John Garamendi

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the bipartisan support for this amendment. It makes a lot of sense to expand up to 10 years. It may be that an entity would like to have a permit for less than 10 years, and this amendment would allow that, but more importantly, it does allow a permit to go for a full 10 years. The bipartisan support is much appreciated, even though it was presented in opposition, which I understand needed to be done to meet the rules. Mr. Chairman, nevertheless, with that in mind, I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would allow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and 47 States and U.S. territories with delegated authority under the Clean Water Act to issue permits for public works up to 10 years. Under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, NPDES, Federal, State, and territory regulators can issue permits for 5 years, and that is it. That arbitrary permit duration no longer matches the construction timeline for public works, like modernizing wastewater treatment plants and building new water recycling facilities. When the Clean Water Act was signed into law in 1972, publicly owned wastewater treatment plants were being constructed principally to provide primary or secondary treatment. Things have changed over the last five decades. Now, these plants are looking at tertiary and even higher standards, taking longer time for the engineering as well as the construction. Some of these plants are even installing fuel cells, such as in my district, Pittsburg, California. Increasing the NPDES permit from 5 to 10 years ensures that the Federal permitting process accurately reflects the timeframes to construct a public water project, upholding the Clean Water Act protections. U.S. EPA and many State Clean Water Act regulators, including the California State Water Resources Control Board, have a backlog of permits, some of these multiple, multiple years. That is why many, if not most, of these NPDES permits issued nationwide expire long before they can be renewed and remain in effect, sometimes for years. Mr. Chair, this amendment, if adopted, would clear the backlog and provide the necessary time to plan, engineer, and build the facilities. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of former California State Senator Alan G. Sieroty, a champion for disability rights and a leader in efforts to preserve California's coastline and natural beauty. Mr. Sieroty, who passed away at the age of 93, leaves behind an indelible legacy of devout public service and advocacy. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Sieroty demonstrated his hard-working spirit from a young age. After earning his bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University and graduating from the University of Southern California Gourd School of Law, Mr. Sieroty began a lifelong career in public service. He served as an Administrative Assistant and Executive Secretary to California Lieutenant Governor Glenn M. Anderson and went on to become the Deputy Director of the Chile-California Program. In 1967, Mr. Sieroty became a California State Assemblymember and, after a decade of service, was elected to the California State Senate, where he served until his retirement in 1982. While serving in the State Assembly and Senate, Mr. Sieroty authored over 100 bills, many of which were critical pieces of environmental protection legislation. One of his most significant accomplishments was his leading role in creating the California Coastal Commission in 1972. Today, the Commission continues to play an integral part in protecting California's coastal waters and regulating environmentally sustainable development. Mr. Sieroty's commitment to his community expanded beyond his extensive career in public service. He served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and the Venice Family Clinic. In addition, Mr. Sieroty and his family partnered with the Los Angeles Family Housing nonprofit to transform a former motel into a temporary housing facility for unhoused seniors. Mr. Sieroty will be remembered for his decades of service to California and his critical efforts to preserve our environment for future generations. His enduring spirit will live on in his family and the communities he dedicated his life to serving. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Sieroty's loved ones. I know they and the people of California will join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the ``Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Removal Act of 2024,'' which builds upon legislation by the same title sponsored by the late Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA) in 1997. As detailed in a blue-ribbon report published by the State of California and other Pacific State's Oil Spill Task Force in 2020, the problem of abandoned and derelict vessels is a pervasive problem. Vessel owners abandon personal and commercial boats due to damage from severe storms, high maintenance and disposal costs, and many other factors. Abandoned and derelict vessels are a safety hazard, blight to our waterways, and eyesore. As these vessels decay, they pollute our waterways with debris, fiberglass from hulls, leftover gasoline, motor oil, battery fluids, and other harmful chemicals. This endangers people enjoying the water and harms the environment. My new bill legislates the 2020 blue-ribbon report's recommendations, improving the intergovernmental response to abandoned and derelict vessels. Specifically, my bill would unlock up to $1.5 billion annually from the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove abandoned vessels at no expense to taxpayers. Under current law, federal responders can only tap the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the costs of stopping fuel leaks from vessels. My bill would also hold those dumping their derelict vessels in our waterways accountable. Every vessel removed is one step closer to keeping our working waterfronts and waterways safe and clean for all to enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working across the aisle to advance the proposed reforms in my bill. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to legislate key provisions from my bill in the coming ``Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024'' and the ``Water Resources Development Act of 2024.'' I encourage all Members of the House to join me in cosponsoring this commonsense bill.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``Biomass for Transportation Fuel Act,'' formerly titled the ``Biomass and Biogas for Electric Vehicles Act'' last Congress. I thank U.S. Senators Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for sponsoring the companion bill and Congressman Jared F. Golden (D-ME) for cosponsoring my House bill. In passing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140), Congress made electricity from renewable biomass-- including biogas and waste-to-energy from feedstocks such as separated yard or food waste--eligible under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Despite years of Congressional urging, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has yet to approve a single biomass electricity facility under the program. Some applications for biomass electricity--known as ``pathway petitions'' under the RFS program--have been pending now for nearly 10 years. Current law and USEPA regulations already define ``renewable biomass'' to include biogas, namely methane captured from livestock and agricultural byproducts, food waste, or residential yard waste. As such, our bicameral bill complements the significant investments California is making under the state's successful Dairy Digester Research and Development Program. Currently, the USEPA requires facilities to prove with near-perfect traceability that the electricity generated is used as a transportation fuel to participate in the RFS program. Most renewable biomass facilities are selling electricity into the grid and, therefore, cannot prove definitively that each electron generated is used exclusively by electric vehicles. The ``Biomass for Transportation Fuel Act'' would enable biomass facilities generating renewable electricity to finally participate in the RFS program. Instead of requiring that biomass facilities meet the impossible task of proving that the electricity generated and sold into the grid is used directly as a transportation fuel, our bill directs the USEPA to finalize the long-overdue federal regulations necessary for renewable biomass electricity producers to participate in the RFS program. Our bill would also authorize USEPA to collect a reasonable fee from industry to cover the costs of reviewing any applications for renewable electricity submitted under the RFS program. In a 2016 ``advance notice of proposed rulemaking,'' the USEPA cited inadequate agency resources as a major impediment to approval of renewable electricity under the RFS program. The USEPA could waive these application fees for municipally or tribally owned biomass facilities under our bill. This fee-for-service model is based on the USEPA's regulatory regime under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003 (title V of Public Law 108-199), which is widely regarded as successful and enjoys broad- based support in Congress. Lastly, our bill would make biomass from federal forestlands eligible under the RFS. Current law only allows biomass collected from non- federal lands, including privately-owned land, state- or locally-owned public lands, and tribal land held in trust by the federal government, to qualify as renewable biomass under the RFS. This restriction is arbitrary and hampers market-driven incentives to reduce the overload of hazardous fuels for wildfires on our National Forests and other federal forestlands. However, I want to be clear that our bill would not open federal forestland to timber harvests or commercial hazardous fuels removal where such activities are prohibited currently. Mr. Speaker, I urge all members to cosponsor the ``Biomass for Transportation Fuel Act.'' As California and other western states face increasingly severe and year-round fire seasons due to the climate crisis, we must create a market for forest byproducts to incentivize commonsense hazardous fuels reduction. Renewable electricity from biomass also helps to reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. While these measures alone will not solve the climate crisis or prevent all catastrophic wildfires, they are undoubtedly part of the solution.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the critical contributions of Mr. Mychal Threets to the Solano County community. As the Supervising Librarian at the Fairfield Civic Center Library and a social media content creator, Mr. Threets impacted the lives of countless youth in the Solano community and beyond. As a homeschooled student in Solano County, Mr. Threets grew up taking advantage of the wide array of resources and services offered at his local library and received his first library card at just five years old. After earning his master's degree in library information science, Mr. Threets began working at the Fairfield Civic Center Library in 2013 and helped expand the library programs and resources that were fundamental to his education. With the growing mental health crisis and declining literacy rates, Mr. Threets took to social media to discuss the vital emotional health resources and educational services that libraries provide. He wanted to ensure people knew that libraries are not just places with books but offer something for everyone. Through his social media posts, Mr. Threets shared stories about the vital role libraries play in people's lives and the ``library joy'' he sees in action every day. Mr. Threets used his viral social media presence to spread kindness and inspire American youth to fall in love with reading and libraries, just as he did. For his advocacy and outspoken love of libraries, Mr. Threets was one of 10 librarians across the country to win the I Love My Librarian Award for Public Service. While Mr. Threets will be stepping away from his role in the Solano County Library, I know he will continue striving to improve the Solano community and increase literacy rates for young children. I look forward to seeing his work to expand access to educational resources and make our communities more inclusive.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, to honor the life and legacy of Mayor Irma Anderson, a trailblazing leader within Contra Costa County and devout public servant. Mayor Anderson, who passed away at the age of 93, leaves behind an indelible legacy as a mayor, nurse, and community advocate. Born and raised in Boston, Mayor Anderson's passion for public service began at a young age. After serving as Student Body President and Valedictorian of her high school, she became one of the first Black students to attend and graduate from Cornell School of Nursing. In 1959, Mayor Anderson moved to Richmond, California with her husband, Reverend Booker T. Anderson, Jr., beginning a lifelong residency in the Contra Costa County community. Fueled by her passion for service and sincere belief in caring for those around her, Mayor Anderson worked diligently for the Contra Costa County Health Department for 20 years. She eventually became the first Black Assistant Director and Director of Public Health Nursing in Contra Costa County, and her unwavering leadership undeniably improved her community. Following her extensive career in public health, Mayor Anderson's commitment to service led her to run for Richmond City Council. In 1993, she became the first Black woman to serve as a Richmond City Council Member. After two successful terms on the Richmond City Council, Mayor Anderson made history yet again in 2001, when she became the first Black woman to be elected mayor of a major California city. Mayor Anderson's career in public service was characterized by her spirit for advocacy and commitment to giving a voice to the unrepresented. She developed a historic partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District, founding Kids! First, which cultivates and expands after-school programs throughout Richmond. In addition, she held the ``Richmond Rises Above Violence Conference,'' which galvanized Richmond's public health approach to violence prevention. Subsequently, Richmond created an Office of Violence Prevention, later the Office of Neighborhood Safety, a nationally recognized violence intervention strategy. Mayor Anderson's spirit of innovation was expressed both through her critical leadership and vital work as Metropolitan Transportation Committee Commissioner. She spearheaded efforts to advance multiple bridge rehabilitation and expansion projects, helping ensure Contra Costa County's roads were safe and secure. During her tenure as Mayor and Commissioner, Mayor Anderson presided over the transformation of downtown Richmond into a model of transit-oriented development. Mayor Anderson will be remembered for her decades of service to Contra Costa County and her genuine spirit of kindness and compassion. She impacted the lives of countless community members and her steadfast leadership, constant smile, and patient mentorship brought comfort to all who knew her. Mayor Anderson's enduring spirit will live on in her son and the community she dedicated her life to serving. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mayor Anderson's loved ones. We know they and the people of Contra Costa County will join us in celebrating her life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Robert Dittmer. Mr. Dittmer, who passed away at the age of 103, leaves behind an indelible legacy of service to his country and the Solano County Community. Born in Oakland, California in 1920, Mr. Dittmer was a lifelong resident of Northern California. As America entered World War II, Mr. Dittmer's commitment to his country led him to join the United States Army Air Corps. He flew 35 successful combat missions over Germany, ultimately becoming a Second Lieutenant and earning an Air Medal for his service. As the war ended, Mr. Dittmer's service to others continued. He joined the fire service and became the Assistant Chief of the Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base Fire Department. In 1956, Mr. Dittmer was awarded a commendation for entering the burning wreckage of a crashed aircraft and saving the life of the injured crew. After retiring from the Fire Department, Mr. Dittmer continued to serve his community, advancing efforts to identify and address unmet needs in Solano County. He facilitated local real-estate ventures to bolster the local economy and was a critical leader within the downtown Fairfield business community. Mr. Dittmer will be remembered not only for his decades of service to his country and the Solano County community but also for his genuine spirit of selflessness and innovation. He impacted the lives of countless members of his community, and his steadfast leadership undeniably enhanced the lives of his fellow Solano County residents. Mr. Dittmer's enduring spirit will live on in his son, daughter, four grandchildren, and the community he dedicated his life to serving. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to Mr. Dittmer's loved ones. I know they and the people of Solano County join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Louise Orta as her family gathers to remember her life and the many people she touched along the way. Mary Louise Orta was the matriarch of the Orta Family. She was born in New Braunfels, Texas on November 13, 1931. She met and married Albert Orta in 1949 and began their life together in Texas before moving to California in 1973. Mrs. Orta was a military spouse who exemplified the virtues of family, commitment, and service. She supported her husband Albert's career as he served our nation in the United States Air Force, then as an employee of the Department of Defense while traveling to several countries until his retirement in 1980. During this time, Mary remained home and continued her own life of service by supporting his career and raising their 12 children. In 1981, at age 50, as her youngest child entered kindergarten, Mrs. Orta joined the workforce volunteering at the local school. Soon thereafter, she was hired by the Elk Grove Unified School District as a full-time employee at Valley High School in Sacramento County where she remained until her retirement in 2001. She was a tireless contributor to her school community, always first to volunteer and never wavered when asked to help. Throughout her twenty-year career, Mrs. Orta received several recognitions and was honored by the California State Senate and at districtwide ceremonies for her many contributions to staff, school administration, and students at Valley High School. Mary Orta was a remarkable woman. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, finding joy in the company of family and close friends. She proudly walked with school administration at high school graduations, supported her children and grandchildren at events and family gatherings. Her unwavering love for those she cared for was her driving force and her faith, kindness and compassion will undoubtedly be a continuing source of strength for her family. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Louise Orta as her family gathers to honor her incredible life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Dr. Jeffrey Beauvais, Ph.D. upon his completion of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. Dr. Beauvais served as a Knauss fellow in my Washington, D.C. office from February 2023 until February 2024. As an integral member of my legislative staff, Dr. Beauvais assisted my work on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, particularly my work on the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. Over the past twelve months, he worked closely with the Committee and the rest of my personal office staff in developing several pieces of critical legislation. Dr. Beauvais overhauled my ``FEMA Disaster Preparedness Improvement Act'' from the 116th Congress to include new, novel reforms to federal programs for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. He also developed new legislation, the ``Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 2024,'' in response to a blue-ribbon report by the Pacific States' Oil Spill Task Force published on January 14, 2020. Among other key reforms, this new legislation would unlock more than $1.5 billion annually in dedicated federal funding under the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove abandoned and derelict vessels from federally regulated waterways. I expect to introduce both bills in the coming months, thanks in no small part to his work. Dr. Beauvais received his doctorate in integrative conservation and ecology from the University of Georgia, Athens in 2022, and graduated with honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2015. I expect Dr. Beauvais' fellowship in my office will inspire and inform his future endeavors with his passion for his native coastal Georgia a recurring theme throughout his career and life. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's eighth Congressional district, I extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Beauvais for his dedicated service as a Knauss fellow. He will always remain a deeply valued member of Team Garamendi.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mayor Irma Anderson, a trailblazing leader within Contra Costa County. Mayor Anderson, who passed away at the age of 93, leaves behind an indelible legacy as mayor, nurse, and community advocate. After working for the Contra Costa County Health Department for 20 years, Mayor Anderson's commitment to service led her to make history as the first Black woman to serve as a Richmond City Councilmember and the first Black woman to be elected mayor of a major California city. Mayor Anderson's career in public service was characterized by her spirit for advocacy and commitment to giving voice to the underrepresented. She developed a historic partnership with the West Contra Costa Unified School District. Mayor Anderson will be remembered for her decades of service to Contra Costa County and her genuine spirit of kindness and compassion. I extend my deepest sympathies to Mayor Anderson's loved ones who are here in the room today. I know they and the people of Contra Costa County will join us in celebrating her life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting contributions of The Honorable Robert C. Coates, a critical leader in the California judicial system. Judge Coates leaves behind an indelible legacy of service, selflessness, and humanitarianism. Born in Pacific Beach in 1937, Judge Coates spent his early years cultivating what would become a lifelong passion for protecting the environment and addressing the most pressing issues impacting his community. After graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Geology from San Diego State University, Judge Coates joined the Naval Reserve, where he faithfully served our country. Driven by a commitment to justice, Judge Coates earned his Juris Doctor from the California Western School of Law, beginning what would become an almost six decades-long career in the legal system. As a trial lawyer for 12 years, Judge Coates undertook a wide range of civil and criminal defense cases at the state and federal levels and notably won a case before the California Supreme Court. In 1982, Judge Coates was appointed to a position as a Judge, where he spearheaded efforts to establish the highly successful Serial Inebriate Program, aimed at treating chronic alcohol abuse. In addition, Judge Coates was a leader in changing how the court addresses homelessness and mental health issues, helping pave the way toward a more equitable judicial system in California and beyond. Judge Coates' commitment to enacting positive change was not only expressed through his critical work as a lawyer and judge, but also through his mentorship of the next generation of lawyers. He served as an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he developed the School's Environmental Law course and established and directed the Environmental and Natural Resources Forum. Judge Coates' critical role in legal education also extended to the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where he created and taught the Poverty Law course. In addition to his leadership and mentorship, Judge Coates exemplified the spirit of altruism in all areas of his life. He chaired the San Diego's Homeless Women Task Force, providing critical support to women who lack access to public health and psychological care. He also authored multiple books addressing the homelessness crisis in America, including A Street is Not a Home, which served as a model for multiple Grand Juries in implementing equitable solutions to housing disputes. Judge Coates' enduring spirit will live on in his wife of 19 years, daughter, son, and three grandchildren. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Judge Coates' loved ones. I know that they, along with the people of California, join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting contributions of Mrs. Marguerite Louise Kopper Chally. Mrs. Chally, who passed away at the age of 103, leaves behind an enduring legacy marked by service, love, and compassion. Born in Aberdeen, Idaho in 1920, Mrs. Chally's life was dedicated to caring for those around her. After graduating from Aberdeen High School, Mrs. Chally attended nursing school at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas, earning her Registered Nurse qualification in 1941. She first began her decades-long nursing career at the Children's Hospital of the East Bay in Oakland, California. Fueled by her passion for service and sincere belief in the importance of bringing comfort to those around her, Mrs. Chally worked at numerous hospitals and medical clinics throughout her career. In the last twenty years of her healthcare career, Mrs. Chally served at the University of California, Davis Student Health Center, providing critical care to countless students. Beyond her essential role as a nurse, Mrs. Chally embodied altruism and compassion in all areas of her life. Volunteering for Yolo County Hospice for over two decades and serving at the International House in Davis and Sutter Davis Hospital, her selflessness and kindness touched all she encountered, undeniably improving the lives of those around her. Mrs. Chally will be remembered not only for her decades of service to California patients and their families, but also for her genuine commitment to her family, faith, and community. She was a dearly loved family matriarch and devoted her life to caring for others. Mrs. Chally's enduring spirit lives on in her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. My deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Chally's loved ones. I know that they, along with the people of Yolo County, join me in celebrating her life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to reintroduce the ``HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act,'' with Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH03). I thank our original cosponsors for their support, as well as U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) for sponsoring the companion bill. This updated legislation would significantly increase federal funding available for affordable housing across the country to tackle the housing crisis in states like California. With historically high housing costs, a minimum wage worker in California must work an 88-hour week on average to afford a modest one- bedroom rental at a fair market rate. No American working full-time should live in poverty or be forced into homelessness. Congress and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must support collaborative solutions to incentivize affordable housing production and rental assistance to address the drastic shortage of housing options in California and across the country. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is the largest federal affordable housing block grant and is HUD's flagship program to support private developers and nonprofits building new affordable housing. Since established by Congress in 1990, the HOME program has helped state and local housing agencies support a wide variety of housing needs, from financing new construction and home repairs to funding down payment and rental assistance. HOME funding is the primary federal tool available for state and local governments to build affordable rental and owner-occupied housing for low-income to extremely low-income families with private developers. Moreover, HOME is a great federal investment, leveraging $4.76 in non-federal public and private funds for every dollar in HOME funding. Since 1992, the HOME program has supported more than 1.36 million units of affordable housing for renters, home buyers, and homeowners. In California, the HOME program has invested $5.27 billion into affordable housing across the state; built or preserved 121,727 homes; given rental assistance to 43,810 families; supported 277,318 jobs; and generated $19.2 billion in local economic development. Despite these incredible investments, this essential program was last reauthorized in 1994 and needs critical updates to better address today's housing crisis. Our legislation would not only reauthorize the HOME program for the first time in three decades, but also make several much-needed improvements. Specifically, our bicameral ``HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act'' would authorize $5 billion in HOME funding for fiscal year 2024 and boost the funding for the program by five percent annually through fiscal year 2028. This critical investment would reverse the chronic underfunding of the affordable housing investment program, which Congress appropriated only $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2023. In addition, our bill would allow HUD to make loan guarantees under the HOME program, leveraging limited federal resources to allow state and local participating jurisdictions to tap more generous private financing to build new affordable housing. It would also improve HUD's ability to provide downpayment assistance to homebuyers and home repair assistance to homeowners under the HOME program. Moreover our bill would unlock HOME funds for nonprofits, community land trusts, and other shared equity homeownership partnerships to make more and better affordable housing available to those Americans most in need. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of Congress to cosponsor the ``HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act'' to bring this critical HUD program into the 21st century and provide state and local partners with the financing needed to construct and rehabilitate affordable rental housing and provide homeownership opportunities for working families. Lastly, I want to thank my former Legislative Assistant, Mr. Tigran Agdaian, for his critically important role in developing this legislation during the 116th Congress while on my staff.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, sometimes it is a mistake to listen to each other, and perhaps that is where we are right now. I am hearing Mr. Larsen present the legislation, which actually would repeal the Make It In America provisions into the future. I hear Mr. Larsen talk about how the President's rule would actually waive the Buy America requirements that we put into the bipartisan infrastructure bill until July 1, 2024--5 months from now. That waiver is for 5 months going forward, at which time the Buy America rules that we put into the law are back in effect. I hear my colleagues who are proposing this CR say something quite different, that somehow this CR would reestablish the Buy America provisions. Unfortunately, it doesn't. It is just the opposite. It would eliminate going on beyond July 1 the requirement to Buy America. Maybe I am confused. I think not. I do know that in our T&I Committee we spent a lot of time on Buy America, but the CR not only eliminates the current Federal regulation that delays until July 1 the implementation of the Buy America requirements; it goes beyond that. It also reinstates another provision, that is a 1983 waiver of the Buy America requirements. So if indeed we want to help American industry, if we want to help American labor, and if we want to really build out the infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles, then we are going to need to have those charging stations. Those charging stations can be made in America if we stay with the current regulations that the administration has put forward, which only extends the Buy America waiver to July 1, 2024. If I am wrong, I am wrong; it is not the first time in my life. Read carefully what we are doing here. It is not just taking on the Biden administration, which is great fun for some, it is really about are we going to have Make It In America requirements or not.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Sherri Sager for her critical accomplishments as Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer at Stanford Medicine Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Throughout Ms. Sager's 29 years of service, she demonstrated a sincere commitment to advocating for children and families and worked tirelessly to improve America's healthcare system for all. Ms. Sager first joined Stanford Medicine Children's Health and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in 1994, as the Director of Government Relations. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Sager's vast knowledge of public policy and her indispensable leadership made her a critical advocate for Stanford Medicine Children's Health patients. She was pivotal in facilitating community partnerships and was committed to monitoring the impact that proposed laws and public policies could have on American patients. Ms. Sager exemplifies the spirit of leadership and altruism in all areas of her life. She has served on numerous nonprofit and regional business association boards, including as Board Chair of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association, board member of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Working Council. Ms. Sager's advocacy for patients and their families and her commitment to community service clearly demonstrate that her work to improve the lives of others expands beyond her position with Stanford Medicine. Ms. Sager's devotion to service has undeniably improved the healthcare landscape in Northern California and beyond. While her presence in the Stanford Medicine community will surely be missed. Ms. Sager's 29 years of service have left a lasting legacy and significantly enhanced the lives of countless patients, families, and healthcare professionals. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Ms. Sager for her service and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing us this opportunity. Is it really true, Mr. Speaker? Perhaps Mr. Larson has told me that the Republicans intend to put together some sort of a fiscal commission specifically designed to go after Social Security, to cut the benefits, and to really jeopardize the well-being of seniors now and future seniors? Could that possibly be correct? Apparently it is. A secret fiscal commission. There is another way of doing it. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Larson has put together a proposal that would guarantee Social Security solvency for years to come. It would require that the super wealthy have to pay their fair share. What is wrong with that? Nothing that I can think of. We can also actually increase the annual COLA by going to the fair COLA bill which was introduced by--wow, my bill. Mr. Larson, you have that in your bill. Good for you. Good for the seniors. Good for the future of America. We can do this correctly, Mr. Speaker, if Mr. Larson's bill, Social Security 2100, would actually become law.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here today in favor of the Conference Report on the Fiscal Year 24 NDAA. This conference report is the result of bipartisan efforts to strengthen our national defense while supporting our military members, families, and communities. I would like to thank Senator Reed, Senator Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership throughout the entire process to produce this bipartisan bill. I would also like to thank Chairman Waltz of the Readiness Subcommittee for his partnership, Jeanine Womble the Readiness PSM, my MLA Rob Hurd, and my Defense Fellow Taylor Brunstad. I am proud of the work we have done to protect the Readiness of our Armed forces. This bill continues our work, along with our Senate colleagues, to support military families by providing more childcare centers, protect basic healthcare rights for women service members, support energy resiliency on our bases, increase base pay to retain and recruit top talent, and demand DoD accountability and transparency on spending to prevent wasteful use of taxpayer dollars. It is of vital importance to me to support our servicemembers and their families at bases like Travis Air force Base and ensure they have the housing, training, equipment, and the quality of life they need and deserve. I am proud to continue my work to serve the men and women in my district, and to serve the brave men and women volunteering to protect our freedom. While this bill is a strong bipartisan effort to support the military, there is still more to be done and I look forward to building on these efforts in the years ahead.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here today in favor of the Conference Report on the Fiscal Year 24 NDAA. This conference report is the result of bipartisan efforts to strengthen our national defense while supporting our military members, families, and communities. I would like to thank Senator Reed, Senator Wicker, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership throughout the entire process to produce this bipartisan bill. I would also like to thank Chairman Waltz of the Readiness Subcommittee for his partnership, Jeanine Womble the readiness PSM, my MLA Rob Hurd, and my Defense Fellow Taylor Brunstad. I am proud of the work we have done to protect the Readiness of our Armed forces. This bill continues our work, along with our Senate colleagues, to support military families by providing more childcare centers, protect basic healthcare rights for women service member, support energy resiliency on our bases, increase base pay to retain and recruit top talent, and demand DoD accountability and transparency on spending to prevent wasteful use of taxpayer dollars. It is of vital importance to me to support our servicemembers and their families at bases like Travis Air force Base and ensure they have the housing, training, equipment, and quality of life they need and deserve. I am proud to continue my work to serve the men and women in my district, and to serve the brave men and women volunteering to protect our freedom. While this bill is a strong bipartisan effort to support the military, there is still more to be done and I look forward to building on these efforts in the years ahead.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``Energizing American Shipbuilding Act'' with U.S. Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS). I thank U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Congressmen Robert J. Wittman (R-VA) and Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for their support as the original cosponsors. Our bipartisan bill would help to recapitalize America's domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring that increasing percentages of exported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil be transported on U.S.-built, flagged, and crewed vessels. In total, our bill would require that 15 percent of total seaborne LNG exports by 2045 and 10 percent of total seaborne crude oil exports by 2037 be on U.S. vessels. This would result in the construction of more than 40 American ships: approximately 28 LNG carriers by 2045 and 12 oil tankers by 2037. This will support thousands of new, well-paying jobs in American shipyards, vessel component manufacturers, and across the U.S. maritime industry. As President Vladimir Putin's unconscionable invasion of Ukraine has shown, continental Europe's overreliance on imported Russian oil and gas is both untenable and dangerous. While I support the global transition away from fossil fuels to fight the climate crisis, I also support increasing American energy exports to Europe to replace Russian imports in the near term. Unless Congress acts, all U.S. seaborne LNG and crude oil exports will be on foreign-flagged vessels, operated by foreign crews. In 1995, Congress required that crude oil exported from Alaska's North Slope be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels to preserve the tanker fleet essential to our national defense. The ``Energizing American Shipbuilding Act'' would implement a similar requirement. The vessels built under our bill would be available to meet the U.S. military's sealift and supply needs around the globe. I am deeply troubled that our military, namely the Defense Logistics Agency, relies on foreign-owned oil tankers including state-owned enterprises closely linked to the Chinese government. Our bipartisan bill also counters other export countries' similar requirements including the Russian-flagged vessel requirement for arctic oil and natural gas exports announced by the Kremlin in December 2018. The United States was a net crude oil exporter in 2022 and is projected to become the top LNG exporting nation in the coming years. Exports of these two strategic national assets--LNG and crude oil-- should be on American vessels, which is exactly what our bill would require. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to cosponsor the ``Energizing American Shipbuilding Act.''

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Marcy, for her leadership. Madam Speaker, I have listened to this debate, and as it has gone on, I am becoming more and more depressed that we do not have the courage to continue to support Ukraine. Why? What is going on here? I want us just to think for a moment about the blood that has been spilled by the Ukrainians trying to protect their democracy. For more than almost 2 years now, they have fought every way to protect themselves. The women and children and men of Ukraine are dying, and we are sitting here doing nothing. This is a disgrace. There is no other way to describe it. Holding Ukraine hostage for an unnecessary change in the asylum laws is absolutely wrong. Yes, we do need to deal with immigration, but at what price to Ukraine, at what price to the women, the children, the incoming missiles from Russia? Putin is having a glorious day, and we are a disgrace. There is no other way to describe that the most powerful Nation in the world is unwilling to stand up to continue to support Ukraine in its hour of need. Who are we that we are unwilling to do this? Did anybody in this House actually read H.R. 2, the asylum legislation? Eighty percent of it is downright foolish. Is there a compromise available? Absolutely. Who is working on it in this House? Show me one Member of this House that is working on a compromise on that. I don't know who they are. Speaker Johnson, where are you? Where are you hiding? Where is your leadership? Ukraine is at risk. Think about it. It will be 1\1/2\ months before any legislation will pass this House. If, in fact, we get our act together over the holidays, what will happen? The Ukrainian Government depends upon the American money to pay the police, the firemen, the first responders. They won't have that money and the military, the flow of equipment, the flow of ammunition, it will diminish. How do they get started? How are they going to replenish? It is time for us to stand. It is time for us to act. We have 1\1/2\ days to do it. Can we do it? You are damn right we can do it; if we find the courage to do it. If we find the very same courage that President Zelenskyy has exhibited over the last 2 years and, more importantly, the men and women of Ukraine that are fighting a desperate fight for their own future. I wonder if we have the courage. I know I have to stand down. I know the people of Ukraine will never stand down. The question is whether we will stand with them.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to co-sponsor the ``Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act'' (H.R. 6681), with Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA01), Nikki Budzinski (D- IL13), and Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL28). This bipartisan bill would make maritime biofuel fully eligible under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Renewable Fuel Standard, which currently only applies to biofuels for motor vehicles, airplanes, locomotives and, in limited circumstances, recreational boating or vessels on inland waterways. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58), Congress authorized the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which works to simultaneously reduce transportation-related emissions from fossil fuels and support domestic agriculture, forestry, and biofuels manufacturing. However, current law excludes otherwise eligible biofuels for ocean-going vessels. No rationale was ever provided for this exclusion in the Congressional hearing record or Committee reports for the 2005 and 2007 Energy Bills. This arbitrary, counterproductive exclusion denies the burgeoning advanced biofuels and renewable natural gas industries in the United States important maritime customers. Our bipartisan bill would fix this problem by simply striking the exclusion, allowing domestic biofuels producers to obtain an RFS credit for selling to customers in the Jones Act and global maritime industries. The United States Navy has even sought to use renewable maritime fuels but has so far been stymied as domestic blenders simply do not make renewable maritime fuel because of this unnecessary exclusion. To be clear, although modern engines for large vessels are increasingly capable of burning advanced biofuels instead of heavy bunker fossil fuels, our bipartisan bill would not require the use of renewable fuel in all ocean-going vessels. Instead, our bill would merely expand the potential market for biofuels and remove a statutory disincentive for developing renewable maritime fuels. According to the USEPA's Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks from 1990 to 2021, the transportation sector accounted for approximately 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions nationally, the largest of any economic sector. Tackling the climate crisis requires every industry to transition to cleaner, renewable fuels including the international ocean shipping and cruise industries. In July 2023, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted new global standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial cargo vessels and cruise ships. Our bipartisan ``Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act'' (H.R. 6681) would support the global maritime industry's transition to alternative fuels like advanced biofuels and renewable natural gas from methane capture. Mr. Speaker, the federal Renewable Fuel Standard's exclusion of fuel for ocean-going vessels, without any stated rationale, has created unnecessary regulatory complexity, hindered the advanced biofuel and renewable natural gas industries, and undermined the global effort to reduce maritime emissions. I encourage all Members of Congress to join me in removing this outdated restriction by cosponsoring our bipartisan the ``Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act'' (H.R. 6681).

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of Senator Schumer's address on anti-Semitism in the Senate. I echo Senator Schumer's concerns. Anti-Semitism is on the rise in our country, and it is simply unacceptable. As Americans, we have the responsibility to condemn bigotry and hate in all of its forms, including anti-Semitism. To quote my friend and colleague in the Senate, ``We are stewards of the flames of liberty, tolerance, and equality that warm our American melting pot, and make it possible for Jewish Americans to prosper alongside Palestinian Americans, and every other immigrant group from all over the world.'' I thank Senator Schumer for his powerful words. As we watch the events abroad and here at home unfold, I urge Americans to remember that our shared humanity, commitment to equality, and tolerance are our greatest strengths. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record Senator Schumer's remarks. Https://www.democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/majority- leader-schumer-delivers-major-address-on-antisemitism-on-the-senate- floor ____________________

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting contributions of Mr. Agonafer Shiferaw, a critical leader and steward of progress in the Bay Area community. Mr. Shiferaw leaves behind an indelible legacy of love, leadership, and service to his community and family. Born in Ethiopia in 1952, Mr. Shiferaw's passion for knowledge led him to California, where he studied economics at San Francisco State University. After he earned his bachelor's degree, he remained in San Francisco where he opened Rasselas Restaurant and Jazz Club, an Ethiopian restaurant located in the Fillmore neighborhood in 1986. For nearly 30 years, Rasselas was a gathering place for friends, family, and loved ones to come together in celebration. It was a cultural hub within the Bay Area, uniting the community and offering residents and visitors alike a space where they could join in shared appreciation of jazz music. In addition to his crucial work as the founder of Rasselas, Mr. Shiferaw also demonstrated his sincere love for his community through his compassionate leadership and altruistic advocacy. He was committed to empowering and uplifting the Black community in the Bay Area and was truly passionate about serving others and giving a voice to the voiceless. His critical contributions made him a beacon of light within his community and undeniably improved the lives of those around him. Mr. Shiferaw will be remembered not only for his decades of service to the Bay Area, but also for his genuine kindness and compassion. He impacted the lives of so many in his community and was known both for his leadership and the unfailing love he had for his family. His passion for service, valiant advocacy, and perseverance have left a legacy on the people of the Bay Area. Mr. Shiferaw's enduring spirit will live on in his loving wife, daughter, nieces, nephews, and extended family. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Shiferaw's loved ones. I know that they, along with the people of the Bay Area, join me in celebrating his life and legacy.