John Garamendi

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2020 Women of the Year. The honorees represent some of the most outstanding and dedicated women in the 3rd Congressional District. Nominated by their peers, these women and the leadership they have provided are being recognized for playing an integral and crucial role in improving the lives of everyone in their communities. This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. Since then, our nation has seen women take great strides in every American industry from business to politics to the arts. This progress has not come easy and many women who have come before have worked hard and strived to achieve the independence and rights women have today. Though there is more work to be done to ensure that women have equal pay, flexible work schedules, and affordable education, each of the honorees will be a vital part of the of the work to get there. 2020's Women of the Year are: Judi Booe is a long-time community supporter whose impact is seen and felt by many. As a semi-retired administrative staff member for the Collinsville Levee District, Judi works closely with community members and vendors. Formerly a resident of both Las Vegas, NV and Richmond, VA, Judi's community influence has followed wherever she has been. She is a supporter and board member of many local nonprofits in her community, including the Solano Symphony, Child Haven, Habitat for Humanity, the Vaca Arts Council, and so many others. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise make her well suited to the work she does assisting non-profits to review their by-laws and maintain crucial records. Judi has a generous heart and is the first to offer guidance or direction in any given situation. She leads by example in every setting and is an inspiration to all her peers. Her drive and generosity have earned her numerous awards, including the Solano Symphony League 2015 Volunteer of the Year, the Women's Club of Summerlin 2004 Award of Excellence, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year, and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Citizen of the Year award. Judi's leadership has made a positive impact on non- profits and community organizations across the country. Wendy Breckon is a dedicated public servant who is tirelessly committed to improving her community. Wendy began her public service as an environmental specialist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, before deciding to pursue a law degree. As an attorney, she continued her governmental work, both prosecuting and defending administrative cases for state agencies, and reviewing contracts. She recently retired as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. She is an expert on employer tax cases and used her expertise to educate other judges on the subject. Wendy is the founder and current chair of the Vacaville Community Association, an organization which advocates for increased transparency and accountability in local government. Under her leadership, the group was instrumental in bringing about policy change at the city level. Wendy also helped found Vacavillians for Fiscal Health and continues to lend her expertise on governmental budgets to the organization, advocating for fiscal accountability at the city level. Wendy's dedication to public service, civic engagement, and improving her community is an inspiration to all her peers. Aimee Brewer is a guiding force in her community with a passion for ensuring that all individuals live healthy, productive lives. She has put this passion to work at NorthBay Healthcare Group, a community- based organization that takes in everyone in need of care, regardless of their financial situation. It is her true calling to make a difference in her patients' lives every day. As president of the NorthBay Healthcare Group, her leadership has led to the launch of neurosurgery and robotic surgery programs, the advent of two community urgent care clinics, and the opening of a new state-of-the-art hospital wing. During the early weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak, Aimee lead the NorthBay Command Center team and maintained critical relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, where she promoted the first and most robust safety measures of any hospital. Throughout the pandemic, she has been an integral part of her community's COVID-19 response. Her leadership also stretches beyond the NorthBay Healthcare Group to many community organizations. She serves as Chair of the Solano Coalition for Better Health, Section Chair of the Northern & Central California Hospital Council, and a member of the board for Touro University California, Partnership HealthPlan, and the Solano Economic Development Corporation. Aimee brings strong leadership, boundless compassion, and unwavering generosity to all she does. Ms. Brenda Cameron is a selfless community servant who has dedicated her time and energy to countless youth organizations across her community. When not working in the UC Davis Evolution and Ecology Department as a lab manager, she has spent her time volunteering with organizations such as the Davis Senior High School Grad Night, Davis youth baseball and softball leagues, the Davis Comic Opera Company, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Over the years, Brenda has worked closely with the Davis Girl Scouts and the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Council. She became involved with the organization in 1999 and spent the next 13 years as a troop leader. In 2016, she began serving as the Davis Service Unit Coordinator where she has worked tirelessly to create an improved experience for Girl Scouts in her community. She recently participated in an experience with Girl Scouts and NASA where she learned new ways to encourage young women to get involved in STEM fields. Brenda brought what she learned back to the Davis Girl Scouts where she has helped introduce girls in her community to STEM fields through firsthand experiences. Her many acts of volunteerism have touched the lives of countless girls and young women throughout her community and inspired them to achieve their goals and go on to become young leaders in their own right. Adrian Carpenter-McKinney has long been an active member of her community. Adrian's upbringing and experiences instilled in her a deep desire to serve communities like hers and help anyone who faced similar adversity. After attaining her law degree, Adrian became a respected prosecutor both in the District Attorney's office and as a Deputy City Attorney for Sacramento. These positions also allowed her to pursue her passion for community involvement and civic engagement. She served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary within Governor Brown's administration where she reviewed potential legislation and counselled the Governor on paroles and commutations. She later started her own consulting firm, where she works to empower young women to take on leadership positions within their community. She also serves as an advisor to Breakthrough Sacramento, a program that she previously participated in herself, where she encourages and assists disadvantaged young students to expand their worldview and works with them to achieve their goals. Adrian also serves on the Board for the Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, where she has created mentorship programs to support African American law students reach their maximum potential. Adrian has a true passion for serving others and has been a part of numerous community organizations, including AmeriCorps, National Night Out, and the Veterans Stand Down, where she provided legal advice to homeless veterans in the greater Sacramento area. Her work within her community demonstrates her compassion, enthusiasm, and dedication to helping others. Kristine Cassidy has spent many years shaping Adventist Health with her influence and passion. Her ability to navigate changes and apply innovative thinking has earned her a distinguished career. Many of Kristine's achievements are not widely known, as she rarely seeks the spotlight and instead defers praise to her staff. She has guided Adventist Health through an intense period of change as they gained an affiliation with a new organization, assisted with recovery efforts during the Camp Fire, and became a driving force during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Kristine's commitment to service is an inspiration to all as she consistently works to achieve important community goals and create a better life for everyone in the Yuba-Sutter community. Kristine started at Adventist Health 31 years ago, where she began enhancing dietetic services and developing high levels of food service management. Kristine was then asked to take over Rideout's Assisted Living Services where she elevated it to the premier choice for individuals seeking assisted living and increased its performance to unprecedented levels. Kristine is known to leave every department better than she found it, act as a quiet and steady leader, and is a vital member of her community. Outside of her leadership within Adventist Health, Kristine served as chair of the board of the Yuba- Sutter Chamber of Commerce where her vision, hard work, and leadership can still be seen through the effective and growing Chamber today. She has also given her time to the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, the Yuba City High School girls basketball team, and the Yuba College District. Kristine has been a mentor to countless young women and her leadership in the community will be felt for years to come. Denise Conrado is an activist and dedicated volunteer within her community. Currently serving as the co-leader of Indivisible Colusa County, Denise plays a crucial role in raising the profile of progressive voices and values within Colusa County. Through hard work, determination, and focus, she has spent over two years organizing monthly events for Indivisible Colusa, including Conversations with Community Leaders, a public forum where local leaders and activists come together to find common ground on critical issues to both Colusa County and to the country as a whole. Furthermore, Denise is a founding member of the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee, where she served as Treasurer until August when she decided to run for Colusa City Council. Activism work is not the only place that Denise shines. She is also a dedicated advocate for children, having had a successful career as a school administrator, she volunteers her time with youth organizations and lends her voice to issues impacting children. Denise has consistently worked in her community to promote civic engagement and her optimism, passion, and empathy for others have inspired everyone around her to become forces for good in the community. Stacey Costello is a talented and passionate community servant whose hard work and dedication have completely transformed the presence and role of her local county library. For the last five years, Stacey has been the Director of Library Services in Colusa County where she has enhanced existing programs, created new programs, remodeled the library, and worked tirelessly to ensure the library remains an integral part of the community. Some of her additions include a summer free lunch program for children under 18, a financial literacy program, a U.S. Census hub, and annual citizenship workshops. During the trying times of adjusting to life with a global pandemic, Stacey quickly adapted to the regulations that affected the library. She made story times digital, established curbside pick-up services, and implemented an appointment system so individuals would still have access to computers, copiers, and other library resources. Stacey's impressive efforts earned her the California State Library's ``Outstanding Librarian in Support of Literacy'' award in 2018 and a place on the Virginia Yerxa Community Read committee, which she now runs. She has transformed the role of the local library from a place where books are stored to an active community center that caters to adults and children of all ages and abilities. Her creative talent and ability to spread her positive energy to others has made her a crucial asset to her community. Yvonne Cox is a beloved figure in her community. Living in an area faced with high rates of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty, she made it her goal to provide children and young adults with a safe place within their community. She understood the importance of providing young adults a supportive location with understanding people to turn to when they were not in school. In 1999, she launched a weekly Tuesday dinner for anyone and everyone who cared to join. In 21 years, Yvonne has never skipped a Tuesday. Her motto is ``Come and serve or be served'' and she ensures that everyone knows they can find a safe place with her. This achievement has not received any financial support or recognition, nor has Yvonne ever asked for assistance. Outside of her work helping the youth in her community, Yvonne owns a cafe that enables her to further help those in need. She opens her parking lot to trailers and cars for evacuees during wildfires, opens her cafe as a warm place for food in the winter months, and has even opened her home to six children under the age of 14 to call their home. Yvonne works closely with many other organizations, including North Coast Opportunities (NCO), Clearlake Senior Center, Sunrise Special Services, and many local grocery stores and markets. Yvonne's selflessness is an inspiration to many within her community. She is a positive role model for children and adults alike, demonstrating what it means to be a selfless, empathetic, and passionate member of the community. Lois Cross' work in our community has enriched the lives of countless residents from all walks of life. As the System Line Director for Sutter Health and a Sutter Medical Foundation leader she has dramatically expanded the Walk-In Clinic (WIC) network, overseeing the opening of 10 WIC's in the Valley Operating Unit alone. She now directs the 27 Walk-In Clinics throughout the Sutter Health footprint. With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, her role and responsibilities have only increased. By partnering with local military bases, Travis AFB and Beale AFB, Lois has been able to provide video visits to military personnel for evening and weekend care, connecting 15,000 military service members and their families. Beyond her professional work, Lois has served as the President of the Dixon Rotary Club, Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 5160, President of the American Case Management Association for Northern California, Professor at Samuel Merritt School of Nursing, and as a national speaker on the topic of the Affordable Care Act. Furthermore, Lois stands out for her emphasis on the professional development of others; she cares deeply for her teams and works tirelessly to make sure others have professional development and training opportunities. It is precisely this caring and generous mindset that has enabled her to have a positive impact on thousands of lives throughout the district. Rachel Davidson consistently brings care, compassion, and dedication to the work she does. Six years ago, Rachel began as a Case Manager for the Sacramento Downtown Streets Program where she worked with individuals facing homelessness to find the care and resources they need. Through her demonstrated hard work and respect for the organization's mission, she became the Sacramento Area Director. Through her work, she has helped thousands of Californians find new hope by guiding them out of homelessness, and into steady employment. Her work enables those in need to find the resources that can help them get back on their feet. Rachel treats everyone she meets with the same respect and compassion, regardless of their situation in life. This caring attitude makes her an invaluable member of her organization and a universally respected leader. The work she does empowering those facing homelessness has not only shaped the lives of countless individuals but has had a far-reaching impact on the larger community. Narinder Dhaliwal has served her adopted community of Yuba City in a profound and meaningful way since first immigrating from England in 1995. Narinder has spent her career in the field of public health and has worked tirelessly to promote improved health and quality of life for all those in her community and beyond. As Project Director for the Education, Training & Research program of California's Clean Air Project, she devoted her passion and expertise to educating tribal communities and young students on the harmful effects of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. She has been recognized many times for her success promoting smoke-free environments and forging invaluable relationships with many of California's tribal communities based on compassion and mutual respect. Narinder has also served as a board member for numerous important organizations, such as the National Child Safety Board, the Peach Tree Health Care System, the Sutter Performing Arts Association, Friends of Yuba City Parks & Recreation, and she currently serves as President of the Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture Board of Directors. She has been instrumental in securing important grants enabling countless community projects and programs. Beyond her community service, Narinder is a role-model and mentor to women of all ages and backgrounds, and is known to be a kind and passionate force in her community. Anne Marie Flynn has dedicated her career to organizations aimed at helping those most in need. Anne Marie spent seven years working in community development abroad before returning to Davis where she brought her passion and expertise to her own community. Over the years she has worked with many non-profit organizations, including the Rural Community Services Corporation, the Yolo County Food Bank, and the UC Davis program for Regional Change. She is now the Community Development Officer for Mutual Housing California, where she has helped the organization become one of the highest-quality affordable housing developers in the state. Anne Marie has spearheaded numerous programs that have helped residents to improve their financial standing and given them a brighter outlook on higher education. She also oversees fundraising and grant-writing efforts, and advocates tirelessly for increased funding for affordable housing. Under her leadership, residents and staff have built a community around civic engagement that is actively invested in their future. Anne Marie is a talented and dedicated leader determined to build a strong and thriving community. During the COVID-19 pandemic she has put her skill and expertise to work, organizing the delivery of over 30,000 meals to her residents, and ensuring that everyone was taken care of. Outside of work, Anne Marie volunteers her time with organizations such as the Davis Phoenix Coalition and Show Up for Racial Justice, organizations that work towards a more just and equal society. Anne Marie is a passionate, dedicated, and kind community servant whose work has had an impact throughout her community and around the world. Andrea Garcia has brought hard work and dedication to everything she does; from the beginning of her career raising twins and pursuing higher education, to her current extensive involvement in community leadership. Andrea served as President of the Solano Soccer Club where she took the opportunity to keep children actively engaged in a community activity and ensured that they were surrounded by positive role models. Recently, she was appointed to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission for the National U.S. Youth Soccer League. For years, Andrea has been a strong advocate for minority communities and worked tirelessly to promote diversity wherever she could. As President of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she created an environment of inclusivity and empowerment and spearheaded the fundraising efforts for the ``Inspire Learning'' scholarship program which enabled Hispanic students to pursue higher education. As Associate Vice President of University Advancement for Touro University, Andrea helped create the Mosaic Celebration, a fundraiser which has raised over $500,000 and awarded scholarships to 25 students with diverse backgrounds to help with college tuition. Just this year, Andrea has been a part of multiple community efforts, lending her time and expertise to the Touro University Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission, and the Suisun City Economic Pandemic Impact Committee. Andrea is an accomplished community leader and role model with an unyielding work ethic, charitable heart, and compassionate disposition. Neena Gill will be remembered as a tireless community leader whose constant smile and ceaseless gratitude brought joy to all around her. A Punjabi immigrant, Neena was an integral part of the Yuba-Sutter community. She and her beloved husband Kash are known in the community for farming peaches, prunes, walnuts, and almonds. Neena was also known for her dedication to her students at the Yuba Community College. For the last 30 years she was an academic counselor and professor who advocated tirelessly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. She gave them the courage and direction to succeed in their academic endeavors and pursue their passions. She exemplified this to such a degree that Yuba College created the Neena Gill Spirit Award in her honor, to annually award one Yuba College member who displays spirit and love for their students. Neena was also a strong advocate for women's health, raising over $75,000 to procure a 3D Toma Imaging Machine to assist in Breast Cancer diagnoses. While she herself had her own battle with breast cancer, she did not let it inhibit her courage and relentless dedication to helping those in need. Neena's legacy will continue to reverberate within the campus of Yuba Community College and the greater Yuba-Sutter area. It is my distinct honor to award posthumously the 2020 Woman of the Year Award to Neena Gill. Nicole Howell devotes herself with unparalleled enthusiasm to making her community a better place, especially for the elderly, English as a Second Language learners, and those facing socio-economic hardship. Her choice of career was driven by the experiences and memory of her grandmother, a Native American woman who faced many of the same struggles Nicole works every day to alleviate. For well over a decade, she has worked within the non-profit sector building programs, teams, and resource networks to educate communities and combat ageism. Nicole's belief in the power and equity of shared leadership has allowed her to thrive as the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Solano, and Alameda (OSCCSA), where she is responsible for ensuring that nearly 29,000 long-term care residents and their families have access to the highest level of care and are treated with respect and dignity. During her tenure as Executive Director, Nicole has grown the OSCCSA's budget by over 600 percent while spearheading new programs such as the Solano Elder Justice Program, Telephone Reassurance, Residents' Rights, and Healthcare Career Pathways. Furthermore, her passion, dedication, drive, and expertise have helped Solano County tremendously in combatting COVID-19 and protecting our communities' elderly. At the beginning of the pandemic, she worked to distribute PPE to over 15,000 residents in long-term care and educate the public on the risks of COVID-19 to older adults. Nicole's dedication to culture-changing initiatives and person-centered care philosophies have made her an indispensable part of building healthy communities. Her work advocating for some of our community's most vulnerable members has directly benefited countless individuals. Sara Johnson has been a staunch advocate for the disadvantaged and incarcerated in Yolo County. As head of the Post-Conviction Relief Unit of the Yolo County Public Defender's Office, Sara works tirelessly on behalf of rehabilitated and incarcerated individuals. She devotes her time and energy to giving hope and assistance to those in prison, ensuring that they are not left without help following a conviction. This work has always been important, but during the Coronavirus pandemic, her advocacy on behalf of medically vulnerable clients has been absolutely critical. She exhausted every option open to those seeking post-conviction relief and successfully secured the release of several eligible community members. As a Disaster Services Worker during the pandemic, Sara also worked with Project Room Key, the state effort to house at-risk homeless individuals and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. She oversaw the care of over 30 individuals affected by homelessness, advocating for their needs. She has also volunteered her time with the Yolo Food Bank and other efforts to assist those in need throughout her community. Sara is known by her peers as a model community servant whose work is both meaningful on an individual level as well as having far-reaching impact within her community. I congratulate each of them and commend them for their work. I am inspired by them and firmly believe when women succeed, America succeeds!

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Lairmore and his nearly 10 years of distinguished service as the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis. As Dr. Lairmore retires this year, his dedicated tenure ensures he leaves behind a veterinary school which, ranks among the best in the world and is well-placed to further its success at the forefront of veterinary science far into the future. Alongside the school's pioneering research, the veterinary hospital is unmatched in reputation and patient visits. Dr. Lairmore became Dean in 2011 and immediately set to work; crafting a long-term and multifaceted plan to guide the institution to its full potential. His emphasis on the importance of the school's student and patient experience at the forefront of his efforts and under his leadership, the school implemented multiple comprehensive student programs, such as the Office of Global Programs and the Counseling and Career Service Center. Dr. Lairmore simultaneously reigned in student fees and was a vanguard for diversity, ultimately making UC Davis a leader among veterinary schools with both the lowest levels of student debt and most diverse student body. Together this allowed UC Davis' program to tackle inequities in the veterinary field and create greater opportunities for the most disadvantaged students. Dr. Lairmore expanded the school's research capabilities--placing them at the top in funding, infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. With his guidance, the school partnered with the United States State Department's Office of Food and Agriculture; to curtail the Newcastle and Mad Cow viruses. In addition, Dr. Lairmore played a pivotal role in the development of USAID's PREDICT project and identifying the Marburg and Ebola viruses in bats preventing potential outbreaks. While the world continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic, UC Davis provides a model for stopping future pandemics before they are allowed to spread. Dr. Lairmore is continuing his career with the School of Veterinary Medicine as a distinguished professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology. However, it is clear that his legacy as Dean will continue to shape the school and its students and faculty for years to come. On behalf of the people of California's 3rd Congressional District, I offer my sincere gratitude for his dedicated service and best wishes upon his future endeavors and accomplishments.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to the ``Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act'', H.R. 4447. I thank my colleague from California, Congressman Lowenthal--the chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources--for his support as the amendment's cosponsor. I also want to commend Congressman Pallone--the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee--for his leadership with the omnibus clean energy bill before the House today. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act subjects offshore mineral or energy development to U.S. jurisdiction, including the Constitution and applicable federal laws. Specifically, this 1953 law applies the civil and political jurisdiction of the United States to installations on the Outer Continental Shelf in the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at sea. Under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Department of the lnterior--acting through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management-- conducts lease sales for offshore development of mineral and energy resources, indulging wind lease sales. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the Secretary of the Interior's exclusive offshore wind leasing and permitting authority under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Our amendment simply clarifies that lease sales for energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf from non-minerals--sources other than oil and natural gas such as wind, hydrokinetic, or ocean thermal energy conversion--are indeed subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including federal laws affording labor and environmental protections. Congress clearly intended U.S. law to apply to any form of exploration, development, production, transportation, and transmission of energy resources under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. Again, all our amendment does is clarify that all forms of offshore energy development are indeed subject to the same U.S. laws that currently apply to the offshore oil and gas industry. In the 112th Congress, the House of Representatives passed our amendment language, nearly verbatim, by voice vote as the ``POWER Act'' (H.R. 2360). According to an April 2018 study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, offshore wind along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States has the potential to eclipse all current land-based wind development. Demand for offshore wind projects in federal waters is strong, as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management sets record lease sales in the Atlantic, to the benefit of American taxpayers. In short order, we may see similar demand for federal lease sales for offshore wind elsewhere in the country, including off the West Coast or the U.S. territories. Offshore wind development will play a central part in our nation's transition to a clean energy economy powered by renewables. As we welcome this burgeoning industry, Congress must act decisively to clarify that any offshore wind development on the Outer Continental Shelf--including exploration, production, transportation, and transmission--is indeed subject to the same federal laws that already apply to offshore oil and gas development or underwater mining. This is the clear and obvious intent of Congress, and my amendment simply updates the underlying federal law to reflect this reality. As the former Deputy Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton Administration, I am a long-time proponent of all forms of renewable energy to help meet the global challenge of man-made climate change, including offshore wind development. I urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment, simply updating the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to reflect clear Congressional intent and provide legal certainty for offshore wind projects to proceed in accordance with federal law. Lastly, adopting our amendment to the ``Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act'' (H.R. 4447) will set the House on strong footing for any Energy Bill conference next Congress, with the Murkowski-Manchin bill expected to be passed by the Senate. I hope this amendment will pass by voice vote as it did on December 7, 2011, during the 112th Congress.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Jack L. Loveall. Affectionately known as ``Captain Jack'', he led a life best defined as that of a loving family man, mentor, humanitarian, and labor leader of over 60 years. Jack embodied the American dream and will be remembered as a legendary figure in the cause of justice and fairness for working people and their families. Born on Leap Day, February 29, 1936, Jack earned his first job at the age of 13 when he was hired by Wrigley Markets in Detroit as a grocery clerk. In 1958 Jack became a Union Representative for Local 876, beginning his storied work as an advocate for the American worker. His dedication to that mission led his colleagues to repeatedly select him as their representative in the upper echelons of the International Union. As an international vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers, he served working families throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. In 1984, Jack was elected president of UFCW 588-Northern California, where he continued his passionate and highly effective advocacy for the members of his Union, including those who work in supermarkets, drug stores, pharmacies, food processing plants, wineries, distilleries, medical offices, and more. Jack lived in the spirit of ``Solidarity Works,'' which he established as the motto of his Union and continues as the motto of UFCW 8-Golden State, now led by his son, Jacques Loveall. Captain Jack was married to his first mate, Patricia, whom he adored for 67 years. He was the father of seven, a grandfather, a great- grandfather, and a beloved mentor and teacher to countless others. His memory and legacy will be kept alive by those who use his lessons and beliefs as guideposts to building better families, better communities, and a better world while always being kind to one another.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the need for a backup system to GPS, which is critical to our economy, our national security and is integrated into nearly every aspect of all Americans lives. We greatly appreciate the foresight of the Appropriations Committee for providing $5,000,000 in funding to begin the implementation of the National Timing Resilience and Security Act under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation. The need for a backup system to GPS has been recognized by this government for over 15 years and a terrestrial based system has been recommended nearly 18 times by different US government agencies and bodies in the last decade alone. Because of this is, in 2018 Congress acted in a fully bipartisan manner to finally protect GPS by passing the National Timing Resilience and Security Act of 2018. Unanimously approved in the House, and by 96 to 4 in the Senate, it was signed into law on December 4, 2018. This law calls for, at a minimum, the deployment of a terrestrial based backup system for GPS with the Department of Transportation as the lead for execution. This Jaw ensures the implementation of a nationwide, fully complementary, and resilient backup timing system within two years, and thereafter with the expansion to position and navigation. As strong of an advocate for GPS as I know we all are, we must now also be stronger advocates for protecting it. And that comes through this funding for the deployment of the National Timing Resilience and Security Act under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Bendorf and his incredible 31-year career devoted to the people of Yuba County. As Mr. Bendorf retires from his position at the helm of Yuba County, he offers a prime example of the beneficial impact that a single person can have to his or her community. Mr. Bendorf began his career with the Yuba County Sheriffs department in 1986 and joined the County Administrator's office in 2000. He has been appointed to serve on numerous state and local committees and commissions including AB 109, Court Transfers, County--Court Mediations, CSAC--League of Cities Task Force on Homelessness, the Governor Brown's No Place Like Home Advisory Committee and the CSAC Finance Corporation. He is President of the Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way. Mr. Bendorf has been serving as the County Administrator in Yuba County for the past 15 years. Along with his duties as County Administrator, Mr. Bendorf also serves as the Director of Emergency Services. Along with a Deputy OES Director and two additional full-time staff, Yuba County has developed a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and alternate sites ready at the ``flip of a switch.'' Supplemented by national, state and locally trained section chiefs, EOC equipment is always ready and designed to rapidly be relocated to different locations. In recent years Yuba's EOC has had to activate, along with our partners, for two high water events, the Oroville Damn Incident, CASCADE Fire, CAMP Fire and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Bendorf's career in Yuba County has been truly noteworthy over the years through his active involvement and work for the betterment of the community. While his presence on the board will surely be missed, the 15 years that he dedicated to serving the residents of Yuba County has undoubtedly left a legacy that will last for many more years to come. On behalf of the people of California's 3rd Congressional District, please accept my sincere gratitude for your dedicated service and best wishes upon your retirement and future endeavors and accomplishments.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I rise with my California colleagues to remember C. Duane Dauner, who tragically passed on July 13th. Mr. Dauner led the California Hospital Association as CEO for three decades, where he dedicated his life to healthcare reform, access, and coverage for not only Californians but all Americans. During his tenure as president and CEO, Mr. Dauner represented nearly 400 hospital and health systems, played a major role in the development of the Affordable Care Act, and participated in the development of the California Medicaid reform policy option. As a recipient of the American Hospital Association's Distinguished Service Award, Mr. Dauner exemplified his ability to build consensus and dedication to bettering the healthcare system for patients and hospital alike. Mr. Dauner's legacy will always be remembered, and we are incredibly grateful to have had the ability to work with and learn from Mr. Dauner. I am pleased to be joined in this statement of remembrance today by: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Hon. Zoe Lofgren of California, Hon. TJ Cox of California, Hon. Raul Ruiz, M.D. of California, Hon. Mark DeSaulnier of California, Hon. Grace F. Napolitano of California, Hon. Jim Costa of California, Hon. Barbara Lee of California, Hon. Anna G. Eshoo of California, Hon. Linda T. Sanchez of California, Hon. Julia Brownley of California, Hon. Alan Lowental of California, Hon. Jared Huffman of California, Hon. Nanette Diaz Barragan of California, Hon. Ami Bera, M.D. of California.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lisa A. Baker, Chief Executive Officer of Yolo County Housing on her retirement from the agency after 14 successful years. While Ms. Baker was with Yolo Housing, the agency was twice named HUD's PHA of the Year, added 264 affordable partnership units, 104 affordable managed units, 400 voucher units, received 23 awards from HUD, and nearly doubled their annual revenue. It has been my pleasure to work with Ms Baker throughout her tenure at Yolo Housing, and I look forward to seeing her next chapter in life.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I would like to start by thanking Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Thornberry, and the House Armed Services Committee staff who have worked many long nights putting together this year's NDAA. The bill that is before the House is a good bill and I encourage my colleagues to support its passage. As the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I believe the bill upholds our responsibility to provide congressional oversight of and support to the sustainment, logistics, infrastructure, and readiness of our military. I'd like to take a moment and thank my staff for their tireless work--the Readiness Subcommittee staff, Brian Garrett, Jeanine Womble, Melanie Harris, Jay Vallario, John Muller, Dave Sienicki, and Sean Falvey, and my personal staff, Bradley Bottoms, Betsy Thompson, Marcus Jones, and Danusia Hubah. I am proud of the Readiness Subcommittee's contribution to this year's bill and I'd like to highlight the following provisions. The Readiness portion of the bill continues to emphasize the need to address vulnerabilities in installation and energy resiliency, both in response to climate change and to ensure the Department can continue to operate when fuel supplies and utilities are disrupted. The bill: requires the Department to report on efforts to consider fuel consumption, distribution, and logistics and the steps being taken to decrease consumption of fossil fuels by 30 percent to reduce the number of resupply convoys and oilers required in a contested environment; requires the Department to institute energy metering on critical military facilities to assess their energy requirements and to ensure resilient power sources for these facilities. strengthens an existing preference for the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles for official business on military installations; and requires a report on the implementation of provisions from last year's NDAA to include installation master planning, updates to building codes, sea-level rise modeling, and climate assessment tools. Last year's NDAA made sweeping reforms in response to concerns that courageous military families raised regarding the management, oversight, and condition of military family housing. This year, we pick up where we left off. The bill: requires a report on known environmental hazards in government-owned housing and requires the Department to report on the feasibility of standardizing privatized housing performance metrics; and requires partners to put funding of maintenance and recapitalization of housing units ahead of fees that enrich corporate management in all future and renegotiated privatized housing agreements. Similarly, we build on previous efforts to address PFAS contamination around military installations. The bill: requires the Department of Defense to notify the congressional defense committees when there has been an uncontrolled release of a PFAS-containing firefighting agent that may impact human health or the environment; requires the Department of Defense to publish on a public website the results of drinking and ground water PFAS testing conducted on military installations or former defense sites; makes technical corrections to ensure all National Guard installations are eligible for funding for PFAS remediation in our National Guard communities; and requires the Department to survey and report on technologies that will help facilitate the on-time phase-out of PFAS containing firefighting agents. While the Department of Defense talks a lot about modernization and development of new capabilities, we must ensure that the appropriate focus remains on the sustainment of these weapon systems and the logistics required to move and supply them in a conflict. To that end, the bill: requires the Department to examine and periodically report on the sustainment and logistics requirements, gaps, and mitigations necessary to support force structure, power projection, and other elements of the national defense strategy; helps ensure Congress continues to receive timely and relevant information regarding both domestic and overseas infrastructure requirements and posture of U.S. forces; and requires a report on bulk fuel management strategies in the Indo-Pacific to meet current and future requirements. In partnership with the Government Accountability Office, the bill leverages their expertise to assist the subcommittee with continued oversight on topics that include F-35 operations and sustainment, Air Force use of contract air support services, and aviation and ship maintenance. The previous reports and analytical work produced by GAO helped inform the Readiness mark and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the GAO's Defense Capabilities and Management team for their support of this subcommittee's oversight work. Next, the health and safety of our military and civilian personnel remain a priority for this subcommittee. Following a review of a number of fatal ground vehicle training mishaps, the subcommittee is concerned that the Department's approach to collecting, reporting, and analyzing vehicle mishap data may be insufficient and hampers the ability to share lessons learned or put in place mitigations to prevent future mishaps. To that end, the bill includes a reporting requirement that will help clarify responsibilities for collecting and analyzing mishap data, how data is being used to identify mishap trends, and actions the Department is taking to standardize data collection. In addition to concerns with ground vehicle mishaps, the committee has identified critical failures and safety issues in the munitions enterprise. To start addressing these concerns, the bill requires a report on munitions safety waivers and mishaps, an assessment of the resilience of the munitions enterprise, and clarifies the role and authority of the Chairman of the Defense Explosives Safety Board. The bill also supports the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense by addressing a pay disparity affecting the Department's wage- grade civilian workforce and including non-title 5 employees who were left out of last year's Paid Parental Leave provision. This year's NDAA also begins a unified, whole-of-government approach that leverages the best attributes of the government and commercial fleets to increase resiliency in our maritime logistics. The bill includes several provisions, that together, establish a National Maritime Logistics Fleet approach by strengthening U.S.-flagged vessel requirements for the transportation of military cargo and fuels, creating a Tanker Security Program to address the shortfall in U.S.- flagged, U.S.-crewed tankers, and requiring the Navy to initiate an affordable, domestic built sealift ship. Strengthening our maritime logistics will also enhance our military's capabilities by improving the over-arching defense industrial base that supports each branch of our armed services. Additionally, this year's NDAA supports the missions at Travis and Beale Air Force Bases in my district. The funds authorized in this bill will support the new KC-46 mission at Travis Air Force Base and enable Beale Air Force Base to continue to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and multi-domain operations. I'm also pleased this NDAA includes a 3 percent pay raise for our troops and includes language from two of my bills, H.R. 2617, the Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health Act, to require the DOD and VA to retroactively update records based on information contained in the Burn Pit Registry, since many veterans' health records do not account for their exposures, and H.R. 4710, the Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act, to require the DOD to identify the vulnerabilities faced by our country's dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals and the steps needed to secure the supply chain. This bill helps advance our military's near-term readiness goals and drives the Department to plan for and take action against long-term threats, and with that, I urge my colleagues to support the FY21 NDAA.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, tomorrow June 5 marks the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act, our nation's federal law guaranteeing a fleet of US-built, flagged, crewed, and owned vessels ready to serve the American people. The current coronavirus global pandemic has reminded us all the critical importance of this foundational federal law and having a vibrant US-flagged maritime industry. The global maritime trade ground to a halt due to quarantine, and countries like China ordered their government-sponsored enterprises to stop all exports of critical medicine and medical supplies, including personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and first responders. The Jones Act ensures that our nation can remain self-reliant during peace time and times of conflict. In California alone, the US-flagged maritime industry supports more than $12.2 billion annually in economic impact related to the American domestic shipping industry and over 51,000 good-paying jobs. Nationally, the domestic maritime industry supports 648,220 American jobs with approximately 40,000 vessels in the American domestic fleet. Madam Speaker, most major developed countries including the European Union have cabotage laws like the Jones Act. Congress must continue to support our nation's maritime workforce by upholding the Jones Act and opposing deeply misguided efforts to undermine it. As a member of both the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Armed Services, I plan to continue to do just that. I hope all members of Congress will join me in that important work. In closing, I wish to mark this important milestone for the Jones Act by thanking the thousands of Americans working in our nation's maritime industry. I thank them for their invaluable work, day in, day out.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act,'' at the request of the California Association of Special Districts. I want to thank my original cosponsors for their support of this much-needed legislation. Special districts are independent units of local government that provide public services cities and counties do not provide for residents. Those services include first responders, policing, firefighting, public health, transit, and more, making special districts critical to the communities they serve. However, special districts are currently ineligible for direct federal financial assistance under the ``Coronavirus Relief Fund'' established by the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). My legislation would ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional assistance provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in the fight against COVID-19. There are 237 special districts alone in, California's third Congressional district, which I am honored to represent. The ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' would also allow special districts access to the Federal Reserve's Municipal Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and cities federally guaranteed bridge financing to offset unexpected short-term revenue shortfalls. Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently granted direct access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility, even to offset revenue shortfalls caused by the current pandemic Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to cosponsor the ``Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act'' to ensure that all local governments have the support needed to deliver crucial quality-of-life services for our communities during this global pandemic.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. Much talk, some facts. In California, $54 billion deficit by the State government. The counties I represent are reeling in their deficit. We need this bill; otherwise, we are going to see hospitals, we are going to see first responders, police, and firemen laid off. Many say this bill is dead on arrival. If we do not move this bill, the death will be in our districts.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Support Our Military Working Dogs Act'' in commemoration of National K9 Veterans Day later this week. The United States K9 Corps was established on March 13, 1942. As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I want to thank my vice-chairman Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ) for his support as the bill's original cosponsor. Military working dogs serve on the front lines with our troops to defend our nation and provide recuperating services for our veterans and their former handlers. Caring for these dogs in the field and once they return home is our responsibility. The ``Support Our Military Working Dogs Act'' would ensure that our nation's military working dogs receive the best possible care and direct the U.S. Department of Defense to work with veterans' service organizations and other nonprofits to support their long-term care, once adopted by their former handler's into loving homes. In 2019, the U.S. special forces raid that led to the death of ISIS terrorist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi included an American special operations military working dog Belgian Malinois named Conan. During the raid, Conan chased al-Baghdadi into a tunnel underneath a compound in northern Syria, where he then detonated his suicide vest. During the chase, Conan was injured by live electrical wires in the tunnel. Under current federal law, the Department of Defense cannot cover the veterinary expenses of military working dogs like Conan, when they retire from duty or recuperate from injury while adopted. The ``Support Our Military Working Dogs Act'' would remove these restrictions to authorize the Department of Defense to provide support for retired or injured military working dogs after their adoption. The bill would also ensure that the U.S. government covers all transportation costs associated with transferring retired military animals, including horses, to their new adopted homes, building upon the success of the Military Working Dog Retirement Act of 2015. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, which has jurisdiction over military working dogs, I urge all our Members of the House to join me and Congressman Kim in cosponsoring this important legislation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``FEMA Disaster Preparedness Improvement Act,'' with support from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California State Association of Counties. I want to thank my colleague Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) for his support as the original cosponsor. This legislation would increase FEMA support for disaster preparedness and emergency response to reflect the needs of communities across the country. As states like California face increasingly severe and frequent natural disasters due to man-made climate change and global public health emergencies, Congress and the federal government must step up. The people most impacted by disasters and emergencies are often the most vulnerable members of our society: the elderly, the economically disadvantaged, and those with disabilities. All Americans deserve nothing less than the full-throated support of their federal government as they prepare for natural disasters and deal with public health emergencies, and that is exactly what my legislation would ensure. As a member of California's Congressional delegation, I have seen firsthand the devastation that disasters can have on communities. In 2017 and 2018, our state experienced the most destructive fires recorded in California history. The federal government must be a real partner for states as they prepare for these disasters and seek to make our communities more resilient. My district is also one of the most flood-prone in the entire nation, and Travis Air Force Base housed the first American evacuees from the coronavirus outbreak in East Asia. That is why the ``FEMA Disaster Preparedness Improvement Act'' would increase the federal cost share under the Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Performance Grant Programs to 85 percent, from 75 percent and 50 percent respectively. FEMA's Emergency Performance Grant Program helps state and local officials manage public emergencies including health crises, such as the recent coronavirus outbreak. My bill would also exempt environmental reviews under federal or state law from the 36-month deadline to complete hazard mitigation projects and make designated ``special flood hazard areas'' under the National Flood Insurance Program automatically eligible for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants. Lastly, the bill would direct the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the challenges faced by states in utilizing FEMA's Public Assistance Program Alternative Procedures. Damaged caused by natural disasters in the United States has risen in recent years, with an average of 15 disasters with a cost of over a billion dollars between 2016 and 2018, more than double the average of the previous three decades. Congress must respond to this troubling trend and better support vulnerable communities across the country as they prepare and increase resilience to natural disasters and other public emergencies. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to cosponsor the ``FEMA Disaster Preparedness Improvement Act.'' As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to make this critical legislation a major priority.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and service of Colonel Clifford C. Kunkel, a decorated Air Force veteran and active member of his community in California. Born on February 4, 1932, Clifford grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey, and graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland. In 1952, Clifford enlisted in the Air Force and was a B-29 Superfortress crew member during the Korean War. He later served as a military advisor in Vietnam and was a pilot, navigator, bombardier, and missile combat crew commander. His military decorations include The Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and the Commendation Medal. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Jean Marie Nissen. Clifford completed postings across the country, before he finally settled in California in 1973 with Jean Marie and their three sons. Once Clifford retired from active duty in 1978, he quickly established himself as an active member of his community. He served 21 years as a Firefighter, Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Medical Technician in the Gordon Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The community recognized his leadership by electing him President of the Napa Sunrise Rotary Club, board member of the Napa-Solano United Way, the North Bay YMCA, the Silverado Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Napa Chamber of Commerce. He continued his passion for flying and was often found at the Nut Tree Airport, teaching flying or surrounded by friends who shared his love for aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration honored him with the highly prestigious Wright Brothers ``Master Pilot Award,'' recognizing over 50 years of Clifford's aviation expertise. For fun, Clifford would travel to Carmel and Hawaii with his family and was a winery tour guide at Charles Krug and Monticello Wineries. He is survived by his wife Jean Marie; children Clifford Anthony, Paul William, and Roger Alan; and grandchildren Clifford, Jon, Megan, Kelsey, Patrick, Gabriel, and Joseph. l know that they, along with the rest of his extended family and friends, join me in celebrating his life and his memory.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, bottom line, for too long we have failed our responsibility. We really must act to repeal the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force in Iraq, and to set clear parameters about further action against Iran.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I have enormous respect for my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee. This particular piece of legislation that was brought, it was amended into my bill, H.R. 550, and was debated for more than an hour and a half in the Armed Services Committee and on the floor when the National Defense Authorization Act was enacted. It has been thoroughly reviewed. And, with all due respect, it is not the end of the world. But it is the reassertion of Congress for our constitutional responsibilities. Since I first came to Congress in 2009, I have authored legislation and voted consistently to repeal the 2002 AUMF, which is really a very open-ended authorization for the President to do virtually anything he wants. Yesterday, in a hearing we heard, in an unclassified portion of that hearing, from the Pentagon's lawyers that essentially said the 2002 AUMF allows the President to do anything with any threat that emanates from Iraq. We should consider that seriously; that if, in fact, that is their justification and, in fact, that is also written into the President's, or the White House's view of this legislation; any threat emanating from Iraq, at any time, into the future. Consider that. There could be no more powerful reason for us than to terminate the 2002 AUMF with regard to Iraq and come to our senses. When there is an issue, bring it to the floor, and allow us to debate how we should deal with Iraq or Iran or any other threat in that area. Just going into some detail here. The War Powers Act is not eliminated by any of this legislation. It remains in effect. And the President has the authority under the War Powers Act and under Article II of the Constitution to protect America from imminent attack. That doesn't change. None of that changes. But what does change is that we are bringing back unto ourselves the power that the Constitution gives to us for very good reason; that is, war is a serious business; between Iraq and Afghanistan, probably several trillion dollars, depending upon the estimate and the cost of maintaining our veterans into the future; $2 trillion, maybe more. Lives lost on every side of the war. And it goes on and on and on. Indeed, Trump came to office saying he is going to end endless wars. This is our opportunity to reassert our constitutional authority and, most importantly, our responsibility. We should do that. We can talk process forever, and we seem to want to talk process more than the reality.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, on January 26, 1926, Jewish National Fund was established in the United States, starting a uniquely American effort to support non-profit development in Israel. Its six action areas include ecology and afforestation; water; community development; research and development; tourism and recreation; and education. Jewish National Fund-USA remains the oldest tree-planting organization in the world, and February 10, 2020, marks the Jewish Festival of Tu BiShvat, the New Year for trees. The Jewish National Fund has planted over 250 million trees that cleanse the air and provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Israel is the only country in the world that has a higher number of trees in the 21st century than in the previous century. Today, we pay tribute to Jewish National Fund-USA, an organization that brings the United States and Israel closer together. I commend the organization's lay leadership and partners on this 94th anniversary, who continue to work tirelessly to make this earth a better place

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am sure the gentleman will. I thank the gentleman very much. Mr. Speaker, I am really torn. I want to continue discussing the legislation that is out there, but I really stand in front of this Chamber--which at the moment is empty--with a very, very heavy heart and extraordinary concern. I am looking at where we are as a nation this evening, and I am going to really ponder tomorrow what fate may behold our men and women in the military. A couple of hours ago the inevitable happened. I think I was a freshman in high school and my science teacher was trying to give me some of the principles of physics. He was talking about for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. He was showing various examples of that and, of course, I was then playing football and I could really understand. I hit somebody, and they would hit me back; or I would push somebody and they would push back. I would like to think that I was more than equal. Last Friday, our President took an action and launched missiles at the highest commander of the Iranian military and killed him, along with one of the major, if not the major commander of the militia units in Iraq. That attack took place just outside the Baghdad International Airport. That was an action, presumably, to prevent some future action that might be taken by the Iranians and by their leader or directed by their leader, Soleimani. My high school science teacher could not have been more correct. For every action, there is a reaction. And we will undoubtedly engage in a debate here on the floor and in the Congress and across the United States about whether the first action taken by the President to take out the leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard was an appropriate action. I think not, for a variety of reasons. And then we will also debate whether the Iranian reaction to that action which occurred a couple of hours ago was appropriate. I am quite sure that our military on the base in Iraq at Al Asad views the Iranian action as a very serious threat. We don't yet know the results of the bombardment of missiles, but we can assume that there was certainly destruction of buildings or airfields and we pray that there was no destruction of life. But perhaps we may find that prayer unanswered. Where do we go from here? Where do we go from here? We are not on the verge of war. In a very, very unfortunate, tragic sense, we are in a war and some would claim that war is now 40 years old and started way back with the embassy in Tehran being occupied, and we could say that is correct. This is different. I am on the Armed Services Committee, and I have had the briefings and I know, as do our generals and our intelligence community, the capabilities of the Iranian military. Furthermore, we know the capabilities of their proxies, the various military units that they have set up, or quasi-military units that they have set up: the militias, Yemen, Houthis, Hezbollah, and others. It is really a moment this evening for us to hold our anger, which is a normal and natural thing that certainly I, and I am sure every one of my colleagues possesses: anger at the attack on our military base. I suppose we should also think that perhaps Iran should hold its anger, although they certainly expressed it in the streets, in the funeral ceremonies, and in the launching of ballistic missiles at an American air base. We should hold our anger. We should say: Where does this go from here? What is the next tit for tat? Unfortunately, I don't believe our President thought about the next move, about the equal and opposite reaction when he ordered the launching of the missiles that took out a very dangerous, bad, bad person. I don't think he thought about the next order, nor do I think he thought about the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth order. Where does it go from there? But we have a chance this evening and tomorrow, and in the days ahead, to stop and think about the next event, the next tit for tat. What does it mean now for those of us in Congress, 435--I guess 434 since one of our colleagues resigned today--and the Senate--undoubtedly occupied with impeachment? It is time for us to reach into our desk drawer and pull out the Constitution of the United States and read Article I, and for the American people to do the same. When we read that, we will find that only Congress can declare war; not the President, not the Secretary of State, not the Secretary of Defense, and not a general, but only Congress. Maybe we could argue that it is already starting, in which case, stop, come to Congress, Mr. President, and tell us why you must, why we must, why America must, and why our military must pursue the next tit for tat. Stop and tell us where it leads. Tell us how you think it might end. I know that our Secretary of Defense says that we are not going to start a war but that we will end it. Okay, then you come here. You come to the floor of this House as Roosevelt did and as others have done, and you tell us why we should have a war with Iran. Tell us how you intend to pursue that war and at what cost in human lives and the treasury of this Nation. Then, let us ponder your wisdom or lack of wisdom. Let us ponder--no, not ``let us.'' This is not a matter of the President letting us. This is a matter of the Congress of the United States asserting its constitutional obligation. At this moment and on this day, when it is easy to argue that America has been attacked, on this day, stop, come to us, Mr. President, and tell us why you want to pursue a war with Iran. Tell us what equipment you will need. Tell us the number of troops that will be dispatched. Then it is our responsibility--535 of us--to say that, yes, we will go to war with Iran, or, no, we will not. This is a critical moment. This is a moment when I am thinking about that science teacher who said that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We have seen an action and a reaction. Yes, we attacked Iran by taking out their top general, and, yes, they attacked us by launching their missiles into our airbase and quite possibly harming our military personnel and others. Now stop. Come here, Mr. President. Stand before us. Stand before the American people, and tell us why, how, and what it will cost to pursue this. That is his responsibility. Then it is our responsibility on behalf of the American people and people beyond this Nation to say that, yes, we will pursue a war, or, no, we will not. Keep in mind, Mr. President, that the existing authorizations to use force do not apply to this situation, not the authorization to use force that was established for al-Qaida and Afghanistan, not the authorization to use force to go after Saddam Hussein in Iraq. No. Those don't apply. This is different. This is demonstrably different. This requires the President to come to the Congress and explain why we should conduct a war with Iran. It is not to say we cannot protect ourselves. But the next action by our military likely would be far more an action of protection but, rather, an action in response to what happened a couple of hours ago. I would have loved and would have desired not to be here at this moment, talking about this issue but, rather, following what Mr. Scott had said about what has been done this last year for the American people, about the efforts that we have made to bring down healthcare costs, to provide pharmaceuticals that people can afford, and to guarantee that Americans do not lose their right to health insurance, as the President and our Republican colleagues are attempting and have attempted to do for the last 10 years. I would love to have spent this evening talking about that. I would have loved to talk about the education programs that Mr. Scott has already brought to our attention and to talk about raising the minimum wage. But that is not where I am tonight. My thoughts are with those military personnel, the airmen, many of whom are from my district and probably at the bases there in the Middle East. My thoughts are with them and their families. I pray that all are safe. And I pray that tonight or tomorrow morning a tweet says: ``I, the President of the United States, will come to Congress and explain why we should or should not pursue a war with Iran.'' It is a good time for all of us to pray. It is a good time for all of us to take a deep breath and realize the path that we are on and where it might lead. I am deeply, deeply disturbed by what has happened. I am willing to take up my responsibility here, and I anxiously await what the President of the United States of America has to say as he stands here in the Congress and explains to a joint session of the Senate and the House why we should pursue a war with Iran. That is his responsibility, and then it is our responsibility--elected by the people of America--to go to war or not to go to war. We shall see. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman did mention the grim reaper, I don't think by name, but, clearly, the Senate leader intends to delay legislation that would be in the interest of the American people: higher wages, better healthcare, better insurance products, jobs, making it in America, all of the things that I know the gentleman and his committee have worked so hard on. So I thank the gentleman for that, and I look forward to the days ahead when I know that the gentleman has an additional agenda of legislation that he is going to be putting on the floor of the House.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, obviously, it is a new year, and we return to Washington with an agenda that is completely full and, in many, many ways, a tragic and an extremely dangerous agenda out ahead of us. Last December, this House undertook the issue of how to deal with the issue of a President who was not paying attention to his oath of office, and so we passed an impeachment resolution. That issue is now over in the Senate and in their hands. I could spend some time talking about that. Then, last Friday, another issue occurred, and I will spend more time talking about that a little later. But what I came to the floor tonight for is to talk about what our Democratic Caucus, our leadership, and the 230-plus members of our Caucus have been working on diligently over the last year for the people, a series of legislative initiatives that address the fundamental concerns that America has, that Americans talk about, as we like to say, at their breakfast table or dinner table: the concerns about their family's education, about their job, about their retirement, and, as I learned yesterday from my neighbor, a rancher, about the extraordinary cost of health insurance. I come to the floor tonight for that purpose, but I am going to delay my discussion of that and ask the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, Bobby Scott, to talk about the extraordinary work that his committee has done on the issue of education and for the working men and women of America. Mr. Speaker, I know the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) represents one of the largest military districts in the Nation, and I know that the thoughts of his constituents are on our minds. I also know that it is time for America to recognize the work that he has done on the Education and Labor Committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman can use the word ``brag,'' but I would recommend that it is not bragging. It is simply a fact; not an alternate fact, but it is a fact that the gentleman's committee and this House--now under Democratic control--has passed well over 250 bills that are for the people. The work that the Committee of Education and Labor has done for the working men and women of this Nation is an extraordinary example of what can be done when we focus on legislation that is for the people.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Daniel Naske of the U.S. Air Force, upon his graduation from the U.S. Air Force Legislative Fellowship program. Assigned to my office for the 2019 calendar year, Major Naske quickly became an integral part of my team, lending his expertise and experience as a senior pilot and U.S. Air Force Weapons Officer to guide and inform my work as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee within the House Armed Services Committee. Over this past year, Major Naske has worked closely with my personal staff and Readiness Subcommittee staff on the military's most pressing readiness challenges. He will be deeply missed after an exceptional year of service. Major Naske is a native of upstate New York and is a Distinguished Graduate from Clarkson University ROTC with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Arts in Military History from American Military University. Major Naske began his flying career in 2009 and was first assigned as a pilot of the MC-12W reconnaissance aircraft. In 2011, Major Naske became qualified on the C-17A Globemaster III and became an Instructor Pilot in 2013. Additionally, he is a graduate of the esteemed U.S. Air Force Weapons School. Major Naske's exemplary U.S. Air Force career spans more than 2,400 hours in airlift and reconnaissance aircraft, and of that, 1,002 are in combat. Major Naske and his wife, Caitlin, have two beautiful daughters, and his family continues to support him and his service to our nation. This moment is bittersweet, as we are deeply saddened to lose such an essential member of our team. However, we are excited for what his career and future hold, knowing that he will be a force for good and continue to impact the lives of those around him, just as he did here. Dan, know that you will always have a family here and we hope that one day your path leads you back to the Halls of Congress. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Major Daniel Naske for his dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force, U.S. House of Representatives, and to our Nation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, impeaching a President is one of the most solemn and consequential decisions the United States Congress can make. It is not an action that I or my fellow House colleagues take lightly. Investigations and hearings conducted by the House provide overwhelming evidence that President Trump abused his power and endangered our national security. President Trump also issued a blanket order prohibiting all executive office personnel from testifying, responding to subpoenas, or turning over documents. Therefore, he has obstructed the legitimate and constitutional obligation of Congress. The President's actions leave me no choice. President Trump violated his oath of office. Now, I will uphold my oath of office to preserve and protect our Constitution and my promise to my constituents to carefully analyze all issues before me. I will vote in favor of both Articles of Impeachment against President Donald John Trump. Madam Speaker, impeaching a President is one of the most solemn and consequential decisions the United States Congress can make. It is not an action I or my fellow House colleagues take lightly. Impeachment exists to protect our democracy. As Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers, the impeachment clause in the Constitution exists to address ``the misconduct of public men,'' which involves ``the abuse or violation of some public trust.'' The investigations and hearings conducted by the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees provide overwhelming evidence that President Trump abused his power and endangered our national security when he coerced Ukraine into investigating his likely rival in the 2020 election by withholding $391 million in critical military aid and a White House meeting from the Ukrainian government. Withholding this military assistance to Ukraine as it enters the fifth year of its deadly war against Russia endangers Ukraine's sovereignty and safety as well as the United States' national security interests. President Trump has also issued a blanket order prohibiting all executive office personnel from testifying in Congressional impeachment hearings, responding to subpoenas and turning over documents. Therefore, he has obstructed the legitimate and Constitutional obligation Congress has to conduct an impeachment inquiry when there is evidence of wrongdoing by the President. No one is above the law. The President's actions leave me no choice. President Trump has violated his oath to ``faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States,'' and to, ``preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.'' Now I will uphold my Oath of Office to preserve and protect our Constitution and my promise to my constituents to carefully analyze all issues before me. I will vote in favor of both articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump.