Mike Garcia

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lucas for introducing the reauthorization of the Weather Act, which includes my bill, the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasting Act. In my home State of California, we can experience devastating flooding, wildfires, and droughts all in the same year, if not in the same season. Needless to say, we have learned the value of being well prepared. These past two winters, we have experienced a new threat called atmospheric rivers. This past winter, 51 atmospheric rivers hit California, dumping trillions of gallons of water on us, causing flooding and damage to homes and businesses. It is clear that we need to do more to improve our predictive capabilities to give emergency coordinators as much of a heads-up as possible. We also need to make sure that we are taking advantage of this free water as much as possible. The problem in California isn't that we don't have enough water, it is that we don't retain enough of it. We don't have enough storage, we don't have enough capacity, and we don't plan appropriately based on the predictions. The L.A. Times recently reported that nearly 95 percent of the water from the atmospheric rivers this last year flowed back into the ocean. That is trillions of gallons of free water that could have been stored for dry seasons. It is clear that Sacramento isn't going to build more storage any time soon, so we need to be investing in infrastructure we already have and improve the efficiency of our reservoirs. That is why my bill increases research into what is called Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations. If we can give water managers a heads-up that these storms are coming, they can prepare reservoirs to capture the water, helping us fight off droughts when the dry seasons come. We got lucky this last time; we got so much water that even California's terrible water policies weren't enough to keep us in a prolonged drought. We can't keep relying on luck, and we can't wait around for Sacramento to get its act together. If there was a zombie apocalypse in Sacramento, Mr. Speaker, even the zombies would die because there are not enough brains in our State's capital right now when it comes to water policies, and this goes a long way in helping them. We need improved prediction of atmospheric rivers moving forward, and that is what this bill does. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this bill. In my district, it is all about security. It is about economic security. It is about national security. It is about school security, neighborhood security, and yes, border security, as well as protecting Social Security. If you live in my district, you will recognize that this bill, H.R. 4866, is truly about security. My district in north L.A. County has the most dense and largest interface of wildlands with human beings and housing developments. They are all too familiar, my constituents, with the dangers that wildfires pose to our homes and to our livelihoods. For my constituents, wildfire mitigation isn't a red or blue issue. It is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It is a life-or-death issue. That is why I have made it a top priority since coming to Washington to improve our ability to predict and to fight these disasters in order to keep our firefighters, our homes, and our families safe from harm. My bill, H.R. 4866, the Fire Weather Development Act, is a strong bipartisan step forward in a constant fight against these catastrophic wildfires. This bill will dramatically improve NOAA's ability to predict, prevent, and respond to wildfires and to get information down to the local emergency responders. It would be easy, the last 2 years have been relatively calm fire seasons, to get lulled into a false sense of security in southern California, but the next big fire season is right around the corner. We have had 2 years of record rain that has spurred an explosion of grass and dense shrubbery across the hills in my district. As the weather starts to dry out again, so will the forest, transforming greenery into an abundance of fuel and Btus that a stray spark or lightning strike can set ablaze in a moment's notice. Southern California will be a tinderbox this fall, and the time to prevent wildfires is now. We can't allow ourselves to wait for another wildfire season like we had in 2020 where California lost over 4 million acres and 10,000 buildings due to mismanagement in years prior, like the fires that we saw in Texas just recently and in Hawaii just last year, so horrifically taking the lives of so many Americans. Half the wildland in my district falls in Federal forests, so this is very important that we, at the Federal level, take care of this issue. We need to be investing now, not just for our prediction efforts, but to ensure that our firefighters have every possible tool at their disposal to respond. Firefighters are like frontline combat operators against wildfires, and there is no reason they shouldn't be as well-equipped as they fight fires as our soldiers are when they fight our enemies overseas. They need the tools this bill provides; advanced imaging to see the fires before they grow out of control, drones to reach the small and remote fires, and improved communications to adjust the forward line of combat operations quickly and safely. Just like our soldiers, we also need to send the firefighters into dangerous situations only when it is absolutely necessary. My bill invests in fuel mapping, unmanned vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, wildfire behavior models and more, and all the steps to make 1 firefighter fight like 10 and to minimize the need to put them in danger. More importantly, to make sure that when they fight, they come home each night. The side benefit of all of this is there is an ongoing fight against insurance companies in California, and this is going to improve lives outside of just the wildfire events as well. This is a constant threat, and we haven't done a good job in California managing our wildlands. As a result of that, we have seen a disastrous effect on livelihoods and the economy, especially in southern California. The threat has gotten so bad that insurance companies are jacking up rates on current customers and have stopped offering policies to any new homeowners in my district. I have heard countless stories from constituents about their house fire policies going up anywhere from 5 to 10 times what they were just in one year. I had a church pastor reach out this last weekend, Mr. Speaker, who said his premiums went from $3,000 a year for his fire insurance to $30,000 a year for a very small church. To be clear, this bill is not a silver bullet that is going to solve the insurance problem. That is a problem made in Sacramento that this will hopefully mitigate, but there is still a whole lot of bad policies coming out of Sacramento that need to be addressed. If we can drastically improve our ability to protect people's homes, it will hopefully be a massive step in the right direction and allow the insurance companies to come back to California. I thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership on this bill and allowing this to come to the floor. I thank Ms. Caraveo for her cosponsorship of this bill. I urge my colleagues to support the Fire Weather Development Act to ensure the security of our constituents in all districts, not just mine, but throughout the Nation that face the daily threat of catastrophic wildfires.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with my good friend from New York, and I thank him for his service as a law enforcement officer before coming to Congress. Most importantly, I stand here today in support of our law enforcement officers who are currently wearing the uniform. We have similar problems in California as New York does. These brave men and women wake up every morning and think about the sobering and very realistic thought that today may actually be the last day of their life. Despite having that realization every morning, the realization that they may have to deal with someone who will literally try to kill them, they still get up, they still put on the uniform, and they proudly serve our communities. They do it despite the radical policies like defunding the police, despite the lunatics dressed in suits disguised as DAs like our own district attorney in Los Angeles County who goes by the name of George Gascon. Gascon, instead of being the DA is more like a defense attorney rather than a district attorney. He is more like the Penguin of Gotham City who enables the death of his constituents and puts our sheriffs' and LAPD officers' lives at risk every day. He helps the bad guys instead of protecting the innocent, instead of allowing the police to do their job. He allows for early release of felons, downgraded or no charges at all for serious offenses--most of them felonies--and zero- cash bail policies instead of supporting law enforcement and law- abiding citizens. The brave peacemakers in blue wake up every morning and serve, despite the fact that they are working double overtime because our county supervisors and our mayors aren't hiring enough new cadets into the academies. They get up and put their lives on the line on a daily basis despite their own elected officials who are supposed to represent them at all levels of government not supporting them. They also suffer disproportionately high divorce rates, and unfortunately, astronomical suicide rates. In my district alone, we saw four law enforcement officers commit suicide in just 1 week. But to the 708,000 police officers, please know this: The good guys have your back. As a former combat Naval aviator and the son of an LAPD officer, I know the dangers that are faced on a daily basis, and I appreciate their courage and their sacrifice and that of their families. Their families face fear on a daily basis, the reality that some of them may not come home at night because evil still does exist on our streets. We are eternally grateful to them, and most people in our communities are. Each year more than 100 cops give their lives in our defense. Last year, 136 cops were killed in the line of duty. Someone doesn't need to become a cop, or someone doesn't want to become a cop. They don't do it for the money. They don't do it for the benefits. They do it because they want to serve, they want to protect, and they want to do what is right and what is noble. There is no greater form of love than being willing to give your own life in defense of another human being, and for many of us that is true for our kids, that is true for our spouses or close friends. We would die for them. But the amazing thing about law enforcement officers is that they wake up every morning willing to give up their lives in defense of complete strangers. That is extremely powerful, and that should be very humbling to the rest of us. The least we can do as elected officials at all levels of government is to give our law enforcement officers every dollar of funding and every policy tool to make sure that they come home at night and that the bad guys go to prison. We should never bend the knee. Never bend the knee to an organization or human being that supports defunding or jeopardizing the lives of our police officers. I urge leadership in this body, the House of Representatives, to bring my bill, the Sergeant Steve Owen bill to the floor for a vote. Sergeant Steve Owen, who is pictured here, was a brave sheriff who was brutally executed in broad daylight in the Antelope Valley, just like Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, who is also pictured here, was shot in the head while sitting in his patrol car in the afternoon in the Antelope Valley. The Sergeant Steve Owen bill would make the intentional killing of a cop a Federal felony with a punishment no less than the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. This should be the law of the land in all 50 States, and, Mr. Speaker, we should all agree that it is a reasonable law. This is a reasonable punishment for such evil. May God look over our peacemakers. I thank my colleague from New York for putting this Special Order on. May the lawmakers and the district attorneys, the elected officials, do their jobs and take care of those who provide our communities with our security blankets on a daily basis. God bless our law enforcement officers. God bless this country.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the distinguished career of Sergeant Mark Wilbur, Serial No. 30646, who is retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department after 30 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Los Angeles. Sergeant Wilbur has made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of our community, and his exemplary service is deserving of our highest recognition and gratitude. Sergeant Wilbur was appointed to the Department on November 29, 1993. He has served in various capacities, including West Valley Patrol, Van Nuys Patrol, Rampart Patrol, Foothill Patrol, and Mission Gang Unit, among others. His leadership and expertise have been essential in maintaining law and order. He has received significant promotions throughout his career, as well as 342 minor commendations from the citizens and Department for his exemplary service. Sergeant Wilbur has also received three major commendations, including the Purple Heart, which he was awarded after being shot by a criminal gang member in 2006. His dedication, courage, and professionalism have set a high standard for all law enforcement offices, and his retirement marks the end of an illustrious career. I ask that all members of Congress join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to Sergeant Mark Wilbur for his three decades of service to the Los Angeles Police Department and the people of Los Angeles.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the West Ranch Marching Band for their outstanding achievement in winning first place in Division 4A at the SoCal Marching Band Championship. Led by first-year band director Rod Schueller, the West Ranch Marching Band won every category leading up to their gold medal. This significant accomplishment reflects the talent, hard work, and dedication of the students, staff, and parents involved in the West Ranch High School music program. Their performance was a true display of artistry, skill, and precision. Four other high schools from the Santa Clarita Valley competed in the championships. Valencia and Canyon High Schools took second and eighth place respectively in Division 2A, while Saugus High School and Golden Valley took fifth and eighth place respectively in Division 3A. Each marching band has made their school and community proud. I encourage all members of Congress to join me in congratulating the West Ranch High School Marching Band on their impressive achievement. Their commitment to excellence in their craft should serve as an inspiration to all of us. I wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors. Once again, I extend a warm congratulations to the West Ranch High School Marching Band on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles Hull, a constituent who truly embodies the American ideals of innovation and exploration. As an inventor and scientist, Mr. Hull has dedicated his life to the creation of technology that would be useful to his fellow creators. Mr. Hull is no stranger to trailblazing. His greatest invention, the 3-D printer, came in 1983 and he co-founded the world's first 3-D printing company, 3-D Systems, just three years later. In 1987, 3-D Systems introduced the world to the stereolithographic apparatus machine, which produced more detailed products faster than ever before. The innovation didn't stop there, though, as Mr. Hull is also known as the godfather of the rapid prototyping movement. This movement focuses on utilizing technology, such as 3-D printers, to deliver one-of-a-kind pieces quickly so that inventors and scientists can focus their time on discovery. For these reasons, Charles Hull was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014 and more recently recognized by President Biden with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. This recognition is extraordinary and couldn't be more well-deserved. I want to thank Mr. Hull for his persistence and dedication to his trade. Our community is better because of him, and I look forward to hearing of his next innovation.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a friend and a true American hero. Mike Kuper passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 70. He is survived by his lovely wife, Yong; his son, Thomas; his daughter, Melissa; and five grandchildren. Mike dedicated his career and life to service. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. He protected our community for three decades working for the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. He influenced hundreds of young men and women as the Law Enforcement Explorer Mentor. Mike even continued to work as a reserve deputy after his retirement. Simply put, he went above and beyond to help others his entire life. Mike Kuper was a great father, a great husband, and a public servant. He will be missed by his family, his friends, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, and the Lancaster communities. Madam Speaker, may God bless Mike Kuper and all of our peacemakers.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Madam Chair, it should not take an act of Congress to stop our President, the President of the United States, from sending $6 billion to Iran. Iran is the world's most prolific sponsor of terrorism, but here we are, having to go through this. This administration has said that this money is to be used for humanitarian purposes only. Madam Chair, that is like giving money to a junkie and expecting them to buy food with it. You can tell them to buy food with it, and they can promise you that they will buy food with it. We all know he ain't buying food with it. In this case, Iran will not use this money for humanitarian assistance. Even if they did, it would just free up other cash so they could fund their international terror organizations and nuclear ambitions. Now that we have control of these assets, let's not let this money be weaponized against us, our allies, and especially Israel. Madam Chair, I urge support of the bill.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to recalibrate our minds on what is actually happening here today. This proceeding looks important. It feels consequential, but let's look at what else is happening across America. Today, about 300 Americans will die from fentanyl poisoning. Today, about 11,000 people will illegally penetrate our borders. Today's debt is approaching $34 trillion. Today's mortgage rates just hit a 25-year high now approaching 8 percent. Our energy prices are again at backbreaking highs with gas approaching $8 a gallon in my district. Today, China and the CCP grow stronger with an intent to go to war by 2027, and our military is experiencing record-low retention and record- low recruitment. This is the reality of today for 335 million Americans under President Joe Biden. It is a dark and scary reality. This Republican majority here today in the House is the only firewall against the damaging far-left policies of the Biden administration. The single-subject appropriations bills that we were supposed to be voting on this week will literally fight to reverse the darkness of these realities and fight inflation, cut spending, secure our border, while enhancing our Nation's security and investing in our soldiers at a meaningful level. Today, this body filled with people in fancy suits led by a few Republicans who are running with scissors and supported by Democrats who have personal issues with the Speaker, have uncertain intentions and even more uncertain goals, and they have decided to make today about drama. Today is not about solving problems and helping our constituents but about drama. We need to be the no-drama option for America--this party, this majority. I fear that this self-inflicted drama of today jeopardizes our majority and by definition removes the last layer of defense protecting America from this Biden administration. Let's dispense with the drama, do our jobs, and move on with defending this beautiful country.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Comer and Ranking Member Raskin for their support on this very special bill for a real, true American hero. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 292, to name the post office in Valencia, California, after a true American patriot, Mr. Bill Reynolds. This is a fitting tribute for someone who gave so much over the course of his life to this beautiful Nation. While his military service and heroism in the jungles of Vietnam with the famous Charlie Company warrant this honor alone, it was his tireless commitment to recognizing his fellow brothers and sisters in arms that cemented him as a lion in the veterans' community. A lifelong resident of Southern California, Bill was drafted for service shortly after graduating from high school and went on to join the Army's Charlie Company, 9th Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment. The ``Boys of `67'' is what they were known as. Bill was a part of the only division to be raised, drafted, and trained for service in the Vietnam war. Despite being wounded in action in June of 1967, he continued fighting alongside his friends, defending his friends in the Mekong Delta, and was ultimately awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his bravery. After his service, he embraced his proud identity of being a U.S. veteran and took every opportunity to advocate and support his brothers and sisters who served. He was one of the very first ambassadors for the Greatest Generations Foundation, he served as a member of the local American Legion Post, and he was a member of the Santa Clarita Veterans' Day Committee. During the last decade of his life, Bill cemented his legacy as the most passionate and high-profile veterans advocate in the Santa Clarita Valley. He was single-handedly responsible for the installment of a memorial wall at the Veterans Plaza in Newhall, California. He accompanied the President and fellow veterans to Da Nang to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam war. He also worked as the director of veterans affairs for the two largest news publications in Santa Clarita. As director of veterans affairs for both the Santa Clarita Signal and KHTS Radio, Bill Reynolds served as the historian for local veterans, writing more than 100 profiles in courage of hometown heroes; something that they could share with their families and relive their legacies. Bill was also a devoted husband to the love of his life, Meg, and was a loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, our Nation is simply better because of Bill Reynolds. He embodied the very values that America was founded on and continues to hold to this day: love of country, grit, and service above all else. Patriots like Bill Reynolds make the United States the greatest country in history. A small tribute like naming a post office after him is the least we can do. The debt of gratitude Americans owe to Bill Reynolds can never fully be paid. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and pass this very special bill to honor a true American hero.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay attribute to a friend, a hero, and a great American. Jason Rooney passed on June 11 this year, just shy of his 51st birthday. He is survived by his parents, Dudley and Cathy; his daughter, Skyler; and his three brothers, Christopher, Michael, and Brian. Growing up, Jason always put others first. He had a heart for serving others that ultimately led him to serve as a Los Angeles County deputy for over 15 years. He took great pride in being a deputy and he performed all of his positions with honor and with distinction. However his true purpose in life came on January 31, 2008, when he welcomed his daughter Skyler Marie into the world. Skyler is a beautiful and intelligent young lady and Jay's world revolved around her. Jason Dudley Rooney was a great brother, great son, and a great father. He will be missed by his family, friends, and the good people of Los Angeles County whom he served so well. Mr. Speaker, may God bless Jay Rooney, who is now by His side, and may God bless all of our peacekeepers.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. The starting salary of an E1 in the military right now is $22,000 a year. That is the equivalent of $11 an hour. This bill takes that to $31,200, gives them parity with their civilian counterparts, and addresses the record-high civilian pay gap of our junior enlisted. Mr. Chair, I urge support of the DOD appropriations package and a ``yes'' vote on the bill.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Calvert for this historic bill, and I rise today in support of this very conservative DOD appropriations package. I remind the American people that the purpose of the military is twofold. The first is to deter a war if diplomacy fails, to augment diplomacy in that deterrence. The second is, if by the exhaustion of all means we have to go to war, to actually give the American people the tools to win the war and keep our security. That is it, to deter a war and win a war. This bill does exactly that. It trims the fat and removes the excess programs, the woke CRT programs, within the current policies under this administration. It also critically funds our Nation's most essential programs, like the F-35, the Columbia-class submarine, the B-21 Raider, which I am proud is made in my beautiful district, California's 27th Congressional District. It removes Mexico from a command that is kind of an orphan right now by itself. During this open-border policy, we are now removing Mexico and putting it back into SOUTHCOM so that the combatant commanders can treat Mexico as the threat that it is to our southern border and the influx of immigrants. That is very important, but with all those things as important as they are--the weapons systems, the change of Mexico to SOUTHCOM--the single biggest thing that we are taking care of, the single biggest asset within our military that we are taking care of, is our troops. I stood at this podium about 6 months ago and said I would not support a Defense Department spending bill or an NDAA that did not adequately address the pay issues, especially that our junior enlisted have right now. About a third of junior enlisted live below the poverty line. About a third of our enlisted qualify for food stamps right now. I am very proud that our Committee on Appropriations' Subcommittee on Defense was able to reconcile and address this adequately. The starting pay of a junior enlisted E1 was $22,000 a year.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, the former mayor of Glendale, and my mentor, Mr. Carl Raggio, who passed away on June 20 of this year. Carl, despite his nearly 95 years of age, remained a wise and sprightly man until he left us. A resident of my hometown, Santa Clarita, Carl was a family man. He is survived by his lovely bride of 72 years, Lynne; as well as their sons, Carl and Paul; and their daughter, Lisa; 15 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Carl was, in fact, a rocket scientist. Working at JPL for 39 years, he was instrumental in the design of several pioneering spacecraft, including Explorer 1, which was the first satellite launched by the United States into space in 1958, and he did it all with just a slide rule. Can you imagine that? Today, Carl is in Heaven, flying higher than any spacecraft he developed in this world. Godspeed, Carl Raggio. Thank you for your love of country and your service to our beautiful Nation.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a lost hero. This past Saturday evening, around 6 p.m., L.A. County Sheriff Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was ambushed and brutally executed while sitting in his patrol vehicle in broad daylight in my district's Antelope Valley. At the young age of just 30 years old, Ryan had proposed to his beautiful fiancee, Brittany, just 4 days before he was murdered. He was a field training officer and was by all accounts one of the best sheriffs in the Palmdale station. Ryan was a third-generation sheriff. His dad, Mike, served as a sheriff, as well as his grandfather. Mr. Speaker, there are no words that can give solace to his family and fellow sheriffs in the station. The healing will take decades and even then will only just begin to close these very deep wounds. This morning, his alleged killer was apprehended. In the midst of the unbearable pain, Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to seek justice and full accountability. We have an obligation to compel all elected officials at all levels of government and all citizens, regardless of political party, to unequivocally support our precious and vulnerable police officers, not just with words but also with resources, and not just with resources, but also with respect. The killing of a police officer should be a Federal felony punishable by death or life in prison, and I will do all I can to make sure that that happens. It is an indication of a failing society and culture that develops a human being that is comfortable with executing a hero like Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer. Ryan served every day of his life with honor and dignity to protect the good guys from the bad guys. He did it right. We owe him and his family and his fellow law enforcement officers a level of gratitude that will never be sufficient. As hard as we may try to appreciate what they have done, it will still only just be at the feet of their towering service and sacrifices. Praise be to God and His Son, the Father of compassion, to give the Clinkunbroomer family comfort now at their darkest hour. May He and we hold Ryan's killer accountable with the fury of a thousand suns. I implore District Attorney Gascon of Los Angeles to file maximum charges against his alleged killer. May God, with Ryan by his side, protect and bless our police officers who put their lives on the line every day while they provide the rest of us with our security blanket. Honoring Carl Raggio

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a lifelong patriot and soldier who has proudly served our great Nation in uniform for more than 30 years. After a storied career marked by professional exceptionalism and taking on new challenges without hesitation, Brigadier General Matthew Higer will be enjoying his well- earned retirement. While the team at Edwards Air Force Base will surely miss his leadership, General Higer will undoubtedly be enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with loved ones. Prior to his command of the 412th Test Wing. General Higer began his career attending some of our nation's finest military learning institutions, earning his commission from the Air Force Officer Reserve Training Corps at the University of Southern California and going on to attend the United States Army War College and the United States Naval Postgraduate School. Between his stints at these schools, General Higer served as a test pilot, evaluator pilot, and instructor pilot. No matter which role he was serving in at the time, Higer consistently distinguished himself from his fellow airmen through his hard work ethic and commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Over the course of his career, General Higer has piloted 40 different types of aircraft and accrued over 3,000 military flight hours. General Higer is concluding his admirable career at Edwards Air Force Base as commander of the 412th Test Wing, but this was not his first time in what is first time in California's ``Aerospace Valley''. He first came here as a student-pilot in 2003, attending the world-famous U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and setting himself apart from the rest of his class with his skill and tenacity. While he went on to fulfill different roles around the country, General Higer couldn't stay away from Edwards AFB for long. He returned in 2017 and served as Commandant for the same test pilot school he graduated from as a young soldier, and later ascended to the position of Commander for the 412th Test Wing. Under his leadership, Edwards Air Force Base has remained the center of the flight testing universe, overseeing the testing of such programs as the F-16, T-38, T-7 A, F-22, F-35, C-12, C-17, KC-135, KC-46. B-1, B-2, B-52, B-21. Because of the work of General Higer and the brave men and women under his command, our nation is better prepared and equipped for the future and positioned to exceed our enemies in next-generation air dominance. Once again, I want to recognize and sincerely thank Brigadier General Higer for his lifetime of service to our great Nation. I know myself, our community, and all those at the 412th Test Wing will be wishing him nothing but happiness and prosperity in his retirement.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Saugus High School's 2022-2023 Marching Centurions for their selection to represent California's 27th Congressional District in the National Memorial Day Parade held in our Nation's capital. Their designation as a distinguished participant in this year's festivities is a testament to not only their performative excellence, but their resilience through several years of challenges from which they have emerged stronger than ever. It is important to recognize that this distinction is one that very few marching bands and color guards across the United States have the privilege of touting, and it is certainly one that is earned rather than given. For years leading up to their participation in the National Memorial Day Parade, the Marching Centurions of Saugus High School have distinguished themselves as a benchmark of virtuosity and dedication to craft. Time and time again, students throughout the years have represented their fellow classmates with unmatched pride and skill and it is heartening to see this program be rewarded with such an honor. I also want to pay special recognition to the members who graduated with the Class of 2023. Since they began high school in 2019, their graduating class has faced a gauntlet of trials and tribulations that many of their contemporaries or even most adults have not. After the tragic shooting in November of 2019, they were immediately confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and virtual learning which forced them to press on with rehearsals over Zoom. These challenges were of course coupled with the typical obstacles a teenager faces when navigating high school: homework, crushes, college applications, and anxiety about the future. As their representative in the halls of Congress, I could not be prouder of their resilience in the face of the impossible, and the manner in which they relied on each other to overcome the odds. Once again, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Marching Centurions for this great honor that they had to commemorate our Nation's heroes who have been killed in the defense of freedom for Memorial Day. As a Saugus alumnus myself, my heart swelled with pride seeing these students clad in blue and silver marching along the streets of Washington to honor our great country.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this strong NDAA. It prioritizes the true mission of our U.S. military, and that is to deter and to win wars. That is it. It is pretty simple. More specifically, it prioritizes America's greatest national security asset, our brave men and women in uniform who serve on a daily basis. I thank Chairman Rogers for his support of my amendment within this en bloc that will secure the highest pay raise in history for nearly 1 million of our junior enlisted troops, paid for by the appropriations bill. This takes the starting salary for an E-1 in the military from about $22,000 a year to $31,200 a year. It gets them above the poverty line and off of food stamps. These brave men and women are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, and it is unacceptable that they were making less than fast-food workers. Mr. Chair, I couldn't be more proud of this historic victory, and I couldn't be more eager to continue fighting for those who fight so hard to give us our security blanket.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Detective Karen Frost on the occasion of her retirement from a distinguished career with the Los Angeles Police Department. For nearly 30 years, Officer Frost served as an exemplary police officer, earning numerous accolades and distinctions while working with her colleagues to keep the citizens of Los Angeles safe. Detective Frost began her career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1994 as a recruit. In the police academy, she distinguished herself from her contemporaries with her professionalism and passion for public service. After graduating the academy, she began serving the San Fernando Valley and ascending the ranks of the LAPD, eventually reaching the rank of sergeant before becoming a detective. During this time, she worked everything from patrol officer to a DARE Instructor to an Academy instructor. Regardless of her position or role at any given time, Detective Frost exemplified the qualities of hard work, sense of duty, and public service. Throughout her career, Detective Frost consistently went beyond the traditional call of duty in service of her community. One example is when she was new to the force in 1996, when she heroically rescued a woman who had attempted suicide by leaping into the Los Angeles River from a bridge. Detective Frost and her partner, at great personal risk to themselves, made their way down to the embankment of the river and jumped in to pull the woman to safety. For this action, she was awarded the LAPD Police Star, the first of many commendations and recognitions over her distinguished career. Once again, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations and well wishes to Detective Frost on her retirement. I am sure she is looking forward to the opportunity to spend more time with her loving family after a career of protecting the people of Los Angeles. I thank Detective Frost for all of her hard work and sacrifice.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated teacher and community member who consistently goes above and beyond what is normally expected of educators today. Terri Stillson is a reading teacher at Castaic Elementary School whose passion for education and inspiration have encouraged her to take a unique and creative approach to rewarding academic achievement. The result of these efforts is increased motivation for students and teachers alike. Every Wednesday, Mrs. Stillson mounts the ``Treat Trike'', a decorated tricycle with Castaic Elementary School swag and a cart filled to the brim with toys and prizes. She rides around the school's campus playing cheerful music and going classroom to classroom to reward children for their academic work. But she doesn't just reward the top of each class, she utilizes an online program that captures students' performance to recognize different types of progress and praise students of all different stripes. Mrs. Stillson also motivates teachers to do their best by using stuffed plushies to award the educator in each grade level who passed the most lessons each week, encouraging playful competition among staff. Now more than ever, children are struggling to remain engaged in their education, as the effects of prolonged lockdowns and Zoom learning continue to be felt. It is heartening to see Mrs. Stillson lead other educators across the nation by example and offer a roadmap for how teachers can make the classroom a fun place to be while also driving students' success. All it takes is a little creativity and whimsy. Once again, I want to recognize and thank Mrs. Stillson for all the work that she does to make Castaic Elementary School a shining example of educational excellence in our community. Her creativity and hard work are a blessing to her students, and we look forward to all she will accomplish throughout the rest of her career as a teacher.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Officer Ralph Brown on the occasion of his retirement from a distinguished career with the Los Angeles Police Department. For more than 25 years, Officer Brown faithfully executed his duty as a sworn defender of his fellow officers and of the people of Los Angeles with grit, courage, and professional exceptionalism. Officer Brown joined the Los Angeles Police Department at the peak of the 1990s crime wave, when police officers were frequently put in harm's way while protecting their community with rampant gang activity and violent crime. Despite the considerable risks, Officer Brown decided to join the department in 1998 as a way to serve his community. Upon his graduation from the academy, he quickly ascended the ranks of the LAPD and began focusing on cracking down gang related criminal activity. After several years of law enforcement excellence, so valued was his expertise that he was promoted to Police Officer III and selected to become a Field Training Officer. In this new role, Officer Brown was responsible for training police officers on how to go after gangsters that threatened public safety. Officer Brown rounded out his career assigned to Van Nuys patrol as a Field Training Officer, retiring on June 28, 2023. He ended his career as a highly respected police officer who time and time again demonstrated his commitment to the core tenet of the Los Angeles Police Department: ``To Protect and Serve.'' Once again, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations and well wishes to Officer Brown on his well-deserved retirement. We are grateful as a community for his more than 25 years of public service and wish him all the best.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Saugus High School's 2022-2023 Marching Band for their selection to represent California's 27th Congressional District in the National Memorial Day Parade held in our Nation's capital. Their designation as a distinguished participant in this year's festivities is a testament to not only their musical excellence, but their resilience through several years of challenges from which they have emerged stronger than ever. It is important to recognize that this distinction is one that very few marching bands across the United States have the privilege of touting, and it is certainly one that is earned rather than given. For years leading up to their participation in the National Memorial Day Parade, the Marching Centurions of Saugus High School have distinguished themselves as a benchmark of virtuosity and dedication to craft. Time and time again, students throughout the years have represented their fellow classmates with unmatched pride and skill and it is heartening to see this program be rewarded with such an honor. I also want to pay special recognition to band members who are graduating with the Class of 2023. Since they began high school in 2019, their graduating class has faced a gauntlet of trials and tribulations that many of their contemporaries or even most adults have not. After the tragic shooting in November of 2019, they were immediately confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and virtual learning which forced them to press on with rehearsals over Zoom. These challenges were of course coupled with the typical obstacles a teenager faces when navigating high school: homework, crushes, college applications and anxiety about the future. As their representative in the halls of Congress, I could not be prouder of their resilience in the face of the impossible. and the manner in which they relied on each other to overcome the odds. Once again, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Marching Centurions for this great honor that they will have to commemorate our Nation's heroes who have been killed in the defense of freedom this weekend for Memorial Day. As a Saugus alumnus myself, my heart will swell with pride seeing these students clad in blue and silver marching along the streets of Washington to honor our great country.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Madam Chair, for too long, a lack of national leadership has forced law enforcement into navigating this fentanyl crisis without the proper tools or a defined mission. The HALT Fentanyl Act would provide both the tools and the mission by permanently classifying fentanyl analogues as schedule I narcotics. This bill, which I have long supported, will mitigate this crisis by empowering police to use every tool available to get the traffickers of poison off the streets and put them in jail. Sell fentanyl, go to jail. Poison kids, go to jail. If you don't want to go to jail, don't sell fentanyl and don't poison our kids. Right now we are failing as a Nation. We are failing to recognize the severity of this crisis, failing to hold China and dealers accountable for their role, and we are failing to protect the people who most need it, our children. We have lost young Americans with bright futures like Daniel Puerta from my district who was a year away from graduating when he was poisoned by a counterfeit pill sold over Snapchat. For Daniel's memory and the memory of countless others, we must act. Madam Chair, I urge support of this bill. One last thing, 30 times the number of people who died on 9/11 last year died of fentanyl poisoning.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, it is remarkable how quickly we forgot the lessons learned in Afghanistan. When we see the situation in Sudan and for Secretary of State Blinken to literally forget some of the lessons learned so quickly makes us wonder how many countries we are still vulnerable in as we move forward. I want to reflect on Afghanistan because it hasn't been that long and, yet, I think many Americans have actually forgotten what has happened there. We made several key strategic errors giving up Bagram Airfield: Leaving our allies in Afghanistan in the lurch without any notification in the dead of night, not handing operational control over from a State Department diplomatic mission in terms of an evacuation back to the DOD, and recognizing that we were, in fact, in a warfighting scenario where operational control should have been handed to the Department of Defense. It was a demonstration of cabinet members under a weak administration not having the backbone to stand up and tell their boss, the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief, that, Boss, we have a problem. We need to be more proactive. We need to take a step back, rethink our strategy here, and we need to make sure that every single American comes home. If you recall, we were actually bringing home American troops before we brought home American civilians in many of those cases. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage support for my bill, H.R. 1627, the Sergeant Steve Owen Defending Our Defenders Act. It is critical legislation that would make the murdering of a police officer a Federal felony punishable by only life in prison or the death penalty. For those of you who do not know Sergeant Steve Owen, he was a Los Angeles County Sheriff in the Antelope Valley in my district, a hero in our community, a family man who was brutally murdered in broad daylight on the streets of Lancaster back in 2016 by a vicious criminal who was out on parole. Sergeant Steve Owen's death is unfortunately becoming a common story in this day and age. In fact, in 2021, we saw a 60 percent increase in murder of law enforcement officers. This is due to the defund the police movement and soft-on-crime policies from elected officials from the far left, D.A.s who have been hired by Soros to be soft on violent criminals, and it has severely handicapped our police officers' ability to do their jobs and, in some cases, to go home safely at the end of their shift. This bill, named in honor of Sergeant Steve Owen, is all too necessary right now as our police officers face increased rates of crime against them. It is critical that we pass this legislation to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the protection necessary to do their jobs effectively and go home to their families. This should not be a tough bill to support for either Republicans or Democrats. The men and women who protect us every day deserve to know that we have their back. They give us a security blanket in our communities as elected officials, we should give them a meaningful deterrence to any criminal who is willing to do them harm. We must do more to take care of our heroic law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep our communities safe. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. James), my good friend and West Point grad.