Jimmy Panetta

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cynthia Mathews, the retiring City Councilmember and former Mayor of the City of Santa Cruz, California, for her commitment to serving the people of the central coast of California. It is my honor to recognize her as she finishes her final term serving the City of Santa Cruz as the longest serving member of the City Council. Her service of 24 years has benefited countless residents of the City of Santa Cruz and is an achievement that few elected officials experience. Councilmember Mathew's mark can be seen in the City of Santa Cruz's protection of its historic buildings and architectural importance, the recovery of the Downtown after the Loma Prieta earthquake, and the protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. She has been a leader on the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee and led efforts to pass revenue measures supporting Santa Cruz City Schools, the Santa Cruz Public Library system and City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation programs. The community of Santa Cruz has been well served by her dedication to neighborhoods, economic development, housing, social equity and social services, and public safety. Public service is a demanding commitment, and she has served with grace, intelligence and determination. Her service will certainly inspire future leaders on the Central Coast. As she begins her retirement, I have no doubt that Cynthia will continue to serve her community. We, on the Central Coast, are grateful for her contributions to our community and celebrate her successful career.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Larson, and I appreciate all of his work and, of course, his support and friendship. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2477, the BENES Act, which includes my bill and Tom Reed's bill, the bipartisan HOSPICE Act. Now, I think we can all agree that every family wants to ensure that their loved one in hospice receives the end-of-life care that is compassionate, that is cautious, and, of course, that is circumspect so that they can pass with dignity and all of us are at peace. Now, we know while most of our Nation's Medicare hospice care providers work tirelessly to ensure their patients receive high quality care, there are, unfortunately, bad actors. That is why we introduced the bipartisan HOSPICE Act, so that through education, outreach, and even liability we can safeguard care for Medicare hospice enrollees, increase transparency and safety, and penalize those who fail to provide the necessary care for their patients. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation to ensure that hospice care is not just about death, but it is about death with dignity, integrity, and accountability.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus is exploding, our hospitals are bursting, and many parts of our economy are hurting. It is no wonder why Fed Chair Powell and so many other economists are warning about the long-term damage that could be done if we don't pass another stimulus package soon. We passed the CARES Act earlier this year, and that did keep our economy afloat and our poverty rate flat, but because of the pandemic, we are experiencing over 1 million cases a week and 2,000 deaths a day. Because of that, we are finding ourselves in more self-induced economic comas, just like we are seeing in my State of California and my district on the central coast of California. We can't wait any longer for another economic package. That is why Democrats and Republicans of the Problem Solvers Caucus worked with a bipartisan group of Senators to come up with a targeted and temporary package of close to $1 trillion to meet our most pressing needs. It is a compromise that can be a way to ``yes'' for both Houses and both sides to come together. Mr. Speaker, it is going to be a dark winter, so it is our obligation to our constituents to come to the table to negotiate and pass a pandemic relief package to help us get on the road to recovery this spring.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor retiring Mayor of Soledad, Frederick ``Fred'' Ledesma, for his outstanding career in public service and his commitment to the people of the central coast of California. His professional accomplishments and leadership in the community over the span of two decades have profoundly touched the lives of many, and I congratulate him on his retirement. Fred has been a lifelong resident of the City of Soledad. Following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Ledesma, Fred served on the Soledad City Council from 1990 to 2000. He then held the position of Mayor of the City of Soledad from 1992 to 1994 prior to returning to the office in 2010. During his time serving the City of Soledad, Fred has been heavily involved in a number of notable projects, including the Soledad Community Center, Vosti, Gallardo and Aaroe Park improvements, the Soledad Visitor's Center, the pending multi-theater cinema, the Soledad Hartnell Campus and Orchard Lane Park, and the recent creation of the Veterans Day Banner Program. Additionally, Fred has been a diligent voice for farmworker rights as well as a strong advocate for the passage of Measures Y and S, which will benefit the City and its residents for many years to come. In addition to serving on numerous local and regional boards, including the City Parks & Recreation Committee, the Chair of the Association of California Cities Allied with Public Safety, the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, and the Monterey County Mayors Association, Fred has also been a friend to many in his community. He is well known by all for his outgoing demeanor, sense of humor, and respect for all. He has truly demonstrated a deep connection and commitment to his community, which has been felt by everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him. As he begins his retirement, I have no doubt that Fred will continue to serve his community. We on the Central Coast are grateful for his lifetime of service to the City of Soledad and 20 years as a public official. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring and congratulating Mayor Frederick Ledesma.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an amazing constituent and patriot from the Central Coast of California, Lester Shoff. Raised in Pennsylvania, Lester was drafted into the Army in 1941. In fact, his draft number in the lottery was lucky number 1. Making the rank of staff sergeant, Lester was sent to the South Pacific and faced many of the challenges of serving in World War II. He fought for 4 years on close to 10 islands in the Pacific, during which time he turned down a battlefield commission to become an officer. He was shot in the back by a sniper, and he was even stung by a scorpion. Although Lester was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, his daughter, Kay, told us that he never liked discussing the war because, when he did, the unemotional Lester would be brought to tears by the memory of two men who died on a mission that he led. After serving, Lester moved to Silicon Valley, where he worked for Lockheed and developed glue for the Space Shuttle. He then retired to the Central Coast with his family. Madam Speaker, some say Lester was lucky; I say that we are all lucky to call Lester an American.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Tomas T. Alejo, Jr., a devoted pastor, educator, activist, and community leader from the central coast of California. Tomas will be remembered as a tireless advocate for social change in Watsonville and Phoenix, Arizona. Tomas was born on March 16, 1946, in the southern Texas border region of Weslaco to a humble migrant farmworker family. Tomas and his family migrated from South Texas to California in the 1950s, where they worked in the Salinas, Santa Clara, Central, and Pajaro Valleys picking crops. They eventually settled and established roots on the Central Coast in Watsonville. Tomas attended Gonzales High School and graduated from Gilroy High School in 1965. From 1966 through 1968, he proudly served our nation in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Tomas earned his teaching credential from San Jose State University and taught for 24 years at the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Rehabilitation Center in Watsonville. There, he trained inmates in the trade of auto body repair and painting to help them positively transform their lives and have employment opportunities upon release. He also taught auto body repair and painting classes for six years at Hartnell College in Salinas. Tomas was also a longtime pastor for the Apostolic Church and served five years doing missionary work in the poorest parts of South Texas and Mexico with his family. He later cofounded Hope Ministries Church in Watsonville, where he was heavily involved in many community events and activities throughout his life. Tomas contributed to countless policy advocacy efforts and co-founded the Annual Watsonville Peace and Unity March in 1994 to end gang and domestic violence. Tomas also served as a contract negotiator for the United Farm Workers in the late 1970s and was invited to lead the opening prayer at the California State Capitol in Sacramento in 2014 for the state's Cesar Chavez Day Ceremony. During his retirement in Phoenix, Tomas was heavily involved in community action defending immigrants. He was especially passionate about helping the homeless and less fortunate. In biblical tradition, Tomas deeply believed in the righteousness of defending the poor and most vulnerable in our communities. Tomas will be remembered for his lifetime of community service and virtuous spirit. We, as a community, celebrate his legacy and all he has done for the central coast of California. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Tomas T. Alejo, Jr.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I ride today to honor Bill Monning, the retiring Senator representing the 17th Senate District of California, for his career in advocacy and public service and his commitment to serving the people of the central coast of California. His leadership has improved the lives of many, and I am honored to acknowledge this legacy today. Senator Monning was born in Culver City, California, in 1951 and raised in Pasadena. After finishing high school at Flintridge Preparatory School, where he excelled as an athlete, Monning attended college at the University of California, Berkeley. Following his graduation, he attained his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco. His time spent in the Bay Area in the 1970s led him to commit himself to a career of advocating for and serving others. After passing the California Bar Examination, Senator Monning worked as an attorney protecting the rights of migrant farm workers at the United Farm Workers of America and the Migrant Farm Worker Project at California Rural Legal Assistance. Monning served as the Director of the Salvadoran Medical Relief Fund from 1982 through 1987 and was the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Prize winning organization International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War from 1987 through 1991. Monning then went on to serve as a professor at the Monterey College of Law and Monterey Institute of International Studies and president and co-founder of Global Majority, Inc., an organization committed to education, training and advocacy in the field of non-violent conflict resolution. Senator Monning's service in the California State Legislature began with his election as Assemblymember for the 27th Assembly District, representing parts of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties from 2008 to 2012. In 2012, he was elected Senator of the 17th Senate District, which includes all of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties and portions of Monterey and Santa Clara counties. He was reelected in 2016 and served as Senate Majority Leader from 2015 through 2018. Currently, Monning serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Rules and is a member of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Senate Committees on Budget, Health, Judiciary, Natural Resources and Water, and Rules. He also represents the Senate on the California Air Resources Board. Throughout his time as a legislator, he has been a leader in protecting natural resources and the environment, improving the health of all Californians, and serving veterans. As Senator Monning prepares to celebrate his retirement, I am proud to commend him on his lifetime of serving others. I have no doubt he will enjoy spending this time with his wife, Dr. Dana T. Kent, his two children, and three grandchildren. On behalf of Central Coast residents, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Senator Bill Monning for his public service and wishing him a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jane Parker, the retiring County Supervisor for the Fourth District of Monterey County, for her commitment to serving the people of the central coast of California. Supervisor Parker was raised on the Monterey Peninsula and graduated from Monterey High School. After studying at the Monterey Institute for International Studies and LaVarenne Cooking School and traveling across Europe, Parker made a name for herself as a chef in southern California, where she lived for 15 years. After travelling through Asia and Africa, Parker felt it was time to return home and settled in Monterey once again in 1991. There, she established a healthy meal preparation service for working families and homebound seniors. Back at home on the Central Coast, Supervisor Parker felt a responsibility to give back to her community. In 1995, she began working for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, eventually serving as vice president of development until 2005. As part of the organization's executive leadership team, Parker helped Planned Parenthood Mar Monte serve a record number of patients and earn it the title of most successful Planned Parenthood in the nation. During this time, Parker ran for and was elected to serve on the Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2003. As a Trustee, she effectively advocatd for policies to protect MPC's reputation for providing outstanding and affordable education and student services. From 2005 to 2009, Parker was Associate Director of the ACTION Council of Monterey County, where she helped address unmet needs in the county and improve the quality of life for residents through the pursuit of economic and social justice. Supervisor Parker was first elected as County Supervisor for the Fourth District of Monterey County in 2008 and reelected in 2012 to 2016. As a County Supervisor, Parker has prioritized delivering responsible land-use policies, equitable healthcare access and high- quality healthcare services, water and mass transit solutions, increased accountability and customer service for County services, and prevention-based law enforcement strategies. As a result of efforts she has led, the Board now posts Agenda packets online for the public to view and conducts performance evaluations of the Chief Administrative Officer and other direct reports. As she begins her retirement, I have no doubt that Jane will continue to serve her community. We, on the Central Coast, are grateful for her contributions to our community and celebrate her successful career.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career achievements and community dedication of Peter Blackstock, a prominent businessman, community steward, and philanthropist who has called the central coast of California his home for nearly 40 years. Peter Blackstock was born on the East Coast and served in the Army as an officer in Vietnam before working for the Ford Motor Company. In 1982, Peter moved to the Central Coast and purchased the Leslie Motors Toyota dealership in Seaside and renamed it Victory Toyota. Later, he opened Lexus Monterey Peninsula, forming Victory Dealership Group. During his time as owner of Victory Dealership Group, Peter was a significant supporter of the automobile dealer community. He advocated for and actively contributed to industry priorities as a member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association's board of directors, President of the California New Car Dealers Association, and a director on the board of the National Automobile Dealers Association. He also set the bar for dealerships across the country when Victory Toyota was LEED certified for environmental responsibility in 2014. As a businessman, Peter is held in high esteem by all he worked with for his personal integrity, thoughtful contributions, professional demeanor, and engaging personality. Peter is an especially involved member of his community on the Central Coast. He has secured resources for and served in many roles in countless organizations, including the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, Monterey Bay Symphony, Monterey Museum of Art, Make a Wish Foundation, AIM Youth Mental Health, Pac Rep Theatre Groups, SPCA, AT&T Junior Golf, Church in the Forest, Hospice Giving, Arthritis Foundation, National WWII Museum, Marine Scholarship Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Rancho Cielo. Most notably, he is Director Emeritus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, a past President of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance instrumental in protections for the California Condor, falcons, and other raptors, trustee emeritus of the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, and was Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Fort Ord Reuse Committee. He has also served on the Monterey County Sheriffs Advisory Council, the task forces of the City of Seaside, the boards of All Saints and Stevenson Schools, and as foreman pro tempore on the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury. As he begins his retirement, I have no doubt that Peter will continue to find myriad ways to support his community and cherish his time with his beloved wife, Barbara, and his daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren, who are triplets. We, as a community, are grateful for his contributions to the Central Coast and celebrate his successful career.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, over this August break, my family and I left our house, not because it was vacation season but because it was wildfire season, and we were some of the thousands of people that were evacuated from our homes. Now, thanks to the amazing work of firefighters and first responders, we had a house to come home to, but as we know, many others were not as lucky. You see, the American West, including my district on the Central Coast of California, is experiencing destructive wildfires where we are not just victims of these conflagrations, but we are also witnesses to the climate crisis. Our climate is hotter. Our countrysides are drier, and our communities are more vulnerable to this type of devastation. We can't ignore it. We can't deny it, but we can pass the Climate Action Rebate plan to reduce our carbon output. We can pass the bipartisan Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act, and we can pass the bipartisan REPLANT Act. This is not a binary choice. We can do both. If we don't act, our fire seasons will turn into fire years. But if we do act with commonsense legislation in Congress, we will save not just our homes, we will save this planet.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph W. Heston for his 45-year career in broadcast journalism, including more than 20 years on the central coast of California, and congratulate him on his retirement. Joe's early career began with Westinghouse Broadcasting in 1976 at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Over the next eight years, Joseph held various production positions at WJZ-TV, WBZ-TV in Boston, and KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. In 1984, Joe began working with Hearst Television, where he would spend the rest of his career. He joined Hearst at WCVB-TV in Boston, where he was executive producer of programming and assistant program director, before moving to WBAL-TV in Baltimore, where he was vice president and station manager, and WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, where he also served as vice president and station manager. Joe's career took him to the California in 1999, where he began his role as president and general manager of KSBW-TV, the Heart Television station serving the Central Coast. His time at KSBW has been marked by a number of milestones. In 2001, KSBW launched its official website, which now averages over 6 million pageviews a month with over 500,000 unique users and is the region's most visited local site. In 2002, Joe oversaw the construction and launch of the market's first HDTV station. In April 2011, Joe oversaw the launch of ``Central Coast ABC''--the first local ABC affiliate ever on the Central Coast. In April 2016, he helped launch KSBW's second channel, the Spanish-language network Estrella. During Joe's time as president and general manager, KSBW has been recognized with Radio Television Digital News Association regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for Best Newscast and Breaking News, and regional Emmy Awards for Best Newscast and Best Breaking News Coverage. Throughout his time on the Central Coast, Joe has always had the priority of giving back to his community personally and through his work at KSBW. Joe is a former member of the Board of the United Way of Monterey County and oversaw KSBW's launch of the early childhood initiative ``Success By 6'' with the United Way of Santa Cruz County and Monterey County to create opportunities for low-income infants, toddlers, and young children to receive high-quality education. In 2005, he led the development of the teacher recognition project, the KSBW Crystal Apple Award, and in 2012, he led the implementation of KSBW's Golden Whistle award for outstanding high school coaches. Heston is also a former member of the Board of Trustees of York School and the Board of the Monterey County Regional Health Development Group. Most recently, after identifying the critical need due to the ongoing public health crisis, Joe led KSBW in raising more than $525,000 on behalf of area food banks to aid COVID-19-distressed families throughout the Central Coast. Joseph W. Heston has tirelessly served the central coast of California by providing model leadership and essential quality programming. I wish Joe all the best as he enjoys his retirement with his wife, Elizabeth Heston, and son, Joseph J. W. Heston. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his years of service and congratulating him on his retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing D. Douglas (Doug) Keegan's more than 3 decades of service to the central coast of California. Doug is a graduate of Holy Cross College and Boston College Law School and was licensed by the California State Bar to begin practicing attorney in 1977. His career on the Central Coast began at California Rural Legal Assistance and then moved to the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. (CAB). At CAB, Doug has been a tireless advocate for the organization's mission to partner with the community to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services, envisioning a thriving, equitable and diverse community free from poverty and injustice informed by the values of equity, dignity and diversity, service, inclusion and community action. Specifically, Doug has served as the Program Director of CAB's Santa Cruz County Immigration Project (SCCIP, promoting the wellbeing of the immigrant community by helping immigrants acquire legal status, reuniting immigrant families, and making U.S. Citizenship more accessible. For more than 20 years, Doug's leadership at SCCIP has provided professional legal services, tenure. He has mentored hundreds of staff and volunteers, motivating and acting as a role model for future community leaders and attorneys who will continue to fight for human rights, the immigrant community and overall support of underrepresented groups. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Doug Keegan's commitment to service with honesty, humility, intelligence, compassion, and integrity as he has advocated tirelessly for immigration justice on a local, statewide, and national level. It is no surprise that Doug's reputation as a trusted source of solid, unbiased, and plain-spoken answer to complex immigration questions has made him a trusted expert and advisor to countless elected officials, journalists, educators, service providers, and, most importantly, immigrant families. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Doug Keegan's lifetime of service.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Josephine Gutierrez for her 25 years of service to Natividad Hospital and to congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. Through her dedication and selfless service, Ms. Gutierrez has made an immeasurable impact on the hospital and our communities on the central coast of California. Ms. Gutierrez began her career in 1995 in the Managed Care Department working at the Medically Indigent Program (M.I.A) as a Patient Account Representative I. She worked diligently, adjudicating claims, answering phones, and completing tasks as assigned. On weekends and evenings, she went door-to-door, visited farmworkers in the fields, and attended events to educate the community about available healthcare programs. With her passion and ability to help others, she was soon promoted to a Health Education Assistant where she began her work developing Outreach, Enrollment, Retention and Utilization initiatives that continue to this day at Natividad Hospital. Throughout her 25 years of service, Ms. Gutierrez has collaborated with community agencies such as Head Start, Migrant Education, American Red Cross, United Farm Worker's Foundation, and local schools to successfully identify and enroll families and children into affordable- low-cost healthcare programs. She also participated in community health fairs and events throughout the Salinas Valley and-organized monthly forums for the Monterey County Immigrant Services Network of Empowerment of Monterey County (CISNE) that helps immigrant communities access information and services. Ms. Gutierrez's devotion to her work has resulted in many accomplishments, including being selected as Employee of the Quarter twice. However, one achievement she is most proud of is enrolling thousands of children and families into affordable health programs, giving them access to quality healthcare and preventative services. This work has resulted in a healthier and more equitable community and will undoubtably impact the lives and health of generations to come. Madam Speaker, please join me thanking Ms. Josephine Gutierrez for a lifetime of service to our communities on the Central Coast. I have no doubt that she will continue to find ways to positively impact the lives of those around her in retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7617 and my amendment for funding the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program. This funding is necessary because homelessness affects students all across our Nation, including in my district on the central coast of California. In Monterey County, nearly 10,000 students meet the formal definition of homelessness. More specifically, in Salinas, over 3,500 students are homeless. That is 40 percent of the school district. We can and we must do better. And we can start with this bill and my amendment that identifies homeless youth, funds local liaisons, ensures support services, and coordinates with the community to meet the basic needs of our children. Let's pass this bill with my amendment so that we can give homeless students greater support for a more promising future.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Child Care Is Essential Act, a bill that will help childcare centers stay open through this pandemic and help us reopen our economy. For almost 5 months now, families have struggled to balance work and childcare. Meanwhile, essential workers, including farmworkers, healthcare workers, police, and firefighters, rely on childcare for their families and for them to do their jobs. But as this pandemic continues, it gets more difficult for childcare providers to keep their doors open. Just 29 percent of childcare and education centers in Monterey County in my district are currently open and operating. Without help from the Federal Government, our childcare centers will have to close, and our essential workers will be unable to serve our communities. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote for the Child Care Is Essential Act, because, with these grants to childcare providers, they can stay open and safely operate during this pandemic but also play a critical part in our Nation's rebuilding and recovery.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2020 Water Resources Development Act, a bill that includes language that I fought for to ensure that the Federal Government not just supports and funds flood control projects, but also supports those projects in economically disadvantaged communities. For too long, the Army Corps has relied on an outdated metric when making decisions whether or not to invest. Unfortunately, it is a metric that doesn't always capture the project's full value, including the potential loss of valuable agricultural land, like that in the Pajaro Valley in my district on the central coast of California. Mr. Speaker, I have to say, though, with continued pressure by me and many other stakeholders, I am proud that the 2020 WRDA contains language that directs the Army Corps when they re-scope projects to take into account non-Federal interests, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair and ranking member for their leadership on WRDA, and I look forward to working with them to reach a final compromise with the Senate that maintains this language to properly invest in all communities, not just to save money, but to save lives.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for having this Special Order in which we rise, remember, and recognize one of our country's civil rights champions, one of America's heroes, my friend, our colleague, and, yes, the conscience of Congress, Congressman John Robert Lewis. Now, unlike some other Members that spoke earlier, even though John was a fellow Member of Congress, he was a fellow Member on the Ways and Means Committee, I have to say I never got used to having John Lewis as a fellow colleague. As Mr. Kelly alluded to and said, I should say, we do have a family here on the Ways and Means Committee, but it was clear that John was that favorite child. All of us were in awe as to everything he did and everything that John stood for. And that is part of the reason why my wife and I took our two daughters down to Selma, Alabama, this last March to walk arm in arm with John Lewis across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the last time. Now, obviously, with the ceremonies this week in John's passing we have been thinking a lot about John, but this past weekend I could not get him out of my head. And it resonated with me the most when my wife and I took our two daughters up to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and we stood on the battlefield, in that cemetery and at that monument and read the speech that President Lincoln gave to consecrate that hallowed ground. And I can tell you it reminded me of the lifelong fight of John Lewis. It reminded me of our Nation's lifelong fight for equality. And it reminded me of our continued fight today. And you will see what I mean when I use some of that speech in my following remarks. Although we are a Nation conceived in liberty and equality, it seems as if now our Nation is divided and being tested as to whether we can endure together. Now we gather here tonight to honor the death of a man who literally shed blood so that our Nation can live together. But in a larger sense what we say here tonight is nothing compared to what John Lewis did throughout his life. See, as with most of our speeches on the House floor, the world will little note nor long remember what we say here tonight, but it can never forget what John did, not only in this Chamber, but also for civil rights and for this country. So it is for us, from Congress Members to frontline workers to peaceful protestors to be dedicated to the unfinished work which John fought for and so nobly advanced. And with the passing of John Lewis let us be dedicated to the task remaining before us, that from John's life we take increased devotion to the cause for which he gave full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve, that his actions, his service, his sacrifice shall never be in vain, that this Nation under God shall continue to have freedom and equality and that our government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall never perish from this Earth, but shall always live with the conscience of our country, John Robert Lewis.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Aguilar and Ranking Member Davis for their work in bringing this bill to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Museum of the American Latino Act, this bipartisan legislation that would establish a new museum at the Smithsonian to share the Latino American experience, not just with the Nation, but with the world, an experience that we know all too well in my district on the central coast of California, an experience that has not been told enough, but one this country is somewhat familiar with, sacrificing so much to come to this country to give their children better lives, living the American Dream, but by doing so, contributing so much, not just to their families, but to our culture, to our economy, and, of course, our communities. By fighting for security abroad in all American wars, to fighting for dignity at home in the grape wars, to influencing our arts, our agriculture, our sciences, and sports, the contributions Latinos have made to American culture and history are innumerable and must always be told. I say this not just because it is deserved; I say this because Latino history is our history. That is why the Latino experience should be captured, portrayed, and highlighted in our Nation's museum at the Smithsonian. I look forward to voting on this bipartisan bill and watching this pass on a bipartisan basis.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today to offer an amendment to protect our Nation's farmworkers. This pandemic has shown that our farmworkers are absolutely essential. They show up to work every day to keep our communities fed and our Nation's food secure. But due to living and working conditions, many are uniquely susceptible to this disease. That is why we must dedicate immediate and robust funds to the USDA to establish an emergency program that covers the cost of PPE and other safety measures to protect our farmworkers. And that is just the beginning. We need to provide our farmworkers with proper pay, job security, methods for childcare, family leave, and support for their families. Our farmworkers deserve and require action from the Federal Government to protect our food supply and our food security.

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Lowey for yielding. I rise today to offer an amendment to prohibit funds from being used to open up new Federal lands to oil and gas drilling in my and my neighboring district on the central coast of California. Based on recent orders, this administration would use those Federal lands to extract natural resources rather than explore their natural wonders. In my district, our economy and well-being are intrinsically tied to our environment. That is why we have taken critical steps to invest in clean infrastructure rather than new leases for fossil fuels. That is because we feel strongly that our public lands are not disposable and should not be disrupted. That is why I offered this amendment, and that is why I will continue to fight to safeguard our Federal public lands.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Great American Outdoors Act. In my district on the central coast of California, we protect, we promote, and we never put a price on our environment. Partly because it is what drives our local economy, but also we appreciate what it means for those after us. By fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, this bill ensures the type of necessary care needed for our National Parks, forests, and critical wildlife areas. This is needed today, because those treasures have been put under extreme pressure with this pandemic, but also previously with increased visitors and decreased budgets. That is why this legislation is so important, as it will not only address needed infrastructure projects and deferred maintenance, but also because it will promote conservation, recreation, and access to the outdoors. By passing this bipartisan bill that ensures investments in our parks and forests, we are ensuring that our natural treasures, our postcards to the future, actually get delivered to future generations.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in mourning to celebrate the life of the late Mayor of Salinas, California, Joseph David Gunter, for a lifetime of public service to both his community and our country. Mayor Gunter, a longtime resident and public servant of Salinas, passed away on June 29, 2020. It is with deep sadness that I stand here on the House floor today to honor Mayor Gunter's life and contributions. Born into a military family in Maryland, Joe and his family eventually moved to Fort Ord, a former Army base on the central coast of California. After graduating from a local High School, Joe joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served honorably for four years during the Vietnam War. Joe's military service shaped his life and led to a lifelong career guided by a sense of duty and service to his community. Soon after returning home, Joe joined the Salinas Police Department, serving six years as a patrol officer and another twenty-six as a detective. Joe's strong leadership skills and commitment to public service led him to become Mayor of Salinas, a position in which he served for eight years. During his time as Mayor, Joe spearheaded many projects in Salinas and throughout Monterey County. Some of these projects include development of the new Salinas Police Department and Youth Alisal Sports Fields, construction of housing for homeless and low-income residents, leading the Veteran's Day Parade, and playing a critical role in advancement of the California Central Coast Veteran's Cemetery at Fort Ord. The initiatives that Joe led will undoubtably have a lasting impact on individual residents and the broader community for generations to come. Joe's community service expanded far beyond his mayoral duties. He also found time to serve as the Director of Security for the Salinas Rodeo and California International Airshow, served as President and volunteer at the Salinas Women's Crisis Center, and was President and a coach of the Bobby Sox Softball League. Joe's extensive service to the community and country for more than fifty years is an inspiration to us all, and I am both proud and honored to have had the opportunity to serve alongside him. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in celebrating the life of the late Mayor Joe Gunter and offering our sincere condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren as they, alongside the community, mourn the loss of a truly special man.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer amendment No. 167 as the designee of Mr. Hastings.

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, in 1955, President Eisenhower proposed an agreement which would allow overflight of the participant countries to gather information about military forces and activities with the direct intent of minimizing military escalation between the West and Russia. In 1992, Eisenhower's vision was realized after negotiations by a Republican administration that led to the Open Skies Treaty, a treaty which has brought more openness but also more mutual understanding and an avenue to hold Russia accountable for their aggression against our allies in Europe. But, more importantly, the Open Skies Treaty calls for higher levels of openness and transparency, leading to better predictability and stability, which, ultimately, will lessen tensions by trusting and, yes, by verifying. Unfortunately, on May 22, the administration submitted a notice of intent that the U.S. would withdraw from the treaty in violation of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA, which requires a 120-day notice to Congress prior to doing so. This announcement was obviously met with strong opposition from our NATO allies and treaty participants and, yes, many here in the United States, for no country adherent has benefited more from this transparency than the United States, which, together with its allies, overflies Russia far more often than Russia can overfly NATO countries. There is no better example of this benefit of the Open Skies Treaty than the support it has provided to Ukraine, both in 2014, when it was used to confirm that Russia had deployed thousands of troops near the Ukrainian-Russian border, and again in December 2018, when an extraordinary flight was conducted following the unprovoked Russian attack of Ukrainian vessels in the Kerch Strait. Now, we cannot ignore Russian violations of the treaty, but, one, they do not negate the value of the treaty and certainly do not justify withdrawal. Instead, the administration should do what was required in previous NDAAs: put together a plan for broad sanctions tied to these violations and continue to use diplomatic means together with our allies to pressure Russia into compliance. Walking away from this 34-nation treaty will negatively impact our relationships in Europe, give Russia a gift in creating discord amongst our partners in the region, and vacate a key U.S. leadership role in countering Russian malign activities. The worth of this treaty does not necessarily come in the form of the images that are captured but, instead, the value it brings to our alliances, particularly with our Eastern European partners and friends. It was stated by former Secretary Mattis: ``Despite Russia's violations of its obligations under the treaty, it is my view that it is in our Nation's best interest to remain a party to the Open Skies Treaty.'' This amendment, Mr. Speaker, would provide a sense of Congress about the importance of this treaty, the value it brings to our allies, and express that the notice of intent to withdraw was done in violation of the law. That is why I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.