Jared Huffman

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7693, the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022. This bill will ensure that the congressionally charted philanthropic partner of the National Park Service can continue supporting our parks for years to come. Specifically, this bill will reauthorize Federal funding for the National Park Foundation through 2030 and increase the overall annual authorization level from $5 million to $15 million. This is a smart and commonsense investment in the future of our national parks. Every Federal dollar requires a minimum 1-to-1 match with private dollars, creating a multiplying effect that reaches units throughout the entire system. After more than 100 incredible years, our national parks are more popular than ever. This means they need our support to ensure that the National Park Service can address challenges that include aging infrastructure, overcrowding, and inconsistent funding from Congress. The National Park Foundation is a key partner and ally. Innovative partnerships that leverage Federal investments and private donations help our parks thrive. I am proud to support this bill today so that the foundation can keep serving this important role. Later this week, we will consider the Interior Appropriations legislation, which includes vital funding for the National Park Service. I thank my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for developing a bill that includes a robust investment in our national parks, and I hope that Congress can keep making sound investments that ensure the National Park Service continues to thrive throughout its second century and beyond. I thank our colleague, Ranking Member Westerman, for introducing this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7693) to amend title 54, United States Code, to reauthorize the National Park Foundation.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7025) to prohibit the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service from funding entities that commit, fund, or support gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7025 is a bipartisan bill led by the chair and the ranking member of the Natural Resources Committee. It will significantly improve the management and oversight of international conservation programs at the Department of the Interior. Over the past couple of years, our committee conducted a bipartisan investigation into the role of the Worldwide Wildlife Fund, or WWF, and the Department of the Interior, DOI, regarding allegations of human rights abuses at conservation parks around the world. The reports are deeply upsetting, describing decades of abuse toward indigenous and local people in the name of conservation. The committee's oversight hearing in October revealed numerous shortcomings in how WWF carries out its work and how DOI oversees grant funding in challenging locations. These allegations aren't unique. Leading voices at the U.N. and elsewhere have, for years, warned of grave abuses in the name of conservation, in large part due to the colonial-based ``fortress conservation model'' that kicked indigenous and local people off their lands to set up protected areas. International conservation efforts are critical to the success of our national security, international development, climate, and biodiversity goals. However, when investing in these goals, we must ensure commonsense safeguards are in place that protect human rights. This bill does that. First, it expands human rights vetting to international Fish and Wildlife Service-funded conservation projects. It prohibits Fish and Wildlife Service funds from going to armed groups that commit gross violations of human rights. Second, the bill establishes a thorough, fair, and transparent process for investigating credible allegations of human rights abuses. Third, this legislation weaves the highest human rights standards into grant contracts. This bill is common sense, it is good government, and it will make international conservation more successful, benefiting local and indigenous community members and the planet. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for mentioning Professor Knox. He was an outstanding witness in our hearings on this subject. The truth is, the product of 3 years of work that is before us today was a really good exercise in bipartisan leadership, so I appreciate that. I have no further requests for time and am prepared to close, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7002) to authorize the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to be illuminated by blue and yellow lights in support of Ukraine, as amended.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2024, the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area Act, introduced by our esteemed colleague, Majority Leader Hoyer. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area to preserve, protect, and restore the area along with the local coordinating entity. The heritage area would include portions of St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George's counties in Maryland, with the specific boundaries to be established by the Department of the Interior. A management plan would be proposed from the Tri-City Council, which is also serving as the local coordinating entity. This management plan would come no later than 3 years after which the funds are made available to carry out this act. An inventory will also be taken because of the significance of the property. Establishing this Southern Maryland National Heritage Area ensures that the land is maintained, preserved, and protected so all Americans will be able to use this space, as well as to learn and understand its rich history. I, again, congratulate Majority Leader Hoyer for championing this bill on behalf of his constituents, and I urge everyone to support the bill today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and I am prepared to close, so I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1286) to establish in the States of North Carolina and South Carolina the Southern Campaign of the Revolution National Heritage Corridor, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3222, the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area Act. This bill would establish the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area, consisting of land in 19 counties in the State of Alabama, including Montgomery County, as a national heritage area. The region's identity is rooted in its cultural geography and historical development. During the mid-1900s, Alabama's Black Belt area gave rise to the civil rights movement emerging in the South. Montgomery County witnessed the bus boycotts in the 1950s. Dallas, Lowndes, and Montgomery Counties also gave way for the famous march for equal rights from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, led by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. National heritage areas leverage private funding for long-term projects that have substantial economic and environmental benefits. The protection, conservation, and restoration of Alabama's Black Belt area, in partnership with the National Park Service, will ensure that the powerful history of this area is preserved for posterity. These are stories that need to be told. I thank my colleague, Representative Sewell, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of her constituents. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3222, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 144 authorizes the Indian Health Service, or IHS, to purchase land in Hemet, California, for the purpose of constructing a paved road that facilitates access to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. IHS will then maintain the road or enter into an agreement with Riverside County, California, to maintain the road. This critical legislation will expand healthcare access to American Indian and Alaska Native youth in California by ensuring that the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center can be reached by safe roadways. Prior to 2016, indigenous youth in California experiencing substance use disorders were forced to travel to out-of-State facilities in order to receive care. Recognizing this added barrier to quality care, IHS built the Desert Sage Wellness Center in Hemet, California. The center is notable for providing culturally sensitive treatment to indigenous youth battling substance use disorders and can hold up to 32 patients at a time. Unfortunately, during the center's construction, IHS was unable to reach an agreement with adjacent property holders on the pavement and maintenance of an access road to the facility. As a result, the center is currently accessible only by a dirt road that is often washed out from heavy rainfall or in a general state of disrepair. The center remains the sole IHS youth regional treatment facility in the State, and it is a much-needed resource to California's American Indian and Alaska Native communities. However, the center's physical inaccessibility poses yet another obstacle to indigenous youth seeking care. This bill will solve the issue by granting IHS the authority to acquire the necessary nearby land in order to build an operational access road to the center. I thank Senator Feinstein for moving this important bill through the Senate, as well as our colleague, Representative Raul Ruiz, for championing the House version of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift adoption of S. 144, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant career and accomplishments of Robert T. Doyle on the occasion of his retirement as Marin County Sheriff following nearly 53 years of exemplary service at the Sheriff's Office. A Bay Area native and Marin County resident for five decades, Sheriff Doyle has dedicated his life and career to the public good. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving stateside in California and Oklahoma, and overseas in Germany and Vietnam. Three years later, he left the Army to settle in Marin, joining the Sheriff's Office in November 1969. Since 1969, Sheriff Doyle has excelled in a variety of roles across the Patrol, Custody, and Court Divisions, rising from the rank of Deputy Sheriff to Captain. He commanded both the Southern Marin Patrol Station and the Marin County Jail before being appointed Undersheriff in December 1988. In March 1996, he was then appointed to be Sheriff of Marin County. He went on to win reelection to the role six successive times. Throughout his tenure, he has stood out as a true leader in the community, always focusing on doing what was best for Marin County and its residents. Sheriff Doyle's stewardship of the law enforcement profession extended outside of his official role in government. He served as President of the California State Sheriffs' Association, two-term President of the Marin County Police Chiefs' Association, and Chair of the California State Sheriffs' Legislative Committee. He was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve as a member of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and by Governor Wilson to represent the State Sheriffs on the State Task Force on Court Facilities. He has diligently supported other community causes, serving as the Novato Youth Soccer Association Treasurer and as a member of the Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California Executive Committee. Madam Speaker, Sheriff Robert T. Doyle's career is a sterling example of public service and dedication to the law and community. Please join me in honoring Sheriff Doyle on his retirement, and in wishing him the best of luck in future endeavors.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant career and accomplishments of Gary T. Ragghianti, the 2020 recipient of the Marin County Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. A Marin County resident since 1948, Gary has dedicated his professional career to public service and the law. He graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1968 and began trying cases in the Marin County District Attorney's Office in 1969. In 1971, Gary joined the private firm of Conn, Breiner, Birkie & Ragghianti, which became Ragghianti Freitas in 2004. Over the course of his half- century-long career, he has served as the city attorney for San Rafael, Belvedere, Tiburon, and Corte Madera, and spent decades as counsel for other public entities in Marin County. Gary has served on numerous boards throughout his prolific career, including as President of the San Rafael Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and Vice President of the Marin County History Museum Board of Directors. He is also a two-time member of the Board of Directors of Alternate Defenders, Inc., a nonprofit which provides free legal representation to indigent defendants in Marin County. Over the course of his illustrious career, Gary has appeared twice before the United States Supreme Court. On the first occasion, he argued on behalf of the City of Tiburon at the age of 35. Then, 30 years later, he appeared again for a federal habeas corpus case, further cementing his reputation as a lawyer who can excel at the highest levels. Gary's commitment to the legal profession and local government in the County of Marin has been, and will continue to be, productive and enduring. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Gary for his commitment to public service and the law, and extending heartfelt congratulations on his reception of the Marin County Bar Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Neal Ewald as he retires from a long and productive career with Green Diamond Resource Company (GDRC). Mr. Ewald's 45-year career in the Northern California timber industry has been marked by efforts to improve timber management, environmental protections, and business practices. Starting as a forester and logging engineer with Arcata Redwood Co. in 1978, Mr. Ewald went on to become the company's Resource Manager. He was then hired by Simpson Timber Co. as Resource Manager, and was later promoted to General Manager. In these roles, Mr. Ewald played a critical role in the acquisition of Arcata Redwood Co., as well as the development of Simpson's Habitat Conservation Plan for the protection of northern spotted owls. He was part of the team that restructured Simpson Timber Co. into GDRC, and was appointed vice president of California Timberlands in 2003. During his time as vice president and General Manager of GDRC, the company adopted the ambitious Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan, which guided timber practices to conserve several protected aquatic species. From 2008 to 2018, Mr. Ewald worked diligently with Western Rivers Conservancy to transfer 48,000 acres of sacred land to the Yurok Tribe. Mr. Ewald oversaw the refurbishment of California Redwood Co.'s chip export dock, an investment in Twin Creeks Timber and purchase of 350,000 acres in five southern states, and GDRC's Marten Safe Harbor Agreement and Forest Habitat Conservation Plan. Promoted to senior vice president in 2019, Mr. Ewald helped GDRC acquire 293,000 acres in Montana, and form the Montana Timberlands Division and its Native Fish Habitat Conservation Plan. With a 90,000- acre expansion of Twin Creeks in 2021, GDRC now owns and manages 2.2 million acres in 10 states. A consummate traveler, scuba diver, pilot, and family man, Mr. Ewald has served as a volunteer for numerous timber and agriculture advocacy organizations, and as a board member of Hospice of Humboldt, Humboldt State University, the Humboldt Area Foundation, and the Eureka Chamber of Commerce. Madam Speaker, Neal Ewald's many contributions to the North Coast community as a leader for Green Diamond Resource Co. will leave a lasting impression for generations. Please join me in congratulating him on a prosperous career and an exciting and meaningful retirement.