Mike Levin

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Major Kelsie D. Hovenden, United States Marine Corps. For the past three years, Major Hovenden has served with honor and distinction as a Congressional Fellow and Appropriations Liaison Officer for the Department of the Navy Appropriations Matters Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), representing the needs of our Marine Corps before the United States Congress. During her time as a congressional fellow, she gained an immersive, behind the scenes understanding of the legislative process and the critical work of funding our Nation's defense. Her sharp intellect, dedication, and deep understanding of national security and budgetary policy were immediately apparent and proved to be an invaluable asset. Upon completion of her fellowship, Major Hovenden seamlessly transitioned to one of the most strategically consequential billets for the Marine Corps, serving as an appropriations liaison officer. In this role, she conducted daily engagement with members and staff, ensuring that the Marine Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely under stood. Her expert navigation of the congressional appropriations process and her steadfast advocacy ensured vital funding for our Marines across multiple fiscal years. Her work was instrumental in supporting the largest budget in Marine Corps history, securing over $57 billion in annual resources. This funding was essential to advancing the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, enhancing operational readiness, and ensuring our Marines have what they need to meet any challenge. Furthermore, Major Hovenden played a central role in preparing Marine Corps senior leaders for congressional testimony, official visits, responded to hundreds of congressional inquiries, and coordinated and led congressional and staff delegations. These visits allowed my colleagues and me to see Marine Corps capabilities firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the resource requirements of the force. Mr. Speaker, Major Hovenden's performance has been characterized by the upmost professionalism, strategic insight, and steadfast commitment to her duty. She has personally strengthened the Marine Corps' credibility on Capitol Hill and ensured the corps' priorities were clearly communicated. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending Major Hovenden for her service to our country and wish her and her family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sina Sinbari, of Laguna Niguel, California, who passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of twenty-four. On that day, Sina lost his courageous four-year battle with desmoplastic small round cell tumors, a rare and aggressive cancer. In honor of his passing, I reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our community in the 49th District. Sina was born and raised in Orange County, where he established lifelong friendships. Sina attended elementary, middle, and high school in Mission Viejo, and was known for his big heart, his loyalty, and his infectious smile. With a lifelong passion for volleyball, he was preparing to play Division 1 volleyball at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the summer of 2022 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next four years, Sina endured more than thirty rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and hospital stays. But Sina refused to let his diagnosis steal his dreams and break his spirit. While undergoing intense treatments, he would fly crosscountry on red-eye flights--straight from chemotherapy at UCLA to morning volleyball practices in New Jersey--just to be with his team. Even when his body was broken, his voice was the loudest in the gym. Sina's journey earned him national recognition, including the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award and FDU's Comeback Player of the Year. In May 2025, he proudly graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and promptly enrolled at UCLA to pursue a master's degree in business law. He was scheduled to receive his degree one month after his passing. Sina's true legacy lies in his profound empathy and willingness to uplift others. Even during long hospital stays, he found the strength to motivate other young cancer patients and dedicated himself to an internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. From his love for his family to his charismatic personality that turned strangers into friends, he embodied the best traits of the human spirit. Sina was a beloved son, brother, friend, and athlete who taught those around him what it means to be unbreakable. He was a light to all who knew him, and I share in the celebration of his life.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Benjamin Siegel, who is retiring after a decade of service as the City Manager of San Juan Capistrano, California. As a proud resident of San Juan Capistrano, I pay tribute to and celebrate his impact on the City and community in California's 49th District. Ben Siegel has served as San Juan Capistrano's City Manager since 2016, providing leadership to facilitate the effective delivery of municipal services, management of City operations, and the negotiation and administration of contracts. Ben has over 20 years of municipal management experience, presides over the Orange County City Managers Association, and has extensive knowledge in the areas of land use and development, transportation, and public infrastructure. He is passionate about making government more efficient and improving service delivery to San Juan Capistrano's residents and businesses. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA, a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Fullerton, and a certificate in Construction and Development Management from UC Irvine. At Cal State Fullerton, Ben served on the Advisory Board for the Master of Public Administration program and created the City Management Fellowship Program, which enab]es high-performing graduate students to learn directly from local city managers. In honor of his contributions to the profession, Ben received the Stewardship Award from the Municipal Management Association of Southern California. In San Juan Capistrano, Ben led the city with a focus on fiscal management, eliminating the structural budget deficit and allowing the city to build surpluses and invest in public safety, parks, and critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the city has improved its roadways, expanded affordable housing development, and revitalized downtown San Juan Capistrano. Several recreational and cultural amenities have been added, including the San Juan Capistrano Skatepark, Windmill Park, and the Northwest Open Space Park with Putuidem Village. Ben Siegel's commitment to San Juan Capistrano has facilitated the prosperity that the community enjoys today. I recognize and celebrate his decade of leadership in San Juan Capistrano and wish Ben the best in his retirement and success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate International Surfing Day and defend the magnificent beaches of Southern California and our Nation's coastlines. In California's 49th Congressional District, our communities are defined by the Pacific Ocean. From the surf breaks of Dana Point to the sandy shores of Del Mar, our beaches are a source of community pride, ecological richness, and economic vitality that we must protect for future generations. California's beaches attract tens of millions of visitors every year, supporting local economies and providing access to nature for people of all backgrounds. More than that, they serve as vital habitat for endangered species, support vibrant kelp forest ecosystems, and play a critical role in the health of our ocean environment. Protecting our beaches means protecting the intricate web of life that depends on healthy coastal systems. Climate change poses an acute and accelerating threat to our shorelines. Rising seas and increasingly powerful storms are eroding beaches, threatening coastal infrastructure, and putting communities at risk. We must meet this challenge head-on with bold investments in coastal resilience, science-based shoreline management, and meaningful action to address the root causes of climate change. I am proud to have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure federal resources for beach restoration, water quality improvement, and marine conservation. Keeping our beaches clean, safe, and accessible is a moral obligation and an economic imperative. I also want to recognize the surfers, lifeguards, environmental advocates, and coastal stewards in our communities who dedicate themselves every day to protecting these special places. Their passion and perseverance inspire us all. Mr. Speaker, our beaches are among America's most precious assets. I urge this body to invest in their protection, celebrate their wonder, and safeguard them for every American--today and for generations to come.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ronald ``Ron'' Neal Riccitelli, of Carlsbad, California, who passed away on May 11, 2026, at the age of 80. In honor of his passing, I pay tribute to and reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our community in the 49th District. Ron was a resident of the Carlsbad community for nearly five decades and is remembered as a beloved husband, father, brother, educator, and friend. Ron grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, a few hours north of Carlsbad. He attended San Fernando High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from San Fernando Valley State College, where he earned his degree in Physical Education. Following his time at university, Ron moved to the Tenamar Beach community of Carlsbad in 1977 and never left. Alongside his wife and partner Christine, Ron raised a family while simultaneously forming lasting bonds with his neighbors. Friends remember his caring nature and exceptionally handy ability to fix and improve the homes of others. Ron taught physical education and coached across North County San Diego for 38 years, a responsibility he embraced with great dedication. Over the course of nearly four decades, Ron served as a role model for the students at San Marcos Middle School, San Marcos High School, Carlsbad High School, and Palomar College. Under his mentorship, students were not only motivated to excel athletically but inspired to grow as people and take care of one another. At the age of 58, Ron retired from his career in education to travel the world, where he exercised his love for the outdoors across countries. Throughout his six-year battle with prostate cancer, Ron continued to show great resilience and optimism. Ron is remembered as a dedicated educator and a wonderful friend who has left behind a lasting legacy of courage, grit, and positivity. Ron Riccitelli exhibited a deep love for the City of Carlsbad and forged strong bonds within the greater Carlsbad community. He was a light to all who knew him and I share in the celebration of his life.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke for her retirement as Superintendent and President of MiraCosta Community College. In honor of her retirement, I stand before you to celebrate her outstanding contributions to MiraCosta Community College and the greater Community. Dr. Cooke began her career in higher education as a biology and biotechnology faculty member after earning her Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University. Throughout her 30-year career, she has served as a department chair, dean, associate vice chancellor, and president before joining MiraCosta College in 2015. Under Dr. Cooke's leadership, MiraCosta College has implemented several innovative programs, including creating California's first biomanufacturing bachelor's degree at a community college. Under her leadership, graduation and transfer rates have significantly improved as she led the college to expand student support services to close equity gaps. The college was nationally recognized for this accomplishment as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize for Excellence semi-finalist. Throughout her tenure, MiraCosta brought in nearly $46 million in state and federal grants to support college programs and students and passed a transformative $455 million facilities bond (Measure MM), modernizing classrooms and infrastructure. Dr. Cooke's leadership has extended to the state level. In 2015, she chaired the Statewide Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy, leading to an ongoing annual investment of over $260 million from the California State Legislature to enhance California community college career education. Dr. Cooke has served as the Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), an officer of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association (CCCBA), and an officer of the California Community Colleges CEO Board. She has also served on the executive committee of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation and on the boards of Biocom and local chambers of commerce. Dr. Cooke's incredible leadership has been widely recognized. Her accolades include recognitions from the San Diego Business Journal in their Women Who Mean Business and Top 50 Women of Influence awards, as well as being included in the San Diego Top 500 List and the NAACP's Salute to Women of Color, Dr. Cooke was also named the CEO Awardee for the Pacific Region by the American Association of Community College Trustees. Dr. Cooke's dedication to ensuring every student has the right to succeed has created a lasting impact on students, her colleagues, and the greater community. Her leadership and service will be remembered through the Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke Legacy Fund, continuing her impact on the College and the community. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Sunita ``Sunny'' Cooke for her remarkable career and profound impact on MiraCosta College and the greater San Diego community. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and deep commitment to student success. We wish her all the best as she enters retirement.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of James Wood, of Oceanside, California, who passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 78. In honor of his passing, I pay tribute to and reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our community in the 49th District. James Wood, or Jim, as he was known by all his friends, served the Oceanside community for more than four decades as a police officer, city councilmember, and mayor. Jim came to Oceanside as a young boy in 1955 and never left. He attended North Terrace Elementary School and Jefferson Junior High School and went on to graduate from Oceanside High School and MiraCosta College. Jim joined the Oceanside Police Department in 1971, serving more than 31 years as an investigator in some of the department's most demanding assignments, including homicide, narcotics, and crimes against children and seniors. He collaborated with the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Naval Criminal Investigative Services. Jim was elected to the Oceanside City Council in 2002 and became Mayor in 2004, a position he held for more than 13 years, and served one of the longest mayoral tenures in the city's history. Under his leadership, Oceanside's crime rates fell to their lowest levels in 30 years, and the city earned recognition as one of the safest and most livable beach communities in San Diego County. Jim was recognized for his lifetime of service when the City of Oceanside renamed Rancho Del Oro Park, as Jim Wood Community Park in 2022 in a wonderful ceremony attended by Jim, his wife Pam of 48 years, and his entire loving family. Jim is remembered as a dedicated public servant and a wonderful friend who has left behind a lasting legacy of prioritizing public safety, fighting crime, and protecting seniors. Jim Wood exhibited a deep love for the City of Oceanside and forged a legacy of service, commitment, and lasting bonds with the greater Oceanside community. He was a light to all who knew him and I share in the celebration of his life.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Susan Parmelee as my March 2026 Constituent of the Month. Susan is truly an advocate for change. At a time when so many of our youth are struggling with anxiety and depression, she created a place where they don't have to struggle alone. The Wellness & Prevention Center provides a safe and welcoming space for young people and their families to turn to when they need support most. The Center offers peer support, clinical training, policy advocacy, community education, and so much more. It is truly remarkable work. I know Susan does not do this work for recognition, but it is truly an honor to select her for this distinction, and our district is better off because of her work.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I am so honored to represent the marines and sailors on Camp Pendleton, some of the most capable, disciplined, and battle-ready men and women that this Nation has ever produced, so when this Congress funds the military and our veterans, I take that responsibility very seriously. I am proud to be a member of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and pleased that we were collectively able to put our servicemembers and our veterans over politics. That is how this work is supposed to get done, and this bill, as it stands, is proof that it still can be. My thanks to the chairs and the ranking members for their hard work. Before serving on Appropriations, I served on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for 6 years. During that time, we passed the Honoring our PACT Act and established the Toxic Exposure Fund because this country made a promise to our veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while they served, and that promise doesn't expire regardless of what is happening here in Washington, D.C. I am so glad that this bill delivers on that promise with advanced funding for the Toxic Exposure Fund, and I am so proud of that bipartisan work as it continues. This bill also includes $2 million to implement the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, or CVSO Act, a bipartisan bill that I led that was signed into law as part of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Right now, out of 15.8 million veterans in this country, fewer than half are enrolled in VA healthcare. That is unacceptable. This funding will establish a grant program to help State and local governments hire and train more county veteran service officers. Those are people on the ground who are doing the work of connecting veterans to the care and benefits that they have earned. I supported this bill in committee, and I urge my colleagues to protect this bipartisan compromise and reject any amendments that would jeopardize it. While it is not perfect, as the bill stands, I am encouraged that, even in this moment, when we still come together across the aisle, we can do big things to serve our military and our veterans.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Karel Ann Tharp (nee Schubert), of Capistrano Beach, California, who passed away on November 2, 2025. In honor of her passing, I pay tribute to and reflect on the life she led and the impact she had on our Nation and community in California's 49th District. Karel Ann Tharp is remembered for her vibrant spirit, kindness, fierce devotion to her friends and family, and her unwavering commitment to her community. Karel is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Edward Tharp III; their son, Edward Tharp IV and his wife, Amy; daughter, Laura Miles and her husband, Alan; and beloved grandson, Brian Tharp and his wife, Stephanie. Karel attended Ganesh High School, where she was a dedicated student, spirited cheerleader, and member of the student government. After earning her degree from Cal Poly Pomona, she became a cornerstone of the administration office at La Paz Intermediate School. With 20 years of service, she is remembered by former students and faculty for her dedication, kindness, and work ethic. Karel's passion for community and love for our country drew her to politics, where she became a powerful force in local and national efforts to preserve our democracy. Through her mentorship, she shared her passion for civic duty with others and inspired countless young people to become politically engaged, creating a lasting impact on the community. Karel is remembered for her radiant smile, legendary hospitality, and deep devotion to her friends and family. She nurtured meaningful relationships, maintaining many friendships for over 60 years. Whether with a new acquaintance or an old friend, Karel extended the same warmth and devotion to everyone she met. Karel cherished bringing people together over memorable meals at her dinner parties, creating lasting memories for all. Karel's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and Nana. She understood the importance of showing up and did so enthusiastically. Karel was a constant fixture at every school event, sporting match, piano recital, and play. Karel is fondly remembered for being the loudest cheerleader in the stands for her grandson, Brian, supporting him at wrestling matches at San Clemente High School all the way to San Francisco State University. Karel Ann Tharp exhibited a servant's heart and leaves behind a legacy of service, deep love, and commitment. She was a light to all who knew her and I share in the celebration of her life.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region, Armenian Assembly of America, and all Armenian Americans in commemorating the Armenian Genocide. I stand with them in remembering the lives of the 1.5 million Armenians--along with 750,000 Assyrians, Greeks, Maronites, and other Christians--who perished. As we honor the memory of the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide, we also stand with the Armenian families who carry that pain to this day. We strive to ensure the legacies of the victims and survivors are never forgotten. I represent a district home to vibrant Armenian American communities stretching from South Orange County to North County San Diego. My Armenian-American constituents are stewards of the values that are core to this country's identity and have enriched our communities in immeasurable ways. They have demonstrated remarkable perseverance after many of their families faced violent persecution, to make a better life for their children and grandchildren. Their story is a powerful reminder that we must continue rooting out hate whenever and wherever it emerges. As a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I am proud to represent our local Armenian-American community, and will always strive to be their voice in Congress.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and pay tribute to Master Sergeant Robert C. White of the United States Marine Corps, who will retire this June after twenty years of distinguished service to our Nation. His retirement ceremony will be held on April 24, 2026, marking the close of a remarkable career that began two decades ago. Master Sergeant White's service has taken him across both the globe and the full breadth of the Marine Corps mission. He has served with Combat Logistics Regiment 3 in Okinawa, the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, Marine Forces Special Operations Command, and the Headquarters Marine Corps IT Center at the Pentagon. He will conclude his career with the 1st Marine Division, serving as the Division's Cyber Security Chief and Information Systems Security Manager, a role that reflects both the trust placed in him by his command and the evolving nature of modern warfare, in which our cyber defenses are as vital as any position on the battlefield. Master Sergeant White has also represented the United States with distinction overseas, serving at our embassies in Lome, Beijing, and Dushanbe. In these assignments, he stood at the front line of American diplomacy, safeguarding our missions and embodying the professionalism of the United States Marine Corps to all who encountered him. His record of achievement and excellence during deployments speaks to a career defined by answering the call of duty wherever it was made. He deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008, to Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012, and again to Iraq with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force from 2018 to 2019. In each of these deployments, Master Sergeant White served alongside our Nation's finest, contributing to missions critical to American security, freedom, and to the safety of our allies. Twenty years of service is more than a measure of time. It is a measure of sacrifice: of holidays missed, of moves made, of long separations from loved ones, and of the quiet courage required to place duty above self, year after year. Master Sergeant White's family has shared in every chapter of that service, and they too deserve our Nation's gratitude. Mr. Speaker, as Master Sergeant Robert C. White prepares to transition to a well-deserved retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his service, congratulating him on his well- earned retirement, and wishing him, his wife Nicole, and their family every happiness in the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I certainly thank my good friend from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur, from whom I have learned so much on the Appropriations Committee and otherwise. Mr. Speaker, this debate should not be partisan, and it does not have to be partisan. The physical laws of energy do not care who is in the majority. The economics of electricity do not change with the party label or which district you are from, Mr. Speaker. The grid does not ask whether the power flowing through it came from a red State or a blue State. We really need to answer only one question: Is there power when it is needed at a price families can afford? That is why this ought to unite us. Republican and Democratic States alike lead wind and solar generation. Red and blue districts alike host clean manufacturing. Farmers earn steady lease payments from solar panels and wind turbines that help keep their family farms afloat through droughts, floods, and commodity swings. Veterans and skilled tradespeople are building the advanced technologies that strengthen our energy security and reduce our dependence on volatile fuel markets. This is an American project, happening in every region across every map. The choice before us is simple: Do we want to play politics with the energy system that powers our economy, or do we want to win the future? That is because the truth is that families do not experience energy policy as ideology. They experience it as a bill. They experience it as a choice between paying the utility bill and paying for groceries. They experience it as small business owners deciding whether to hire or to cut hours. They experience it as seniors on a fixed income turning down the thermostat and hoping the next heat wave doesn't last too long. That is what energy affordability means in real life. Right now, energy bills are higher. Too many jobs have been put at risk or pushed offshore. Too many families have been stretched thinner. Too many communities are being asked to subsidize decisions that protect the incumbent energy players instead of protecting consumers. We can keep doing what we have been doing: restricting the cheapest new supply, forcing ratepayers to carry the cost of uneconomic fossil fuel plants, and letting the infrastructure needs of trillion-dollar tech companies get passed down to households. We can keep pretending that the answer to every 21st-century challenge is the same 20th-century playbook. We can cling to the past and see the costs rise across the country for the average person, or we can do what responsible leaders do. We can modernize and we can compete. We can build the grid that matches the economy that we actually have, not the economy that we used to have. We can expand transmission so that power can move to where it is needed. We can deploy storage so reliability is stronger in heat and cold and storms. We can make cost allocation fair so households aren't paying for private infrastructure that should be borne by the companies that profit from it. We can strengthen resilience against wildfires and extreme weather so ratepayers are not trapped in a cycle of catastrophic costs. We can do what markets are already trying to do: scale the lowest cost electricity available. Here is what cannot be debated away with partisan politics: Clean energy is the lowest cost new energy in America. Clean energy is the fastest path to stabilizing energy bills. Clean energy is how we meet rising demand without squeezing households. Clean energy is how we compete with China, rather than handing them the supply chain of the future. Clean energy is how we reduce volatility, because sunshine and wind do not spike in price when global markets panic. That is why the question is not whether clean energy wins. It is already winning in every market that allows fair competition to function. The question is whether America leads. Will we lead in building the industries that power the next generation of manufacturing? Will we lead in the technologies that make the grid more reliable, not less reliable? Will we lead in protecting consumers rather than protecting entrenched interests? Will we lead in an energy system that is affordable, resilient, and secure? History is not going to remember who had the better slogan. History, I think, will remember in this moment whether this body decided to make America more competitive or more brittle. It will remember whether we chose the future when the future was still a choice. That is what the Energy Bills Relief Act is designed to do. It is about families first. It is about consumers. It is about fair markets. It is about building. It is about winning. Mr. Speaker, I hope we don't argue too much about yesterday, and I hope we focus instead on building tomorrow.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just spell out some basic facts and some myths about clean energy because there is a whole lot of misinformation out there these days. The first thing I will say is that clean energy is the lowest-cost new electricity in America. Independent financial analysis confirms that utility-scale solar and onshore wind are the cheapest forms of new electricity generation available in the United States. This is from Lazard, their Levelized Cost of Energy analysis, showing that unsubsidized solar and wind consistently undercut new coal and new natural gas generation. There was recently a report that solar projects are on average 41 percent cheaper than the lowest cost fossil fuel alternatives globally, and onshore wind projects are 53 percent cheaper. Another analysis shows that solar is approximately $64 per megawatt-hour cheaper than coal and $20 cheaper than combined-cycle gas. Wind is $61 cheaper than coal and $17 cheaper than gas. Markets are already choosing clean energy because it is the least expensive option. In fact, States leading in renewable generation generally see lower electricity prices. According to EIA data, 17 of 22 States with above-average shares of wind and solar had below-average electricity prices last year. Thirteen of those States voted Republican in 2024, I might add. Another analysis showed that the 4 States with the highest renewable generation saw prices fall in 2025. While 9 of the 10 States with the lowest renewable energy penetration saw prices rise. This isn't that hard. The cheapest, most affordable energy is the cleanest energy. Yet, instead of expanding that supply, the administration chooses to restrict it. The second thing I want to talk about is coal and market distortion. At the same time that clean energy deployment is being obstructed, this Department of Energy has issued emergency orders forcing aging coal plants to remain online. In Colorado, for example, that decision is estimated to cost ratepayers $20 million over 90 days, roughly $85 million annually, and potentially up to $150 million per year if required to operate continuously. In Michigan, ratepayers paid approximately $80 million over 4 months to keep a coal plant running. If coal were the lowest cost option, it would not need these sorts of emergency orders. Ninety-nine percent of U.S. coal plants are more expensive to operate than replacing them with new wind or solar, according to Energy Innovation. Coal is aging, it is unreliable, it is costly, and more than half the fleet is already scheduled to retire. NERC reliability data shows increasing forced outage rates for coal plants in recent years. This is not free market competition. This is protectionism for expensive incumbents while families are footing the bill. The third thing I would like to talk about is reliability. Opponents sometimes argue that wind and solar are unreliable. The evidence says exactly the opposite. Battery storage deployment is absolutely taking off. The U.S. is projected to add more than 18 gigawatts of new utility-scale battery storage. Just last year, 2025, there was a huge record number. Nearly 11 gigawatts were added in 2024. By the end of 2026, the assumptions are, there will be nearly 65 gigawatts of total storage capacity. The majority of new solar projects in the western interconnection area now include co-located storage. Battery costs have dropped drastically in the last couple of years. Transmission expansion connects regions experiencing different weather patterns, improving reliability and lowering costs for everyone, delivering the grid of the future, delivering the interconnected, flexible, diversified grid of the future. Meanwhile, what is the alternative? Well, during Winter Storm Fern in January of 2026, coal plants ramped up as expected, but fuel prices spiked, stockpiles dropped to their lowest levels in years, and the system was strained. We know that gas infrastructure can freeze. We know that peaker plants can be overstressed. We know that fossil fuels are not immune from failure. Reliability comes from diversification and modernization, not by clinging to a single fuel. Next, I hear that clean energy can't meet growing demand. That is not true either. Electricity consumption hit a record high last year, and it is projected to continue rising in 2026, according to EIA. AI-driven data centers, I think we all know, are a major contributor, with electricity demand from data centers expected to double by 2030. Clean energy is the fastest resource to deploy. Not only is it cheapest, but it is fastest to deploy. The average solar project can be built in 15 to 17 months. A natural gas plant often takes 4 years or longer. Gas turbine shortages mean new turbines may not be available until the 2030s. Solar and wind growth outpaced global demand growth in the first half of 2025, with solar alone meeting 83 percent of global electricity demand growth in the first half of 2025. If we are serious about meeting rising demand and doing so affordably, we must accelerate the most affordable and fastest-to- deploy resources, which also happen to be the cleanest resources. Next, I want to talk about data centers and fairness. Data centers are expanding dramatically, and utilities are investing billions of dollars in transmission upgrades. For example, in PJM, $4.3 billion in transmission costs associated with data center growth were passed to ratepayers. An additional $7.3 billion in increased generation costs were recorded. Without guardrails, households and small businesses are subsidizing infrastructure where trillion-dollar companies are making the money. That is why I am proud that our Energy Bills Relief Act includes protections for consumers to ensure that data centers pay for their own grid updates. It incentivizes clean, zero-emission electricity use to reduce overall system costs and pollution. We need to make sure that as growth continues, that ratepayers are not stuck with the bill while trillion-dollar corporations reap all the benefit. Now, I will turn close to my home for just a second and talk about wildfires and, in particular, California. California's electricity rates have gone up since the mid-2000s. No question about that. That is despite the fact that we have led in energy efficiency. Wildfire mitigation and grid hardening are now 16 percent of total utility costs, 16 percent. Ratepayers in California have borne more than $27 billion in wildfire-related costs just between 2019 and 2024. Investor-owned utilities have passed on bankruptcy settlements and infrastructure upgrades tied to wildfire liability, and they have stuck it to the ratepayer. That is why blaming renewable energy for rate increases doesn't tell the picture. They are wildfire driven. These are simply misrepresented facts by those who have a grudge against renewable energy. The Energy Bills Relief Act includes a grant program to support grid upgrades that would reduce wildfire risks, that would prevent catastrophic utility failures, lowering long-term ratepayer burdens. Next, I want to talk about LNG exports and volatility. As LNG exports increase, domestic natural gas prices increasingly reflect international demand. Global volatility becomes domestic volatility. Wind and solar, on the other hand, have no fuel price. They have no geopolitical premium. They have no shipping constraints. When you build renewable generation, the fuel is free forever. The fuel is free forever. That is a big deal. That is long-term price stability. What would our bill do? I am very proud of a lot of the things that it would accomplish. Number one: It would rescind the tax hike on low-cost, clean energy, and it would restore tax credits for clean energy such as those in the Inflation Reduction Act. Number two: It would reverse roadblocks to clean energy permitting and restrict the abuse of Department of Energy emergency orders. Number three: It would ensure that data centers pay their fair share. Number four: It would expand LIHEAP and weatherization assistance to help struggling families. Number five: It would protect natural gas markets from international volatility. Number six: It would build a nationally interconnected grid to improve affordability, reliability, and resilience. Most importantly and lastly: It would share the economic benefits of clean energy with host communities. It is a good bill. It is one that we worked on for a long time, and we are going to get as much support as we can.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Illinois for yielding. It is an honor to work with the gentleman on this bill and other things. Mr. Speaker, last night in this very Chamber, the President declared that America is in a golden age. He said that energy prices were plummeting. He said that we are winning so much that we don't know what to do about so much winning. He celebrated record fossil fuel production and assured the American people that drilling alone is delivering affordability. He dismissed clean energy as a scam and suggested that the path forward is simply to double down on the past. I agree that every one of us should want America to be strong, prosperous, and secure. Yet, the real test of any energy policy is not what sounds good in a televised address. It is whether working families feel relief when they open their utility statements. It is whether small businesses can forecast stable costs. It is whether seniors on fixed incomes are insulated from volatility rather than being exposed to it. Families don't experience energy affordability through slogans. They experience it through monthly statements. Electricity costs are up 13 percent, and residential gas prices are up nearly 60 percent across the country. One in six households is now behind on their electric or gas bills. Families are paying more to heat and cool their homes, more to keep the lights on, and more just to get through the month. For millions of Americans already stretched thin, this is yet another bill that they can't afford. This comes despite the President promising on the campaign trail to cut energy bills by 50 percent. It is not just a broken promise on costs. It is a strategic failure at a defining moment for America's economic future. We are living through the most important global energy transition since the industrial revolution. The countries that deploy clean energy the fastest are lowering costs, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and securing control over the energy supply chains that will define economic power for decades. This is the moment when the winners of the global energy race are being decided, but instead of leading, the United States is being pulled backward. Over the past year, more than 165,000 clean energy jobs have been wiped out or delayed. Projects capable of powering roughly 13 million homes have been canceled or frozen. Clean energy tax credits are under attack. Grants have been rescinded. Permitting for wind and solar has been effectively paused. Billions of dollars in private investment are sitting idle because Federal policy has injected uncertainty into the marketplace. At the same time, the administration is doubling down on fossil fuel policies that leave families exposed to volatile global markets and rising prices. Mr. Speaker, let's be honest about what is happening. Families are paying more because this administration is choking off the supply of clean, low-cost electricity while forcing ratepayers to subsidize aging, expensive fossil fuel plants. It is not ideology. It is math. It is math. If we are serious about affordability--truly serious--we must ask a different question. It is not how much we can drill, but rather how we build an energy system that delivers stable, low-cost power for decades? The truth--and it is a truth grounded in financial analysis, not political branding--is that clean energy is the lowest cost new electricity in the United States. Wind and solar, on an unsubsidized basis, undercut new coal and frequently undercut new natural gas generation. Utilities choose clean not because of ideology but because they are the least expensive options available to meet demand. That isn't to say that I disagreed with everything that the President had to say last night. In fact, I was genuinely pleased that he acknowledged the pressure that data centers are placing on our electric grid. The explosion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced manufacturing is real, and it is transforming our economy. It is driving electricity demand upward at a pace that we haven't seen in decades. Ignoring that reality would be irresponsible, and confronting it is necessary. Mr. Speaker, the President suggested that tech companies should build their own power plants so that household rates don't rise. At its core, I think that intention is correct. Ratepayers should not be forced to subsidize infrastructure built to serve trillion-dollar tech companies. Families living on fixed incomes shouldn't be forced to underwrite private server farms for Big Tech. Small businesses shouldn't be absorbing the transmission costs created by hyperscale expansion, and protecting consumers must be the starting principle. Yet, the correct intentions of the President aren't enough. We need statutory guardrails so that utilities can socialize grid upgrade costs across all customers. Without clear cost allocation rules, transmission investments triggered by large new loads can be spread broadly rather than assigned to the source of the demand. Without modernized planning, the infrastructure required for rapid load growth can crowd out other investments and create bottlenecks that ultimately drive rates higher for everyone. There is a second layer to this. Even if data centers build dedicated generation, the broader grid still absorbs the consequences of rising demand. If demand rises and the cheapest new resources are constrained, prices rise for everybody. If transmission is insufficient, congestion increases and wholesale prices spike for everybody. If fossil fuel generation continues to dominate, the corresponding volatility is transmitted directly into higher retail electric bills for everybody. In sum, if we restrict the cheapest sources of electricity while demand rises, prices are going to go up. It is not ideological. It is just supply and demand. If we slow the deployment of the lowest-cost wind and solar, if we delay transmission build-out, if we limit storage, then the system will rely more heavily on higher-cost generation, and consumers are going to pay the difference. If, on the other hand, we modernize the grid, we deploy the lowest- cost resources at scale--if we accelerate transmission expansion, integrate storage, and allow clean energy to compete fairly and fully-- then rising demand can be met with falling costs and less volatility. Infrastructure will be built more intelligently, enhancing reliability rather than undermining reliability. Again, this is not ideology. It is math. It is common sense. Today, along with my friend from Illinois (Mr. Casten), with whom I am so proud to work, we are embarking on really a new path forward, the Energy Bills Relief Act. This is all about math, and it is all about common sense. It is all about how electricity markets actually function. It is all about the need for grid modernization as an economic imperative. It is all about fairness in who pays the bill for the modernized electric grid. It is all about protecting ratepayers with enforceable policy rather than with empty statements. The American people deserve more than rhetoric. They deserve a system built on data and durability. They deserve leadership that understands that affordability is engineered, not declared. They deserve lower bills. The path to lower bills runs directly through the clean energy deployment that markets are already telling us is the cheapest way forward. That is why we are here today, and that is what the Energy Bills Relief Act is designed to deliver.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Rev. Jason Coker and Rev. Jenell Coker as my December 2025 Co-Constituents of the Month. Rev. Jason and Rev. Jenell Coker are being recognized for their extraordinary leadership, vision, and longstanding commitment to community transformation. Together, they have grown The Oceanside Sanctuary into a thriving, historic congregation that serves as a hub for inclusive, justice-centered ministry in North County San Diego. Their work extends far beyond the church walls through ecumenical and interfaith collaboration, nonprofit leadership, education, and community organizing, and is grounded in a fully LGBTQ-affirming faith that prioritizes dignity, equity, and belonging. Through decades of service, the Cokers have demonstrated how thoughtful, courageous leadership can strengthen institutions, empower communities, and create lasting positive change. They are immensely deserving of this recognition and our district is better off because of their work.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John Resnick as my January 2026 Constituent of the Month. John has helped establish Carlsbad as a premier culinary destination through his leadership of four acclaimed restaurants, earning two Michelin Stars and national recognition. His commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community exemplifies the very best of the 49th Congressional District. Just as importantly, John's work brings people together. His restaurants serve as welcoming gathering places where neighbors, families, and visitors connect over memorable meals and shared experiences. Through great food, thoughtful drinks, and warm hospitality, John has helped strengthen the sense of community that makes Carlsbad such a special place. He is immensely deserving of this recognition, and our district is better off because of his work.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mel Vernon as my November 2025 Constituent of the Month. Mel Vernon is an example of what it looks like to dedicate ourselves to community engagement and cultural preservation. For more than 15 years, he has worked with teachers and educators across Southern California to ensure the history of the Luiseno people is not forgotten. Mel is committed every day to increasing awareness. I'm proud to support the work of Mel and so many others who serve our community. It is an honor to recognize his accomplishments and service thus far. Mel is a great community leader, author, and musician. His preservation efforts remind us that, as a community, we benefit from learning about and celebrating the Indigenous population that has lived on this land for countless generations. I admire his devotion to preservation and am grateful we have people like Mel in our district who are dedicated to educating our communities about the great Luiseno people.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, my flight was delayed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and I missed votes that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 335, and YEA on Roll Call No. 336.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Richard C. Parsons, who passed away on May 16, 2025, in San Clemente, California. In his memory, I would like to pay tribute and reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our Nation and the community in California's 49th District. Richard was born in New York City on August 3, 1934, and was the son of Armenian immigrants. He attended Columbia University before earning his degree from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. During his time at Principia College, Richard met his wife Nancy, whom he was married to for 66 years. After attending Principia College, Richard enlisted in the Army. He served with honor at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. After his time serving our nation, Richard settled in Southern California where he led a successful career, retiring as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Arrowhead Water. Richard was an incredible leader and an inspiration to many. I am grateful for his service to our country. Richard is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family. They were his greatest pride. Richard was a dedicated family man who cared deeply for everyone around him. Richard leaves behind a legacy defined by love and service. I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize the legacy of Richard C. Parsons.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, my flight was delayed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and I missed the first vote that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the big, ugly bill, which even Elon Musk has called a ``disgusting abomination.'' The big, ugly bill undermines the programs millions of Americans rely on to survive, like healthcare and food assistance. Perhaps less discussed is that it will increase your energy bills. Right now, 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their electricity bills, and according to a recent report in The New York Times, this bill will make it worse. The big, ugly bill ends tax credits to promote clean energy and will increase household energy costs by up to $415 a year. On top of that, ending the tax credits will lead to thousands of job losses nationwide, in red States and blue States. This comes as demand for electricity is surging, driving up costs even more. Everyone in this body talks a good game about lowering costs; but when the time came to actually do something about costs, my House colleagues voted to put Big Oil CEOs over the American people. I urge my friends in the Senate to fix this mess and actually lower energy prices for the American people.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, when I first started running for Congress a number of years ago, my wife and I sold all of our individual stocks, and I made a commitment that if I were elected, I wouldn't trade individual stocks while in office because being a Representative isn't just a title; it is a responsibility that we all have, and that responsibility is to serve the people and not our own financial interests. Let's face it: Too many Americans have lost faith in government. They wonder whether their elected officials are truly working for them. We can't allow that doubt to grow. We have the power to help fix it. That is why I have long supported legislation to ban Members of Congress from trading individual stocks, and I am encouraged that we are working together in a bipartisan way to get this done. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Magaziner, Representative Roy, and others who have been working together for some time on this. We have a lot of momentum. Today, as was said, Speaker Johnson said that he supports a stock trading ban. Leader Jeffries supports a stock trading ban. President Trump has said that he would sign a stock trading ban into the law. Again, this is not a partisan issue. Poll after poll shows overwhelming support. Approximately 80 percent of Americans want Congress to pass a ban on Members stock trading. They want to know that their Representatives are here to serve the public, not to profit from their positions. Recent events have only made this more urgent. Last month, markets moved sharply after the reversal of tariffs that had been threatened. Just hours before that announcement, there were posts on social media. I don't need to recount all of that now, and we don't know exactly who had advance notice of that decision or whether anybody acted on it, but that is exactly the problem. Americans should never ever have to wonder if public officials are using any sort of inside knowledge to enrich themselves. That is why we need to act now. We need a law that says, clearly and without exception, if you serve in Congress, you cannot trade individual stocks. No more gray areas. No more questions; just clear rules that restore trust and put the public interest first. We have the support. We have the momentum, and we have a responsibility to get this done. Speaker Johnson, please work with us. Allow a vote on a stock trading ban. Let's begin the long process to restore confidence in this body. The time to act is now.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak for my constituents, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez. Thirty-five years ago, they came to the United States from Colombia in search of a better life. They tried to file for asylum but received bad legal advice from a now-disbarred attorney. Nelson and Gladys Gonzalez raised three daughters in Laguna Niguel, California, worked hard, paid taxes, and never got so much as a traffic ticket. For decades, they checked in with ICE voluntarily and were allowed to stay in the country, but this past February, while at their ICE appointment, they were detained, separated, and deported. Why was a family with no criminal history, no gang affiliation, three children, and a new grandchild a priority for deportation? We should be using our resources to remove dangerous individuals, not those contributing positively to our society and to our economy, not people like Nelson and Gladys Gonzalez. I am all for a secure border, but what we are seeing today is not the America that I know.