Harley Rouda

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on Friday, December 18, 2020, at the recommendation of my physician. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Vote No. 246 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 979: YEA; and Roll Call Vote No. 247 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.J. Res. 107: YEA. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 965, 116th congress Allred (Wexton) Axne (Davids (KS)) Barragan (Beyer) Bera (Aguilar) Blumenauer (Beyer) Bonamici (Clark (MA)) Brownley (CA) (Clark (MA)) Case (Cartwright) Castor (FL) (Demings) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) Cohen (Beyer) Costa (Correa) Craig (McCollum) Davis (CA) (Scanlon) Dean (Scanlon) DeFazio (Davids (KS)) DeGette (Blunt Rochester) DelBene (Cicilline) DeSaulnier (Matsui) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Doggett (Raskin) Doyle, Michael F. (Cartwright) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Eshoo (Thompson (CA)) Finkenauer (Underwood) Fletcher (Raskin) Frankel (Clark (MA)) Gaetz (Gabbard) Garamendi (Sherman) Gottheimer (Panetta) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Haaland (Davids (KS)) Hastings (Wasserman Schultz) Heck (Kildee) Jayapal (Raskin) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kelly (IL) (Clarke (NY)) Kennedy (McGovern) Kilmer (Kildee) Kim (Davids (KS)) Kind (Beyer) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Lamb (Sherrill) Langevin (Lynch) Lawrence (Kildee) Lawson (FL) (Demings) Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Lipinski (Schrader) Lofgren (Jeffries) Lowenthal (Beyer) McEachin (Wexton) McNerney (Raskin) Meng (Clark (MA)) Moore (Beyer) Mucarsel-Powell (Wasserman Schultz) Nadler (Jeffries) Napolitano (Correa) Neguse (Perlmutter) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Wasserman Schultz) Peters (Kildee) Peterson (McCollum) Pingree (Cicilline) Pocan (Raskin) Porter (Wexton) Price (NC) (Butterfield) Richmond (Butterfield) Roybal-Allard (Garcia (TX)) Ruiz (Dingell) Rush (Underwood) Ryan (Kildee) Schakowsky (Underwood) Schneider (Casten (IL)) Schrier (Spanberger) Serrano (Jeffries) Sewell (AL) (Cicilline) Shimkus (Pallone) Sires (Pallone) Smith (WA) (Courtney) Speier (Scanlon) Titus (Connolly) Vargas (Correa) Veasey (Beyer) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Welch (McGovern) Wild (Scanlon) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Richard W. Schmidt, who passed away peacefully on November 4, 2020, at the age of 90, with his wife and son by his side. A veteran, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Richard will be dearly missed by his family and friends. A graduate of Hoover High School in Glendale, California and an avid basketball player, Richard proudly served his country in the Korean War surviving freezing temperatures and combat as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. After the war, Richard returned home to work in the financial and real estate development sectors in Orange County. Later in life, Richard loved to watch sports, play tennis, golf, and camp. Among his fishing buddies, he was known as ``The Judge''. After listening to one tall tale after another, he would annually award the coveted Fisherman of the Year trophy. After a few toasts around the campfire, Richard would climb into his sleeping bag for a well-deserved rest. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring and celebrating the life of Richard W. Schmidt for his service to our country, to his family, and to our community.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative for its outstanding service to the veterans and military families of Orange County, California. This organization, a commendable group of dedicated professionals and volunteers, embodies the spirit of collaboration and demonstrates the power of our community to come together and solve our toughest challenges. Established in 2012 by a small, passionate group of Vietnam War Veterans, who answered yet another call of duty, the Collaborative helps to connect veterans, active duty and reserve service members, and military families across Orange County to quality benefits, services, and community-based opportunities. Today, the Collaborative consists of nearly 120 member organizations, including businesses, government offices at the federal, state and local levels, non-profits, and officials from the Veterans Administration. The Collaborative serves the Orange County veteran community through eleven focus groups--dealing with critical topics like homelessness, education, and employment--and other efforts, such as a task force that works with older veterans. The Collaborative works to ensure all veterans have a place to call home by helping veterans to secure HUD-VASH benefits and by filling the gaps for veterans where federal resources are unable to compensate. Their Housing Working Group monitors the by-name list of homeless veteran populations in Orange County and deploys rapid responses to veterans facing homelessness. Their Housing Group has also worked to house over 100 veterans and their families over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Collaborative has made meaningful progress towards addressing the tragedy of suicide among our veterans. In 2019, the Collaborative partnered with America's Warrior Partnership to conduct Operation Deep Dive, a forensic study on the causes of veteran suicides and self-harm. Their commitment to finding solutions to these issues reminds us of Congress' own duty and the urgent need to support veteran groups working on this issue. In 2018, the Collaborative was recognized as the Community Veteran Engagement Board for Orange County by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, deepening their role as an integral part of the Orange County community. I ask all Members join me in honoring the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative for their work on behalf of over 130,000 Orange County veterans and their families.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Constitution Week, which is observed during the week of September 17 through 23. This week is intended to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution, a document that has embraced freedom and been a shining light of democracy since its adoption in 1787. In 1787, at a time when it was unheard of, the founding fathers set out to establish a bold, new way of life that warded against governmental tyranny and instead embraced freedom and democracy. The founders sought to replace the flawed and insufficient Articles of Confederation with a new document that better encapsulated a balance between sovereignty and cohesion to guide the fledgling country. The framing process itself was grueling, entailing several hour-long debates inside of a hot room in Philadelphia, during which the framers clashed over ideas of sovereignty, distribution of power, and individual liberties. Out of this grueling process eventually arose the United States Constitution, which establishes the United States government and outlines its relationship to the people, along with other rules and inalienable rights guaranteed to its citizens. The Constitution serves as an example of American tenacity and embodies our commitment to freedom, democracy, and honor. Since its adoption in 1787, dozens of other countries have followed suit and have adopted measures to enhance freedom and democracy in their own lands. During this celebratory week, we take a moment to pay respect to this document, which has had such positive benefits for human civilization, both domestically and abroad. I ask that all Members join me in recognizing Constitution Week.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 7608, which highlights the contributions of Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian immigrants and discourages attempts to increase repatriations to those countries. In 2008, the United States reached a formal agreement with Vietnam which contains specific restrictions on the repatriation of certain individuals to Vietnam. Under this agreement, any Vietnamese national who arrived in the United States before our two nations established formal diplomatic relations on July 12, 1995 is barred from being repatriated to Vietnam. This provision benefits our communities by keeping families together and allowing people who have lived here for decades to continue making a positive impact on their communities. Under this Administration, there has been a renewed push to increase deportations to Southeast Asian countries, including the weaponization of visa sanctions to unilaterally push for broadened repatriation agreements. I am proud to represent a community where we honor the thousands of men, women, and children who arrived in the United States after the Vietnam War in search of a better life, and I call upon this Administration to cease attempts to renegotiate repatriation agreements to allow for greater numbers of repatriations to these countries. I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and the House Committee on Appropriations for including report language we requested to prevent the use of funds to negotiate or enter into an agreement with the Governments of Laos or Vietnam for the repatriation of these individuals. I also would like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Alan Lowenthal, Lou Correa, and Zoe Lofgren, for their support of this amendment and their continued hard work on behalf of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian American communities.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, at the advice of the Office of the Attending Physician, I voted on agreeing to Amendment No. 29 offered by Rep. Takano printed in H. Rept. 116-457, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions to H.R. 6395, and passage of H.R. 6395 by proxy pursuant to section 3(c) of House Resolution 965 and in accordance with regulation C.6. Due to this recommendation, I was unable to vote on agreeing to Amendment No. 11 offered by Rep. Dean printed in H. Rept, 116-457. Had I been present or been permitted to vote by the Office of the Clerk or the Office of the Attending Physician, I would have voted yea on rollcall No. 149.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of U.S. Army and World War II Veteran, William J. Kull of Huntington Beach, CA. Mr. Kull's patriotism and commitment to serve his community and the United States as a member of America's greatest generation should serve as an example for all especially as we continue to confront the challenges our nation faces today. A young husband and father, Mr. Kull was a member of the New York Fire Department when he was drafted into the service in 1944. He completed Basic Training in South Carolina, then sailed to Glasgow on the HMS Queen Elizabeth, then took a Belgian ship to France. On June 6th, 1944, approximately 156,000 American, Canadian, and British forces landed on five beaches in the Normandy region of France. The operation took months of planning by General Dwight Eisenhower, who coordinated and led the attack of troops from three different nations. Mr. Kull was assigned to Rifle Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Regiment in the 4th Division, U.S. Army when he arrived the next day to replace the massive casualties sustained in battle. Landing on Utah Beach, he saw six months of fighting on the frontlines, during which time he was promoted quickly through the ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant. His unit fought their way through Belgium and arrived in Germany before realizing confrontation at the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. Mr. Kull recalled it as ``a terrible place . . . when we left, it wasn't a forest anymore.'' Mr. Kull continued through the perilous challenges of war, including fighting at the Battle of the Bulge. Not knowing his sergeant had surrendered, Mr. Kull was fiercely engaged with the enemy when a German rifle held him at gunpoint. Now a Prisoner of War, in a miraculous display of loyalty to duty and country, it took only a few hours for him to escape, along with other members of his unit, and catch up with his remaining company. Against overwhelming odds, Mr. Kull and a couple of other squads continued to fight. Members of the 5th Division arrived to relieve them on Christmas Eve. Travelling by truck back into France, he was sent to hold the Remagen Bridge, only just captured by American Forces. He recalled that once they crossed the Rhine River and then went along the Danube, they were met with sporadic resistance. With the war in the European Theatre essentially over, his unit remained as part of the occupying forces and shipped back to France. He received many medals, badges and citations for his exemplary service including the Order of Leopold II with Palm Degree of Chevalier and the Croix d'Guerre with Palm Leaf cluster. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Oakleaf Cluster ``for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy on or about 12 November 1944 in the European Theater of Operations.'' Mr. Kull left military service in 1945 and returned to the New York Fire Department where he retired after twenty-three years of service. He has three sons Richard, David and Chuck who reside in Colorado and Texas. Mr. Kull exemplifies incredible intelligence, courage, and perseverance, and we must show our due appreciation and honor to all the men and women who lost their lives to help end the war. I truly admire Mr. Kull for answering the call of duty during one of the most historic moments in our nation's history. On this day we pay tribute to his service to our country and wish him a very happy 100th birthday. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the birthday of William J. Kull on June 29th.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, small businesses in Orange County and across the United States are struggling. States and local governments have given shops and restaurants the green light for reopening but have failed to provide businesses with the resources they need to open safely. Madam Speaker, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Helping Businesses Reopen Safely Act of 2020 with Congressman Brian Mast of Florida. This bill will provide a tax credit to small businesses, nonprofits, and local governments of up to $25,000 annually to purchase personal protective equipment and other supplies that are essential to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Madam Speaker, the science is clear. PPE, like face masks, is our most effective tool to keep Americans safe and keep our economy running. My bill would ensure businesses aren't financially penalized for providing safe and clean service. Madam Speaker, the Helping Businesses Reopen Safely Act of 2020 would help businesses open while protecting the public health of workers, customers, and communities. I urge my colleagues to support and pass this crucial legislation.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of William Lyon, who passed away on May 22, 2020 at the age of 97. For 50 years, his work as a real estate magnate revolutionized the housing industry in both Orange County and around the country. In 1954, Lyon began working in construction with a 66-home project in Anaheim, California. Lyon foresaw the region's growth, and capitalized on the post-World War II economic boom. Less than a decade after his first construction project, he became one of the biggest names in the homebuilding industry. His company, William Lyon Homes, was based in Newport Beach. Lyon and his combined companies were responsible for creating by than 72,000 residential living spaces by the end of his career. Lyon's aptitude for reading the housing market and maximizing development opportunities in Orange County are what truly set him apart from his peers and justified his title as a real estate titan. Known as ``the General'' by friends and family, his leadership and accomplishments sparked great change in our community. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the accomplished life of William Lyon.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was read to the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Today, we reflect and honor the horror and hardship of those enslaved in the United States. In communities across America, we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who paved the way for future generations. We know that the Emancipation Proclamation did not ensure equality for African Americans in our country, but the freedom from slavery was instead a first step in an ongoing and righteous battle for justice in the United States. Let us reflect today on how far we have come, and recognize how far we still have to go in our fight for true equality. Let us use this time to acknowledge the work that needs to be done to ensure a more equitable tomorrow. Juneteenth is a time to reflect on our nation's fraught history and acknowledge that we can, and will, do better. I ask that all Members join me in celebrating Juneteenth.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I, along with Representative Katie Porter, rise today to recognize the University of California, Irvine for its exemplary response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. UCI has always been committed to providing quality medical treatment and research to the Orange County community and improving public health nationwide. In this time of crisis, UCI's commitment to public health is nothing short of admirable. UCI has been a leader in COVID-19 response since this threat was first recognized. Researchers and medical professionals perform extensive research, conduct clinical trials on drugs to treat the virus, test large volumes of people for the virus, and collaborate with researchers and healthcare professionals across the nation. Widespread testing is critical to tracking the spread of the coronavirus. UCI has made this a priority by testing first responders and screening physicians, staff members, and other health care providers daily. Researchers at UCI also create and produce protective shields to meet the needs of healthcare providers on the front lines and contribute sample-preserving fluid for COVID-19 test kits. In light of this crisis, we look to institutions like UCI to provide us with the research and treatment tools to get us through this extraordinary public health crisis. We are grateful for the work UCI has done to research, prevent, and treat the virus as well as educate the public on best-practices during this time. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the important work and leadership of the University of California, Irvine.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation. But let's be clear: 50,000 of our fellow Americans have already died. We have 26 million Americans out of work. We have tens of thousands of small businesses that will not be able to participate in this legislation because we haven't funded it enough, and we have cities clearly looking at the prospect of bankruptcy. So we do have a lot more work to do, and I hope we can continue to work in a bipartisan fashion, stop the partisan sniping, and do what we were meant to do here to protect our country.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bolsa Chica Land Trust. This organization has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to preserve the mesa, lowlands, and wetlands of Bolsa Chica and educate the community on its cultural significance. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, it is important to recognize the organizations that protect our Earth every day. Since 1996, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and over 22,000 volunteers have worked with the scientific community, the Native American community, and state agencies to acquire threatened land, restore damage to the environment, and preserve the natural habitats in Bolsa Chica. In addition to its conservation efforts, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust serves the community by conducting educational programs to raise awareness about the Bolsa Chica wetlands and tell its rich cultural history. Due to their passionate and inspirational leadership, the Bolsa Chica Land Trust is recognized for its continuous commitment to protecting our Earth, both within the environmental community and to all of us who value the restoration and preservation of our precious natural resources. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the extraordinary leadership and activism of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of Mr. Truc Ho. Mr. Ho is the General Director of SBTN, the first and largest Vietnamese 24-hour television network in the United States. Mr. Ho is a prominent musician and media activist within the Vietnamese American community. His tireless dedication to his community, and his tremendous work with SBTN musicians, has culminated in what many would consider the perfect rendition of Vietnamese culture. In conjunction with SBTN, Mr. Ho produced a music DVD, ``The Forsaken Soldiers,'' honoring the soldiers of The Army of the Republic of Vietnam and commemorating the 45th Anniversary of Black April. His passionate and inspirational leadership will forever cement Mr. Truc Ho as a hero and champion of Vietnamese culture, both within the Vietnamese American community and abroad. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the extraordinary accomplishments of Mr. Truc Ho.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong, who created ``Uoc Mo Viet'' (Vietnamese Dream), a competition encouraging Vietnamese American children to learn Vietnamese in creative and innovative ways. Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong has spent her life serving her community. Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong is an optometrist practicing in Garden Grove, California and spends her spare time promoting important causes in her community. Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong is a passionate activist who leads Huong Viet Scout Troop (with more than 200 scouts) and the Southern California Du Ca Group, a group of famous community singers with more than 60 members. Recently, she has created a competition named ``Uoc Mo Viet'' (Vietnamese Dream), to encourage Vietnamese American children to learn the Vietnamese language through Vietnamese songs and short stories. The competition started at the beginning of 2020 and has since flourished with more than 100 contestants. Even in the face of COVID- 19, the competition will continue online to acknowledge the hard work of all its participants. Due to her passionate and inspirational leadership, Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong is recognized as a hero, both within the Vietnamese American community and to all of us who value the preservation of Vietnamese American heritage. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the extraordinary leadership and activism of Dr. Pham Do Thien Huong.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the Iranian American Women Foundation. Founded in 2011 as an educational nonprofit organization in Irvine, California, IAWF has worked tirelessly to provide women of Iranian heritage with connections and mentorships to enhance and reinforce their potential. IAWF strives to promote the economic, academic, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and scientific contributions of Iranian American women. In the nine years since they have been established, IAWF has hosted 19 Women's Leadership conferences and provided countless scholarships to young women in need. In recognition of their extraordinary work, Mayor Eric Garcetti declared April 27 as the Iranian American Women Day in the City of Los Angeles. I ask all members to join me in recognizing the extraordinary work of the Iranian American Women Foundation and to celebrate the exemplary work that has culminated in Iranian American Women Day.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic life of General Le Minh Dao, who passed away on March 19, 2020. General Dao spent his 87 years of life fighting for freedom and serving his community. Born in 1933 in Sai Gon, Vietnam, Le Minh Dao would go on to serve in the Army of the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Outnumbered and fighting against the odds, General Dao made a heroic stand in what is now known as the Battle of Xuan Loc, the last major struggle before Saigon's fall on April 30, 1975. For 13 days, the General and his men of the 18th division of the ARVN withstood an unrelenting barrage from Communist forces. The battle would be a showcase of General Dao's military brilliance and a testament to his unimpeachable courage. Due to his passionate and inspirational leadership, General Dao will forever be recognized as a hero, both within the Vietnamese community and to all of us who hold the ideals of freedom and democracy above all else. I ask that all Members join me in honoring the extraordinary life of General Le Minh Dao.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Elisabeth Brown for her incredible tenure as the President of Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. For more than three decades, Dr. Brown has led and overseen the creation and implementation of new programs that positively impact and contribute to our Laguna Beach community. Dr. Brown has served on the Board of Directors of Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. since 1980 and stepped into the role of President just seven years later. During her time as President, she has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award for the League of Conservation. Dr. Brown has sought to protect the natural resources of Orange County while establishing educational programs to enhance the public's knowledge on the California Coastal Canyon environment. A cornerstone of Dr. Brown's work has been the establishment of a training class that taught hundreds of volunteers about the native plant habitats and restoration projects throughout Orange County. I ask all Members to join me in recognizing the extraordinary work and contributions of Dr. Elisabeth Brown to California's 48th Congressional District and all of Orange County.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Seth Eaker-Morgan and his incredible contributions to the City of Seal Beach. Mr. Eaker-Morgan truly made an incredible difference and touched countless lives. Mr. Eaker-Morgan worked tirelessly to make an impact in our community, including through his involvement in the Lions Club, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Seal Beach Police Foundation. Mr. Eaker-Morgan was also the founder of Black Marble Consulting and worked with many large and small businesses throughout the United States. A well-respected member of our community, Mr. Eaker-Morgan held numerous leadership roles. He was selected as Grand Marshal of the Seal Beach Christmas Parade in 2012 and was named Seal Beach Citizen of the Year by Cypress Community College in 2014. Mr. Eaker-Morgan was unexpectedly taken from us much too soon on December 18, 2019. His legacy will continue to impact people across Orange County and our nation for years to come. I ask that all Members join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Seth Eaker-Morgan and extending our condolences to his family, friends, and all of those whose lives he touched.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I missed votes on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 as I was traveling after attending a memorial service in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Vote No. 57 (On Ordering the Previous Question): YEA; Roll Call Vote No. 58 (On Agreeing to H. Res. 844): YEA; and Roll Call Vote No. 59 (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1980, as Amended): YEA.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I missed votes on Monday, February 10, 2020 to attend a memorial service in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Vote No. 55 (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2932, as Amended): YEA; and Roll Call Vote No. 56 (On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3413, as Amended): YEA.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) on the celebration of its 25th Anniversary. The Orange County Business Council was established in 1995 to promote business development and strategic resource allocation to improve the lives of all Orange County residents. As the Orange County business community has emerged from the shadow of Los Angeles, OCBC has developed a distinct identity for our perfectly situated region to thrive. OCBC has a placed a strategic focus on the future of the economy while working to preserve a high quality of life for residents and workers. I ask all Members to join me in recognizing the extraordinary work and contributions of the Orange County Business Council and their efforts to enhance Orange County's economic development and prosperity.

Mr. ROUDA

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a businessman, I know firsthand the power of small businesses as a driver of economic growth, not just for the owners but for the 60 million small business employees in the United States. While the underlying bill makes the playing field fairer for American workers, my amendment clarifies that the National Labor Relations Board jurisdictional standards for small businesses remain consistent, ensuring small businesses have the stability they need to develop long- term business plans. The NLRB uses businesses' gross annual volume to determine whether a company is subject to its standards, with different thresholds for different types of businesses. My amendment ensures existing thresholds do not change. Madam Chair, we cannot keep shifting the goalposts for millions of Americans. Small businesses need stability to strategize and consistency to create jobs. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support small businesses across America and adopt this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROUDA. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House.