Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many outstanding business leaders in California's Capital Region being honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 125th annual dinner and business awards ceremony. Those being honored are dedicated to the success of the region and have worked tirelessly to advance its economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans, and in thanking the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for its tireless efforts to promote business in northern California. Kevin Nagle, a businessman, key investor and CEO of the Sacramento Republic FC and minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, is being honored as the 2019 Sacramentan of the Year. Mr. Nagel has demonstrated his commitment to this city year after year, helping to ensure the Kings stayed in Sacramento and taking the Sacramento Republic FC from a startup team to a Major League Soccer organization. Mr. Nagle is a tremendous advocate and has brought a much-needed energy and vigor to our region. James Beckwith, President & CEO of Five Star Bank since 2003 and Board of Director of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, is the 2019 Businessman of the Year. Mr. Beckwith serves his clients with an entrepreneurial and empathetic spirit and believes in helping our region grow. Throughout his tenure with Five Star Bank, Mr. Beckwith has invested deeply in our community though not only Five Star Bank, but his involvement in the Sacramento Angels. His work has helped not only Five Star Bank grow but has facilitated success for numerous local startup ventures. Patricia `Trish' Rodriguez, Senior Vice President and Area Manager of Kaiser Permanente since 2010 is the 2019 Businesswoman of the Year. A longtime RN, Ms. Rodriguez is responsible for the provision of health care to more than 247,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento County area. Ms. Rodriguez works to improve not only community health, but economic health in our region and in addition to her Board role with the Sacramento Metro Chamber, is a Board Member for the American Heart Association. The Salvation Army is being inducted into the Centennial Business Hall of Fame. Started in 1865, the Salvation Army aims to reach our most vulnerable community members through a variety of compassionate services. From youth programs, to adult rehabilitation centers, the Salvation Army provides services to community members at every stage of their lives. They have locations in virtually every section of the world, helping in over 100 hundred countries. Honey has been named the 2019 Small Business of the Year. Founded in 2008, the female-led design and marketing studio has expertise in food, beverage, and agriculture industries. Honey is committed to creating the best and most aesthetic designs for their clients and are passionate about their craft. They have been developing designs for over ten years for industries such as winemakers, restaurants, events, and cannabis. Debra Oto-Kent, Founder and Executive Director of the Health Education Council, is receiving the 2019 Al Geiger Memorial Award. She founded the Council over twenty-eight years ago in order to reduce health disparities between communities. The Council builds partnerships with existing institutions in order to share resources and knowledge across the greater health community. Bill Mueller, CEO of Valley Vision, is receiving the 2019 Peter McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs. For thirteen years, Mr. Mueller has taken on complex challenges and has pushed community inspired and researched based solutions through his role of CEO. He has had a big role in improving the Sacramento area's diverse communities. Verna Sulpizio Hull, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Visit Sacramento, is the 2019 Metro EDGE Young Professional of the Year. Verna has been working to integrate local partnerships and businesses into Sacramento's tourism economy allowing for higher revenues and a larger growth in Sacramento's economy. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions to the Sacramento region that I love. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending them for their unwavering commitment to the Sacramento region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor the life of beloved Sacramento Observer founder and publisher, Dr. William Hanford Lee, who passed away on September 22, 2019 at the age of 83. His legacy will live on through the love of his family and friends, as well as the Sacramento Observer, a lighthouse for Sacramento's African-American community. Dr. Lee was blessed with the support of his family, his wife Kathryn (deceased) and sons, Larry, Billy and Roderick (deceased). Dr. William Lee was born on May 29, 1936 in Austin, Texas. In the early 1940's, Dr. Lee moved to the Sacramento neighborhood of Del Paso Heights. As a young adult, he attended California State University, Sacramento and later transferred to University of California, Berkley, where he received his B.A. in Accounting. His brief employment with real-estate companies Aerojet and IBM Corporations inspired Dr. Lee to establish his own real-estate and land development company in 1960. His success in real estate allowed for the establishment of The Sacramento Observer on November 22, 1962, marking the beginning of a revolution in journalism. Several momentous achievements outline Dr. Lee's career: he was awarded an Honorary Ph.D. from Southeastern University in 1970, he was named ``Publisher of the Year'' by the West Coast Black Publisher's Association in 1985, his newspaper has been named No.1 Black Newspaper six times, and he was awarded the John B. Russwurm trophy, the United States' top newspaper publishing honor. Additionally, he was co-founder and former President of the Men's Civic League, co-founder of The Greater Sacramento Urban League, and co-founder of the Sacramento Area Black Caucus. Nationally, Dr. Lee served on the Board of Directors and as an officer for the National Newspapers Publisher's Association, the Black Press of America, and co-founded the West Coast Black Publisher's Association. These incredible achievements and roles certainly signify just how powerful William Lee's presence was in the Sacramento region, in California, and in our nation. Madam Speaker, today we honor Dr. William Hanford Lee's generous contributions to journalism and education; he has been a mentor, an advocate, and a leader--both locally and nationally. His efforts in providing representation for the African-American community will be remembered for a life-time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at Sacramento State. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service that Sacramento State's Education Opportunity Program provides to our community. Sacramento State's EOP has graduated thousands of students, supporting the success of first-generation and low-income scholars from educationally-disadvantaged and historically-underrepresented communities. Sacramento State was one of the original California State University (CSU) campuses to embrace an Education Opportunity Program. Under the leadership of Dr. Edwin Klingelhofer, the program began with a successful pilot for 36 students and has expanded to now serve over 1,500 students each year. Soon after the program began at Sacramento State, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1072, which established similar programs at all CSU campuses. Since then, Sacramento State's EOP has thrived under the leadership of Dr. Marcellene Watson-Derbigny and the exceptional staff of the Student Academic Success and Educational Equity Programs office. Their dedicated service has paved the way for equity at Sacramento State and does not go unrecognized. EOP was Sacramento State's first equity program. It provides admissions assistance, a special orientation to university life, the Summer Bridge Academy, academic advising, personal counseling, tutoring, financial assistance, and various other programs. EOP is vital in ensuring the access, retention, and graduation achievements of underserved student populations. EOP is a major pathway for first- generation and low-income college students to succeed through its provision of a quality educational experience at Sacramento State. I wish the university's faculty, staff, students, and alumni success as they work to help individuals earn a college degree and fulfill their college dreams. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Education Opportunity Program at Sacramento State. As Sacramento State and the wider community elebrate, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the accomplishments of Sacramento State's Education Opportunity Program's staff and students, as they have paved the way for the success and representation of historically-underserved students.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor the 25th Anniversary and the magnificent work of the Japanese American Archival Collection at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State). I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the contributions of the Japanese American Archival Collection, as their work has preserved the deep history of Japanese Americans in the Sacramento Region, as well as the history of World War II internment, redress and reparations. The collection was created in 1994 from the generous gifts from Mary Tsukamoto, the Florin JACL, and the Sacramento VFW Nisei Post 8985, along with many other families and community members. This collection includes Ms. Tsukamoto's educational materials about the internment camps and a wealth of material about the Japanese-American community, including pages from her father's scrapbook, news publications, and photographs. The JAAC also includes historical artifacts, such as blankets, various military records, and personal journals. Since its founding, the collection has grown to include California State University's (CSU) Japanese American Digitization Project, which is a collection of over 2,900 images and documents from 15 CSU campuses related to the WWII incarceration of American citizens of Japanese descent. This award-winning collection also includes the JAAC Imagebase, which is comprised of over 1,300 photographs in a searchable database. Through the entire collection, scholars and the public can view images that range from the pictures of the inside of an internment camp to images of the uniforms worn by the Japanese-American nurses that worked in the camps. All of the documents, photographs and artifacts in the JAAC are a piece of our nation's history and I am so pleased that Sacramento State has taken the leadership to preserve them. Finally, I must add my deep and personal appreciation to the JAAC, as it is the host the Robert Matsui Legacy collection, which includes a number of news articles, pictures and videos about the redress and reparations movement. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise to honor the important work of the Japanese American Archival Collection at Sacramento State. This archival collection is absolutely important for all Americans, as we must continue to commit to learning from our nation's history of past mistakes, if we are to not repeat them in the future. I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this significant collection, and all those who have contributed personal items or have helped it grow.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to honor the life of beloved Sacramento chef and my dear friend Biba Caggiano. The legacy that Biba leaves in Sacramento will be forever felt through her restaurant and her acclaimed Italian cook books. Biba not only invigorated Sacramento's food culture but was also a symbol for hospitality and hard-work. As her husband, Vincent, and their children Carla and Paola, gather to remember her life and legacy, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in her memory. Biba Caggiano was born in October of 1936 in Bologna, Italy. In 1960, Biba moved to New York and found work with an Italian bank. Soon after, Biba moved to Sacramento, where she made homemade Italian dishes, a rare cuisine in the region at the time. Her love for traditional Italian cuisine was popular in Sacramento, and she soon found herself cooking and teaching others. In 1986, she opened the now iconic midtown restaurant Biba, beginning the movement that revolutionized Sacramento cuisine. She continued to grow as a successful chef, cookbook author, TV personality, and restaurateur. Since Biba has graced our region with her inspiring dishes, Sacramento has become an important place for food. She opened a path for more chefs to pursue their own culinary careers in Sacramento. It cannot be overstated the influence she has had on our city. Over her career, Biba has received the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence, Northern California Chef of the Year, and the Sacramento Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award. Madam Speaker, today we honor the incredible life of Biba Caggiano; a wife, mother, friend, teacher, and most importantly, a true Sacramento treasure. Biba will be fondly remembered by all in our community for her creative spirit and her kind hospitality. I will remember her for her spirit, talent, and courage.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. I came to Congress to serve the great people of Sacramento and to build a better future for our children and grandchildren, including my grandkids, Anna and Robby. The facts before us are crystal clear. We heard testimony from 17 brave patriots who value our democracy and the Constitution. They testified that President Trump threatened to withhold congressionally approved money in exchange for dirt on a political rival and, worse, that he continues to invite foreign powers to violate our sovereignty even today. On its face, these are impeachable offenses that represent a clear and present danger to our country. That is why the only answer is to act now. We need to stand together and stop President Trump immediately so that he cannot violate the next election. Madam Speaker, for the sake of our country and our democracy, I will vote ``yes'' to impeach the President.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of my dear friend Lina Fat. Lina was not only the woman credited with building the Fat Family Restaurant Group empire, but an astounding woman and example for the rest of Sacramento. As we mourn this tremendous loss, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring her life and legacy. Born Po Ying Yue in Hong Kong in 1938, Lina moved to the United States to attend college in Tennessee. After she graduated, she moved on to attend UC San Francisco Medical Center's School of Pharmacy, where she met her husband Ken. Although Lina and Ken originally became medical professionals, in 1974, Lina Fat changed careers to help her family expand and open the Fat City Bar & Cafe in Old Sacramento. Lina went on to become a trailblazer and an industry icon. Her generous and dynamic soul permeated through everything that she achieved. Her accolades were many--she was named both Businesswoman and Restaurateur of the Year in Sacramento. She also was the beating heart behind the Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival. Yet, behind it all was her everlasting dedication and love for her community. Lina Fat will continue to stand as an example to us all. Her life and legacy are symbolic of the convergence of culture, ideas, and community that are woven tight into the fabric that makes up the tapestry of Sacramento's essence. Her kindness, grace, and dedication to our region will never be forgotten. As we mourn this tremendous loss, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring her life and legacy. She is survived by her husband Ken; their children, J.C., Kevin and Diana; and various family members and friends. May we all find comfort in the incredible legacy she will leave behind.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, the most transformational expansion of Medicare since its creation. As co-chair of the House Democrats' Task Force on Aging and Families, I am fighting for the nearly 9 in 10 seniors taking a prescription drug, because when our system puts profit over patient health, beneficiaries pay the price. With this landmark legislation, we are delivering on the promise to lift up older Americans and their families. H.R. 3 negotiates lower drug prices. It expands Medicare to include vision, dental, and hearing coverage. It caps out-of-pocket costs, and we extend low drug prices to all Americans with private plans. While there are many reasons to support H.R. 3, mine is Tony from Sacramento. Tony has type 2 diabetes. She is a single mom and works part-time to care for her child, all while managing multiple chronic conditions. Over the last decade, the price of insulin has increased 197 percent, and those increases make it harder and harder for a family to get by. Under H.R. 3, drug price savings will be passed on to families like Tony's. Tony could pay as little as $34 per month, giving her family the relief they need for other expenses. For seniors, for families, and for all Americans who desperately need to lift the burden of high drug prices from their everyday lives, I ask that my colleagues support this bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Imam Haazim Faqueeh Rashed, as his family and the Sacramento community gather to remember him. Imam Rashed dedicated his life to the advancement of all communities, regardless of faith, in Sacramento. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Imam Haazim Rashed. Imam Haazim Faqueeh Rashed graduated from Stanford University and attended Yale University Law School. His professional career began with progressing economic development as a Director for the National Development Council. He dedicated himself to the education of various economic development professionals and initiated the revitalization of communities across the nation. In 1972, Imam Haazim Faqueeh Rashed converted to Islam and dedicated his life to his faith and service. In 2003, Imam Rashed moved to Sacramento and played a foundational role in establishing Sacramento's Masjid As-Sabur and soon became its Imam. In addition to leading his congregation, he was involved in numerous organizations and dedicated much of his time to the Sacramento's interfaith and community efforts through the Council of Sacramento Valley Islamic Organizations (COSVIO), Sacramento Area Congregations Together (Sac-ACT) and served on the Board of CAIR-Sacramento Valley/Central California. Imam Haazim Rashed worked tirelessly to help those in need and was known for his jovial uplifting character. He lifted the spirits of others and gave his life to helping community members. Imam Rashed was a devout husband, loving father and doting grandfather. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife of 46 years, Janice Davis Rashed, his children, extended family, and his community as Imam Haazim Rashed has touched the lives of many. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Imam Haazim Faqueeh Rashed, a man who has dedicated his life to the advancement of the American Muslim community and all communities in Sacramento. As Imam Haazim Faqueeh Rashed is being honored with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring his contributions to Sacramento and beyond.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today, as every other day throughout the year, patients suffer from rare diseases that need cures, cures that are sometimes elusive. But patients that need plasma protein therapies have hope; and on October 7 to 11, 2019, across the United States and throughout the world, patients, plasma donors, and plasma collection centers will join together to observe International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW). There will be events to raise global awareness of the crucial need for plasma to create life-saving therapies, recognize that plasma donors contribute greatly in saving and improving lives, and increase understanding of the many rare diseases and plasma protein therapies that help to treat them. Plasma-derived therapies and recombinant blood clotting factors, collectively known as plasma protein therapies, are unique, biologic medicines that are either infused or injected to treat a variety of rare, life-threatening, chronic, and genetic diseases including bleeding disorders, hereditary angioedema, immune deficiencies, pulmonary disorders, neurological disorders, shock and trauma, liver cirrhosis, and infectious diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis, and rabies. Plasma-derived therapies save and improve lives of individuals throughout the world, including in emergency and surgical medicine. Plasma protein therapies have significantly improved the quality of life, markedly improved patient outcomes, and extended the life expectancy of individuals with rare, chronic diseases and conditions. Healthy, committed donors provide the plasma essential to manufacture these lifesaving therapies; and there are now more than 780 plasma collection centers in the U.S. that have demonstrated their commitment to plasma donor and patient safety and quality by earning International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and rise in commemoration of International Plasma Awareness Week, honoring those committed donors and collection centers who make and collect needed and lifesaving contributions

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, it is with delight that I rise to honor the 1OOth Anniversary of the Buddhist Church of Florin as the congregation and greater community gathers for this historic occasion. This historical Church has served as the heart of the Florin Japanese- American community and a hub for social and religious gatherings alike. In the 1890's, the Issei arrived in Florin and thrived in our region. In 1919, a few decades after the Issei's arrival, Japanese-American strawberry and grape farmers from Florin, Mayhew, and Elk Grove gathered to form the Buddhist Church of Florin. Tragically, World War II brought turmoil to our community and the church with Executive Order 9066. Because of the order of the relocation of all persons of Japanese ancestry, the church was locked and not in use until residents returned to the region after release. Since the return of the congregation, the Buddhist Church of Florin has flourished and is now dedicated to sharing the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist teachings, remembering the history of the Issei and Florin, and most importantly, provide a space for the community to connect. The Church provides social and cultural events, monthly low-cost lunches for seniors, and youth athletics such as basketball and martial arts. Madam Speaker, as Florin residents and the greater community gather to celebrate this momentous day, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Buddhist Church of Florin.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the service Eddie Aguero has provided to the residents of the State of California and to our nation. Today, Mr. Aguero is being recognized for his twenty-five years of service to California Volunteers. I ask my colleagues to stand with me in celebration of his commitment to our community. Made at Sacramento State and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Aguero has dedicated his life to service. Prior to his last twenty-five years with California Volunteers, he worked at the Sacramento Job Corps as Recreation Supervisor and Counselor to the young people attending for academic and technical training. He later served as the CalSERVE Program Manager for the California Conservation Corps. In this capacity, he implemented and managed grants. He also served in other capacities where he oversaw projects from start to finish for 150 corps members. In 1994, Mr. Aguero began his career at California Volunteers, which was known as the California Commission at the time. During his time with the organization, he served as an Assistant Director of Programs, Training and Technical Assistance Director, Disability Coordinator, and Manager of Program Operations. Mr. Aguero has also been at the forefront of disaster release efforts. In response to Hurricane Katrina, he oversaw the deployment of AmeriCorps members and most recently for the Camp Fire in Paradise. Over the years, he has partnered closely with AmeriCorps programs, providing them with essential training and technical assistance, focused on developing the capacity of program associates to oversee programs, and much more. Mr. Aguero's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The legacy of his work garnered him the honor as one of twenty AmeriCorps Trailblazers in 2014. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Eddie Aguero for his successful career and his tireless advocacy for service programming and engaging Californians in service. Mr. Aguero is a true California treasure and a leader in our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing him congratulations for the past three decades of service and best wishes for his continued service.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the fourteen years of service Patty Kleinknecht has provided to the residents and businesses of Sacramento's River District. Patty Kleinknecht has not only been an integral piece of the River District's development, but an impactful force throughout Sacramento. Today, I ask my colleagues to stand with me in celebration of her retirement and her exceptional legacy as an advocate for the River District's revitalization. Patty graduated with a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining the River District, Patty gained valuable experience in commercial real estate management and retail management serving as general manager for the Central Dallas Association for 12 years, and Property Manager for Colliers Texas Management and Pegasus Real Estate Management, Inc. She has over 25 years of public district management experience in the exciting cities of Sacramento and Dallas, Texas. The River District, situated at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, is centrally located in Sacramento and houses important business and organizations to the region such as Loaves and Fishes, the Powerhouse Science Center, and the residential development Township Nine. Through her tireless leadership, Patty has led the development and expansion of the River District, creating the ground work for it's exciting future expansion. One of her greatest legacies will be her work in advancing the Powerhouse Science Center, formerly a PG&E plant along the Sacramento River. She helped it become a future sight of education and exploration for Sacramentans and visitors alike. Patty's leadership ensured the River District became an anchor in our community and a testament to Sacramento's potential. Her work will always be remembered as the District continues to blossom over the coming years. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Patty Kleinknecht's successful career and her role as a visionary for the River District. Patty is a true Sacramento treasure and a leader in our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing her the best in her retirement

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, otherwise known as DERA, and I urge my colleagues to support this critically important and bipartisan legislation. The mission of the EPA DERA program is simple: reduce air pollution, improve public health, and make our communities better places to live and raise a family. That is why this commonsense program has continually garnered broad bipartisan support since it was first proposed. The reason for that is equally simple: DERA gets results and saves taxpayer dollars in the long run. By replacing or retrofitting older and dirtier diesel engines, the program has made meaningful strides in boosting public health, reducing air pollution, and improving the quality of life in communities across the country. Over the last 10 years, the EPA has awarded over $600 million in funds, and those dollars are making the difference. Over 67,000 engines have been retrofitted or replaced. We have saved nearly $20 billion in realized health costs. We have prevented millions of tons of carbon monoxide and particulate matter from entering our air, and we have saved over 450 million gallons of fuel at the pump. Mr. Speaker, that is why we need to continue authorizing the DERA program, so that it can continue to do its great work for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends and colleagues, Congressman Lowenthal from California, Congressman Long from Missouri, and Congressman Wittman from Virginia, for coleading this bill with me and for helping usher it to the floor. My duty to my constituents is to fight for cleaner air and cleaner communities. In fact, we all owe that to those we serve. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to vote on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, I ask my colleagues to support my bill and this critically important EPA program.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Frank Fat and the 80th anniversary of Frank Fat's Restaurant. As the staff and loyal patrons gather to celebrate this wonderful achievement, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the Fat family for their profoundly positive contributions to the Sacramento community. Frank Fat immigrated to the United States in 1919 at the age of 16. In the 1930's Frank would get his lucky break while managing his uncle's Hong Kong Lum restaurant. A customer asked Frank to play a bet on a Keno game in the basement gambling hall. A 50-cent ticket would end up winning the patron $900, but the official had left before the game even began. Frank held onto the winnings for two months before the customer returned. That thankful customer rewarded Frank for his honesty by giving him a business loan--a loan which would materialize into his down payment on a rundown speakeasy that would become the iconic Frank Fat's restaurant. Frank and his wife, Mary, first opened their humble restaurant on August 31, 1939. When asked his philosophy, Frank stated, ``You give people good food, a nice place to eat and make them happy. Pretty simple, really,'' words that continue to define the restaurant's success. His restaurant at 806 L Street in Sacramento--where it still stands today--quickly became a favorite location for legislators and locals alike. It is said more legislative decisions were made here than in any office at the Capitol, including the legendary ``Napkin deal'' of 1987 that introduced landmark tort reform. After Frank's passing in 1992, the Fat family ensured that his legacy lived on by continuing the tradition of serving iconic food and ensured that the restaurant remained an important pillar in our community. Under the continued leadership of the Fat family, the restaurant remains a destination for good food. Frank Fat's has remained an iconic institution, receiving accolades such as the America's Classic James Beard award and most recently, a 2019 Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Fat family not only continues the culinary legacy created by Frank, they remain dedicated in honoring the community they serve by giving back to the region and remain strong advocates for the API community. Madam Speaker, I hereby commemorate and honor the late Frank Fat, the restaurant that bears his name, its staff, and the entire Fat Family for their dedication to the culinary arts and the people of Sacramento for more than 80 years. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing them continued success and thanking them for their service to the Sacramento region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2740, the minibus appropriations bill, which includes funding for Energy and Water Development. I applaud the Committee's addition of funds for the programs of the Army Corps of Engineers, especially for continuation of flood control work in my district, which includes Sacramento and West Sacramento. The bill contains funds for continuation of construction of levees in the Natomas Basin and for continuation of design of the West Sacramento Project. Those initiatives are essential steps in providing adequate protection for my constituents, who live in one of the most flood-prone areas in the country. I also strongly support the Committee's inclusion of additional undesignated funds that the Corps of Engineers will distribute through a Work Plan to be developed after the bill is signed into law. Furthermore, I appreciate the Committee's allowance for six undesignated construction ``New Starts,'' which is critically important to West Sacramento. As the bill moves forward, I urge the continued inclusion of robust funding for a Work Plan and of an adequate number of New Starts for flood control to address these needs. My district can benefit immensely from these provisions. The Corps has recently indicated that additional funds will be needed in Fiscal Year 2020 for the Natomas Project due to cost increases and weather delays. Additionally, it is my understanding that the West Sacramento Project is making very good progress and will soon be positioned for a New Start and accompanying initial construction funding. With this in mind, I plan to continue working with the leadership of the Corps of Engineers, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, and the West Sacramento Area Flood control Agency to determine the optimum funding and New Start designation for my communities.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019 and its provisions extending critical access to mental health and addiction treatment. Let's be clear: One in five Americans live with a mental illness. Nearly all of us have a friend, a family member, or neighbor who has been diagnosed. Mental illness touches all our lives in some way. When we passed the Excellence in Mental Health Act in 2014, we made an investment in behavioral health that expanded access to necessary treatment. Eight States established community-based clinics providing 24-hour crisis care, better coordinating physical, mental, and substance abuse treatment. This provided much-needed support to patients and their families. In combating opioid addiction, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers are already making a difference. In the first year of implementation, these clinics served nearly 400,000 patients with serious mental health and addiction disorders, providing 80,000 individuals with lifesaving treatment for the first time. Headline after headline tells us we need to preserve and, importantly, expand access to programs like this. While the bill before us will extend funding to programs in eight existing States for the next 2\1/2\ years, our work here is far from done. People are struggling with the stigma of mental illness and substance use disorder across the country. Every American should have access to the same top-notch care as patients in the pilot programs. That is why I will continue to be a fierce advocate for expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers program. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues so that we can create new opportunities to expand access to mental healthcare and conquer the addiction crisis that has harmed far too many families.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I am pleased to join my colleagues today in supporting critical investments made by this bill. I rise today in support of my amendment, which will provide additional assistance for innovative programs that will help young people with developmental disabilities in obtaining and sustaining long-term employment. Madam Chair, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. More than 50,000 individuals with autism turn 18 every year, and 500,000 will age out of school systems in the next 10 years. A significant number of young adults with autism spectrum disorder remain unemployed and unenrolled in higher education in the 2 years after high school. Young adults on the autism spectrum often do not have access to an educational environment that can assist them in developing practical life skills, increase social capacity, and transition to work and independence. This amendment is a critical first step towards remedying that. Specifically, it will help support and promote innovative educational programs and focus on preparing students for entry into the workforce or pursuing higher education. The support offered through these initiative programs helps young adults find and maintain employment. In turn, this is a critical step towards independence, an opportunity to be more productive and to fully participate in all facets of community life. My amendment will support young adults with developmental disabilities access care and education necessary to find jobs by focusing on inclusion and integration. It is critically important that all children and young adults, particularly those who are challenged with autism, have the opportunity to fully participate in our communities and society. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), my dear friend and subcommittee chair.

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I add to this, too, if I may, the program supported by this amendment offers opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities to be placed in paid jobs, internships, or volunteer positions. Often, the individuals who participate are extremely passionate and capable about a work opportunity but simply need a little help along the way. I think we can all agree that learning opportunities to better train and encourage these young adults to seek and maintain long-term work is a goal we all support. These problem-solving abilities and confidence gained in the right environment can have a lasting, long-term impact on those with autism. Madam Chair, I feel that this is something that will really help the individuals whom I have met along the way, and I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary festival of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony. As staff, families, and community members gather to celebrate this momentous occasion, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing this outstanding historic landmark and all the Japanese cultural history it has represented over the past 150 years. Wakamatsu Farm was established by a Japanese colonist in California in June 1869. Today, the Wakamatsu Farm represents rich Japanese- American history and is home to several organic farming projects and historic features. The Farm, now owned by the American River Conservancy, hosts two farming businesses that lease land and buildings on the property and provide sustainably grown produce and goods to the community. I have seen firsthand the incredible impact the Wakamatsu Farm has had on their surrounding community. For 150 years, the Wakamatsu Farm has built a community space that cultivates an appreciation for natural resources, sustainable agriculture, and cultural history. The volunteers and partners have helped preserve the land and create a beautiful space for visitors to learn about the Colony's roots. Madam Speaker, as the Wakamatsu Farm and the community it serves gather to celebrate the Farm's 150th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their commitment to the preservation of such a rich site for cultural history and to maintain a biologically diverse landscape for the benefit of the community.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 987, legislation that advances Democrats' commitment to rein in the soaring costs of healthcare for consumers. I am pleased that we are taking important steps forward to address an issue I hear from constituents almost daily: the rising cost of prescription medicines. Just recently, I heard from Mary, who is living with a lifelong chronic condition. The cost of her medication has skyrocketed in recent years to the point that it has forced her to cancel prescriptions and forgo treatment. This is really unacceptable. The bills before us today represent an opportunity to make progress by allowing lower cost generic drugs to come to market sooner. Furthermore, these efforts aim to make healthcare more affordable for patients with preexisting conditions by reversing the Trump administration's relentless and ongoing sabotage of the ACA. This is critical for people like Charis, a constituent in my district who fears that, without the ACA, she would have to hide her rare disease in order to get adequate medical care. No patient should have to live with such a worry. I am pleased to be able to support these patient protections on the floor today, and I remain committed to keeping the pressure on tackling prescription drug and insurance costs and working to defend Americans' rights to quality and affordable healthcare.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, Ellen Tauscher was tough, strategic and effective. As we mourn the loss of our friend Ellen, we are reminded of not only of the deals that she forged here in the halls of Congress, but also the continued treaties that she established between nations. As we have heard many of my colleagues stress today, Ellen stands out because she created success and opportunity in rare, tough situations. I knew Ellen could always bring all sides to the table. Ellen's work at the highest levels of government have roots in her remarkable career prior to politics--being a trailblazing member of the New York Stock Exchange and founding the ChildCare Registry in Northern California. Her bold leadership style created an environment of confidence and trust. On a personal level, I remember the fun times we had together talking and sharing the adventures--highs and lows of our kids. Today and as we move forward, I know the world is safer because of Ellen Tauscher's leadership in the State Department and Armed Services Committee. We will all miss her courage, her thoughtfulness, and her humanity

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act, which prohibits the Trump administration from promoting the sale of junk insurance plans that do not fully protect Americans with preexisting conditions. Today, we are taking a critical step to reverse a damaging Trump administration policy. With the Affordable Care Act, we sought to ensure that all people covered in the same area are charged the same premium as everyone else, regardless of their health status. Women cannot be denied coverage or charged more simply because they are women, and more Americans now have the freedom to start their own business or pursue work in the gig economy without fear of losing coverage for preexisting conditions. Coverage before the ACA was often tied to employer plans. In California, we have taken a stance against the Trump administration's sabotage of the ACA by protecting consumers from the sale of junk plans, but not every State has followed our lead. This legislation protects basic fairness and access to healthcare for all Americans, not just those living in States that have sought aggressive reforms, changes, and improvements to the law. We now have a real opportunity to protect and build on the ACA's success, and I am immensely pleased to be able to support such efforts on the floor today.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Linda Rosenberg, the outgoing CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health. As members of the community gather today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Linda for her leadership as a health care architect and reformer in advancing quality care for individuals with behavioral health disorders. For 15 years, Linda has served as the President and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health. Under her leadership, the National Council has become the nation's most effective advocate for behavioral health care, serving 10 million adults, children, and families. Linda's work has played a critical role in expanding the financing for integrated behavioral health services, ensuring the passage of federal mental health and addiction parity law, as well as introducing Mental Health First Aid in the U.S. She also helped to ensure the inclusion of behavioral health services in the Affordable Care Act. Linda's commitment to the advancement of behavioral health care can be seen throughout the duration of her career. Prior to the National Council, she served as Senior Deputy Commissioner of New York State Office of Mental Health and helped to implement New York's first Mental Health Court. She also has over 30 years of experience as certified social worker, family therapist and psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner. Linda currently serves on several boards of directors and is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. In her honor, the National Council recently granted her the Lifetime Achievement Award at their 2019 annual conference. Madam Speaker, as we gather to celebrate Linda Rosenberg's lifetime of achievements, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring her dedication and leadership in the improvement of mental health and substance services.