Ted Lieu

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate September 19, 2024, as the inaugural National App Challenge Day. This day honors the innovation, creativity, and technical skills of our nation's youth, who are the driving force behind our future's technological advancements. The National App Challenge Day was established to encourage young students from across the United States to develop their coding skills, explore their creativity, and apply their problem-solving abilities to real-world issues. This initiative aligns with our nation's broader goal of promoting K-12 STEM education and preparing our students to be competitive in the global economy. Since its inception, the Congressional App Challenge has inspired over 58,000 students, across all 50 states and territories to engage in computer science and technology. By participating in this challenge, students gain invaluable experience in teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation. The apps developed by these young coders address a wide range of issues, from improving educational resources to creating solutions for community challenges. National App Challenge Day highlights the importance of investing in our youth and supporting STEM education. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of all student participants and to recognize the mentors, educators, and community leaders who support and inspire these students. As a recovering computer science major and one of the co-chairs of the Congressional App Challenge, I recognize the importance of supporting initiatives that foster innovation and creativity among our nation's youth. Let the National App Challenge Day serve as a catalyst for future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape the world of tomorrow.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jerrold Martin ``Jerry'' Axelrod, who passed away on August 19, 2023. Jerry was born in Canton, Ohio on September 5, 1927. He served in the Army and studied at the University of California, Berkeley, but always remained incredibly close to his family. He and his brother, Warren, launched the highly successful company, Southwest Leasing, in Hollywood in 1960. Southwest Leasing eventually became headquartered in Beverly Hills and moved to West Los Angeles, where it occupied a city block and held thousands of cars. He married his wife, Christine, in 1968 and moved to Beverly Hills in 1974 where he raised his two children. Jerry was deeply dedicated to the Beverly Hills community as a board member of the Maple Center, board member of City of Hope, and member of the Friars Club. He coached AYSO Soccer and was an avid supporter of the Beverly Hills Little League. He loved opening his home to others, hosting tennis tournaments, little league batting cage practice, Monday Night Football, and poker parties. He, Christine, and his stepson, Robert, moved to the Pacific Palisades community in 1997, where Jerry continued his legacy in creating meaningful relationships. Jerry was a world traveler and he explored nearly every continent during his life. He was devoted towards exercising as he ran, boxed, weightlifted, swam, scuba dove, and practiced yoga. Jerry was most passionate about meeting new people and maintaining long-lasting friendships. He is survived by many loving family members, including his wife, Christine; daughter, Jennifer Axelrod Clay (Ty); son, Danny Axelrod (Shannon); stepson, Robert Varie; three grandchildren: Cory (Kari), Molly, and William; and one great-grandchild, Samuel. May his memory be a blessing to all who know him.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of the Honorable Frank W. Chen, who passed away on July 18, 2024. Judge Chen formerly served as a commissioner for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Frank was born in Taipei, Taiwan on November 11, 1963, to his parents William and May Chen. Frank moved to the United States at the age of 4 where he settled in Schenectady, New York and graduated from Mohonasen Senior High School. Following his graduation, Frank attended Stanford University and graduated in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He went on to graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1988 and started his career as a litigation attorney in Los Angeles that same year after being admitted to the California State Bar. Frank met Chen-Yen in December of 1999 and in September 2000, they got married and moved to San Marino, CA. They welcomed their first child, Nathaniel Chen in 2003 and then second child, Natalina Chen in 2005. Anyone who knew Frank knew that his family meant more to him than anything else. He worked tirelessly to support his family first and foremost and to ensure that they could also pursue their passions to the fullest. Frank is well-known for his pro bono legal work in combating abusive litigation. He received awards for his volunteer work with state and local prosecutors, local elected officials, legislators, and the State Bar of California. In 2003, Frank was named a recipient of California Lawyer Magazine's Attorney of the Year (CLAY). That same year, Frank was a recipient of the Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California's Pro Bono Service Award for his work in coordinating a unique and sweeping defense to abusive litigation brought by the Trevor Law Group of Beverly Hills. Since 2005, Frank has been recognized eleven times as a Southern California Super Lawyer and three times in the National Super Lawyers Business Edition. He was also named one of Pasadena Magazine's Top Attorneys from 2010-2018. Frank first became interested in judicial service while working as a volunteer Temporary Judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court beginning in 2005 where he presided over small claims. In December 2018, Frank was elected by the judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court to become the Los Angeles Superior Court's Court Commissioner. Frank became the Los Angeles Superior Court's third Taiwanese-born judicial officer and was the fifth nationwide. Frank was also a well-respected leader in his community. He was a former president of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA) and the Taiwanese American Lawyers Association (TALA). He served as a trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) and as a board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA). Frank was also a proud blood donor to local American Red Cross blood banks. He also was a supporter of many online musicians within the Twitch music community and greeted audiences for the past three years as a moderator, fan and friend. Frank was also a faithful member of San Marino Community Church where he served as an Elder and recently joined the Chancel Choir with his wife. He is survived by many loving family members, including his wife Chun-Yen, son Nathaniel, daughter Natalina, parents William and May Chen, brother Henry Chen and sister-in-law Julie, and nephew Matthew and niece Natalie. May his memory serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the Beverly Hills High School student television station, KBEV. The student-led television station team secured the second place National Silver Medal in the Video News Production category of the 2024 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The team consisted of Beverly Hills High School students Aaron Gabayan, Colby Gilardian, Nora Nikfariam, Jason Maybaum, and their dedicated teacher, Professor Romeo Carey of Santa Monica College. The SkillsUSA Championships showcase the best Career and Technical education students throughout the nation. The KBEV station secured second place nationally for the first time in ten years of competition history. This is an impressive accomplishment for these young media innovators who stood out among over 300,000 participants nationwide. The KBEV station was founded in 1969 and is now broadcast to thousands of homes in Beverly Hills, California. The station has grown to be the longest-running high school television station in the country. KBEV affords high school students with the opportunity to learn the profession of Broadcast Journalism through practical experience and mentorship, a profession that is vital in a democratic society. I would like to sincerely congratulate the KBEV station, the students, and Professor Carey, for bringing great pride to the 36th Congressional District. This recognition honors their hard work and dedication and inspires other students to pursue excellence in their fields of interest.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Xiaoguang (Don) Sun, who passed away on March 13, 2024, in San Jose, California, with his family by his side. Don was a distinguished citizen who dedicated his life to advocacy, including advocating on behalf of Asian Americans, and served a prominent role in American politics. Mr. Sun was born on July 10, 1959, in Beijing, China. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Renmin University of China in Beijing in 1982. After graduation, Mr. Sun worked on the Economic Reform and Opening-up policies for six years, focusing on agrarian reform, privatization of land, and grassroots elections in rural China. This work ignited his passion to tirelessly serve the people and galvanized his commitment to the betterment of society. He also earned a master's degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and worked as a research fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford from 1990 to 1993, specializing in the research of political and land reform in Taiwan. Mr. Sun served as President to the Bay Area chapter of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association since 2009 and as a Cupertino Planning Commissioner from 2011-2019. He was also actively involved in the Cupertino Rotary Club for nearly two decades. Mr. Sun was vocal about the treatment of Asian Americans, leading advocacy efforts towards securing a formal apology from the U.S. House of Representatives for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Mr. Sun will be forever remembered for his contributions to the Asian American community. Mr. Sun is survived by his two sons. May his proud legacy continue to live on through all who had the honor of knowing him.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I use today to celebrate the women's water polo team from the University of California, Los Angeles. They took home the 2024 National Collegiate Women's Water Polo Championship on the 12th of May. UCLA defeated the women's water polo team from the University of California, Berkeley at the Spieker Aquatics Complex in Berkeley, California. The UCLA women's water polo team accomplished their third undefeated season in program history, completing a perfect run to their NCAA Championship. This year's championship is the program's 12th national championship and 123rd overall NCAA championship earned by a UCLA team. The team's head coach Adam Wright led the women's water polo team to their first championship since 2009. The UCLA women's water polo team should be proud of their accomplishments, becoming the fifth team in NCAA women's water polo history to complete an undefeated season and remain the top-seed. The team's perseverance allowed them to lead the game following a tie of four points during halftime. During the third quarter, holding an outstanding 8-6 lead, the team secured a 10-6 lead following a hat trick by one of their star players. I would like to sincerely congratulate the UCLA women's water polo team once again on winning the national championship and wish them the best of luck next season. Their performance and perseverance was a sight to behold and a tribute to the achievements of student athletes throughout the Nation. Go Bruins.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the men's volleyball team from the University of California, Los Angeles. They took home the 2024 NCAA Men's National Collegiate Volleyball Championship on the 4th of May. UCLA defeated the men's volleyball team from the California State University, Long Beach at Walter Pyramid on the campus of Long Beach State in Long Beach, California. This year's championship brought home the team's 21st national title win, cementing their record as the winningest program in NCAA history. The win marks UCLA's 122nd overall NCAA title across all sports. These are truly remarkable achievements. The men's volleyball team should be proud of their achievement in earning the distinction of being back-to-back national champions, amongst the more than half a million student-athletes who participate in NCAA events each year. With guidance from Coach John Speraw, who secured his fifth NCAA men's volleyball title as a collegiate head coach, UCLA ended their season with wins in 15 out of their last 16 matches. I would like to sincerely congratulate the UCLA's men's volleyball team once again on winning its second consecutive national championship and wish them the best of luck next season. This win is a special moment in the collegiate athletic careers of each player and marks an exceptional accomplishment and historical achievement for the UCLA community. Go Bruins. U-C-L-A. Fight. Fight. Fight.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to again recognize May 14th as IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day. This year, I'd also like to recognize that 2024 represents the IgA Nephropathy Foundation's 20th anniversary. For twenty years, this organization has worked on behalf of all families affected by IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), a rare genetic autoimmune disease which affects over 150,000 people a year in the United States. IgAN is the most common form of glomerulonephritis, which is the leading cause of kidney disease after diabetes and hypertension. It is particularly devastating because while it can present at any age, if most often affects younger Americans in their 20s and 30s when many are considering starting a family. About half of those affected by IgAN will go on to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) which leads to dialysis, transplant, or death. What makes IgAN particularly insidious is that it can recur in a transplanted kidney. Unfortunately, there are usually little or no immediate signs and symptoms and patients are often not diagnosed until their kidneys are already damaged, or they ``crash into dialysis'' in an emergency room. This year, I include in the Record a letter which was sent to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the impact of rare kidney disease as a health equity issue for the Asian American communities. The letter, which was signed by twelve organizations ranging from rare kidney disease patient groups, national AANHPI organizations, national nephrology foundations, and key healthcare providers across the country, urged raising awareness and improving outcomes in rare kidney disease in the disproportionately impact Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities. Asian populations have the higher proportion of IgAN at 40-50 percent. This powerful letter cites that Asian Americans are at several times higher risk of IgAN than white Americans and is a significant driver of ESKD. The letter also calls attention to successful rare kidney disease screening programs used in other countries which have reduced the rates of ESKD for people under 20 by about 50 percent. Programs show that early intervention and screening can have a big impact. As I noted last year, novel therapies to treat IgAN have been recently approved and it is my understanding that numerous clinical trials are underway with more therapies are on track for FDA review later this year and 2025. These therapies give families hope and are already helping promote kidney health and delay the progression to dialysis or transplant for thousands of people. I once again want to thank the IgA Nephropathy Foundation and note that Mary Schneider from Venice in my district remains a Board member of this outstanding organization. I understand that the IgAN Foundation is hosting an Advocacy Day this year, and hope that it is a major success. On this day, May 14, 2024, we honor all families facing this challenging disease and recognize IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day. April 12, 2024. Re Request to Raise Awareness and Improve Outcomes for Rare Kidney Disease in AA and NHPI Communities. Hon. Secretary Xavier Becerra, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Becerra: We are writing to urge you to take action beginning this May to address the high rates of rare kidney diseases (RKD), including IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), as a significant health equity challenge for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities in the United States. We recognize and appreciate that the Biden Administration has placed equity and the needs of underserved communities at the center of all of its efforts, including at HHS Given your role as Co-Chair of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, we wanted to emphasize the opportunities presented by the rapidly changing treatment and care paradigm in RKD, including IgAN, which has the potential to improve outcomes for patients, particularly within the AA and NEIPI communities. Taking action now can ensure that the AA and NHPI communities are not left behind as what has been called a ``golden age'' of research in RKD begins to yield advances in care and treatment, while also preventing significant costs for American's healthcare system, including Medicare and Medicaid. Asian Americans are at several times higher risk of IgAN than white Americans. In one global study, among patients who had renal biopsies with glomerulonephritis--the most common cause of kidney disease in the United States following hypertension and diabetes--Asian populations have the highest proportion of IgAN, at 40-50 percents. In chronic kidney disease, Asian patients have both worse prognosis than white patients and increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While it is a rare disease in the United States, IgAN is the most common form of chronic glomerulonephritis, a significant driver of ESRD. IgAN can be especially devastating because onset often begins when patients are in their twenties or thirties, potentially leading to kidney failure much earlier in life than other causes of ESRD. Thankfully, we now have effective tools to deploy, including cost-effective urinalysis and two new Food and Drug Administration-approved approved therapies to address IgAN, with over 60 more clinical trials underway in IgAN, FSGS, C3G, Minimal Change Disease, and others. However, many barriers to care remain for AA and NHPI communities, from lack of patient and provider awareness of RKD and kidney disease generally, to cultural and linguistic barriers unique to the AA and NHPI communities. Evidence shows that interventions can be cost-effective and transformative, with a recent paper showing a universal urinalysis program in Japan reduced ESRD rates among people under 20 by nearly 50 percent. We urge you to increase awareness of rare kidney diseases, including IgAN, as a health equity challenge for the AA and NHPI communities, and to take further steps to mitigate current barriers to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The upcoming Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and IgAN Awareness Day on May 14 represent an opportunity to initiate these critical efforts. We look forward to partnering with you to improve the health and well-being of the AA and NHPI communities and tackling the challenge of RKD together. Sincerely, Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum. Yanlin Wang, M.D., Ph.D., FASN, President, Chinese American Society of Nephrology. Bonnie Schneider, Founder & Executive Director, IgAN Foundation. Josh Tarnoff, CEO, NephCure Kidney International. Raymond Hsu, MD, MAS, School of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco. Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation. Jenifer Ngo Waldrop, Executive Director, Rare Disease Diversity Coalition. Fahmeedah Kamal, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford University Medicine. LaVarne Burton, President and CEO, American Kidney Fund. Li-Li Hsiao, MD, Ph.D., Founder, Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP), Harvard Medical School. Shikha Wadhwani, MD, MS, FASN, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University. Gary A. Puckrein, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, National Minority Quality Forum.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and my fellow Congressional App Challenge Co-Chair, Representative Zach Nunn (IA-3), I rise to congratulate the winning students and their apps from the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The 2023 Congressional App Challenge saw 11,334 students from all 50 states and the U.S. territories submit applications. Collectively, these students created 3,645 fully functioning apps. In the nine years since its inception, the Congressional App Challenge has helped motivate 58,262 students to create 16,589 applications. With 374 Members of Congress, nearly 84 percent of the House of Representatives, hosting an App Challenge in their district, this year marks tremendous success and growth of the program. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the successes of these students here in Washington, D.C. at ``House of Code'' later this month. The 2024 Congressional App Challenge launches on May 1, 2024, and concludes on October 24, 2024. I am thrilled to continue to support this terrific program and its students at this milestone moment. Please join us in celebrating the program, and all our student alumni on September 17, 2024 for National App Challenge Day. To learn more about the winning apps and the student winners, visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us/2023-winners/.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss how House Democrats, working with the Senate and the White House, are delivering cost savings to American families. My constituents tell me how high costs are affecting them and their families, and Democrats are listening. That is why we passed the American Rescue Plan, which allowed Medicaid to limit drug prices starting this year. We also passed another law, the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped insulin costs at $35 a month, and as a result of these laws, the three largest manufacturers of insulin have announced that they would slash the cost of insulin by 75 percent. These are real cost savings for the 62,000 constituents in my district who are living with diabetes. What are Republicans focused on? The Republican Study Committee just released a budget, about 70-something percent of the Members are a part of that committee that wants to raise the retirement age for Social Security, end Medicare as we know it, ban IVF, and roll back the Affordable Care Act. The two parties are not the same.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Bill Brand, Mayor of Redondo Beach. Mayor Brand passed away on Friday, February 9th at home alongside friends and family. He valiantly fought stage-four lung cancer over the past four and a half years, while remaining in office. He survived his specific cancer longer than any other diagnosed in the United States. Bill Brand was born in Dallas, Texas, and moved to the South Bay region of Los Angeles County in 1966. He vividly remembered his first sight of the Seaside Lagoon and called it ``finding heaven.'' Bill dedicated his life to serving people. He saw the need to champion access to open space for South Bay residents and created a non-profit organization in 2004, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy, which is dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and public use of coastal land resources in the South Bay. This organization continues to grow and serve our coastal communities as a steward of our environment, carrying on Bill's legacy. Bill Brand expanded on his work in public service, first as a Member of the Redondo Beach City Council, and finally as Mayor, a position he served until his last day. He was a fierce advocate for many environmental and coastal priorities, and it was a great honor to work with him to champion these issues. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Deirdre. He served his community fervidly despite the difficulty of his condition. His tremendous will was a demonstration of his love and dedication for his community. He was a remarkable public servant, and it was a privilege to know him and call him a friend. May his memory live on in his many contributions to the community.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the House floor for part of January 18, 2024. As a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, I have spent my career in public office working to protect equal access to reproductive health care for all Americans. I also believe that the government has no place to influence an individual's decision to use family planning services such as birth control or abortion. Had I been present to cast a vote, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 19.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on the House floor on March 8, 2023 due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 138.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Mrs. Lorraine Edith Geittmann, who passed away on January 5, 2024, in Redondo Beach, California. My friend Lori Geittmann was a remarkable person and I will miss her dearly. Lorraine Edith Geittmann was born December 11th, 1933, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, to Elmer T, and Leone E. (Allen) Geittmann. She grew up in the Ohio River town of Metropolis, Illinois. She was a 1951 Honor Society graduate of Metropolis Community High School. She won the Massac County general scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was a senior reporter on the student newspaper of the Daily Illini and was elected to Honorary Shorter Board and Torch. She received her bachelor's degree in Journalism in June of 1955, and moved to California where she had family members. In 1957, she joined the staff of the Daily Breeze Newspaper where she worked for 10 years, taking leave in 1960 to be a congressional fellow of the American Political Science Association in Washington. DC. She worked on the staff of Rep. B.F. Sisk of Fresno California, and Sen. Edmund Muskie of Maine. While in Washington she attended the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. She returned to the Daily Breeze Newspaper in 1961 but left in 1967 to attend graduate school to study Political Science at California State University at Long Beach where she was a graduate assistant. In 1969 she became a Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer and held that position for 25 years. She was the secretary of the Probation Officers union for two terms. After her retirement in 1994, she served as a Commissioner on several Redondo Beach City Boards, and as the President of Friends of the Library. She served 5 terms as president of the Beach Cities Democratic Club and several years as an AD 66 Delegate for the Democratic Party. She also served several terms as an elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee, and a member of the executive board of the Democratic State Central Committee. She was a 1980 delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She served on a committee for the Beach Cities Health District. She also was a volunteer for several years at Torrance Memorial Hospital and belonged to Omnilore Learning in retirement from 2000 until her passing. She was an early member of the Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. She was preceded in death by her parents, longtime companion Robert Jones, brothers: Charles Geittmann and John W. Geittmann, sister-in-law Myrna Geittmann, nephew J. Greg Geittmann, and great nephew Shawn M. Norman. She is survived by her niece Suzanne Lowery, nephew William F. (Karen) Geittmann, great nephew Geoffrey W. (Cindy) Geittmann, Kyle (Courtney) Howerton, great great nephew Leon and her great, great, nieces Autumn F. Norman, and Grace S. Geittmann from Marion, Illinois, along with niece Jodie L. Geittmann and nephew Rick A. Geittmann from Rainier, Washington.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Larson for his terrific leadership on Social Security. Many people here have been hearing about Social Security 2,100. I just want to talk a little bit about what is actually in this amazing bill. It increases a number of benefits, including increases benefits 2 percent across the board. It improves the cost-of-living adjustment. It increases benefits to boost lower income seniors. It improves benefits for widows and widowers. It restores student benefits up to age 26. It increases access to benefits for children. It repeals the windfall elimination provision. It ends the 5-month waiting period. It increases benefits by an additional 5 percent for the most elderly. It provides caregiver credits and ends the disability benefit cliff. How does it do that? It does it by ensuring millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share, and it closes a loophole of avoiding FICA taxes, and it puts an investment income tax only for people making over $400,000. This is an amazing bill. It is time we pass Representative John Larson's Social Security 2100 Act to preserve Social Security for this generation and generations to come.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, when Democrats were in control, we put people over politics and passed the Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs and to create new jobs. We are also working with the Biden administration to eliminate junk fees, and we have legislation to address childcare costs, and to go after people who engage in price gouging. What do Democrats care about? We care about how we lower costs, create new jobs, and get our economy going. Because of that, we have had record GDP growth and unemployment at a 50-year low. What are Republicans focused on? They are focused on impeachment with no evidence. Even today, they cannot explain what action President Biden took that they thought was illegal or criminal. That is right. They are going forward with impeachment, even though they cannot explain what crime they think President Biden committed, because he didn't commit any. It is a waste of people's time. Republicans are, again, focused on the wrong priorities.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Ms. Lynne Wasserman, a generous philanthropist in California's 36th Congressional District, who passed away on October 25, 2023. Ms. Wasserman was born on October 18, 1940, to Lew and Edith ``Edie'' Wasserman and was raised in Beverly Hills, California. After graduating from Beverly Hills High School, Ms. Wasserman pursued a degree in law. During her career, Ms. Wasserman worked at Salomon Brothers Investment Bank in New York and later became General Counsel to Jerry Weintraub's production company. Ms. Wasserman spent her retirement years as a philanthropist. Through her family's foundation, Ms. Wasserman proudly supported LA's Best, an after-school program that benefited children's social, emotional, and academic needs in the Los Angeles public school system. Ms. Wasserman was committed to electing more women to office and believed participating in the political process was an obligation to fulfill one's citizenship. While our country experienced political divisions, Ms. Wasserman always believed there was a candidate on the horizon somewhere who could bring unity and normalcy back to our country. Ms. Wasserman was a sports enthusiast and was not shy about expressing her allegiance to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and UCLA basketball and football. Ms. Wasserman is survived by her husband, Michael Powell, son, Casey Wasserman, daughter, Carol Leif, and three grandchildren. May her memory be a blessing to all who know her.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Professor An Yin, who passed away on July 12, 2023. Mr. Yin was a distinguished Professor of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles located in my congressional district. Professor Yin was born on June 24, 1959, in Harbin, China. He was a part of an intellectual family with both of his parents being medical professors. Mr. Yin was inspired by his family to pursue a career in science. He began his academic career at Beijing University where he studied Geomechanics before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC) in 1982 to join their master's and doctoral degree programs in structural geology. Professor Yin officially received his doctoral degree from USC in 1988 and was offered a tenure tracked professorship at the University of California, Los Angeles. By 1996, he ascended to full Professor status at UCLA, even earning a title of Distinguished Professor for the year of 1995. During this time, Mr. Yin was sharing a joint appointment with the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics from 1995 to 2011. He made important contributions to the field of geophysics by integrating a range of geological observations into unexplored fields in Earth and planetary science. Professor Yin was recognized widely for his innovative efforts to help understand how the planetary lithosphere forms and deforms. He was awarded the Young Scientist award and became a fellow of the Geological Society of America in 1994. He was then elected as a fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2013. Another significant recognition he received was the prestigious Penrose Medal in 2022, which is the highest medal granted at the Geological Society of America. Professor Yin also kept a continued focus on the geology of China and East Asia. He and his colleagues worked together to construct views of many critical issues in key places throughout the territory, including fault systems in Central Tibet, possible seismic gaps in northern China, and a metamorphic belt in Qiangtang. He was a founding member of the International Professionals for Advancement of Chinese Earth Sciences in 1999, a non-profit organization established to promote earth science research and education in China and international collaborations. Mr. Yin offered lectures and courses to numerous students in China and inspired many young academic professionals to pursue interests in geophysics, geology, and geochemistry. Professor Yin is remembered for being an excellent advisor to many graduate and undergraduate students at UCLA. He supervised over 40 graduate theses and was considered the backbone of the UCLA field research curriculum for over 30 years. Many of his students have gone on to accept professorships themselves and one of his doctoral graduates is a NASA astronaut. He set a high bar for the scientific community that remains an inspiration to all who studied under him. An Yin is survived by his wife Sandy and children, Daniel, and Hanah, along with his numerous mentees and academic colleagues who credit him with inspiring their strong work ethic and creative mindsets. May his memory live on in all those he taught and inspired in life.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize the life and service of Ukrainian Air Force Major Andrii Pilshchykov, a fighter pilot who tragically lost his life in the fight to defend his country from the Russian invasion. Mr. Pilshchykov reached the rank of Captain in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, before being posthumously promoted to Major. Born in Kharkiv only 30 years ago, Andrii fulfilled his life-long dream to fly some of the fastest and toughest airplanes in the world. From a young age, Andrii was fascinated with airplanes and jets and eagerly took on the little-known hobby of ``Planespotting,'' in which participants track the movement and record photos of desired aircraft all around the globe. As soon as he could, Andrii enrolled in Ukraine's Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University. It was in this academy that Andrii learned to fly MiG-29 fighter jets, which he would go on to fly during the current war to save his country. Andrii's peers and instructors were so impressed with his abilities that he was assigned to be an instructor for certain classes even though he was still a cadet. After graduating from the academy in 2018, Andrii joined the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade at Yasylkiv Air Base, where he would become an Air Force Captain. During his first year, Andrii traveled to my home state of California, where he completed an internship with the 144th Fighter Wing of California's Air National Guard in the City of Fresno. As he learned how to fly F-15 fighter jets, Andrii took his learning experience in California very seriously, earning the nickname ``Juice'' because he would only order juice as he refrained from alcohol. He took this nickname back home with him, and for a time he was the only pilot in the Ukrainian Armed Forces with an official call sign: ``Juice.'' After leaving the Air Force for only a brief period, Andrii did not hesitate to sign up again for service in February 2022 as the Russian invasion threatened the people and very sovereignty of Ukraine. It was not long before he resumed flights, fighting to keep Ukrainian skies safe over Kyiv and other major battle areas. During Andrii's service, he flew over 100 combat missions and destroyed dozens of the enemy's command posts. In May 2022, Andrii was awarded the Order for Courage (3rd Class) for his valiant service. Because of his keen interest in promoting the modernization of Ukraine's Air Force, and his proficiency in English, Andrii and a small contingent of his colleagues were sent to Washington, D.C., to illustrate and emphasize the urgent need to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. I had the honor of meeting Andrii. After his visit to Capitol Hill, the Ukraine Fighter Pilots Act was introduced, which I was proud to cosponsor. I want to express my deepest appreciation for the invaluable service rendered not only to the nation of Ukraine, but in the fight for democracy itself, by Major Andrii Pilshchykov. My deepest condolences go out to his family, the people of Ukraine and all those impacted by his loss.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the unofficial formation of the Palos Verdes Peninsula community. One hundred years ago, a small real estate rally took place that is credited with the inception of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Today, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is comprised of 4 beautiful cities. The first city to be incorporated on the peninsula was Palos Verdes Estates in 1939, followed by Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates in 1957, and most recently Rancho Palos Verdes in 1973. On June 17, 1923, real estate developers hosted a rally to encourage individuals to buy property on the peninsula. This event invited people to hear about the development plan for the Peninsula and led to one of Nation's first planned communities. The original site of the rally is where the offices of the Palos Verdes Unified District now stands. What was once empty land with rolling hills and scenic views has transformed into a beautiful community with an amazing school district, businesses, and homes. Today, the Peninsula is home to roughly 80,000 residents-- all of whom are my constituents. The illustrious history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula was celebrated on June 17, 2023, with Doors Open Peninsula 2023: Celebrating 100 Years of History on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Community leaders, residents, elected officials, and business owners worked in conjunction to honor the Peninsula's history. On behalf of the residents of California's 36th Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Palos Verdes Peninsula community on their 100-year anniversary and wish the cities a prosperous future.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the El Segundo Little League All-Stars, a baseball team from the City of El Segundo, who won the 2023 Little League Baseball World Series on the 27th of August. El Segundo defeated the Pabao Little League of Willemstad, Curacao in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This year's championship win is the first for a team from Los Angeles County since 1993 and is the first for a team from the City of El Segundo. The El Segundo Little League All-Stars--Lennon Salazar, Finley Green, Quinn Boehle, Lucas Keldorf, Colby Lee, Max Baker, Brody Brooks, Declan McRoberts, Ollie Parks, Louis Lappe, Crew O'Connor, and Jaxon Kalish-- should be proud of their accomplishment, as they have secured the 8th total title for the State of California, the most of any State in the union. The El Segundo Little League team won 5 consecutive elimination games to compete in the championship and took home the win in a 6-5 game. Louis Lappe hit a legendary walk-off home run to win the game in the sixth inning. The team was led by Manager Danny Boehle and Coaches Tim Abrams and Eddie Lee. I am happy to know that this team had the full support of their city behind them, and residents gathered across the city and Southern California to cheer them on in a wonderful display of community. Their achievements are made all the more special by the hard work and the team effort made by every player, coach and supporter along the way. On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I would like to sincerely congratulate the El Segundo Little League All-Stars team on winning the Little League World Series and wish them best of luck in their future efforts. Their performance was a sight to behold, and they have made us all proud. Go Gundo.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. William Friedkin, who passed away on August 7, 2023. Mr. Friedkin was a master filmmaker who is best known for directing such hit films as The French Connection (1971) and The Exorcist (1973), which went on to become highly-acclaimed. Mr. Friedkin was born on August 25, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Louis and Rachael Friedkin, were Jewish emigrants who fled their dangerous home country due to religious persecution. Mr. Friedkin attended public schools in Chicago, where he developed a fascination with movies and television. He began his career in entertainment and television working with WGN TV immediately after graduating high school. William moved to Hollywood in 1965 and shortly thereafter began to direct hit television programs like The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and his first feature film, Good Times, which starred Sonny and Cher. Mr. Friedkin released his first acclaimed film in 1971, The French Connection, which depicted two NYPD officers who attempt to uncover a large smuggling ring. This film was described as one of the best films of its time and is widely considered one of the greatest movies of all time, having been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2005. Following the success of his previous film, Mr. Friedkin released The Exorcist in 1973. The film was based on William Petter Blatty's novel which depicted the possession of a young girl. It is known today as one of Hollywood's top-grossing horror movies of all time. At a moment in history where horror movies were not considered critically acclaimed, The Exorcist elevated audiences' attitudes towards the entire movie genre. Mr. Friedkin rose to be a sought-after director in Hollywood after the success of both films. William's work has continued to be a strong influence on American and international filmmakers and he continued to direct into the final year of his life, directing a film adaptation of author Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny. Mr. Friedkin is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mrs. Sherry Lansing, the chairwoman of Universal Music Group; and two sons, Cedric Friedkin, a successful production manager and Jackson Friedkin, an accomplished film editor. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a Statement of Administration Policy about protected airspace over major sporting events. Temporary Flight Restrictions over stadiums and related facilities have been in effect for over 20 years, since Congress first enacted them into law in 2002. Congress acted not to protect the stadiums themselves, but the millions of fans who attend events and the athletes who compete in them. I submit as well a letter from the security directors of the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and NASCAR, in which they affirm that the Temporary Flight Restrictions. which Congress created, form an essential part of the security architecture that protects these events. Section 813 of the pending bill opens up this airspace, putting those fans and athletes at undue risk. There is no valid public policy reason for it. I urge that before this legislation becomes public law, the decision to weaken these restrictions be reversed and the current law be left undisturbed. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 3935--Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act July 17, 2023 The Administration supports enactment of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and applauds the bipartisan work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Administration is focused on ensuring that the aviation sector works well for the American people, and reauthorizing the FAA in a timely manner will help achieve that goal. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, would enhance aviation safety; invest in, and improve on-the-job safety for, our aviation workforce; integrate into the national airspace system new entrants such as Advanced Air Mobility and Commercial Space operators; strengthen passenger rights; and improve our aviation infrastructure. The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address the Administration's concerns with this legislation, a number of which are outlined below. Protection of Aviation Consumer Rights and Promotion of Competition. The Administration is strongly committed to protecting the rights of aviation consumers and promoting competition in the aviation industry. The Administration opposes provisions in the bill that would reverse important gains made by this Administration to combat junk fees in the airline industry and would eliminate longstanding consumer protections. The Administration believes that the disclosure requirements currently in place for passenger tickets are necessary to help consumers comparison shop for a ticket. The Administration encourages the Congress to include the Administration's proposals to expand consumer protections by banning family seating junk fees, requiring up-front disclosure of add-on fees, and requiring automatic refunds and additional compensation for controllable flight cancellations and delays. The Administration further supports opening up airport gate access and preventing anticompetitive practices that block new entrants. International Commitments. While the Administration appreciates the language aimed at ensuring continued U.S. implementation of Open Skies agreements while promoting labor standards for U.S.-based aviation sector workers, the Administration also urges the Congress to add provisions to implement U.S. international commitments and ensure our aviation partners follow suit. The bill should be amended to include provisions for U.S. implementation of global market-based measures of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and to establish U.S. leadership relating to the understanding and mitigation of the non-Greenhouse Gas climate impacts of aviation. Agency Restructuring. While the Administration supports the goal of improving the efficiency of the organizational structure of the FAA, it does not support the proposed changes in FAA rulemaking review and the weakening of the Administrator's ability and authority to determine the appropriate size and allocation of the air traffic controller workforce. The Administration also has concerns with provisions that would make fundamental changes to the agency's structure, eroding the discretion of the Administrator to manage the agency in the most efficient manner. Implementation Timelines and Program Changes. The legislation includes multiple rulemakings, reviews, reports, and other requirements with aggressive time lines, along with the creation of numerous programs that are not conditioned on the availability of appropriations. The Administration is also concerned that proposed major structural changes to airport infrastructure programs are untested, and may be difficult to implement depending on the level of resources made available. The bill would also reduce the amount of competitive airport grant funding, which would reduce the FAA's ability to address important safety and capacity issues. Standards for Airport Service Workers. The Administration urges the Congress to include provisions that will improve job quality for, and therefore aid in the recruitment and retention of, those who clean planes, handle baggage, assist passengers who use wheelchairs, and provide other services critical to safe, stable, and timely operations for aviation customers. Age Standards for Pilots. The bill includes a provision that would raise the retirement age for pilots in commercial operations. Making this change without doing research and establishing any necessary policies would be outside the international standard. Maintaining Safe and Secure Airspace During Major Sports Events. While the Administration supports the goal of providing accessibility to and public use of the national airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending major sporting events if the effectiveness of safety and security buffers currently provided by temporary flight restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity to events attended by millions of Americans each year. July 18, 2023. Dear Members of Congress: We write to urge you to oppose the weakening of a law that protects the millions of sports fans and spectators who attend professional and collegiate sporting events each year. The current statutory ban on aircraft--including unmanned aircraft systems (``UAS'') or drones--flying over large stadium sporting events throughout the country provides necessary safety and security protections against real and potential threats. We are deeply concerned about section 813 ofthe House version ofthe Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'') Reauthorization Act. If adopted, the language would establish a broad and complex waiver program that would permit countless aircraft to fly near and over stadiums during games, putting millions of fans at risk, and unnecessarily so. Congress wisely eliminated a similar waiver program back in 2003, after discovering troubling and persistent failures, gaps, and vulnerabilities in the process for conducting background checks and issuing waivers. The FAA first established flight restrictions over large stadium sporting events immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in response to concerns about terrorists using aircraft as weapons. Congress subsequently twice codified and strengthened these restrictions, providing specific criteria for aircraft operations permitted within the flight restricted area. Section 813 would effectively eliminate the specific criteria and replace it with an open- ended waiver program. The long-standing, congressionally mandated flight restriction enhances the safety and security of large stadium events, while minimizing the disruption to the National Airspace System (``NAS''). Specifically, airspace over large stadiums--with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more and where a NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division I football games or major motor speedway events, such as NASCAR and INDYCAR races, are taking place--is closed to all aircraft from one hour before until one hour after a major sporting event. The flight restrictions extend to three nautical miles from the center of the stadium and from the surface to 3,000 feet above the stadium. The flight restrictions do not apply to authorized aircraft, such as Department of Defense, law enforcement or air ambulance flight operations, or those in contact with air traffic control for take offs and landings at nearby airports, among others. Having devoted substantial resources to secure our stadiums on the ground, we regard the stadium flight restriction as essential to safeguarding the airspace overhead. Moreover, given the proliferation of UAS in our NAS, as well as the continuing need to remain vigilant to other current and emerging risks, the stadium flight restriction is as vital now as ever to our national security and public safety. We believe section 813 complicates the airspace over stadiums, compromises public safety and security, and courts potential disaster. We, therefore, urge you to uphold current law and maintain existing flight restrictions that protect the safety and security of millions of fans who attend large stadium sporting events every year. Sincerely, Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, National Football League. David Thomas, Vice President, Security and Ballpark Operations, Major League Baseball. Bill Rhodes, Managing Director, Security, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Dan Gavitt, Senior Vice President, National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Mr. LIEU

Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, as a recovering computer science major, I am excited about artificial intelligence. AI has moved society forward and will continue to do amazing things in the medical field and many other fields. At the same time, there are potential risks to artificial intelligence, and we need to make sure we can harness the benefits of AI and reduce these risks. That is why I have proposed a national AI commission that is a bipartisan blue ribbon commission that will make recommendations to Congress as to what kinds of AI we should regulate and how we might go about doing so. This legislation is coauthored by Republican Congressman Ken Buck with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, and on the Senate side it will be carried by Senator Schatz. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to put this legislation on the floor for a vote. In addition, AI can also destroy the world. We can never ever let AI control nuclear weapons. I have also introduced bipartisan legislation that would prevent AI from ever launching a nuclear weapon by itself. We need to have meaningful human control. Mr. Speaker, I also request the Speaker to allow that bill to be voted on on the floor.