Sam Liccardo

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Torres for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, a graveyard of living people, is how Lorenzo described Camp East Montana, the ICE detention facility where guards denied him sunlight and fresh air for a full month. Lorenzo persevered. Mr. Speaker, 52 others would never feel the sun upon their face again. Fifty-two people have died in ICE custody since Donald Trump took office. They were mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, every one someone's child. Every one a child of God. Someone loves us. Someone mourns us. When we die, grief takes part of them with us. My heart aches for the families who never got the chance to say good- bye, who never held their loved one's hand before they died alone behind barbed wire and concrete. I have undocumented neighbors in San Jose who have lived there for more than two decades. They have built lives there. They have built families there. Some coach for youth sports teams and others volunteer at their church. Several have built businesses, employing U.S. citizens. All have built our community. This is not the first time our country has put the most ambitious of our Dreamers and doers behind bars. In 1942, my father came home telling my grandfather that his friend was missing from their weekly pick-up baseball game. It turned out his friend, Norm, had been taken with his family from their home on 5th Street in San Jose and incarcerated in Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Norm was Japanese American. That young boy returned to San Jose and grew up. Decades later, I had the honor of working for him as his intern. His name is Norm Mineta, and he served in this Congress for two decades. The incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans left an indelible stain on our country. The last of those who endured it still walk among us, and the ghosts of those who did not endure it still haunt our national conscience. History will harshly judge us also for the abusive and inhuman treatment of our undocumented neighbors. Too many of us have declined to speak out, or perhaps only when ICE's chaotic cruelty takes the life of an American citizen as in Minneapolis. Yet the deaths in our DHS detention centers continue unabated, accompanied only by the incriminating silence of the quietly complicit. I am proud that in my own Bay Area region: San Mateo County, the city of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and Napa County have all taken steps to obstruct the construction of new detention centers in our communities. We are helping them and others with a toolkit that includes a model ordinance, but local leaders should never have to fight this battle alone. Congress must act. We must defend human dignity. We must uphold our Constitution, and we must stop digging graveyards for the living.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Almanac newspaper on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. It's important to honor those local news sources that have survived the industry's many financial challenges to provide an essential public service to our democracy, particularly in this moment when our First Amendment has come under repeated and serious threat. The Almanac has provided critical community-focused journalism for Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside and Portola Valley for six decades. Throughout its history, it has brought news and information to local residents without fear or favor. Its journalists have always believed strong journalism builds better communities. In 1965, three Portola Valley mothers, troubled by the lack of coverage of local issues, and the defeat of a Portola Valley school bond measure, met for lunch among the eucalyptus trees on the Stanford Campus to develop a solution. Soon after, Hedy Boissevain, Betty Fry, and Jean Heflin, got to work at their kitchen tables and family garages and published the first four-page edition of what was then called ``The Country Almanac.'' The paper then found its first real home at the corner of Woodside and Canada roads in Woodside, and the founders' children and friends delivered the papers--a year's subscription cost two dollars. From its modest stall, the paper continued to grow and by 1975, the newspaper could afford its first full-time reporter, Pam Jones, who was often the first to tell residents what was going on in their towns. In the 1980s, local newspaperman Mort Levine and his wife, Elaine, acquired the Almanac and the coverage area expanded to include Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Woodside, and Atherton, In 1993, Embarcadero Publishing Co., founded by Bill Johnson, bought The Almanac and added it to its family of newspapers. Today that family includes newspapers and websites serving Midpeninsula communities including Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Redwood City. Today, as local newsrooms across the country are shrinking or shutting their doors entirely, the Almanac continues to endure and adapt to meet the needs of its communities. Its three dedicated staffers, Editor Andrea Gemmet and staff writers Jennifer Yoshikoshi and Arden Margulis, provide local and accountable journalism that residents trust. In 2026, the California News Publishers Association honored the Almanac with 22 California Journalism Awards, including six first-place honors for Breaking News, Photo Essay, Layout and Design, Housing and Land-Use Coverage, and Coverage of Youth and Education--a testament to a small newsroom doing outsized work. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the founders, staff, and readers of The Almanac on six decades of delivering the news, and in wishing them continued strength as they carry local journalism forward for the Midpeninsula in the decades to come.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Fatima Soares, who passed away on June 14, 2026. For more than four decades, Soares dedicated her career to Coastside Hope, where she served with kindness, generosity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the community. She rooted her leadership in compassion, service, and a deep belief in the dignity of every person. Born on April 2, 1954, in the Azores, Soares immigrated from Portugal to the United States in 1969. Her family first settled on her aunt's farm in Brentwood, California, before moving to Half Moon Bay. Soares graduated from Half Moon Bay High School and later attended San Francisco State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Soares began her career at the Coastside Opportunity Center as a secretary and then as a social worker. She eventually became the organization's executive director, playing an integral role in its transition from the Coastside Opportunity Center to Coastside Hope. During some of the organization's most difficult financial times, Soares made courageous and thoughtful decisions, carrying the organization through hardship without sacrificing its mission to ``enhance the quality of life for all of our neighbors.'' Even after long workdays, Soares volunteered at the local RotaCare Clinic, helping ensure that community members without insurance could access the health care they needed. Those who knew Soares remember her as soft-spoken, thoughtful, and deeply attentive. She was a leader who listened with patience, and responded with wisdom, not judgment. She gave with a heart that asked for nothing in return. Because of her, Coastside Hope is stronger and the community is kinder. While Soares' professional accomplishments were remarkable, she also found joy in reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Whether sharing coffee with her sisters or cheering with her great- nieces and great-nephews at sporting events, Soares treasured the simple moments spent with the people she loved most. Soares is survived by her sisters, Rosa Avila and Orlanda Soares; her nephew, James Avila; her nieces, Cassie Avila-Rotondo and Jessica Avila; her great-nieces, Abigail and Sadie Sullivan; and her great- nephew, Walker Sullivan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Leontina Soares, and her brother, Tony Soares. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Fatima Soares, whose life's work remains woven into the heart of the Coastside community. May her generosity, kindness, and courage remind us that leadership can be both strong and tender.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur Herbert Hausman, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 102. Our Nation owes Arthur a profound debt of gratitude for his lifetime of service. During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II. Arthur later served as an electronic scientist with the Department of Defense and helped lay the foundation for the National Security Agency. His groundbreaking work in cryptography, secure communications, and technological innovation left an indelible mark on our national security institutions and made us all safer. Arthur's greatest legacy lives through his family and the community that he helped build, including Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. His integrity, ingenuity, and patriotism will endure in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and a grateful nation. Madam Speaker, may his memory be a blessing.

Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of myself and on behalf of my colleagues, Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, to recognize Larry Stone, who retired a few months ago as Santa Clara County's longest serving elected official. Larry has been an extraordinary public servant, ethical role model, a mentor to many of us, and a friend to all. Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event. He even wore a Grinch costume for many years in our annual Santa Run, sitting in the pace car with thousands of runners dressed up as Santas with beards on chasing him through the streets of downtown San Jose. Larry's work was serious, however. He leaves behind an assessor's office that has become a national model for efficiency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness. Larry's signature forthrightness made him the first phone call for local reporters looking for someone quotable. His willingness to call out malfeasance by the powerful made him a reliable advocate for good government. His prescient political sense--gathering Silicon Valley support for everyone from his successor, Neysa Fligor, to a little known southerner by the name of Bill Clinton--made him a local kingmaker. In his retirement, Larry and his much-beloved wife, Carmen, will continue to generously support local nonprofits and the arts. Larry's example, however, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Madam Speaker, on behalf of many, I thank Larry for his leadership, his mentorship, and his friendship. Honoring Arthur Herbert Hausman

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Al Adreveno, who passed away on May 18, 2026, in Half Moon Bay, California, at the age of 102. A lifelong farmer, a World War II veteran, and a civic leader on the Coastside for more than three decades, Adreveno shaped the Coastside into a better community for all. Born on July 17, 1923, in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, Adreveno grew up in Colma, California, where his Italian family worked on a produce ranch. In 1943, Adreveno joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served on an elite team in the Pacific Theater that participated in the liberation of Okinawa. After the Japanese surrender, he served in Korea until coming home to San Francisco in 1946. He returned to his job at the flower nursery where he had worked before the war. There, he met Eda, and the couple married in 1947. A few years later, they purchased a ranch in Half Moon Bay, founding Daylight Nursery in 1954, where they grew field flowers, including irises, daffodils, and daisies. Nestled among the hills of the Coastside, the property provided the home and livelihood for their wider family for more than fifty years. In addition to his agricultural work, Adreveno dedicated more than three decades to public service across the Coastside. On the Half Moon Bay School Board, he helped lead a successful bond campaign to build a new high school, and he worked to unify three school districts into one. He later served eight years on the City Planning Commission, followed by twelve years on the City Council (including four years as Mayor), and sixteen years on the Coastside County Water District Board. Beyond his public accomplishments, Adreveno embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed golfing, tending his vegetable garden, and traveling with Eda, his wife of 71 years. The couple played a pivotal role in establishing the Parish Council at Our Lady of the Pillar Church. His family and friends remember the twinkle in his eye, his warm smile, and his upbeat nature. The couple took immense pride in their family who survives them: their daughter and son-in-law, Eda and John Muller; their granddaughters, Heidi Bianchi and Trudy Muller; grandson-in-law, Aldo Bianchi; and their great-grandchildren, Delfina and Lorenzo Bianchi; and many nieces and nephews. Al Adreveno sowed a legacy of military service, agricultural entrepreneurship, and community leadership that will benefit Coastsiders for generations.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise alongside my colleagues Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and Congressman Ro Khanna, to honor a widely-respected community leader, mentor, and friend. Lawrence E. ``Larry'' Stone served more than three decades as Santa Clara County Assessor, among his 47 years in public office. As Santa Clara County's longest-serving elected official, we celebrate his contributions upon his recent retirement. First elected to public office in 1975, Stone served on the Sunnyvale City Council for 16 years, including two terms as mayor. In 1994, voters elected him to the role of Santa Clara County Assessor. As Assessor, Stone supervised $8 billion in properly tax revenue and managed a roll of more than 500,000 properties, which incurred a 500 percent increase in value during his time in office. During his tenure, he returned $35 million to the county's general fund while adding only one person to the payroll. For thirty years--through economic booms and downturns alike--he consistently delivered complete, on-time assessment rolls within budget, earning stellar audit results and strengthening confidence in the office's performance. His work ensured transformative funding for our region's schools and communities. A tireless and deeply dedicated public servant, Stone was among the first to arrive at work and last to leave, often remarking that he preferred workdays to weekends. He instilled a strong sense of urgency within the office, pushing for efficiency, responsiveness, and customer service. In his final years in office, he modernized the Assessor's Office's outdated software and database, ensuring its ability to continue serving Santa Clara County into the future. As a leader, Stone welcomed discussion on major decisions, but once resolved, he acted decisively and expected others to move with equal urgency. While relishing the independence of elected office and enjoying the political process--never losing an election in his decades of service--he remained grounded in results, believing that strong performance was the best campaign. He stood up publicly for good government and reliably spoke out when powerful figures misused resources or misled the public. Among local elected officials, Stone is known as a political ``godfather.'' Politicians routinely ask him for advice and for support, and he became the go-to leader on dozens of commissions, task forces, and nonprofit boards. In 1990, he convened Silicon Valley power brokers to help Bill Clinton learn about tech and the innovation economy, which transformed into support for Clinton's winning presidential campaign. Later, Vice President Al Gore drew inspiration for ``reinventing government'' from reforms that Stone helped implement in Sunnyvale. Stone's forthrightness, quotable humor, and keen insights continue to attract reporters seeking someone who will say what nobody else has the courage to utter publicly. Stone and his gracious wife, Carmen, are sought-after guests at nonprofit events and generously support local causes, particularly the arts. Larry invests heavily in affordable housing projects throughout the region and repeatedly champions the region's efforts to build stadiums and land professional sports teams. Stone also continues to drive the Downtown San Jose Rotary Club, one of the largest and most actively philanthropic clubs in the Nation, where he served as a past president. Larry Stone spent his career elevating public service, and local government. He leaves his own service to Santa Clara County knowing that he made his community stronger than when he found it. His legacy of principled public service will benefit our community for generations.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member and the chair for their leadership on this effort. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Today, a rapidly growing number of our families, nearly 13 million, appear severely rent burdened, meaning they spend more than half of their income on housing and utilities. Our housing crisis requires many actions from this Congress, but we should start precisely where we all agree, Republicans and Democrats, on improving affordability through accelerating expansion of housing supply. This legislation, which includes four bills that I either lead or co- lead with my colleagues, will take important steps to cut red tape, lower costs, and boost supply of multifamily housing construction, both market-rate and affordable. Let's embrace this too rare moment of bipartisanship and approve this package to expand supply, and then let's continue this momentum, rolling up our sleeves, to address the affordability crisis that too many of our families are pressed by. Mr. Speaker, the rent is too damn high. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this package.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a Jesuit priest, Peter Pabst. I knew him as our community knew him as Father Peter. Beneath his Hawaiian shirts, easy demeanor, and good humor, his heart beat with a fierce commitment to the vision that every child, regardless of their family's poverty, have access to college and future success. That conviction spurred his founding of the Sacred Heart Nativity Middle Schools a quarter century ago to educate young students in the predominantly Latino neighborhood of Washington-Guadalupe in San Jose. A decade later, he launched Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School to prepare students from high-poverty families for college, integrating job opportunities with Silicon Valley's top tech companies. For the last 3 years, every one of Cristo Rey's hundreds of graduating seniors was accepted by a 4-year university, nearly all the first in their families to attend college. Father Peter also connected deeply to families in our community, conducting hundreds of baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Father Peter. May his memory inspire all who share his conviction in the boundless promise of every child.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues, Representative Zoe Lofgren and Representative Jimmy Panetta, to honor the life and legacy of Jesuit Reverend Peter Pabst, S.J., who passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026. Affectionately known as Father Peter, he believed a family's income should not determine a child's access to world-class, Jesuit college-preparatory education. Guided by that conviction, he founded Sacred Heart Nativity Schools and Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, expanding opportunities for hundreds of students from low-income Latino neighborhoods and transforming countless lives. Father Peter joined the Society of Jesus in 1974 and proceeded to dedicate more than five decades to serving others through education, ministry, and pastoral care. His journey carried him through many Jesuit institutions, including Bellarmine College Preparatory, Santa Clara University, and Brophy College Preparatory, while earning degrees from Gonzaga University, the Jesuit School of Theology, and Santa Clara University. In 2000, Father Peter embarked on a mission to help children from low-income families find success in school. In 2001, he helped launch the Sacred Heart Nativity School for boys, and in 2006, Our Lady of Grace Nativity School for girls. These urban Catholic middle schools in San Jose prepare students--most of whom are Latino and speak a language other than English at home--for success in high school and beyond. In 2013, Father Peter took the helm as Founding President of Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School, part of the Cristo Rey Network, and later led the school as Chancellor. Cristo Rey has a unique model, seeking to lift the aspirations and ambitions of children from first- generation families whose parents have the lowest incomes in the community. They often come into high school a year or more behind in learning, but through intensive summer learning and Saturday classes, Cristo Rey helps the kids catch up, and excel, with college coursework. There is more: each of the students spend a day each week working for a local employer; in a city like San Jose, Cristo Rey exposes kids to the world's leading tech companies, ranging from Adobe and Alphabet to Zoom. The students thrive and learn in a work environment with college- educated coworkers, gaining ``soft skills'' and building networks of caring adults who help them achieve career success. Father Peter's vision of student success transformed the lives of thousands of San Jose families: 97 percent of Cristo Rey graduates, primarily from low-income households, enroll in college immediately after high school. In each of the last three years, four-year colleges and universities accepted 100 percent of graduating seniors--nearly all of whom are the first in their families to go onto higher education. These achievements reflect not only institutional excellence, but Father Peter's unwavering conviction that young people thrive when trusted, challenged, and supported. On a personal level, we remember Father Peter for his humor, his warmth, and his remarkable ability to make every young person feel seen and valued. Whether leading spiritual Kairos retreats, celebrating Mass, greeting families, or simply sharing a joke in the hallway, Father Peter radiated joy and compassion. He also loved his Hawaiian shirts, which he often wore, and fine wines. He connected deeply to our community, presiding at more than 600 baptisms, weddings, and funerals in his lifetime, and many families regarded Father Peter as a spiritual mentor. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Father Peter Pabst as we share condolences with the Pabst family, and with his extended family in the community--his Jesuit brothers and his many, many friends. May his memory continue to inspire all who share his conviction in the transformative power of education and the boundless promise of every child.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues, Representative Ro Khanna and Representative Zoe Lofgren, to celebrate Bellarmine College Preparatory on the extraordinary occasion of its 175th anniversary. As the oldest Jesuit secondary school in California, Bellarmine embodies a tradition that uniquely combines academic excellence, moral formation, and enduring contributions to the broader community and the world. Founded in 1851 as Santa Clara Preparatory, part of what was then Santa Clara College, Bellarmine grew alongside the City of San Jose. For nearly two centuries, the school has rooted its mission in the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person-- mind, body, and spirit--with a deep commitment to service. Through extensive service-learning programs, the school encourages students to engage meaningfully with the world around them. Bellarmine students contribute thousands of hours each year to community service-- supporting local shelters, tutoring underserved youth, assisting food banks, and partnering with nonprofit organizations throughout the region. These efforts cultivate in students a lifelong dedication to justice, compassion, and civic responsibility. The school's emphasis on forming ``men for and with others''--core to the Jesuit mission--guides its daily work. Bellarmine cultivates generations of leaders who go on to serve in public office, education, business, and the nonprofit sector. I am one of three Bellarmine alumni to have served as mayor to San Jose's one million residents. Numerous others have demonstrated their leadership as founders and C-suite executives of major Silicon Valley companies, as executive directors of impactful non-profit organizations, as educators at top universities, as California legislators, as Rhodes Scholars, as gold-medal-winning Olympians, and as NFL and MLB all-stars. More than their achievement, however, Bellarmine alumni have stood out for their service to the world. This legacy reflects Bellarmine's ability to inspire young people to pursue lives of purpose and service. Bellarmine also demonstrates an impressive commitment to access and opportunity. Through financial aid programs and institutional support, no student who meets Bellarmine's rigorous academic standards for admission is turned away for his family's inability to pay tuition. The school's extensive scholarship program opens its doors to talented students from socioeconomic backgrounds, building a student body that increasingly reflects the extraordinary diversity of San Jose. This commitment strengthens both the school community and the broader region, as graduates embrace values of inclusion and equity in their professional and civic lives. At Bellarmine, Jesuits actively teach, mentor, and guide students, creating an environment where young people feel known, receive support, and embrace challenges that faster growth. Through classroom instruction, campus ministry, retreats, and weekly Mass, the school fosters reflection, ethical leadership, and spiritual development that continue to shape students long after graduation. Bellarmine's academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs further enrich the cultural and civic fabric of the community. Bellarmine students routinely excel in statewide and national competitions across a wide variety of pursuits: athletics, speech and debate, robotics, chess, National Merit Scholarships, and every other means by which students can learn to overcome life's barriers to excel, and to inspire others to do so. Mr. Speaker, for 175 years, Bellarmine College Preparatory has upheld the highest ideals of Jesuit education--academic rigor, moral integrity, and a steadfast commitment to service. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the entire Bellarmine community--students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families--on this remarkable milestone. May Bellarmine continue to inspire and form future generations of leaders dedicated to building a more just and compassionate world.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Arthur Herbert Hausman, who passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at the age of 102. A decorated intelligence servicemember and widely admired industry leader. Hausman's innate brilliance and commitment to public service remain an inspiration today. Born in 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Hausman grew up quickly; his mother passed away when she was young. In the face of this adversity, Hausman developed a self-reliance and strength that defined the man he became. Hausman's curiosity and pursuit of knowledge led to invention. At age 13, he built his own ham radio and connected with people around the globe. Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in communications- electronics, with advanced study in mathematics and cryptography, from the University of Texas at Austin. In 1944, during World War II, the U.S. Secretary of War sent Hausman a letter directing him to enlist. Commissioned as a Lieutenant, the Navy sent Hausman to work at Bletchley Park in England, the famed center for Allied code breaking. Hausman worked on Project ULTRA, alongside legendary mathematicians such as Alan Turing, decrypting intercepted communications from Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan. The U.S. Navy decorated Hausman and the Project ULTRA team in 1946 for their significant role in securing the Allied victory. After the war, Hausman earned a master's degree in engineering science and applied physics from Harvard University and pursued postgraduate work in electrical engineering at the University of Maryland. With Seymour Cray and Bill Norris, he helped co-found Engineering Research Associates (ERA), later part of Sperry Rand Corporation, which pioneered early data storage, cryptography, and security technologies. From 1948 to 1960, Hausman served as an electronic scientist with the U.S. Department of Defense, specializing in cryptography, secure communications, and electronic data storage. The Department of Defense awarded him the prestigious Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his contributions. In 1960, Hausman joined the Ampex Corporation, where he helped pioneer the technology to record professional-quality audio and video, and to enable slow-motion playback. As the company's CEO, he guided the company through global communications innovation, revolutionizing Olympic media coverage. In 1985, President Ronald Reagan appointed Hausman to the President's Export Council, chairing a subcommittee on advanced technology transfer. In 95, fifty years after the end of World War II, the National Security Agency (NSA) awarded him the Exceptional Civilian Service Award, recognizing his contributions to cryptography, and his founding role in the National Security Agency. Hausman continued as a trusted consultant to defense and intelligence agencies into his early 90s. Despite his great contributions to global security and technological innovation, those who knew him personally will remember him most for his dedication to family. In 1946, Hausman met Helen Mandelowitz on the streets of Washington D.C., when she stopped him to ask the time. In less than a year, they married, and over seven decades, they raised three children: Susan Hausman Brunner (deceased), Kenneth Hausman, and Catherine Hausman Fox. Kenneth (with his daughters Raea, Sarah, son-in-law Hudson Arnold, grandchildren Brooks and Callan Arnold, and fiancee Dr. Malathi Srinivasan) and Catherine (with her husband Steven Fox) remember Mr. Hausman's devotion and the way he uplifted his grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Hausman also built community beyond family, co-founding Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. Hausman's integrity, innovative spirit, and patriotism will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and a grateful Nation. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Kevin Mullin, to honor the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, an International Apostolic Congregation of Catholic Sisters, on the historic occasion of their 175th anniversary. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur believed that educating young women could transform the world. Modern development economics has confirmed their guiding intuition: the very nations that most rapidly accelerate living standards have focused on widening access of women to education and careers. Their vision and network of schools now stretch across continents, generations, and countless lives--continuing to empower women and girls. Born out of revolution-torn France in 1804, two women, Julie Billiart and Francoise Blin de Bourdon, founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to provide schools for girls in what we now know as Belgium. Julie's guiding spirit reflected a simple and bold vision: ``Hearts as wide as the world.'' She believed in a God whose goodness knew no limits. Their congregation of sisters grew, as did the reach of their schools. In 1843, Jesuit Father De Smet invited the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to the Pacific Frontier to open schools and orphanages for the Clatsop Native Americans. While Julie and Francoise never saw America, six of the Notre Dame Sisters boarded the Indefatigable ship in Belgium, endured a months-long voyage to Astoria, Oregon, and carried out their vision of serving children in need. In 1848, many families uprooted themselves to seek fortune in the California Gold Rush. Then, in 1850, typhoid swept the region, and the Sisters assumed nursing duties, caring especially for the orphans left in its wake. The following year, two Sisters traveled from Oregon to San Francisco to welcome four new members of their congregation from Belgium. Archbishop Joseph Alemany, O.P., saw that these women could provide what California needed and asked them to open schools in San Jose. With faith as their guide, they purchased property in San Jose and built a school from salvaged structures: a frame house for living, an adobe classroom, and a barn transformed into a kitchen. On August 4, 1851, Notre Dame College opened on Santa Clara Street, offering day, boarding and college programs to girls of every background--Mexican, Irish, French Canadian and Native American. The Sisters lived simply, raised vegetables, kept a cow, stretched every dollar, learned Spanish, and expanded opportunity when education for girls remained far from guaranteed. True to Julie's spirit, no child was turned away. The school grew, the curriculum evolved, and in 1868 it was chartered as the College of Notre Dame--the first college for women in California, which many celebrated as ``the best school for young women in the West.'' In 1923, the college moved to the Ralston Mansion in Belmont. Originally founded as a women's institution, the college became coeducational in 1969 and now operates as Notre Dame de Namur University. In 1928, Notre Dame High School, San Jose, moved from the Santa Clara Street campus to its present location at Second and Reed Streets. Over the following decades, Notre Dame opened schools across California--in Marysville, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Alameda, Redwood City, Petaluma, Carmel and Watsonville--and eventually expanded into Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Saint Julie prayed that her Sisters would spread their vision throughout the world. Today, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province, sponsor or co-sponsor 19 ministries across the United States. The Congregation has a global presence, serving on five continents, in 16 countries, and across 23 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. One hundred seventy-five years after those first fragile beginnings in San Jose, California, Saint Julie's prayer has come to fruition, and her vision continues to guide their work. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this monumental anniversary and commemorating the legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in California.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Kenneth ``Ken'' Kelly of San Jose, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at age 86. Ken Kelly served as a beloved volunteer and community leader in Silicon Valley. For decades, he devoted his time and talents to helping others. In schools, neighborhood groups, and environmental programs, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Ken was born in Nebraska and raised in San Francisco. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1961. He worked in retail management and later ran his own marketing business, but he left his deepest mark in the garden. In later years, Ken became a Master Composter and led Santa Clara County's Home Composting Education Program. He taught neighbors of all ages how to turn kitchen scraps into rich soil. Through hands-on workshops and the trees and plants he propagated and shared, Ken spread both seedlings and enthusiasm for environmental stewardship. His daily work scratched an itch that Ken had for community service, but not nearly enough. For a duration of a couple of decades, nobody in San Jose volunteered in more ways and invested more hours in leading, organizing, convening, helping, and supporting. He served as president of the Blackford Neighborhood Action Coalition and built an extensive network of relationships with other neighborhood leaders throughout the region. As part of that work, Ken co-founded the successful Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative, to help neighbors in underserved communities work together to nudge, encourage, and shame landlords to engage in improving their blighted properties. He served on and led the San Jose Small Business Advisory Task Force, where he advocated for the many immigrant-led small businesses that shape San Jose's unique character. He led United Neighborhoods of Santa Clara County, helping other communities to organize, lift their voices, engage in self-help, and make local democracy work. Ken also served as an ambassador for the San Jose, Campbell, and Gilroy Chambers of Commerce, participated in his alma mater's Lowell High School Alumni Association, very actively supported Crime Stoppers and the Salvation Army, and advanced education and literacy through the San Jose Library Commission and the Friends of the Bascom Library. Simply, Ken failed at retirement--colossally. Those who knew Ken remember his quick wit and easy charm. He told a good joke at any gathering--whether speaking to adults in a classroom or entertaining children in a school garden. Strangers quickly became friends. A few minutes with Ken often meant a smile, a new lesson about composting, and a renewed appreciation for community. For all he accomplished, Ken's greatest pride was his family and the marriage at the center of it. In 1999, Ken married Linda LeZotte, a longtime, distinguished public servant and former San Jose City Councilmember and Santa Clara Valley Water District board member. Like so many spouses of elected officials, Ken's support of Linda and her work constituted a very substantial community service of its own. Together, Linda and Ken built a 26-year marriage filled with community engagement, and with travel and fun. Ken was predeceased by his son Joel and is survived by Linda, along with a wide circle of loving family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and volunteers who felt like family. Whether planting a garden with schoolchildren, mentoring a new volunteer, or sharing a laugh, Ken strengthened our community. Ken said that neighbors are family. Today, our Silicon Valley family mourns the loss of a family member and honors his life of service.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Louis ``Lon'' O. Normandin, II, of Monte Sereno, California, a great and very good man. A beloved businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, Lon passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91. Born and bred in San Jose, Lon graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and earned a business degree from Santa Clara University. He then proudly served our country as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married his high school sweetheart, Peggy. Together, they shared 70 years of marriage and raised a large and loving family. Following his military service, Lon Normandin carried on his family's storied business legacy, serving as president and chairman of the Normandin car dealership, a family business bearing the Normandin name since its founding in 1875 as a horse carriage manufacturer. Under the leadership of Lon and his kids, the dealership continued through its fifth and sixth generations, a rare achievement in America that reflects the deep bond that the Normandin family had with the community. Over more than 60 years in the auto industry, Lon earned national recognition. He led dealer efforts to rebuild Chrysler alongside CEO Lee Iacocca back in the 1980s. Lon became a finalist for the national TIME Dealer of the Year award. He helped lead his industry as the chairman of Chrysler's National Dealer Council and as president of Chrysler's California advertising association. Lon was a renowned business leader in the area. He cofounded Heritage Bank in Silicon Valley, and he was sought after for his business advice. Lon was far better known and far more beloved for what he meant to our community and how he lived out his faith. He supported many in need with a particular passion for the education of children from struggling families. As a generous benefactor, he served on the boards of the Catholic Community Foundation, Santa Clara University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School, and Notre Dame High School. Lon led major fundraising efforts to build and expand Catholic elementary schools in the area. He helped establish St. Frances Cabrini in San Jose and Holy Spirit. He also supported Sacred Heart Nativity School. Lon served the community and his faith as a longtime member of the Knights of Malta, and he was a familiar face at every 6 a.m. daily Mass. His generosity extended well beyond the church. For many years, he volunteered weekly at Martha's Kitchen in San Jose, serving meals to neighbors in need. I would see him in there with an incredibly big smile and lots of friends joining in. He often brought his grandchildren and children along to embrace the value of service. Above all his accomplishments, I remember Lon for his kindness, his unwavering instinct for helping others, and his deep devotion to his family. Lon treated everyone with respect, offered a ready smile or laugh, and sought to help anyone in need. Many sought help from him and Peggy. His six kids--Mark, Caren, David, Lisa, Diane, and Paul--went on to become great community builders in their own right. In my own youth, Lon provided me with a wonderful role model of Christian selflessness, leadership, and service. As I eventually learned, I wasn't alone in making Lon my role model. Many of my friends in the Normandin orbit felt the same way. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Lon Normandin and extending our very deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Peggy; their six children and spouses; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. The family was the great joy and foundation of Lon's life. Madam Speaker, we honor Lon Normandin's legacy of faith, family, and service and express gratitude for the example he set. May he rest in peace.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Louis ``Lon'' O. Normandin, II of Monte Sereno, California. A beloved Silicon Valley businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, Lon passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91. Born and bred in San Jose, Lon graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and earned a business degree from Santa Clara University, and then proudly served our country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married his high school sweetheart, Margaret ``Peggy'' Normandin, and together they shared seventy years of marriage and raised a large, loving family. Following his military service, Lon Normandin carried on his family's storied business legacy, serving as President and Chairman of the Normandin car dealership, a family enterprise bearing the Normandin name since its founding in 1875 as a horse-carriage manufacturer. Under his leadership, the dealership continued as a family-run business through its fifth and sixth generations, a rare achievement in America that reflects the deep bond between the Normandin family, their business, and our community. Over more than sixty years in the auto industry, Lon earned national recognition and led dealer efforts to rebuild Chrysler alongside CEO Lee Iacocca. Lon became a finalist for the national TIME Dealer of the Year award, and he helped lead his industry as Chairman of Chrysler's National Dealer Council and as President of Chrysler's California Advertising Association. A renowned community and business leader, Lon also co-founded Heritage Bank in Silicon Valley. Lon Normandin demonstrated a deep commitment to living out his Catholic faith, supporting many in need, and particularly education for children from struggling families. As a generous benefactor, he served on the boards of the Catholic Community Foundation, Santa Clara University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Presentation High School, and Notre Dame High School. He led major fundraising efforts to build and expand Catholic elementary schools in the area, helping to establish San Jose's Saint Frances Cabrini School, Holy Spirit School, and Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. Lon served the community and his faith as a longtime member of the Knights of Malta, and he was a familiar face at the 6:00 a.m. daily Mass. His generosity extended beyond the church; for many years he volunteered weekly at Martha's Kitchen in San Jose, serving meals to neighbors in need, often bringing his children and grandchildren along to embrace the value of service. Above all his accomplishments, I remember Lon for his kindness. Lon treated everyone with respect, offered a ready smile or laugh, and sought to help anyone in need--and many came to him and Peggy seeking help. He served as a wonderful role model for me in my youth, and as I have learned, for many others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Louis ``Lon'' Normandin, II and in extending our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Peggy, their six children, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Family was the great joy and foundation of Lon's life. We honor Lon Normandin's legacy of faith, family, and service, and express gratitude for the example he set. May he rest in peace.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Ann Nihart, whose life of commitment to healing and community uplifted countless neighbors across Pacifica, California, and beyond. Mary Ann's career in nursing and mental health spanned four decades. She began her service with the County of San Mateo and later joined the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center where she rose to become clinical director and chief nurse of Mental Health Services. Her excellence earned her Nurse of the Year and distinguished service awards from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, among many other honors. While caring for thousands of veterans, she also inspired and guided younger professionals pursuing careers in the practice of psychiatric nursing. Mary Ann's dedication to the community didn't stop with her day job. She also served on the Pacifica City Council and for two terms as Pacifica's mayor. She was a hands-on, visionary leader who championed public engagement and collaborative governance. In her final battle with cancer, as with every other facet of her life, Mary Ann Nihart embodied courage, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to others. Though we mourned her loss last Saturday, we will be celebrating her inspiring legacy for many years to come.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Kevin Mullin, to recognize the life and contributions of Mary Ann Nihart, a dedicated public servant, mental health leader, and nurse, whose lifelong commitment to healing and community uplifted countless lives across Pacifica, California and beyond. Her work left an indelible mark on those she served. Mary Ann's career in nursing and mental health spanned decades of compassionate care and innovative leadership. She began her service with the San Mateo County Health Department, providing community mental health support, and later joined the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she rose to become the Clinical Director and Chief Nurse of Mental Health Services. In this role, she helped countless veterans receive outstanding psychiatric care. A recognized expert in her field, Mary Ann co-authored the national VA Integrated Mental Health guidelines to improve coordinated care for service members and veterans. She also played a key role in national suicide prevention initiatives, contributing to programs like the National Action Alliance's Crisis Now standards for crisis care. She also held leadership positions in professional organizations, serving as President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and even being honored as APNA's Psychiatric Nurse of the Year in 2012. Through these roles, Mary Ann Nihart helped shape mental health policy and practice on a national level, always driven by a passion to save lives and support those in need. In addition to her clinical career, Mary Ann served the people of Pacifica as an elected official. She was first elected to the Pacifica City Council in 2008 and went on to serve eight years, including two terms as Mayor in 2011 and 2014. She was a hands-on, visionary leader who championed public engagement and collaborative governance. Mary Ann re-instituted the ``Mayor's Walks'' to personally connect local business owners with City Hall, and she reinstated Pacifica's Economic Development Committee to spur growth and revitalization. She spearheaded beautification initiatives that transformed neglected areas of the city, and under her leadership Pacifica even earned distinction as a finalist among the most scenic cities in America. Her tireless commitment to her hometown improved the quality of life in this wonderful coastal community for residents and delighted visitors. As a city leader with deep expertise in mental health. Mary Ann also broke new ground in bridging public safety and healthcare. She worked closely with local law enforcement to provide additional education and to reform police training for encounters with people in mental health crisis. She taught trauma-informed response techniques and expanded mental health content in officer training throughout San Mateo County. Mary Ann continually strove to bring community members together and heal divides, leveraging her professional knowledge to build understanding between police and the mental health community. This collaborative approach not only made Pacifica safer and more empathetic, but also exemplified the kind of inclusive, solution- focused governance she believed in. Her colleagues and constituents knew her as a leader with a big heart and a ready smile, always willing to listen, educate, and find common ground for the public good. In every facet of her life, Mary Ann Nihart embodied courage, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to others. She was a healer, a mentor, and a bridge-builder. She guided veterans toward hope and healing, strengthened the nursing profession through her mentorship and example, and made her community of Pacifica a better and more compassionate place for all. Though we mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman, we also celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire. I offer my deepest condolences to her family, her friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleague, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, to recognize the life and contributions of Barry Del Buono, a champion for the unhoused and a longtime community leader in San Jose, California, who passed away on December 26, 2025. Mr. Del Buono dedicated his life to building a more compassionate and equitable society, working tirelessly to ensure that every person, regardless of circumstance, had access to shelter, dignity, and a second chance. From the time I first met Barry as a child, I considered Barry as a hero for the way he transformed his quiet strength and potent faith to launch and lead organizations to which thousands of our most vulnerable neighbors owe their survival. Barry began his life of public service as a Catholic priest in San Jose, where he cofounded the Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen to serve meals to the hungry--an organization that continues to serve our community to this day. Even after leaving the priesthood, he never left the mission. Instead, he expanded it. In the early 1980s, Barry became the first employee, and soon the executive director, of the Emergency Housing Consortium, later known as EHC LifeBuilder, and now HomeFirst. He built EHC into a dependable organization for Santa Clara County residents. He developed what was then a groundbreaking ``continuum of care'' model that extended beyond emergency shelter to transitional and permanent supportive housing. From San Jose to Gilroy, Barry launched programs that offered not just temporary relief, but a genuine pathway toward stability and recovery. Barry brought remarkable creativity to this work. He recognized the potential in empty farmworker cottages during the off-season and turned them into a winter family shelter. He helped run the cold-weather shelter at the National Guard Armory in Gilroy for nearly two decades. He secured public funding by mastering the machinery of government grants, writing proposals late into the night while running services by day. Through both lean years and economic booms, Barry made sure that EHC remained a lifeline for thousands of families and individuals. Though widely respected for his strategic mind and fundraising skill, Barry was most admired for his relentless conviction that homelessness could be solved. He built programs and mentored a generation of nonprofit leaders who now carry on the work he started. Barry was as fierce in his advocacy as he was generous in spirit. After stepping down from EHC in 2007, Barry continued to serve his community. He became a sociology instructor at San Jose City College, sharing decades of hard-earned wisdom with his students. He launched an educational nonprofit with his wife, Dr. Maile Del Buono, to help underserved workers and students access opportunities. San Jose's City Council appointed Barry to San Jose's Housing and Community Development Commission, lending his voice and experience to policymaking until the final year of his life. Throughout his multi-act career, he maintained a deep commitment to his family of five children and seven grandchildren, and to Maile. With her by his side, they battled cancer courageously for several years--both hers, and his own-- until he succumbed at age 74. Throughout his battle, he demonstrated the same quiet strength and powerful faith that made him a great community champion. We will remember Barry Del Buono not only for what he built, but for what he believed--that no one is beyond help, and that it is our shared responsibility to lift each other up. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, joined by the grateful many he touched throughout his extraordinary life. May he rest in peace and achieve his hero's welcome in heaven.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and contributions of Barry Del Buono, a longtime community leader in San Jose, California, who we lost this last December. With his passing, I lost a childhood hero, and our community lost a champion. Barry's quiet strength and deep faith propelled a life of extraordinary service for our most vulnerable neighbors. He began his life of public service as a Catholic priest in San Jose, where he cofounded Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, a nonprofit that last year provided nearly 2 million meals to families in need. Barry would eventually leave the priesthood to marry, but his commitment only deepened. In 1980, he founded the Emergency Housing Consortium, now known as HomeFirst, where he pioneered a groundbreaking continuum of care model that extended beyond emergency shelter to include transitional and permanent supportive housing. Decades later, Barry launched his third act in life in education. He and his dedicated wife, Maile, inspired a new generation of adults with a passion for service through their teaching at San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College. Barry was most at home with his family, with Maile, their five children, and seven grandchildren. With grateful hearts, we remember Barry not only for what he built but also for what he believed and what he inspired all of us to believe in and build with him.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I missed the following vote out of mistake and inadvertence due to the heavy (11-item) vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 356.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Haregewaine Mitiku Ayalew, a beloved community member from San Jose, California, who passed away in November. Ms. Ayalew's life was defined by service, generosity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the vulnerable. Ms. Ayalew dedicated her professional life to caring for those made vulnerable by illness, age, or circumstance. As a certified home care aide and home health aide, she provided essential care for our aging neighbors. Guided by her faith and deep compassion, her service reached across continents as she organized aid and support programs for families in her native Ethiopia, including raising funds to build a facility for elders and individuals living with disabilities and illness. Her volunteer energy and time commitment to the Mekane Rama Saint Gabriel Church was extraordinary and deeply appreciated by an entire community. I recall visiting that very church when I attended her memorial and was moved by the sight of more than 1,000 neighbors who came out to pay their respects and pay homage to this remarkable woman. May Ms. Ayalew's memory be a blessing. Her life's work and values live on through her two daughters, Aden Kassaye and Rebekah Kassaye, and in the countless lives she uplifted through her compassion and service.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and contributions of Colonel Vu Van Lrc, a South Vietnamese Army veteran and beloved community leader in San Jose and the greater Silicon Valley of California, for his unwavering dedication to Vietnamese refugees and cultural perservation--a true model of resilience and service. From the rice fields of Nam Dinh to the heart of Silicon Valley, Colonel Lrc's journey was extraordinary. Born in 1933 in northern Vietnam, he graduated from the Da Lat Military Academy and rose through the ranks to serve as a Colonel in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. When Saigon fell on April 30, 1975, Colonel Lrc and his family were forced to flee their homeland, ultimately finding refuge in San Jose, California. Rather than succumb to the tragedy of exile, he transformed it into a new mission of hope. In 1976, soon after arriving in San Jose, Colonel Lrc founded the Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center (IRCC) to aid fellow refugees in rebuilding their lives. Over the next four decades, the IRCC became a lifeline for thousands of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian families. Colonel Lrc and his team provided English classes, job training, housing assistance, and citizenship guidance to more than 20,000 refugees in Northern California. Under his leadership, the center also fostered cultural and civic events like the annual TIt Lunar New Year festivals, helping new immigrant preserve their cherished traditions as they integrated into American life. In addition to addressing immediate resettlement needs, Colonel Lrc then started preserving the historical heritage of his people. He began collecting donated mementos that reflected the diverse experiences of Vietnamese refugees, from veterans who had fought alongside him, to boat people who survived harrowing ocean escapes, to those who endured brutal ``re-education'' camps after the war. Over three decades, Colonel Lrc assembled these artifacts and stories, determined to create an enduring home for the history of the Vietnamese diaspora. That vision culminated in the establishment of the Museum of the Boat People and the Republic of Vietnam, better known simply as the Vist Museum, which opened in San Jose's History Park in 2007. Housed in a restored historic building, the museum contains hundreds of precious artifacts, photographs, and works of art that tell the story of American journey. The museum would not have come together without immense personal sacrifice from Colonel Lrc who even mortgaged his family home to sustain the museum during difficult times. Thanks to his dedication, the Vist Museum stands today as a treasure of San Jose, educating future generations about the courage, sacrifice, and contributions of Vietnamese refugees. Colonel Vu Van Lrc passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loved ones and honored by a grateful community. For all of his military rank and community titles, he most cherished his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. While Colonel Lrc's journey began in war and exile, it became our community great fortune that he made his second home in San Jose, and that we could come to know Colonel Vu Van Lrc as a friend, mentor, and leader. Today, we honor his memory, and his legacy, which lives on in the hearts of more than 20,000 immigrant Americans who he supported in their brutally difficult journey, and whose journey itself has become an inspiration for our Nation.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ronald ``Ron'' A. Sege, a beloved member of our Silicon Valley community who passed away on November 30, 2025. Ron Sege was a respected technology executive, a philanthropist, and a dear friend to many. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, and service. Born in New York and raised in California, Ron earned his B.A. in Economics from Pomona College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He embarked on a remarkable 40-year career in the tech industry, helping to shape the internet and networking revolution of the post-dot-com era. He was perhaps best known for serving as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Echelon Corporation. Prior to Echelon, Ron served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the 3Com Corporation, a networking industry leader, and he led innovation startups such as Tropos Networks and Ellacoya Networks that advanced wireless broadband and internet technologies. Throughout these roles, he drove cutting-edge advancements across telecom, networking, wireless, and industrial internet sectors, earning widespread respect for his vision and business acumen. Beyond his professional achievements, Ron was deeply committed to his community. He generously lent his time and expertise to several nonprofit organizations in Silicon Valley, including serving on the executive boards of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, and the Montalvo Arts Center, to improve education, public policy, and the arts in our region. Ron will be remembered not only for his substantial contributions to technology and the community, but also for his personal qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. Colleagues and friends alike recall him as a wise and thoughtful leader whose steady guidance, sharp instincts, and unwavering integrity earned him deep respect across the industry. I long admired Ron's personal kindness, always making others feel as though they were important enough to have the full attention and concern of a respected tech CEO. Ron lived life fully and fearlessly, he was an avid motorcyclist, a music and photography enthusiast, and an adventurous traveler. Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Mahasti, and his four children Chris, Jon, Georgia, and Alexi. Ron's legacy of leadership, friendship, and humanity will continue to guide and inspire us in years to come. He will be greatly missed, but his influence endures in the countless lives he touched.

Mr. LICCARDO

Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Haregewaine Mitiku Ayalew, a beloved Ethiopian American community member from San Jose, California, who passed away on November 30, 2025. Ms. Ayalew's life was defined by service, generosity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the vulnerable. It is fitting that we recognize her remarkable contributions in the Congressional Record, for she exemplified the very best of our community's values through a lifetime of compassion and advocacy. Ms. Ayalew dedicated her professional life to caring for those made vulnerable by illness, age, or circumstance. As a certified Home Care Aide and Home Health Aide, she provided essential care marked by dignity, patience, and kindness. Beyond her caregiving work, she founded the Diamond Repoint Center and later established the San Pedro Gift Shop, which she operated for twelve years. Her entrepreneurial spirit was always rooted in creating opportunities that empowered others. Born in Gondar, Ethiopia, Ms. Ayalew never forgot the hardships faced by families in her home country. Her compassion reached across continents. For many years she invested her personal resources and time to support disadvantaged communities through charitable and faith-based initiatives. She organized annual food support programs for families in Addis Ababa and Gondar, particularly during major religious holidays when no one should feel forgotten. She also funded and built a library and a ten-room dormitory at the historic Debre Birhan Selassie Church in Gondar to support theology students. These facilities remain active today as places of study, refuge, and prayer. Ms. Ayalew further extended her humanitarian work to the ``Menna'' Center in Gondar, a facility caring for elders without family support and for individuals living with illness and disabilities. Through her efforts and the resources she gathered from her community in San Jose, she assisted thirty-five mothers and more than one hundred sixty vulnerable children, many of whom were orphans or living with disabilities. Her support empowered these families to rebuild their lives, whether by opening small shops, raising sheep and dairy cows, learning trades, or securing their basic needs. Her work created pathways to dignity, stability, and opportunity. In San Jose, Ms. Ayalew was a pillar of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo community. She lived a life grounded in prayer, humility, and service. At her local parish, Mekane Rama Saint Gabriel Church, she was known for her big smile, her compassion, and her unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. Her church community regarded her with deep respect and affection, and many found comfort and encouragement in her presence. Ms. Ayalew leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, service, and compassion. Her life's work lives on through her two daughters Aden Kassaye and Rebekah Kassaye, her extended family, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched both here and abroad. In her honor, her family and community are establishing a foundation to continue her mission and to ensure that her dedication to uplifting the vulnerable endures for generations. Though she is no longer with us, Ms. Haregewaine Mitiku Ayalew's example of kindness, devotion, and charity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and to the Mekane Rama Saint Gabriel Church community she loved so dearly. May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace.