Mark DeSaulnier

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, Bette Boatmun. Bette was appointed to the Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors in 1974 and has held that position for the past 46 years. When initially applying for the Contra Costa Water District Board, Bette was driven by her desire to see more women in the water industry. During her time on the Board of Directors, Bette has served as both the President and Vice President. Her leadership has been integral in the implementation of many projects, including the building of the Randall- Bold Water Treatment Plant and the Multi-Purpose Pipeline, construction and expansion of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, and an upgrade to the Bollman Water Treatment Plant. Bette is known by her colleagues as an advocate for customers of the Water District, demonstrated by her work to provide low-income assistance and avid support of water education. One of California's public demonstration gardens, recognized by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, was named in her honor: the Bette Boatmun Conservation Garden. One of Bette's many accolades for her outstanding career includes the 2013 Hollingsworth Award of Excellence from the California Special Districts Association. In addition to her numerous professional contributions, Bette is a member of many community organizations, including the Concord American Association of University Women and League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley. She has also served as President of the Association of California Water Agencies and chair of several organizations, including the Governing Board of East County Water Management Association, the Contra Costa Special Districts' Association, and the Sanitation and Water Agencies of Contra Costa County. We wish Bette well as she retires from the Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors and thank her for inspiring many more to follow in her footsteps. Please join me in honoring Bette Boatmun for her many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Donald Kent Hobert, M.D. Born in Iowa, Dr. Hobert grew up on his family's hog farm. His education began in a one-room schoolhouse, but he later attended junior high at a city school. During his freshman year at Charles City High School, Dr. Hobert met his future wife, Nancy, when they ran against each other for class president. The two eventually reconnected during their college years, fell in love, and married in 1959. Dr. Hobert attended medical school at the University of Iowa before the couple relocated to California where he worked as an intern at San Joaquin County Hospital in Stockton. The Hobert family relocated again during Dr. Hobert's service in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. The family then settled permanently in Martinez, California, where Dr. Hobert began working at Contra Costa County Medical Center and later started a private medical practice. He dedicated his professional career to caring for and helping his patients. Dr. Hobert's life changed when he became confined to a wheelchair in 1983, but it never deterred him--he found ways to continue practicing medicine in his pursuit to help others. Beyond his career, Dr. Hobert adored his family and was committed to the happiness of his loved ones. He cherished family vacations and used his time wood working to make gifts for family and items to be donated for auctions to various organizations that he supported. Sadly, Dr. Hobert passed away this year. He is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, sister, and stepmother. He will be remembered for his compassion, generosity, and determination. Please join me in honoring Dr. Hobert for his many contributions to our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madame Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to recognize the service of F. Michael Hoffschneider upon his retirement. Michael grew up in Oakland, California, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He served with distinction, rising to the rank of Sergeant and earning the position of Drill Sergeant. After Michael's separation from the Army in 1969, he attended the University of California, Berkeley with the assistance of the GI Bill. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 1973, and began working as a Veterans Claims Examiner for the Department of Veterans Affairs. With Michael's new job in San Francisco, he and his wife, Conny, settled in Pleasant Hill, California, where they would raise their family. While working for the VA, Michael further pursued his education, graduating from John F. Kennedy University with a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He continued to work his way up through the VA and eventually became the Veterans Service Center Manager at the Oakland Regional Office. Although Michael retired from the VA in 2004, his work with veterans was not complete and he soon started working for the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office. During this time, Michael assisted veterans with his many years of experience and wisdom and even served for a time as the interim County Veterans Service Officer. His work has helped train the next generation of Veterans Service Representatives, leaving a legacy that inspires those who follow in his footsteps. Additionally, to commemorate Michael's work with veterans, he was given honorary lifetime membership with the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley as a Vietnam-era veteran. Michael's work has impacted the lives of countless veterans and their families. Please join me and Congressman Mike Thompson in congratulating Michael as he retires from the Contra Costa Veterans Service Office and thanking him for his dedicated service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Lance Gershen, M.D. Dr. Gershen was born in 1944 in New York City, where he spent his childhood. He attended Stuyvesant High School and then went on to study at Brooklyn College of The City University of New York. After graduating in 1965, Dr. Gershen received his M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1969. Dr. Gershen's professional ambitions were delayed when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, during which time he served at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago. Upon discharge from the military, Dr. Gershen moved to California where he completed his residency at The Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Gershen then made his way to Contra Costa County and began working as a pediatrician at Diablo Valley Pediatrics where he became a principal partner. Dr. Gershen was also the Pediatric Department Chairman at several local hospitals and President of the East Bay Pediatric Society. One of Dr. Gershen's many achievements came when he developed the first alternative birthing center in the East Bay. Dr. Gershen's professional legacy, which spanned over 40 years, is one of thoughtfulness and dedication to children and families. In his personal life, Dr. Gershen was an active participant in his community. He was a member of Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek, the J Mensch men's group, and helped found JBL, a Jewish men's softball team. Above all else, Dr. Gershen loved spending time with his family. Dr. Gershen's faith in humanity was seen in his compassionate nature and his work to improve the lives of others. Following Dr. Gershen's diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease, he learned about the Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo. Serving as co- president, he worked to support and provide resources to others living with the disease. Dr. Gershen's own battle with Parkinson's never impacted his work to help others. Sadly, Dr. Gershen passed away this year at the age of 75. He is survived by his eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and his wife Cindy. Please join me in honoring Dr. Lance Gershen for his many contributions to our community and this country. Dr. Gershen was a cherished member of Contra Costa County and he will be missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Commander Oliver G. ``Jack'' Everette. Commander Everette was born in 1937 in North Dakota. During his childhood, the Everette family moved around the country for his father's job as an Evangelical Lutheran Church builder. Commander Everette attended Oregon State University, where he joined the Naval ROTC and was a member of the nationally ranked rifle team. Following graduation, Commander Everette joined the U.S. Navy and became a midshipman on the USS Wisconsin-BB-64. His first deployment was on the USS Bauer-DDE 1025 and he was later stationed in Pearl Harbor where he carried out nuclear submarine service. He went on to become the project manager of the Trident Ballistic Missile Program in Washington, D.C., during which time he helped design the SATRAK Satellite. In 1981, Commander Everette was transferred to Contra Costa County as the Executive Officer at the Concord Naval Weapons Station before retiring in 1985. Throughout Commander Everette's decorated military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Medal of Gallantry, SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia, and Meritorious Service Medal. In addition to his professional accomplishments, then-Lieutenant Everette married Patsy Thompson and the couple had two children. He enjoyed gardening, camping, and studying his genealogy, finding six Revolutionary War ancestors. Commander Everette was also active in several veterans organizations, including the Holland Club of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Mare Island Base, MOAA, Contra Costa Council of the Navy League of the United States, Walnut Creek Elks, VFW Post 1525, and Thomas Jefferson Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. For many years, he walked in Concord, California's Fourth of July parade with the VA. Commander Everette passed away earlier this year. He was a cherished resident of Concord and he will be missed. Please join me in honoring Commander Everette for his many contributions to our country.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Robert ``Bob'' Campbell. Born in Southern California, Bob moved at a young age with his family to Richmond, California, where he grew up in a World War II housing development known as Atchison Village. After high school, he attended Contra Costa Community College and graduated from San Francisco State University. Bob went on to receive a Master's Degree in history from UC Berkeley and serve in both the U.S. Army and California National Guard. As a dedicated member of the community, Bob was elected to the Richmond City Council in 1975. In 1980, he was elected to the California State Assembly, where he represented District 11--the same district I represented. Bob served in the California Legislature for 16 years, during which time he was the chair of the State Assembly's Ways and Means subcommittee on education. After his time in the Assembly, Bob was appointed to the California Coastal Commission, where he continued to work tirelessly on behalf of his community and our state. Bob is remembered by his colleagues as a passionate, energetic, and humble civic leader who prioritized connecting with the individuals he represented, especially those needed help the most. Later in Bob's career, he continued to lobby in Sacramento and worked as a consultant for school and college districts. He is also remembered as a member of the local business community, having been an insurance broker and owning a brokerage company in Richmond. Sadly Bob passed away this year. He is survived by his wife, former Richmond City Councilmember Maria Viramontes. Please join me in honoring Bob Campbell for his many contributions to our community and the state of California. Bob was a cherished member of Contra Costa County and he will be missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Paul DeBolt upon his retirement as an educator in Contra Costa County after forty years. A West Contra Costa native and graduate of De Anza High School in Richmond, Paul attended Contra Costa College before transferring to San Diego State University, where he was a walk-on member of the Aztecs' basketball team. It was during this pursuit of his passion for basketball that Paul discovered another passion in journalism. He graduated with a degree in journalism in 1977 and earned a Master's Degree in mass communications from San Diego State in 1980. After completing his education, Paul returned to Contra Costa College, teaching journalism and advising the student newspaper. In the classroom, he introduced Contra Costa's diverse student population to the basics of journalism. Through his tutelage and practical experience, students learned the value that quality, accurate reporting can have on communities across the country. Paul even counted among his students his own son David, who would eventually go on to win a Pulitzer Prize for his role in reporting on Oakland's Ghost Ship Fire. In 1986, Paul started a women's basketball team at Contra Costa College. By the time he stepped down in 2016, he had led the Comets to 11 Bay Valley Conference titles, four visits to California's final eight, three trips to the final four, and two visits to the state championship. Following the state championship game in 2001, Paul was named the California Community College Women's Basketball Association Coach of the Year. Paul's work in the classroom and on the court has impacted the lives of countless students and athletes at Contra Costa College. As he retires from Contra Costa College, we wish Paul well knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire all those who have known and worked with him.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support of the Water Resources Development Act. This strong, bipartisan bill will help assure that our nation's ports, harbors, and waterways are developed and maintained to enhance economic and environmental vitality. I am particularly pleased with the commitment to beneficial reuse of dredged material from Corps water resources projects. Dredged material is a valuable resource that can help restore impacted shorelines and ecosystems and that can create resilient coastlines and estuaries. Environmental groups in California have emphasized the importance of beneficial reuse, specifically because the dredged material can play a vital role in restoring and preserving shallow water habitats such as tidal marshes and mudflats. The beneficial use pilot program, first authorized in WRDA 2016, was so successful that H.R. 7575 increases the number of eligible projects. Notably, our own San Francisco Bay estuary faces a number of issues associated with resiliency and sustainability, and the reuse of dredged material can be enormously helpful in addressing these critical issues around the Bay. In its report for WRDA 2020, the Committee highlighted Richmond Outer Harbor, Pinole Shoal, and the San Francisco Bay as priorities for consideration in the next round of pilot projects. This year's bill also highlights the role and value of alternative dredging methods and equipment to beneficial reuse of dredged material. Specifically, I am encouraged that the Committee clarifies that the use of alternative dredging methods and equipment must be part of the overall beneficial use program. This is important as, too often, we find that the old ways utilized by the Corps for maintaining navigation channels will not meet modem day demands to protect our natural resources and build a resilient future through reliable strategic management plans that allow annual dredging. This bill will go a long way toward improving our environment, providing much-needed direction to the Army Corps, and supporting California's 11th District.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, although I continue to work on behalf of the people, businesses, and communities of Contra Costa during this difficult time, I regret that I was unable to vote on Friday, May 15, 2020 due to my ongoing recovery from non-COVID pneumonia.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clayton Community Library as it marks its 25th anniversary. The effort to establish a library in the City of Clayton began in March of 1989 with the Clayton Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Having decided that their community needed a library, the AAUW partnered with other community organizations to create the Clayton Community Library Foundation. The foundation raised money and worked with the City of Clayton and the Contra Costa County Library system to receive $2.8 million in grant funding. In order to protect Miwok artifacts, the library was built on a floating foundation. On March 4, 1995, the Clayton Community Library celebrated its grand opening. Close to the center of downtown, the library serves as a meeting place for organizations and individuals of all ages. The library holds numerous events and activities throughout the year including literacy tutoring, craft programs, all abilities play groups, and family story time. Having represented Clayton since 1994 and as an active library supporter, I am proud of the partnership between the county, cities, workforce, and volunteers. Please join me in honoring Clayton Community Library's 25th anniversary.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Monday, March 2, 2020, as I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 79, the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act, H.R. 5003 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 80, the ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, H.R. 5932.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edward (Ed) William Leal as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Ed is a longtime resident of Concord and a former public servant for Contra Costa County. Ed was born in Oakland, California in February 1920. His family lived in Oakley where his father was a butcher and ran a local grocery store. Ed attended Antioch High School where he played varsity football, basketball, tennis, and track and field. He set numerous records, including one for pole-vaulting that stood for 27 years. While at Antioch High School, Ed also met his future wife, Wilma. Ed went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley where he was a member of the track and field team. However, Ed's collegiate career was interrupted when he decided to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed in North Africa as a member of the 49th Fighter Squadron. Before being deployed, Ed and Wilma wed in 1942. After Ed returned home from the war, he and Wilma moved to Concord where they raised their family. Ed worked for Contra Costa County, serving as the Assistant County Treasurer--Tax Collector. In 1970, Ed was elected as the County Treasurer--Tax Collector and served two terms before retiring. Ed's military service, commitment to his community, and his 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren are a legacy to be proud of. Please join me in congratulating Ed on his 100th birthday and his life of service.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her leadership on issues of public health, particularly this bill. I rise in support of the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act. I am proud of the long history in the San Francisco Bay Area, which I have been privileged to represent and live in for many years, starting in the 1980s with the amazing work by Stan Glantz, a researcher in San Francisco who discovered the tobacco industry was pathologically lying to the American public and hiding the effects of their products. We responded to that by trying to pass laws here in Congress, but we were unable to because of the tobacco lobby. We tried State legislative opportunities but failed to do that. But in local government, we passed hundreds of local ordinances banning secondhand smoke to protect employees and to protect customers. At the time, I was a member of the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner. Many of my colleagues were part of the same arguments we hear today, that you will put retailers out of business, that this is all legal product. We listened to those, and we enacted these laws, and we worked with people who were affected by it. The economic impacts were positive, not negative. Restaurants are more successful than they have ever been in the bay area. We lead the country in many ways. When we passed these ordinances, public health people came together with labor and others to make sure that the truth came out. In the early 1990s, as the mayor of a city of 130,000 people, Concord, California, I authored one of the first efforts in the Nation to curb secondhand smoke. In fact, it has been illegal to smoke in bars, restaurants, and other public places in California entirely since 1998. We worked together then to stop Big Tobacco's hold over millions of addicted Americans, and we won. Unfortunately, Big Tobacco has a new partner, the vaping industry. Companies like Juul, unfortunately headquartered in San Francisco, in my view, represent the very worst of the bay area business culture. They don't ask for permission. They apologize after they have addicted millions of Americans, particularly young people. They deceptively and illegally marketed their poisonous products to children, much like Big Tobacco did decades ago. Our efforts led to an almost 70 percent decrease in the use of tobacco products across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2016 alone, on the other hand, 7 out of 10 U.S. middle and high school students saw e-cigarette ads on TV, in stores, and online. With marketing campaigns that make vaping look safe and fun, they use flavors like cotton candy to attract young people to try vaping and get hooked on nicotine. But we know better. We have a long history of this. These products are not safe. They are not smoking-cessation devices. And we need to take action to protect our children, just as we did years ago. In local government in the bay area, we have started to do what we did in the 1990s: passing bans on these products. So, if we won't do it here, we will do it at a local level; but we should do it here, and we should pass this bill. The longer we wait, millions are addicted, and millions more are being targeted. The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act will help save lives and keep widespread nicotine addiction in the past in the United States. We beat Big Tobacco once before, and we can do it again. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the David A. Solari Post 151 of the American Legion on its 100th anniversary. On November 29, 1919, a meeting was held at City Hall in Pittsburg, California to discuss a new American Legion Veterans Post. On December 18, 1919, the Post received its charter and David Irwin became the first Post Commander with 47 members. The post was named for Private David A. Solari, 91st Division, 362 Infantry Regiment, Company G, who gave his life in service to his country in the Argonne Forest of France during World War I. Throughout its history, Post 151 has provided services to countless veterans, growing to its largest membership of 567 during the Korean War. In service of our veterans, Post 151 conducts monthly meetings about resources, programs, and benefits for veterans. Members of the Post have provided Color Guards during parades in Contra Costa County and honored survivors of the Bataan Death March. Post 151 has provided Military Honors for as many as 40 veterans and their families in a single year. Its members also serve their community by visiting sick and wounded veterans in the hospital and providing transportation for veterans to VA hospitals and County Veterans Service Offices. The David A. Solari Post 151 of the American Legion works tirelessly for our community of veterans and their families. We honor the service of our veterans and congratulate the David A. Solari Post 151 of the American Legion on its 100th anniversary.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of long-time community member Robert (Bob) Armstrong as he celebrates his 90th birthday. Bob was born in Visalia, California, but the Armstrong family eventually relocated to Northern California where Bob graduated from Richmond High School. Following graduation, Bob entered the U.S. Navy and served as an electronic technician. He married Anna Mae Caliri before attending the University of California, Berkeley, and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a teaching certificate in 1957. In 1958, Bob and Anna moved to Concord where they raised their two children, Janet and Jim. That same year, Bob began a career as a high school teacher, and he would go on to teach math, electronics, and driver's education at multiple high schools including Mt. Diablo High School, Pacifica High School, Ygnacio Valley High School, and Concord High School. Not only was Bob dedicated to educating youth in our community, but he was also actively involved in the teachers' union. After 30 years of teaching, Bob retired in order to take care of his aging parents. Retirement also gave Bob time to enjoy his many hobbies, spending many days boating and fishing and even joining a gym at age 86 where he takes cardio dance classes. Bob bowls four times a week and is still picking up new activities to stay busy. His adventurous spirit has led Bob to try many new things in life and he loves sharing his wisdom with others. Bob has been a member of the community for over 60 years. He is known for always having a smile on his face and spreading joy to everyone who knows him. Please join me in wishing Bob well on his 90th birthday.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, on the Medicaid block grants, I would just say, from my experience, as someone who was very involved in the adoption of the ACA in the California State Senate, both chairing the committee of jurisdiction and being involved in what we look back on as a very successful rollout, doing the block grants sets the threshold lower than is necessary. Remember that the Federal thresholds are only a base level. States can put more contributions from the State and local level in, which we have done in California. It has been successful at getting millions of Californians into insurance, as opposed to being in indigent care. On the organizing aspect, this has come up in the Rules Committee, the secret ballot and privacy. A reminder, as Chairman Scott said last night: Secret ballot is still sacrosanct. It only comes up that it will not be if the National Labor Relations Board sanctions the employer for violating organizing rules. Our research shows that 45 percent of employers threaten workers in meetings, threaten them if they are trying to organize. Seventy-five percent of employers hire consultants to run antiunion campaigns, and one in five employees who try to organize their fellow workers get fired or threatened with termination. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin), a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 833 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 Texas (Mr. Burgess), 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. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 833, providing for consideration of three measures: H. Res. 826, Expressing Disapproval of the Trump Administration's Harmful Actions Towards Medicaid; H.R. 5687, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act; and, finally, H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. The rule provides for H. Res. 826 to be considered under a closed rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 2474 under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor. The rule self-executes the manager's amendment from Chairman Scott making in order 16 amendments and provides one motion to recommit. Finally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5687 under a structured rule, with 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule makes in order six amendments and provides one motion to recommit. Madam Speaker, before us today, we have three measures that all speak to one very, very important topic in America today. That topic is inequality. Madam Speaker, Justice Louis Brandeis once famously said: In this country, we can either have democracy or we can have the concentration of wealth in the hands of very few, but we can't have both. Unfortunately, right now in this country, we are at historic levels of inequality. A handful of families control more wealth than the bottom 50 percent of Americans--160 million Americans. Forty percent of lower income Americans make $30,000 a year. The top 1 percent in income--not wealth, but in income--earn over $7 million a year, while the other 99 percent earn on an average of $54,000 a year. We cannot have this level of inequality. President Abraham Lincoln famously said that labor and capital must always be balanced in America to have democracy. And he said: If capital ever had the control over labor, democracy would cease to exist. From the pearls of wisdom of people like Lincoln and Brandeis, we are warned again today that we have to have countervailing institutions, as John Galbraith said, between labor and capital. This is in the best interests of everyone, including those who are making and reaping exorbitant benefits from the current inequality. But most importantly--most importantly--as Brandeis said, you cannot have democracy with the current situation of inequality. Not only is this inequality wrong, but its consequences in our everyday lives, like worse health outcomes, diseases of depression, behavioral health impacts, and economic insecurity, these public health instances are directly correlated to income inequality as demonstrated by the landmark work, ``The Spirit Level,'' 10 years ago. The first resolution that is part of this rule expresses strong disapproval of the Trump administration's recent attempt to turn Medicaid into a block grant. Medicaid is our Nation's promise to a group left behind by rampant inequality that will help provide basic services to protect their health and well-being--basic services. The Trump administration proposal doubles down on its cruel policies that put cost savings over life savings. The second bill provides disaster relief to Puerto Rico. This is a community that has been devastated repeatedly by disasters, exposing the inequality not only in Puerto Rico, but between this administration's treatment of a territory versus a State. Puerto Rico needs our help. Without it, roads will remain unpassable, schools will remain closed, and the poor will become poorer. And, finally, we have the Protecting the Right to Organize, the PRO Act. President Eisenhower once said that only a fool would attempt to block a working man or woman, an American worker, from joining a labor union. President Eisenhower said this, a Republican President, much admired. This was at a time where America had the largest expansion in our history, and the world's expansion, growing at over 6 percent of GDP a year that everybody benefited from. One year was 13 percent. At that time, one in three American workers were in a labor union. By the time Ronald Reagan became President, one in four Americans was in a labor union. By the time President Reagan left office, 1 in 10 American workers were in a labor union. The balance between labor and capital is the essence of American democracy. It is unbalanced and risks our democracy at this moment. The ability for American workers to organize and have a voice in the outcomes, not just of their work, but of their retirement and the benefit to their families and communities, has been attacked since President Reagan was in office. Evidence is clear that the rise in inequality has coincided with the decline in union membership. By most estimates, declining unionization accounted for about a third of the increase in inequality of which I speak in the 1980s and 1990s. To address inequality, you have to include working people. You have to include the right to organize. Labor unions are universally recognized as providing major boosts to employees' wages and benefits. Sadly, the best evidence we have on this trend is by comparing union States like the one I am proud to represent, California, to right-to- work States. In 1979, States with historically high levels of union membership, like in the Northeast and the Rust Belt, saw relatively low rates of income inequality. Just the opposite held true for right-to-work States. If you watched data over the years since the 1970s as States move as a group toward less union coverage, those same States have much worse inequality and poor performing GDP. Unions not only raise wages for workers they represent, but they also have been shown to moderate compensation for executives. On top of all the obvious benefits you think of that are associated with labor unions like higher wages and safer workplaces, some of the others that come along with union membership also help address the inequities in our society. Union workers are more likely to receive paid leave, are up to 28 percent more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance and are up to 54 percent more likely to be enrolled in employer-sponsored pensions. Not only do workers have better access to pensions, but their employers contribute an average of 28 percent more toward those pensions than nonunion employers. The PRO Act simply updates labor laws, labor laws that have been attacked for 30 years, to ensure that workers in today's economy are able to create and join labor unions to receive the same kinds of protections they see in other sectors. Nothing more. Madam Speaker, I suspect we will hear a lot of misinformation-- especially about the PRO Act--from our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Make no mistake about it, Madam Speaker, these three bills will help restore power to the people, which the administration repeatedly has tried to strip power from. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, just a couple of points to my friend from Texas' comments. I include in the Record a February 2 Washington Post article entitled: ``You'd think Trump would stop threatening insurance coverage by now. Think again.'' [From the Washington Post, Feb. 2, 2020] You'd Think Trump Would Stop Threatening Insurance Coverage by Now. Think Again. (By the Washington Post Editorial Board) Notwithstanding the progress under Obamacare, the United States still does not provide health insurance to all of its population. About 27.5 million people, or 8.5 percent of the population, lacked coverage throughout 2018, according to the most recent Census Bureau report published in September. The country has moved in the wrong direction since President Trump took office: The 2018 uninsured numbers were up over 2017. You might think, given this history, that the Trump administration would cease proposing policy that threatens coverage; well, think again. Mr. Trump's Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled a proposal that would allow states to receive federal Medicaid funding as a block grant, annually adjustable for inflation, while implementing cost-cutting measures such as work requirements, asset tests, co-payments and prescription drug limitations. (As a sweetener, states would be allowed to pocket some of the budgetary savings.) Existing rules essentially require states to provide a set of services to all those who meet federally established criteria, and fund them on an open-ended basis. To be sure, the administration's proposal would not affect traditional Medicaid populations such as low-income pregnant women and people with disabilities. It targets only the so- called expansion population--the 17 million low-income adults who got Medicaid through Obamacare. And even then, it's unlikely it will be adopted in blue states with large Medicaid populations, such as California, or in red states that never expanded Medicaid in the first place and probably won't no matter how federal aid is structured, such as Texas. Where it might make a difference is in red states that reluctantly expanded Medicaid but are looking for ways scale it back, or in those 14 states that have not yet expanded but still want to do so in a limited way. An example of the latter category is Oklahoma, which is having a referendum on Medicaid expansion in November. That state's Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, who opposes the referendum, jumped at the administration's offer. The proposal invokes--probably incorrectly--HHS's statutory authority to adjust Medicaid's core requirements, so its ultimate fate may depend on the courts. A federal judge in Washington blocked previous attempts by the agency to let New Hampshire, Kentucky and Arkansas set work requirements for Medicaid, which cost 18,000 people in the latter state their coverage, though the administration has appealed. (Kentucky has withdrawn its work requirements, which never took effect.) Whatever its short-term practical impact, the administration's latest block-grant proposal could be significant in the long run. The ultimate goal is to legitimize block-granting and the coverage reductions the approach almost certainly entails. Reduced coverage, it should be mentioned, was partly why Congress previously, and repeatedly, rejected Republican plans to block-grant Medicaid. The United States badly needs a system of universal coverage that delivers services more efficiently than the existing hodgepodge. In its determination to chip away at Obamacare's compromise solution--Medicaid expansion--the Trump administration has revealed that it has other priorities.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume before I introduce our next speaker. I am a former small business owner who met a payroll for hundreds of people in the restaurant business in California. Our economy is the fifth largest economy in the world. There is lots of evidence showing that helping the employer and helping the consumer so they have more disposable income actually helps everyone. As far as the dual employer rule, all we are doing is trying to protect what has been in effect for decades and not have it diminished, so there should be no impact on franchisees. Lastly, the distinction I think that needs to be reiterated over and over again in light of the administration's assertions about the economy is, yes, the GDP is growing, not as large as the President had promised, but it is not being spread out. As I mentioned in my opening comments, 50 percent--150 million, 160 million people--live on $30,000 a year. They don't see the big benefit in what Wall Street gets. The average income is for the bottom 90 percent of Americans. It has increased just 1 percent from 1980 to 2017, while all their other costs have gone up, most notably healthcare and education. Average incomes, on the other hand, for the wealthiest 1 percent have increased by 184 percent. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of longtime Concord resident, Edward Anthony Vaccaro, Sr., Ph.D. Edward Vaccaro was born in Paterson, New Jersey, were he grew up spending time with his family at the Jersey Shore and developing a passion for the arts. Edward attended Fordham University before marrying his wife, Jeanne and starting a family. Ed and Jeanne moved to Concord, California where they raised their children. Ed became involved in the local business community as the owner of Vaccaro's Florist. Ed went back to school and got his doctorate in 1987. Ed had a passion for the City of Concord and loved being a member of the community. The positivity with which Ed lived his life left an impression on everyone he met. Edward Vaccaro was a cherished member of Concord and he will be missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of longtime Concord resident, Earl Meyer Goldman. Earl Goldman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and along with his mother and brother, eventually came to California. Earl graduated from Albany High School and then UC Berkeley with a degree in business. After marrying, Earl and his wife moved to Concord where they raised their family. In his professional life, Earl's entrepreneurial spirit led him down many different paths. He started Earl Goldman Insurance from his house, which he grew into a successful local business. He also owned a laundromat and co-owned a radio station. Earl's passion for his community has left a mark on the City of Concord. He envisioned a revitalization of Concord's downtown Todos Santos Plaza, and not only worked with public officials to improve Concord's infrastructure, but also dedicated himself to the long process of expansion and redevelopment. In addition to that work, Earl also supported various organizations, including the Concord Junior Optimist baseball league, Mount Diablo Hospital, and Friends of Camp Concord. Most of all, Earl will be remembered for his positive attitude and the love he had for his community. Earl Goldman was a cherished member of Concord and he will be missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of long-time community member, Eizo Kobayashi as he celebrates his 88th birthday, a milestone of special esteem in the Japanese culture. Eizo Kobayashi was born in Oakland, California in 1932. During World War II, Eizo's family was interned and moved to the Topaz Relocation Center in Utah. As a 10-year-old Japanese American, Eizo was faced with institutionalized racism, the experiences of which would stay with him throughout his life. His memories during the three years his family was interned include his father being hospitalized and subsequently moved to another location, while the rest of his family remained in Utah. Eizo would go out into the desert and collect shells, crystals, arrowheads and other artifacts he could find. Upon being released from the internment camp, the Kobayashi family moved back to California where Eizo graduated from Piedmont High School. He went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley where he received a Bachelor of Arts and a Community College Lifetime Teaching Credential. After graduation, Eizo served in the U.S. Army before turning his focus to law enforcement. In 1956, Eizo became a Deputy Probation Officer in the Adult Division of the Alameda County Probation Department. He later began working for the California Department of Corrections in 1962 and moved up the ranks until he retired as a Unit Supervisor and District Administrator in 1995. While tirelessly pursuing professional success, Eizo always understood the importance of family and community. Eizo and his wife, Mary, wed in 1965 and moved to Concord, California where they raised two daughters, Keiko and Tamiko. Not only is Eizo a dedicated family man, but he is also passionate about his community. He has been the President of the Diablo Valley Chapter for the Japanese American Citizens League, the Vice President of the Unity Foundation in Concord, President of the Concord Senior Citizens Club, and a board member of the Concord Ambassadors. Additionally, in 1992 Eizo was appointed to the Police Facility Blue Ribbon Task Force. Eizo's connection to the local community is also exemplified by his contributions as a former columnist for the Contra Costa Times. Eizo continues his work to this day serving the homeless at the Concord Adult Homeless Shelter and is an appointed member of the Contra Costa County Merit Board, a seat which he has held for the last 30 years. Eizo has always been a civic leader and has received the 1993 Humanitarian Award from the Unity Foundation, the 1994 Civil Rights Advocacy Award from the Concord Human Relations Commission, and the 1996 City of Concord Mayor's Award, among other awards. Eizo's influence and strong moral character continue to foster a positive impact in the community. As a longtime friend and inspiration, please join me in congratulating Eizo on his 88th birthday and his life of service and leadership.