-time community member, Louie Rocha, as he retires from his role as principal of Antioch High School. Throughout his career, Louie has demonstrated his passion for education and his dedication to serving students. In 1986, he served as a counselor at the REACH Project, providing support and services to at- risk youth at Park Junior High School. Louie joined Antioch Unified School District in 1996 serving as a guidance counselor at Prospects Alternative Education High School. In this role, Louie led the school in creating social and emotional counseling services for students. In 1999, Louie began serving as Antioch High School's secondary assistant principal. Louie was promoted to principal in 2006 and has worked tirelessly in this position to implement changes in Antioch High School's curriculum and education methods to foster a positive environment on campus and to improve graduation rates. Under his leadership, Antioch High School adopted the small learning communities (SLC) model to allow students to develop more personalized, positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Additionally, Louie helped to promote Linked Learning academies on campus to help connect students with career training in the fields of environmental engineering and media technology. Louie also led the Antioch High community in modernizing the school's campus. Thanks to Louie's leadership, the school was able to make improvements on campus and bolster school security. Louie is a true leader in our community and we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact he has had on so many students' lives. Please join me in congratulating Louie on his retirement and honoring him for his years of dedicated service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Joan Evola Billeci. Better known by friends as ``Joanie,'' Joan was born and raised in Pittsburg, California by Pearl DeMercurio and Joseph Billeci, former Mayor of Pittsburg. Joan and her husband, Nolan, were high school sweethearts and were married for 55 wonderful years. Joan followed in her father's footsteps of public service and was involved with numerous local organizations including the St. Peter Martyr School, the Church of the Good Shepard, and the Pittsburg Boys and Girls Club. In her professional career, she served as an executive assistant in the Pittsburg Unified School District at Highlands Elementary for seventeen years. Throughout her life, Joan demonstrated her dedication to service and passion for her community. Joan was an active volunteer with the Pittsburg Historical Society, volunteering for over two decades and serving as treasurer for nearly 20 years. In 2012, Joan's received the Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soroptimist International of Pittsburg in recognition of her service. In her free time, Joan loved traveling, spending time with family, and participating in a sewing club with her close friends. Sadly, Joan passed away on June 6, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Nolan Evola, as well as her sister Anne Romeo, brother Mark Billeci, son Salvatore, daughter-in-law Vicki, and grandchildren Joseph and Gabriella. She will be remembered for her kind heart and dedication to service. Please join me in honoring Joan Evola for her many contributions to our community.