John Garamendi

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 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.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the fiscal year 2020 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 tirelessly throughout this past year to get us to this point. It's a good bill and I encourage my colleagues to support the conference report. As the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I worked closely with members on and off the committee to ensure the bill addressed three priority areas affecting our military. First, the bill includes a number of bipartisan provisions aimed at addressing problems associated with the management and oversight of military family housing. The bill does the following: Requires the military services to establish a tenants' bill of rights for residents of privatized military family housing; Requires the Department to establish a standardized assessment tool to be used in evaluating military housing for certain risks, including lead and mold; Prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements as a condition of moving out of military housing; Authorizes additional funding to ensure installation housing offices are properly staffed; and Provides for a temporary direct hiring authority for government housing personnel to increase oversight of private contractors. Second, the bill authorizes additional funding and includes bipartisan provisions to mitigate contaminated drinking water for households and agriculture resulting from fluorinated compounds around military installations: Bans DOD use of fire fighting agents containing PFAS by 2024; Requires DOD to ensure that when disposing of AFFF and supplies used to remediate PFAS contamination, it does so in a manner that is safe and does not create further pollution; Bans the use of PFAS chemicals in the packaging of the meals (MREs) our service members eat when deployed in combat areas and for training; Closes a loophole in the DOD Environmental clean-up accounts that was keeping the National Guard from being able to access these funds to address PFOS and PFOA contamination; Authorizes DOD to provide alternative water to farmers effected by PFAS contaminated agricultural water; Bans the use fire fighting agents containing PFAS for training; Bans the uncontrolled release of fire fighting agents containing PFAS for any purpose other than putting out fires; Addresses DOD's refusal to acknowledge State-promulgated drinking water standards by requiring their use when they are more stringent than federal standards; and Requires the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey to establish a performance standard for detecting PFAS and then conduct nationwide sampling to determine the extent of PFAS contamination and then report to Congress the results. Third, the bill contains a number of provisions to increase military installation resiliency efforts to ensure better planning to assess vulnerabilities and facility codes to mitigate the risk future natural and man-made disasters: Requires DoD develop installation master plans that assess current climate vulnerabilities and plan for mitigating the risks to installations from extreme weather events, mean sea level fluctuation, wildfires, flooding, and other changes in environmental conditions using projections from recognized governmental and scientific entities. Limits DoD's ability to spend planning and design funds until it initiates the process of amending the building standards for military construction (Unified Facility Criteria) to ensure that building practices and standards promote energy, climate, and cyber resilience at military installations. Requires all proposals for military construction projects to consider potential long-term changes in environmental conditions, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events, as well as, industry best-practices to withstand extreme weather events. Requires DoD to report on the feasibility of transitioning installation planning from 100-year floodplain data to a forward- looking predictive model that takes into account the impacts of sea- level rise. Establishes a pilot authority for the Department of Defense to carry out military construction projects, with prior congressional notification, that enhance military installation resilience, mission assurance, support mission critical functions, and address known vulnerabilities. Authorizes an additional $133 million for military construction projects under the Department's Energy Resiliency and Conservation Investment Program. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a black start exercise at three major military installations to ensure installation resiliency in the case of a total power outage. I'm proud of the funding authorized by, and legislative provisions included within the Readiness Subcommittee's jurisdiction. The bill authorizes $261.6 billion in operation & maintenance funding to support training, maintenance, and military operations; $11.8 billion for MILCON, family housing, and BRAC; and $4.1 billion in emergency authorization for MILCON for recovery of military installations damaged by natural disasters. The conference report also provides twelve weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees. I'm also pleased this NDAA includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops and includes key provisions of my bill, H.R. 2617, the Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health Act, which will require DoD to input any Occupational Environmental Health hazards exposure into servicemembers' records while deployed, so it is tracked throughout their career and into veteran status. Additionally, this year's NDAA funds important priorities at Travis and Beale Air Force Bases in my district. The military construction projects authorized in this bill will support the new KC-46 mission at Travis Air Force Base and will improve resilience and power supply at Beale Air Force Base, enabling it to continue to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and multi-domain operations. While there are many positive outcomes, I am disappointed that the prohibition of funding for the deployment of new, low-yield nuclear warheads for submarines did not survive the conference process, and am also disappointed in the omission of critical provisions that were in the House-passed bill to reform border deployment and ensure funding for our military is spent wisely and as Congress intended, and not on an unnecessary border wall, such as the following: Preventing the President from diverting Defense funding to pay for an unnecessary border wall; Prohibiting funding for the construction of a wall, barrier, or fence along the southern land border; Amending the emergency construction authority (10 USC 2808) to limit the total cost of military construction projects undertaken during a national emergency to $500 million, with a further limit of $100 million for construction projects within the United States; and Prohibiting reprogramming of funds into the counter drug account, which has been used by the Administration to do construction along the southern land border. Overall, I am proud of the Readiness Subcommittee's contribution to this year's bill and would like to thank the Readiness staff, Brian Garrett, Jeanine Womble, Melanie Harris, Brian Greer, John Muller, Dave Sienicki, Megan Handle, and Sean Falvey, and my personal staff, Betsy Thompson and Dan Naske, for their tireless work. Dan will be departing the Hill after next week, and I would like to personally thank him for his hard work and sharing his expertise with us this past year. He has been an invaluable member of my staff and we will miss him dearly. 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 FY20 NDAA.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise in full support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. First, I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry, the committee staff, and others who worked tirelessly on this bill. It is a good one, and I urge support from all. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, I worked closely with Members on and off the committee to ensure that this bill addressed three priority areas. First, the NDAA requires the Department of Defense to plan for and respond to the threat that climate change poses to military installations and military operations by developing installation master plans that fully assess current and future climate vulnerabilities and updating building standards for military construction to promote energy conservation, climate and cyber resiliency, among many other important aspects. Second, the bill includes a number of provisions aimed at addressing problems associated with the management and oversight of military family housing programs, including that military services must establish a tenants' bill of rights for our military family housing. Third, the bill authorizes additional funding and includes bipartisan provisions to mitigate contaminated drinking water for households and agriculture resulting from PFAS and fluorinated compounds that have been used on military installations. I am also pleased that there is a 3.1 percent pay raise for our troops and also that the bill includes provisions from my bill, H.R. 2617, the OATH Act, the Occupational and Environmental Transparency Health Act, which requires the DOD input any occupational environmental hazard that troops may have been exposed to. Finally, a couple of things that are positive, but there are also some concerns. The bill does not delay the deployment of the new low- yield nuclear warheads for submarines, which I believe is not a good idea at all for our boomers. Secondly, the bill does not deal with the funding for our military programs and for the military that had been ripped off for the wall.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and service of Jim Gordon, a committed organizer who devoted over 49 years of his life to fighting for the American worker. Jim worked as a building serviceman, installer, switchman, repairman, and systems technician. While he was committed to his trade, he knew the importance of collective action and quickly became involved in his Communications Workers of America (CWA) local, serving in several positions including being elected by his peers to lead CWA Local 9412 as their President. In 1984 Jim joined the staff of the Communications Workers of America, serving many years as Legislative/Political Director for California, Nevada and Hawaii, headquartered in Sacramento, California. In that role, he used his deep devotion and experience to get the best deal for his members and was awarded the union's Maxine Lee Award in 1990 for excellence in his work. Jim understood the importance of public service outside of the union serving in the United States Army in Turkey and as an elected member of the Fremont City Council. Jim also served as a member of the California Democratic Party Central Committee, Chair of the CDP Labor Caucus, and as the Vice President of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. Jim's legacy is of a tireless union organizer, devoting countless hours to fighting on behalf of American consumers and workers in the U.S. and abroad. Jim's service to his country and work in the labor movement will continue to help the lives of countless people and his spirit will be missed. Please join me in celebrating his life and his memory.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize Mr. Brian Greer, upon his departure as Professional Staff Member, Readiness Subcommittee, House Armed Services Committee to the U.S. House of Representatives. In this role, Mr. Greer was responsible for a portfolio consisting of Army readiness, training, logistics, and maintenance policies and programs; organic industrial base policy; the Defense Logistics Agency; civilian personnel and service contracts. Brian has served as a Professional Staff Member in the House Armed Services Committee since October of 2016. Prior to his time in the House of Representatives, Brian served as the Military Legislative Assistant to Senate Minority Leader Senator Charles Schumer, where he advised the Senator on defense, foreign policy and energy issues. Brian has also served as a Legislative Assistant for Representatives John Boccieri, Parker Griffith, and David Scott. Finally, Brian spent time working as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs focusing on installations and environment as well as operational energy plans and programming. His vast experience in defense policy, both on the Hill and in the Pentagon, has helped senior leaders make informed decisions for over a decade. Brian is a native of Marietta, Georgia, holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where he focused on international security policy and a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from the University of Virginia. Brian is also an avid supporter of the Atlanta Falcons. Brian is married to Natalie, who continues to support him in his service to our nation. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Brian Greer for his dedicated service to the U.S. House of Representatives and to our Nation. We wish him the best as he moves on to his next role.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize Ms. Megan Handal, upon her departure as Clerk, Readiness Subcommittee and Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, House Armed Services Committee to the U.S. House of Representatives. In this role, Ms. Handal was personally responsible for ensuring that the Chairs of the Readiness Subcommittee and Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee had the appropriate administrative information and hearing details, handled all logistics for each hearing, and ensured all hearings ran on time. Ms. Handal coordinated with Congressional Members, Congressional staff, and all witnesses for each hearing she oversaw. Ms. Handal was also responsible for quality control of Congressional transcripts, military construction tables, and subcommittee bill and report language. Before her time as Clerk, Megan interned with the House Armed Services Committee in 2015, as well as the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in the summer of 2016. Megan is a graduate of Villanova University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is an avid supporter of Villanova Wildcats basketball. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful Nation, I extend our deepest appreciation to Ms. Megan Handal for her dedicated service to the U.S. House of Representatives and to our Nation. We wish her the best as she moves on to her next role.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and service of Robert LaVenture, a committed organizer and unyielding advocate for workers, who devoted over 49 years of his life to fighting for the American worker in the labor movement. Robert first became involved in labor organizing after graduating high school when he began work at an International Harvester foundry in Waukesha. During his time in Waukesha, Robert's stalwart advocacy allowed him to proudly serve as trustee, local union steward, vice president and of Local 3740. His dedication was recognized by his peers and led him to be elected president of the union. As president, Robert helped to create the state of Wisconsin's first employee education center and later developed other centers throughout the state when he served as Wisconsin's AFL-CIO Coordinator. Robert embodied the greatest traits of a union organizer by devoting himself to building the labor movement and improving the lives of workers across the country. After serving as state coordinator for the AFL-CIO, Robert served as a United Steel Workers International Staff Representative in the San Francisco Bay Area and then in Oklahoma. In 2009, recognizing Robert's tireless and effective work on behalf of United Steel Workers, he was made district director of District 12, coordinating USW work in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington. While serving as director, Robert used his decades of committed work to successfully negotiate countless contracts on behalf of steel workers across the western U.S. Robert's legacy is that of a tireless union organizer, devoting countless hours to fighting on behalf of American industry and workers in the U.S. and abroad. Robert's work will continue to help the lives of countless people and his spirit will be missed. Please join me in celebrating his life and his memory.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2019 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. During the last 50 years women have made great strides in America. It used to be almost unheard of to see women as elected officials, CEOs, senior military officials, doctors or attorneys, but today many of our most successful leaders in the world are women. This progress has not come easy and many women before you have worked hard and strived to achieve the independence and rights you have today. I realize 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 future successes for women. 2019's Women of the Year are: Kellie Geweke Sheeran is a Sutter County native who has worked continuously to give back to her community. A Yuba City High School graduate, Kellie graduated from Chico State with a degree in Organizational Communications before returning home in 2003 to join the family business at Geweke Ford Kia Collision. Over the years, Kellie has contributed tremendously through her family's non-profit organization, Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation, where she served as Director from 2008 to 2010. This organization financially assists local women facing cancer, having now provided over 10,000 women low-cost mammograms and women's health screenings. Under her leadership, the Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation has helped over 430 cancer survivors through numerous grants. Beyond her work with her family's foundation, she has been a steadfast advocate for breast cancer awareness, co-chairing the Pink October Race for Awareness for the last 12 years alongside her sister. Kellie is also an active member of Early Risers Kiwanis and has supported Beale Airforce Base as part of the Beale Military Liaison Council for 10 years, where she has been an honorary commander since 2011. Kellie's passion and dedication make her an invaluable member of the Yuba-Sutter community. Joyce Hammond is a dedicated educator who has educated thousands of students on topics of health and nutrition. With 24 years of service to the Yuba City Unified School District, she has made a lasting impact on the community. Recently, Joyce has partnered with Sutter County Public Health and CalFresh to promote healthy and active lifestyles by teaching her students about good nutrition and how to make healthy choices through the CalFresh Healthy Living Program. Joyce's invaluable experience in education coupled with her expertise in nutrition has allowed her to seamlessly introduce this new program into her Childhood Development, Early Childhood Careers and Life Management, and Nutritional Science classes. Joyce also takes the time to serve as a co-advisor to the campus Family and Consumer Science Club where she encourages her students to participate in the healthy living program. Joyce's passion, commitment, and professionalism have been a source of inspiration to her colleagues who admire her determination to provide her students with the skills that will help them lead healthy lives for years to come. Joyce's tireless work to improve the quality of life for her students and their families will leave a lasting impact on her community. Ms. Kathleen Heeren served her country in the United States Army and, following her honorable discharge, continued her life of service by devoting her time to advocating on behalf of her fellow veterans. She is a lifetime member of the American Legion, where she has volunteered for over 21 years. Over the years, Kathleen has served as Commander of the Vacaville American Legion Post 165, Commander of the American Legion 5th District, and the Women Veteran's Representative to the California American Legion. She now serves as the Women Veteran's Representative to the Vacaville Soroptimist International where she has been a member for over 10 years and given her time to a number of committees within the organization. Her generosity and volunteer work have extended to many youth programs in her community including the Vanden High School JROTC program, local Boy Scout troops, and the American Legion Boys and Girls State programs. Kathleen has truly lived a life of service, wearing the uniform for her country before going on to honor the men and women who served before, after, and alongside her through her work with veteran organizations. Kathleen is an integral part of the Vacaville veteran community and has touched the lives of many. Kelly Heung has committed her life to helping children of all abilities and backgrounds thrive. Through her many professional and volunteer positions, Kelly has dedicated countless hours to supporting children in her community. Throughout her career she has devoted herself to understanding and meeting the needs of children and has lived that commitment in all her professional and personal actions. Having earned her PhD in Human Development, Kelly became an authority on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and now uses her expertise to mentor future leaders in the field. She has also become an active advocate for education in Yolo County, volunteering her time with the Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee, Davis Parent University Board, Davis Joint Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee, Davis Schools Foundation, Parent Teacher Association, and multiple School Site Councils. Kelly has used her positions within all of these organizations to champion the interests of underserved children and ensure equitable treatment for all students throughout her community. Kelly has inspired others with her compassion, conscientiousness, and commitment to being the voice for children who are unable to advocate for themselves. She is generous with her time, energy, and kindness, and is a devoted mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Rosemary Hicks is a dedicated advocate for children and families in her community. For 42 years, Rosemary has been a devoted part of the Colusa Unified School District. As a former para-educator and current administrative assistant to the Principal of Burchfield Primary School, Rosemary has touched the lives of so many children, teachers, and families. She is known throughout her community as someone who will always find a way to help a family in need. Around the holidays Rosemary is a driving force behind countless community food, clothing, and shoe drives, as well as Toys for Tots programs. She has also served her community through leadership positions in organizations such as the Colusa Little League, IMPACT Thrift Store, the Catholic Ladies Auxiliary, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and many more. She is also an active member of the California School Employees Association where she has been a strong advocate for her colleagues. Through her tireless work and dedication to helping others, Rosemary has become a pillar of support for families and children in Colusa. She is known by everyone in Colusa as the heart and soul of the Colusa Unified School District and the community at large. Jaye Hurt is dedicated to giving back to the men and women who serve our country and the families who support them. Through her work as the Team Lead at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Jaye is highly respected and admired for her constant dedication to ensuring that our Airmen and their families get the services and support that they need. As Team Lead, Jaye has provided oversight to key support programs that have helped over 73,000 military personnel. She coordinated the Monthly Hearts Apart Program, which provided activities for children and social emotional support for spouses of deployed troops. Jaye has focused many of her efforts on supporting troops and their families during deployment. She facilitated over 50 pre-deployment briefings and ensured that family members felt prepared and supported by the base community. She organized a Deployer Care project that sent more than 400 care packages to deployed troops. She has also worked with local community leaders to ensure viable employment opportunities for Military Spouses. Jaye was also the driving force behind the Annual Base Freedom Walk, where her coordination efforts resulted in the participation of more than 900 students. She also played a role in starting the Travis Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance, is a founding member of the Special Needs Task Force for families with exceptional family members, is a Traumatic Stress Response Team member, and oversees many other support services encompassed by the Diversity Working Group. Through her commitment to excellence and continual support, Jaye has changed the lives of thousands of military personnel and their families. Erica Hurtado has dedicated herself to improving the lives of children within her community. As a member of the Founding Families for the Dixon Montessori Charter School, Erica assisted in setting up classrooms, offices, and other sites around the campus in preparation for the first school year. For years, she donated her time and skill as a professional photographer to capture photos of students and staff. It was during this time that Erica joined the DMCS board of directors where she is still active today. Erica also helped form the first Dixon Little League Challengers Team, which gave children with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of participating in a team sport. After receiving immense support for the organization from the community, Erica was inspired to create T.E.A.M. Dixon with the emphasis that ``Together Everyone Always Matters.'' In founding this non-profit organization, Erica was instrumental in helping to break down barriers facing those with special needs while simultaneously helping to build their confidence and increase community awareness and understanding. T.E.A.M. Dixon's mission, with the help of Erica's vision and generosity, has spread to nearby towns where they wish to bring the same compassion and kindness to their community. Through her hard work and dedication, Erica has had a positive impact on the lives of countless children in her community. Roberta James is an active member of her community who has devoted her time to promoting education, reading, and an appreciation for the arts and literature in Colusa. As an educator, she dedicated her career to keeping students engaged in their education, working with families, and mentoring new teachers. Ten years ago, Roberta founded the Virginia Yerxa Community Read and formed a committee of women who established the first one-book project in Colusa County, doing so in memory of another Colusa woman who was a tireless advocate for literacy. Every year, a new book selection is chosen to shine a light on different areas of the community. Several events are planned throughout the year that bring everyone together to share their interests and experiences through a shared appreciation of that year's book. Thanks to Roberta's commitment to the project, the Virginia Read has become part of the fabric of the Colusa community. Roberta still teaches part time while using the rest of her time to focus on art. She founded an Artist-in- Residence program which offers a space for artists to work on their craft in exchange for sharing their talents with the local community. Through this program and her support of the Colusa County Arts Council, Roberta works to promote her community as a destination for those interested in the arts. Roberta is an integral member of her community, consistently finding and addressing the needs of Colusa. Mary Rose Kennedy has devoted her career and personal life to caring for and educating children. A mother of five, retired teacher, and current classroom volunteer, Mary Rose has touched the lives of countless children in her community. Having retired after more than 25 years of service to the Orland Unified School District, she now has the pleasure of seeing the impact she has made on her community when she is fondly greeted by her former students. Mary Rose was a strong and dedicated educator who was honored as a Glenn County Teacher of the Year, and later inducted into the Glenn County Educator's Hall of Fame. Though now retired, she continues to volunteer her time in classrooms helping children learn the joy of reading. Her volunteer work also extends beyond the classroom where she uses her grant writing skills to help secure funding for community organizations such as the Orland Arts Commission, the Orland Beautification Committee, and a local club providing scholarships to deserving high school students. Mary Rose is an integral member of the Orland community and has played a vital role in its improvement and growth. Through her diligent dedication to her community, Juantia Menefee has become an unwavering pillar of support for those in her community with the greatest need. She has devoted her career to serving those in need of housing assistance and ensuring they receive the services they need. Through her work with Volunteers for America, Juantia became part of a national network of service organizations providing life altering support to 1.5 million people every year. She has also worked with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to help underprivileged individuals and families find affordable housing and employment. Juantia also volunteers with arts and reading programs at local schools, working to ensure that the students within her community are engaged and successful in their academic endeavors. Juantia's service to her community can be seen in everything she does, from her career path to her volunteer work, she devotes her time to serving others. Glenda Nelson was born and raised on Enterprise Rancheria, instilled with the importance of honor and duty in serving her Native People. She surmounted many hardships before becoming one of the first Native American women to graduate college. Glenda then used her voice and her education to protect the Rancheria Lands and the sovereign rights of indigenous peoples, leading to her eventual election to the Tribal Council. Her desire to serve expanded to active involvement in political advocacy at the state and federal level, where she provided testimony on legislation and advocated for increased funding, protection of tribal sovereignty, and protection of the Indian Child Welfare Act. She has served as a delegate to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of the American Indians. Glenda played an integral role in developing educational programs and participated in the founding of the Ipakanni Early College Charter School. Glenda has fought on behalf of her community on every issue, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Feather River Tribal Health, a board member for the Enterprise Rancheria Indian Housing Authority, a delegate to the National American Indian Housing Council, and a delegate to the California Tribal Families Coalition. After years of hard work and leadership, together with the Tribal Council, Glenda is credited with creating hundreds of jobs in the region by making the vision of opening a casino in Yuba County a reality. Glenda's passionate and effective advocacy on behalf of her community will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Pat Nicodemus has spent the last 35 years serving her community and working to improve the lives of some of the most disadvantaged populations. Early in her career, Pat helped found an emergency foster program where she helped recruit and prepare families to adopt drug exposed infants, ensuring a safe place for children facing unimaginable challenges. Later in her career she began to work on decreasing recidivism by helping incarcerated individuals access parenting classes, drug treatment programs, and other educational services essential for survival outside of the prison system. Pat co-founded the Women's ReEntry and Achievement Program, a program to guide incarcerated women to address their past trauma, deal with their addictions, and have the best possible chance to become productive members of their communities. Through this program, Pat has helped hundreds of women and their families lift themselves into prosperity. Her compassion, wisdom, patience, and devotion to serving women and families has transformed many lives and her positive impact on her community will span generations. Vangie Porras has been an integral part of her community of Glenn County and has served in some form since 1989. As one of the first Latino students welcomed into the Orland School district, Vangie faced stark challenges to having her voice heard. But that didn't stop her from finding ways to become involved in her community. Vangie began her path of service at the Democratic Party booth at the Glenn County Fair in 1989. From there she eventually became treasurer of the Glenn County Democratic Party, holding the organization together with her many years of hard work and well-earned wisdom. Outside politics, Vangie Porras expanded her portfolio of service to the Orland Unified School Board and the Glenn County Fair Board. Her work ensured that current students never had to face the same challenges she faced in Glenn County and held together a tightly knit county fair community. Vangie Porras has become a permanent fixture of public service in Glenn County. On behalf of the people of Orland and the 3rd Congressional District, I offer Vangie Porras my congratulations and well wishes for her future endeavors. Navneet Randhawa is a dedicated community servant who has routinely taken the time to reach out to people in need and bring communities together. In 2012 Navneet participated in the Sutter County Library's Citizenship Preparation class, where she learned of their Literacy Services Program. She was interested in the opportunity to give back to the library and volunteered a tutor for ESL students with the lowest reading levels. Colleagues and students alike attest to her friendly and welcoming manner as she provided critical assistance with the program. Navneet also worked tirelessly for Casa de Esperanza, a shelter, counseling, advocacy, and education facility for adult and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Through her work as a bi-lingual counselor advocate she was instrumental in bridging the gap between the organization and her Southeast Asian community, helping Casa de Esperanza reach more people in need of their services. She also worked to help her colleagues better understand her culture so they could better serve the community. Though Navneet now works as a nurse, she continues to volunteer her time with Casa where she continues to make a positive difference in people's lives. Navneet's unique skill and compassion in bringing together communities and treating everyone with compassion is a joy and inspiration to everyone around her. Margaret Renn has dedicated her life to educating children throughout her community. Margaret taught in elementary school classrooms for 16 years at schools in San Jose, Vallejo, and Fairfield before going on to serve as an elementary school principal in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District for 16 more years. Now in retirement, Margaret continues her passion for education by volunteering with the Solano County Chapter of the California Retired Teachers Association. In addition to her many years of service as a public educator, Margaret now spends her free time serving special needs children and adults at the Horseplay Therapeutic Riding Center in Dixon, where she has been volunteering for five years, is one of two volunteer coordinators, and serves on their Board of Directors. Through her work at the Horseplay Therapeutic Center she has the privilege of getting to see special needs riders develop physical strength, social skills, and self confidence while expanding their horsemanship skills. Margaret has dedicated herself to the education and wellbeing of others and her service in the classroom and at the stables have had a lasting positive impact on her community. Jenn Rexroad is a fierce advocate for children and families throughout our community. As the Founder and Executive Director of the California Alliance of Caregivers, Jenn consistently fights for the needs of at-risk foster care children. Jenn was instrumental in creating and implementing a policy agenda that advocated for the rights of foster children and played a vital role in establishing numerous projects important to children and families. Her work on the Resource Families' Policy Summit and the Mental Health Services Parent Stakeholder Engagement Project has furthered the goal of improving mental health services for all children and youth statewide. Her fervent advocacy has helped to create stronger protections and opportunities for those in need. Jenn is in position to continue her vital work by serving as a First5 Yolo Commissioner and volunteering as the Child Welfare Policy Director for the organization Children Now. Her unbridled energy and concern for those in need are instrumental in creating a more caring and compassionate community. Her work on behalf of children and families in our community will have a lasting impact on generations to come. Jen Roberts is a passionate activist whose strong and energetic leadership has had a real impact on her community. As founder of Indivisible Colusa, a local volunteer organization focused on engaging in progressive political advocacy, Jen has been tireless in creating ways for local community members to develop their voice. In doing everything from organizing postcard campaigns to composing the Indivisible Colusa newsletter, Jen has been relentless in pursuing ways for community members to engage in the political process on the local, state, and federal levels. She has been known to regularly open her home for meetings and debate watch parties. Her courageous, thoughtful, and principled leadership has allowed Indivisible Colusa to rapidly transform from its humble beginnings in 2017 to the lively and visible presence it is in the community today. Jen is also a founding member of the Colusa County Democratic Central Committee, which held its first meeting in February 2018. Kickstarting this process, Jen was integral in establishing a Democratic party committee in one of the few California counties that didn't already have one. Jen is tireless in her efforts to engage others and ensures that those in her community have a place to develop and express their beliefs while delving into the democratic process. 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 honor the 2019 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. During the last 50 years women have made great strides in America. It used to be almost unheard of to see women as elected officials, CEOs, senior military officials, doctors or attorneys, but today many of our most successful leaders in the world are women. This progress has not come easy and many women before you have worked hard and strived to achieve the independence and rights you have today. I realize 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 future successes for women. 2019's Women of the Year are: Lynn Rolston has used her creativity, determination, and skilled leadership to have a vast and visible impact on her community. She envisioned an economic rebirth for her rural community of Esparto, if only the right community stakeholders were gathered in the same space. Fueled by this vision for a brighter future, Lynn helped found the New Season Community Development Corporation to revitalize the core business community and to deliver a higher quality of life to her fellow residents of Esparto. Under Lynn's guidance, the New Season Community Development Corp. began rehabilitating unused properties and acquiring tenants for them. Lynn's eagerness to serve her community spread from community development to every facet of her life. Lynn revitalized the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce by injecting it with fresh new recruits from the newly strengthened Esparto business community. Furthermore, Lynn served on multiple Yolo County committees such as the Esparto Citizens Advisory Committee and the Recreation Task Force, where her efforts helped create the new Tuli Mem Park and Aquatic Center. Lynn Rolston is an example to us all on the positive effects one determined visionary can have on any community. Beth Rowe is an active member of the Vacaville community who continues to show support and encouragement for women throughout Solano County. Beth has been an active member of the local Soroptimist International club for over four years. In her time with Soroptimist, she has mentored countless girls and actively participated in providing scholarships and grants to single mothers and young students. Beth gave an empowering speech representing the Soroptimist International of Vacaville regarding the detrimental impact of the rape kit backlog in Solano County on the ability to bring justice to victims of sexual assault. Thanks to her speech, Soroptimist received a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care which they used to pay for the testing of old rape kits at risk of expiration. Beth has also been a fierce advocate for Assembly Bill 1496, which would mandate the testing of untested rape kits, and is determined to see this bill become law. She draws her strength and desire to help others from her upbringing which shaped her into the advocate she is today. Beth is also a member of Saving Gracie, Angel Fund for Pets, and her local VFW Auxiliary and is passionate about helping families and veterans in her community. Beth is a passionate advocate for those in her community who have the most trouble getting their voices heard. Heather Sanderson is an active member of the Fairfield community who uses her time and talents to support and advocate for at-risk youth. She possesses the skills, commitment, and compassion to be an uplifting force for the entire Fairfield community. In her work as the Police Activities League Coordinator, she provides marginalized youths with after school programs, providing healthy food options, positive activities, and life changing opportunities. She has also introduced several programs to the community that focus on reducing violence and teaching younger generations how to navigate emotions such as fear, anger, and stress. She has developed valuable partnerships with community organizations to further the positive impact of the Police Activities League programs. Heather's generosity, kindness, and compassion make her an inspiration to all her peers. Her work has changed countless lives and left a lasting positive impact on her community. Cherie Schroeder is an exceptional and selfless community servant whose work has had an incredible impact on Solano and Yolo Counties. As the Director of the Foster and Kinship Care Education Program at Woodland Community College, Cherie is a tireless advocate for foster youth and consistently provides support and guidance for the most vulnerable among us. For over 34 years, Cherie has put her heart and soul into this work. Her work-ethic, compassion, and intellect have made her a wonderful rolemodel for all those she interacts with. In addition to her work as Director of the Foster and Kinship Care Education program, she is a longtime member of the Soroptimist International of Dixon. When she served as President, Cherie oversaw the development of the Young Woman of the Month program which recognized local women for their outstanding achievements within their community. Through this program, she mentored countless young women and ran a generous scholarship initiative. Cherie serves her community with unparalleled kindness and compassion and has touched the lives of many. Harmony Scopazzi is a vital and appreciated part of this community. She is dedicated to ensuring that every family in Yolo County is successful, happy, and healthy. For the past 13 years, Harmony has worked for Davis Community Meals and Housing as a Family Case Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. Harmony has selflessly devoted her time and energy to the mission of protecting Yolo County families from food and housing insecurities and is a truly valued member of the agency. She is endlessly generous, caring, loving, and respectful and she will always go out of her way to help those around her. For the past five years, Harmony has served as a foster parent, opening her home to ensure that there is a safe and loving environment for any child in need. Her service as a foster parent is one of many ways in which she demonstrates her generosity, kindness, and drive to help others. Harmony has touched the lives of countless children throughout our community and her positive impact cannot be overstated. Julie Shuffield is a renowned entrepreneur, dedicated community servant, and strong advocate on behalf of women. Julie long ago discovered her abiding passion for infrastructure development, operation, and strategic planning. Julie has long maintained this passion for infrastructure and appreciated its role as the backbone to safety, resilience, and a high standard of living for our local communities. Her decades of experience, first as manager of External Affairs for California Independent System Operation, then as Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs, and now as Senior Consultant for Advantage Consulting, have seen her exercise this passion to ensure the highest quality infrastructure standards are met for every project in which she is involved. Her ability to respond with foresight, flexibility, and ingenuity to any and all challenges that come her way have allowed her to make significant contributions across many fields. As owner of her own S-corporation and partner at her consulting firm, Julie knows what it takes to thrive as a female entrepreneur. She used this knowledge to assist in launching a United States branch of the Hawthorne club to promote female executives in energy to C-suite and board positions. In the community, Julie serves as Chairperson of Casa de Esperanza, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Additionally, she has served as Co-Founder of Yuba-Sutter Back the Badge, a local law enforcement trauma and spousal support team, as well as being a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards counselor for over a decade. Through her career and volunteerism, Julie has made countless contributions to her local community. Cathy Speck has led a life of activism and perseverance, demonstrating at every turn her indominable spirit. Cathy has faced a great deal of hardship in her life, living with two debilitating diseases and watching much of her family do the same. Despite these challenges and more, she has consistently spread joy in her community through her music, art, writing, and infectious spirit. Cathy has also fought for righteous causes, acting as a fierce advocate for marriage equality and ALS awareness. In 2009, Cathy was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare degenerative disease that has claimed four of her family members already. She takes part in many efforts to raise awareness about ALS, and as a columnist at the iPinion Syndicate, Cathy further raises awareness and support for those diagnosed with ALS, using compassion and humor to discuss a difficult topic. In addition to her work as an activist, Cathy is deeply invested in community building. For the past several years, she has organized a yearly Christmas caroling excursion to Courtyard Healthcare in Davis to foster friendships and bring smiles to long term patients. She is also a booster of the Dorothy Speck Memorial Basketball Tournament at Davis High School, the longest running girls' basketball tournament in the country. Cathy consistently demonstrates her unwavering commitment to use all that she can, from her activism to her artistic talents, to make her community a better place. Dee Tokiwa has dedicated her life to helping others in her community. Dee works as a nurse in oncology and bone marrow transplants at Sutter General Hospital, but this demanding career never stopped her from volunteering her time in her community. For several years, she has volunteered at Alamo Elementary School in Vacaville, where she has overseen numerous activities and events. She has spent countless days with the children during their recesses where she created new games, encouraged participation, cultivated compassion, and fostered understanding amongst the students. As an advocate for education and literacy, Dee took the time to organize the district-wide Novel Knowledge program. This competition for students between fourth and sixth grades quickly became an avenue for children to improve their reading and critical thinking skills. She also served as the chairperson for the annual Scholastic Book Fairs and planned a book drive fundraiser which received enough books to fill the school library and classrooms. She contributes to her community in many ways, living up to the Mother Teresa quote by which she lives, ``Not all OF US can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.'' She is a loving mother and devoted member of the community who exudes kindness, humility, and generosity. Tracy Tomasky is a fierce advocate for the rights of others who consistently works to build communities of respect and acceptance. Tracy serves as the co-chair of the Davis Phoenix Coalition, a nonprofit organization that works to build diverse and inclusive communities and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ members of our community. Tracy is passionate about the work she does fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, preventing of hate speech, and promoting immigrant rights. As the volunteer coordinator of the Davis Phoenix Coalition, she always comes prepared with a plan on how to best utilize the skills of the group and bring out the best of everyone's abilities to further the organization's mission. Tracy has a rare ability to bridge divides and bring communities together to deliver positive change through collaboration. Tracy's work on behalf of those who are underrepresented has made Davis into a safer and more inclusive community that is welcoming to all. Her tireless advocacy has had a widespread and lasting impact that cannot be overstated. Kim Travis has dedicated her career to guiding young athletes to reach for and achieve their goals. As the girls' volleyball coach at Pierce High School in Arbuckle, Kim has served as a wonderful role model to each of her students. She is a proactive coach who has worked hard to build a successful high school and club volleyball team. Her coaching style exercises team building by developing their skills and confidence, teaching her players that success comes from failure. Her role in the community is felt by all. She started a youth camp program for children between first and eighth grade, and for the past ten years, has dedicated her time on the boards of Arbuckle and West Side Little League. She also volunteers for Pierce Pride Foundation and Dynamix Club Volleyball where she actively fundraises for sports equipment and programs. More recently, Kim organized a volleyball tournament between two alumni high school teams in Colusa to remember and honor fallen Davis Police Officer and Pierce High School alumni, Natalie Corona, bringing her community together in a difficult time. Many have come to know Kim as a leader, teacher, and friend and she has touched the lives of countless young athletes whom she has mentored. Diane Vafis has lived for over 50 years in Colusa, where her love and kindness has touched the lives of countless people. Currently serving as the Co-Director of the after-school program operated by St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colusa, she has worked to provide after- school tutoring to fourth graders for over 12 years. Diane takes extra care to create a healthy and nurturing environment for her students, personally picking up the children after school, providing craft sessions, and communicating closely with her students' teachers to maximize their success. Broadening the impact of her investments in local education, she became a vital member and treasurer of the Colusa County Alpha Kappa Chapter of Omega Nu, which provides academic scholarships to local high school graduates. In addition to cultivating after educational programs, Diane is the Civic Beautification Chair of the Garden Club of Colusa County, which is responsible for planting and maintaining gardens in public spaces such as libraries, post offices, and the courthouse. Diane demonstrates an unwavering dedication to serving her community and serves as a role model for everyone around her. With a wealth of business knowledge and a heart of service, Sarah Villec has become a staple in the Dixon community since first moving to California as a military spouse. She began her career with the Dixon Tribune in 1988 working long and hard hours to ensure the paper published a fair and balanced interpretation of the local news. Recognizing her leadership and management skills, the owners asked her to manage operations for the Benicia Herald, The Martinez News Gazette, and the Rio Vista River News Herald. Despite her long hours involved in her newspaper career, Sarah managed to find time to dedicate Countless hours to the Dixon community. She is involved with the local Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Dixon Business Association and is the President of Dixon Family Services, a non-profit which helps families and individuals who are experiencing difficult times. Sarah Villec is a champion of women in business with a heart for public service. Strong in her mind and body, she continues to be involved in the local community and is an inspiration to those around her. On behalf of the citizens of Dixon and the people of the 3rd Congressional District, I extend my sincere appreciation to Sarah for her enthusiasm and dedication to her community and love for her family. Tina Viramontes' commitment and love for her community as a leader is reflected by her involvement in several campaigns and community events. She worked countless hours to help pass Measure V, a local measure which would improve the roads in the City of Clearlake. She's a staple in the local youth sports community where you will often find her volunteering her time by helping at events or providing rides to the parents of athletes who have no way to get to the games. As a community leader, Tina organized the 1st Annual Soapbox Derby, a family friendly event that inspires children and adults to create the fastest gravity-powered, or most creative vehicles, they can and race in front of cheering fans. This was especially important to Lake County in that it was simply a joyous occasion for the entire community after four straight years of disastrous fires. Tina Viramontes is a Deputy City Clerk for the City of Clearlake who has a heart for public service and a strong desire to help people. She greets everyone with a smile, a cheerful attitude, and helps them navigate through the various departments with professionalism and integrity. On behalf of the Clearlake community and the people of the 3rd Congressional District, I offer Tina Viramontes congratulations and my well wishes in her future endeavors. Dr. Vajra M. Watson has had immense influence the community during her career at UC Davis as the Director of Research and Policy for Equity. Her poise, work-ethic, and commitment to making the world a better place stands unmatched. Dr. Watson devotes her time to creating and expanding upon various academic and community-based programs. She digs in to solve problems on the ground, putting her renowned academic research to work. Just a few of the programs that she helped develop include Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS), the UC Davis Campus-wide Equity task Force, and the UC Davis Outreach Center. Dr. Watson has been an invaluable figure for the African American Community, creating and fighting for these life-altering programs. Her work supports the education and elevation of marginalized youths from disenfranchised communities. Her SAYS program has been instrumental in helping teachers learn to incorporate authenticity in the classroom environment to engage and enrich their students. In addition to her hands-on work in the community, she has contributed to the education canon of academia with a multitude of books and peer reviewed studies. Her book Transformative Schooling addresses many of the central aspects of our time as she delves into the structure and nuances of America's education structure, as well as the necessary action that must be taken. On behalf of the 3rd Congressional District, I offer Vajra M. Watson my sincere best wishes and continued success. Jeanine Werner has dedicated much of her life to improving the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing, or those that have physical and cognitive disabilities. Her empathy and drive started early in her life, leading her to begin working with these populations in high school. As she continued to develop her professional career, she never abandoned her original goal. After working with these populations as a classroom aid, she eventually took on the opportunity to work with adults and children known as ``Campers''. These ``Campers'', who are attendees of Lion Camps for people with disabilities, undoubtably benefited from her kindness and commitment to improving the lives of those around her. Upon returning to Yuba City, Jeanine involved herself with Casa de Esperanza, a shelter for those suffering from abuse and violence. Jeanine then began work as a Counselor Advocate for the First Responder program. Shortly after, she was promoted to be Project Director for the program because of her skill and passion. During her time at Casa de Esperanza, Jeanine transformed several programs and projects through expansive training, education, and outreach efforts. Her desire to improve the lives of those around her continues to benefit our community. On behalf of the people of Yuba City and the 3rd Congressional District, I am pleased to congratulate Jeanine Werner as a 2019 Woman of the Year for her dedication, passion, kindness, and intellect. Kristina Wiley's dedication to helping others is unparalled. In her tireless work to improve her community, she has served as president of Soroptimist, a non-profit organization devoted to improving the lives of women and girls across the country. In addition, Kristina has raised money for charities and even traveled to Haiti to perform dental surgery for those in need. In her work in Dixon, Kristina has raised tens of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research, donated to the funeral funds of those in need and raised $47,000 for animal welfare. In addition to these great contributions, Kristina has devoted her time to mentoring children and even taken children in need under her wing while they get back on their feet. Kristina has also used her skills as a DDS in Haiti, traveling there 5 times in order to perform much-needed procedures on those who would otherwise not have access to dental care. Her involvement in the community has improved many lives and will continue to do so in the future. 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 honor the 2019 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. During the last 50 years women have made great strides in America. It used to be almost unheard of to see women as elected officials, CEOs, senior military officials, doctors or attorneys, but today many of our most successful leaders in the world are women. This progress has not come easy and many women before you have worked hard and strived to achieve the independence and rights you have today. I realize 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 future successes for women. 2019's Women of the Year are: Bobbi Abold is a dedicated, passionate, and invested advocate who brings over a decade of experience in education to her work on behalf of at-risk students. Bobbi currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Yuba County Office of Education. In this position as well as during her time as Principal at Durham Elementary School, Bobbi has leveraged her unique capacity for positive reinforcement and decision making to administer critical resources and engaging programs for all her students. As a true model and champion of the very best in leadership in alternative education, Bobbi has continuously gone out of her way to improve her skills by training in restorative practices and is always challenging others to become better educators. Her inclusivity allows her to foster a positive and constructive environment for students to learn and grow as individuals, and she lends a special focus to those facing the greatest challenges. Bobbi is a passionate public servant who consistently demonstrates her unparalleled dedication to securing bright futures for her students. Rose Mary Avila is a dedicated advocate for members of the Yuba County community. She is a highly regarded volunteer, community servant, and business woman. Rose Mary works to help the Marysville business community thrive through her involvement with the Focus on Marysville business forum. Rose Mary has been an executive member at the Alliance for Hispanic Advancement in Yuba County for 15 years and contributes her time to many events and fundraisers. Through this organization she has worked to enrich the lives of people of Hispanic heritage in her community by awarding scholarships to Hispanic students, providing health resources and bilingual information for community members, and administering numerous other community programs. Rose Mary is also a member of the Marysville Kiwanis where she lends valuable assistance to their fundraising efforts. Rose Mary is also an active member of her church where she helps with annual fundraisers and volunteered as a catechism teacher. Rose Mary is a loving mother of two, grandmother of four, and a cherished friend to many. A lifelong resident of Yuba County, she has had a positive impact on countless members of her community. Lisa Baker is a tireless advocate working at the forefront of some of the most pressing issues facing her community. Her activism encompasses issues such as housing, social equality, and climate change. Her efforts to provide affordable housing, connect residents with social services, improve social equity, and address issues related to climate change have had a profound and positive impact on our district. As CEO of the Yolo County Housing Authority, Lisa works tirelessly to realize the organization's mission of working to provide quality affordable housing and community development services for all. Her organization and its allies provide essential services that meet the needs of thousands of underprivileged households throughout Yolo and Solano counties. Under her leadership, the Yolo County Housing Authority works with community partners to combat homelessness and does innovative work on climate resiliency. Over the years, her organization has earned numerous national recognitions, and last year won the City of Davis Environmental Special Recognition award for ongoing work in sustainability and equity. Beyond her groundbreaking work in building climate resiliency and sustainability into affordable housing, Lisa lends her time and expertise to a variety of community organizations. She is Vice Chair of the Winters Planning Commission, serves on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Yolo County Transportation District, is a member of the Cool Davis Council of Advisors, serves on the Prop 47 Steering Committee, and is a member of the Yolo Resilience Collaborative. She is also a member of a number of statewide and national organizations focused on advocating for affordable housing in underserved communities. Lisa's passion for public service and positive impact on her community cannot be overstated. Navjot Bala-Singh has a unique and unparalleled ability as an educator. When Navjot came to the United States in 2002, it was her dream to become an educator and share the history of Indian women with her community. The challenges of adjusting to a new culture and learning to communicate effectively in a foreign language did not stop her from pursuing her goals. On the contrary, this experience endowed her with patience and a unique perspective she could share with others. In 2010 she became a U.S. Citizen, enrolled in college, and later completed her degree in early childhood education. She became a Mentor Teacher at Yuba Community College where she shared her skills as a pre- school teacher and her passion for cultivating young minds flourished. Throughout her educational career she has learned the value of sharing her Indian culture with students and her community. Navjot now plays a leadership role in the annual Indian Women's Teejan Meda, an event which shares the important contributions Indian women have made to national and local communities. She also plays a crucial role in putting on the annual Sikh Parade, Nagar Kirtan, which attracts over 100,000 visitors to Yuba City and provides a special opportunity to share Indian culture with the local community. Navjot and her husband lend the use of their local landmark restaurant, the Star of India, to make this event a resounding success year after year. Navjot plays an integral role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding that has helped to make Yuba City a vibrant and diverse community. Dennise Burbank is a life-long resident of the Yuba-Sutter area with an extensive record of service to her community. Dennise is well known for her kind heart and unparalleled generosity. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to open her own business, Dennise founded Burbank Insurance in 2007. Outside of work, she spends her time doing a variety of volunteer work. Dennise and her son give their time training service dogs that are placed with children with autism all over the country. Dennise can also be found overseeing everything from the Olivehurst Christmas Parade to operating her non-profit organization SoYouCan. Under her leadership, this organization aids needy families across the county. For the last seven years, SoYouCan has partnered with the Yuba County Sherriff's Department, Olivehurst and Linda Fire Departments, and countless local schools and volunteers to put together Operation Turkey Swap. This annual event brings Christmas dinners and toys to over 250 families and 600 children, allowing those who might go without to participate in the Christmas spirit. Additionally, as President of the Marysville Kiwanis club, Dennise oversaw the BUGS program which focuses on incentivizing local middle school students to raise their grades with the promise of a new bicycle for the top-five most improved students, as well as an ice cream social for all who take the pledge to improve. In 2012, Dennise ran for Director of Public Utilities, going on to serve as President of the Board until 2015. With her vast array of accomplishments and caring spirit, Dennise serves as a shining example of philanthropic generosity and passionate service to everyone in her community. Neelam Canto-Lugo is a community servant who has made contributions to the Yuba-Sutter area and beyond that cannot be overstated. As a retired adjunct professor of communications at Yuba College and a feminist ahead of her time, her main mission and purpose has always been to better the lives of students, children, and women in disadvantaged communities. In her two-plus decades at Yuba College, Neelam developed and coordinated the Crossing Borders--Building Bridges Events Series. Here she effectively promoted cultural, socio-political, and religious understanding through countless events and projects, including museum exhibits on the Japanese-American Internment experience, interfaith panel discussions promoting religious tolerance, as well as annual panels on women's health, domestic violence, human trafficking, and Women's History Month. Whether in the fight to reduce hate crimes in Yuba City or support women's entrepreneurship in Nepal and Bangladesh, Neelam's presence and service-oriented mindset are felt by all she meets. For her efforts, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including but certainly not limited to, the United States President's Gold Volunteer Service Award for volunteer work in developing countries and the John W. Rice Equity and Diversity Award. Neelam's leadership has made a positive impact on women's issues locally and internationally, where her trailblazing approach to social justice, women's rights, and equity has broken many a glass ceiling. Jill Cook has a heart of service that is clearly and consistently demonstrated in her commitment to serving those in need. In her work as the Yolo County Deputy Administrator she does just that, focusing on bringing health and wellness to the community. Jill passionately infuses her commitment to community health and wellness with her focused determination and natural ability to forge cooperation amongst partners. In doing so, Jill was at the forefront of the local Affordable Care Act implementation, secured over $6 million in new funding through an intergovernmental transfer with the Medi-Cal managed plan, and helped the County transition to a regional public health laboratory through a joint powers agreement with two adjacent counties. More recently, Jill oversaw the completion of the Tuli Mem Park and Aquatic Center spanning 8 acres of rural western Yolo County. Her steadfast belief that underserved communities throughout Yolo County deserve access to outdoor recreation for play and exercise, inspires her to find ways of galvanizing support. Jill uses her strong public health background to champion for her community and successfully secured funding from the California Department of Parks and Recreation for Knights Landing in order to provide new outdoor recreation space in her community. Jill continually seeks ways to help others and has implemented workgroups focused on improving the quality of life for residents of Yolo County. Her hard work and determination make her a strong advocate for the well-being of her community and her generosity and volunteerism are an example for future leaders. Jenalee Dawson is a young professional who has accomplished more in her career than many do in a lifetime. She puts her unparalleled determination and focus to work as a fierce advocate for those at risk in her community, working to address issues of interpersonal violence, senior poverty and isolation, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health and substance abuse, and accessibility to services. While she is currently employed as the Resident Social Services Coordinator for the California Department of Human Development, Jenalee continuously finds additional opportunities to contribute to the well-being of those in her community. Whether it is in her role as Service Coordinator for Parkway Plaza Senior Apartments, serving as the Chair of the Solano Partnership Against Violence, or as co-organizer of the Family Justice Center, Jenalee's impactful presence is always felt. As a member of the Senior Coalition of Solano County, Jenalee was responsible for launching the Savvy Seniors Program, which seeks to avail seniors of resources and benefits for everything from budgeting to avoiding becoming the victim of fraud. Jenalee shows immeasurable strength and courage in compassionately using her own experience overcoming violence and adversity to serve as a role model for others looking to rise above difficult circumstances and build resiliency. Jenalee is a talented and selfless individual who has made countless contributions to the lives of others and I look forward to seeing what more she accomplishes in the years ahead. Pat Dennis has had an immeasurable impact on the town of Vacaville, where she displays a commitment to sustaining and enriching fine arts in her community. Pat has always been eager to shoulder communal responsibility and began volunteering for the North Bay Opera Guild shortly after moving to Vacaville. Here she quickly rose to become President of the organization, leading it to its peak while fostering an inviting environment at its 354 seat Opera House facility. Pat has facilitated numerous school and community outreach programs, such as the annual Young Performers Concert, while also working with the Vacaville Museum Guild to support the preservation of Vacaville's local history. Pat has logged over 16,500 volunteer hours for the North Bay Volunteer Guild and has made significant contributions to the cause of Alzheimer's research. Pat has also become a crucial part of the Vacaville Arts Council, where she holds the position of Vice President. In this position she helped to advance the organization's impact, expanding events, adding membership, and acting as an integral piece of the ``Salute to the Stars'' event. Pat's work in the community is invaluable and she is pillar of the community, beloved by all who know her. Ana Dineen has continuously sought out ways to support and engage the underrepresented in Solano County. During her decades-long career as a school nurse, Ana oversaw the Healthy Start Family Resource Center in Fairfield and Suisun City. Under her leadership, the Family Resource Center has grown into a model child abuse prevention program, providing families in crisis a place to receive basic necessities, crisis counseling, and parenting education. Ana has also served as President of the Solano Children's Alliance, providing crucial insight on child and family needs to the Solano Board of Supervisors. Under the steady hand of her leadership, these organizations have continued to expand the range and depth of available community resources. Now retired, Ana founded Voces Unidas (United Voices), a non-profit organization focused on availing the Latino community of resources, including know-your- rights workshops, information sessions on obtaining proper identification, and education on human trafficking. With her tireless dedication to aiding those in need, Ana is truly a treasure of Solano County whose impact will be felt for generations to come. Deborah Dunham has led a life of service, dedicated to volunteer work and philanthropic efforts. Deborah served her country in the United States Marine Corps, where she was one of the first four female marines to be selected for IBM's Computer Programming School and received two Meritorious Promotions. This alone would make her worthy of recognition, but her service did not end there. Over the last 44 years, Deborah has served as a professional fundraising executive, volunteer, and generous supporter of numerous charitable organizations throughout her community. She has a passion for developing and improving nonprofit organizations and consistently makes invaluable contributions with unmatched selflessness and dedication. To many, she is known for her work with Gorilla Doctors, a joint program between the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project and the UC Davis One Health Institute of Veterinary Medicine which provides veterinary care to wild mountain and Grauer's gorillas throughout East Africa, playing an important role in saving the species from extinction. As chair of their Board of Directors, her leadership, purpose, and drive helped lead the organization to new heights. Through her efforts, she has brought international renown and accolades to our community and her work received recognition from the President of Rwanda. Deborah is an inspiration to many in our community, having effectively juggled the responsibilities of family, career, and community involvement and twice beating cancer while always maintaining her commitments to the many organizations she supports. Deborah is admired and revered by friends and colleagues locally, regionally, and around the world because when she sets her mind to it, she brings about indelible change. Nancy Geweke Elrod has made vast and meaningful contributions to the Yuba-Sutter area over her lifetime. As a Yuba City High School graduate, Nancy went on to get her degree in Recreation Administration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She subsequently served as sales manager for the Lodi Conference and Visitor's Bureau, before settling in as Recreation Coordinator for the City of Yuba City. During her time in this position she oversaw the budget and implemented festivities for Yuba City's Centennial Celebration while simultaneously supervising the city's youth programming and senior activities. When she decided to join the family business, Geweke Ford, in 2009, Nancy couldn't wait to continue getting involved in her community. She has contributed immensely to her family's non-profit organization, Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation, where she served as Director since 2011. This organization financially assists local women facing cancer and has now provided over 10,000 women with low-cost mammograms and women's health screenings. Under her leadership, the Geweke's Caring for Women Foundation has helped over 430 cancer survivors through numerous grants. Nancy has co-chaired the Pink October Race for Awareness for 14 years alongside her sister and under her leadership fundraising efforts have grown up to 35 percent, raising over $150,000 each year. Nancy has also been an active member of Early Risers Kiwanis, finds time to volunteer with the Beale Military Liaison Committee, and has proudly served on the Sutter Medical Foundation Philanthropy Committee since 2009. Through her effective leadership and enthusiastic approach, Nancy has touched the lives of many throughout the Yuba-Sutter community. Catherine Farman is a dedicated advocate for the most vulnerable populations of her community. For years, Catherine has donated her time and expertise to the Empower Yolo Board of Directors, where she has been instrumental in furthering their mission to promote safe, healthy, and resilient communities. Empower Yolo is the county's leading resource for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse. Catherine has served in numerous leadership roles at the organization, where she has helped to raise thousands of dollars, volunteered at countless events, and grown Empower Yolo's extensive network of support. Additionally, she takes the time to inspire and mentor her colleagues, helping them to harness their own skills, knowledge, and passion to serve their community. Catherine is also the founder of the Davis Schools Foundation, which has helped every school in Davis and thousands of children over the years. She has also given her time and support to such organizations as 100 Women Who Care, the Yolo Crisis Nursery, and the Yolo County Food Bank. Catherine is a fierce advocate, caring friend, loving mother, and inspirational leader whose dedicated service to her community has changed countless lives in Yolo County. Diana Fuentes-Michel is a dedicated advocate not only within the Yolo and Sacramento regions, but throughout the entire state of California. For years, Diana has applied her skills and expertise in higher education policy to ensure that migrant, low-income, and moderate- income students from the state of California can pursue a higher education. Diana has also been instrumental in ensuring that upwards of 50,000 undocumented students can attend college by ushering in California's Dream Act Application. Diana also contributed to the establishment of the bilingual career and college fair called Steps to College: Paseo de la Universidad, which was the first of its kind in Yolo and Sacramento counties. Diana's work as an establishing member and volunteer for the Chicano-Latino Youth Leadership Program has provided thousands of California's young Latinx with the opportunity to visit Sacramento, stay on college campuses, and participate in state government affairs. She has also volunteered her time with Cien Amigos where she helped to raise funds for the nonprofit that serves 300 students and helps administer the organization's yearly scholarship program. Diana is an inspirational leader whose dedicated service to her community has changed countless lives in our community and throughout the state of California. 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, today I introduce the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.'' I want to thank Congresswoman Hartzler for her support as an original cosponsor. Our legislation would require the Department of Defense to acquire and purchase only American-made raw materials, medicines, and vaccines for our military. It would also require the Department of Defense to identify the national security vulnerabilities caused by our country's current dependence on Chinese pharmaceuticals. As a result of the Chinese government's chokehold on the generic pharmaceutical market, our military servicemembers have been left vulnerable. China is a principal creator of generic prescriptions, which account for approximately 90 percent of the global pharmaceutical market. The reality is that if the Chinese wanted to cripple the United States they could sabotage or cut off our supply of generic medications and antibiotics used by our military. This simply is a vulnerability that we cannot let continue to exist. We need to reinvigorate the United States' industrial base to produce generic medicines and antibiotics domestically, ensuring the readiness of our military forces. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Pharmaceutical Independence Long-Term Readiness Reform Act.''

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, we rise today to celebrate the naming of the Fairfield-Vacaville train station after our dear friend, Assemblyman Tom Hannigan. Tom was elected to the Assembly in 1978 to represent his home town of Fairfield. Recognizing the importance of connecting our state capitol with the economic engine of the San Francisco Bay Area, Hannigan authored and passed legislation that created a plan for the development of an intercity commuter train system to connect the cities. In just four years, Hannigan was able to turn this plan into reality with the establishment of the Capitol Corridor train service that we know today. Today more than 1.7 million passengers use the Capitol Corridor annually to commute along the 168-mile long route, which connects an entire region between San Jose and Auburn. Publicly managed by Amtrak, the train route maintains some of the highest ridership rates in our country. Commissioned in 2008 by the city of Fairfield, the Fairfield- Vacaville Hannigan Train Station opened to its first passengers in November 2017. Over the past two years, the station has established itself as a model of the Capitol Corridor's community-oriented transportation system, with more than 3,600 passengers who originate their trips from the station every month. By the time of his passing in 2018, Tom Hannigan had faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps and his community at the city, county, and state government levels for more than a quarter of a century. The dedication of the Fairfield-Vacaville Hannigan Train Station is a fitting memorialization of the legacy he has left behind for his hometown and all of those who continue to benefit from the Capitol Corridor train service.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows), my good friend, is a true conservative. I know him. I know him well. We have had many, many discussions. The gentleman is a true conservative, and he really does believe in the Constitution. The gentleman made a most interesting argument that, in the legislation that ended the 35-day Trump shutdown, we should have put into that legislation prohibitions on this. Yes, indeed, we should have, had we any idea whatsoever that the President would so abuse the emergency authority as to literally rip away from Congress our appropriations powers. Keep in mind that we specifically put legislation and money forward for the border wall that solved the 35-day shutdown. The President signed that bill and then used the emergency power that is the subject of this debate and this resolution to usurp our appropriations power. He did that by going into the military and taking nearly $6 billion. And I understand he is looking for another $10 billion or so from the same source, using the same power. This is a direct attack on our appropriations power. Now, we have an emergency. You want to talk about an emergency? We are willing to work on emergencies and appropriate the necessary money. We have done so many times. In fact, there once was an offer for some $20-plus billion for all of this.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio). Mr. Speaker, to my good friends on the Republican side of the aisle, this is really about the Constitution. Madison, in the Federalist Papers, wrote that the appropriations power--that is, the power of the purse--is the ultimate power that Congress has to rein in excesses by the President or even by the court. That is where we are today. It is not that there is an emergency. We can all agree there is a problem. Call it an emergency at the border. There are many others-- fires, floods, Houston, you name it. There are plenty of emergencies. It is not that the President shouldn't have the authority and power to declare an emergency and then deal with it. That is not the issue here. The issue here is that this particular emergency declaration by the President was specifically used to circumscribe and usurp the authority of Congress in our power of the purse. Keep in mind, government was shut down for 35 days because the President wanted money for his wall. We debated it. At the end of that, we appropriated $1.3 billion or so for border security, including some fences and walls. The President signed that bill and then immediately turned around and declared an emergency shortly thereafter, used that emergency power to rip off $3.6 billion from necessary military construction projects around the world, of which $770 million of that--three-quarters of a billion--was specifically designed to push Russia back, part of the European Reassurance Initiative projects in Eastern Europe and Europe to specifically push Putin away from NATO. Other projects have been described here, all of them deemed to be essentially important for the security of this Nation. That is not all. There was another almost $3 billion that came out of the operations of the military. Nearly $6 billion was ripped out of our military, all of it necessary for the security of this Nation, and repurposed for the border wall. The fundamental issue here is not about an emergency. It is not about the emergency powers of the President. Although, we certainly ought to circumscribe those. This is very, very much about the way in which the current emergency power is being used. First, to circumvent the appropriate constitutional and necessary power of the Congress to do appropriations, that power should not ever reside with the President, but that is exactly what he has used this emergency appropriation to accomplish, to grab the power of the purse, to take that power, that essential power, as Madison said, from the Congress, and then specifically, and most dramatically and dangerously, harm the security of this Nation by stopping necessary construction projects that the military says we need to protect NATO against Putin and Russia. We ought to pass this simply to regather the power that we must have to be a coequal branch of government, the power of the purse. We can debate emergencies. We can appropriate money for the border, and we do. But to allow the President to use this power to usurp the fundamental constitutional authority of Congress is wrong. Therefore, we must--we must. We have no choice. If we believe in the work and our oath, we have no choice but to pass this resolution.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the names of Representative Kildee from Michigan and Representative Luria from Virginia be removed as cosponsors of H.R. 3193, the Transportation Emergency Relief Funds Availability Act, of which I am the sponsor.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 463, a bill originally introduced by Representative Walter Jones from North Carolina, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Waters so very much for the opportunity to speak on this bill. I am very pleased that the House is taking up the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, H.R. 550. I am proud to have worked on this bipartisan legislation with my original cosponsors, Representative Don Young of Alaska and Representative Susan Brooks, who I see is joining us here on the floor, finally getting this bill to the floor this session. This is not the first session. Five years of work have brought us to this point, three Congresses. Mrs. Brooks, last year, carried this, and we got it out of this House and then to the Senate. My hope is that the Senate will finally send this bill to the President's desk so it can be signed into law. Our bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal to our American merchant mariners who served during World War II, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following the award of this medal, given to the American merchant mariners who served during World War II, it will be on display at the American Merchant Marine Museum at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Long Island, New York. It will be there displayed in honor of our Nation's merchant mariners. In 1944, Franklin Delano Roosevelt said that the Merchant Marines had ``delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.'' Indeed, the Merchant Marines suffered the highest per capita casualty rate of any other branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. As said earlier, 1 out of every 26 American casualties in World War II was a merchant mariner. An estimated 8,300 American mariners lost their lives. Another 12,000 American mariners were wounded during their wartime service. Regrettably, the merchant mariners were not granted veteran's status until 1988, when Congress finally came around to recognizing the need for this. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal, as our bill does, would finally give merchant mariners from our Nation's Greatest Generation the honor and respect that they are owed. Lastly, I want to thank the more than 300 Members of this House who cosponsored the bill, allowing it to come to the floor for passage, and I also want to thank Mrs. Brooks and Mr. Young, who carried on in the previous Congresses.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I reintroduce the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Disclosure Act. I want to thank Congressmen Lee M. Zeldin (R-NY) and Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA) for their support as original cosponsors. Our bipartisan legislation would require airlines to disclose the maintenance history for their aircraft fleets, specifically the location and date an aircraft underwent heavy maintenance. Airlines would be required to post this information online, distribute it with tickets, and communicate it to passengers upon request. Airlines would also be required to report to a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) database that tracks the maintenance history of their aircraft fleets. This public database will also indicate whether maintenance was conducted in the United States or abroad; by FAA- certified mechanics or not; or by airline employees or third-party contractors. Recent airline incidents raise serious concerns about the increasing trend of maintenance being outsourced, particularly to countries in Central America and Southeast Asia. Foreign outsourcers do not have to be FAA-certified and are not subject to the drug and alcohol testing required in the United States for mechanics. Outsourcing has eliminated thousands of middle-class jobs in the United States and created significant safety concerns for passengers. Airline passengers have the right to know if planes are serviced by qualified mechanics in the United States, or whether maintenance is outsourced to foreign countries with lower safety standards. Our bipartisan bill prioritizes transparency for passengers and supports the creation of new middle-class jobs in the United States. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join us in cosponsoring the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Disclosure Act.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of Margery Magill, a Yuba City native and UC Davis alumnus who embodied the American spirit of positivity and devotion to one's community. Born in 1992 to her parents Jeff and Bonnie, Margery grew up on the family ranch in Yuba City with her sister Raeann. From a young age, Margery developed a passion for both agricultural issues and helping those around her. This passion led her to UC Davis, where she majored in International Agricultural Development. As a student at UC Davis, Margery engaged with her community beyond the classroom and volunteered in extracurricular programs. She served as an Aggie Ambassador for four years, as a peer advisor in student housing, and participated in the UC Davis Washington Program. Her passion for travel brought her to over 27 countries across the globe. While abroad, she participated in several programs to help improve foreign agricultural communities and was a strong advocate for women's rights in Turkey. After completing her undergraduate career, Margery worked at the Jane Goodall Institute and subsequently went on to complete her master's degree in International Relations at the University of Westminster in London. Following her time in London, Margery returned to Washington, D.C. to pursue a burgeoning career in environmental and agricultural development. In life, Margery exemplified the promise of what optimism and passion for one's work can achieve. In the wake of her loss, the mark she undoubtably left on those whose paths she crossed around the world ensures a lasting legacy that will endure for many years to come. My prayers and thoughts are with her family and friends in this difficult time.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Russ Burns upon his retirement as the Business Manager for the Operating Engineers, Local 3. As a third-generation operator and Local 3 member, Russ Burns grew up living and breathing Local 3. He began his career with Local 3 in 1979 as a crane operator for various construction projects such as high rises, bridges, refineries, and large treatment plants throughout Northern California. In 1994, Russ joined the staff of the union as a business representative in the Fairfield District. Russ was unanimously appointed treasurer, serving until 2005 when he was sworn in as financial secretary. In 2006, he was elected Business Manager. Russ Burns has influenced and inspired countless Operating Engineer members beginning with their apprenticeship training to being fully qualified journeyman level professionals. Russ Burns has been an integral part of the Operating Engineers Local 3, and he will be greatly missed as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. Please join me, and the men and women of California's 3rd Congressional District, in thanking Russ Burns for his outstanding service. We wish him all the best in his retirement and his future endeavors.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, given all of the talk that is going on and the investigations and questions about deficits and the like, I thought it would be useful today to start this discussion, which I will spend most of the evening talking about American manufacturing, but I often want to start these discussions with some sense of value: What is our goal? What are we trying to accomplish here? I keep going back to FDR. At the height of the Great Depression, he said: ``The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.'' And so, last week, the House of Representatives--the Democrats, that is, and maybe just a few Republicans--voted to increase the minimum wage across this Nation so that, over the next 5 years, the minimum wage would rise from, I guess, just over $7 an hour to $15 dollars an hour--not a jump immediately, but over time increase it. Why do we do that? Well, we are for the people. That is our goal: for the people; and keeping in mind what FDR said: It is not about whether we add more to those who have much, but, rather, what we do for those who have little. And so we raise the minimum wage. Why? Because those people who are making $7 an hour across this Nation, they have very, very little, in fact, so little that they cannot have both food and shelter. And, of course, we talk about healthcare and our goal to expand healthcare to every American so they have insurance, so that the worrying about how they would be paying for their hospital visit or their doctor is set aside and they are able to get the care that they need to lead a healthy and productive life. That is our goal. We are for the people, and we are going to address this in so many, many ways. One of the ways that we want to address it is to make sure that America remains a strong manufacturing country. Many, many years ago in California, I was looking at how to keep the California economy going, and we hit upon the five keys for a successful economy: First of all, a great education system so that your workers are well educated and can handle the questions of the day and the tasks of tomorrow; Secondly, that there be strong research, and, from that research, you build tomorrow's things. Sometimes that is an app. Sometimes it is a computer. Sometimes it is a ship or perhaps a car, an autonomous vehicle, a drone, whatever, so that your research then moves on into things that you make, and, that is, the manufacturing. That is the creation of wealth. Some time ago, I was visiting one of the wineries in my district in California, and I was talking about this Make It In America Agenda in manufacturing. And, finally, the owner got up from behind the desk, and he said: Come. I want to talk to you. We walked outside and out to his winery, and he said: You know what this is? I said: Yeah. It is a winery. He said: No. This is a manufacturing facility. I take grapes, and I turn them into some of the finest wine in the world. So, when you talk about Make It In America, guess what. I am making it in America. So, it includes all of these things, putting a tomato into a can, into a bottle of ketchup. But what we are going to talk about tonight is something far more than that. I want to really not so much talk about these gentlemen and ladies, but to use them as an example of what America used to make. These gentlemen, three of them, are World War II merchant mariners. This is an effort we have now under way to provide these mariners, who had the highest death rate of any unit in the armed services during World War II, a Congressional Gold Medal. We now have nearly 300 Members of this House who are signed on to that so that they will get a Congressional Gold Medal. But this is not about their gold medal; it is about what they were able to do. America, during the World War II period, was the manufacturing center of the world. And we made ships--literally, thousands and thousands of ships--that these gentlemen and so many like them sailed the oceans, provided the material, the personnel to fight that war. When we met and took this picture, they asked me: Why is it that America doesn't build ships anymore? I said: Oh, but we build naval ships; we build aircraft carriers; we build destroyers; we build many other kinds of naval ships. They said: No. No. That is not what we are talking about. We are talking about the ships that sail the high seas. Why doesn't America make those ships? And I said: We can. We can if we write the laws in the proper way to encourage the shipbuilding industry and, just as important, the cargo to go on those ships. Now, it happens that America is in the midst of a great energy revolution--the green energy, no doubt about it. We are talking about every kind of green energy, from wind to solar, biofuel and biomass, and on and on. And we are doing that. But, simultaneously, America, over the last decade, has become a major developer and supplier of petroleum products: oil, as a result of fracking in the Bakken area and Texas, California, onshore, offshore. We are a major oil producer. And, simultaneously, we are also a major producer of natural gas. All of these energy supplies, whether they are the green energy or the petroleum energy, are a strategic national asset. And, as these gentlemen told me: Our ships, during World War II, were a strategic national asset. We had oil tankers, we had cargo vessels, all of them built in America and with American mariners. We, the mariners, we were a strategic asset. And a lot of us died. Our ships were a strategic asset, and the oil that we sent around the world was also a strategic asset. So, where are we today? Are we making ships? Nope. We are not. But we could. So, this last week, Senator Roger Wicker--my colleague in the Senate, a Republican from the Gulf Coast--and I introduced, for the second Congress, the Energizing the American Shipbuilding Act, taking a strategic national asset, our petroleum and natural gas, and welding it together with the shipbuilding industry, which gives us the strategic ships that we need to move our military around the world and to provide the energy that they need. So, the Energizing the American Shipbuilding Act is now introduced in the Senate, for the second session, last year and again this time around with the new session of Congress. What we will do is to address this problem: We could buy ships that are made in China, Japan, and Korea, or we can make them in America. If we make the ships in America, we will provide thousands of jobs, not only in the shipyards and the steel industry and the aluminum industry, but also the maritime suppliers, the men, the factories here in the United States that build the pumps, build the engines--the electrical engines, the big diesel engines--that are in these ships or the LNG engines that are in these ships, and all of the electronics. That entire array of equipment that goes into a ship could be built in America if the Energizing the American Shipbuilding Act were to become law. So, how does it work? Pretty simple. It simply requires that our strategic national asset, the petroleum and the natural gas, be exported on American-built ships with American mariners--not all of it, just a small percentage of it, 15 percent of the oil and 10 percent of the natural gas, which will be liquified natural gas on American-built ships. What does that mean? That means that American shipyards that are now producing zero commercial oil tankers and zero LNG carriers would, over the next 13 to 15 years, build upwards of 40 ships: 25 to 30 LNG tankers and 10 to 15 oil tankers. Thousands of jobs would be created in American shipyards, and that strategic national asset, the shipyards themselves, would be able to continue to operate here in the United States. They would continue to be able to have the skilled workforce and, simultaneously, be better prepared to compete for the U.S. naval ships, giving the American taxpayer a strategic advantage, more competition in the shipyards, more competition when it comes time to build our naval vessels. There is another aspect of this that I want to bring to your attention. Beyond the shipbuilding and the Energizing the American Shipbuilding Act, there is the rest of manufacturing here in the United States. About 8 years ago, when I first came to Congress, we were looking at this issue based upon my time in California, and we decided, together with Steny Hoyer, who is now our majority leader, that we should establish the Make It In America program. We have been working on this for 8 years now, and we are looking at different pieces of legislation over time to encourage the manufacturing here in the United States. One of the ways we can do this--and we are not going to go into the President's tariffs right now, but we are going to go at it in a little different way. Here is just an example of about what happened almost a decade ago. In California, it was time to build the new San Francisco Bay Bridge. The bid went out. The State of California went out to bid on this thing for the steel in the bridge. At that time, a Chinese company decided that they wanted to enter the market. Very specialized steel in this bridge in the San Francisco area, so they wanted to enter the market, and they produced a bid that was 10 percent lower than an American steel company. China got the bid. What did they get? Not only did they get the job; they got a new steel mill, one of the most advanced in the world, and they also had some over 3,000 jobs in China. At the very same time, New York was building the Tappan Zee Bridge. They said, no, we are only going to buy American steel, and so they did, total cost, $3.9 billion. In California, total cost, $3.9 billion over the estimated cost. Why? Because the Chinese steel had problems, the welds and other problems with the steel. Not in New York. They came in on the bid, and there were 7,700 American jobs in the steel industry and in the manufacturing and engineering--just. An example, not current today, but certainly current nearly a decade ago. But this is what happens when our laws or our governments decide that we are going to make it in America, we are going to produce the steel, we are going to build the bridges here in the United States. So, building on this idea, we have now introduced in both the Senate and the House another Make It In America piece of legislation. This legislation is authored in the Senate by Senator Tammy Baldwin and here in the House by me. It basically says that all of this talk about infrastructure, which is critically important, that that infrastructure, if it is an American taxpayer dollar that is being used to build that infrastructure-- whether that is a power line or a highway or a sanitation system or a water system or an airport--if there is a Federal dollar involved, that we make it in America. It simply applies to all types of infrastructure. When American taxpayer dollars are being used, that that infrastructure--the steel, the pipe, the electronics, the other elements that are in that infrastructure--that they be made in America. So it is part of our Make It In America agenda that we have been working on all these years, and we are going to apply it wherever we see an opportunity. If it is in the steel industry for bridges and infrastructure, you bet. You bet, we are going to make sure that it is made in America. Many of these laws already exist. A couple of years ago, we were able to raise the percentage of American content by a couple of percentage points to about, if I recall, about 65 percent on certain infrastructure projects. But we want to extend that beyond. And why not go the whole way? Let's make it all in America. If it is a taxpayer dollar, 100 percent American made. That is our goal. So our Make It in America agenda goes forward from here. I am going to end with putting this one back up again because this has an opportunity to be a very, very important part. The steel in the ships, the pumps, the pipes, the electronics, the propellers, the drive shaft, the engines--all of those things--can be made in America if we have a national policy that simply says the export of a strategic national asset, oil and gas, that that be on American-built ships. Not all of it, 10 percent, 15 percent, 40 ships over the next 15 years or so when the Energizing the American Shipbuilding Act becomes law. We are looking for support. We have broad support right now, both Republican and Democratic, with Senator Wicker from Mississippi and Senator Casey from Pennsylvania. On this side, about 30 of my colleagues, Democratic and Republican, have signed up in support of this legislation. It has great potential. It has great potential, but not so much for these mariners. They are all in their nineties right now. Hopefully, we will be able to get them a Congressional Gold Medal. For tomorrow's mariners, for those men and women who will be on ships that will supply the necessary material, oil, gas, or whatever for our military around the world, and will participate in the annual commerce of goods and services that are being transported in and out of America, that next generation of mariners will have the ships, jobs, and cargo. For the People, once again, we are constantly looking for different laws, different ways in which we can advance the well-being of the American public. If it is healthcare, we are looking to lower costs. If it is education, we want to make sure that the cost of college education is affordable. If it has to do with jobs, we are looking for ways to make that happen by requiring that your tax dollars be spent on American-made equipment, by requiring that a small percentage of the export of a precious national resource be on American-built ships with American sailors. I want all of us to keep in mind that there are things that public policy can do to improve the well-being of every American. Our For the People policy includes all of these elements, and we draw your attention to that. I am looking to my colleagues for continued support on these two pieces of legislation that we will be working on in this session. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chair, oh, my, we definitely need 5 hours. This is extraordinarily important. In fact, it is the United States that terminated its role in the INF Treaty when President Trump pulled out of the treaty. Presumably, Russia is still in, although they are clearly violating the treaty. We lost whatever leverage there may have been. We are now in the midst of, what I said a moment ago, one more stage of a nuclear arms race. All of us better take a deep breath here and begin some serious negotiations, because this time it is extraordinarily dangerous. In addition to that, please understand that our allies on whose land these missiles may be placed are not in agreement that they should be placed there, and so there really is no plan for the deployment, let alone exactly how these missiles would be done. By the way, we clearly have alternative ways of delivering nuclear weapons: short-range, long-range, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and most every other way except no longer in a briefcase or in a projectile, fortunately. So it is not harmful to delay this. It is not harmful to make sure that our allies are in sync with us as to how they may be deployed.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chairman, with enormous respect to my colleagues who are opposed to this amendment, I think this amendment makes enormous sense. It is $185 million of additional money that has been requested in just the last couple of months to move this program forward. We ought to be very careful here because the NNSA is only 50 percent sure that it is a $12 billion program. That is on the upside, not on the downside. So we are talking about something very expensive. It is unfortunate that we have divided this extraordinarily important debate about the future of our nuclear systems into 5-minute segments. This ought to be a 5-hour debate on the floor. I see my colleagues nodding their head. A fundamental question is being asked here about where we are going with our nuclear enterprises. We do know this: We are in the midst of a three-party nuclear arms race. And this one is going to be extremely dangerous because the weapons are bigger; they are safer, to be sure, but they are more likely to explode; and, finally, they are going to be delivered by stealth technology. Sad, but true, we need a 5-hour debate on this entire thing.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chair, I want to engage in a discussion because it is extremely important here. I thank my good friend, Mr. Turner, for raising some issues. Indeed, we might be better off going to the museum and getting the Apollo because the current Moon launch system isn't working too well, well over budget and well delayed. But the issue at hand has to do with these missiles. There is clarity that this can be delayed. In one of our hearings, General Clark said it can be refurbished once again. Other hearings have provided information that the key here is the command and control system, which is indeed antiquated and which indeed must be refurbished and rebuilt. We ought to spend our time on that. This amendment does not delay the ground-based system. What it does is it gives us the information so that we can make an informed decision about when to engage and spend the $100 billion to $150 billion on the new ground-based missile system.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chair, if you are around here long enough, your mind can go in 1-minute sections, and I was right on the 1 minute and 15. I will try to close very quickly on this in the next few seconds. Mr. Chair, this amendment doesn't stop the ground-based system from going forward. It simply gives us, the decisionmakers, the opportunity to make a very informed decision about when we must renew this system. There is clear evidence, clear discussion in various areas, that an additional period of time is available before we initiate and go full bore into the new ground-based system. Let's get information. Let's get knowledge.