John Garamendi

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I have heard over and over again we ought to harden our schools. We ought to let every teacher have a gun. One question that needs to be asked as that argument goes forward: Why? Why do we need to do that? We need to do that because an 18-year-old was able to buy two AR-15s, go to the school in Uvalde, and shoot up all of the students and teachers--19. That is presumably why we have to harden our schools. Maybe it is time for us to come to the reality that it is time for us to pass commonsense gun safety legislation. This particular piece of legislation does just that. It doesn't take away the Second Amendment rights. What it does is to provide every American with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and not having to worry about whether their school has been hardened sufficiently to prevent an 18- year-old with two military-style weapons to enter that school. It is time for us to act. Pass this legislation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Granite Construction Company on its centennial anniversary and honor the lasting contributions of founder, Walter J. Wilkinson. Granite Construction Company is a leader in the construction industry, paving the way for innovation and progress. The company's Founder Walter J. Wilkinson was a man of integrity, perseverance, and dedication. He not only lived by these principles, but also instilled them in the culture and work of the Granite Construction Company; these quality ethics and values remain today. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in engineering, Mr. Wilkinson began his career as an engineer for the Lakeport Ice Company. In 1901, at the age of 20, he joined the Granite Rock Company and would eventually lead the construction division as superintendent. When Granite Construction Company was formed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Rock in 1922, Mr. Wilkinson was chosen as Vice President and Arthur R. Wilson as President. In 1936, the Wilson family sold their shares of Granite Construction to Mr. Wilkinson, who then became President. In those early years of the Great Depression, Mr. Wilkinson and his wife, Carrie B. Earle, struggled to keep the company afloat, making personal sacrifices, including mortgaging all that they owned to help sustain the business. This perseverance and personal commitment left a lasting imprint on the company. With the advent of World War II, the business turned around and the company began to reach unprecedented levels of growth. Projects such as the $400,000 contract to build Camp Ord, now known as Fort Ord, in 1940 allowed Granite Construction to not only produce a profit, but also become a leader in the construction industry. In 1942, Mr. Wilkinson retired from active service with the company, and Bert Scott took over as President. Mr. Wilkinson sold his shares to his two sons, Walter Junior and Jack. A scrupulous but fair businessman, Mr. Wilkinson adhered diligently to the code of conduct he established for the company, prioritizing integrity, hard work, and determination in his professional and personal life. His colleagues called him a ``visionary'' as he successfully steered Granite Construction Company through rocky times to recovery. Outside of his professional work, Mr. Wilkinson was devoted to serving his community. He kept a daily diary, written in impeccable penmanship, chronicling his life and the founding of Granite Construction. He was a skilled orator, storyteller, and speech writer. Active in civic organizations, Mr. Wilkinson was a charter member of the Watsonville Exchange Club and President of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Rotary Club. Moreover, as President and Founding Member of the Association of General Contractors of Northern California, Mr. Wilkinson was instrumental in establishing the Association's first bylaws. Walter J. Wilkinson conducted himself in a manner deserving of respect. With loyalty, dedication, and perseverance, he laid the foundation for a company able to weather the toughest of storms. The success of Granite Construction as the beacon of progress in today's construction industry is a tribute to him. Congratulations to Granite Construction Company on their centennial celebration.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, a big thank you to Representatives DeFazio, Napolitano, Graves, Rouzer, and their incredible staff who put together the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. There is always talk about congressional dysfunction, and that is certainly true in the Senate, not here in the House of Representatives. This is the fifth consecutive biennial WRDA that the House has brought to the floor since 2014. The Water Resources Development Act provides key provisions for Solano and Yolo Counties, the bay area, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and all of California's Third Congressional District. Specifically, the Water Resources Development Act directs the Army Corps of Engineers to examine the economic and national security benefits of dredging the Mare Island Strait channel which has not been studied since 1999. This is the first step in my ongoing efforts to increase Federal investment into Mare Island and its ship repair facilities for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, including the $13 million private investment announced by the Mare Island Dry Dock Company. It also authorizes $50 million for environmentally friendly infrastructure projects in the five counties comprising the California Delta. Furthermore, it provides construction and authorizes construction for the Lower Cache Creek flood risk management project with the city of Woodland. It doubles Federal funding to $50 million to support restoration efforts at the Lake Tahoe basin. It requires the Army Corps to use more dredged sediment for beneficial use and to restore the San Francisco Bay Area wetlands instead of just dumping the dredged sediment in the open ocean. It authorizes the Army Corps' national levee safety initiative to help manage flood risk across the entire Nation, including more than 200 miles of the Sacramento River which I currently represent. It makes the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta a new focus area for the Corps in its effort to combat invasive species. Finally, it directs the Army Corps to complete long-overdue recommendations to Congress on finally making water supply a purpose of all Army Corps reservoirs and related infrastructure, which is a critical change for Western States like California facing more frequent and severe droughts due to climate change. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with the chairs, the ranking members, and my colleagues from both parties to get this timely legislation to President Biden's desk for signature by the end of the calendar year.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of May as GBS CIDP Awareness Month and draw attention to the insidious nature of these terrible diseases. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. GBS is characterized by the rapid onset of numbness, weakness, and often paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. Paralysis is ascending, meaning that it travels up the limbs from fingers and toes towards the torso. Loss of reflexes, such as the knee jerk, are usually found. Usually. a new case of GBS is admitted to ICU (Intensive Care) to monitor breathing and other body functions until the disease is stabilized. Plasma exchange (a blood ``cleansing'' procedure) and high dose intravenous immune globulins are often helpful to shorten the course of GBS. The acute phase of GBS typically varies in length from a few days to months. Patient care involves the coordinated efforts of a team such as a neurologist, physiatrist (rehabilitation physician), internist, family physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, and psychologist or psychiatrist. Recovery may occur over six months to two years or longer. A particularly frustrating consequence of GBS is long-term recurrences of fatigue and/or exhaustion as well as abnormal sensations including pain and muscle aches. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing weakness of the legs and, to a lesser extent, the arms. It is the gradual onset as well as the chronic nature of CIDP that differentiates it from GBS. Like GBS, CIDP is caused by damage to the covering of the nerves, called myelin. It can start at any age and in both genders. Weakness occurs over two or more months. Unlike GBS, CIDP is chronic, with symptoms constantly waxing and waning. Left untreated; 30 percent of CIDP patients will progress to wheelchair dependence. Early recognition and treatment can avoid a significant amount of disability. Post-treatment life depends on whether the disease was caught early enough to benefit from treatment options. The gradual onset of CIDP can delay diagnosis by several months or even years, resulting in significant nerve damage that may take several courses of treatment before benefits are seen. The chronic nature of CIDP differentiates long-term care from GBS patients. Adjustments inside the home may need to be made to facilitate a return to normal life. I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing May as GBS CIDP Awareness Month. Together we can promote important scientific breakthroughs that improve the lives of individuals and families battling GBS, CIDP and MMN.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Military Vehicle Fleet Electrification Act.'' Among other things, this transformative legislation would require the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to replace its fleet of nontactical vehicles with at least 75 percent electric or zero-emission vehicles. The DOD remains the single largest institutional consumer of petroleum in the world. As chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I am deeply committed to getting the American military to do its part to combat the climate crisis by reducing fossil fuel use and transitioning our nation to a clean energy economy. As the Pentagon turns over its fleet of nontactical vehicles, it only makes sense that those replacements be electric or zero-emission vehicles to the greatest extent practicable. According to the General Services Administration (GSA), the DOD currently has more than 174,000 nontactical vehicles across the service branches, including the Coast Guard, and the various defense agencies. That is the second largest share of the overall federal vehicle fleet, after the U.S. Postal Service at more than 225,000 vehicles. In December 2021, the Biden Administration published its Federal Sustainability Plan, indicating that the DOD is responsible for 56 percent of the federal government's overall greenhouse gas emissions. My legislation would apply to all future non-tactical vehicles, such as passenger cars, vans, or light-duty trucks, purchased or leased for the military. It would not apply to vehicles used in combat or warzones like Humvees. My legislation includes the strongest possible ``Buy American'' requirements, ensuring that electric vehicle components like batteries are not sourced from hostile foreign countries like the People's Republic of China or Russian Federation. Importantly, my legislation would apply to both direct procurement by the DOD itself and any non-tactical vehicles for which the GSA acts as the procurement or leasing agent on behalf of the service branches or defense agencies. As a nation and within our military, we have a responsibility to make thoughtful purchases with taxpayer funds to combat the climate crisis. Transitioning the military's enormous fleet of passenger cars, light- duty trucks, and vans with internal combustion engines to American-made electric and zero-emission vehicles is a commonsense way to further reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions. I plan to make this critical legislation a top priority in the Readiness mark of the forthcoming National Defense Authorization Act. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to join me in cosponsoring the ``Military Vehicle Fleet Electrification Act.''

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, yesterday I entered my vote incorrectly for Roll Call No. 95 on S. 2938. I mistakenly voted NAY when I intended to vote YEA.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Brenda Harris and her legacy as an educator and a civil rights champion. Patti and I are deeply saddened by Brenda's passing, and our hearts are with her family during this difficult time. In 1951, Harris was born in Montgomery, Alabama as the daughter of civil rights activists. After graduating high school, Harris moved to California to study communications and sociology at the University of San Francisco (USF). In 1972, Harris began to immerse herself in the world of education through tutoring at Benjamin Franklin Middle School and counseling through Junior League. She went on to receive a master's degree in administration and her elementary and secondary school teaching credentials. In 1990, Harris' efforts culminated in her appointment to the position of Education Program Consultant by Dr. Shirley Thornton, Deputy Superintendent of Specialized Programs at the California Department of Education. As the daughter for civil rights activists, Harris was keenly aware of the disadvantages that underprivileged communities faced. While continuing her successful work as an educator, she took up her parents' cause and became an impactful advocate for improving education in minority and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This led her to become a member of USF's Board of Trustees, where she was committed to supporting USF's mission of social justice. In 2018, she was awarded the Engage San Francisco Community Partner Award for Western Addition Changemakers. Harris' life work undoubtedly had an indelible positive impact on countless students in California and inspired those around her. She will be deeply missed, and Patti and I send our condolences to the Harris family.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``Cabin Air Safety Act,'' with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). I thank the original cosponsors for their support of this critical legislation: U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Congressmen Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kaiali`i Kahele, (D-HI), and Don Bacon (R-NE). All Americans have the right to expect safe, clean air when travelling or reporting to work. I am deeply concerned by the documented cases where pilots, flight attendants, and airline passengers have been incapacitated or even hospitalized following exposure to toxic cabin air. The ``Cabin Air Safety Act'' takes commonsense steps to protect airline crewmembers and the traveling public from toxic fume events, which occur when air contaminated by engine exhaust, fuel fumes, deicing fluids, and ozone enters the aircraft cabin through the jet- engine intake or the auxiliary air intake at the stern of the aircraft when on the ground. Exposure to even low levels of these contaminants can incapacitate passengers and crew. Long-term exposure could lead to serious, debilitating health issues. Our bicameral, bipartisan legislation would better protect airline passengers and crew by mandating training on how to respond to toxic fumes, requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to record and monitor reports of toxic fume events, ensuring that investigations occur following reported toxic fume events, and installing air quality monitoring equipment such as carbon monoxide sensors on commercial aircraft as standard equipment. At the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the FAA under the Trump Administration claimed it could not set standards to ensure cabin air quality and protect public health. Our reintroduced ``Cabin Air Safety Act'' for this Congress makes clear that the FAA can indeed set standards for cabin air quality to safeguard the health of airline crewmembers and the traveling public. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to join me in cosponsoring this bicameral, bipartisan legislation. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, I plan to make the ``Cabin Air Safety Act'' a major priority in the next FAA reauthorization.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022, and I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member, also Mr. Carbajal and the minority team for putting together a good piece of legislation. This bipartisan legislation authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard, our fifth national military service branch, for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. We know the Coast Guard is critically important. We just heard that here. This bill also goes beyond just the Coast Guard. It deals with the Jones Act and something I have worked on for 13 years here, which is Make It In America and how we can do that in our maritime industry. In this bill, there are policies and proposals that include long overdue language to close some egregious loopholes to the Jones Act that would allow foreign vessels to undercut American-flagged vessels operating in America's offshore environment and the intercontinental shelf. This amendment, H.R. 6728, which is included in this bill, would close that loophole so that those foreign-flagged vessels are held to the very same high standards that American vessels have to hold to in those same offshore waters. A lot of this comes down to the new offshore wind industry that is flourishing in the northeast and soon will be found in many other parts of this Nation. Do you want those to be American jobs or do you want those to be foreign jobs? The question is pretty simple. This bill, as amended, would make sure that those ships and crews operating offshore would have to meet the same high standards. They would have to be certified that they know what they are doing, that they pass the various background checks as American mariners must. Now, if you want a wide open thing, then just forget it, but this bill is there to protect American workers in the offshore wind industry, the offshore oil industry, and further beyond that to the general Jones Act fleet. It is a good bill. There are other things in this bill that are good. I had the great pleasure of working with our former colleague, Don Young, on his Oil Spill Response Enhancement Act. We worked together on that for several years. It is included in this bill, and it would certainly be appropriate that that stay in this bill. We are going to have always the normal trouble with the Senate. They just seem to not understand all that they should, but this is a great bill. I want to compliment all who worked on it. The minority teams did excellent work. I thank them so very much. I see the coauthor of our amendment, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), who has done good work on this bill, has taken his position to carry on.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation to allow operators of Jones Act-compliant passenger ferries to establish Capital Construction Funds. Only car ferries are currently eligible for this special, tax-exempt domestic shipbuilding program administered by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Federally regulated Capital Construction Funds allow operators of US- flagged vessels to legally forgo paying federal business taxes pertaining to such vessels, provided all that forgone tax payment is reinvested in constructing new US-flagged vessels in American shipyards. Current law only allows operators of cargo and fishing vessels to establish Capital Construction Funds for such vessels. Car ferries are only eligible because they are treated as ``cargo vessels'' for the purposes of the program, not ferries. Under my bill, all ferries and similar vessels with 50-plus passenger capacity would be eligible to establish Capital Construction Funds. Through my tenure in the Congress, I have worked to increase federal funding for expanded passenger ferry service. Regrettably, Congress has historically underfunded the Federal Highway Administration's formula program and the Federal Transit Administration's competitive grant program for ferries, ferry terminals, and related infrastructure. Privately operated passenger ferries remain ineligible under both U.S. Department of Transportation programs. Both public and private operators are working to expand service in the San Francisco Bay Area. My legislation is intended to support proposed service expansion by private ferry operators in the Bay Area and nationwide, at no cost to American taxpayers. Many Bay Area ferry operators are also considering replacing their existing fleets with new renewable energy-powered ferries, like hydrogen fuel cells. Those ferries can and should be built in American shipyards by skilled workers. Madam Speaker, I plan to make this legislation a priority in the forthcoming Coast Guard Authorization Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean ``Dino'' Cortopassi and his legacy as a loving family man, career farmer, and champion of communities in the Delta area. Patti and I are deeply saddened by Dino's passing, and our hearts are with Joan and their family during this difficult time. Dino was born and raised in Stockton, California, as the son of immigrant farmers. After graduating high school Dino proceeded to study farming at the prestigious agricultural school at the University of California, Davis. In 1958, Dino took on his first job as a grain buyer through which he immersed himself in the world of managing goods, markets, and the art of running a successful agribusiness. In the same year, he married his high school sweetheart Joan DeCarli and they both went on to raise four remarkable children, Gino, Katie, Becky, and David. While Dino continued to build on his success as a dynamic and innovative farmer and businessman, he also fell in love with the Delta. An avid fisherman and hunter, Dino became a powerful advocate and protector of the Delta's waterfowl and their habitats. His efforts were crucial to preventing the proposed Delta tunnels project from devastating the region's ecosystems. Dino founded the Wetlands Preservation Foundation, which continues to help conserve the Delta's naturaI habitats. In 2005 he was named the Stocktonian of the Year. Dino's Life's work undoubtedly had an indelibly positive impact on the Delta community and inspired those around him. He was a dear friend for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration. He will be deeply missed as Patti and I send our condolences to Joan and the Cortopassi family.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent and friend Ann D. Carlson, who is retiring from her position as the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor after 33 years of federal service. I had the privilege of working with Ann to ensure our National Forests in California were healthy and effectively managed. Ann began her career at Tahoe National Forest serving as a fish biologist, where she conducted stream surveys, built partnerships with local groups to provide aquatic restoration opportunities, environmental education and improved fishing, including coordinating kids fishing events. After 13 years of improving fish habitat and community relations, Ann took her skills to Missoula, Montana to work as the R1 Regional Aquatic Ecologist. Following her time in Montana, Ann was detailed to South Dakota as Acting District Ranger for Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and then to Boise as Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor at the Boise National Forest. She then went onto Lassen National Forest in California to serve as the Eagle Lake District Ranger. In addition, she was also detailed to Modoc and Sequoia National Forests as Acting Forest Supervisor. Ann concluded her career while serving as Forest Supervisor at Mendocino National Forest. At Mendocino National Forest, Ann tirelessly worked on wildfire prevention and forest management to protect the communities who are frequently impacted by forest fires. Ann was critically important for disaster response and forest recovery efforts to numerous conflagrations including the 2019 Complex Fire. Throughout her career Ann supplemented her work with additional training programs, such as participating in the Senior Leadership Program (SLP6) in 2009 to learn more about common and emerging leadership and management issues while developing strategies for effective change Beyond Ann's passion for our National Forests, she is also very active and enjoys traveling and outdoor activities including biking, running, cross-country skiing, fly fishing and hiking. The same year that she participated in Senior Leadership Program she also completed the New York Marathon--what an achievement. Ann is also a dedicated mother, when she began her career she had not accrued enough leave and had to bring her daughter, Tess, into the office and field. I'm sure this contributed to Tess's love for the outdoors just like her mom. I congratulate Ann on her prestigious career with the United States Forest Service and wish her well in retirement.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the service, dedication, and sacrifice of the members of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and their partner agencies at Travis Air Force Base, which I have the distinct privilege of representing as part of California's Third Congressional District. They exemplify the best of America, and their tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home. For eighty years, Travis Air Force Base has stood as a pillar of strength, projecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and providing support to American troops around the world. This mission is only accomplished thanks to the blood, sweat, and fortitude of the 18,000 airmen and their families that maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability. Every single day this all-volunteer force provides essential aerial refueling, airlift operations, aeromedical evacuation, highly-specialized rapid response contingency operations capabilities, and unmatched support to produce and execute rapid global mobility in support of our national defense. Last year alone the men and women of Travis Air Force Base met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. Team Travis aircrews evacuated 12,962 Afghans while managing security and operations at the airport in Kabul. The valor and heroism displayed by the men and women of Travis was imitable and worthy of recognition. Last month, I spoke with Captain Kayleigh Migaleddi, who helped evacuate 117 orphan children from the region during Operation Allies Refuge. She spoke about how she would have been at the Abbey Gate the moment a suicide bomber killed 13 Americans had it not been for an orphaned child who needed her assistance elsewhere on base. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she owed her life to that child, who she later helped reach safety and begin a new life. Captain Migaleddi's story is just one of the many stories I heard that exemplify the character leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base. Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by these men and women. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to represent such an upstanding community in Congress. This total force effort of active and reserve airmen directly enabled the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known world history, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. Simply put, Travis Air Force Base is the very best our nation has to offer. Its strategic importance stands as a beacon of hope to our allies and a stern reminder of American resolve to our enemies. On behalf of a grateful nation and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to thank the men and women of Travis Air Force Base and express my sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great nation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the service, dedication, and sacrifice of the members of the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and their partner agencies at Travis Air Force Base, which I have the distinct privilege of representing as part of California's Third Congressional District. They exemplify the best of America, and their tireless efforts guarantee the safety of all those who call America home. For eighty years, Travis Air Force Base has stood as a pillar of strength, projecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and providing support to American troops around the world. This mission is only accomplished thanks to the blood, sweat, and fortitude of the 18,000 airmen and their families that maintain the highest levels of readiness and capability. Every single day this all-volunteer force provides essential aerial refueling, airlift operations, aeromedical evacuation, highly specialized rapid response contingency operations capabilities, and unmatched support to produce and execute rapid global mobility in support of our national defense. Last year alone the men and women of Travis Air Force Base met a challenge of colossal scale when they played a pivotal role in completing the drawdown of forces from Afghanistan. Team Travis aircrews evacuated 12,962 Afghans while managing security and operations at the airport in Kabul. The valor and heroism displayed by the men and women of Travis was imitable and worthy of recognition. Last month, I spoke with Captain Kayleigh Migalesdi, who helped evacuate 117 orphan children from the region during Operation Allies Refuge. She spoke about how she would have been at the Abbey Gate the moment a suicide bomber killed 13 Americans had it not been for an orphaned child who needed her assistance elsewhere on base. With tears in her eyes, she told me that she owed her life to that child, who she later helped reach safety and begin a new life. Capt. Migalesdi's story is just one of the many stories I heard that exemplify the character, leadership, and bravery that is cultivated at Travis Air Force Base. Service records only scratch the surface of the courageous actions performed by these men and women. They put their hearts and lives on the line to save so many. I am grateful every day that I have the opportunity to represent such an upstanding community in Congress. This total force effort of active and reserve airmen directly enabled the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in known world history, ultimately saving over 124,000 lives. Simply put, Travis Air Force Base is the very best our Nation has to offer. Its strategic importance stands as a beacon of hope to our allies and a stern reminder of American resolve to our enemies. On behalf of a grateful Nation and all the constituents of California's Third Congressional District, I would like to thank the men and women of Travis Air Force Base and express my sincere gratitude for their sacrifice and contributions to the defense of this great Nation.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation that would designate vital roads around Travis and Beale Air Force Bases in northern California, under the Defense Access Road Program. I thank my colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA01), who represents the neighboring Congressional district, for being the bill's original cosponsor. Military installations play important roles in communities around the country, but also pose unique challenges by increasing traffic and subjecting civilian roadways to harsh use by moving heavy military equipment. In California, Travis and Beale Air Force Bases were built with an infrastructure to support the size of the communities and the bases at the time. But over the decades, both the civilian and military populations have outgrown the current roads providing base access at the gates. The Defense Access Road Program exists to support communities in precisely this situation, allowing the U.S. Department of Defense and service branches to pay for maintenance, upkeep, or upgrades of roads surrounding military installations. This ensures that communities hosting bases have the infrastructure needed for civilian life and to support the military installation. Travis and Beale Air Force Bases each have some roads already designated under the Defense Access Road Program. My legislation would simply designate the remining access roads for each base under the program. As the communities surrounding Travis and Beale Air Force Bases continue to grow, the military should pay its fair share for roadway improvements for better base access and to lessen traffic congestion. As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I continue working to secure forward-looking investments to expand Travis and Beale, while ensuring that the Air Force remains a good neighbor. I plan to make these Defense Access Road designations a major priority for the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023. Travis and Beale Air Force Bases and the surrounding areas must have the world-class infrastructure needed to carry out their mission. The legislation I introduce today would ensure just that.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, my amendment No. 89 is the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, H.R. 4996, which the House passed under suspension of the rules on December 8, 2021. I introduced this legislation with Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota last summer to provide the first major overhaul of the Federal rules for the global ocean shipping industry in nearly a quarter century. We did this because American exporters have a serious and, in some cases, an existential problem. Many exporters cannot get a container to ship their goods. For those who can get a container, they cannot get it on a ship. Last Friday, a farmer in my district pleaded for help. His business depends upon exporting his crop. He had worked with the normal forwarding and shipping companies to no avail. His words were: ``I will be out of business. I will lose my market. Help me.'' For months, I have heard similar words from the wine, almond, walnut, beef, and other industries. I know that my colleague, Congressman Johnson, has heard the same. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is the solution to this problem. And the House has already acted, passing our bill by a strong bipartisan vote of 364 yeas to 60 nays. All but two members of the House Democratic Caucus voted for our bill, and I am looking for them now to vote on this in a positive way. Seventy percent of the Republican Conference also voted aye. In short, this is among the most bipartisan bills considered in the House this Congress, and it has the potential to get signed into law. Congressman Johnson and I are offering our Ocean Shipping Reform Act as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, the House counterpart to the U.S.-China competition bill passed by the Senate last summer. The world has changed greatly since Congress last reformed the Federal law governing the global ocean shipping industry. In late 2001, the People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States, the so-called most-favored-nation status, following that country's admission to the WTO. The United States' trade imbalance with the People's Republic of China grew from approximately $83 billion in nominal dollars in 2001 to a trade imbalance of over $310 billion in 2020, increasing nearly every year. Our bipartisan legislation in this amendment would better support American exporters by ensuring reciprocal trade to help reduce the United States' longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries. There has also been considerable consolidation among the foreign- based ocean carriers, coinciding with the continued decline of the U.S.-flagged international fleet in favor of foreign flags of convenience. A handful of foreign-flagged ocean carriers now dominate the global ocean shipping industry. Many of these foreign-flagged carriers are effectively controlled by foreign governments: China, Taiwan, and South Korea. In 2021, as Americans endured monumental port congestion and supply chain problems, the largest foreign-flagged ocean carriers saw their profits more than triple over the previous year. Last year, the China Ocean Shipping Company, COSCO, reported annual profits nine times greater than the company's earnings in the previous year. Madam Speaker, I am here today to say, once again, that foreign exporters' access to the American market and our consumers is a privilege. It is not a right. American agricultural exporters and other businesses are willing to pay to ensure that their products reach the emerging market in the Asia-Pacific region. In turn, companies looking to off-load foreign- made products at West Coast ports must provide opportunities for American exports. In 2019, America exported more than $21.7 billion in agricultural products. Our farmers, ranchers, and producers in the Central Valley of California and throughout the State have worked for decades to unlock foreign export markets. That hard-won access to those valuable foreign markets, particularly in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific, is now threatened by the ocean carriers' anticompetitive and likely illegal business practices. Congress must ensure reciprocity in trade with other countries to reduce the American trade imbalance, particularly with cheap imports from Asia. Even during the pandemic, trade must be mutually beneficial, and that is exactly what the Ocean Shipping Reform Act would ensure. Dozens of agricultural exporters contacted my office, as I have already said, and the outright refusal of American exports is not conscionable. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the rule, I rise to offer the Garamendi-Johnson amendment No. 89 to the America COMPETES Act.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce legislation that would convey a small land parcel at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in northern California to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority for the Congressionally authorized Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project. I thank my colleague Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA01), the bill's original cosponsor, who represents the neighboring Congressional district. The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority is responsible for providing 200-year flood protection for southern Yuba County in California, protecting homes, businesses, and military infrastructure at Beale AFB. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I secured authorization for the Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project in the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-270). The Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority is the non-federal sponsor for this project, which will provide 200-year level of flood protection to the community surrounding Beale AFB. Specifically, this project extends the Yuba River South Levee and crosses Beale AFB outside the fence line. Upon completing survey work for the proposed levee improvement project, the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority discovered that the U.S. Air Force owned a small parcel of approximately 0.3 acres outside the fence line and separated from the rest of Beale AFB by Smartville Road. In September 2020, I helped to secure a 25-year easement from the Air Force on behalf of the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority needed to construct, operate, and maintain the levee. However, this legislation would convey ownership of the 0.3-acre parcel from the Air Force to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority, so that the non-federal sponsor can continue to ensure area flood control in perpetuity. This public interest land conveyance will ensure that the area, including Beale AFB, is better protected from future flooding. As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I plan to legislate this land conveyance necessary for the long-term maintenance of the Yuba Goldfields Levee Improvement Project in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act, if necessary. This is but one example of how Congress can make our military installations more resilient to flooding and other extreme weather exacerbated by climate change by improving coordination between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' civil works projects and the service branches.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act,'' with Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA05) as the original cosponsor. Our legislation would expand the National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of federal land in Lake County, California; create new co-management opportunities with federally recognized tribes; and rename Walker Ridge to ``Molok Luyuk,'' meaning Condor Ridge in the Patwin language of Native Americans indigenous to the area. It is endorsed by the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the Tribal Council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. In the 114th Congress, I championed bicameral legislation (H.R. 761/ S. 393) to establish the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, with then-Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Thompson. Our legislation would have included the Walker Ridge tract in Lake and Colusa Counties, California, administered by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the National Monument's boundary. In December 2014, Congressman Thompson and I hosted then-Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell at the Lake Berryessa reservoir, so she could view the landscape and hear from local community and tribal leaders about the need to permanently conserve this special place. Said Secretary Jewell at the time: ``This is a beautiful area with cultural history and great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing so it's no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation.'' In July 2015, President Obama issued Presidential Proclamation 9298, designating the federal land surrounding Lake Berryessa administered by the BLM and U.S. Forest Service as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. The ``Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act'' would expand the existing National Monument boundary to include the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge, which the legislation renames to Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk). This ridgeline is an extinct volcanic mountain range with an unusual ``serpentine'' soil composition supporting a trove of rare and beautiful plant species like the adobe lily (Fritillaria pluriflora) found only in this part of northern California. Other at-risk and protected animal species such as the bald eagle, golden eagle, and tule elk also make their home there. Our legislation would not affect privately owned, state, tribal, or non-federal land. The federal land parcel proposed for inclusion within the National Monument does not include acreage of the BLM's Walker Ridge tract in Colusa County. Our legislation would also ensure that federally recognized tribes--whose ancestors called the National Monument home for millennia--have a meaningful role in the land stewardship of the National Monument. Finally, our legislation would direct the BLM and the Forest Service to complete the management plan for the National Monument, which has remained unfinished since 2015. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members of the California delegation to join us in cosponsoring this legislation to permanently conserve this special place in Lake County. We must protect this unique landscape for future generations to enjoy and honor the Native American peoples who walked this land well before our country was even founded.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I rise in remembrance of longtime Yuba Sutter native, David ``Speedy'' Gonzales, who left us on January 14, 2021. As a pillar in the community, he owned and helped operate the El Zarape Restaurant with his wife Ana for over 75 years. Born in Los Angeles, David moved to Wheatland, California at 7 years old. In 1952, his parents moved into a studio apartment above a Mexican restaurant on Garden Highway in Yuba City known as the El Zarape Inn. Together as a family, he and his four siblings helped their parents start the El Zarape that has now become one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the region. David loved and strived to support his growing community his entire life. He was a proud member of the Yuba City Rotary Club, Alliance for Hispanic Advancement, Yuba Sutter Chamber of Commerce, and various other community events. Throughout the years, David grew friendships with everyone he interacted with, whether it was his fellow Rotarians or all the friends that met at the Colusa Casino. David was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Eleanor Gonzales, Mary Cartago, Gloria Laswell, and Irene James. He is survived by his wife Ana and sons Robert and David (spouse Shannon), 6 grandchildren, and 1 great- grandchild.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Rani Yadav- Ranjan, the Head of Artificial Intelligence at Ericsson's Global AI Accelerator, and a member of the Ericsson CTO's Technology Leadership team. Rani's contribution to technology and society shapes the way we live, enables how we work, and underscores the path forward for a more secure, inclusive future. While coming from modest means, Rani has achieved considerable success as a successful entrepreneur and Executive Technology leader. Her work has pioneered industry leading solutions for Big Data Artificial Intelligence, E-commerce, and Blockchain technologies. People refer to her as a visionary and expert in data science, as evidenced in her 10+ patents in innovative new industries. Many companies make use of her patent for fully encrypted mobile payments and text communication. At Ericsson, Rani has innovated solutions for Blockchain-based data monetization, and Cyberthreat detection for encrypted flow. Rani's formidable talents have also been used to create stronger social fabrics between people at her places of work and in her community. These actions often create access to resources and opportunities which provide others a higher quality of life. Her influence on Diversity & Inclusion efforts at Ericsson has created safe spaces for employees of all backgrounds to bring their complete selves to work, a precondition for the creativity and innovation that drives Ericsson's market offerings. Rani is the founder of the University of California, Merced CITRIS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, which is now held at the University of California, Berkeley and has inspired the start-up ecosystems in both Merced and Berkeley. Rani is also the founder of the University of California, Berkeley CITRIS Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge. She also serves as a Recurring Guest Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, and Merced, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Southwest Law School, where she most recently served. Rani is a member of the Committee of 200, a powerful network of the most accomplished female C-suite executives in industry, who collectively employ more than 2.5 million people and are committed to developing women's leadership in business. Rani is deeply committed to the Sikh community in San Jose and is widely regarded as a pillar of the community. As a long-time volunteer and board member, Rani has a strong personal commitment to making neighborhoods stronger. She has volunteered in the fight against hunger and other causes which impact diverse backgrounds. A truly concerned individual who is eager to see others improve and live well. Rani has served on the boards of several for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including Navigator Technology, the Santa Clara County Women's Commission, the University of California, Merced Foundation Board, where she served as chair of the Nominating and Governance committee and as chair of the Audit committee, and the State of California Infrastructure and Goods Movement Board, where she served as chair of the Audit committee. Rani is most proud of her children, Shaan, Alisha, and Krisha, as well as her grandson, Hugo Berglund, out of all her accomplishments.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Francis Kenneth Silva. A retired farmer, Fran had resided in Sutter County all his life. He was a Director and Board Member of Levee District 1 and a Director of the Feather River Water District. He served as an advisor and historian to local water and levee agencies. He served on the Sutter County Sheriff's Posse and was an avid fisherman. Fran is survived by his wife Darlyne Elizabeth Silva of Yuba City; his daughters, Nancy Ellen Silva and Julie Anne Oliver, both of Sacramento; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Janice Faye Wildanger of Sacramento, and his son John Francis Silva of Forrest Hill.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Mr. Sean Mullin, upon his completion of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. Mr. Mullin served as a Knauss fellow in my Washington, D.C., office during the 2021 calendar year. As an integral member of my legislative staff, Mr. Mullin 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 pertaining to natural disasters. Over this past year, he worked closely with my personal office staff in developing several pieces of legislation. He revamped my ``Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act'' from previous Congresses into bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6059) I reintroduced on November 19, 2021. He also developed the ``End Palm Oil Deforestation Act'' (H.R. 5863) from an outline into actual legislation and reworked the ``Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2021'' (H.R. 5692), of which I assumed sponsorship from former Congressman Ben McAdams (D-UT). Mr. Mullin received his doctorate in geobiology from the California Institute of Technology in 2020, and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in microbial biology in 2011. While his fellowship with my office has ended, I am very pleased that Mr. Mullin's public service with California's Congressional delegation will continue as he joins the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). I have no doubt that Mr. Mullin's innate curiosity and aptitude for navigating complex policy problems to develop actionable solutions will serve him well in this new role. Mr. Mullin will remain a deeply valued member of Team Garamendi, and we look forward to continuing to work with him. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's third Congressional district, I extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Sean Mullin for his dedicated service.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciate of Mr. Scott Bohn upon his completion of the Brookings Institution's LEGIS Fellowship program. During the 2021 calendar year, Mr. Bohn served as my U.S. State Department fellow and quickly became an integral part of my legislative staff. His working knowledge as a State Department employee and veteran informed my work as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and as a member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. Over this past year, he worked closely with my personal office staff and other Congressional offices on a variety of critical issues. He helped to reconstitute my Congressional Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group, which focuses on nuclear arms control, risk reduction, and nonproliferation. He also worked to advance my bipartisan ``Peace Corps Reauthorization Act,'' which the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported favorably in September 2021. Mr. Bohn graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Philosophy in politics and philosophy, and from Georgetown University with a Master of Arts in Russian and East European studies. A career employee at the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Bohn most recently led the overseas security advisory council's global threat warning team, responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and sharing time- sensitive security information relevant to U.S. private sector operations overseas. Previously, Mr. Bohn served in the Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis as an analyst evaluating threats to U.S. interests in Europe and Eurasia. In addition, he performed a rotational tour in the Department's Office of Russian Affairs, where he worked to advance U.S. bilateral policy interests with Russia. Mr. Bohn is also a Foreign Area Officer in the Air Force Reserve, currently assigned to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Headquarters. Previous assignments included tours at the Pentagon, Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, and National Security Agency. Mr. Bohn and his wife, Megan, have two daughters: Isabel and Olivia. His family continues to support him and his service to our nation, and we thank them for it. While Mr. Bohn will be deeply missed after an exceptional year of service, he will no doubt be successful in his new role in the Office of Verification, Planning, and Outreach at the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance. Despite his departure, he will remain a deeply valued member of Team Garamendi. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's Third Congressional district and a grateful nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Mr. Scott Bohn for his dedicated service.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Commander Rebecca E. Wolf, U.S. Navy, upon her completion of the Department of Defense Legislative Fellowship program. Assigned to my office for the 2021 calendar year, Commander Wolf quickly became an integral part of my legislative staff. Her expertise as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer informed my work as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness. Over this past year, Commander Wolf worked closely with both my personal office and Readiness Subcommittee staffs on the military's most pressing readiness challenges. In particular, she helped to secure passage of my ``Support Our Military Working Dogs Act'' in section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. She also helped to develop several legislative priorities that I will be pursuing in the forthcoming Coast Guard Authorization Act for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. As chair of the State Lands Commission while serving as California's lieutenant governor, I am grateful for the compromise she negotiated between the U.S. Coast Guard and our state regulator on the public availability of information regarding the performance of ballast water management systems. She will be deeply missed after an exceptional year of service, where she made a lasting impact. Commander Wolf was commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in oceanography. She went on to earn a Master of Science in physical oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School. Commander Wolf's operational assignments include service aboard the USS WASP (LHD 1), USS FORREST SHERMAN (DDG 98), and USS PINCKNEY (DDG 91). She was also the executive officer and then commanding officer of USS GLADIATOR (MCM 11). Her shore and staff assignments include tours in Afghanistan, at the Surface Warfare Officer School, and at COMDESRON 23. Her extensive naval background, work ethic, and problem-solving skills were critical to my work toward recapitalizing our military's organic industrial base and ensuring that our military is ready when needed. While Commander Wolf will be missed by Team Garamendi, the U.S. Navy is lucky to have her back in the ranks leading sailors. We wish her fair winds and following seas as the executive officer of the USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) and are excited for all her future successes. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of California's Third Congressional district and a grateful nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Commander Rebecca E. Wolf for her dedicated service.