Jimmy Gomez

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on November 12, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call Nos. 456, 457 and 458. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 456, ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 457, ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 458.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Maureen Kindel, who passed away on September 26, 2024 at the age of 86. Maureen was a longtime civic leader who mentored and advised dozens of elected and appointed officials in Los Angeles and was a special contributor to the political, educational, and business life of our city. As an adviser to Mayor Tom Bradley, she was appointed as the first woman in the history of the city to serve as President of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. In that role, she initiated the city's first program to increase the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in public contracting. Maureen was a leader in business: she co-founded two prominent public affairs and lobbying firms, and was a founding director of the Los Angeles Business Federation, the Los Angeles Business Council, and the Pacific Council on Foreign Relations. Maureen served as a member of the Organizing Committee for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and founded the LA84 Foundation alongside Rafer Johnson, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, Gil Vasquez, and Peter Ueberroth. She also helped organize the hugely successful Los Angeles Summer Arts Festival preceding the games. In addition, Maureen contributed her personal and professional passion to public education. She helped design, organize, and lead three major education summits in Los Angeles, integrating participation by business and civic leaders, educators, and public officials in examining the status and acute needs of the public education system. For her years of service, Maureen received many honors and awards, including the Los Angeles League of Women Voters Founder's Award. Among her proudest achievements was working with President Nelson Mandela when he was released from prison and after he was elected President of South Africa. Maureen is survived by sons Tom and Gerry Flintoft, daughters-in-law Ingrid and Janette, and grandchildren Chelsea, Stefan, Collin, Caroline, and Aidan. Mr. Speaker, I hope everyone will join me in mourning the loss of Maureen Kindel and celebrating her dedication to a life of service.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate El Gallo Bakery on their 75th anniversary of doing business in California's 34th Congressional District. El Gallo Bakery is an outstanding small business in East Los Angeles that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses. Founded by Magdalena Martinez de Huerta on February 2, 1949, 5 years after immigrating to East Los Angeles from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. El Gallo Bakery was passed down to Mr. Jesus Huerta, the son of Magdalena Martinez de Huerta. Mr. Huerta became the owner at 18 years old in 1984 and has transformed El Gallo Bakery into a staple of the East Los Angeles community. Mr. Huerta has also provided numerous contributions to the East Los Angeles community through his exceptional civic and business leadership and has brought the vibrant flavors of Mexico to East Los Angeles, enriching the cultural tapestry and creating a legacy of delicious memories and culinary excellence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating El Gallo Bakery on its 75th anniversary. Congratulations again on reaching this impressive milestone. I wish them continued success and here's to the next 75 years.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the extraordinary contributions of five California families to our Nation's struggle for civil rights. Together, the Estrada, Guzman, Mendez, Palomino, and Ramirez families challenged segregation in California public schools and won. In 1946, these families bravely fought for their children's right to equal access to education, even as the backlash could have put them in harm's way. Their case, Mendez et al v. Westminster et al, attracted nationwide attention, including support from the NAACP and its counsel, Thurgood Marshall. The case led to California passing a law officially banning school segregation in the state, and it paved the way for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case seven years later, ending school segregation across the country. While the case is known as Mendez v. Westminster, the Guzman, Palomino, Estrada and Ramirez families are equally as critical to this important moment in our Nation's history. Lorenzo and Josefina Ramirez tried to enroll their children in Roosevelt Grammar School, only to be told that they would have to attend a segregated school for Mexican students. When called to testify, Mr. Ramirez shared his belief that all children should be educated together. Virginia and William Guzman tried to enroll their son, Billy, at Franklin Elementary but were told that it was school board policy to have separate schools for Mexican students. The Guzmans were the first to file suit in Orange County and, though their initial suit was unsuccessful, they joined forces with the other four families and rallied support. Thomas and Mary Luisa Estrada worked to support the U.S. war efforts during World War II, and later galvanized their Westminster community behind them to fight for a better education for their six children. Frank and Irene Palomino tried to enroll their 11-year-old son, Arturo, in the local school, but were told by the superintendent that he needed to go to a school only for kids of Mexican descent. The Palominos decided to enroll Arturo elsewhere and challenge this injustice. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we remember and celebrate the Estrada, Guzman, Mendez, Palomino and Ramirez families. They fought for the right to an equal education for all--and won.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise during Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate the life and legacy of Richard Alatorre who served on the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly. His life's work was dedicated to delivering for the east side of Los Angeles and the Latino community. He was tough, smart, and dedicated. He worked hard to get his community the same rights and representation as everyone else. Early in his career, he helped collect funds and lowered bail for protesters arrested during the 1968 Chicano walkouts. As an assembly member, he authored bills for bilingual services to be offered in communities that needed them and for farmworkers to be allowed to collectively bargain. He cofounded the Latino Caucus in the California legislature in 1973 and helped expand Latino representation in the legislature. He strengthened historically Black council seats and ensured they stayed that way for decades. That is the kind of man he was. He got things done. He prioritized everyday, working-class Angelenos, and he will be missed. East L.A. will never forget our luchador. May Richard Alatorre rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to his family and to his community.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I was not recorded on roll call vote No. 443. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on roll call vote No. 443.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the Ascot Hills Challenge 5K Run/Walk for their 10 years of organizing a 3.1-mile trail course in Northeast Los Angeles. Founded by Troy Carbajal, Marleen Fonseca, and David Sifuentes, residents of El Sereno in California's 34th Congressional District, the Ascot Hills Challenge 5K Run/Walk has donated event proceeds to support the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) fire academy magnet school program as well as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) student police cadet program at Woodrow Wilson High School since 2014. Both the LAFD fire academy magnet school program and the LAPD student police cadet program offer a rigorous and disciplined curriculum developed for young men and women expressing an interest in a public service career. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds also goes to assist with the efforts to protect, beautify, and maintain Ascot Hills Park for its continual community use. This annual event not only connects residents with valuable resources and organizations in the community, but also serves to encourage youth to exercise and participate in public service. With limited green space in Northeast Los Angeles, we are grateful to have leaders like Troy, Marleen, and David who ensure that Angelenos get to experience the green spaces in Los Angeles through events like the Ascot Hills Challenge 5K Run/Walk. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for the Ascot Hills Challenge 5K Run/Walk, and I look forward to seeing all that they do in the next 10 years and beyond.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of Bill Pascrell. When we talk about the people's House, he epitomized that saying, that the idea that anybody from any part of our country could rise up to represent their community, their constituents in a way that does honor to them but also to the idea of we the people, that the consent is earned from the governed, and Billy was the epitome of that idea. When I think of him, I think that he was a character, that he was a fighter, that there would never be another Bill Pascrell in this place. He was one of a kind, but he also had a kind soul. He was a hell of a fighter and somebody that didn't give up on working America. How does this help the working man and woman in his district and across the country? One of the first things I did when I was on the committee when I was really green is I called out another Member on the other side of the aisle by name and took a good whack because I came from the Oversight Committee, and that is how we do it over there. We kind of have brass- knuckle fights. I was asked--which kind broke decorum a little bit--but I was asked to make amends with the other gentleman, which I did, but when I left, a few days after that incident Billy said: You did a great job in that hearing. He loved those fights because he felt that passion. Billy is somebody that is going to be missed, but I know that his legacy in this place and in his district will never be forgotten.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call No. 356 and No. 358. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 356 and Roll Call No. 358.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on July 24, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call No. 391. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 391.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call vote No. 356 and No. 358. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Roll Call vote No. 318 and No. 320.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on June 26, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call No. 283. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 283. On June 27, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call No. 318 and No. 320. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 318 and No. 320.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Grand Opening of the East Wind Foundation for Youth's Chinatown Community Cultural Center. Since opening its doors in 1972, the East Wind Foundation for Youth has been committed to empowering young Angelenos to become the next generation of global leaders. Headquartered in Chinatown, this non- profit equips young people with the skills they need to cultivate an inclusive community that brings families, friends and neighbors together while honoring their Chinese culture. The East Wind Foundation for Youth hosts countless cultural programs throughout the year, such as their annual essay writing contest, lion dance performances, martial art training and community service. Through these opportunities, young people are encouraged to think critically, build up their self-confidence and create lasting friendships while celebrating their shared Chinese heritage. While the foundation's programming is aimed at uplifting students, its impacts reverberate throughout our Los Angeles neighborhoods, improving the lives of families and entire communities. By providing creative and academic outlets for students, the foundation is reducing the likelihood that young people engage in gang violence, and is thus promoting safer neighborhoods. The grand opening of the Chinatown Community Cultural Center allows the non-profit to further expand its arts and educational services to constituents of California's 34th Congressional District, with a focus on the history of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles as well as the history of the organization. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for the East Wind Foundation for Youth.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on roll call Nos. 280, 281, and 282. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on roll call Nos. 280, 281, and 282.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Los Angeles Union Station's 85th anniversary. Los Angeles Union Station opened its doors in May of 1939, becoming the main railway station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. This landmark enjoys the great distinction of being known as the ``Last of the Great Train Stations'' built in the United States. Owned by the Metro/Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority since 2012, Union Station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, providing thousands of passengers daily access to Amtrak long distance trains, Amtrak California regional trains, Metrolink commuter trains, and Metro Rail subway and light rail lines. Los Angeles Union Station is also a vibrant landmark and symbol of Downtown Los Angeles. This station serves as a hub for visitors to Los Angeles, and has been the star of hundreds of movies, television shows and commercials. The station also showcases an array of arts and cultural events from music and dance to film screenings, architecture tours and holiday programs, and was internationally recognized as the host to the 93rd Oscars in 2021. In the eight-plus decades since its opening, Los Angeles Union Station has captured the spirit and soul of Los Angeles and is a source of great civic pride for Angelenos. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for Los Angeles Union Station, and I look forward to seeing all that they do in the next 85 years and beyond.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club for their 80 years of providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable residents in California's 34th Congressional District. Founded in 1944, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club has nurtured and empowered generations of youth and families, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for growth. Over the years, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club has evolved, adapted, and expanded to meet the changing needs of the Northeast Los Angeles community. Some of the essential services provided by the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club include developmental programming for children, academic support, sports, psycho-educational groups, leadership development, pre-employment preparation, art and dance, and gang prevention and intervention. These programs have resulted in improved math proficiency, improved reading test scores, a lifelong interest in regular exercise leading to an improved health-conscious habits that prioritize health, and proper nutrition for the youth of Northeast Los Angeles. Additionally, the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club provides services to support the entire family unit through case management, weekly food distribution, positive community events, and emergency and crisis response services. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone for the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club, and I look forward to seeing all that they do in the next 80 years and beyond.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, during Immigrant Heritage Month, I rise to honor my constituent Maria Barahona, a shining example of the resilience and contributions of our immigrant community. Maria, a home-care provider and TPS recipient from El Salvador, embodies the American spirit through her unwavering commitment to serving others. TPS gives Maria the ability to work and care for her community. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the invaluable impact of immigrants to our Nation. Foreign-born workers drove a staggering 50 percent of the U.S. labor market growth last year. Maria's story is a call to action. We must support and uplift our immigrant community and expand TPS.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional contributions of Esther Kim, our Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) fellow, who has used her talents for the betterment of California and the U.S. Congress as a whole. From astutely demanding answers from the Food and Drug Administration on how lead-tainted food was able to get to the plates of children and what the agency would do to ensure it never happened again, to building key coalitions of support and helping pass through the House a bill to redesignate a Koreatown post office in honor of activist Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, Esther's insights and diligence have made real change and pushed important congressional efforts forward. As she prepares to enter Yale Divinity School in the fall, I am certain her time in Congress is only the beginning of the impact Esther Kim will make on our nation. I know I speak for everyone who encountered Esther on the Hill when I say we can't wait to see what she will do change the world next.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Titus for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill to name the Los Angeles U.S. Courthouse in my district after two individuals whose courage bent the arc of history toward justice, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez. The Mendez family, alongside the Ramirez, Estrada, Guzman, and Palomino families, challenged segregationist policies that prevented their children from getting the same quality education as their White peers, and they won. Their efforts resulted in the landmark 1946 case of Mendez v. Westminster School District, which led to the desegregation of California schools and set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education, the monumental Supreme Court decision that stated: separate but equal is inherently unequal. I introduced this bill alongside Sylvia Mendez, the daughter of Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez, who, as a child, set in motion this desegregation case. Sylvia was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 by President Obama and is the subject of this children's book, ``Separate is Never Equal,'' which I brought as a reminder of what this means for our children. This courthouse will be a reminder that history and law are not just shaped by judges, they are molded by people who have the courage to challenge unjust laws and make our country better. The NAACP, ACLU, and Japanese American Citizens League sent amicus briefs in this case, showing that our struggles are distinct, but our battle to form a more perfect union is one and the same. In fact, Thurgood Marshall wrote the NAACP's brief, and just years later used similar reasoning before the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from the NAACP, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and 21 Latino civil rights organizations and advocacy groups in favor of this legislation.

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, for all Americans to feel part of our American story, they need to see themselves reflected in the buildings and monuments that commemorate our history. The Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Courthouse will be the first courthouse named after a Latina out of over 200 named Federal courthouses. I thank the over 60 cosponsors, including Members from both sides of the aisle, along with the overwhelming support of the California delegation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to pass this legislation swiftly to send a clear sign about what we stand for as a Nation.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on May 6, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call vote No. 177 and No. 178. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on both Roll Call No. 177 and No. 178.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on April 29, 2024, I was not recorded on Roll Call Vote No. 153 and No. 154. Had I been present, I would have voted ``AYE'' on both Roll Call No. 153 and No. 154.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the birthday of a fearless trailblazer and a symbol of hope: Dolores Huerta. At 94 years old, she is still fighting the fight for economic justice, social justice, and justice for all workers. Just last week, we were together reaffirming our commitment to workers' rights during a Cesar Chavez celebration. As the cofounder of the United Farm Workers, she mobilized local communities to fight for the rights of workers everywhere. Dolores understood that to create a movement, you need to empower the next generation of leaders so your work extends far beyond your lifetime. With every organizer she trained, she helped create a ripple of change that organized and transformed committees decades after she uttered those famous words, ``yes, it can be done,'' ``si, se puede,'' a movement that still continues to this day. Mr. Speaker, I wish Dolores a happy birthday.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 90. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 90.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, we remember Robert ``Bob'' Ramirez, a devoted Angeleno and founding member of the El Rio Veterans Collaborative, who passed away at 78. Graduating from Cathedral High School, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. Following his military service, he dedicated over 30 years to the IBEW as general chairman. He earned a degree from the California State University, Los Angeles and taught at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Bob's impact extended beyond his professional and academic endeavors. He played a crucial role in the El Rio Veterans Collaborative, changing the lives of people across our district. Bob is survived by his wife, Caroline, and their two children. Let us honor his life of service and leadership and remember his impact on our community and the United States of America.