Mike Levin

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this week, President Biden announced more than $16 billion in Federal funding for the Northeast Corridor, the busiest in the United States, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While that is a very admirable and needed effort, I would like to call attention to the LOSSAN Corridor, the second busiest rail corridor, which runs right through my district. It is the only rail link between San Diego and Los Angeles. The integrity of the LOSSAN Corridor is arguably at greater risk than any other corridor in the country. It runs along the Pacific Ocean and has repeatedly closed due to climate change-induced sea level rise, collapsing bluffs, and eroding beaches. That has cost our economy millions of dollars per year and impacts my constituents' ability to get where they need to go. The LOSSAN Corridor is the busiest State-supported route for Amtrak, which is currently facing 64 percent funding cuts in the Republican T- HUD appropriations bill. This is the wrong approach. We must invest in Amtrak and associated infrastructure. I will continue to advocate for the Biden administration to invest in the LOSSAN Corridor so California can get its fair share of resources. Mr. Chairman, I thank my partners in California, and especially Governor Newsom, for continuing to fight for this historic investment.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1435. This legislation specifically targets the ability of my home State of California and the ability of 17 other States to set their own auto emission standards, improve public health, and tackle the climate crisis. With this legislation, my Republican colleagues are propping up the fossil fuel industry at the expense of the environment and pushing their polluters over people agenda, which endangers the health of the American people. Over 100 million people live in counties with unhealthy air pollution, and air pollution is linked to more than 100,000 premature deaths in the United States every year. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases, making up one-third of total pollution. In the mid-20th century, California was plagued by smog from vehicles that spewed pollution into the air and caused hazardous health conditions for residents. With this reality in mind, my State took action. California has been a national leader in addressing air pollution from the transportation sector for decades and has regulated vehicle emissions for years. In fact, California established the first tailpipe emission standards in the country in 1966, well before the Federal Government did. A year later, then-Governor Reagan approved the Mulford-Carrell Air Resources Act to create the State Air Resources Board. You heard that right. Ronald Reagan, a conservative Republican, established a statewide agency to address air pollution. Clean air protections were bipartisan for years, with President Nixon signing the Clean Air Act into law, another Californian, I might add. The Clean Air Act granted California the ability to receive a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to establish vehicle emission standards that are more protective and aggressive than those at the Federal level. With that authority, Governor Reagan's Air Resources Board adopted the Nation's first nitrogen oxide emission standards for motor vehicles. Here is what we have seen in the years since: Ambitious vehicle emission standards empower the auto industry to produce better, cleaner cars. They are a win-win-win for consumers, growing our domestic auto industry, and meeting our climate goals. For more than five decades, the EPA has granted dozens of waivers to California, which has enabled my State to cut pollution from as much as 35 parts per million in 1970 to under 9 parts per million in 2018. The waivers have helped improve conditions for residents and have driven innovation in the auto industry. California's ambitious emission standards have led the way for historic technological breakthroughs, such as the invention of the catalytic converter, the dashboard check-engine light, and, yes, the development of zero-emission vehicles. H.R. 1435 looks to erase decades of progress on tackling air pollution, advancing technological innovation, and protecting public health. This bill attacks the Clean Air Act and the longstanding authority of States to make their own decisions to keep their air clean and climate pollution low. Republicans frequently tout States' rights. Why is this case any different? This bill would also force the EPA to revoke existing waivers going back to 2013, causing chaos and confusion for the entire auto industry and disrupting the transition to electric vehicles that is already underway across the country. The regulatory framework that California and its 17 partner States have in place empowers the auto industry to produce better and cleaner cars that are cheaper to maintain and provide significant cost savings for American families. H.R. 1435's reckless requirement that the EPA revoke existing Clean Air Act waivers jeopardizes over 50 years of progress and innovation. Not only would the auto industry suffer, but the American consumer would lose out on cheaper, cleaner vehicle options today and in the future. Let's be clear. The only party that would benefit from this regulatory uncertainty in vehicle emission standards is the fossil fuel industry. Ultimately, H.R. 1435 is not based on science, and it fails to recognize the effects that our constituents are already feeling from unmitigated climate change. It fails to acknowledge the public health consequences of air pollution. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would strike the section of the bill that requires the EPA Administrator to revoke all existing waivers, which would throw the U.S. auto industry into chaos and regulatory uncertainty.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Carlsbad resident and attorney Matthew Rebelo as my July Constituent of the Month. In his work assisting Afghan refugees through the legal challenges of gaining asylum, Matthew embodies the critical importance of supporting those who face violence--especially the women and children most often at risk. For Matthew, this work is personal. In 2015 he immigrated to the United States from South Africa and relates his own experience with starting anew here to his desire to help others coming to the United States. A former barrister in South Africa, Matthew continued his legal career in the United States after obtaining his green card and passing the California bar exam. It's inspiring to witness Matthew's initiative in using his time and skills to assist on a pro bono basis those escaping the Taliban's violence. I'm forever grateful to the members of our CA-49 community who dedicate their time and effort towards helping others in critical need. I'm proud to honor Matthew Rebelo as my July Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Jeri Nicolas as my June Constituent of the Month. As an employee of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center in Oceanside, Jeri embodies the Center's mission by advocating for resources and promoting educational programs to assist members of the LGBTQ+ community and create a more equitable and safer region. Jeri has more than two decades of experience doing this work. Jeri also uses her background as a native Hawaiian to promote the preservation of Hawaiian culture and conduct outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. I have no doubt she will continue to make a difference in my district and across our greater region. During Pride Month, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individuals like Jeri Nicolas who spend their time helping others and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. I'm so grateful for CA-19 residents who dedicate their lives to the betterment of our residents and community, and I'm proud to honor Jeri Nicolas as my June Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of Ira Sharp, who passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife Rose Ann Sharp, daughter Elizabeth Sharp, son Andrew Sharp, daughter-in-law Carine Harambillet Sharp, grandson Samuel Sharp as well as his sisters, Jacqueline Schroeder, Barbara Jensen, and Sally Harman, as well as their families. Mr. Sharp received a bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis before earning a J.D. at Columbia Law School. After law school, Mr. Sharp became a practicing attorney before moving to D.C. to take over a then struggling family business. For the next two and a half decades, Mr. Sharp would use his expertise and perseverance to transform the company into a thriving business, later selling it to a Fortune 1000 company. As a resident of the California 49th Congressional District, Mr. Sharp was an active member of the community. He was appointed to the San Diego County Civil Service Commission as well as sat on several Del Mar City Council committees and the Del Mar School District Independent Citizens Oversight Committee. Additionally, Mr. Sharp contributed to the Del Mar Foundation, the Rancho Santa Fe Democratic Club, and the Chairmen's RoundTable, a group that provides mentorship to businesses in San Diego County. Mr. Sharp's true passion was advocacy for gun violence prevention. Following the Parkland Shooting in February of 2018 and the birth of his grandchild, Mr. Sharp along with his wife Rose Ann Sharp founded NeverAgainCA. Mr. Sharp then went on to create SafeStorageCA in 2019, where he brought together elected officials and gun violence prevention groups. The impact of Mr. Sharp's work can be seen in the passage of AB 452, which requires California public school districts to send students home with information about the importance of safe firearm storage, as well as the passage of AB 893 and SB 264, which ban the sale of firearms and ammunition at the Del Mar and Orange County Fairgrounds. More recently, Mr. Sharp spent time as a board member for the Brady Campaign, a national nonprofit whose mission is to ensure that every community is safe from the epidemic of gun violence in our country. Ira Sharp's tireless advocacy is a reminder of the immense impact an individual can have on their community and the importance of collaborating with others to make our community a safer place. It has been an honor to celebrate Ira Sharp's remarkable life and his success which continues to inspire.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to House Republicans holding our economy hostage and planning to slash billions of dollars from veterans' services and benefits in return for maintaining the full faith and credit of the United States. Republicans are delivering a one-two punch to veterans. First, their default on America act would slash $30 billion from veterans' services, eliminate housing vouchers for 50,000 homeless veterans, and cut 81,000 jobs from the Veterans Health Administration. They can say whatever they want, but this is what they voted for. Second, Republicans just released a bill to gut the healthcare funding we promised to toxic-exposed veterans in the PACT Act. How about instead of cuts to veterans' services and benefits, we reduce our deficit by ending tax loopholes for the ultra wealthy and by ensuring the largest corporations pay their fair share? House Democrats are united in opposition to Republicans' veteran funding cuts, and we will not go back on the progress we have made. As we all head into this Memorial Day weekend, we must do better. We must not default on our debts. Let's keep our promises to our veterans.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Kevin Shin as my May Constituent of the Month. As a veteran, businessowner, and volunteer, Kevin has served our District in countless ways and has worked tirelessly to make our community a better place to live. During Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional work of individuals like Kevin Shin who volunteer their time to contribute to our unique and beautiful district. I'm honored to recognize and thank him for his service in the U.S. military and for his service to our region since. Kevin is a true leader, and I am proud to honor him today.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Ilima Martinez as my May Constituent of the Month. As the Founder and President of Umeke Organization, Ilima works to preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions. Ilima has more than a decade of experience of doing this work and this year, Ilima used her experience to organize the first annual Southern California Asian and Pacific islander (API) Festival to celebrate the rich history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in our community. I have no doubt she will continue to make a difference in our region. During Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individuals like Ilima Martinez who volunteer their time and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. I'm so grateful for CA-49 residents who dedicate their lives to the betterment of our residents and community, and I'm proud to honor Ilima Martinez as my May Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Joe Jackson as my April Constituent of the Month. Joe Jackson is the President of Federal Firefighters of Camp Pendleton. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is located in the heart of my district. The Camp Pendleton Fire Department operates a training base that equips firefighters to prevent fires from running into residential areas and surrounding communities. Their work ensures the families of Marines on Camp Pendleton and the surrounding communities are kept safe from worsening year-round fires. Joe has over a decade of experience with the Marine Corps Fire. He is an experienced Paramedic and an amazing example of the commitment and drive of the thousands of DOD Firefighters. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Firefighters are brave individuals who put their lives on the line to fight fires. With worsening wildfires affecting our district and state, their work is instrumental in preventing further damage to our natural resources and protecting our community. I have no doubt this work will continue to make a difference in our region. In honor of Earth Month, I want to recognize Joe as a strong example of one of the many Camp Pendleton Firefighters who respond to wildfires and fires in order to protect our region and the families on the base. His work and leadership are admirable and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. His experiences and commitment to the Camp Pendleton Fire Department are why I'm proud to honor Joe Jackson as my April Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind my colleagues of both parties that the legislation before us could do irreparable harm to our Nation's veterans. This bill would force a 22 percent cut to nondefense spending. That would slash $30 billion from veterans' services. That means 30 million veterans will have fewer healthcare visits, fewer staff, an increased claims backlog, and longer wait times for benefits. That is the uncertainty that awaits veterans should this bill succeed. Just last month, during a committee hearing, my Republican colleagues assured us they didn't want to reduce benefits for veterans. I heard it firsthand, so I was troubled to learn that this bill completely fails to protect veterans from its cuts. Yesterday, 24 veteran and military service organizations sent a letter urging Congress not to pass this legislation. I am dismayed that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are prepared to force a default and devastate our economy if we don't go along with it. Please don't do this. Don't hold our Nation's veterans hostage.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, my first amendment will strike title V of division B of this bill. Throughout this debate, I have heard my friends across the aisle argue that the bill before us today is a reasonable attempt to reform our permitting system. Unfortunately, this bill closely resembles a wish list for Big Oil and their lobbyists. This amendment would strike one of the most egregious portions of the bill that would undo many of the reforms we made last Congress to ensure that the American people see a better return on our public lands and waters. We should all be able to agree that the American people deserve a fair deal when it comes to the use of our cherished public lands. For far too long, our oil and gas leasing program has offered a sweetheart deal for the fossil fuel industry at the expense of taxpayers. One fossil fuel company even went so far as to outline in a press release the many benefits of extraction on public land compared to private land. Their release highlighted that leases on public lands are cheaper, last longer, and are more expansive. While these statements may be music to the ears of those who care most about Big Oil interests, they represent a raw and an unfair deal for the American people. Increasing the royalty rate to a fair level--that is all we are asking, a fair level--will generate billions of dollars in revenue for taxpayers. The Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office both agree and have suggested that it is good policy. That is why, last Congress, I introduced the Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act to protect taxpayers by eliminating noncompetitive oil and gas leasing and raising the onshore oil and gas royalty rate, rental fee, and minimum bid amount. I am proud that the Inflation Reduction Act includes significant provisions of that bill, including eliminating noncompetitive leasing for oil and gas sales, raising annual rental rates, and increasing the minimum bid for public lands. These commonsense reforms were simply long-overdue fixes to create more balanced fiscal terms and bring Federal lands in line with what States and private landowners already charge. Before the IRA, the fiscal terms for public lands leasing and drilling were, in some cases, over 100 years old. For decades, these outdated rates and fees allowed oil CEOs to lease public lands for pennies on the dollar and unfairly increase their profits at the expense of taxpayers. Even after the IRA, States like Texas and Oklahoma still charge higher royalty rates on their State lands than are charged on Federal public lands. According to Taxpayers for Common Sense, these updated fiscal terms included in the IRA will not raise prices at the pump or consumer energy prices, but they will raise billions of dollars in additional revenue that could go toward our funding education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements that benefit everyone, not just oil and gas companies. Unfortunately, the bill before us today would also reinstate noncompetitive leasing, an indefensible practice. The Government Accountability Office also found that 99 percent of noncompetitive leases issued between 2003 and 2009 never produced oil and gas during their 10-year lease terms. The reason why these lands were not put into production is that they are leased in areas where there is virtually no likelihood of development. At its core, noncompetitive leasing is a wasteful practice that forces the Bureau of Land Management to expend limited public agency time and resources administering leases that hardly ever generate returns for taxpayers. It encourages oil and gas companies to buy up lands they will never use to pad their portfolios and appease shareholders, contributing to the 12.3 million acres of leased public lands that these companies are currently sitting on and not using. Instead of maintaining these commonsense reforms and protecting the interests of American taxpayers, title V of the bill before us today would undo all of these reforms and provide a gift to oil and gas interests. By rolling back these reforms, the majority is proposing policies that would only pad Big Oil's pocketbooks even further and increase our Federal deficit by $160 million over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office, even as companies like ExxonMobil and Shell are announcing record profits. By striking this title, we can put these dollars back in the pockets of the American people and protect commonsense reforms that are finally ensuring that Federal taxpayers receive a fair return on any private profit that oil and gas companies extract from our public lands. I urge my colleagues to stand up for the American people and stand against our increasing national debt by supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LEVIN. Madam Chair, this amendment simply requires Federal agencies to certify that they have the staffing capacity to meet the new environmental timelines established under this bill. According to the Government Accountability Office, the main reason for project delays at the Federal level is a lack of agency resources and staff capacity. Thankfully, we helped address this challenge by securing $1 billion in the IRA to ensure Federal agencies have the resources and expertise to conduct efficient environmental reviews. A trained, equipped workforce is essential to processing environmental reviews in a timely fashion in cases where there are delays. Increasing the funding and staff for Federal agencies' permitting offices and agency workforce training is already making the permitting process significantly more effective and efficient in a responsible way. Unfortunately, instead of building on the progress we made in the Inflation Reduction Act and supporting agencies' capacity to conduct reviews by providing additional resources, H.R. 1 takes the more politically expedient but impractical approach of simply forcing agencies onto stricter timelines for reviews without providing additional resources for Federal agencies to conduct these reviews. By instituting these strict deadlines and limiting opportunities for community input throughout this bill, I am worried that instead of leading to more efficient project reviews and approvals, H.R. 1 may actually lead to sloppier and rushed reviews. When environmental reviews are not thorough, projects often face a litany of time- consuming lawsuits and litigation. As some may know, I used to work on clean energy projects before coming to Congress, and my own experience is that detailed environmental reviews and a thoughtful permitting process alongside early engagement with impacted communities can facilitate more efficient completion of projects and better overall outcomes. This amendment would help support efficient reviews by requiring that the Council on Environmental Quality in consultation with affected Federal agencies certify that all agencies have the funding and staffing capacity to meet the new timelines for environmental review required under the bill. It is common sense that we should not be instituting arbitrary timelines if agencies don't have the necessary resources to meet them. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to ensure that affected agencies have the resources needed to conduct high-quality reviews, which will lead to better overall project outcomes. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Renee Donaldson as my March Constituent of the Month. Renee Donaldson is the CEO of EcoDirect, a local Carlsbad company that is helping our local economy transition to clean energy by designing and distributing clean energy solutions for residential, commercial, and independent battery-based applications. Renee has over a decade of experience in the renewable energy industry. She is passionate about educating people about the benefits of renewable energy and works tirelessly to promote sustainable practices in our community. Renee is an amazing example of a business owner working to ensure a clean energy future. Her work with EcoDirect has helped many in our region transition to clean energy, and I have no doubt her work will continue to make a difference in our region. In honor of Women's History Month, I want to recognize that Renee is a strong example of one of the many women across the country working to transition us to a clean energy economy. Her work and leadership are admirable and contribute to our unique and beautiful district. Her passion, work, and commitment to teach the next generation of leaders about clean energy is why I'm proud to honor Renee Donaldson as my March Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act. Although energy independence and lower costs are laudable goals for any energy legislation, unfortunately, this bill achieves neither. Instead, H.R. 1 is a giveaway to Big Oil and their lobbyists, who want to be able to set their own rules at the expense of working families. Instead of putting the needs of the American public at the center of this bill, my friends across the aisle drafted an industry wish list. First, H.R. 1 undermines landmark environmental laws and protections like the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act that safeguard public health and keep our drinking water and air clean. It also repeals the methane emissions reduction program, which helps companies reduce their methane pollution. This bill makes it easier for polluters to set their own standards and roll back reforms, and it lets Big Oil rubberstamp their own projects with minimal oversight. Environmental disasters are far too common, and unfortunately, H.R. 1 would make it easier for future disasters to happen. Second, the polluters over people act worsens the climate crisis by empowering the fossil fuel industry instead of strengthening the foundation for a clean energy future, which is so important. During the last Congress, the 117th Congress, we passed policies-- many bipartisan policies--like the bipartisan infrastructure law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, that invested in climate action at a scale matching the challenge that science tells us that we face. This bill that we have before us today not only ignores the additional steps we need to take to reach our climate targets, but it actively takes us backward on climate action by rolling back key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was and is the most significant environmental and climate bill that has ever been passed in the United States or anywhere else. We know that data is alarming. A new U.N. report found that global warming could increase by 3.2 degrees Celsius and cause 7 feet of sea level rise by the end of the century if immediate actions are not taken. This is an existential crisis. Climate change is real. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle know it is real, and we cannot continue to deny this and put our planet at risk with this type of legislation. Instead of wasting time on this Big Oil wish list, I would like for us, instead, to focus on actions that will actually expand the employment of clean energy, reduce costs, expand high-capacity transmission, reform the interconnection process, and build on the $1 billion that we secured in the Inflation Reduction Act to ensure that Federal agencies have the resources and expertise to conduct efficient environmental reviews. Third, H.R. 1 adds to the deficit. That is right, it adds to the deficit by giving handouts to big oil and gas corporations so that their executives and their shareholders can get even richer. For a party that is focused--at least, I hear that they are--on tackling the deficit, I think it is pretty extraordinary that this legislation, their signature legislation would add to the deficit. Last year, when Americans were dealing with high costs at the pump, fossil fuel executives were taking in record profits. In fact, 26 of the country's largest oil companies made a record-breaking $451 billion last year, just last year, and they spent over $163 billion on stock buybacks and dividends to their shareholders. These same companies donated over $370,000 to my friends across the aisle, so it is no wonder they want to reward their friends. It is clear that this legislation, the polluters over people act, is another giveaway, to keep corporations rich at the American people's expense without making meaningful reforms. In fact, while making things worse. For all these reasons and more, I strongly oppose this legislation. Mr. Chair, I proposed four amendments that would begin to correct course, but unfortunately my friends across the aisle are only allowing two of those amendments to come to the floor. My first amendment that was blocked would clarify that lead Federal agencies can extend a public comment period or gather further community input if the Secretary determines that doing so would improve project results or efficiency. This would allow agencies to actually streamline the permitting process by ensuring that potentially impacted communities and local governments have the ability to fully engage in the process. Instead, my friends across the aisle chose to block consideration of this amendment and perpetuate the myth--it is a myth--that community input somehow slows down project approvals. My other amendment that was blocked would have banned offshore drilling off the southern California coast. Californians of both political parties have made it absolutely clear, overwhelmingly clear that they are strongly opposed to additional offshore oil and gas drilling in southern California off the coast. This amendment would have offered this Congress an opportunity to respect the will of the overwhelming majority of Californians who oppose drilling off our coasts. I strongly urge my friends across the aisle, allow debate on these and other amendments so that more voices are heard. As my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee have heard me say before, I am willing to work with anyone--anyone--on either side of the aisle to meet the goals of lowering energy costs and protecting our planet, particularly in terms of promoting a more efficient and transparent permitting process. I hope we can do that. We can find common ground on pragmatic solutions. This is not common ground. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Dr. Wendy Stewart as my February Constituent of the Month. Dr. Stewart serves as the inaugural interim Chief Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Officer at MiraCosta College where she has worked for more than a decade including her previous role at the college as Dean of Counseling and Student Development. She has spent over 25 years in education, helping to better the lives of students throughout the San Diego region. Throughout her career, Dr. Stewart has been a fierce student advocate who has helped students access higher education and achieve their goals. Dr. Stewart is a shining example of what an educator should be-- kind, dedicated, and passionate--and our region is better for it. As we conclude Black History Month, I am especially proud to honor Dr. Stewart, an esteemed educator who uses her decades of experience and knowledge to contribute to our unique and beautiful district. Her story, passion to improve the lives of others, and academic achievements are honorable and that is why I am proud to honor Dr. Stewart as my February Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Myrone ``Bruce'' Gaffney as my January Constituent of the Month. Bruce is a retired veteran who served in the United States Army for 17 years. Bruce began serving in the United States Army in 1998. In 2013, while serving in Afghanistan, Bruce sustained an injury to his spine. He spent the next two years in rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, but his injury has made him one hundred percent disabled. Since 2015, Bruce has been on Social Security--a lifeline for him and so many others across the country. I am proud to honor Mvrone ``Bruce'' Gaffney as my Constituent of the Month and announce that he will be my guest to the 2023 State of the Union. It is an honor to represent veterans in my district, and Bruce exemplifies the bravery, perseverance, and dedication that makes our community an amazing place to live. His injury has not stopped him from going above and beyond to enrich our community. In his free time, he has served on my Congressional Service Academy Panel that helps me select the next generation of men and women to attend our esteemed military service academies. As Republicans discuss cutting Americans' hard-earned Social Security benefits, such as those Bruce relies on, I'm proud to highlight Bruce as one of my constituents whose life would drastically be affected if benefits were slashed. His expansive military background, resilience, and service to our Nation and district make me proud to honor Myrone ``Bruce'' Gaffney as my January Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 18.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chair, my amendment would exclude the Southern California Planning Area from being leased for oil and gas production as part of any proposed plan under this bill. It is just over 1 year ago that our community experienced an oil spill that posed a grave ecological disaster that devastated local wildlife, our coasts and our ocean, and small business owners who rely on our coastal activity for their livelihoods. This kind of disaster is exactly why I introduced my American Coasts and Oceans Protection Act to prohibit any new leasing for the exploration, development, or production of oil or natural gas along the southern California coast, from San Diego up to San Luis Obispo. As I said when I introduced the bill last Congress, it is time to put our environment and our coastal economy first, not the out-of-state fossil fuel companies that profit while polluting our coastline. It is also important to note that our southern California economy relies heavily on ocean-based businesses. In San Diego and Orange County alone, the ocean economy accounts for roughly $7.7 billion in economic activity and sustains more than 140,000 jobs in coastal tourism and recreation. Along California's coastline, fishing, tourism, and recreation supports nearly 600,000 jobs and roughly $42.3 billion in economic activity. For every massive oil spill our region experiences, we are not only adding to the pollution of our oceans, but directly jeopardizing thousands of jobs. Mr. Chair, the latest oil spill wasn't the first time our community has experienced such a disaster. More than 4 million gallons of oil have been released in the Pacific Ocean as a result of the 1969 Santa Barbara blowout, and the Refugio oil spill of 2015, and other leaks from oil rig and pipeline activity affecting more than 935 square miles of ocean. This most recent spill pushed that number even higher. Californians have made it clear that they are strongly opposed to additional offshore oil and gas drilling along our coast. The last administration repeatedly pushed to expand offshore drilling and rolled back crucial safety regulations that help prevent spills, and now here we are once again as Big Oil seeks to expand drilling off our coast, even as they sit on thousands of unused permits across the country. With so much ecological disaster and so many jobs threatened by offshore drilling, southern Californians have had enough. We need to be focusing on cutting emissions and protecting coastal communities from rising sea levels, not extracting more oil so fossil fuel executives can profit even more. Just yesterday, Chevron announced it is tripling its stock buyback program to $75 billion while reporting record profits. How much profit do they really need? The reality is, we need to end all new offshore oil and gas leasing in southern California, off the Pacific Coast and beyond. This amendment represents a start to making that happen. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment and respect the will of the vast majority of Californians, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike who oppose drilling off our coasts. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.