Eric Swalwell

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Thank you, Congressman Lieu. It has been exciting going to the nine cities across America and talking to young people and learning their thoughts. As the Future Forum, our goal has been first to listen, and then to engage with millennials, whether it is going to their college campuses, community colleges, workforces, incubator and startup hubs; and then it is to crowdsource these problems, and then for the lawmakers of Future Forum to come back to this body and this Chamber and act on the issues that young Americans care about. It is the largest generation America has ever known. It is the most diverse generation that America has ever known. It is an aspirational generation that wants to solve problems and not sit on the sidelines and watch our sea levels rise and watch the Earth get warmer. It is a generation that feels a sense of responsibility that we are only on this Earth for a very short period of time, and we will be judged by what we leave to the next generation. So, yes, we can do something about it. Young Americans are committed to fighting climate change. They know it is our own reality and the reality of those who will inherit this Earth, and they know it is better to start now, before it is too late. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Now, Congressman Lieu, talking about this statistic, in the Los Angeles area, there is a lot that young people are doing with startups, especially in clean energy. I had the opportunity to visit an incubator hub, thousands of square feet where they are working in Los Angeles in the Arts District to try and solve some of the greatest climate challenges we have through renewable energy sources. What are you seeing as far as innovation in your area where people are saying: You know what. This is not a false choice between fossil fuels and doing nothing about it? Are you seeing something there at home?

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Congressman Gallego, I am curious. You look at this poster board, and we see that 73 percent of people aged 18 to 29 believe that the Earth is warming. Clearly, 73 percent of people in that age range are not Democrats. They are not Republicans. In fact, young people are quite independent minded. Are you finding that people in your congressional district in the Phoenix area believe that the Earth is warming and that mankind is not only responsible for that, but has an obligation to do something about it?

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Thank you, Congressman Lieu. Something that is quite interesting to me is that for millennials, when polled or asked about climate change, it is not a partisan issue. In this House, it feels quite like a partisan issue. My question for Congressman Boyle: Across the country from Los Angeles, is addressing climate change a partisan issue, and what are you hearing from millennials in the Philadelphia area? I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. Boyle).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to kick off the latest Future Forum Special Order hour. Today we will be talking about something of unique importance to millennials across the United States and, in fact, the world: climate change and what we do about it. Joining me today are Members from across our country. We have Congressman Boyle from the Philadelphia area, Congressman Lieu from the Los Angeles area, and Congressman Gallego from the Phoenix area. Why is the risk of climate change so unique and important to millennials? Well, they know that the very world in which they live-- and the one that we will give to our children--is in danger of experiencing catastrophic environmental changes. It is our future that is on the line, and it is our future that is in danger. I also encourage anyone watching this to participate in the conversation at #futureforum, and I will engage our Members under that hashtag. First, I want to start with Congressman Lieu. I would ask you, Congressman, in the Los Angeles area, a place where young people are thriving and young people across the world are moving to, what are you hearing from millennials in the Los Angeles area? Is it anything like what I heard in southern California when Scott Peters and I were down there last month and we talked to students at the University of California, San Diego, and we had a word cloud? This is where you ask participants in the audience to text in what issue is most important to them, and the one that is more important gets bigger and bigger in font size. As you can see here in this photograph, climate was the number one issue on the minds of people down in San Diego. Is that what you are hearing in the Los Angeles area? I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ted Lieu).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. That is right, Mr. Boyle. Mr. Gallego has seen this with me. He came out to my congressional district and spoke with millennials in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are aspirational. We are optimistic. We are collaborative. In fact, we came out of the family cell phone plan, so we are used to solving all sorts of problems with group think and then actually arriving at a decision. That is what we do: We collaborate, we solve small problems, we think big, and we take on the larger problems. Your closing thoughts, Congressman Gallego, on what our generation can do to address this threat to our national security, our livelihood, and our economy.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Congressman Lieu, an interesting fact about that number. NASA projects that by 2050, between $66 billion and $106 billion worth of existing coastal property will likely be below sea level nationwide, with $238 billion to $507 billion worth of property below sea level by 2100. And so it certainly has, as you said, not just the livelihood effect on it, but also a price tag, as we have seen. I mentioned Congressman Gallego served in the military. I believe you also serve today as a reservist. If you will, talk about the national security threat because of climate change.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. If oil companies believe in climate change, you can, too. I think that is the message here today. In Paris, over the past few weeks, over a hundred countries, thousands of world leaders, gathered to declare what over 98 percent of the scientific community has always known, which is that climate change is real. Man has caused it, and we must do something about it. The reaction in my congressional district has been one of enthusiasm. People are happy to see that internationally this is being addressed. It is not just the United States. It is not just the giants, but every country across the globe is recognizing this. What are you hearing at home, Congressman Boyle, about the Paris talks and what can come out of it?

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for working in a bipartisan way to address one of the greatest threats that the United States, our allies, and people in the Middle East face today, and that is ISIS. ISIS is a brutal, growing force, growing in its influence and ability to carry out successful terrorist attacks, but also growing in its ability to inspire others to take up attacks on their own. ISIS has been so successful these days that they don't even have to order attacks here in America. Their success has inspired others to take up their own attacks. Until we are as coordinated as they are, they will continue to be successful. We saw, in Paris, that a number of the attackers were people who had traveled from Western Europe to Syria and then returned to carry out the horrific attacks we saw back in November. But we can defeat ISIS. We have defeated evil as a country before, and this country works best when its leaders work to protect the American people in a bipartisan way, as we are seeing today. There is no silver bullet we can fire to stop ISIS. Instead, ISIS' defeat will come at the hands of American leadership--American leadership in stitching together a coalition of countries willing and able to defeat ISIS--but also American leadership and its own intelligence community to protect us here at home. Mr. Speaker, let me close by reiterating my strong support for the Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act. The information that this will provide is an important step regarding foreign fighter training, and it will be of great importance as we continue to fight terrorism at home and abroad and secure our homeland. Again, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas for his service in the intelligence community, and I appreciate the bipartisan nature of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Carson).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the ranking member.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, let me express my thanks to Mr. LoBiondo, my colleague on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the chairman of its CIA Subcommittee. I serve as the subcommittee's ranking member. I appreciate the bipartisan way that the chairman of the whole committee and our ranking member, Mr. Schiff, as well as the way that Mr. LoBiondo and I have approached this critical issue of foreign fighter flow. ISIS is one of the greatest threats facing the United States today. Defeating ISIS means that the United States and its allies must be more coordinated in our efforts to scrub ISIS from this Earth and to protect Americans at home than ISIS is in attacking us. This will require a multifaceted approach, involving both foreign policy and the way that our intelligence community tracks ISIS here at home. The threat posed by foreign fighters who travel to and from a foreign zone or a terrorist safe haven and then return to wreak havoc in the West is both real and persistent. The challenge is that, when these foreign fighters go to these countries, if they are not killed on the battlefield, oftentimes they learn even better training and are able to return either to Western Europe or other parts of the world or even the United States with improved training and an increased hatred for innocent people. That leaves us very vulnerable. To help confront this threat, the Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act builds on important provisions in the 2016 Intelligence Authorization Act which require a report on foreign fighter flows into and out of Syria and Iraq. This would expand the scope of that report. This bill broadens this requirement by calling on the Director of National Intelligence to report regularly on foreign fighter travel to and from any foreign safe haven or terrorist safe haven. If we do not know who is going to fight in these hot zones, we will have an incomplete picture of our own vulnerabilities. And, these reports have to be specific. They must include, for example, the foreign fighters' countries of origin, the number of foreign fighters who have traveled to or departed each safe haven, and the number of those whose whereabouts remain unknown. Importantly, to the extent a report is submitted in a classified form, it must also include an unclassified summary of the report's contents. I appreciate the chairman agreeing to my request to include this unclassified requirement. Increased transparency and public awareness is very important in the fight against terrorism. These broad, comprehensive reports will allow us to better understand the foreign fighter threat and, in turn, help all of us better protect our national security. Let me again thank Mr. LoBiondo. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with Congressman Mike Thompson to recognize Candy Alcott, an amazing Livermore resident whose acts of kindness are bringing joy to Lake County children devastated by the Valley Fire. When the Valley Fire destroyed hundreds of homes earlier this year, leaving many families with nothing, Candy jumped into action. She wanted to make sure the children of Lake County were ``not forgotten.'' Candy drove from Livermore and brought donations. She gave away a few bikes that first day, but there were still many more kids in need. Candy said she would be back, and she has fulfilled that promise over and over again. Thanks to Candy's tireless efforts, good Samaritans and generous businesses have donated hundreds of bikes. Now called the ``Bike Angel,'' she has even created a group, Bike Angels United, to help continue this outpouring of love and support for the children of Lake County. Candy said that the generosity people have shown in donating the bikes has been a ``miracle.'' This miracle, though, only happened because of her caring, dedication, and energy. We want to express our deepest appreciation for Candy's devotion to the children affected by the Valley Fire. What she has done is truly remarkable, and we wish her the very best as she continues her charitable work.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ron Brown of Walnut Creek, California. After 15 years of service to Save Mount Diablo and over 40 years in the nonprofit sector, Ron has announced his retirement at the end of 2015. Under his leadership, Save Mount Diablo grew from a modest staff of 3 to its current staff of 18 people. It has participated in land use advocacy, land purchase for inclusion in parks, and relationship building with local government and developers, all with the objective of preserving the ecosystem that supports the Mount Diablo region. This has resulted in $25 million raised to preserve thousands of acres of land. Ron now looks forward to dedicating his time to enjoying the land he has worked so hard to protect. He will soon spend many days fishing and camping with his grandchildren. Community members from across the East Bay will be gathering this week to recognize Ron and celebrate the contributions he has made. Congratulations, Ron, on a remarkable and impactful career that has positively changed the landscape of the East Bay.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, regarding the question considered November 4 on agreeing to amendment number 54 printed in Part A of House Report 113-326 offered by Mr. DeSaulnier of California to H.R. 22 (Roll Call Number 599), I am recorded as voting ``no.'' I intended to vote ``yes.''

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tri- Valley YMCA, which on November 6 will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Since 1965, the Tri-Valley YMCA has been strengthening the communities of Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, and Sunol through its youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs. Among these is its work to promote our children's confidence and relationships, positive leadership, civic engagement, and community compassion. Through child learning centers, camp programs, Youth in Government, and family support programs, the Y is providing enriching education and life experiences for all children and teens in our community. One of the most noteworthy commitments of the Y is that all of its programs and activities are open to everyone, regardless of the family's ability to pay. Led by Executive Director Kelly O'Lague Dulka, the Tri-Valley YMCA has also extended its community giving and distributed nearly $1 million in household supplies last year. Beyond personal character development, the Y has become a valuable safety net in my district, nurturing the potential of all children involved in their activities, helping people of all ages improve their health, and providing opportunities for the community to come together and support each other. Congratulations to the staff and board of directors of the Tri-Valley YMCA for 50 years of selfless giving to our community.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. My amendment also would allow States and local governments to partner with innovative technologies that best serve transit systems. For example, by explicitly including car-sharing and bike-sharing companies, like Lyft, a California-based company, we can both reduce congestion and improve air quality while ensuring people have access to mass transportation. According to a research done by UC Berkeley, there are 32 car-sharing operators in the United States with over 1.1 million members and 16,754 vehicles. These car-sharing and bike-sharing examples are just a few of the many opportunities that would be explicitly available to States and local governments. Thirty cities have bike-sharing systems with over 17,000 bikes available. In 2013, a survey of Capital Bikeshare here in the Capital City found that users drove 4.4 million fewer miles to access this program. Also, it is important to note that these technologies and shared programs are already being implemented by cities across the country. Companies like Lyft and Uber are working in coordination with city governments to better connect workers to transit options. Lyft, for one, is now integrated in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit app, offering riders another option to start or end their transit trips. This amendment makes an important step toward using technology and shared programs to create a fully integrated transit system and improve its effectiveness. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer a bipartisan amendment with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert) that would make it easier for public entities to better utilize the benefits of new and innovative technologies to deliver more and better transportation outcomes. I thank my friend, Congressman Schweikert, for cosponsoring this important amendment. I also thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita) for his work in the subcommittee on a similar issue. In recent years, the Internet, new technologies, and shared-use programs have revolutionized the way we travel. Our Federal transportation policies, however, must take advantage of these new technologies and shared programs to help reduce traffic congestion, help improve air quality, and better connect users with mass transportation options. My amendment is simple. It would make eligible projects and programs that utilize innovative mobility technologies to provide alternatives to driving alone under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, also known as CMAQ, and the associated transit improvement program to better connect users to mass transit systems. Allowing States and cities to have the flexibility to choose how to better improve transportation outcomes under CMAQ and associated transit improvement programs can help spur innovation to create better results for transit users, ultimately allowing people to spend less time in their car and more time at home with their families. I know from driving in my district, California's 15th Congressional District, the East Bay, where traffic congestion is among the worst in our country, we need to give our States and local governments every opportunity to utilize new technologies and shared programs to reduce traffic. Under both CMAQ and associated transit improvement programs, State and local entities are already able to partner with private companies. Why not include these new technologies and shared programs to achieve these goals? Let me be clear, Mr. Chair. This amendment does not mandate that any funding go to any entity, and this amendment does not increase Federal spending by a dime. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.