Kevin Mullin

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize David Pine, member of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, upon the conclusion of his tenure in service to our community. Born in Massachusetts in 1958, and raised in New Hampshire, Dave is a graduate of Dartmouth College, where he was awarded a Harry S. Truman scholarship. He was elected, at age 19, to the New Hampshire State House of Representatives, one of the youngest ever elected. Following his undergraduate studies Dave earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. Before focusing his career on public service, Dave worked as an attorney representing start-up and high-growth technology companies. After working in private practice with Fenwick & West, he served as Vice President and General Counsel for Radius, Excite@Home, and Handspring. Dave served on the Redwood City Planning Commission and was an elected school board member for the Burlingame School District from 2003 to 2007 and the San Mateo Union High School District from 2007 to 2011. He is also a past president of the San Mateo County School Boards Association. Dave was first elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in a special election in May 2011, and subsequently reelected in 2012, 2016 and 2020. He served as Board President in 2014, 2018 and 2023. He has ably and with distinction represented District 1 which includes the cities of Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, and portions of San Bruno and South San Francisco; the unincorporated communities of San Mateo Highlands, Baywood Park and Burlingame Hills; and San Francisco International Airport. During his nearly 14 years on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, Dave has been on the forefront, crafting policies that reflect the diverse values of our community. He championed the creation of the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission--now called LGBTQIA+ Commission--the first of its kind in the state and has served as Board liaison to the Commission since its inception, including providing staff support to the Director and commissioners. He also championed annual San Mateo County recognitions of Pride Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance and led the effort to establish the San Mateo County Pride Center, which provides high quality, LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services, including counseling, therapy and collaborative treatment planning. Dave led on gun safety, spearheading the County's Gun Violence Prevention Program and introducing a Safe Firearm Storage ordinance and a Firearm Dealer ordinance, and led efforts to garner County support of resident-led San Mateo County gun buyback events. He has been a strong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, expanding access to prevention programs and health and mental health access, and combatting poverty and homelessness. He has been an advocate for public transit and served on the San Mateo County Transit District and Caltrain boards of directors. He worked to support Measure W, a 2018 half-cent sales tax for countywide transit improvement projects, which passed with 66.9 percent support. With Dave's appointment as Co-Chair of the San Mateo County Child Care Partnership Council in 2011, he began a dedicated approach to addressing the needs of children and their families by identifying local priorities for childcare and early learning services and developing policies and strategies for implementation. He is a founding member and Co-Chair of Build Up San Mateo County, established in 2017, which serves as a hub for multi-sector collaborations on advocacy, policy, technical assistance, financing, and development support to encourage the creation of child care facilities for employees, track local real estate projects for child care opportunities, identify resources to build new child care and preschool facilities, and generate funding to renovate existing facilities. Dave has consistently advocated for additional funding to support programs and policies such as the Community Equity Collaborative for the Teacher Pipeline Project to offer tuition-free Early Childhood Education classes. Concerned for our natural environment, and protecting our communities from the impacts of climate change, Dave has worked extensively on the intersecting issues of flood control, sea level rise, and tidal land restoration. As Chair of the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority and member of the Governing Board since 2013, he helped pass a nine- county Bay Area parcel tax, Measure AA, in 2016 that funds shoreline projects that protect and restore the Bay. He is the founding Chair of the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, known as OneShoreline, the first county-level agency in the state to directly focus on flood control and sea level rise. The District was created following two Sea Level Rise/Water conferences he led in 2013 and 2018, during which he and other San Mateo County leaders recognized the need for a coordinated response. I was pleased to work with Dave by authoring the legislation in the California State Assembly to create OneShoreline, a model for the rest of California and the nation on a regional approach to climate change adaptation. As a member of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, Dave provided sound guidance on regional sea level rise planning for new shoreline projects, and was instrumental in helping the organization embrace much needed reforms and facilitating the resolution of longstanding complex regulatory entanglements. He provided his expertise as a board member and former chair of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority which completed a significant flood and sea level rise mitigation project and has ambitious plans to protect an eleven mile stretch of the Bay shoreline. Dave championed the creation of San Mateo County's Office of Sustainability (OOS), now the Sustainability Department, and supported initiatives such as the County policy that requires all County buildings to identify the risk from sea level rise, electrification of the County's vehicle fleet, a 2017 resolution in support of the commitment to the Paris Agreement as a show of the County's ongoing promise to cut greenhouse gas emissions, development of the County's Climate Action Plan, and exploration of reach code policies. Among his most significant environmental accomplishment is the creation of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), which provides San Mateo County residents and businesses with cleaner energy at lower rates. He led the County effort to create the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) structure starting in 2015. Through his leadership, and with the support of the then-County Office of Sustainability, all 20 cities in the county collaborated to form PCE in less than one year. With a steadfast commitment to public service, and a calm, analytical approach, Dave has been an outstanding steward for San Mateo County. He can be relied upon to approach matters with a solution-driven mindset. Dave is a respected and admired regional leader whose contributions to protecting our environment and preparing our community for the impacts of climate change will have a lasting impact, His thoughtful approach and building bridges serve as model for others to emulate. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Dave Pine for an exemplary record of service to the County of San Mateo, commending him for his tireless dedication of time and talent, and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Alicia Aguirre, Councilmember for the City of Redwood City, upon the conclusion of her 19 years of service to our community. Alicia is the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, first generation to graduate from college, and proud mother of two young men with three grandchildren. She holds an M.A. from Eastern Michigan University and has done Doctoral studies in Social Anthropology at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She was a Fulbright Exchange Professor in Argentina. A 36-year resident of Redwood City, Alicia arrived in 1988 concurrent with her employment as a Professor at Canada College in the English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish Departments. She currently serves as the ESL Department's Coordinator. She was also a former Visiting Dean at the Sequoia Union High School District as Director of English Learners. Her passion for education is evident in her volunteer and community activities that have empowered others to achieve. She served for six years as a Trustee, with one year as President, of the Redwood City Elementary School Board before her appointment to the City Council. She served as a Trustee for Notre Dame De Namur University in Belmont, on the Mt. Carmel and Garfield Charter School Boards, and as Board Member for the Redwood City Library Foundation. Alicia was appointed to the City Council of Redwood City in January 2005 and was elected in November 2005, and re-elected in 2007, and 2011, 2015, and 2020 for a total of 19 years, amongst the longest- tenured City Councilmembers in San Mateo County. She has served as both Vice Mayor and then Mayor from 2011-2013 and is the first Latina Mayor in the history of Redwood City. As an engaged community leader, Alicia has served on various local boards and committees in several capacities including Service League of San Mateo County, Redwood City International, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce and its Leadership Program Committee, Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County, and Latino Community Council of Redwood City. And in her capacity as a Redwood City Councilmember, Alicia represented the City and community on the Statewide Latino Caucus Executive Board, the Latino Political Action Committee, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the San Mateo County City/County Association of Governments, and the Peninsula Division of the League of California Cities. Because of her numerous contributions, Alicia has been recognized for her accomplishments with many awards including being named California's Assembly District 21, Woman of the Year in 2012 by Assemblyman Rich Gordon, being inducted into the Chamber San Mateo County's Hall of Fame, receiving the Ohtli Award and medal by the Mexican Government for her support of the Mexican community abroad, and being honored for her contributions towards affordable housing with the Housing Hall of Fame award. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Alicia focused on keeping residents and business owners informed about County and State health orders, safely providing city services and funding for emergency rental assistance, and ensuring local hospitals were prepared for an evolving disease. Alicia also worked tirelessly during the pandemic to sustain Redwood City's local economy by supporting small business emergency grant programs, allowing safe business operations outdoors, advocating for childcare providers and promoting safe return to work for local companies to encourage workers to shop and dine again in Redwood City. With improving housing access as one her primary policy goals, Alicia supported housing for all income levels, especially affordable housing for vulnerable groups like seniors, veterans and the homeless, and missing middle housing for young families and new residents. Alicia played an integral role in assisting the unhoused population through her work with LifeMoves, which strives to end homelessness by providing interim housing, supportive services, and building collaborative partnerships. She encouraged new housing in Downtown Redwood City near transit, jobs and walkable businesses. She was mindful about carefully balancing neighborhood preservation with private property rights regarding upgrades like ADU's and home additions. She supported Safe Routes to Schools and prioritized traffic safety on major thoroughfares by creating more opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely use closed streets through Slow Street Programs. Alicia is a respected and admired regional leader focused on issues of social equity and immigrant rights, affordable housing, transportation, and economic empowerment for all socio-economic residents of Redwood City and in our community. Alicia Aguirre's hallmark is her diligent work, her deep compassion, and her profound connection with every segment of our community. Her thoughtful approach, building bridges, and mentoring the next generation of leaders has been transformative and serves as model for others to emulate. The effectiveness of a leader can be judged by their lasting impact. By that measure, Alicia has excelled as she leaves Redwood City in a better place. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues please join me in congratulating Alicia Aguirre for an exemplary record of service to Redwood City, commending her for her tireless dedication of time and talent, and wishing her all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Councilmember Alvin L. Royse, fondly known as ``Al,'' for his decades of exemplary service to his community, his profession, and his family. As Councilmember Royse completes his third term on the Hillsborough City Council, it is appropriate to reflect on his remarkable legacy of leadership and dedication. Al was born in 1950 in the Peace Garden State of North Dakota as one of five children in his household. He began his career of service to the public by serving two terms in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly, where he championed key issues such as the Equal Rights Amendment. He was later inducted into the University of North Dakota School of Accounting Hall of Fame and was awarded the University of North Dakota Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership. He served as Mayor of Hillsborough in 2021 and 2022, bringing his deep expertise and collaborative spirit to the role. Al has served as Public Works Commissioner since 2021, after serving as Finance Commissioner from 2013 to 2020. His tenure on the Council has been marked by his steadfast advocacy for fiscal responsibility and sustainable infrastructure development. Beyond his contributions to local government, Al's impact extends to national service. A retired Senior Partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, he distinguished himself as Global and U.S. National Managing Partner for Tax Industries, among other leadership roles. A Certified Public Accountant and attorney, Al has also lent his expertise as a consultant to businesses and a lecturer on global economics, corporate ethics, and leadership development. Al's contributions to nonprofit organizations are equally significant. He is a past National Chairman of both the American Heart Association and Voices for Healthy Kids. His work for these organizations earned him numerous accolades, including the 2021 Gold Heart Award and the 2024 Morgan Stark Memorial Award from the American Heart Association. Locally, he has supported education, youth sports, and civic organizations, serving as a leader for groups such as the Hillsborough Schools Foundation, Boy Scouts, and Peninsula Family Service. A proud resident of Hillsborough since 1985, Al raised his children, Matthew and Jennifer, in the community. Al's role as a father, grandfather, and active participant in his children's lives has been a source of immense pride. An avid skier, tennis player, and history enthusiast, Al is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, traveling, and pursuing his-love of reading following his time on the Hillsborough City Council. Al's tenure is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Councilmember Alvin L. Royse for his decades of extraordinary service and his enduring commitment to making his community and our Nation a better place. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Alisa McAvoy, School Board Trustee for the Redwood City School District, upon her retirement after 17 years of dedication and advocacy for public education. Alisa was born in Oxnard, California in 1963. She moved to Northern California where she attended Stanford University to pursue her Bachelor and Master's degrees in Civil/Environmental Engineering with an energy planning emphasis and graduated in 1987. Alisa's commitment to protecting the environment has been illustrated by her time working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dedicated to pollution prevention and agriculture sustainability, she worked as an engineer and manager overseeing hazardous waste management projects across several states. Alisa's journey into educational advocacy began in 2007, when she was elected to the Redwood City School District Board of Trustees. During her years on the Board, Alisa served as Board President and Vice President three times. Additionally, she has participated on numerous District committees including Policy, Wellness, Call to Action, School Choice Programmatic, Local Control Accountability, Superintendent's Advisory, Feasibility Study, and Community Outreach. The length and depth of knowledge and experience acquired through active participation in Board committees deepened her commitment and tireless advocacy for education. As a school board trustee, Alisa has engaged extensively with community members, parents, staff, teachers, and elected officials to foster collaboration to ensure a high caliber and meaningful public education for all students. Her leadership includes chairing initiatives and successfully advancing multiple Redwood City School District ballot measures, securing over $500 million to support facility upgrades, capital projects, ongoing operations, and educational programs. Alisa has devoted numerous volunteer hours at school events across San Mateo County, and in the schools, helping with math, art, field trips, special events, science and more. Alisa has always advocated for education, especially for adequate and consistent funding with community partners, parents, elected officials, state and federal officials and non-profits and community groups. With a passion for service, Alisa, has served on various boards including Little Hands, Carlmont Parents Nursery School, Clifford School Parent Teacher Organization, Redwood City Education Foundation, North Star Site Council, Family Connections, and the Family Connections Authors Night, Emerald Lake Country Club, Redwood City Woman's Club, League of Women Voters, San Mateo County iZone Leadership Team and Policy, and San Mateo County Community Choice Energy Advisory Committee. Because of exemplary service in public education, Alisa has been recognized for her achievements, receiving Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011 from Family Connections, the Golden Oak Service Award from the California State Parent Teacher Association, and the 17th District Parent Teacher Association in 2020. For her decades of service to the San Mateo County education community as a Redwood City School District Trustee, Alisa was recognized with the 2024 J. Russell Kent Award. When Alisa is not advocating for public education, she enjoys bicycling, hiking, enjoying nature, cooking, attending musicals and concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends. She resides in Redwood City with her husband, Neil McAvoy, and has two daughters Marissa and Clara. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary service to public education that Alisa McAvoy has demonstrated over the past 17 years. All the families that she has impacted through her advocacy are better off because of her determination to improve student education outcomes.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ron Collins, Councilmember for the City of San Carlos, upon his retirement after 13 years of dedicated service to the city. Ron Collins began his career of public service in San Mateo County in 1972, two years after he graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned his bachelor's degree in history. For seven years, he served as a public-school teacher and administrator in Half Moon Bay, and obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from San Francisco State University. He then transitioned to the private sector undertaking a career in insurance, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. Ron was elected to the City Council of San Carlos in November 2011 and served in this position until December 2024. During his tenure, which included two stretches as Mayor, Ron undertook countless initiatives that have greatly improved the lives of San Carlos' residents. Ron and his wife, Gayle, have lived in San Carlos for most of their lives. In addition to raising two children in the city, Ron has done much to improve the lives of children and families. This includes protecting children's safety by banning smoking in multi-family housing and banning the sale of flavored tobacco that particularly affect teenage populations. Ron additionally has sought to improve parents' access to childcare in San Carlos through passing a Child Care Development Impact Fee, which requires nonresidential developers to include childcare spaces on their sites, and approving a Childcare Grant Program designed to support local childcare operators in expanding their access to childcare. During his time as a Councilmember, Ron also made significant improvements to make San Carlos more accessible from both an income and transportation standpoint. He supported the 2023-2031 San Carlos Housing Element, which aims to create a total of 1,164 new units of housing for low-income families and approved numerous other significant affordable housing developments. Ron also supported the San Carlos Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, aiming to make San Carlos a place where people can freely and safely navigate across the city's streets. Ron has worked to plan for the future of San Carlos and has also sought to enhance the city in the present. Ron supported multiple sustainability initiatives to adapt San Carlos in the face of the threat of climate change, from beginning to transition San Carlos' fleet of Public Works vehicles to an EV platform, to adopting a disposable foodware ordinance. Ron has strengthened San Carlos' economic standing by overseeing the completion of projects such as the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Landmark Hotel. During his tenure, San Carlos updated and preserved many of the city's community facilities such as the San Carlos Library, the Youth Center, and the Adult Community Center. In doing so, Ron has provided San Carlos' residents with comprehensive spaces to congregate and enjoy the city's public resources. Ron's impressive record as a Councilmember reflects his deep, longstanding commitment to improve the lives of San Carlos' residents. Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ron Collins for his years of service on the San Carlos City Council, commending him for his immense dedication towards the community he served, and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Goodwin, Councilmember and current Mayor of the Town of Colma, upon his retirement after 35 years of serving the public. Mr. Goodwin was born in a small community near Denver, Colorado, in 1960. His love of the outdoors and passion for serving others led him to begin his career as a National Park Service law enforcement ranger. For 27 years, Mr. Goodwin worked in National Parks across the continental United States, traveling from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, to Mount Rainier in Washington State, to the Everglades in Florida, and finally to Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Goodwin's extensive career as a National Park Service ranger is emblematic of his commitment to helping others. He put his life on the line numerous times, saving many others in the process as well as nearly losing his own from two devastating lightning strikes. Mr. Goodwin endured the physical and mental costs of the dangers of his career, including a decade-long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, with the help of his family and friends, Mr. Goodwin persevered, seeking treatment at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat and continuing his mission to help others. He later documented many of his unforgettable stories in his memoir ``Echoes of the Badge: Stories from a National Park Service Career'' where he poignantly shared the joys and tribulations of his 27 years as a ranger. In 2016, after retiring from the National Park Service, Mr. Goodwin decided to continue his career of public service by successfully running for an elected seat on Town of Colma City Council. Referred to as the ``City of Souls,'' this small community just south of San Francisco is unique in that much of its land is dominated by cemeteries--the population of the dead is speculated to outnumber the living by a ratio of one thousand to one. During his tenure as a councilmember, Mr. Goodwin embarked on numerous initiatives to cultivate the vitality of the town. He pushed for increased multi- cultural recreation events, supported public art projects, championed flag-raisings to honor the diversity of the town's residents, and offered his unwavering support for local businesses. He additionally welcomed Colma's Veteran's Village with open arms, providing 65 units of housing for formerly homeless veterans and their families. Mr. Goodwin served as Mayor of Colma in 2020, where he worked tirelessly to protect his constituents and the town's local businesses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, he again took office as Mayor, serving the town on the 100th anniversary of the town's incorporation. Mr. Goodwin has also demonstrated exemplary community service outside of his official leadership positions in Colma. He has volunteered and raised thousands of dollars for various mental illness and veteran support organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and for 9/11 survivors. Mr. Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring the extraordinary service to the public that John Goodwin has presented over his 35-year career. All of the lives that he has touched are better off through his dedication and commitment.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My California congressional district sits on the San Francisco peninsula and is home to a vibrant innovation economy that supports every sector of American industry. The leading-edge technologies being developed and improved in the bay area have the potential to help keep the rest of California and our Western States safe from the risk of wildfire. My amendment today seeks to ensure that we are using the best technologies available to understand wildfire risk. Artificial intelligence, with its potential to analyze large datasets and improve predictive models, can and should play an important role in informing land management decisions. These data tools will be vital for enabling the proposed Fireshed Center in the Fix Our Forests Act. This should be an easy vote for those who support using the best available technologies to protect communities and inform land management activities. Mr. Chair, I urge the adoption of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mahsa Amini on the second anniversary of her heinous murder. I join people around the world in remembering her life and legacy for the Iranian people. Mahsa Amini was devoted to her family; especially her parents and younger brother. From a young age she felt a call to service and set her sights on entering medicine to help keep her community safe. Tragically, this dream was cut short when the Iranian Regime's morality police arrested, beat, and murdered Ms. Amini over an alleged dress code violation. Yet, in the aftermath of her death; the world witnessed firsthand that Ms. Amini's story would not be defined by that horrible day. Her sacrifice galvanized hundreds of thousands of Iranians to stand up to the Iranian government's draconian oppression of its people, particularly its treatment of women. The Iranian people refused to be silent and formed the Woman, Life, Freedom movement as a powerful force for change. For weeks, thousands of protestors risked and lost their lives to bring justice for Ms. Amini and freedom for Iran. I am confident that Ms. Amini's memory and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement will not fade but serve as an enduring symbol of the Iranian people's struggle for freedom and equality. The United States has an obligation to advocate for women like Ms. Amini, whose voices are too often marginalized. We must forcefully oppose human rights abuses and gender-based subjugation, wherever it occurs. This is the only way to properly honor the memory of the valiant individuals who have lost their lives in service of a better future. Today, as we honor Mahsa Amini's life and legacy, we should also recognize the Iranian people's fortitude and perseverance. Despite heartbreaking setbacks and daunting odds, they are working to chart a new course for their country. I, alongside many of my Congressional colleagues, stand with the Iranian people in their fight for freedom, self-determination, and a democratic society.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Town of Colma and join in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the town's incorporation, and its unique history and significance to my district. Nestled in the north of San Mateo County, California, Colma is the smallest incorporated community by living population in the county that has a remarkable story to tell. As a San Mateo County native, I'm very familiar with Colma and its fame as a necropolis. Referred to as the ``City of Souls,'' Colma has approximately 1,500 residents but over 1.5 million graves, brandishing the motto ``It's great to be alive in Colma.'' In the early 1900's, San Francisco was growing and developing at a rapid pace, and areas and space for burials became scarce. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors prohibited new burials within city limits, prompting cemeteries to relocate to the more spacious and convenient surroundings of Colma. Today, Colma boasts 17 cemeteries altogether, including a pet cemetery. This astonishing number of remains includes notable figures such as Levi Strauss, the founder of the namesake blue jean company, Wyatt Earp, the infamous lawman of the Wild West, Joe DiMaggio and Willie McCovey, legendary baseball players, William Randolph Hearst, newspaper tycoon, Bill Graham, famed music promoter, and California political leaders like Governor Edmund ``Pat'' Brown. Their resting places, along with many others, attract visitors from near and far, making Colma a place of reflection and pilgrimage. Colma's cemeteries are not just places of mourning; they are also spaces of beauty and history. The grounds and historic monuments serve as a living museum, presenting the stories of countless individuals and preserving the history of the region. These cemeteries also significantly contribute to the local economy. Colma's unique position as a necropolis means that cemetery related industries like flower shops and monument businesses have sprung up across town. By supporting local employment and commerce, the town and its residents have utilized their unique circumstances to foster strength and sustainability within their community. Colma's significance extends beyond its role as a final resting place. Long before incorporation, Ohlone natives settled in the area and the Spanish used the land for farming and ranching. During the Gold Rush, the area that is now Colma was crucial for its agricultural products, dairies, and ranches to feed the greater San Francisco Bay Area and the large influx of people. As the greater San Francisco Bay Area grew, so did Colma, incorporating as Lawndale in 1924. The name changed in 1941 due to a conflict with a post office of the same name in Southern California. After World War II, Colma saw an increase in new housing subdivisions driven by returning veterans and continued adapting to changing needs and diversifying its economy. Colma is home to the famous ``Serramonte Auto Row'' of car dealerships, both foreign and domestic, right in the heart of the town and the town is a retail brick and mortar shopping destination. The Colma BART station opened in 1996 and was the first expansion of the mass transit system deeper into San Mateo County beyond the original plans. Modern success combined with a long, storied history has created a tight-knit community. This deep sense of community and a stable, dedicated elected leadership continues to shape the town. The residents are both resilient and vibrant, with a strong sense of local culture and identity. Colma has embraced the town's unique role, wearing it as a badge of honor for its heritage and history. I am proud Colma is part of the Congressional District that I represent. The town stands as a testament to the power of adaptation and a reminder of the storied history of San Mateo County. Colma honors the past while also fostering a unique blend of old-world, small-town charm, and modern municipal government. As I reflect on the journey of the Town of Colma, I am reminded of the profound impact that history has on shaping our communities and our identity as Americans. On this day, let us celebrate Colma for its resilient spirit, and its unique place in the heart of San Mateo County.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, America's Urban Search and Rescue teams are vital task forces that deserve adequate funding so they can continue to bring hope during our country's darkest hours. Deployed across the country whenever a major disaster strikes, these task forces have pulled victims out of the rubble after the World Trade Center collapsed, searched for those stranded in flooded homes during Hurricane Katrina, responded to raging wildfires in Maui, and answered the call to help with many other disasters across America and the world. These heroes have been there for our Nation when we have needed them the most. While we cannot forecast the next national emergency, Congress must proactively support the needs of these task forces so they may adequately prepare for the next moment they are called into action. That is why I am leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers with Representatives Young Kim from California and Jill Tokuda from Hawaii to advocate for an $18 million increase in Federal funding for America's 28 Urban Search and Rescue task forces. This would prevent cuts to funding the task forces received in fiscal year 2024, and it would meet the actual expenses that local fire departments and other first responders have on the ground. Our proposal is also extremely modest. It represents just $2 million per task force. It is the least we can do to ensure emergency responders have the training and equipment they need when a disaster strikes. I am grateful to have their support and the support of task force leaders from across the country for this effort. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 6009. This bill is yet another shameless Republican handout to Big Oil companies. Two years ago, House Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark climate bill that includes reforms for taxpayers to get a fair financial return for oil and gas produced on public lands. H.R. 6009 would block hardworking American taxpayers from receiving the financial benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act. If energy dominance and independence are the true goals of this bill, let's talk about how we transition to clean energy, which is cheaper, safer, and can be produced right here in the U.S. My aforementioned home State of California consistently experiences the impacts of climate change. We know that wildfires, sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather are dangerous and costly. In 2022 alone, extreme weather events cost the United States $165 billion in damages. Rather than jamming shameless giveaways to Big Oil through Congress, I invite my Republican colleagues to work with House Democrats as a unified Chamber investing in a shared vision of American prosperity and building the next generation of renewable energy.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the majority's manufactured shutdown threat. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to defeat the previous question so we can bring up legislation that commits to protecting vital programs, like Social Security. Our most vulnerable communities will suffer as a result of this shortsighted attempt to hold our most important Federal programs hostage. For example, my California bay area district is home to over 127,000 senior citizens, many of whom rely on Social Security. Under a Republican shutdown, new applicants to the Social Security program wouldn't be able to enroll in this bedrock American program. While Social Security payments would continue during a shutdown, seniors would experience even more delays and lengthy phone queues when contacting the Social Security Administration. Many seniors already struggle to find help, and a Republican shutdown would only exacerbate this problem. Modern Republicans are playing roulette with essential constituent services and creating yet another manufactured crisis. I urge the majority to bring a serious bipartisan proposal to the table to prevent this avoidable crisis.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1435, the so-called Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. The only choice H.R. 1435 preserves is Big Oil's choice to worsen the climate crisis. In California, we boldly led the way on pollution reduction standards. H.R. 1435 is a direct attack on the progress we are just starting to make in transitioning cars from fossil fuels to clean energy. It would devastate California's goal to transition to EVs by 2035, a groundbreaking policy I proudly supported while serving in the California State Legislature. This bill is a regressive measure that would doom not only California's goals but also undermine the entire Nation's efforts to combat the climate crisis.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, extreme weather is climate change unfolding before our very eyes. This past weekend, the San Francisco Bay Area recorded temperatures in the 90s and 100s--a far cry from our usual temperate summer weather. My region wasn't the only part of the country feeling the heat. The month of July has been a scorcher for the whole country with no end in sight. In fact, the Fourth of July was one of the hottest days on Earth in at least 50 years--a record that scientists said would have been virtually impossible without climate change. The story doesn't end with heat waves. Other climate disasters, like severe storms and wildfires, have been and will continue to be more intense and more frequent. Earlier this year, atmospheric rivers and devastating flooding pummeled my district, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, causing millions of dollars in damage. Many Americans can afford to shield their properties from climate disasters and have done so over the years, but families who are already struggling to make ends meet are often left behind. This is especially true for households of color, many of whom live in more disaster-prone areas. We need to ensure everyone, regardless of their income, can shield their properties against the most devastating consequences of climate change. That is why I introduced the Weatherization Resilience and Adaptation Program, or WRAP Act, along with 20 of my colleagues from across the country, from California, but, also, Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Ohio, and Michigan. We stand together. My bill would help low-income homeowners, affordable housing providers, and mobile home communities harden their property so they are more resilient to climate-driven natural disasters. Homeowners would get help to pay for things like double-pane windows, heat resistant roofing, artificial berms and dunes, and more. The Biden administration recently announced a nearly $1 billion investment through the Inflation Reduction Act that will assist the owners of federally subsidized affordable housing buildings to become more resilient to climate disasters. The WRAP Act would build on this historic action by helping individual property owners and the owners of other types of low-income housing who are left out of the IRA program. It is unfortunate that climate resilience-building measures are seen through a partisan lens. The reality is far different. Climate disasters don't distinguish between so-called red States and blue States. We are all impacted. Congress has the opportunity to shield our most vulnerable communities before disaster strikes.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the resolution. This latest stunt reeks of partisan politics and does nothing but advance an extremist agenda. Worst of all, this resolution attacks a great defender of democracy, a Member who is among our best. There is a legitimate role for censure in this institution, but the majority has debased it and rendered it meaningless in a cheap partisan slap. Shameful.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mike Claire, Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District, upon his retirement after 34 years of dedicated service to our community. Mike Claire joined the faculty at College of San Mateo in 1988 after working for a major public accounting firm, and just eight years after enrolling as a student at Canada College in Redwood City, and earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master in Business Administration degrees from California State University, East Bay. During his time as a faculty member, Mike Claire represented the Academic Senate on many college committees and served as chair of College of San Mateo's Curriculum Committee. In 1997, Mike Claire was appointed as Dean of the Technology Division at College of San Mateo and he worked with faculty and staff to support the development of several new career and technical education programs including Digital Media, Network Cabling, Instrumentation and Process Control Systems, new curriculum for the College's apprenticeship programs, a Paramedic Apprenticeship Program, and a full POST-certified police academy. Mike Claire served as the Vice President of Instruction at College of San Mateo from 2005 to 2006, and during that time, he worked with instructional deans to support new curriculum development, with faculty to develop the college's initial policies concerning the use of faculty computers and other technologies, and with high school and college stakeholders to expand the Middle College High School program. In January 2007, Mike Claire was appointed as President of College of San Mateo and worked with stakeholders to guide the college through two successful accreditation visits. He currently serves as a Commissioner on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). In addition, Mike Claire worked with college constituencies to develop several programs designed for underserved students, including learning communities and other programs that provide direct support to students. Mike Claire oversaw approximately $350 million of new construction and renovation for the College of San Mateo campus. During his tenure, College of San Mateo was recognized as an Aspen Top 150 College, making the College eligible to compete for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. In August 2019, Mike Claire was appointed as the Acting Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District, and as Interim Chancellor of the District in September 2019, serving in that capacity until his appointment as Chancellor in July 2020. Mike Claire skillfully guided the District and its three colleges through both internal and external challenges, most notably ensuring the District's mission was fulfilled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Claire is a life-long San Mateo County resident, and he has engaged with and supported our community through his service on numerous boards including the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, Notre Dame High School, the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium and the San Mateo Credit Union. A great leader leaves an organization stronger than when they arrive. By that measure, Mike Claire has not only been a great leader, he has been a thoughtful steward in protecting, preserving, and enhancing the San Mateo County Community College District and its three colleges, most notably his beloved College of San Mateo. Mike Claire has dedicated his career to serving students and he leaves a legacy of countless lives touched and improved through his efforts. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike Claire on his retirement, commending him for his tireless dedication of time and talent, and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act. The truth is simple. We have no time to waste in the fight against climate change. This Republican bill would reverse years of progress, emboldening polluters and repealing critical environmental regulations, all while increasing the Federal deficit. As a father of two young boys, I know this is not the future we want to leave for our children. Instead of rewarding fossil industries with more record-shattering profits, we need to transition to a clean energy economy by expanding on Democratic wins like the Inflation Reduction Act. In my home State of California, we have seen the dangers that a warming planet poses to our livelihoods and environment. Wildfires, sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather patterns can be fatal to our communities. My bayfront district is surrounded by water. Our communities are threatened by sea level rise on both sides of our peninsula. H.R. 1 would only raise this threat. H.R. 1 would prioritize the interests of Big Oil and protect profiteers at the expense of our most vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Critical habitats like the San Francisco Bay would suffer. I recently supported over $75 million in bay restoration funding--natural solutions to sea level rise. H.R. 1 would significantly harm those efforts. The American people asked for lower costs, more jobs, and a livable future, not shameless giveaways to Big Oil, not for the polluters over people act.