Mike Levin

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize San Juan Capistrano resident, Ryan Hickman, as my April Constituent of the Month. Ryan began recycling for his family at the early age of three, and since then he has grown his passion of helping people all over the world to recycle and be better stewards of the planet. Growing up, Ryan pursued his passion of preventing bottles and cans from reaching the ocean, and he now leads cleanups all over the world. To this day, Ryan spends a part of every week sorting through cans and bottles from his customers and getting them ready to take to the recycling center. I am proud he has combined his passion of recycling and protecting the environment with volunteerism to support our community and conserve its beauty. During National Volunteer Month and on Earth Day, I am proud to celebrate the exceptional work of individuals like Ryan Hickman 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 planet, and I'm proud to honor Ryan Hickman as my April Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Carlsbad resident and Olympic athlete Kaillie Humphries as my Constituent of the Month for March. Kaillie has had a long and extraordinarily successful career as a bobsled athlete, including four Olympic medals and five championships in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Championships, making her the most decorated woman in bobsled history. She had won two gold and one bronze medal for Team Canada in previous Olympic competitions, and this year, she won gold in the monobob event for Team USA. She is the only female athlete in Olympic history to have earned Olympic gold medals for two nations. Kaillie had to overcome significant adversity during her journey to the 2022 Winter Olympics. After leaving the Canadian team due to abuse and harassment she endured, Kaillie began the arduous process of becoming a United States citizen with little time to spare before the games, all while continuing to train vigorously for the competition. As a Carlsbad resident and constituent of mine, Kaillie reached out to my office for help. With assistance from my staff, Kaillie became a United States citizen just two months before the Olympics began, allowing her to compete for Team USA. It is hard to overstate the stress and pressure Kaillie experienced, but she persevered and ultimately made our CA-49 community and our entire country very proud. Kaillie is not only an extraordinary athlete, she is a person of integrity and upstanding character who is an excellent role model for all of us. It is my honor to recognize her as our Constituent of the Month, particularly during Women's History Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Cynthia and W.B. May, two veterans and owners of Cynthia's Artistic Expressions in Oceanside, California, as my Constituents of the Month for their invaluable contributions to our community. After both serving in the Navy during the Gulf War, W.B. was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and Cynthia was diagnosed with anxiety. Once they separated from the military, they realized they needed a way to express themselves and manage their post- traumatic stress and anxiety. They opened Cynthia's Artistic Expressions in order to help veterans and others deal with mental or emotional health challenges, while also making art more accessible, and their establishment has become an integral piece of our Oceanside community. Since they opened their doors, they have seen countless veterans, servicemembers, and civilians benefit from therapeutic art healing. At a time when our nation is grappling with tragic rates of veteran suicide, I am very grateful that they provide this healing opportunity for our local military community. Cynthia and W.B. strengthen our community far beyond the doors of their art studio, too. They are known for doing extensive outreach to the community of veterans and military families around Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, hosting food drives through their church, Shiloh Church of God in Christ in Oceanside, on the last Thursday of every month for servicemembers and their families who struggle with food insecurity. According to the San Diego Food Bank, nearly 39,000 veterans and active-duty military personnel and their dependents use their services every month, so the work that Cynthia and W.B. do to help feed military families is critically important. They have also worked with vet centers and retirement homes to lighten the facilities with fine art, and they have also donated their time to organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA). I created a Constituent of the Month program to recognize local individuals who give back to our community in extraordinary ways, but who often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Cynthia and W.B. certainly meet that criteria, and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have contributed to make Oceanside a brighter, healthier place. It's also my honor to recognize them during Black History Month, when we celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout our Nation's history. On behalf of a proud and grateful community, it's my pleasure to recognize them as our Constituents of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Honoring our PACT Act. All too often, many veterans hear the words ``thank you for your service'' but don't see enough action behind those words. Sadly, that has been true for millions of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service and are now suffering from related health conditions. While they defended our country, they were exposed to burn pits, PFAS chemicals, and more, but we failed to hold up our end of the bargain to care for them when they returned home. In the case of Vietnam veterans, many who were exposed to Agent Orange, were forced to wait more than 40 years before they saw proper benefits. For too long, the burden of proof has been on the veteran to show that their illness is a result of toxic exposure they experienced during their service. For too long, veterans have been told that it is too expensive to cover the range of health issues that they have as a result of their toxic exposure. That is wrong, and we must do better for our veterans. With the Honoring our PACT Act, we can do right by our veterans. This includes finally presuming that if they were exposed to toxic substances during their service and are now experiencing one of 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, then that illness is as a result of their exposure, and they are owed proper access to benefits and care through the VA. I also want to highlight what I hope will become a key piece of this bill, an amendment I offered to authorize Federal grants for county veterans service officers who help veterans and their families understand resources at their disposal, file benefit claims, and represent veterans in VA hearings. County veterans service officers are often veterans' best allies in navigating red tape within the VA and securing the benefits that veterans have earned, which will be particularly important for the 3.5 million veterans who may be eligible for new benefits and care as a result of this legislation. The amendment is similar to my Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which I introduced with a bipartisan group last year. I hope to see it move forward as part of our Honoring our PACT Act today. As I said, this legislation is our opportunity to put real action behind our words. Saying ``thank you for your service'' has never been enough. It is time to fulfill the promises we made to our troops and invest in the care and benefits they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the Seeliger brothers, Jaiden, Keanu, and Milaan, for their creative and inspiring nonprofit, Tech-Angels, where they collect gently used cell phones, iPads and tablets to give to elderly people in nursing homes so they can stay connected with their loved ones. The coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented changes to our lives, especially to older generations who are most susceptible to the virus. Inspired after their 97-year-old great-grandmother broke her leg and had to move to a nursing home in New York, the boys realized how fortunate they were to be able to see and speak with her on FaceTime on a regular basis. Knowing others may not have the same opportunity, they decided to find a way for others in similar circumstances to see their friends and family with the help of technology, creating their non-profit, Tech- Angels. The three brothers soon realized that although their great grandmother knew how to use her devices, many other seniors in nursing homes did not. With Tech-Angels, participants not only receive a device to contact their loved ones, but also instructions on how to do it. The brothers also focused their efforts on the veteran community, feeling that veterans have done so much for our country and communities, that this access and service was the least they could do for them. For their ingenuity, kindness, and big hearts, I'm proud to honor Jaiden, Keanu, and Milaan as my January Constituents of the Month. Having young people in the district so encouraged to help their neighbors and those in need are the perfect example of how California's 49th Congressional District is so incredibly special. I am grateful for their generosity and bright smiles that ensure our community grows stronger every day.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Don Hansen, who passed away on January 5, 2022. In 1938, as a young boy, Don and his family moved from Iowa to San Clemente, a beautiful beach town in my congressional district in Southern California. When Don turned twelve, he worked at the San Clemente Pier, hauling fish from arriving ships to the shore. Later, Don enlisted in the United States Coast Guard at the age of eighteen, serving four years--with two of those years stationed in Guam. Don moved back to San Clemente after his honorable discharge, working at a sportfishing company that he would ultimately buy in 1966. Each season, Don took over 10,000 fishermen into the waters off the coast of Southern California. In 1970, he was honored as San Clemente's ``Citizen of the Year'' for his efforts. A year later, Don moved his operation a few miles north of San Clemente to Dana Point Harbor, founding Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, the harbor's first business. During that time, he helped jumpstart the whale watching industry and created the first and longest-running annual whale festival in the world, the Dana Point Festival of Whales. In March 2021, I was honored to celebrate the Festival's 50th anniversary with Don and his family. Beyond his role as a business owner and leader of his community, Don was always a strong advocate for sustainable fishing. The Coastal Conservation Association of California awarded Don its highest honor, the Anthony Hsieh Conservation Award, for his decades of work to improve the accessibility of sportfishing. He maintained positions on the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, Pacific Fisheries Management Council, and the Sportfishing Association of California. He is survived by his children, David, Michael, Jeff, Donna, Jane, and Jenifer, and his 15 grandchildren. Don Hansen lived an incredible and full life. He was a central part of his community and his love of the ocean and his dedication to the conservation, understanding, and appreciation of whales changed Southern California for the better. We are grateful for his service and contributions to his community.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Carlsbad resident, educator, and fierce advocate for Indigenous peoples, Dr. Joely Proudfit, for my December Constituent of the Month. A Native Southern Californian and a Luiseno/Payomkawichum woman, Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her passion for activism in college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and support Native peoples. As the first member of her family to complete a high school diploma, and now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. Proudfit has dedicated her life's work to furthering the education and promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in media and society. Dr. Proudfit strives to serve as a role model to Native youth by encouraging all who enter her classroom that anyone can achieve success with self-determination and a desire for knowledge. Dr. Proudfit also uses her platform as an educator and highly visible advocate to shed light on the harmful stereotypes and false narratives perpetuated around American Indians and to change perceptions of tribal communities. What makes California's 49th District so special is the rich blending of cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life throughout our communities. The voices and stories of Native Americans have fallen to the shadows far too often. I am so grateful to have leaders and role models like Dr. Proudfit who are the voices we need for these communities to be seen and heard. The contributions and voices of Native and Indigenous peoples are fundamental to our national story, and Dr. Proudfit's work to lift up tribal communities has made our community and our country stronger. I'm proud to recognize her as my December Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding and for his support and partnership on this legislation and all the work that he does leading our committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced to deliver some basic fairness in the way we provide GI Bill benefits for the men and women who serve our Nation. Mr. Speaker, the GI Bill has allowed millions of veterans to pursue higher education and find rewarding career paths. Servicemembers consistently cite GI Bill benefits as one of the top reasons they choose to serve in our Armed Forces because of the opportunities those benefits provide for them and their families. However, the way that we allow servicemembers to accrue GI benefits is inherently unfair. While Active-Duty servicemembers receive credit for GI Bill benefits every day that they are in the service, Guard and Reserve members only accrue those benefits in very limited circumstances. That disparity continues to exist despite the fact that Guard and Reserve members are increasingly taking on the same risks and doing the same jobs as their Active-Duty counterparts. We have seen this trend for decades but it has become especially pronounced over the last 2 years. In response to the attack on our Capitol on January 6 of last year, 25,000 National Guard members mobilized from 54 States and territories to protect this institution. For a time, they slept on the cold, hard floors of this building. National Guard members have also deployed across our country to support the COVID-19 response, including Guard members who deployed from Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, and Georgia to assist healthcare operations this month. In 2020, 1,300 soldiers and airmen from five different States were mobilized to fight wildfires in my State of California and throughout the West Coast. Not only are these National Guard and Reserve members risking their lives to serve our country, but they are also forced to put their civilian lives on hold when they are called up, leaving behind their families and interrupting civilian careers. Similarly, they are forced to put their lives on hold every time they are called up for training. In some of those settings they are serving side by side with Active Duty members doing similar jobs and facing similar risks, but they are not earning the same GI Bill benefits as their peers. That is unacceptable and it is shameful that we have asked Guard and Reserve members to step up in response to natural disasters, the pandemic, and an attack on our democracy without providing them with this fundamental benefit. Clearly, it is long past time that we provide some basic fairness in the way that we allow Guard and Reserve members to accrue these benefits. The legislation that we are considering today will do exactly that, with a simple fix to ensure that every day they spend in uniform counts towards their GI Bill benefits. Now, I know my friends on the other side of the aisle might raise concerns about the costs of expanding eligibility for these benefits, and I would note that this bill includes provisions my Republican colleagues have supported in the past to help defray the cost of veterans' benefits. And to my colleagues who still are not willing to pay for these benefits, I would ask them to share their concerns directly with Guard and Reserve members the next time they are deployed in response to a natural disaster or other emergency in the community that they represent. So I think we all want the same thing. My friends across the aisle, us on this side of the aisle, we all want the same thing. We all want to provide benefits to those who have served our country. I believe that in good faith. I do think that we have to not pay lip service, though. We have to make sure that we support servicemembers and not just when it is politically convenient. We don't need half measures. We don't need things that shortchange our servicemembers. So I think it is time for us to step up. It is time to give them the benefits they have earned for protecting the American people in a way now that they are doing unlike before. And that is what this bill aims to do. As the chairman mentioned, it has support from a wide range of veteran service organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Student Veterans of America, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, and Reserve Officers Association. They are asking us to pass this bill, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act, today because they agree that it is past time to provide some basic fairness in the way that we provide GI Bill benefits to Guard and Reserve members. Mr. Speaker, passing this bipartisan bill is the right thing to do for all the men and women who serve and protect our Nation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Marine Corps Bronze Star veteran, Captain Derek Herrera, for my November Constituent of the Month. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Captain Herrera attended The Basic School and Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia. From then on, he was deployed on several missions, the last of these in June of 2012 in Afghanistan. On this mission, Captain Herrera was shot and paralyzed from the chest down. He was medically evacuated back to the United States. While he was determined to walk again, Captain Herrera came to realize that his injury was more permanent than he anticipated. With this new found understanding and a new mission, Herrera refused to give up his dream of finding normalcy, and in this process, discovered his new life's calling. Captain Herrera began forging his new path by pursuing a Master of Business Administration at UCLA and founding UroDev Medical, a company that designs and manufactures innovative solutions for men living with Urinary Retention. As he learned more about medical research and technology, Captain Herrera became intrigued not only by its' potential to help him, but also others with disabilities, including his fellow injured veterans. That's when Captain Herrera discovered the ReWalk Exoskeleton, a product that enables Captain Herrera to walk, stand, and sit. Although this technology isn't permanent, Herrera saw a space and opportunity within the medical technology realm to give veterans injured in combat, another chance to feel a semblance of normalcy. Overcoming a life-changing injury is an incredible challenge, and I am inspired by the strength and perseverance Captain Herrera has embodied in his recovery journey and beyond. I thank Captain Herrera for his service to our country and his dedication to helping other veterans in similar circumstances. Captain Herrera's personal decorations are a testament to his selfless service and sacrifice, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Bronze Star (with combat distinguishing device), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. As long as I have the privilege to serve as Vice Chairman on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will look to heroes like Captain Herrera as an exemplary model of what it means to serve and support our veterans with reverence and resolve. I am deeply grateful for Captain Herrera's continued service in helping our veterans, and I'm proud to recognize him as my Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Bruce Corwin, who passed away on November 4, 2021. Bruce was born on June 11, 1940, alongside his twin sister Bonnie. He grew up in Southern California, where he attended Los Angeles High School, and then went on to attend Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Bruce returned home to become the third generation in his family to operate Metropolitan Theatres Corporation, a company founded by Bruce's grandfather in 1923 which operates a variety of multiplexes, theatres, and historic properties across Southern California. Most of their locations are in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, with another location opening right along the coast in San Clemente in my congressional district later this year. In recent years, Metropolitan Theatres has even expanded to Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. Beyond his role as a motion picture exhibitionist, Bruce was notably a valuable member of the community. He was famous around town for his license plate that spelled ``P-E-O-P-L-E,'' which perfectly explained his dedication to public service. Bruce previously served as Treasurer under former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley during Bradley's entire 30-year political career. He continued to serve the community on multiple boards and with numerous organizations such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Health Foundation and Coro Southern California. Bruce and his wife, Toni, were married for 54 years and together they have two sons, David and Danny, and five grandchildren. Bruce Corwin lived an incredible and full life. He was a dedicated husband, parent, philanthropist, and friend--but most importantly an essential part of the community. I had the pleasure of knowing Bruce not only as a friend, but also as a mentor for over twenty years. We are grateful for his dedication and contributions to the entire Southern California community.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his support. For far too long, our country has failed to give women servicemembers and veterans the recognition they have rightfully earned and deserve for their service and commitment to protecting this Nation. For my friends and colleagues who may not know, women have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War. And long before women could formally serve, hundreds of women disguised themselves as men for the opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces. Hundreds of thousands of women answered the call to serve in World War I and World War II in any way they could. Following these invaluable contributions, women finally became permanent members of the Armed Forces in 1948. Now there are 2 million women veterans living in the United States, and women comprise the fastest growing subpopulation of both the military and veteran populations. Women servicemembers now make up 20 percent of military personnel. Because of this, the women veteran population is projected to grow to 18 percent of the total veteran population by 2040. Yet, they still fail to receive the recognition they deserve for their service to our Nation. While millions of women have served in the U.S. military, only two of VA's 1,293 healthcare facilities have been named after these brave and courageous Americans. That is simply unacceptable. So, in November 2020, I convened a panel of highly qualified servicemembers, veterans, and community leaders to collaborate on recommendations to rename the San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The panel included a wide variety of local stakeholders from organizations like The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. After an extensive effort considering many incredible women veterans who have served our country with distinction, the panel chose Captain Jennifer M. Moreno, a highly decorated combat veteran from San Diego who was killed in action during a deployment to Afghanistan in October 2013. Jennifer Moreno was born in San Diego and was raised in Logan Heights by her single mom after the early loss of her father. While attending San Diego High School, Moreno was an active member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps for all 4 years, which is a Department of the Army Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest rating by the Army. Following her graduation from the University of San Francisco with a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 2010, Moreno received her commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant Nurse Corps officer. Moreno was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2013 with the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, where she was attached to a joint special operations task force as a Cultural Support Team member. Just 3 months into her first tour, while on a night mission in Kandahar province to capture a high-value target, four explosive devices were triggered. Moreno endured these explosive devices, including a suicide explosive at a range of no more than 25 meters. Moreno then reportedly heard two orders. One was a call to help a wounded soldier struck by a blast. The other was a command to stay put in case she was to strike another mine in the area. Moreno did not hesitate to respond to the call for help. As Moreno made her way to help a fallen soldier, she triggered the fifth explosion, which tragically ended her life on October 6, 2013. Moreno was the first nurse Cultural Support Team member to die in action, and part of her legacy is the number of young women coming from medical fields seeking out voluntary assignments to join the Cultural Support Team. Jennifer Moreno was promoted posthumously to captain and was the first combat casualty to be buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego since the post-9/11 conflicts began, receiving full military honors. I was honored to visit her gravesite earlier this year. The panel also recommended that a prominent space within the San Diego VA Medical Center be named after U.S. Navy Captain Kathleen M. Bruyere, a longtime San Diego resident who helped shape the military's policies on sexual discrimination and was instrumental in expanding opportunities for women in the Navy. In 1977, Bruyere joined five other women officers who sued the United States Secretary of the Navy and the United States Secretary of Defense over restrictions that prevented women from serving on combat aircraft and ships. This led to the 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act being struck down as unconstitutional, overturning a ban on women serving at sea. In 1987, as special assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations for women's policy, Bruyere conducted an examination of the status of Navy women, including career opportunities and complaints of sexism. The study led to 9,000 sea-duty and command jobs opening up for women on 24 combatant ships. Bruyere retired from the Navy as a captain after 28 years of service in 1994. Last year, she passed away and was buried at Miramar National Cemetery with full military honors. This bill expresses the sense of Congress that VA should follow through with the panel's recommendation to honor Captain Bruyere. Although this effort does not make up for all the appreciation women veterans and servicemembers are still owed, it is my great hope that this token of gratitude inspires similar recognition across the country. I thank Army veteran and Carlsbad resident Karin Brennan, who led this effort and exercised strong leadership in bringing stakeholders together to make recommendations for women veterans with ties to the region who are among the worthiest of receiving this honor. But most of all, I am grateful for the service of Captain Jennifer Moreno and Captain Kathleen Bruyere. It is my honor to share their stories on behalf of the local veterans who recommended this renaming, and I look forward to this legislation passing the House and becoming law.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Oceanside resident and Vista Family Health Center Physician Assistant, Edilberto Canseco, for my October Constituent of the Month. Edilberto was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in 1991 at the age of three. Growing up, Edilberto's family emphasized the value of hard work and the importance of serving others. Embodying the American Dream, Edilberto took these lessons and his passion for science and completed an Emergency Medical Technician School Program at Palomar College. He then obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cal State University San Marcos and graduated with a Master's in Medical Science from Stanford's School of Medicine Primary Care Program. During his time at Palomar Community College, Edilberto participated in the school's dedicated program to inspire Latino students like himself, and he carried those lessons on throughout his life. Years later, Edilberto found himself in one of the most challenging times of his academic career as only one of three Latino students in a cohort of 50 working towards their Master's degree at Stanford. Despite the challenges, Edilberto persisted and used the lessons he learned from the support programs at Palomar College to be successful. Seeking to honor the values his parents instilled in him and pay the lessons learned forward, Edilberto dedicated his career to working within the Latino community and helping others. Now in his fourth year at Vista Family Health Center as a Physician Associate in primary care, Edilberto tirelessly works on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He sees himself in his patients and understands the hesitancy within the Latino community to get vaccinated, but he works diligently to promote vaccinations and provides each patient with high quality, culturally relevant, and linguistically appropriate care. As a dedicated member of his community, Edilberto is able to fulfill his passion of helping others and being a part of the solution amid the pandemic. Following Hispanic Heritage Month, I am proud to continue lifting up Latino voices like Edilberto Canseco who contribute to our unique and diverse district. I'm so grateful for CA-49 residents who dedicate their lives to the betterment of our residents, especially during this pandemic, and I'm proud to honor Edilberto Canseco as my October Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Michigan and the other half of the unofficial Levin caucus. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the late Richard Trumka, a fierce fighter for the hardworking men and women of America's labor movement. Rich Trumka dedicated his life to protecting the safety of workers, ensuring the right to organize, and upholding the principle that each and every person is to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace. For many years, Richard worked with Presidents and Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance workers' rights. Richard approached legislation with clear intent, passion, and purpose, to ensure that no worker was left behind or abandoned. Simply put, Rich Trumka's life was a testament to the amazing power behind organizing and fighting for progress. America's workers are better off, thanks to his many years rallying for those without a voice. I know his legacy will live on in all of us who he inspired. With Richard's legacy in mind, I am recommitted, as are many of my colleagues, to creating a better America that lifts up working people and promotes a society that treats every person with kindness, dignity, and respect. We now have an extraordinary opportunity, right now, to honor Richard, not just in words, but in deeds, by creating good-paying union jobs as part of the Build Back Better agenda. Let's get this done for him.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize an inspiring motivational speaker and first-generation American in my community, Erica Alfaro, as my September Constituent of the Month. Erica was born in Fresno, California, and spent much of her childhood in Tijuana. Her mother, Teresa, a farm worker, and her father, Claudio, a landscaper, moved the family to Oceanside when Erica was 13 to provide Erica with educational opportunities that were never available to them. Upon arrival in Oceanside, Erica and her family moved into a two- bedroom apartment with another family, where a total of 11 people shared the small space. Erica recalls accompanying her mother to the fields and listening to her mother describe education as a means to achieve a better life. After becoming a mother herself at 15 years old and dropping out of high school, Erica would eventually receive her high school diploma through a home school program and enroll in classes at MiraCosta College. During this time, Erica balanced an extremely heavy workload that included a full-time job, full-time classwork, and full-time motherhood. When her son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Erica's grades began to slide, forcing her to temporarily suspend her academic dreams. Through this all, Erica persisted. Determined to complete the education her parents desperately desired for her, Erica would eventually receive an associate's degree from MiraCosta College, a bachelor's degree from California State University San Marcos, and a master's degree from San Diego State University. Erica has endured hardship and inspired hope, and she stands today as a model of perseverance. Her story has touched people from all walks of life, and she continues to motivate others as an in-demand motivational speaker. In addition to her speaking engagements--and her ongoing role as a devoted mother--Erica currently works in the Human Resources Department of the West Coast Tomato Growers in Oceanside, where she in forms farmworkers of their rights. In celebration of Erica's achievements and Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm proud to honor Erica Alfaro as my September Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the incredibly resilient and athletically talented Marine Corps veteran, Sarah Rudder, as my August Constituent of the Month. As a young girl, Sarah knew she wanted to be a Marine after watching an air show and the Silent Drill Platoon perform. She accomplished her goal, but in the wake of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. her dream of a long career in the Marine Corps came to a close. While recovering bodies in the rubble of the famous building, Sarah sustained a career-ending ankle injury, forcing her to medically retire, and ultimately leading to amputation of her left leg below the knee. Following her career-ending injury, Sarah struggled to find the purpose and commitment that she felt while serving in the military. After being medically retired from the military, Sarah volunteered as an online coach for the Catch a Lift Fund, a nonprofit that provides fitness grants, equipment, and nutrition to combat-wounded veterans. It was within this program that Sarah launched her path to competitive fitness. After chronic pain, depression, and post-traumatic stress, her fitness journey morphed into a sense of therapy, helping to ease her stress and bring back the routine and drive she missed as a Marine. Sarah's best course of action to relieve some of the strain and pain on her body from the original injury was to have her leg amputated below the knee. With her new sense of relief and a fitted prosthetic leg, she got serious about the fitness regimen CrossFit. In 2015, Sarah tried out for the Warrior Games, an annual competition put on by the Department of Defense for wounded active-duty service members and veterans. Sarah did so well that when she returned in 2016, she qualified to compete for Team USA at that year's Invictus Games, a global competition for wounded service members that was started in 2014 by Britain's Prince Harry. During her two years competing for Team USA at Invictus, Rudder won a dozen gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter running events, along with the 1-minute sprint row, shotput, discus, swimming, seated volleyball, and power lifting. Overcoming a life-changing injury is an incredible challenge, and I am inspired by the strength and perseverance Sarah has embodied in her recovery journey. I thank Sarah for her service to our country, for her dedication to helping other disabled veterans in similar circumstances, and her unwavering drive to be her very best. I'm proud to honor Sarah Rudder as my August Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize one of my district's finest educators, Principal Julie Parker, as my July Constituent of the Month. After spending 34 years molding young minds and building a foundation for her students' success, Principal Julie Parker's journey came to a close with her well-deserved retirement. For the last 26 years, Julie was a source of leadership and inspiration for students, parents, and staff alike at the Cardiff School. As a father of two young children, I know from experience how valuable and cherished our educators are to our communities, and Principal Parker's passion for teaching and creating a thriving environment for youth is an inspiration. Seeking to ensure that her students have every opportunity to grow and flourish, Principal Parker played a significant role in the recent remodeling of the Cardiff School, which brought about critical improvements for students to embrace their gifts in the award-winning institution. She also guided the school through the creation of several successful programs that create well-rounded students, including Garden to Lunch, Cardio Club, and STEAM Lab. Under her devoted leadership, the school continues to strive for and achieve academic excellence. Through a year of uncertainty and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Principal Parker went above and beyond to keep the fabric of her school's community strong. When the school moved to a virtual learning format at the onset of the pandemic, she took it upon herself to hand-deliver personalized gifts to each of her teachers at their homes. When her school resumed in-person learning months later, Principal Parker was the first to welcome her students and staff back to the campus. She has been an exemplary leader through these trying times. For her mentorship, kindness, and commitment to excellence, Principal Parker will be thoroughly missed in the education community, and I'm incredibly thankful for her passion to uplift and encourage our youth. I'm proud to honor her as my July Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Encinitas native Joel Gomez for my June Constituent of the Month. Recent graduate of Classical Academy High, Joel Gomez has not only represented California's 49th Congressional District around the country with his impressive athletic ability, but also the United States on the world stage as a medal award-winning Paralympic athlete. A member of the United States Paralympic Track and Field team, Joel has competed with great success in Switzerland, Peru and Dubai, earning two gold medals and one silver medal in the 1500 meters and 400 meters events. On top of that, Joel was named the 2019 Male Junior Para Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field. Still just 17 years old, Joel is currently preparing to represent the United States as a member of Team USA once again at the Tokyo Paralympics. Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on much of the athletic communities' plans, Joel remained positive in his training and competition efforts, a perseverance he is no stranger to. With the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and Olympics, Joel had the opportunity to train, stay motivated, and work harder than ever for what he hopes will soon be the pinnacle of his running career upon successful qualification at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials. In addition to his athletic achievements, Joel is an accomplished student, and is set to attend Purdue University this fall, where he intends to study industrial engineering. He also plays 4 instruments and sings, and in 2017, he made it to the finals in the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County Idol Season 8. I'm honored to represent such an impressive young man, and I'm eager to watch and cheer him on as he races on the behalf of Team USA. Competing at an international level is an incredible feat, especially at such a young age, and I am proud to stand behind this remarkable, well-rounded young man, who I'm pleased to recognize as my June Constituent of the Month

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jody Hubbard, a former Encinitas city councilmember, who passed away on June 7, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jody's life-long dedication to the environment pushed her to serve her community, first as an engaged citizen, then as a Planning Commissioner, and finally as an elected City Council Member and Deputy Mayor of the City of Encinitas from 2018 to 2020. She led the fight for city transportation projects, including a new protected bike lane along Coast Highway 101. She leaves a personal legacy of popular spaces where people walk, run and bicycle safely, including the Coastal Rail Trail and Leucadia Streetscape. She was an avid bodysurfer and cyclist, especially around her community of Cardiff by the Sea, along the scenic northern coast of San Diego County. She had an infectious smile and was a crucial member of the Encinitas community. A Southern California native, Jody started her career as a certified public accountant with large public accounting firms followed by fifteen years as a chief financial officer and vice president of finance in the construction and mortgage industries. She then began her own business to provide long-term care planning to serve families in providing for the care of parents and grandparents. Jody Hubbard will be long remembered by her mother Joanne, her many friends, and everyone she touched.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Illinois, and I thank Chairwoman Castor for her exceptional leadership of our select committee. My colleagues have done a good job so far of explaining why we need ambitious climate action that follows the science and meets the scale of the challenge we face. However, I would highlight one climate impact that is particularly important in the area I represent. My district encompasses more than 50 miles of coastline in southern California, North County San Diego, South Orange County. Our coasts are a huge part of our communities. They drive our economies and are critical to our way of life. But sea level rise threatens all of this. It is accelerating the erosion of our coasts, which washes away beaches and threatens critical infrastructure, like the Los Angeles-San Diego- San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor, also known as the LOSSAN Corridor. The LOSSAN Corridor is the second busiest intercity passenger rail corridor in the United States and the busiest State-supported Amtrak route, with nearly 3 million inner-city passengers and 5 million commuter passengers each year. $1 billion in goods and services are also supported by the rail line. At the same time, coastal erosion threatens the bluffs that run along our coasts in San Diego County. Bluff collapses have, tragically, taken the lives of eight people in our communities in recent years. The impacts of climate change in coastal southern California are not theoretical. We see and experience them every single day. I strongly believe that we must take ambitious action to make our country more resilient to climate impacts while transitioning to a zero-carbon future, and we must do it now. We must do it now. With President Biden's American Jobs Plan, we have a once-in-a- generation opportunity to do so. The American Jobs Plan, as proposed by the President, advances real climate solutions that will make a difference in the lives of our constituents. It will put us on the path to meeting the challenge presented by the climate crisis while creating 2.7 million new jobs, the jobs of tomorrow in clean energy, the jobs that will help us compete on the global stage. Those are the jobs we need. The American Jobs Plan will create them, but in order to achieve these goals, in order to pass the American Jobs Plan as intended by the President, we must not abandon the key climate provisions and investments that the President proposed in his version of the plan. The package must deliver on the promise to put our country on the path to a 100 percent carbon-free energy powered electricity grid by 2035. We can do this if we include strong tax policies that incentivize renewable energy generation. We can do this if we include clean energy and energy efficiency standards that promote renewable energy and reduce electricity use. We can do this if we include the policies and funding to electrify cars, buses, and buildings. And we must include the transportation sector. It is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. We need significant investment to incentivize the sale of zero- emission vehicles. Specifically, we must ensure that 100 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales are zero emissions by 2035, as envisioned under the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act that I introduced last Congress with Senator Jeff Merkley. Moreover, the build-out of zero emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure must go hand in hand with the deployment of the vehicles themselves, which is why I strongly support the President's vision for 500,000 new charging stations across the country. The American Jobs Plan provides us a pathway to finally achieve these goals and to lead the world when it comes to vehicle electrification. So without these key climate provisions, it is hard to imagine supporting any package that comes before this Chamber for consideration. I am eager to help advance a strong American Jobs Plan that employs our communities, follows the climate science, and matches the scale of the challenge we face. I know my colleagues here feel the same. Now is our opportunity to get this done. It is an opportunity that we must seize.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Donna Marie Robinson, who passed away on May 31, 2021. Donna Marie was born in 1957 in Chicago and received both her undergraduate and master's in business degrees from the University of Chicago. After an illustrious career in commercial banking, she retired in 2013 as Vice President/Client Manager for Bank of America. Throughout her life, Donna Marie was committed to service. She served on the San Diego Foundation's Board of Governors for seven years and was the bedrock of the Foundation's scholarship program. The Foundation is establishing the Donna Marie Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund in her honor. Donna Marie fought tirelessly for women's health as a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association Go Red for Women. She was President of the Encinitas Coastal Rotary and was a member of countless other community organizations. She was a world traveler who could bring a smile to every face. Donna Marie Robinson lived an incredible and full life. She was a crucial member of the Encinitas community and she will be missed by her family, friends, and everyone she touched.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Jimmy Ukegawa for my May Constituent of the Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed numerous burdens on constituents in my district, including a troubling rise in food insecurity. As a third-generation farmer who has been in business for more than three decades, Jimmy is no stranger to the stress of business ups and downs. Last March, after witnessing so many neighbors and friends struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimmy, his staff, and partners donated more than 500,000 pounds of food to those affected by food insecurity. His effort began when the pandemic first hit, partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Senior Center to ensure children and those most vulnerable had something to eat. Since then, Jimmy's food donation efforts have grown to include Head Start programs, North County Lifeline, schools, and affordable living residences throughout Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista. Additionally, as the course of the pandemic played out, Jimmy wanted to make sure vulnerable and at-risk people in the district could still shop for nutritious fresh food, so he created an open-air market in his warehouse. Over the course of this pandemic, I witnessed first-hand, residents lining up for food just to place a nourishing meal on the table for their families. I am incredibly grateful for constituents like Jimmy who stepped up to help the most vulnerable and in need families in CA- 49. Our community is brighter and better because of Jimmy and his staffs generosity. I thank him from the bottom ofmy heart for his leadership and compassion in supporting our community, and I'm honored to recognize him as my May Constituent of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Donna Kalez and Gisele Anderson for my April Constituents of the Month. My district is home to more than 50 miles of beautiful California coastline, which includes some of the most incredible marine and sea life. Sightings of whales and dolphins off the beach and marina have brought tourists and locals alike to Dana Point for decades. Making this local phenomenon more accessible, Donna and Gisele collaborated as co-directors of the Dana Point Whale Watching Company for sightseers to experience the magic up-close. Their advocacy for local cetacean brought joy to all who frequent the city, but Donna and Gisele thought bigger, believing the world also deserved to know just how special the marine life experience in Dana Point is. With their combined effort to put the city's name on the map by showcasing the exceptional 450,000 ``dolphin stampede'' and year- round sightings of rare whales, Donna and Gisele worked together to earn Dana Point well-deserved international recognition. In order to make that happen, the women formed a steering committee composed of civic, scientific, academic, business and community leaders, overcame challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and competed internationally to achieve the title that honors Dana Point's tradition as a pioneer in marine conservation. Due to their diligent work with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), Dana Point is officially recognized as the first and only Whale Heritage Site in the Americas and one of only four in the world. Better yet, they took the extra step to legally trademark Dana Point as the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World. As a native Southern Californian, I know first-hand how incredibly special our coastline and marine life are to the community. I'm grateful to Donna and Gisele for leading the charge in also letting the world know just how blessed we are to have these incredible creatures right here in our backyards. As leaders in the community, I thank them both for their advocacy and trail blazing efforts of bringing global attention to the United States of America being home to the most amazing populations of dolphins and whales like nowhere else in the world, especially in Dana Point. I'm honored to recognize them both as my April Constituents of the Month.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it will also improve the VA's communication with veterans about employment placement services. It will clarify veterans' eligibility for housing stipends under the retraining program. And it will ensure the VA works with qualified nonprofit business associations to facilitate the employment of participating veterans. Nothing in this bill is controversial. It is all about improving existing veterans' programs so they can get back to work and make the most of the services they have earned and deserve. Madam Speaker, I hope we can pass this bill without delay, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I thank our great chairman, Chairman Takano, and our ranking member for their great work. It is an honor to continue serving our veterans in a bipartisan manner and to chair the relevant subcommittee. As the Representative for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and thousands of military families in the region, I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in the past few years for our Nation's veterans. Back in January of this year, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act was signed into law. It was a historic omnibus bill for veterans that strengthened many benefits and services for those who have served our country. It was a great bipartisan accomplishment. Again, I am grateful to all of my colleagues for getting it across the finish line. It included provisions to improve services for homeless veterans, to protect GI Bill benefits, improve the Transition Assistance Program for servicemembers returning to civilian life, and so much more. It was the product, again, of bipartisan, bicameral work, proof that we can do things on a bipartisan basis here in Washington, D.C., and I was proud to help lead that bill. Most recently, we passed the American Rescue Plan, a landmark piece of legislation to help Americans get through this pandemic, including our veterans who have struggled to get back on their feet during this difficult time. A key piece of that bill was nearly $400 million for a rapid retraining program for veterans who are unemployed as a result of this pandemic and don't have access to other veteran education benefits. Both of these bills were huge accomplishments; but, like all legislation, they weren't perfect, and there are still steps that we must take to make these programs work even better for the veterans they are intended to serve. That is why I was proud to introduce legislation with Ranking Member Mike Bost of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, amending the American Rescue Plan and the Isakson-Roe legislation to improve job training and education programs for our veterans. For example, our bill makes changes to the Rapid Retraining Assistance Program so we are focusing on high-demand occupations.

Mr. LEVIN of California

Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Moore, who passed away on February 25, 2021, after a lifetime of service to his country. Robert was born in 1929 in Queens, New York. After enlisting in the Marines in 1946, he became one of approximately 20,000 Black men to train at the segregated Camp Montford Point in North Carolina. The Montford Point Marines were regularly subjected to racist attacks from White Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. Robert spent over four decades at Camp Pendleton, which I am proud to represent. He served honorably in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he ran mess halls and trained Marines in food service. In 1972, he retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of gunnery sergeant and received his degree from Palomar College. He spent the following 20 years working at Camp Pendleton as a dietic technician at the Naval Hospital. Robert was one of the last surviving Montford Point Marines in the San Diego area. Fewer than 400 of the original 20,000 Montford Point Marines are still living. He was a proud recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal awarded to all Montford Point Marines. Robert was married to his wife Willie Mae Miles for 56 years before her death in 2004. They had 11 children, 19 grandchildren, 47 great- grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. Robert Moore lived an incredible and full life. He was a dedicated husband, parent, and friend. His courage and valor laid the foundation for future generations. We are grateful for his service to his country.