Jimmy Gomez

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Robert ``Bob'' Ramirez, who passed away at the age of 78. Robert, a lifelong Angeleno and founding member of the El Rio Veterans Collaborative, leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service and community leadership. A proud graduate of Cathedral High School, Bob's career path led him from the Southern Pacific Railroad to the U.S. Air Force in 1965. His deployment to Vietnam in 1966 as a security police specialist with a scout patrol fire team earned him the Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service. Following his military service, Bob's commitment to advocacy and representation was evident in his role as general chairman for IBEW, where he tirelessly served for over 30 years. His pursuit of knowledge culminated in a degree from California State University, Los Angeles, and he shared his expertise as a professor at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Bob's impact is felt not only through his professional and academic contributions but also through his role as a founding member of the El Rio Veterans Collaborative. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, and their two children. Mr Speaker, I hope everyone will join me in mourning the loss of Robert ``Bob'' Ramirez and celebrating his life of service.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of a community leader and advocate, Mr. Alan Nishio. Mr. Nishio was an activist, educator, and tireless organizer. Born in the Manzanar incarceration camp in 1945, Mr. Nishio spent his life uplifting the Japanese American community in his many roles, including as the longest-tenured Board President for the Little Tokyo Service Center. Mr. Nishio was also the founder of UCLA's Asian American Studies program in 1968. Mr. Nishio advocated for the Japanese community in Little Tokyo and beyond. As founder and co-chair of the National Coalition of Redress/ Reparations, Mr. Nishio worked tirelessly to provide rightful compensation to Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. Mr. Nishio was not only a mover and a changemaker, but a genuinely kind individual. Mr. Nishio always focused on the bigger picture, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships between the Japanese American community and other communities throughout Los Angeles. Mr. Nishio's legacy will live on in the Japanese American community in Little Tokyo, and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Alan Nishio.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank both the chairman and the ranking member for their support in finding a path to get this bill to the floor. I am honored to represent L.A.'s Koreatown, home of the largest Korean-American community in any congressional district in our country. This legislation not only honors one of the first Korean-American immigrants in the United States and a key figure in the Korean independence movement, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, it celebrates every Korean American who makes our country what it is today. Ahn Chang Ho, also known by his pen name, Dosan, was a pivotal early leader in the Korean-American community, immigrating to the United States with his wife as the first married couple from Korea to do so; founding early Korean-American community groups; and laying the groundwork for the last 121 years of Korean-American contributions. Dosan was also a celebrated Korean independence activist, who helped author the South Korean national anthem, advocated for social reform, served as a leader of the provisional government, and played a key role in the opposition of the Japanese occupation of Korea. He was the father of trailblazing Korean-American actors: Philip Ahn, Philson Ahn, and Ralph Ahn; and his daughter, Susan Ahn Cuddy, was the first Asian-American woman to join the U.S. Navy, and she was an important leader in the post-World War II national security community. Dosan was a pioneer in American history, and his story deserves to be told. The post office in the heart of Koreatown where he rose to become one of first leaders of the Korean-American community and where he founded the first Korean organization in the continental United States will ensure this important piece of history is shared with generations to come. The Korean-American story is the American story, and we must ensure this community receives the recognition and support they deserve. I am proud this measure to name our post office after Dosan Ahn Chang Ho is on the floor of the House today, and I look forward to the day when this redesignation is officially signed into law by the President.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 35th anniversary of One Stop Auto Care, an outstanding community auto shop that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses. One Stop Auto Care has served the communities of Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Glendale since opening for business on Eagle Rock Blvd in 1989. One Stop Auto Care was founded by Gerry Vicario when he was 25 years old. Prior to opening the small business, Mr. Vicario worked at his uncle's tire shop, which is where he discovered the need for an auto repair shop in the community. Mr. Vicario and his wife enthusiastically opened their business and have since expanded their services to include tires, oil changes, tune- ups, brake repair, and more. One Stop Auto Care grew from one employee to eight experienced technicians, and they have remained focused on helping the people of our community. I congratulate Mr. Vicario and the entire team at One Stop Auto Care for their continued dedication to providing exceptional automobile repair service to Angelenos. I would also like to recognize Mr. Vicario for supporting various community events and organizations throughout Northeast Los Angeles. I look forward to seeing One Stop Auto Care's continued growth and success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating One Stop Auto Care on its 35th anniversary.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the immense contributions of Korean Americans and in support of my resolution honoring Korean American Day. It has been 121 years since the first Korean Americans arrived in the United States. Over that period of time, they changed our country's history, from business to music to even the foods we eat. That is why I am proud that we are developing the first Korean- American national museum in the United States in the heart of Los Angeles' Koreatown. I am proud to have secured the first $7 million that will help not only design it but get it off the ground. In our communities, Korean soldiers who served alongside Americans in Vietnam were shut out for too long. With my colleagues, we secured veterans benefits for these heroes. Now, I am pushing to name a local post office in honor of Korean American leader Dosan Ahn Chang Ho. This Korean American Day, let's celebrate these stories that are intertwined with the fabric of our Nation.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Chair, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 606. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 606. Amendment No. 30 Offered by Mr. Brecheen

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Chair, today, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 541. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 541. Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Perry

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 400. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 400.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on July 19, 2023, I was not recorded on Roll Call vote No. 356. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 356.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on rollcall No. 295. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 295.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 213 and rollcall vote No. 214. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 213 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 214.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Republicans are attacking one of the most marginalized, most discriminated groups in our country--trans Americans--just to score cheap political points. Yes, cheap political points because this is something from the top down, from the head of the Republican Party here in Congress to each of the States that have introduced anti-trans legislation. It is especially sick when you look at the statistics. Over 50 percent of trans youth considered suicide just last year. Let that sink in: 50 percent--not a fraction, 50 percent. Yet, rather than address pressing issues like gun violence, the leading cause of death for our children, Republicans are attacking trans and other LGBTQ kids. It shows exactly who they are--bigots and bullies. I said that once and I will say it again: bigots and bullies. This isn't their first attack on the trans community, as I mentioned. At the start of this Congress, my Republican colleagues threatened to revoke funding for an organization in my district that helps trans Americans find jobs and mental health resources. Oh, big conspiracy, trying to help people with mental health issues and help them find jobs. If they think their attacks will stop me from supporting the trans community, they are simply wrong. Transgender, nonbinary, and intersex youth want to participate in team sports for the same reason as their cisgender peers: to be part of a team, learn sportsmanship, and challenge themselves. As the brother of an LGBTQ American, I find their attacks offensive. I will vote ``no'' on this piece of legislation.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Chair, I was not recorded on rollcall no. 177. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall no. 177. Amendment No. 34 Offered by Mr. Perry

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Chair, I was not recorded on rollcall vote No. 178. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 178. Amendment No. 35 Offered by Mr. Smith of New Jersey

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Pathways LA on 45 years of service to the district. Pathways LA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen low-income and vulnerable working families, promote high quality early care and education services for children of all abilities, develop knowledgeable early care providers and promote economically resilient communities. Since its founding Pathways LA has been committed to the healthy development and school readiness of young children from disadvantaged communities. With a staff of more than 60 individuals who reflect the linguistic and cultural composition of the families they serve, Pathways LA assists thousands of families and children every year, while continuing to support and train more than 950 childcare providers. Driven by data and innovation, Pathways LA's experts support the continuum of care that includes parents, childcare providers, community partners and policymakers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 45th anniversary of Pathways LA.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate Korean American Day tomorrow. I am proud to represent Koreatown in Los Angeles, the largest Korean- American community of any congressional district in the country. Tomorrow, we recognize the landmark 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean-American immigrants to the United States, and we honor the enduring legacy, sacrifices, and contributions made by generations of Korean Americans. This is why I urge my colleagues to support my resolution to recognize the ideals of Korean American Day and essential contributions of Korean Americans to American life. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to represent a community whose history and culture are so valuable both individually, and as a part of our larger, diverse American identity. Since coming to Congress, I've made it a priority to ensure the Korean American community gets the awareness and support it deserves. That is why I've pushed Congress to recognize the sacrifices of Korean and Korean American veterans throughout the last century. It is why I recently fought to secure $7 million for the creation of the Korean American National Museum, the first museum in the nation dedicated to honoring over a century of Korean American history and culture. And it's why I am leading this year's efforts to recognize the monumental milestone of 120 years of Korean American culture, and the countless contributions Korean Americans have made to our country. As I continue to work every day to represent and uplift the Korean American community in Los Angeles, I am grateful for the continued partnership of Korean American organizations in my district. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, led by President James An, has and will continue to serve as a powerful voice and strong advocate for Korean Americans in the Los Angeles area. Their programs and services help form the backbone of Koreatown and have helped keep the community together and strong, overcoming decades of challenges, discrimination and titanic changes in our city. The Koreatown Youth and Community Center, led by their Executive Director, Johng Ho Song, has spent nearly half a decade serving at risk youth in Los Angeles as the leading multiservice organization in Koreatown. Their support for Korean American youth and their families, especially recent immigrants and the economically disadvantaged is essential in ensuring everyone in Koreatown has access to healthcare, housing and education. These organizations, and many others like them are essential to sustaining and strengthening Los Angeles' Korean community and I am privileged to work alongside them every day to make sure Koreatown and all Korean Americans get the support they deserve from our federal government. This Korean American Day, I hope all my colleagues, constituents and fellow Americans take the time to reflect on and fully honor the continuing positive influence and impact the Korean American community has on our Country.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, in 2017, Republicans handed out tax breaks for the largest corporations and the ultrawealthy, including Donald Trump, who paid zero Federal income tax in 2020 and left the Presidency without a single audit. What we were trying to do was make it a fairer tax system where the ultrawealthy were actually paying their fair share, which, as we saw through the simple release of those tax returns for the President of the United States, there were some years he paid zero. He was less likely to be audited than somebody getting the earned income child tax credit. This is something that we need to fight against. We want to make sure that our colleagues on the other side of the aisle understand that it is not just about the ultrawealthy. It is about working-class Americans. It is a shame that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle care more about those who have higher income, those who can hire lawyers that can get them out of paying taxes, but we should really have a tax system that benefits everybody.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Building Skills Partnership (BSP) on 15 years of improving the quality of life of property service workers in low-wage industries, as well as their families and communities. BSP is a non-profIt organization founded with the vision of creating an equitable playing field for California's working families to succeed in their careers and educational endeavors. Born out of the Justice for Janitors movement that helped thousands of immigrant janitors achieve a more just way of living and working, BSP partnered with responsible businesses and employers to pilot its first workplace training, which focused on Vocational English language acquisition. BSP programs serve 5,500 participants annually and focus on workforce development, immigrant inclusion, and community advancement. The organization offers career and education programs that enable workers' personal and professional success. Today, BSP represents a unique partnership between over 90 janitorial employers, over 60 commercial building owners, the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), and the broader community. With collaboration and a holistic approach to programming, BSP continues to strive to create an equitable future for working families to build a better life. Thanks to BSP's dedication, BSP has expanded to seven major cities across California and broadened its programming to fully address the unique barriers immigrant janitors and their children face in realizing the benefits of social, civic, and economic integration. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 15th anniversary of Building Skills Partnership.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Bresee on 40 years of service to the district. Bresee is a non-profit organization whose mission is to battle poverty by empowering youth and families in Los Angeles with the skills, resources, and relationships necessary to thrive. Since its early days, Bresee has evolved significantly to support the continued needs of youth and families in the community. In 2008, Bresee expanded further to include family supportive services through the Wilshire FamilySource Center. Then, in 2012, Bresee joined the city-wide campaign to reduce gang violence in Los Angeles by launching a gang prevention program through the Mayor's Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) initiative. Thanks to Bresee's dedication, Bresee provides family services for approximately 1,500 adults and family members each year. In addition, Bresee provides youth services for 900 middle and high school students in the public-school system and gang-prevention services for 100 at- risk youth aged 10 to 15 years old. Bresee is a vibrant community center serving more than 3,000 youth and family members each year. It is an honor to have Bresee as a community partner in my congressional district. Bresee continues to remind us that Los Angeles is a city of hope and inspiration. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bresee.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park summer music series. The Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park series was founded by Michael Nogueira in 1997 and has grown to become an annual attraction that residents from Eagle Rock and neighboring communities in Northeast Los Angeles look forward to each year. For the last 25 years, the Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park series has advanced community cohesiveness in Northeast Los Angeles through the artistic musical mediums of performance. The Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park series was especially critical in promoting a sense of comradery and community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, I am proud to recognize Michael Nogueira, the Eagle Rock Chamber of Commerce, and Sir Michael's Events for their tireless efforts in making this annual event an overwhelming success and for making Northeast Los Angeles and the Eagle Rock community a better place to live. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the Eagle Rock Concerts in the Park summer music series on its 25th anniversary.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of a community leader and advocate, Mr. Stephan Early. Mr. Early was an educator and active community member. Mr. Early taught English at Eagle Rock High School for 30 years and was part of the National Education Association where he represented California as a delegate in education policy for nearly 10 years. He was most proud of teaching Shakespeare to students, noting the literature's timeless and engaging language. Mr. Early was a standout educator, and dedicated ally and advocate. He supported his students at bake sales, car washes, and encouraged neighbors to do the same. Mr. Early would say, ``in order to communicate an idea, you need to be able to write it down.'' His passion for teaching, creating community, and service is what made Mr. Early a model citizen. Mr. Early cared so deeply about his community that he served as the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council President for 2 years and always worked on protecting the Eagle Rock community. Mr. Early was a proud family man and veteran. His wife, Mrs. Early, remembers him as a loving husband and proud father of 2. Mr. Early served our Nation in uniform during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Stephan Early.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Posse Los Angeles on their 20th Anniversary. Posse Los Angeles is headquartered in California's 34th Congressional District and is the Pacific Coast branch of the national Posse Foundation. The Posse Foundation was founded in 1989 and is dedicated to identifying and supporting public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may be overlooked by traditional college selection processes. The Foundation extends to students the opportunity to pursue personal achievement and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams (``Posses''). Since 2002, Posse Los Angeles has selected numerous talented and diverse leaders to attend some of the nation's top colleges and universities. Posse Scholars are awarded full-tuition merit scholarships and begin a lifelong relationship with The Posse Foundation that will see them through to graduation and help them become leaders in the workforce. Today, I am proudly share that the Posse Foundation has identified, recruited, and trained more than 10,000 students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential, and has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive college success and leadership development initiatives in the country. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Posse Los Angeles on their 20th Anniversary and in wishing them continued success for years to come.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in honor and memory of one of my constituents who was killed in the Las Vegas mass shooting in October 2017, Michelle Vo. I also rise in the memory of the kids who were killed in Uvalde, Texas, in Parkland, in Sandy Hook. I rise in their memories, and I also rise due to the fact that I will have a newborn child on August 8. That child, in a few years, will be going off to school, and I will be worried about that child being put in danger because he is going off to school when there are mass shootings across this country. I rise in support of this because it is a small step forward to prevent the loss of life. In the end, it comes down to one simple question, as my colleague from northern California posed: Are you with the kids, or are you with the killers? Are you with the victims, or are you with the killers? I choose the victims; I choose the kids; and I choose the countless lives we will save because we will pass this law.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, Latino servicemembers have been vital to the defense of our country, including the thousands who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is important that our communities and our government pay tribute to the diverse history of Latinos in the United States military, which is why I am proud that the House passed my bill, H.R. 5900, honoring World War II hero, Private Jacob Cruz, an Angeleno and Boyle Heights resident, and a United States Marine Corps Reserve private. Private Cruz was 17 years old and a junior at Roosevelt High School when he asked his single immigrant mother, Gracia Cruz, a custodian at White Memorial Medical Center, for permission to enlist. After initial training, Private Cruz shipped off to the Pacific where he gave his life running ammunition boxes to gunners amid enemy fire during the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. Private Cruz's heroic devotion to duty posthumously earned him the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Unfortunately, his remains were not recovered after he was killed. During a storm in 2019, Mother Nature brushed away a house where the battle took place, and the remains of Mr. Cruz were found. In 2020 they were identified, and in 2021 they were finally returned to Private Cruz' family for a long-awaited proper burial with full military honors. In recognition of Private Cruz' service and sacrifice, the House passed H.R. 5900 designating the Boyle Heights Post Office as the Marine Corps Reserve Private Jacob Cruz Post Office. I take a moment to give thanks to Private Cruz' family, including his brother, Isaac; his sister, Ruth; his nephews, Mike and Isaac; and his niece, Alta, who have kept Private Cruz' legacy alive in Boyle Heights for almost eight decades and never gave up the fight to bring him home. As we approach Memorial Day, I urge the Senate to pass H.R. 5900 to honor Private Cruz' sacrifice and those of other Latino military heroes, both fallen and alive, in Los Angeles and across the country for decades to come. Roosevelt High School, where Private Cruz attended, has a long history, as well as Garfield High School, in giving up boys to go to fight the World Wars. There is a football game called the East L.A. Classic between Roosevelt and Garfield. The 4 years during World War II were the only years that they couldn't field a team on either side. This is an honor of Private Cruz, but it is also an honor of all the Latino men who gave their lives during our conflicts, especially during World War II.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside on their 50th Anniversary. For 50 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside have navigated through challenging times to provide a safe place for kids and teens. Today, they are committed more than ever to ensure club staff, families, and communities have the resources and support they need during uncertain and difficult times. The Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside has three clubs in CA 34: Estrada Courts, Ramona Gardens, and William Mead. These clubs, which are located in low-income public housing communities, provide a fun, structured environment for after school, during holidays, and on summer vacation for youth ages 6-17. The programs and services that are offered promote and enhance the development of America's youth and families by instilling a sense of worth, belonging and inspiration. These clubs inspire me. They are open 6 days a week serving over 6,000 kids and 2,200 families and they have served more than 250,000 meals in our community. During the Covid-19 pandemic the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside stepped up for the community and distributed over 1 million face masks, hand sanitizers and assorted PPE. Additionally, the clubs hosted vaccine clinics where they administered over 600 vaccines. Sixty-eight families received Rent Relief to stay in their homes during the holidays and an additional $60,000 was given to 30 families at the start of 2022 in rent relief support. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside.