Raul Ruiz

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, last week, the Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office released the most comprehensive analysis to date, quantifying the domestic lithium resources in the Salton Sea region of Imperial Valley, also known as Lithium Valley in my district. The analysis found that Lithium Valley's total resources could produce enough lithium to manufacture over 375 million total electric vehicle batteries. This is more than the total number of cars currently on the road in the United States today. That is a lot of lithium and a lot of electric vehicles, and that will lower the cost of electric vehicles for everyone in our Nation. Lithium Valley is a great example of how domestic solutions exist for our domestic and global supply chains, and my Republican colleagues should be as excited about this analysis as I am. Given their critical mineral supply chain concerns, I would think this is welcome news. However, instead of focusing our efforts on how to best leverage this report to further our domestic lithium production, we are here debating a bill that will do the exact opposite and harm our domestic supply chain efforts. H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, would prohibit the EPA from finalizing their proposed rule on multipollutant emissions standards, drastically cutting into the development and production of domestic technological innovations, such as electric vehicles and battery manufacturing, that our Nation needs. Madam Speaker, I strongly oppose this bill in its entirety. In addition to slowing down our country's ability to compete with China on electric vehicles in the global market, it is a direct attack on our Nation's ability to curb vehicle emissions and help rural and marginalized communities in their own districts suffering from the highest pollution. My home State of California and, in particular, my district, California's 25th, have significant air pollution challenges. As a physician, I have seen the public health impacts of air pollution firsthand. These consequences are serious and have very real bad effects on the lives of my constituents. From having to skip work to deal with air pollution-associated health challenges to spending money on unexpected healthcare costs, my constituents are experiencing the negative impacts of air pollution every day. Recently, the American Thoracic Society released its latest ``Health of the Air'' report, which estimated that we can prevent over 21,000 deaths by cleaning up our air, and a major step in doing so is by reducing vehicle emissions, which this bill will not do. What we should be doing is following California's lead by taking concrete steps to reduce dangerous air pollution from transportation modalities. Instead, this bill specifically punishes California for its efforts, and that is unacceptable. California has chosen to make the health of Californians a priority. This bill should do the same for all Americans, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this environmentally unfriendly and disastrous polluter-over-people bill.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and memorialize our fallen heroes from CAL FIRE who gave their lives to serve our communities. Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and pilot Tony Sousa, all sacrificed their life to protect their community while battling a fire in Cabazon. Assistant Chief Josh Bischof was a devoted and loyal firefighter, husband, and father who never stopped serving others even in his last moments. He started his career in the fire service as a volunteer firefighter in Mountain Center at Volunteer Fire Station 78 and worked his way up through hard work, loyalty, and commitment. In recent months, before his tragic death, Josh had been promoted to assistant chief with CAL FIRE Southern Region headquarters where he oversaw the training program before transferring to the tactical air operations. Josh loved his wife of 24 years beyond measure and lived to make his children's dreams come true no matter the cost. Josh was always up for an adventure and was known for his willingness to help others and was loved and respected by his friends, family, and community. Now, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez loved being a firefighter more than anyone could imagine. He was raised in Hemet and graduated from West Valley High School in 1997. He started his fire service career as a firefighter I, serving at Fire Station 41 in Mecca, and was soon promoted to firefighter II at Fire Station 79 in Coachella. Captain Rodriguez married his wife, Dorothy, in 2001 and had three children: Josh, Haley, and Alexis. He will be remembered for the immense love he had for his family and his passion for staying active by hiking, camping, snowboarding, kayaking, and mountain biking. Lastly, pilot Tony Sousa of Red Bluff, California, was fulfilling his lifelong dream of being a pilot before the tragic accident. Before fulfilling his dream, Tony was a dairy worker, a sales representative for Outlaw Kart, a custom harvester, an avid water- skier, and finally a pilot. In 2022, Tony played a pivotal role in implementing the CAL FIRE Helicopter Coordinator training program. Through this program, Tony guided and mentored a huge cohort of fellow aviators to help them obtain certifications for their aviation careers. Pilot Sousa is survived by his wife, Rachelle; sons, Connor and Carson; father, Ed; and mother, Sharon. These men were husbands, sons, fathers, who now leave behind loving and caring families. Their bravery, courage, and devotion to duty will always be remembered. Madam Speaker, I ask everyone present on the House floor to join me in a moment of silence for the CAL FIRE members--Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and pilot Tony Sousa.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and memorialize community leader and advocate Linda Dale Shaner. Linda graduated from Imperial High School in 1964 and dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. She committed her time and energy to improving the health and well- being of those in her community, especially those in the Imperial Valley. Despite her own diagnosis, Linda showed her passion for fighting cancer through her advocacy and volunteer work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for over 20 years and through her incredible contributions to working on policies at the local, State, and Federal levels. Linda is survived by her husband Steve, daughters Stephanie and Christina, and grandchildren Steve and Avery. A family and community mourns the loss of a loved one, an advocate, and a friend. Today, we recognize her and thank her.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today deeply frustrated that so many Members on the other side of the aisle seem determined to shut down the government and create a national crisis of massive proportions. Let's be clear. We are not asking Republicans to break new ground. We are only asking them to live up to the bipartisan budget agreement that a majority on both sides of the aisle already voted for and passed the House. We are only asking them to support the essential programs critical to veterans, seniors, childcare programs, working families, farmers, and retirees; the people I care about and came to serve because, again, let's be clear, if they force a government shutdown, these are the people who will suffer most. Veterans won't receive their full benefits, retirees will lose their economic security and medical care, and our businesses will face massive economic turmoil. For what? A political stunt created by extremists who care more about riling up their base than helping their constituents. Every one of us here swore an oath to serve our constituents. It is time to live up to that oath.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 370 on H.R. 4368, I mistakenly recorded my vote as Yea when I should have voted Nay.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 369.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Erin Doty and celebrate her great accomplishments as my legislative director for the past 8 years. She led my legislative strategies to great success. Under her leadership, we passed 47 bills into law. Some of our most memorable bills are the Safe Step Act, the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Act, and the Honoring our PACT Act. Erin has a heart of gold, a relentless commitment to social justice, and a special talent to make sure I never missed a vote. She was unwaveringly dedicated, often staying very late for votes, despite me insisting that she go home to rest. Erin is a wonderful human being, a good friend, and a trusted adviser. Mr. Speaker, I thank Erin for her service on behalf of the American people, especially the people of California's 36th and now 25th District. We miss you dearly and we wish you luck and look forward to your future endeavors.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of three amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act which include language from three of my bills, the Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act, the Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, and the Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act. All three of these amendments are bipartisan here in the House as well as in the Senate. I thank my partners and friends here in the House, Republican Congressmen Wenstrup and Bilirakis. Fighting to ensure our veterans get the care and benefits they have earned and deserve has always been, still is, and will always be a priority of mine. Additionally, all three of these amendments are endorsed by the major veterans service organizations, including Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and the Wounded Warrior Project. All three amendments will help care for servicemembers exposed to toxic burn pits. Amendment 460 is my Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act. It would allow veterans in the burn pit registry to designate someone to update the registry with their cause of death. This data is crucial to further identify the vast array of illnesses that are causing burn pit-exposed servicemembers and veterans to die, and it will help doctors recognize early symptoms of life-threatening conditions and save lives. The next amendment, 464, is my Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act. It would require the Department of Defense to submit a report to Congress on what the cost would be to get rid of the use of burn pits. This amendment will get us one step closer to ending the use of dangerous and toxic burn pits to prevent illness. Finally, amendment 503 is my Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act. It would require the Department of Defense to establish a new risk assessment for toxic exposure for servicemembers who are assigned to work near toxic burn pits. This amendment would also require the Department of Defense to establish an outreach program to inform servicemembers about the harms associated with working near toxic exposures. These three amendments all aim to save lives and help prevent exposure to toxic burn pits. They do this by requesting the collection of data in the hopes of catching associated illnesses and conditions faster, educating our servicemembers on the harms associated with them, and forging a path forward to end their use. I have fought for years to bring attention to this issue and its devastating toll on our Nation's servicemembers and their families. Time and time again, I have come before this body to tell the stories of those whose lives were devastated and forever changed by burn pits. I have told the story of Jennifer Kepner, an Air Force veteran from Cathedral City in my district. Jennifer was an otherwise healthy mother of two who lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer likely caused by her exposure to burn pits during her military service. I have told the story of Alejandro Camacho, from Palm Desert, who developed testicular cancer from the toxic fumes, particulate matter, and carcinogens he breathed in every day during his service in Iraq. Their stories shed light on the obstacles that veterans across the country have faced and continue to face to get the care and benefits they earned and deserve. It is for Jennifer, Alejandro, and the millions of other veterans suffering from their burn pit exposures that I founded the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Burn Pits Caucus. It is our duty to take care of our veterans who sustained injuries and illnesses while they were fighting for our country. I am encouraged by the steps we have taken to address how we take care of our servicemembers and veterans suffering from toxic exposures. The historic passage of the Honoring our PACT Act, led by Ranking Member Takano, will provide generational change, giving care and support to veterans and their families suffering from illness due to their toxic exposure. The foundation of the bill was built upon my bill, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, which removes the burden from veterans to prove that 23 illnesses or conditions, including various cancers that they are suffering from, are due to their service near burn pits. However, there is more to do to prevent toxic exposures from happening, and I will not stop fighting until our servicemembers are safe.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight my bill, the Children's Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety, or the CARE Act. This bill will protect children in the agricultural industry by creating the same child labor protections that children have in all other industries. Farm labor is the most dangerous occupation in our Nation, and there are no child labor protections. As a result, three kids get injured a day, and every 3 days, a child dies from injuries sustained in the fields. Between 2001 and 2015, nearly half of all fatal injuries to young workers occurred in agriculture. As an emergency physician, the son of farmworkers, and someone who grew up in an impoverished farmworker community with friends who left school to help financially support their families, I want to protect farmworker children across the country. My bill aims to stop the alarming rate of farm labor injuries and deaths by raising the age of employment and limiting the number of working hours during the schoolday for children--the same as all other industries. We must protect children. As a father, doctor, and son of farmworkers, I implore my colleagues to join this effort and cosponsor the CARE Act.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and memorialize a fallen hero, Riverside County Sheriff's Office Deputy Brett Harris, who gave his life serving our communities. Every day, our law enforcement officers say good-bye to our loved ones and make our community safer no matter the cost. On May 12, 2023, Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Brett Harris was on duty responding to a request for assistance before he was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision that caused him significant and traumatic head injuries. At only 27 years old, Deputy Harris succumbed to his injuries the following day, surrounded by his family and his wife, Myreia, in a hospital ICU. Today, a wife and a family mourn a loved one, a public servant, and a friend. Let us honor and cherish the memory of a good man, loving son, and a devoted husband who served our communities well and who loved music, the arts, and video games. Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone present on the House floor to join me in a moment of silence for Deputy Brett Harris, his family, and every fallen peace officer who has answered the call, put their lives on the line, and sacrificed themselves for our safety.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to memorialize our officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and call for action. In my district in Riverside County, we have lost six deputy sheriffs in the line of duty since 2020. This is in addition to the losses our local police departments have suffered over the years, including Palm Springs Department Police Officers Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega, who we lost on October 8, 2016. It is because of Officers Zerebny and Vega and Deputies Brett Harris, Darnell Calhoun, and Isaiah Cordero that I have authored legislation to support families of fallen officers and why I have fought to improve the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program so that their families can get the support they need. This National Police Week and all year round, I am standing up for law enforcement officers and their families. I am pushing for support for those grieving the loss of their brothers and sisters in uniform, and I am calling for action on behalf of those who protect and serve our communities every day.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that Congress recognize May as National Mobility Awareness Month. Millions of Americans across all age groups--six million of whom are veterans that have served our country--have had their mobility impacted due to an injury or a medical diagnosis. Unfortunately, Americans with physical disabilities report experiences of inadequate transportation and mobility options as a major challenge in their daily lives. This May, the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association--an association of automotive mobility professionals dedicated to improving the quality and safety of accessible transportation solutions--is celebrating the 11th National Mobility Awareness Month to increase public awareness of automotive mobility transportation issues and highlight solutions to illustrate that people with disabilities can live active and mobile lifestyles. Customized auto mobility solutions change lives and allow people with disabilities to pursue and maintain meaningful employment, participate in the activities of daily life, improve their physical and mental health, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Accessible transportation solutions are truly life-changing, and raising awareness is critical because Americans with disabilities should know about the accessible and adaptive transportation solutions that support a healthy, fulfilling, mobile lifestyle. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and supporting National Mobility Awareness Month.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Michael R. Reich for being honored by the Center for Global Development for his tenure as Harvard's Taro Takemi Professor Emeritus of International Health Policy. I have had the privilege to know him as a great friend, a man of science and empathy, a man who believes that health is a human right, and a man who has devoted his life to creating a healthy global community. Dr. Reich has dedicated decades to investigating the inequities in health services around the globe, understanding the intersection between healthcare and policy, and advocating to improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities all around the world. As a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Reich has empowered his students to learn from and contribute to real- world global health policy scenarios, bringing new perspectives to cases like health reform in West Africa, malaria control in Zambia, national pharmaceutical reform, or even reproductive health policy in Guatemala. Today, I celebrate him, his legacy, his friendship, and his outstanding contributions to our global community.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act. As a doctor, I am all too familiar with the harmful consequences of pollution and other environmental dangers on people's health. Frontline communities near high-polluting corporations already bear too much of the burden of environmental injustice. For example, people living near fossil fuel drilling sites are at greater risk for pre-term birth, cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. We must do more to protect people's health, not silence the voices of these vulnerable communities like this bill aims to do, not speeding up permit approvals without local families' input on projects that will go in their backyards like this bill aims to do. This bill will also make the air we breathe dirtier and the people sicker by sacrificing key environmental protections under the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and other laws, all to increase fossil fuel energy production in a reckless and irresponsible way. This is the wrong approach. Instead, we should secure America's energy independence with clean, reliable energy that will lower costs for families and protect people's health. This includes building out our domestic supply chain for critical minerals like lithium while producing renewable energy. We can do this through projects like geothermal energy production and lithium recovery at the Salton Sea in Imperial County, California, in my district. The innovative approach we are taking there is responsible energy production with a closed-loop clean system that also creates lithium extraction with geothermal energy. This is better for the environment, better for our communities, and better for the economy. This shows that we do not have to sacrifice health and the environment. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 1 and instead work toward solutions that bring everyone together to move our country forward.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on March 22, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 144 and YEA on Roll Call No. 145.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life and legacy of Walter F. Ulloa, a friend and trailblazer who helped transform Spanish language media. Walter was a visionary. He was also a beloved husband, father, brother, and my dear friend. From B-Town, known as Brawley, to a global powerhouse, Walter got his start with humble beginnings in the Imperial Valley. He was born in the impoverished farmworker city of Brawley in 1949, back when it was still a segregated community. His family lived on B Street on the east side of the tracks. Like my parents and many others in the Imperial Valley, Walter's father, Walter Sr., and mother, Margaret, worked hard to give Walter and his brothers, Roland and Ronald, better opportunities for their futures. Every day for 4 years, his father would drive from Brawley to San Diego to attend law school, instilling in Walter and his brothers the values of honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. His mother provided for the family at home, building a strong foundation for Walter and his brothers and instilling in them the values of kindness and compassion. Walter Sr. and Margaret's hard work helped move the family from the east side to the west side, and their guidance, support, and love helped Walter, Roland, and Ronald achieve great success. Walter's skill as a young tennis champion catapulted him from tournaments in Indio and Palm Springs, California, all the way to the University of Southern California, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He went on to attend Loyola Law School before briefly serving in the district attorney's office and working with the L.A. city youth employment summer program. It wasn't until Walter began working at KMEX-TV in L.A., though, that his career in Spanish broadcast media began. At KMEX, he learned the business from the ground up, first working as a writer and eventually becoming the station's news director. Walter's empire began to take shape when he joined forces with his business partners to acquire nearby stations, ultimately culminating in Entravision's founding. Under his watch, Entravision grew into a driving force in the media, delivering vital news to millions across the country. The thing is, Walter was more than just a great entrepreneur and businessman. He was also an exceptional leader who inspired his employees and increased representation across the board. As Entravision grew, Walter made it a point to get to know everyone at his company, from the service workers to the news crews to the office staff. Everyone mattered to Walter, and they knew it. Many looked to him as a father, a brother, and a mentor who inspired others with his integrity and authentic leadership. Through it all, he maintained his commitment to his roots, to diversity and inclusion, and to social justice. His mantra was: ``We, as Latinos, need to see ourselves reflected in the media, and we have the numbers to do it.'' I can't tell you how much that means to me and how much it means for Latinos and Latinas from the Imperial Valley to the Coachella Valley and all across our Nation. Walter is an inspiration to us all. Born and bred in Brawley, he rose to the top. When it came to creating opportunities for others, he refused to take no for an answer. Being born in a segregated community, he fought for Latino and Latina representation at every turn. Whether with Entravision, the L.A. Music Center board, LA84 Foundation, or the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center, Walter's legacy can be seen on screens all across America. While we recognize the road ahead for equal representation is long, I have no doubt that future generations will carry the torch of his work to ensure we see the faces of Latinos and Latinas on our screens, that we hear the voices of Latinos and Latinas on the radio, and that we share the stories of Latinos and Latinas which are woven into the fabric of our Nation. I will miss him dearly, and I know that countless others will, too. I respect him and admire him greatly. He was a true, loyal friend. He also had a genuine interest in me, believed in me, encouraged me, and supported me through thick and thin. To his wife, Alexandra; son, Bruno; brothers, Roland and Ronald; and all his loved ones and to the entire Entravision family, know that you are in my heart and in my prayers. Together, as we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the blessing he was in all of our lives, the impact he had on our community, and the mark he has left on our Nation's history.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero, Riverside County Sheriff's Department Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who gave his life serving our community. Every day, our law enforcement officers put on their uniforms, kiss their loved ones good-bye, and go to work not knowing if they will come home. On December 29, 2022, Deputy Cordero put on his uniform, said good- bye to his loved ones, and went to work that day to protect and serve. That afternoon, he was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty during what should have been a routine traffic stop. Now, a family mourns a loved one, our local law enforcement grieves a brother, and our community lost a guardian, protector, and friend. Deputy Cordero's service began with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department as a correctional deputy on May 5, 2014. From the start, he was a hardworking, loyal colleague who led by example and wanted his partners to succeed. As a correctional deputy, he worked on cases at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and the Indio jail. Later, he was promoted to deputy sheriff after completing training with the 204th Basic Academy. When he was transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station, Deputy Cordero achieved his goal to serve as a motor deputy. He had served in his dream job for only 3 months before his death at just 32 years old. Our community will remember Deputy Cordero as a selfless public servant who gave his life for our safety. His mother, Rebecca; father, Gilbert; stepbrother; loved ones; and friends will cherish his memory as a good man, devoted son, and loving uncle who brought a smile to everyone's face and as a kind soul who was quiet, polite, and humble, a ray of sunshine who loved motorcycles, cars, and punk rock. Together, as a community, let us honor his legacy, and together, as a Nation, let us salute his courage, remember his sacrifice, and show our appreciation for his fellow brothers and sisters who wear the badge, continuing to protect and serve every day. Memorializing the Life and Legacy of Riverside County Deputy Darnell Calhoun

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to memorialize the life and legacy of Riverside County Sheriff's Department Deputy Darnell Calhoun. Our communities were shattered again by a tragic loss. On January 13, 2023, Deputy Calhoun was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence incident in Lake Elsinore, California. He was just 30 years old. He was born in Pomona and grew up in Murrieta, California, where he worked at his family's restaurant, Calhoun's Texas Family Barbeque. In 2019, Deputy Calhoun began his career in law enforcement with the San Diego Police Department, where he served for 3 years. He then joined the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to be closer to his family. You see, that is the thing about Deputy Calhoun. If there is one word to describe him, it is devoted: devoted to our community, devoted to his church, and, above all, devoted to his family. He loved being a dad and raising his growing family with his wife, Vanessa. It is all he ever wanted. For his children, Russell, Troy, and Malcolm, who is on the way; your children; my children; and everyone's children, Deputy Calhoun worked every day to make the world a better and safer place for us all. A fixture in the community, Deputy Calhoun could often be found at Covenant Grace Church, serving brisket at his family's restaurant, or out with the people, leading the way on community policing. He was an Eagles fan, a good man with a servant's heart who lived to serve, and a courageous deputy who put his life on the line for our safety. As the Calhoun family, fellow Riverside County Sheriff's Department officers, and our entire local law enforcement community carries the heavy burden of grief, anguish, and sorrow with Deputy Calhoun's passing, we must fulfill our solemn duty to honor and respect his service. Today, residents of Riverside County mourn the tragic loss of two fallen officers in the sheriff's department within 15 days of each other. Madam Speaker, I ask everyone present on the House floor today to join me in a moment of silence for Deputy Calhoun, Deputy Cordero, their families, and every fallen officer who has answered the call, put their lives on the line, and sacrificed themselves for our safety.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a champion for our local veterans, Rafael ``Ralph'' Duarte, and to thank him for his years of service to our communities. Tomorrow, Ralph will transition after 10 years with the Riverside County Department of Veteran Services, where he has built a legacy as a fierce advocate, pillar of strength, and beacon of hope for Riverside County veterans. Ralph was born in Delano, California, and graduated from Coachella Valley High School. He is a decorated Army veteran, having served for 4 years in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. After he returned home from the battlefield, he settled in Indio, California, and immediately got to work. He has helped thousands of veterans recover their earned benefits that were denied to them by local, State, and Federal agencies over the years. In fact, it is estimated that he has helped local veterans and their families obtain $55 million in monetary benefits. That is $55 million to get them the care they need, the salary they have earned, and the recognition they deserve. He truly goes above and beyond to serve others, even making home visits just to help elderly veterans fill out the necessary paperwork to get their VA benefits and care. Ralph has participated in hundreds of community events. From community forums with the VFW, to our county's annual Veterans Expo, to my Veterans University, Ralph has always been there to greet veterans with a friendly smile, make them feel at home, and connect them with the resources they need. His compassion, professionalism, and hard work has changed the lives of countless veterans for the better. His dedication, leadership, and advocacy have made Riverside County an even more welcoming place to those who served. Ralph has always said that he is doing God's work in caring for those who have served and sacrificed to protect our Nation, and I couldn't agree more. Our local veterans have been truly blessed to have him fighting on their behalf. So I thank Ralph for all that he has done. On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I wish Ralph, along with his wife, Rachel, and children, Ralph, Abram, and James, the best of luck in their next adventure. Honoring Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovich

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a visionary leader and trailblazer, Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovich, who served the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for nearly 30 years. Chairman Milanovich was a powerhouse who came from humble beginnings. He grew up poor in Palm Springs, and his family survived on nutrition assistance. He went on to serve our Nation as an infantryman in the U.S. Army for 3 years before returning to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation. In 1984, he was elected as Tribal chairman, ushering in a new age of prosperity for the Tribe. His impact spread far and wide, and he is still revered as a change-maker for Tribes throughout California and the entire Nation. We celebrate Chairman Milanovich's memory and legacy by renaming the Palm Springs post office in his honor. Honoring Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez, my constituent who was killed in action while serving our Nation at the Kabul airport on August 25, 2021. Yesterday, this body honored his legacy by unanimously passing legislation to designate the La Quinta post office in his memory. Corporal Lopez was the embodiment of service. He lived his life with a larger purpose in mind, a purpose of serving our country and contributing to something greater than himself. With the Marine Corps, he aided the largest airlift in human history, evacuating over 120,000 of our fellow Americans and allies. Corporal Lopez worked up until his last moment to save others. Now, his story is forever entwined with our Nation's, and it is my hope that with this legislation, future generations will come to know his legacy of remarkable service, compassion, and heroism.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, as a father of these two beautiful daughters, Sky and Sage, to call on the Senate to act now for Dreamers. This October, the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that the DACA program is unlawful and set the stage for this incredibly successful and popular program to be struck down by the conservative courts in Texas. If Congress does not act by the end of this year, the future of thousands of Dreamers will be on the line. Dreamers like Juan Vasquez from my district--in fact, from Mecca-- who, as a senior in high school, was detained by ICE while working in the fields as a farmworker with his parents to help them pay the bills. After taking him under my wing, as a pre-med student Juan graduated top of his class from UC Berkeley and finished top of his class at UC San Francisco School of Medicine. Now he saves lives. He saves American lives. He saves fathers, mothers, children, daughters, sons, and grandparents every day as an emergency medicine resident in New York City. I think I had some influence, being an emergency physician myself and mentoring him in that path. If DACA ends, Juan and hundreds of thousands of others will lose their jobs--impacting labor market sectors already experiencing shortages, such as healthcare, education, service industries, food production, and more. If DACA ends, our economy would lose more than a quarter of a trillion in lost GDP over the next decade. If DACA ends, prices will go up. If DACA ends, we will see dire and insurmountable ripple effects across our communities and local economies. For the sake of doing what is right and good and just, and for the sake of our economy and for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who call our Nation home and have known no other home, I call on the Senate Republicans to join in good-faith negotiations to find a permanent solution for Dreamers based on the House-passed American Dream and Promise Act. Use it as the framework. Madam Speaker, I urge every Member of this body, Republicans and Democrats, to join the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in advocating for a bipartisan DACA deal to be included in the end-of-year omnibus package. We absolutely must deliver peace of mind for Dreamers and their families. Keep their families together and create opportunity for our economy. The time to act is now. The time of urgency is now. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership for being vice chair of communications for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus because your voice is powerful, your voice carries on, your voice is a voice of true leadership that will continue and be generational. I appreciate this Special Hour to advocate for our Dreamers and to protect DACA.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and dear friend, Alfredo Acosta Figueroa, for his lifelong dedication to social justice and his relentless advocacy for civil rights during the Chicano Movement with Cesar Chavez and Bert Corona. Alfredo Acosta Figueroa was born in Blythe, California, to a fifth- generation indigenous-Chicano family from the Colorado River Indian Reservation, which encompasses the Palo Verde Valley in California and all through Parker Valley in Arizona. From a young age, Alfredo learned the values of social justice from his family. As a young kid working in the mines, his parents taught him the values of standing up for himself, caring for his neighbors, and standing by his coworkers. Because of his family's lessons, he has dedicated his entire life to safeguarding the civil, voting, working, and environmental rights of disenfranchised and indigenous communities. In the late 1950s, Alfredo and his brothers, known as the Figueroa Brothers, became actively involved in the civil rights movement. Together, they fought against injustices in Blythe, the Coachella Valley, and throughout the American Southwest. Through it all, Alfredo was mentored by two highly respected Chicano leaders: Humberto ``Bert'' Corona, an immigration rights activist with the Mexican American Political Association; and Cesar Chavez, the civil rights leader of the United Farm Workers. Corona and Chavez's mentorship only deepened Alfredo's passion for human rights, encouraging him to further pursue equity and social justice for his community. Over the years, Figueroa has worn many hats and has undertaken monumental roles, including that of lifetime ``gambusino'' or miner, civil rights activist, humanitarian, farm labor organizer, staunch environmentalist, antinuclear activist, historian, political coordinator, boxing coordinator, folkloric singer and guitarist, indigenous traditionalist, and author, just to name a few. So now, he leads the protection of sacred indigenous sites within the Lower Colorado River Basin and Palo Verde and Parker Valleys. Thanks to Alfredo's leadership, many historical indigenous sacred sites and bodies of water have been protected. This includes the Sacred Mule Mountains, the Lower Colorado River, the world-renowned Blythe Giant Intaglios, and over 300 other sacred sites. Alfredo has achieved all this and more by following his guiding principle to never give up. One of his famous sayings, ``La Lucha Indeterminable,'' or ``The Never-Ending Struggle,'' has kept him motivated in his lifelong mission to share, educate, organize, and regain indigenous cosmic traditional culture. Alfredo's compelling force to provoke change has found inspiration in two indigenous philosophies: First, the Neltiliztli, or ``the birth of the new knowledge,'' meaning that we must always seek the truth; Second, the ancient Nahuatl teachings of Tloque Nahuaque, or the saying, ``among all, we do all, for the betterment of all.'' Both have allowed him to persist in this long journey and inspire many others. So, to my dear friend, Alfredo Acosta Figueroa, you personify the dedication, resiliency, and carino of so many of our communities. Your life of service will forever be an inspiration for all people, and we are in great debt to you. On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I thank you for your continued dedication and challenging work in the protection of our ancestral sacred lands. ``Mexica Tiahui,'' ``Move Forward.''

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the House passage of my bipartisan bill to designate the Palm Desert VA Clinic in memory of Seymour ``Sy'' Kaplan. Sy was a decorated World War II veteran with a relentless passion for service. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old and served our country bravely in the 2nd Army, 2nd Corps Division. For his heroism, he earned three battle stars and two Purple Hearts. When his military service ended, his service to our veterans began. For 25 years, Sy served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 78, in the Coachella Valley. His leadership helped countless veterans find healing, community, and a sense of purpose. He also served as a member of my veterans advisory board, where I looked to him as a trusted adviser. We lost Sy 3 years ago at the age of 95. I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to ensure his name is forever etched into our desert's history at a place where our veterans receive quality care at the Palm Desert VA Clinic, the clinic he championed to create.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the House passage of bipartisan, commonsense legislation that will expand access to healthcare in underserved communities across the country. I grew up in a rural farmworker community in the Coachella Valley, and later served that same community as a doctor. I know how crucial it is for people to have access to healthcare in their communities without barriers, and how the distance to a health center can be the difference between whether or not someone seeks treatment. That is why I joined Congresswoman Susie Lee in introducing the MOBILE Health Care Act, which will help community health centers expand their services with mobile health units. This means taking healthcare to the people, often the hardest to reach, and often left out, and the most medically underserved. So I urge President Biden to sign this bill into law without delay to improve health outcomes across the board and make a positive difference in people's lives.