Mark DeSaulnier

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro), a member of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote today as I was unavoidably detained at a committee hearing while supporting a family from my district as they testified about the loss of their daughter, a Seaman in the U.S. Navy. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 90, H.R. 5706. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Baird (Walorski) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Bowman (Meng) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) Cuellar (Pappas) DeGette (Blunt Rochester) Evans (Mfume) Gimenez (Diaz-Balart) Harder (CA) (Gomez) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Joyce (OH) (Garbarino) Kahele (Mrvan) Lawson (FL) (Wasserman Schultz) Mace (Rice (SC)) McHenry (Budd) McNerney (Blunt Rochester) Newman (Beyer) Owens (Stewart) Payne (Pallone) Roybal-Allard (Wasserman Schultz) Salazar (Diaz-Balart) Sanchez (Gomez) Sires (Pallone) Strickland (Takano) Suozzi (Beyer) Taylor (Carter (TX)) Trone (Beyer) Valadao (Garbarino) Wilson (FL) (Jeffries)

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize contributions of Eva Garcia to the Contra Costa community and congratulate her on her retirement. Eva Garcia was born in Argentina and immigrated to the United States in 1971. Through her many positions throughout her career, it has been clear that Eva has worked hard and works in service of others. In 1998, Eva joined the staff at Contra Costa County Service Integration Program, which is now SparkPoint Contra Costa. In 2000, Eva advanced to the top leadership position at SparkPoint's Career Center thanks to her hard work and dedication. In this role, Eva has assisted so many in the area with job training and mentoring. Eva has also been appointed to the Bay Point Municipal Advisory, serving on the advisory board to Supervisor Federal Glover, and is a member of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Bay Point Ad/ Hoc Committee, Vice President of the Bay Point Historical Society, and Secretary of the Bay Point Association. Eva's leadership is commendable and Contra Costa has benefited greatly thanks to her work. In her personal life, Eva is a mother to her twin children and has been a proud resident of Bay Point for the past 30 years. Her love for her family and her community is clear to all who know her. We thank Eva for her 24 years of service and for her passion for Bay Point and its residents. Please join me in honoring Eva and congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, Americans are living longer than ever before--about 30 years longer, on average, than a century ago. To quote the founder of the Stanford Center on Longevity, ``longevity is . . . among the greatest opportunities we have had in human history.'' Those extra years mean more time spent with family and friends and enjoying retirement. Unfortunately, while life expectancy increases, Americans are falling behind on retirement savings. More than 4 in 10 American adults have less than $25,000 saved for retirement. And the coronavirus pandemic has made it worse. According to a recent study, 1 in 5 Americans said they are saving less for retirement due to the pandemic's impact on their finances. We need to act now to correct course to improve retirement savings. The Securing a Strong Retirement Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that eliminates many of the hurdles to workers enrolling in and remaining in retirement savings plans. As a former small business owner and as the current Chair of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, I have seen firsthand how reforms like the ones in this bill can help people live happier lives into their retirement. Importantly, this legislation incorporates the RISE Act, which I was proud to co-author with the Chairman of the full Committee Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Foxx, and the Ranking member of my HELP Subcommittee Mr. Allen. Through that effort, we can: Help part-time workers join an employers' retirement savings plan; Incentivize workers to participate in retirement plans with small financial incentives; and Through the ``Retirement Lost and Found'' database at the Department of Labor help workers locate their hard-earned retirement savings as they move from job to job. I am proud to have played a part in this significant and bipartisan effort, and will proudly vote in support of this legislation.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to recognize the life of Robert Samuel ``Sam'' DuVall, legendary San Francisco restauranteur. Born in Mississippi, Sam graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1962. During his time in college, Sam hosted dinner parties for his friends, introducing them to different kinds of food and unknowingly honing the hospitality that would foster his future career. Following graduation, Sam moved to San Francisco in 1964, which he ultimately made his home. While passing an empty storefront one day in 1967, Sam decided to open a restaurant, Front Room Pizza. He conducted research by eating pizza throughout San Francisco and hiring the best pizza chef he could find. With the opening of Front Room Pizza, Sam started a more than 50-year career as a restaurateur, during which he opened 30 restaurants. One of Sam's most famous restaurants, Izzy's Steakhouse, opened in 1987 and became a gathering place for the community. Patrons were welcomed, not only with comforting meals, but also by Sam's renowned warmth and generosity. The restaurant was awarded Legacy Status on its 30th anniversary as part of an initiative to recognize iconic establishments in San Francisco. Sam's legacy lives on through his daughter, Samantha, who heads The DuVall Family Restaurant Group and continues operations of Izzy's. Another one of Sam's restaurant's, Elite Cafe, opened in 1981 and is known locally as the first New Orleans-style restaurant in San Francisco. Due to his love of traveling, jazz, and art, Sam's restaurants embodied his many passions and gave diners an immersive experience that allowed them to escape the bustling city. Sadly, Sam passed away on November 1, 2020 at the age of 80. He was a cherished member of our communities and he will be deeply missed. Please join us in honoring Sam for his many contributions to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Ron Bernal upon his retirement from the City of Antioch. Ron has been a longtime friendly face working for the Antioch. Ron joined the City of Antioch as assistant city engineer in 1998. Prior to that, Ron worked for the City of Dixon for 14 years. In 2009, Ron began working as public works director for the City of Antioch. In 2016, Ron was promoted to assistant city manager and in 2017 he stepped into the position of City Manager. During his time as City Manager, Ron was a strong leader on a variety of key issues in the city such as homelessness, water rights, and economic development. Ron was particularly passionate about housing issues in the community. He often met with unhoused residents and played a critical role in ensuring that they have access to basic services. He also implemented vital police reforms within the Antioch Police Department. Ron was instrumental in leading the City through some of the greatest structural improvements that Antioch has ever undergone. In his personal life, Ron enjoys spending time with his wife, Irma, their children, and their three grandchildren. Ron's work has had a significant impact on the City of Antioch and its residents. Please join me in congratulating Ron on his retirement and honoring Ron for his 36 years of public service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Tom Leatherman to the nation and to the Bay Area. Tom started his career with the National Park Service (NPS) in 1989 as an intern. During his time with NPS, Tom developed a strong working relationship with the Japanese American community. Starting in 2005, he served as a superintendent at Manzanar Historic Site. Additionally, Tom served as the regional representative for NPS's Japanese American Confinement Sites grant program. Most recently, Tom worked as a superintendent of the four NPS sites in the Congressional District I represent, including Eugene O'Neil National Historic Site, John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, and Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park. The parks, through Tom's work, help provide visitors with the important history of the area. In addition to the sites in the Eleventh District, Tom has served at a variety of NPS sites throughout his career including Joshua Tree National Park, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and more. Tom has held a number of positions throughout his career including superintendent, acting deputy regional director, and team lead for the Serious Accident Investigation Team. Tom's experience and dedication make him the perfect fit to serve as superintendent of Pearl Harbor National Memorial. I thank Tom for his diligence and passion for preserving our nation's natural wonders and history and congratulate him on his new role. Please join me in honoring Tom for his more than thirty years of service to our nation's park system.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Maryam Ansari Mehran. Maryam Ansari Mehran was born in Tehran, Iran in 1922 to Monavar and General Mahmoud Ansari. Maryam graduated from the American College in Tehran and shortly after married Masud Mehran. The couple then decided to come to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities. Maryam and Masud arrived in New York City in 1943 and later moved to California. Maryam's entrepreneurial spirit was evident to all who knew her. In 1951, Maryam and Masud founded Sunset Development Company. The company was responsible for the development of more than one third of homes in Livermore, California. Maryam was also very interested in design. She graduated from the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design and went on to start a custom clothing business. In her personal life, Maryam was also deeply passionate about her community. She was a strong supporter of the Contra Costa Food Bank, helping those in need. Her love for her family was also clear. She enjoyed tending her garden for her family to enjoy. Sadly, Maryam passed away in November of this year. Maryam is survived by her son Alex, her granddaughters Diana, Lacey and Annabel, her grandsons Mark, Rawley and Alexander and eleven great grandchildren She was a cherished member of our community and will be remembered for her intelligence, compassion, and perseverance. Please join me in honoring Maryam for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Paul Baldacci. Paul was born in Virginia in 1933 and raised in Akron, Ohio. Paul enjoyed playing football and basketball throughout high school. After graduation, he went on to play offensive guard at Santa Clara University on a football scholarship and later attended the University of San Francisco School of Law. However, his education was put on hold as he joined the United States Army in 1956 and served in the Korean War. After serving in the Army, Paul eventually joined Hoffman Company Builders and Developers where Paul realized his passion for development. Paul later went on to start Castle Construction Company Inc. Throughout his career, Paul was very passionate about supporting the interests of industrial workers. He served for over thirty years as Employer Trustee for the Northern California Carpenters 46 Counties Apprenticeship Training Trust. In 1999, Paul was appointed as a member of the State of California Building Standards Commission. Additionally, in 1997 Paul served as Chairman of the Horne Builders Association of Northern California. In his personal life, Paul married his wife Betty in 1955. Paul's love for his family was clear to all who knew him. He and Betty have six children, nineteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Sadly, Paul passed away on November 20, 2021. He will be remembered for his hard work and his compassion. Please join me in honoring Paul for his many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Reverend Elizabeth V. Coleman. A lifelong Bay Area resident, Elizabeth was born in 1965 and raised in San Pablo. She graduated from San Francisco University Law School in 1999, launching her legal career. Elizabeth went on to earn a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Community Leadership from American Baptist Seminary. She became an ordained Reverend in 2011. Elizabeth's desire to help children and families was evident throughout her career. After working for some time as a corporate lawyer, Elizabeth realized her passion for advocacy. Elizabeth supported young people as a court appointed advocate with Alameda and Contra Costa County's Juvenile Dependency Courts. Elizabeth also played a significant role in establishing the Justice Rising Youth Court at the Berkeley Technology Academy, a program aimed at reducing suspension rates. Additionally, Elizabeth worked with a number of nonprofits throughout her career to advance the needs of children, including the San Francisco Children's Legal Defense Fund. Elizabeth was a champion of children's issues and fought tirelessly to promote justice through her work. Elizabeth was also deeply passionate about her community. She was an Associate Pastor at McGee Avenue Baptist Church in Berkeley and ran programs focused on restorative justice and addressing food insecurity. Elizabeth will be remembered for her compassionate nature and her commitment to service. Sadly, Elizabeth passed away earlier this month. She was a cherished member of the East Bay community and will be remembered for her leadership, integrity, and compassion. Please join me in honoring Elizabeth for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 978) to require the head of each agency to establish a safety plan relating to COVID-19 for any worksite at which employees or contractors are required to be physically present during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes be vacated, to the end that the motion be considered as withdrawn.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, Kevin Van Buskirk, and congratulate him on his retirement from the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council and Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 104. Kevin was born in Pleasant Hill, California, to Joel and Deanna Van Buskirk. After graduating in 1979, he became a Teamster and worked as a tire man in San Leandro. After his apprenticeship with Marelich Mechanical at the Chevron Campus, he became an official sheet metal worker. While working as a journeyman, foreman, and general foreman, Kevin actively organized with Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 104 by attending meetings, events, union pickets, and protests. In November of 1995, Kevin was appointed as the union's first full- time organizer. As an example of the important work he has done, his efforts to hold a particular non-union company accountable led to the involvement of the Santa Clara County District Attorney and the revelation of ongoing wage theft. In 2000, Kevin was elected Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union No. 104. He also served as a delegate to the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as a delegate to the Contra Costa Central Labor Council. In 2007, Kevin became President of the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council and Vice President of the Contra Costa Central Labor Council. In these capacities, he has negotiated numerous project labor agreements and has assisted many young men and women, as well as our returning veterans, into the trades. Kevin firmly believes that becoming a unionized tradesman has resulted in the success of his career and the ability to provide for his family. I wish Kevin well in his retirement and thank him for his enduring commitment to the rights of all workers. Please join me in honoring Kevin Van Buskirk for his many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Richard ``Dick'' Rainey. Dick was born in Oregon in 1938. His parents were loggers, so Dick grew up spending a lot of time outdoors. Following high school, Dick joined the United States Navy and served for four years. He then pursued a career in law enforcement and joined the Compton Police Department. In 1964, Dick moved to Contra Costa County where he joined the Sheriff's Office. He spent 28 years there and was promoted through the ranks, but also continued his education and earned an associate's and bachelor's degree while working. In 1978, Dick was elected as the Contra Costa County Sheriff. During his tenure as Sheriff, he oversaw the construction of new jails in Martinez and Richmond. When he retired as Sheriff, Dick turned to politics. He represented parts of Contra Costa and Alameda counties in both the California State and the California State Senate. He then went on to serve as a Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the George W. Bush Administration. Dick is remembered as a compassionate, genuine man who dedicated his life to helping others. In his personal life, he enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Sadly, Dick passed away this month. He was a mentor to me, and he will be dearly missed. Please join me in honoring Dick Rainey for his leadership and many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 3684, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, spelling, and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

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

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, the Committee on Rules met and reported a rule, House Resolution 508, to provide for further consideration of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act under a structured rule. The rule makes in order 149 amendments and provides en bloc authority to the chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The rule also allows for consideration of concurrent resolutions providing for adjournment during the month of July, and provides that the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act shall not apply for the remainder of the 117th Congress to a joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020. Lastly, the rule provides for recess instructions, suspension authority, and same-day authority through July 30, 2021. Madam Speaker, our roads and bridges are crumbling before our eyes, and our public transportation systems are suffering drastically from reduced ridership during the pandemic. With these challenges comes a great opportunity. Our country can use this unique once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our community in America's transportation systems and build back better. As a former member of the California Air Resources Board and a former chair of both the State Assembly Transportation Committee and the State Senate Transportation Committee and a former member of the Bay Area's MPO, I have spent my career focused on the transportation sector and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants to help fight against climate change. In my 30 years of public service, never has the time been more ripe to seize this opportunity to reimagine and reinvest in America's transportation infrastructure. The INVEST in America Act offers a new approach to Federal transportation policy by emphasizing fixing our existing roads and bridges first and making record investments in passenger rail, public transit, cycling and walking infrastructure, and zero-emission options while creating safer, more connected communities for all Americans. This bill would also help create millions of jobs that cannot be exported. Thanks to strong Buy American provisions and labor protections, including Davis-Bacon, the work will be fueled by American workers, manufacturing, and ingenuity, with targeted investments in rural and underserved communities. Madam Speaker, our country badly needs the investments outlined in this bill. Over 40 percent of America's roads are in poor or mediocre condition, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. In fact, our roads have a D rating, and American motorists are forced to pay over $1,000 every year in wasted time and fuel as a result of our failure to act. In my own State, California's infrastructure does not fare any better. We have a C-minus rating overall, with a D rating for roads and a C-minus for bridges and transit, in spite of California voters voting over and over again to tax themselves to invest in our infrastructure. Not only is the problem of crumbling infrastructure a detriment to our economy, but it is dangerous to public safety. Over 36,000 Americans die on our Nation's roadways every year. The INVEST in America Act directs $343 billion to roads, bridges, and safety programs, with record levels of investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, complete streets planning and smarter road design, and safe routes to schools. This transformative bill also directs Federal investments in transit and rail and reimagines our national transportation policies. Public transit is essential to everyday living in communities across the country, providing access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and childcare. Currently, there is a $176 billion transit backlog, and transit ridership, of course, is declining because of COVID-19. These issues, if not addressed, stand to further increase congestion, hamper the economy, worsen air quality, and disproportionately affect underserved communities. The INVEST in America Act provides $109 billion for transit to create a safe and reliable transit system that ensures every American, including those in economically disadvantaged and underserved neighborhoods, can get to essential services, as I have said, like jobs, healthcare, and childcare. Importantly, this effort takes every opportunity to meet the challenges of the climate crisis. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions. The INVEST in America Act takes bold steps to build the clean infrastructure and transportation sector of the future by reforming existing programs and launching new initiatives to reduce carbon pollution. For example, it invests $8.3 billion in highway, transit, and rail projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it holds States accountable for their performance by measuring annual progress. Moreover, under the Clean Corridors program, a program that I was proud to author, it invests $4 billion in electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling stations. This infrastructure along designated corridors will help reduce range anxiety and help America shift to the next generation of clean vehicles. To further address climate change and equity, this bill increases funding and incentives for transit-oriented development, ensuring that more Americans have access to walkable and transit-supportive communities, thereby reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions and, most importantly, improving their quality of life and their ability to be at home with their family. Finally, this bill invests in safe drinking water infrastructure by replacing dangerous lead piping and treating PFAS in our water supply. It will also help ensure that all families can afford a safe and reliable water supply. Madam Speaker, we cannot allow this opportunity to slip through our fingers. Now is the time for transformative investments in our transportation systems and our infrastructure to improve our roads, bridges, railways, and transit systems to support American workers, to address equity and environmental justice, and to fight boldly against the climate crisis. That is why I proudly support the INVEST in America Act. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I look forward to continuing this dialogue respectfully. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Morelle), a very distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 508 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Reschenthaler), 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