John Garamendi

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kim Castaneda, recognized as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Kim has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a lifelong dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities throughout Solano County. For more than twenty-five years, Ms. Castaneda has exemplified what it means to serve others. Through her work in the nonprofit sector, she has guided organizations through growth, crisis, and transformation, with a focus on ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind. As Vice President of Development and Communications at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Ms. Castaneda has raised millions of dollars to fight hunger and played an instrumental role in doubling private donations, ensuring that thousands of families have consistent access to nutritious food. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was especially remarkable. At a time when food insecurity reached unprecedented levels, she rallied staff, volunteers, and community partners to secure critical resources and distribute millions of additional meals. Under her guidance, the Food Bank never turned anyone away and continues today to serve more than 65,000 households each month. She was also a founding board member of the Vacaville Recreation Foundation and helped establish the first Boys and Girls Club in Vacaville, expanding opportunities for local youth that endure to this day. She has also served on the Board of SafeQuest Solano, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is reflected in her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, foster youth, and women's empowerment, and in her leadership roles with key organizations including the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Solano Economic Development Council, and the Travis Credit Union Foundation. In each of these, she has championed small business development, workforce opportunities, and economic inclusion. Her work stands as a testament to the power of service-driven leadership, and the lasting impact one person can make. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Kim Castaneda for her invaluable contributions to our community.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Terrye Davis, a distinguished leader and trailblazer, as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Her visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to service have strengthened the fabric of Solano County for decades. Judge Davis began her career as the Founding Director of the Solano College Small Business Development Center, where she empowered entrepreneurs and expanded pathways to economic opportunity across our region. She later served as Executive Director of the Continentals of Omega Boys and Girls Club, where under her guidance the organization's budget grew more than fivefold, allowing countless young people to access a safe and supportive environment to learn, grow, and thrive. Today, Judge Davis serves with distinction on the Solano County Superior Court, where she presides over juvenile justice and dependency cases. In this critical role, she brings compassion, integrity, and structure to some of our community's most vulnerable youth, offering not just legal judgment but also hope and a path forward. Her dedication to public service extends well beyond the courtroom. She has contributed her leadership to the Sutter Solano Medical Center, the City of Vallejo Human Relations Commission, the Mare Island Reuse Advisory Committee, and the Board of Trustees at her local church. Judge Davis's journey is a testament to courage and purpose. Leaving behind a successful nonprofit career to pursue her dream of becoming an attorney, she graduated from UC Hastings and rose to the bench, proving that it's never too late to follow one's calling. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize and honor Judge Terrye Davis for her extraordinary contributions to our community.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of H. E. Christian ``Chris'' Peeples, a dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public transit whose decades of service improved the lives of countless residents in the East Bay and beyond. Chris Peeples was first appointed to the AC Transit Board of Directors in November 1997 to fill one of the District's two At-Large Board positions. He went on to earn the trust of voters time and again, being elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Over the course of his distinguished tenure, he represented Ward 1--including Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Richmond, San Pablo, and the surrounding unincorporated communities--with energy, vision, and compassion. A longtime champion for transit riders, Director Peeples was deeply engaged in the AC Bus Riders Union, Alliance for AC Transit, Regional Alliance for Transit, Alliance for Sensible Transit, and the Coalition for a One Stop Terminal, among many other groups. His commitment extended beyond the Bay Area, as he actively participated in the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and the American Public Transportation Association, where he elevated local priorities to national and international conversations. Director Peeples was especially devoted to advancing clean transportation and was a strong proponent of AC Transit's groundbreaking zero-emission fuel cell bus program. He spoke at and moderated panels across the country and abroad, promoting hydrogen and zero-emission transit as solutions to climate change and air pollution. Chris was also a pillar of civic life, serving on the Oakland Ethics Commission and numerous community and political bodies. A graduate of Crown College, University of California at Santa Cruz, and Hastings College of the Law, he combined his intellectual rigor with a passion for equity and sustainability. Christian Peeples leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, innovation, and public service that will endure for generations. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his extraordinary life and in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served so faithfully.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of Citizens for East Shore Parks (CESP), an extraordinary community organization founded in 1985 to protect open space and wildlife habitat and to provide recreational opportunities along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Through their tireless advocacy and partnership with community allies, CESP was instrumental in the creation of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which preserves and protects 8.5 miles of shoreline habitat and open space from the Bay Bridge to Richmond. This remarkable park provides Bay Area residents access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities in one of the Nation's most urbanized regions. Over four decades, CESP has helped transform the East Bay shoreline from neglected dumping grounds into a connected landscape of parks, trails, and ecological preserves. Their efforts have supported the creation and protection of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Point Molate Park, Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex, the Bay Trail connection at Golden Gate Fields, and the Albany Bulb. Today, CESP continues to lead with vision and purpose, working toward incorporating the Golden Gate Fields property into McLaughlin Eastshore State Park and ultimately restoring the site to wetlands and marshes that will provide a resilient shoreline in the face of sea level rise. In this effort, CESP is committed to collaborating with Native American communities to restore these historically vital landscapes. CESP's long-term vision is bold and inspiring: a connected, accessible shoreline of open space and parkland stretching from the Carquinez Strait to San Jose. Their work has created a legacy of preservation, environmental stewardship, and public access that will benefit generations to come. On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I commend Citizens for East Shore Parks for their outstanding contributions to our region and our environment, and I congratulate them on 40 years of remarkable achievement.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of Citizens for East Shore Parks (CESP), an extraordinary community organization founded in 1985 to protect open space and wildlife habitat and to provide recreational opportunities along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Through their tireless advocacy and partnership with community allies, CESP was instrumental in the creation of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which preserves and protects 8.5 miles of shoreline habitat and open space from the Bay Bridge to Richmond. This remarkable park provides Bay Area residents access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities in one of the Nation's most urbanized regions. Over four decades, CESP has helped transform the East Bay shoreline from neglected dumping grounds into a connected landscape of parks, trails, and ecological preserves. Their efforts have supported the creation and protection of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Point Molate Park, Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex, the Bay Trail connection at Golden Gate Fields, and the Albany Bulb. Today, CESP continues to lead with vision and purpose, working toward incorporating the Golden Gate Fields property into McLaughlin Eastshore State Park and ultimately restoring the site to wetlands and marshes that will provide a resilient shoreline in the face of sea level rise. In this effort, CESP is committed to collaborating with Native American communities to restore these historically vital landscapes. CESP's long-term vision is bold and inspiring: a connected, accessible shoreline of open space and parkland stretching from the Carquinez Strait to San Jose. Their work has created a legacy of preservation, environmental stewardship, and public access that will benefit generations to come. On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I commend Citizens for East Shore Parks for their outstanding contributions to our region and our environment, and I congratulate them on 40 years of remarkable achievement.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of H.E. Christian ``Chris'' Peeples, a dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public transit whose decades of service improved the lives of countless residents in the East Bay and beyond. Chris Peeples was first appointed to the AC Transit Board of Directors in November 1997 to fill one of the District's two At-Large Board positions. He went on to earn the trust of voters time and again, being elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Over the course of his distinguished tenure, he represented Ward 1--including Albany, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Richmond, San Pablo, and the surrounding unincorporated communities--with energy, vision, and compassion. A longtime champion for transit riders, Director Peeples was deeply engaged in the AC Bus Riders Union, Alliance for AC Transit, Regional Alliance for Transit, Alliance for Sensible Transit, and the Coalition for a One Stop Terminal, among many other groups. His commitment extended beyond the Bay Area, as he actively participated in the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies and the American Public Transportation Association, where he elevated local priorities to national and international conversations. Director Peeples was especially devoted to advancing clean transportation and was a strong proponent of AC Transit's groundbreaking zero-emission fuel cell bus program. He spoke at and moderated panels across the country and abroad, promoting hydrogen and zero-emission transit as solutions to climate change and air pollution. Chris was also a pillar of civic life, serving on the Oakland Ethics Commission and numerous community and political bodies. A graduate of Crown College, University of California at Santa Cruz, and Hastings College of the Law, he combined his intellectual rigor with a passion for equity and sustainability. Christian Peeples leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, innovation, and public service that will endure for generations. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his extraordinary life and in extending our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served so faithfully.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Herman Blackmon, Sr., an extraordinary man whose service, intellect, and compassion enriched the Bay Area and beyond. Born in Houston, Texas, Herman spent his early years there before serving three years in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he made the Bay Area his home, earning a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley. In the late 1990's, Herman served as both council member and mayor of Hercules, California. His leadership was defined by tireless dedication to his community, championing Capital Improvement Programs and advocating for equitable educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. As managing partner of his family-owned business, Amanco, Inc., he was instrumental in the rebuilding of several West Contra Costa Unified School District campuses, including Coronado, Riverside, Sheldon Elementary, and Pinole Middle School. Herman's professional career also included 13 years with Pacific Bell. Yet, beyond his many accomplishments, he was a man of diverse passions--an avid reader, skilled mechanic, and enthusiastic player of dominoes and pinochle. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren; Jhana, Mark, Aleah, Charles-Justin, Langston, Levi, and Winter. Herman is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Peggy, and is survived by his sons Herman, Jr., and Marcus, his seven grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends and neighbors whose lives he touched through his good deeds. Herman Blackmon, Sr. leaves behind a profound legacy of public service, civic leadership, and devotion to family. His impact will be felt for generations, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Blackmon's loved ones. I know they and the people of Contra Costa County will join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the El Cerrito Historical Society on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. For half a century, the Society has preserved, promoted, and shared the rich history of El Cerrito, California, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the stories that have shaped this community. Since its founding in 1973, the El Cerrito Historical Society has gone far beyond existing as a historical organization. It has hosted hundreds of programs and tours, curated both temporary and permanent exhibits, and produced books, pamphlets, journals, and even historical films. Its work has illuminated the cultural and social history of El Cerrito, from early settlement to the city's role in California's diverse story. The Society has also been instrumental in preserving important local landmarks, including one of the earliest homes in El Cerrito, tied to the Italian-American community; a Japanese-American floral shop representing the city's once-thriving flower-growing industry; and the beloved Cerrito Theater. These efforts stand as enduring reminders of El Cerrito's cultural and historic fabric. Thanks to the generosity of founders Sundar and Dorothy Shadi, the Society has established a permanent home in City Hall, where it maintains an archive and hosts community meetings. This partnership with the City of El Cerrito underscores the Society's enduring civic role and commitment to public engagement. For 50 years, the El Cerrito Historical Society has served as a steward of the past and a guide for the future. On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I would like to honor the 50th anniversary of the El Cerrito Historical Society and extend my sincere gratitude for their generations of service to our community. May it continue its vital mission for many more years to come.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Chair, I want to follow along on the path that our ranking member has laid out, but before I go there, I do thank my Republican colleagues, particularly Chairman Rogers, for his efforts in committee to put together a decent bill, which I did vote for. However, I am seriously alarmed by some of the things that are in the bill and even more that are likely to occur today. It is the erosion of our defense policy's lack of fiscal discipline, strategic clarity, and constitutional boundaries. Since we passed this out of committee, the Trump administration has unleashed the military against Americans in American cities. They pushed unnecessarily expensive changes, such as renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and they continuously disregard the Constitution of the United States of America. As of this morning, my Republican colleagues have chosen to inject divisive, partisan amendments into this bill. We will have more about that as the day goes on. At the end of the day, most of those amendments will be adopted, and we will have a truly bad bill before us. Sorry about that, Madam Chair, but that is where you are headed. If we have a chance, we should take it a different direction. Let us think about how we are spending the money. We are going to spend probably a billion dollars retrofitting a luxury jet gifted by the Qatari royal family to President Trump. It will be ready, assuming we do it, about the time the President leaves here, and he will have his own personal, royal jet. What in the world is that all about? By the way, the money comes out of the Sentinel program, of which I have a lot of problems. Perhaps that is good. Nonetheless, the fiscal discipline here is simply not available. We now have a $400 million 747-8. I assume the President will be happy with his new jet when he retires, which cannot happen soon enough, in my view. By the way, we are putting in three divisions that are always ready to go.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Chair, we have three divisions that are always ready to go. One of them, the 101st Airborne, now has several thousand of its troops deployed to the southern border. For what purpose? I suppose with their binoculars looking around for something, most of which isn't there; a total waste of their ability. Are they going to be ready? The answer is no. From the perspective of the Subcommittee on Readiness, it makes no sense.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Chairman, I was curious what this day is all about, and I was curious about these amendments. Isn't it interesting to ponder these two amendments? The one we just had was about offshore wind and the administration's termination of a project that is 80 percent complete, an environmental project. Here we are with the other side of it, which is where that energy might wind up, and that is in the electric vehicle, nontactical to be sure, although there are places for tactical vehicles. At the same time, I think I finally figured out what we have here, why we want to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War. It is the war on the environment. Perhaps that is what this is all about from my Republican colleagues: the war on the environment. No, we shall not have wind turbines that actually are efficient, effective, and competitive in providing electrical energy. My goodness, we certainly shouldn't buy any vehicle that might be electric because we want drill, baby, drill, and oil, coal, and all of that nasty stuff to pollute the environment. It is the war on the environment that we are engaged in here. My colleague from Virginia laid out what this bill is all about, and apparently, my colleague from Florida didn't bother to read the bill. There is total authority within the Department not to buy vehicles that might be damaged by a hurricane. By the way, why was it allowed to rebuild an airbase where we know the next or maybe the next 10 hurricanes might, once again, flood it? Oh, my, the Department of War on environment. Is that what this is all about? I certainly hope not.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, moments ago in this Chamber, a very important piece of legislation was passed by one vote. It was the appropriation bill for energy and water. We would do well to understand what was actually in that bill: money to deal with the climate, removed; money to deal with new energy sources, renewable energy sources, removed; energy efficiency, removed. Where did the money go? It went into nuclear weapons programs, the Sentinel program. Over $200 billion will be spent replacing the Minuteman III missile. Why? Why are we doing that? Why are we putting more money into plutonium pit production? Why do we have a new useless rocket that we want to put on a submarine? Why are we doing that? On the water side of this, the Army Corps of Engineers, money was removed for flood protection, levies, and infrastructure around the Nation. We would do well to understand the values of the Republicans who voted for this and the Democrats. We are looking to the future, and the Republicans are looking to the past.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 15th annual International Day Against Nuclear Tests, observed each year on August 29th. This day serves as both a reminder of the terrible human and environmental toll of nuclear testing and a call to action as the world confronts new dangers of nuclear proliferation and a fraying arms control architecture. The United States knows well the harmful legacy of nuclear testing. Between 1945 and 1963, our Nation conducted more than one thousand explosive nuclear weapons tests, including over two hundred atmospheric detonations. The radioactive fallout from these tests condemned thousands of so-called ``downwinders'' to illness and premature death from cancers and other grave diseases. Their suffering is a stark reminder that even a world without nuclear war is not without victims of nuclear weapons. In 1990, Congress enacted the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to provide some measure of redress to individuals harmed by nuclear testing. Yet the program was incomplete, excluding key populations who endured some of the most devastating consequences of atmospheric nuclear detonations. This program, providing long-overdue compensation to those who bore the costs of our Nation's nuclear testing, was recently extended to 2028 and expanded to additional populations. But much more must be done to fully address the consequences of nuclear testing and to reduce the dangers posed by nuclear war. The burdens inflicted by nuclear testing are not borne by the United States alone. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan inherited the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal and the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. Between 1949 and 1989, the Soviet Union conducted 456 nuclear tests at Semipalatinsk, devastating communities and leaving a toxic legacy for more than a million Kazakh citizens. Kazakhstan's decision to close the Semipalatinsk test site in 1991 and to relinquish its nuclear arsenal was an act of profound global importance. By ratifying the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I), joining the International Atomic Energy Agency, acceding to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and working with the United States through the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, Kazakhstan demonstrated how nations can choose security through disarmament rather than weapons of mass destruction. Together, our countries worked to eliminate Kazakhstan's inherited nuclear arsenal, dismantle former Soviet nuclear infrastructure, and secure vulnerable nuclear materials. Notably, this partnership resulted in the safe removal of over 1,300 pounds of highly enriched uranium from the Ulba Metallurgical Plant--strengthening global security and setting a model for future cooperation. Today, as arms control architectures fray and nuclear dangers mount, that example takes on new urgency. The world faces a moment of great peril: nuclear arsenals are being modernized, new technologies are emerging that could undermine strategic stability, and the norms against nuclear testing and proliferation are under strain. The vision of a world free from nuclear tests and the spread of nuclear weapons, advanced by Kazakhstan through their decision to disarm and continued commitment to a world free from nuclear weapons, is more urgent than ever. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly designated August 29th as the International Day Against Nuclear Tests--honoring Kazakhstan's decision and reminding the world of the human costs of explosive testing of nuclear weapons. Civil society, too, has helped illuminate what is possible. The Nevada-Semipalatinsk Movement, a grassroots anti-nuclear weapons movement uniting citizens across continents, helped build the momentum to end nuclear testing. We must draw on that same spirit today to reinvigorate arms control diplomacy, rebuild confidence in nonproliferation regimes, and press forward on treaties like the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. On this 15th Annual International Day Against Nuclear Tests, I urge my colleagues to reaffirm our Nation's leadership in arms control, recommit to preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and materials, and ensure that the horrors of nuclear testing and nuclear weapons use are never repeated.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Garrett Evans for his more than 28 years of dedicated public service to the City of Pittsburg, California. Mr. Evans began his career with the city in 1997, serving in roles ranging from Analyst to Economic & Redevelopment Coordinator, Director of Economic Development, Director of the Redevelopment Agency, Director of Power, Assistant City Manager, and ultimately City Manager for the past six and a half years. Under his leadership, Pittsburg has seen significant growth in economic development, infrastructure, and community services. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Evans played a central role in the $525 million Trans Bay Cable project, delivering up to 40 percent of San Francisco's energy from Pittsburg and strengthening energy reliability across the Bay Area. He also contributed to the success of the Pittsburg Power Company, generating over $100 million in long-term revenue for community priorities such as public safety, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. His tenure also included the revitalization of Old Town Pittsburg, expansion of waterfront amenities, and maintaining high-quality city services through the COVID-19 pandemic. Garrett Evans leaves behind a legacy of steady leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to his community. On behalf of the constituents of California's 8th Congressional District, I wish Garrett best wishes in his well-earned retirement and extend my sincere gratitude for his many years of service to the community.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to introduce the ``Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act'' to safeguard federal funding for disaster-recovery projects. I thank U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for sponsoring the companion legislation and my colleague, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) for cosponsoring the bill. I also want to thank the California Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Transportation for their support of this critical legislation. Americans across the country are facing increasingly frequent and severe floods and wildfires due to the climate crisis. When disasters strike, our communities deserve nothing less than the full support of their federal government. The ``Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act'' will ensure state and local governments have adequate time to fully utilize federal funds awarded to repair roads and infrastructure damaged by disasters. Current U.S. Department of Transportation regulations allow the federal government to claw back ``emergency relief'' funding for highway projects if those projects do not reach construction within 2 fiscal years. The ``Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act'' would repeal this regulatory deadline and provide up to 6 years for projects awarded these funds to advance to construction. The new 6-year deadline would start following the date on which a disaster was declared by the respective state's governor or the president. Mr. Speaker, I hope that any surface transportation reauthorization bill this Congress will include the ``Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act.'' As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am working with my fellow colleagues deliver this critical priority for our communities.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the rich cultural traditions of the Basque people and to reaffirm the enduring friendship between the Basque Country and the United States. This year marks the long-awaited return of Jaialdi, one of the largest Basque festivals in the world and the largest of its kind in the United States. For the first time in over a decade, thousands from around the world are gathering in Boise, Idaho, to celebrate Basque culture through food, music, dance, and community. Jaialdi--meaning ``festival'' in the Basque language--is a joyous and spirited celebration of heritage and identity. As one of only two Basque Americans to ever serve in Congress, I am proud to celebrate Basque identity and tradition. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to strengthening the bond between the United States and the Basque Country. It is a friendship rooted in shared values, democratic ideals, perseverance, and dedication to community. I was honored to play a role in bringing a sapling of the Tree of Gernika--an enduring symbol of Basque freedom and resilience--to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The Basque-American community has long enriched the fabric of our Nation, and events like Jaialdi are a testament to its contributions. As Jaialdi returns to Boise this summer, I offer my warmest congratulations to the organizers, participants, and all who celebrate. May the friendship between the United States and the Basque people remain strong for generations to come.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to include in the Record the following letter congratulating the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Solano County Chapter ahead of their 10th Anniversary and Celebration of Young Leaders banquet. The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Solano County's 10th Anniversary and Celebration of Young Leaders banquet is a wonderful tribute to our community, and I am proud to represent the organization and the young leaders being honored at this event. John Garamendi, United States Congress, August 8th, 2025. Re 10th Annual Anniversary and Celebration of Young Leaders APAPA Solano County Chapter Vallejo, CA. Dear APAPA-SOC and 2025 APAPA-SOC Interns, It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Solano County Chapter (APAPA-SOC) for another year of exemplary service and join you in celebrating your 10th Annual Anniversary and Celebration of Young Leaders banquet. Reaching this important milestone is a true testament to your organization's dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence. APAPA-SOC's continuous efforts to empower Asian and Pacific Islander Americans by encouraging civic participation through leadership and mentorship programs, internships, and scholarships deserve the highest commendation. Over the past decade APAPA-SOC has made a lasting impact on our community and uplifted many young leaders across the country and in California's Eighth Congressional District. APAPA's work is making great strides toward creating a more perfect Union. Civic participation is critical to upholding our democratic ideals, and I am thrilled to see APAPA-SOC working so actively on this mission. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans' representation at all levels of government is necessary to ensure that the Asian and Pacific Islander community is properly acknowledged and advocated for. Throughout APAPA-SOC's ten years, its ability to empower Asian and Pacific Islander Americans of all ages has left its community a legacy that promotes civic engagement at the local, state, and national levels of government. It is my greatest hope that the APAPA-SOC Chapter continues to prosper in the years ahead. I look forward to seeing APAPA-SOC interns grow into tomorrow's leaders of California and beyond. The APAPA-SOC's 10th Anniversary and Celebration of Young Leaders banquet is sure to be a wonderful celebration of all the hard work and dedication APAPA-SOC interns have put into strengthening our democracy. As you celebrate this anniversary, I hope you take pride in how far your APAPA-SOC has come and feel inspired by the continued journey ahead. On behalf of California's Eighth Congressional District, please accept my gratitude for the good you have done, and continue to do, in our district and my best wishes for continued success in all of APAPA-SOC's future endeavors. Sincerely, John Garamendi, Member of Congress.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a House resolution along with my colleague, Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-08), to reaffirm the principles of the Constitution of the United States of America, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, the independence of the judiciary, and the power of Congress to control spending, declare war, and conduct oversight. This resolution also reaffirms the key individual protections enshrined in the Constitution, including due process and equal protection under the law. This resolution comes six months into President Donald Trump's second term, a period which has been marked by escalating erosions of constitutional norms and executive overreach by his administration. Article I of the Constitution grants Congress broad powers, including the power to declare war, regulate commerce, raise revenue, appropriate funds and conduct oversight. For decades, Congress has gradually ceded more of these Constitutional responsibilities to the executive branch. As our country's founders warned, this has created a dangerous situation ripe for Presidential abuse. It is essential that Congress reclaim its legitimate authority as the first branch of government. My resolution declares that appropriations made by Congress are law, not mere suggestions. It quotes James Madison, who said ``this power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.'' I urge my colleagues to hear this message today. This resolution is endorsed by more than a dozen public interest and legal advocacy organizations, who stand united in reasserting the essential roles of the legislative and judicial branches and in declaring unequivocally that no individual--especially the President-- is above the law. This resolution affirms what should be nonpartisan truths: that the separation of powers is vital for a functioning republic, that Congress controls the public purse, and that the rule of law and the protection it affords are for everyone. In the face of escalating threats to our constitutional order, Congress must not remain silent. This resolution is a declaration of principle and a call to action. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to cosponsor this important resolution.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the ``Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2025'' with Representative Mike Bost (R- IL), Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). I thank Representative Brownley (D-CA), Representative Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Representative Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Representative Elfreth (D-MD) for cosponsoring this legislation. Our bipartisan legislation requires all federally funded bridge projects to use certified contractors for any corrosion control work and employ industry-recognized standards for corrosion mitigation and prevention. Specifically, our legislation would prompt State, county, and municipal transportation departments to employ qualified, trained corrosion control professionals who have completed federally registered apprenticeship programs. This legislation also builds on a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board and directs the Department of Transportation to study and generate best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on bridges made of weathering steel. In July 2021, the House passed Section 2 of the ``Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act'' as Section 1116 of former Chairman Peter A. DeFazio's (D-OR) ``Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act,'' of which I was a cosponsor. While it was ultimately not included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), I continue working to build upon Chairman DeFazio's work on corrosion prevention policy and promoting apprenticeships. In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81), I secured Section 813 (Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight employee training requirements) directing the U.S. Department of Defense to make use of federally registered apprenticeship programs for training military personnel, civilian employees, and military construction contractors on anti-corrosion activities. Under my amendment to the FY2022 NDAA, the DOD's Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight Employee Training Requirements is charged with coordinating this work. Under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress and the Biden Administration are making the largest federal investment to modernize our nation's infrastructure since the Interstate Highway System was established in 1956. America's corrosion professionals and union painters are ready, willing, and able to do the job. Our legislation is endorsed by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (formerly called the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and the Society for Protective Coatings). Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to cosponsor the ``Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2025.''

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act'' with U.S. Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA) along with U.S. Representatives Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). Our bill builds upon the ``Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2019,'' introduced by former Congressman Jose E. Serrano (D-NY). The ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act'' would require construction inspections for federally funded highways to be conducted by public employees. Our bill would allow State or local transportation departments lacking sufficient inspectors to contract privately employed inspectors temporarily. Our bill ensures public safety by requiring that all federally funded bridges, tunnels, and roadways are inspected objectively and thoroughly under the highest safety standards. This work can and should be done by skilled, qualified inspectors employed by state and local departments of transportation. From the delays in building the carpool bridge connecting the San Diego (405) and Costa Mesa (55) freeways to the series of issues that delayed the Bay Bridge, there are numerous examples where outsourcing inspection work to private contractors has undermined public safety, delayed projects, and contributed to cost overruns. Our bill seeks to avoid these potential conflicts of interest, while also mandating public disclosure of any private inspection contracts used by state and local transportation departments when public inspectors are unavailable. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act.'' As a senior Democratic member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I filed this bill as amendments to the House's 2015, 2020, and 2021 Highway Bills.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of May as GBS|CIDP Awareness Month. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. GBS is characterized by the rapid onset of numbness, weakness, and often paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. Paralysis is ascending, meaning that it travels up the limbs from fingers and toes towards the torso. Loss of reflexes, such as the knee jerk, are usually found. Usually, a new case of GBS is admitted to ICU (Intensive Care) to monitor breathing and other body functions until the disease is stabilized. Plasma exchange (a blood ``cleansing'' procedure) and high dose intravenous immune globulins are often helpful to shorten the course of GBS. The acute phase of GBS typically varies in length from a few days to months. Patient care involves the coordinated efforts of a team such as a neurologist, physiatrist (rehabilitation physician), internist, family physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, and psychologist or psychiatrist. Recovery may occur over six months to two years or longer. A particularly frustrating consequence of GBS is long-term recurrences of fatigue and/or exhaustion as well as abnormal sensations including pain and muscle aches. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing weakness of the legs and, to a lesser extent, the arms. It is the gradual onset as well as the chronic nature of CIDP that differentiates it from GBS. Like GBS, CIDP is caused by damage to the covering of the nerves, called myelin. It can start at any age and in both genders. Weakness occurs over two or more months. Unlike GBS, CIDP is chronic, with symptoms constantly waxing and waning. Left untreated, 30 percent of CIDP patients will progress to wheelchair dependence. Early recognition and treatment can avoid a significant amount of disability. Post-treatment life depends on whether the disease was caught early enough to benefit from treatment options. The gradual onset of CIDP can delay diagnosis by several months or even years, resulting in significant nerve damage that may take several courses of treatment before benefits are seen. The chronic nature of CIDP differentiates long-term care from GBS patients. Adjustments inside the home may need to be made to facilitate a return to normal life. I continue to champion key priorities of the GBS|CIDP community, including cosponsoring H.R. 1143, the Medicare IVIG Access Enhancement Act, that will facilitate home infusion for the treatment of CIDP and MMN. I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing May as GBS|CIDP Awareness Month and in supporting this important legislation by becoming a cosponsor of H.R. 1143 that will help promote therapy adherence, enhance quality of life, and promote positive health outcomes for beneficiaries with CIDP and MMN.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Gary Johnson on his retirement following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in engineering, construction, and public service. His legacy of leadership and service will continue to inspire us for years to come. As Vice President of Government Affairs and Industry Relations for Granite Construction Company, Mr. Johnson has been a tireless advocate for infrastructure investment, sound regulatory policy, and industry collaboration. His leadership has helped shape national conversations around transportation, construction materials, and sustainable development. Before assuming this role, Mr. Johnson led strategic planning and aggregate resource development at Granite, applying his deep technical expertise to ensure responsible resource management. Prior to joining Granite in 2002, Mr. Johnson held senior leadership roles with a nationwide engineering consulting firm, Mine Reclamation LLC, and the Santa Rosa Group Corporation. His diverse experience across public and private sectors underscores his commitment to advancing engineering innovation and environmental stewardship. Mr. Johnson earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary holds an impressive record of public service, including his tenure as Chair of the Colorado River Region of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board from 2000 to 2006. Throughout his career, Mr. Johnson has been known not only for his technical acumen and policy insight, but for his integrity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to building a better, more connected America. On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Gary Johnson on his well-deserved retirement. We wish him the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I reintroduce the ``Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act,'' alongside Representative Ken Calvert (R- CA). I thank my colleagues, Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) for cosponsoring my bill. As the former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, I know our national conservation goals cannot be achieved through public land ownership alone. The federal and state governments can and must work with private landowners who want to do their part to conserve America's natural landscapes, as my family did for our cattle ranch in 1998. This bill would unlock millions in federal funding to help states conserve working forestlands, create local jobs, and support sustainable forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk. Specifically, the ``Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act'' would allow States to choose to designate accredited, nonprofit land trusts to hold conservation easements purchased with federal funding under the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program. Current law requires that only the federal or state governments can hold conservation easements purchased under the Forest Legacy Program. Allowing States participating in the federal Forest Legacy Program the flexibility to partner with accredited, nonprofit land trusts will help permanently conserve more land by working with private landowners who want to have their land conserved but are wary of selling the federal or state governments an easement on their property. Expanding opportunities to conserve working forestlands will benefit our rural economies and encourage sustainable forest management practices that help prevent wildfires. This bill maintains the integrity of the Forest Legacy Program by holding all accredited, nonprofit land trusts participating in the Program to the highest possible standards. In addition, it implements safeguards to prevent misuse of the Program and allows the U.S. Forest Service or State to reclaim easements if a land trust falls into noncompliance with the Program. By unlocking new opportunities and funding for permanent land conservation, the ``Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act'' takes a critical step towards protecting our country's natural resources and forests for future generations. My colleagues and I are honored to reintroduce this legislation to preserve America's working forests and bolster our rural economies. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all members to join us in cosponsoring this bill.

Mr. GARAMENDI

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Jon Riley as he retires from his long and distinguished tenure with the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO). Throughout his career, Mr. Riley has been a tireless champion for the rights of working people, dedicating his time, energy, and passion to improving the lives of those he served. Mr. Riley began his 40-year career of service as a firefighter with the Vallejo Fire Department, where he served as Vice President Emeritus of Firefighters Local No. 1186. Mr. Riley fought to protect the communities of Vallejo and served as an invaluable mentor to the next generation of firefighters. Mr. Riley went on to join the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council, where his work has left a lasting legacy on the labor movement in Napa and Solano counties and beyond. Mr. Riley served as President of the Labor Council from 2005 to 2009 before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2009, a position he has held ever since. As Executive Director of the Labor Council, Mr. Riley oversaw various successful strategies, coalitions, and a significant growth in the membership of the Labor Council. His leadership has been fundamental in ensuring that working people in our region receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for economic advancement. Mr. Riley is a true champion for working people. His leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in fostering a strong and unified voice for workers across Napa and Solano counties, and his work has left an indelible mark on the Northern California labor movement. On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my congratulations to Jon Riley on his well-deserved retirement. Mr. Riley's years of service to the labor community will be remembered for generations to come.