Ted Lieu

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Our security clearances would have been suspended immediately. An investigation would have been opened. I am glad you mentioned Jared Kushner because many of us are wondering, why does he still have a security clearance? Why is he even in the White House? Let's just sort of walk through a little bit of what happened with his security clearance. On the very first security clearance form, known as an SF-86 form, he lied on it. He did not disclose a single meeting with the Russians. If you read the form, it says: if you make a false statement or omit material facts, you can be imprisoned. He omitted all that information. He is then confronted, and what does he do? He revises it. So then he submits a second security clearance form. Now, it turns out he lied on that one, too, because he did not disclose this latest meeting that happened to be with a Russian counterintelligence officer. So then he had to submit a third form. When you look at his explanation, according to media reports, he said that his staff hit the send button too soon. Well, both Representative Gallego and I know that that is not how you submit the security clearance form. It is a pretty involved, elaborate process. You have to do this certification. Not only do you have to send it electronically, then you have to sign the paper and submit that with your signature on it--very elaborate. So now he is lying about the process in which he lied on the three security clearance forms. We don't know why he has a security clearance. We don't know why he is even in the White House.

Mr. TED LIEU of California. So that completes the email chain. Under Federal law, under the Federal Election Campaign Act, you cannot solicit or accept any contribution from a foreign national or foreign country. The law defines a contribution not as just a monetary donation but anything of value, an in-kind donation, opposition research, anything of value violates the law. In this case, we absolutely have conspiracy to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act. I am a former prosecutor. I know it is very easy to prove a charge of conspiracy. You just have to have the person take one act in furtherance of the conspiracy. So in this case, when Donald Trump, Jr., replies back to the offer of this incriminating information, Hillary Clinton, and says, ``I love it,'' that is one act. He then proceeds to set up a meeting. That is another act. He then shows up at the meeting with Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort. That is a third act. That more than completes a crime conspiracy. We have in black and white right here a violation of Federal law.

Mr. TED LIEU of California. On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at 11:18 a.m., Rob Goldstone writes back: ``They can't do today as she hasn't landed yet from Moscow, 4 p.m. is great tomorrow. ``Best. ``Rob.''

Mr. TED LIEU of California. On June 8, the next day, at 10:34 a.m., Rob Goldstone writes back to Donald Trump, Jr.: ``Good morning. ``Would it be possible to move tomorrow meeting to 4 p.m. as the Russian attorney is in court until 3, I was just informed? ``Best. ``Rob.''

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Later that same day, on June 7, 2016, Rob Goldstone wrote back to Donald Trump, Jr.: ``Perfect won't sit in on the meeting, but will bring them at 3 p.m. and introduce you, et cetera? ``I will send the names of the two people meeting with you for security when I have them later today. ``Best. ``Rob.'' By the way, we now know today that one of those names just happens to be a Soviet counterintelligence officer.

Mr. TED LIEU of California. The next day, on June 7, 2016, at 4:20 p.m., Rob Goldstone writes: ``Don. ``Hope all is well. ``Emin asked that I schedule a meeting with you and the Russian Government attorney who is flying over from Moscow for this Thursday. ``I believe you are aware of the meeting--and so wondered if 3 p.m. or later on Thursday works for you? ``I assume it would be at your office. ``Best. ``Rob Goldstone.''

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of World Refugee Day. We are facing the worst refugee crisis in history, with over 65 million refugees; half of them are children. When I served on Active Duty in the U.S. Air Force, I participated in Operation Pacific Haven. The U.S. military went into northern Iraq. We extracted thousands of Kurdish refugees, brought them to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, and then sent most of them to the United States. We saved their lives, and, to this day, the Kurds remain one of America's strongest allies. Helping refugees is not only the moral thing to do; it helps our national security. That is why I am honored to introduce bipartisan legislation with Representative Ros-Lehtinen to promote the health, safety, and well-being of refugees.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Madam Speaker, as a former prosecutor, I rise to state the obvious: President Trump committed obstruction of justice. We have direct evidence that the President asked the FBI Director for loyalty. He demanded it. He asked the FBI Director to drop an investigation into Michael Flynn. The President fired the FBI Director. Then, on national TV, he said he did it because of the Russian probe. Then he told the Russians in the Oval Office that he did it to relieve great pressure because of the FBI investigation. That is classic obstruction of justice. The Washington Post today has a quote from one of the prosecutors of Watergate. He says: ``I helped prosecute Watergate. Comey's statement is sufficient evidence for an obstruction of justice case.'' I call on Special Counsel Mueller to investigate the President of the United States for violating the obstruction of justice statute, which is a felony.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of the Honorable Anthony C. Beilenson--father, husband, grandfather, California legislator, and United States Congressman--who passed away on March 5, 2017. Tony Beilenson grew up in New Rochelle, New York. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1957, he moved to Los Angeles to practice law in the film industry. Always striving to give back to the world and do as much good as possible, Tony decided to forgo his legal practice to serve the public and he was elected to the California State Assembly in 1962. In 1966, he continued his service to the people of California and was elected to the State Senate. During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Tony worked hard to protect the environment and reproductive rights, and was respected by his colleagues regardless of party for his unparalleled collegiality and civility when working to address the most challenging issues of his time. He was widely known for voting and acting according to his thoughtful and well-informed conscience, which inspired his colleagues to eschew partisanship and elevate constructive discourse. Tony continued his legacy of effective and impactful lawmaking when he was elected in 1976 to serve in Congress, representing parts of the San Fernando Valley, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. He will forever be remembered for his landmark 1978 legislation that established the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, protecting part of Southern California's most treasured natural landscape for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a Member of Congress, Tony fought hard to support environmental initiatives such as the Clean Air Act and securing funding for the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Refuge and Lake Balboa Park, which was renamed the Anthony C. Beilenson Park in 1998. He was a powerful advocate for reducing government waste and promoting efficiency. Tony's former colleagues share a deep respect for the integrity, class, and sensibility that he championed throughout his tenure in office. Tony is survived by his wife, Dolores; his sons, Adam and Peter; his daughter Dayna; and nine grandchildren. I hope that his family will take comfort in the remarkable legacy that he established at every turn of his life as an accomplished public servant. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose TrumpCare. This legislation is a ``bigly'' disaster. TrumpCare will cause Americans to pay more for less health insurance coverage. It doesn't just affect the 20 million people who are now at threat of losing their health insurance. It affects all 156 million Americans under employer- based health coverage whose premiums will now increase because of the chaos that TrumpCare is causing in the health insurance markets. I agree with Republican Senator Tom Cotton about once every 3 years. This is one of those times. We both agree that TrumpCare is a disaster and that the House Republicans need to start over.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Louise B. Gabriel--mother, grandmother, wife, philanthropist, author, and visionary--who passed away on January 10, 2017. Louise lived her life to the fullest with great passion, humor, love and dedication to community. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she was one of eleven children. At the age of five, her family lost their farm in a fire, taking with it all of her family's possessions and cherished mementos. It was this experience of loss that instilled in Louise a desire to preserve history. In 1946, she married Bob Gabriel, an Officer in the United States Navy. Together, they moved to West Los Angeles, and eventually made their home in Santa Monica, a community with ``the ocean and palm trees,'' that Louise loved. Together, the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage and worked to support the City of Santa Monica. Louise Gabriel was a champion of local Santa Monica history, and dedicated her life to preserving the community's unique background. With her husband Bob, Louise helped bring the Santa Monica History Museum to life, an institution dedicated to the preservation of the history, art and culture of the Santa Monica Bay Area. For 27 years, Louise served as the museum's President and helped find the permanent home that it still resides in today. With the museum, Louise left a legacy that will live on for future generations to enjoy as they learn about the history of the Santa Monica Bay Area. Louise overcame tremendous obstacles in her life without complaint by taking life one day at a time. As she was famous for saying, ``I cried about having no shoes until I saw someone with no feet,'' a motto her family continues to live by. She is survived by her children Susan Gabriel Potter, Robb Gabriel, Sharyl Gabriel Szydlik, her sisters Josephine Van Buren and Elaine Bruner, her sons-in-law Pat Potter and Joseph Szydlik, her grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. Though we have lost a champion and advocate for Santa Monica, I hope that her family and friends take comfort in the way Louise lived her life as an accomplished and astounding woman. May her memory be a blessing to us all.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Madam Speaker, I will vote No on Roll Call No. 65, on H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017. Today, just two days after the 44th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that protects the rights of women to control their own bodies, House Republicans have once again taken up a vote attacking the constitutionally-protected reproductive rights of women all across the nation. As if this past weekend's Women's March on Washington (which was far more attended than President Trump's own inauguration) didn't signal anything to our elected leaders, President Trump took the GOP's war on women's rights and health a step further by signing an executive order reinstating the `global gag rule' and blocking foreign aid for international non-governmental organizations that provide basic reproductive health services globally. This decision not only increases abortion rates, it will cause more maternal complications, injuries, and unintended pregnancies and provide less information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs worldwide. Republicans continue their shameful, radical assault on women's reproductive health with today's vote on H.R. 7, a discriminatory bill that among other things would prohibit the use of federal funds to pay for any abortion services. Despite the fact that current law already requires that federal funds not be spent on abortions, this bill would prohibit individuals and small businesses from claiming tax credits for any private insurance plans obtained through the ACA Marketplace that include abortion coverage. Families buying their insurance in the Marketplace would also be ineligible to receive a premium tax credits if they enrolled in a health plan that covers abortion, likely resulting in no abortion coverage policies being offered in the Marketplaces. Furthermore, it undermines the District of Columbia's home rule, which allows D.C. to use its own Medicaid funds to offer abortion services. This is despite the fact that 17 states, including California, are currently allowed to do so. Women should be able to make their own decisions about reproductive health care with dignity and respect, without the interference of politicians or their employers. We should not be in the business of telling women what they can and cannot do with their own bodies. Today's vote is just another step forward in the Republican party's plan to Make America Sick Again and take away the comprehensive care women deserve.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Tyrus Wong--father, artist, and an inspirational American-- who passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016. Tyrus was born as Wong Gen Yeo on October 25, 1910 in Guangdong Province, China. A decade later, he and his father came to the United States in search of a better economic future. Forced to travel under the false identity Look Tai Yow, Tyrus and his father were able to overcome the obstacles of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 through luck and perseverance. They began in San Francisco, were separated shortly, but reunited and moved to Sacramento where his teacher Americanized ``Tai Yow'' to ``Tyrus''. They eventually arrived in Los Angeles, where his father taught him art and trained him in calligraphy. While in junior high, Tyrus's drawing talent was recognized by a teacher who helped him receive a summer scholarship to the Otis Art Institute (located in my district) in Los Angeles. He found his calling and studied there for five years while working as a janitor before graduating in the 1930s. Among friends, Tyrus founded the Oriental Artists' Group of Los Angeles to provide an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work, which was unparalleled exposure for Asian artists during that time. This group was dispersed, however, during World War II. Before joining Disney in 1938, Tyrus was an artist for the Works Progress Administration from 1936 to 1938. Tyrus's moment came in the late 1930s when Disney started working on the now famous movie Bambi. Inspired by the landscape paintings of the Song Dynasty, he painted the masterpiece that Bambi became. While he was unofficially promoted to the rank of inspirational sketch artist, he contributed much more and influenced the movie from all aspects. In 1941, Disney fired Tyrus after the employees' strike. From 1942, Tyrus was employed at Warner Brothers before he retired in 1968. In retirement, Tyrus continued to create art and was famous for building beautiful kites. He also created cards for Hallmark and painted Asian- inspired designs on dinnerware. As a testament to Tyrus's impressive work, Disney honored him in 2001 with the prestigious Disney Legend. Tyrus is survived by his three daughters, Kay Fong, Tai-Ling Wong, and Kim Wong and two grandchildren. I hope his family can rest knowing his story is an inspiration for all Americans. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Tyrus Wong's incredible and resilient life.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Don Knabe of Cerritos, California who retired on December 5, 2016 after 35 years of exceptional public service, of which twenty years were spent serving as Supervisor in the 4th District of Los Angeles County. Don is a patriot who consistently put the needs of community and country first. Never shy to stand for what is right, he proudly advocated for the least fortunate and provided a space for their voices to be heard.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of my friend Senator Fran Pavley. I had the honor of serving with Fran in both the State Assembly and State Senate. Fran is an extraordinary individual who strove to ensure her community, state, and nation's best interests came first. Her legislative accomplishments are legendary. Over the last 14 years, Fran became a titan when it came to developing innovative climate change solutions. Her laws elevated California's status as a global leader in fighting climate change and promoting sustainable clean energy. Her bill AB 32, of which I was a coauthor, became a model for climate change legislation in other states, nationally and internationally. With California experiencing severe drought, Fran championed smart water policy by encouraging conservation, recycling, storm water capture, and ground water clean-up. Fran also passed legislation that increased fuel efficiency standards in California. Her law was then modeled at the federal level. Fran also introduced legislation to encourage more college students to become teachers. In 2015, California had 43,000 teacher vacancies and one of the highest student-teacher ratios in the country. To reduce this burden, Fran presented legislation that would reinstate a loan forgiveness program to motivate more students to pursue a career in teaching. In addition to Fran's exemplary record of protecting the environment and supporting teachers, she also passed a law that allowed women to receive up to a 12 month supply of birth control prescriptions at one time. Passage of this law was lauded by many health care providers because it reduced the stress of having women acquire birth control on a monthly or quarterly basis. These tremendous accomplishments cut across various fields and demonstrate Fran's enormous impact. Fran's legacy in the community, state and country will be felt for generations to come. Actually, this is Fran's second retirement. Prior to serving 14 years in the legislature, Fran was a beloved middle school teacher for 28 years. After retiring, Fran will continue to spearhead the creation of the first urban and largest wildlife crossing at Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills. I wish Fran, her husband, and children many years of happiness and good health.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Michael Scott Simonoff--a beloved husband, father, and son--who passed away following a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Michael was born in 1967 to Jerome and Carol Simonoff in New York and spent his formative years in Plainview, Long Island. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1985 and attended the University of Denver where he received a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and a CPA license. He went on to earn a law degree from Whittier Law School in Southern California in 1998. While Michael is recognized for his business acumen, he was also extraordinarily generous with his time and resources. He started his own firm, the Simonoff Group that provided office services, consulting, and bookkeeping to businesses. As a member of the California State Bar, Michael also used his legal expertise to negotiate complex real estate deals. His ceaseless generosity is manifested in his final act of goodness. Michael donated his organs to ensure others in need could have the gift of life. His family hopes this beautiful gift will allow others to live their lives to the fullest and extend Michael's free and beautiful spirit. Michael is survived by his wife, Elayne Howitt, and two sons, Joel Simonoff and Sam Simonoff and two stepsons Adam Howitt and Josh Howitt of Encino, California. He also leaves behind his parents Jerome and Carol Simonoff of Marina Del Rey, California, his brother Zachary Simonoff, sister-in-law Lisa Swenski of Lorain, Ohio, his sister Rachael Wexler, brother-in-law Eric Wexler as well as his niece Amanda Wexler and nephew Harrison (Harry) Wexler of Pacific Palisades, California. He is survived by many good friends and extended family. A funeral was held for Michael on Sunday November 13, 2016 at the Mount Sinai Cemetery. In the spirit of Michael's generosity, the Simonoff family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to charities of their choice. I wish Michael's family nothing but peace and solace as they mourn the loss of a cherished husband, father, and son. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Michael Simonoff's beautiful life.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate 20 years of distinguished service by Lisa Pinto--public servant, fierce Veteran advocate, and mother. Lisa began her career with Congressman Henry Waxman on October 1, 1996 as his District Director, a position she held until his retirement in 2014. She has devoted her career to championing important issues for the residents of the Greater Los Angeles community. Lisa is the true embodiment of a public servant. During her impressive career, she has worked on many important issues affecting constituents, including managing the district's casework, the Santa Monica Airport, and Veterans issues. Lisa's leadership on Veterans issues has been instrumental in the signing into law of H.R. 5936, the Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2016. Prior to her service with Congressman Waxman, Lisa practiced law for eight years, last working in Dependency Court, representing children who had been abused and neglected. She attended UCLA, earning a B.A. in History with a concentration in Business and UC Davis School of Law, where she earned a J.D. Lisa utilized her stellar instincts, passion, and exemplary management skills to make Congressman Waxman's District Office one of the best district offices in the country, a tradition of excellence she continues as my District Director. Lisa is truly a champion for our constituents. Lisa has devoted her life to helping others and the greater Los Angeles community. And in her most important role, Lisa is the mother to her wonderful daughter, Stella. I am extremely fortunate to benefit from her experience, leadership and kindness. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Lisa's twenty years of distinguished service to the U.S. House of Representatives, the constituents of the Greater Los Angeles area, and her country.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Thomas Emmet Hayden--husband, father, and public servant-- who passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2016. Born in Royal Oak, Michigan, Tom attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He served as the editor in chief of the campus newspaper and found a true passion for the Civil Rights Movement. From this critical juncture, Tom began his journey of public service and ensured he would be a voice to the voiceless. Through these early formative years, Tom became an inspirational and resolute leader, critic, and organizer whose legacy was borne during a time of political and social upheaval. He was politically active during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement, giving voice to a generation that yearned for peace and racial justice. Tom's dedication to public service continued in the California State Assembly from 1982-1992 and State Senate from 1992-2000. Whether it was divestment from apartheid South Africa or support for solar power, Tom proved to be an amazing political force and spoke truth to power. Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Williams, sister, three children, and two grandchildren. His family has much to be proud of given his critical legacy, and he will surely be missed. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Tom Hayden's exceptional life.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Edmund Edelman--father, husband, grandfather, cellist, politician, and activist--who passed away on September 12, 2016, at the age of 85. A lifelong resident of Los Angeles, Ed grew up on the Westside where he attended Beverly Hills High School. After serving in the Navy for two years, Ed earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and Bachelor of Laws degree, both from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ed's service to the community began in these halls as a staff lawyer for a congressional subcommittee on education and labor and then as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board. Ed served on the Los Angeles City Council from 1965 to 1974 to represent the 5th district. His progressive agenda helped the most vulnerable citizens in this district. Some of his notable accomplishments working as a City Councilman are creating support systems for the homeless and mentally ill, promoting public transportation, and protecting important landmarks from developers. Ed was elected in 1975 to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors where he continued to serve the community. In that position he continued to be proud of his title as an ``unabashed liberal.'' During his time as a Supervisor, Ed was a champion for abused and neglected children by establishing the county's Department of Children and Family Services and the Monterey Park court, which was later named for him. Ed was also a supporter for the arts and supported the renovations of the Hollywood Bowl to better promote cultural events in the community. Ed was a passionate advocate for public transit, leading the drive for Los Angeles to invest in mass transit both the in the San Fernando Valley and South Los Angeles. The Red Line connecting the North Hollywood to downtown and the Los Angeles-Long Beach Blue Line are here today because of the vision and drive of Ed Edelman. Ed retired from political office in 1994, but his public service did not end there. He continued to help others by advising on different public policy matters a Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation. He later worked for the City of Santa Monica to assist the homeless population and created a program to establish connections between homeless people and different social services. Ed's legacy comes from his compassion for other people. The wide range of accomplishments in humanitarian, environmental, and cultural endeavors has enduring impact on the community of Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mari; brother Raymond; sister; Sandra; daughters Erica Edelman Benadon and Emily Glickman; and grandchildren Jonah, Juliette, Adam, and Alexandra. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ed Edelman.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Mr. Stanley Sheinbaum--father, husband, grandfather, reformer, philanthropist, and activist--who passed away on September 12, 2016, at the age of 96. Born June 12, 1920 in New York, Stanley operated a sewing machine at his father's leather-goods store before the business collapsed during the Depression. He then joined the Army and served in World War II before graduating summa cum laude from Stanford with a degree in economics. Michigan State hired Stanley to teach economics and the university quickly promoted him to coordinator of a program that provided technical assistance to South Vietnam. As a peace activist, once he learned about the CIA's infiltration of this program, he resigned and became an outspoken critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. He joined the think tank, Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions and ran twice for Congress. A passionate advocate for transparency in government, Stanley helped organize the Daniel Ellsberg Pentagon Papers defense team and served as the Chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union for nine years. He increased contributions and promoted major civil rights movements that created the public policy specialist position. From 1977 to 1989, Stanley was a University of California Regent where he successfully urged the University of California to divest from Apartheid South Africa. Stanley also acted as a peace negotiator in the Middle East. He worked tirelessly to persuade Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Liberation Organization to disavow terrorism and recognize Israel as a state. Stanley reformed the Los Angeles Police Commission as president from 1991 to 1993 following the beating of Rodney King by police officers. His support for Willie L. Williams helped LAPD hire their first black police chief. Stanley's involvement as a human rights and peace activist in a range of issues will influence decades of political agenda. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; brother; three stepchildren; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Stanley Sheinbaum.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5936 the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, which would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into leases in order to construct permanent supportive housing on the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus. As a member of the Air Force Reserve, I understand the sacrifice our veterans make in service to our country and I'm committed helping them get the services they need.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about my friend, Mark Takai. We came in last year in the freshman class together. Through various orientation events, my wife, Betty, and our children had the honor of getting to know Mark's family, Sami, Matthew, and Kaila. Having gone to his beautiful memorial ceremonies in Hawaii and here, we had the honor of meeting Mark's extended family. The grace and dignity with which they have handled this has been tremendous. I want to talk a little bit about Mark. He was a joy to be around. He was warm, he was happy, he was energetic, and he exemplifies the best of America. Having served in our Armed Forces, serving the State legislature and here in Congress, he always tried his best to represent Americans and do what he thought was best. I know we all dearly miss Mark. I know that when he said he is going to be fine and is going to be in heaven, a smile comes to my face when I think about Mark looking down at all of us and how happy he would be to see us here today. We all miss him dearly.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, it has been 2 years since the people of Flint were able to turn on their faucets and get clean water, and Congress has not acted to help the people of Flint. That is a travesty and an injustice, and the issues since then have gotten even worse, not just for the people of Flint, but across America. Multiple reports indicate that now at least 29 States have issues with lead in their drinking water. We need an investment for infrastructure that is not only going to help people no longer get poisoned, but also create new jobs. That is why, on the House Budget Committee, I introduced an amendment to increase, by over $3 billion, the funding to the State's Clean Water Revolving Fund to help local municipalities upgrade and replace lead pipes. There is now new technology such as plastic PVC pipes that do not leach lead that are safe. They are less expensive. Cities and municipalities and States across the Nation should be investing in plastic pipes to deliver lead-free water to our residents. It is my hope that Congress acts on this soon.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Jona Goldrich--father, husband, grandfather, Holocaust survivor, real estate developer, and philanthropist--who passed away on June 26, 2016, at the age of 88. Born September 11, 1927 in Lviv, Poland, Jona escaped the Nazi occupation by fleeing with his brother Avraham to Hungary in 1942, eventually reaching Israel. The rest of their family died in concentration camps. Jona left Israel after 11 years for the United States where he hoped to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But after being denied admission because of his limited English skills, Jona decided to go across the country to southern California, where he arrived on a bus with only $50 in his pocket. Jona began working as a window and screen installer and a year later, he started a subcontracting cleaning business, setting his foot into the world of real estate. In 1956, at the age of 29, he built his first apartment building, and in 1959 he met a construction laborer and a fellow Holocaust survivor named Sol Kest with whom he founded the Goldrich & Kest Industries. Jona was a visionary. In the 1960s when there were only offices and governmental buildings in downtown Los Angeles, he decided to construct residential buildings in downtown LA despite skepticism about whether the area could attract residents. Jona also built one of Marina del Rey's first apartment complexes in 1968 seeing an opportunity to transform it into an attractive beach city. Jona was also a philanthropist who contributed to the American society in many ways. His firm constructed 72 apartment buildings that accommodate low-income families. He founded the Goldrich Family Foundation which supports Jewish and Israeli charities as well as educational causes. Jona is also remembered for his lifelong work on raising public awareness of the Holocaust, and he played an important role in the founding of the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, located in my district. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Doretta; brother Avraham; daughters Melinda and Andrea Goldrich Cayton; and grandchildren Garrett, Lindsay and Derek. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Jona Goldrich.

Mr. TED LIEU of California

Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, Richard Roth was a remarkable, kind and loving man. He passed away peacefully with his son David, daughter-in-law Anita, and their girls at his side. Richard was a gentle and generous soul who loved politics, discussions, and laughter. But most of all, he loved his son, David. Richard strived throughout his very long life to encourage David to be the very best in everything he did. Richard was energetic and active well into his 80s; making frequent trips from California to the Fiji Islands to visit with David and Anita. He told fascinating, colorful tales of joining David, Anita and the King of Tonga at the Sydney Opera House for a special gala in honor of the King. In later years, Richard followed David and Anita to Florida, where he lived peacefully in a condo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. David's love for his father was unsurpassed. Last year, during Richard's 95th year, David took his father on a private, personal trip together to Israel. That trip had been one of Richard's lifelong dreams, and he got to make the trip with his beloved son. Always bright, inquisitive and cheerful, Richard enjoyed life to the fullest. His kindness to so many will not be forgotten by any who knew him.