David Valadao

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Alicia Conde for her 26 years of service to the Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District. Since 1992, Mrs. Conde has served as a dedicated public servant, working tirelessly on behalf of the Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District. She has done critical work, such as overseeing the annual district crop survey program, managing the water billing and District Exempt Land Assessment tax installments, and maintaining the district's correspondence. For decades, Mrs. Conde has been the first point of contact for anybody with business in the district. She has long been an excellent representative of the district, and a welcoming presence for those coming into the office. She has built longstanding relationships with landowners in the area and guided many of them through difficult regulatory changes over her years of service. The loyalty and commitment to service by Mrs. Conde has been an inspiration to us all. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mrs. Alicia Conde for her decades of public service and contributions to the Central Valley community.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Wes Hensley on his retirement from the Tulare Police Department after 31 years of service. Chief Hensley began his service to the Central Valley in 1984, starting as a police officer in the Visalia Police Department. Throughout his career, he has held multiple positions in different departments and sheriff's offices. Over his three decades of service to his community, Chief Hensley climbed the ranks, achieving the positions of Corporal, Sergeant, Captain, and finally Chief of Police. Under his leadership, Chief Hensley has led the Tulare Police Department through unprecedented challenges, maintaining the respect and credibility of the Tulare Police throughout the community. His presence at the helm of the Department has been critical in advancing the goals of his officers and ensuring the safety of the community for all. Chief Hensley's dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence has been an incredible model for all those who will follow him. His presence will be truly missed. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Chief Wes Hensley for his lifetime of service to the Central Valley and congratulating him on his recent retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Carol Taylor for her fifty-year career as a teacher and congratulate her on her retirement. Mrs. Taylor began teaching in Orange County in 1965. After five years in Southern California, she moved to the Central Valley, beginning as a teacher at Terra Bella Elementary School. After a brief stint in Montana, Mrs. Taylor returned to Terra Bella in 1987 where she has been teaching ever since. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Taylor has taught thousands of children, ranging from pre-school to 4th grade. Through her dedication to her students, she was able to provide the educational foundation necessary for these children to succeed in both school and in life. Many of her former students have gone on to be successful members our Central Valley community, with some even becoming teachers themselves. Mrs. Taylor plans to spend her well-earned retirement traveling the country, visiting friends and family, and spending time with her grandchildren. On behalf of everyone in California's 21st congressional district, I would like to thank her for fifty years of service to our community and wish her a long and happy retirement. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the career of Mrs. Carol Taylor, a fixture in our community and an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Officer Jonathan Diaz as the California legislature dedicates the Lemoore overpass for Highway 198 and 19th Avenue in his honor. A Huron native, Mr. Diaz graduated from Coalinga High School. He went on to earn his associates degree in criminal justice from West Hills College. Following his passion for serving his community, he joined the Huron Police Department as a reserve police officer during the summer of 2014. Just one year later, he was named Officer of the Year by the Huron Police Department. He would later join the Lemoore Police Department in 2016, where he earned Officer of the Year in 2018. Mr. Diaz was equally committed to helping those in his community outside of his regular duties. He was involved in the Youth Adult Awareness Program, where he helped to mentor and guide at-risk children in the community. He also participated in developing juvenile awareness programs to teach local youth about the realities of prison and incarceration and put them on a path to success. Through his dedication to his community and his commitment to service, Mr. Diaz uplifted so many during his life. Mr. Diaz's courage, dedication, professionalism, and selflessness was well-known throughout his entire department. He played a vital role in solving a significant number of cases, helping to bring justice to those he swore to protect. While he is missed by his loved ones every day, his service still inspires us all. I ask all my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and service of Officer Jonathan Diaz of the Lemoore Police Department.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Ronald ``Ron'' d'Artenay, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Mr. d'Artenay was born in Hanford, California on June 29, 1943. He was raised in nearby Kettleman City where he first began helping his father on the farm. His interest in farming and agriculture continued to grow while attending Avenal High School. After graduation, Mr. d'Artenay chose to stay in the industry and started his first business, d'Artenay Hay Service, early in his career. In the 1980s, he started d'Artenay Farms in Coalinga, California, where he successfully grew pistachios for over thirty years. Mr. d'Artenay was also a fixture in the local racing community. He served as a founding member and president of the Avenal Sand Drags Association. He became known for his sand drag race car, `The Red Warrior.' Mr. d'Artenay was a valued member of our local community, and it is with great pride that I recognize him for his service to the Central Valley. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Ronald ``Ron'' d'Artenay, Sr.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, this is a great honor to be able to speak about the great people that feed our country. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the farmers that feed the world. With less than 1 percent of our Nation's farmland, the Central Valley supplies a quarter of our Nation's food. Our well-deserved reputation as America's breadbasket comes from the help of nature and a whole lot of hard work and skill from our farmers, ranchers, and producers. But without water, we cannot grow our Nation's food at all. Our Central Valley farming community has endured drought conditions and low water allocations for years. At a time when even the President is warning about global food shortages, we need to be supporting our agriculture producers here at home. That includes making sure that the Central Valley has the water they need to continue providing food for the world. We must fix complex and contradictory laws, court decisions, and regulations, and improve water storage infrastructure to bring more water to the Valley. The livelihoods of my constituents and our global food supply depend on it.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Fowler Mayor, David Cardenas, who passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022. Mr. Cardenas was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and moved to the United States when he was 14 years old. Like many in the Central Valley, his father was a farm worker and instilled a deep sense of hard work, discipline, and commitment to family in him from a young age. His father pushed him to make a better life for himself in America. In 1981, he opened Dave's Auto Service, a business he ran for decades. Mr. Cardenas was deeply devoted to both his faith and his community throughout his entire life. He spent over 20 years on the Fowler City Council and spent the past 12 years as the city's mayor. Additionally, he served on multiple boards of community organizations, such as the Fowler Lions Club, the Measure C Renewal Executive Committee, and St. Lucy's Church. He also served as the President of the Guadalupana Society, leading multiple trips to Mexico to bring a statue of our Lady of Guadalupe back to his local church. Mr. Cardenas was a true pillar of our community. His dedicated and honorable service helped improve the lives of so many throughout the Central Valley. His commitment to his fellow citizens was truly admirable, and his selfless service will never be forgotten. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and service of Mayor David Cardenas.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Women's Club of Bakersfield on their 126th birthday. Founded in 1896, the Women's Club of Bakersfield is the oldest cultural club in Kern County. They erected their first building in 1900 and after outgrowing it, moved into their current home in November 1921. The Women's Club not only provides a dedicated space for women to organize, but they also have a rich history of philanthropic work within the community. Some of the Club's achievements include their advocacy for Women's Suffrage, help to create the first public library in Bakersfield, and preservation efforts for the Beale Clock Tower and California Redwoods. They also provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to local students and do important work to support local troops and veterans. Their dedication to service and giving back has been felt by thousands of people throughout Kern County. These women of all ages and backgrounds are a true testament to the passion and selflessness that epitomizes our Central Valley community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Women's Club of Bakersfield for 126 years of service to the Bakersfield community.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. I appreciate the opportunity. Mr. Newhouse has done an amazing job leading the Western Caucus and fighting for the things that affect some of us across the country. You just heard of one of our colleagues from all the way on the East Coast talk about some of the issues. It always amazes me that our issues are so aligned. But specifically today I am going to talk a little bit about water. So in communities like the Central Valley, Federal permitting requirements, coupled with the State's strict environmental regulations make it harder for our communities to get the water they so desperately need. Increasing water storage capacity is critical to ensuring a reliable water supply for our valley farmers that feed the country. Unfortunately, our broken permitting process prevents many of these critical water infrastructure projects from ever getting off the ground. We need to fix complex and contradictory laws, court decisions, and regulations at the State and Federal levels that hinder our water storage infrastructure. Layers of unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape in permitting decisions have blocked much of the needed progress on a long list of projects, from water storage, to energy production, to highways. The government red tape in permitting is not only affecting water storage, it is also having a devastating effect on our Nation's energy supply. There is a backlog of over 4,600 permits to drill pending under the Biden administration, and even though Federal law requires approval of the permits on Federal lands within 30 days, permits often languish at the Department of the Interior for a year or more. This government red tape is hurting families in the Central Valley and across the country in the form of higher gas prices. It is time for the government bureaucracy to get out of the way so we can once again become energy independent. There is no reason that streamlining the Federal permitting process should be a controversial issue. Rural communities like the one I represent are tired of burdensome government regulations holding them back. Greater efficiency in the Federal permitting process is critical for getting water to those in the Central Valley that need it most. And as we saw, from other colleagues that spoke before us, this isn't just a California issue. And I know that the chairman here, Mr. Newhouse and I, our districts are a lot alike. We both grow a lot of different commodities, and we are proud of our districts. But we both need something that makes it all possible, and that is water and energy. I thank the gentleman for his leadership on these important issues and thank him for giving me the opportunity.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Beverly Camp, who tragically passed away just a few weeks ago. A New York City native, Mrs. Camp and her family moved to the Central Valley when she was just 17 years old. She found a new home in Bakersfield, California, and graduated from West High School in 1979. Mrs. Camp spent most of her adult life giving back to others. Her philanthropic work in the Central Valley supported countless groups of people. Throughout her life she was able to raise millions of dollars for charity. Together with her husband, Jim, the Camps selflessly served their community and helped lift people out of the most challenging of circumstances. Mrs. Camp's charitable work was recognized by many different groups throughout her philanthropic career. She was awarded the Community Service Person of the Year Award from the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Humanitarian of the Year Award by the Community Action Partnership, and the Woman of the Year Award for California's 16th Senate District after being personally nominated by Senator Shannon Grover. Additionally, many Catholic charities recognized the work of Mrs. Camp, a dedicated Catholic herself, through their naming of the Beverly Camp Career and Education Center. Mrs. Camp was a valued member of our local community, and it is with great pride that I recognize her for her life of service in the Central Valley community. Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Beverly Camp.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Fernando Alaniz, a father, husband, teacher, coach, and friend who unexpectedly passed away just a few weeks ago. An immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico, Mr. Alaniz came to the Central Valley when he was just 5 years old, settling in Wasco. He graduated from Wasco High School in 1991, where he excelled in both football and basketball, and helped lead his team to a Valley Championship. After receiving a scholarship to play football at McPherson College, Fernando and his wife, Christine, moved back to the Central Valley of California to begin a family. After spending time working at Delano Joint Union High School, Mr. Alaniz began a job serving his community at the Kern County Sheriffs Office. After earning his master's degree, Fernando began teaching computer science and keyboarding classes at McFarland High School. He quickly earned the respect of both his colleagues and his students, as they saw first-hand his dedication and passion for teaching. Not only did Mr. Alaniz demonstrate his dedication to his students in the classroom, but he also showed that same level of commitment to his players. As the McFarland High varsity basketball coach, Fernando instilled discipline, work ethic, and integrity into his players. He was committed to helping his players succeed and showing them how to win in a humble way. Under his strong leadership, the Cougars made numerous trips to the playoffs. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of a respected, beloved, and invaluable member of our community, Fernando Alaniz.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that farmers in the Central Valley would receive none of the water contracted through the Federally managed Central Valley Project. The lack of any allocation at all is alarming news to the communities that have continued to suffer from issues like the ongoing supply chain crisis. Once again, Central Valley farmers are being asked to do more with less. My constituents are the farmers who feed the world, and they are resilient. But the fact remains that our farms will not survive without a reliable water supply for south-of-Delta agriculture. Meanwhile, the House majority refuses to consider my bill, the RENEW WIIN Act, which would immediately bring water to these fields and save these farms. These water allocations must reflect the needs of the agriculture community which is the backbone of the Central Valley economy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take up my legislation to address California's drought.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bakersfield City School District as they celebrate the grand opening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Bakersfield City School District was established in 1867 with 17 students. Today, it is the largest elementary school district in California and serves over 30,000 students in the Central Valley. The Bakersfield City School District is a model of educational excellence, equity, and innovation. They've received several awards for their work, most recently the silver award in the 2022 Magna Awards Program. The school district also received the California Exemplary District Award in 2018, 13 Golden Bells awarded by the California School Boards Association, and seven schools in the district received the California Distinguished Schools Award. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School is the 44th school established in the Bakersfield City School District. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School uses a STEAM-focused educational curriculum. Their teaching methods are not only helping students prepare for industries of the future like engineering, technology, math, art, and science, but they are helping children of all backgrounds access new ways of learning. Thanks to the work being done by the teachers and faculty of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, the children in our communities will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of the future, develop new technologies, and advance our community forward. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Bakersfield City School District and their important work to provide high-quality education in the Central Valley.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bakersfield Black American History Parade Committee on their 17th year organizing and facilitating this annual event. The Bakersfield Black American History Parade was founded in 2005 by Gloria Patterson. The parade boosts local awareness and highlights the rich heritage and valuable contributions of African Americans. It provides a culturally inspired and community-wide celebration of the African American heritage. Local businesses and organizations interact with parade attendees and introduce them to resources available throughout Kern County and California. The committee also works with the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation and Black History 365 to help familiarize the community with services and resources. In addition, the Bakersfield Black American History Parade Committee is committed to supporting educational institutions that raise awareness of the valuable contributions of the African American community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Bakersfield Black American History Parade Committee and their service to the Bakersfield community.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. Robert Shankerman as United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley unveils a memorial display in his honor. Dr. Shankerman began his medical career at Tulane Medical School where he was recognized as the `Most Compassionate Physician.' He went on to complete his Internal Medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He practiced medicine in San Diego for eight years and served as associate clinical professor of medicine at UCSD Medical School. He was a diplomat for the American Board of Internal Medicine and was certified as an HIV specialist. In 2000, Dr. Shankerman went to work at Clinica Sierra Vista in Bakersfield, California, where he served as Chief Medical Officer for ten years. For the last six years, he was responsible for supervising United Health Center's 70 primary care doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and the quality of care for almost 125,000 patients. Dr. Shankerman was a valued member of our local health community, and it is with great pride that I recognize him for his service and dedication to the underserved communities of the Central Valley. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Robert Shankerman.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Brenda Lewis for her contributions to the Kern High School District and congratulate her on her retirement. Dr. Lewis moved to Bakersfield, California, in August of 1988. She has spent the last 33 years working for the Kern High School District. Her illustrious career consisted of serving her community as a teacher, coach, mentor, and administrator. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Mediburu Magic Foundation and No Sister Left Behind and is a member of the Greater Harvest Christian Center Church where she serves as the president of the Deaconess Board. Dr. Lewis has received several awards and recognitions for her excellent work. She received the CSUB Athletic Director's Appreciation Award, the Josephine Triplett Education & Leadership Award, the California Association of African American Superintendents & Administrators Award for Dedication & Devotion to Helping Students Achieve Excellence in Education, the MLK Committee's Sacrifices from the Heart Award, the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Recognition, and was the Keynote Speaker for the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Grand Marshal for the Bakersfield Black American History Parade. Dr. Lewis was the first African American and the first woman in the history of the Kern High School District to serve as Assistant/ Associate Superintendent. These are just two of her many great accomplishments from her time in the Kern High School District. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Dr. Brenda Lewis for her contributions to the Kern County community and wishing her the best in retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Minter Field Air Museum on the 80th anniversary of the dedication of Minter Field Army Air Corps Base. Minter Field began operations in June of 1941. By 1942, the base had become one of the largest training bases on the west coast. Nearly 12,000 pilots received basic training and over 7,000 personnel manned the field during its years of operation. During World War II, more than 11,000 Army Air Corps Cadets graduated from Minter Field. These cadets went on to fly around the globe and in all theaters of the war. On February 7, 1942, the base was named in honor of First Lieutenant Hugh C. Minter, a World War I veteran that lost his life in a collision over March Field in July 1932. Minter Field Air Museum is located in the base's original fire station. The Museum has compiled a database of over 11,500 names of cadets and staff, as well as a DVD library of over 900 hours of military and aviation videos. Their preservation efforts will allow Kern County to continue to honor the veterans who trained at Minter Field Army Air Corps Base for many years to come. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Minter Field Air Museum for its dedication to preserving the history of Minter Field and Kern County aviation.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Tricia Stever Blattler on her 15th anniversary with the Tulare County Farm Bureau and for her service to the Tulare, agriculture community. Mrs. Blattler is an Exeter native and grew up on farms owned by the Pinkham family. She attended Exeter High School and participated in Mock Trial, 4-H, and FFA. After graduating high school, she went on to receive degrees in Agriculture Science and secondary teaching credentials from California Polytechnic State University. She received scholarships from the Tulare County and California Farm Bureaus. In her first year with the Tulare County Farm Bureau, she was awarded a ``Top 5'' 40 under 40 Rising Stars business leader award by the Tulare Economic Development Corporation and Visalia Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of the distinguished California Ag Leadership Class 34 and the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Institute. In addition to her role as Executive Director at the Tulare County Farm Bureau, Mrs. Blattler has served on the boards and advisory committees of the FFA Foundation, Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Tulare County Ag, Farmland Mitigation Guidebook, Farmersville High School Ag, and Tulare County Animal Services. She is viewed as a leader in the community for her communication to policymakers and time spent advising regulatory boards on issues such as air, water, ag crime, and land use. She has also volunteered time to Common Threads, the World Ag Expo, Ag Ventures, and many other community events. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mrs. Tricia Stever Blattler for her contributions to the agriculture industry and the Central Valley.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce on their 20th anniversary. The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2002 by Ali and Earlena Morris. The Chamber's work has provided opportunities for African American businesses to succeed. Their concentration of resources on critical areas of business has assured growth and sustainability for Kern County. In addition, the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce won the Chamber of the Year award in 2008. The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping low- and moderate-income communities build wealth through establishing connections for members and introducing them to information and resources. They also support African American students through their scholarship and youth programs which provide participants an opportunity to explore into the world of business at a young age. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce for their 20 years of service to the Central Valley.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Dave Borcky, who passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. A native of McFarland, California, Mr. Borcky served our country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his return, Dave worked tirelessly in the community to ensure veterans receive the recognition they deserve through the McFarland Veterans Community Center. Mr. Borcky was an active member of many organizations in the Central Valley. He was a member of the Lions Club and American Legion Post, participated in Boys and Girls State activities, and coached students from McFarland High School in the LEOS Club. He organized local food drives, back to school drives, and many other activities that improved the lives of the McFarland residents. In December 2011, Mr. Borcky was named Grand Marshall for the McFarland Christmas Parade. Mr. Borcky was a key player in McFarland's community for several years. It is with great pride that I recognize him for his service and leadership to his country and his community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Dave Borcky. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one hundred years of distinguished service by Hanford Council No. 2343 of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal organization that espouses the virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. They were founded in 1882 by Father Michael Joseph McGivney, an American Catholic priest, to help families in need. They have strived to establish Councils of Catholic faith for service of charity and goodwill throughout American communities and abroad. Hanford Council No. 2343 of the Knights of Columbus was established on February 5, 1922, by parishioners of Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Hanford, California, to serve and support individuals and organizations in need. Members and families of Hanford Council No. 2343 have carried on the mission of charity and service for 100 years. Their vow to continue the work of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism has led to the betterment of our community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the Hanford Knights of Columbus Council 2343 on their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, in the midst of a statewide drought emergency, California has experienced much-needed rain and snowfall during these winter months. While communities across my district are especially grateful for the rainfall we have encountered, I remain concerned that the State of California has already announced a zero percent allocation for water deliveries for this year. I also remain concerned that the Bureau of Reclamation could possibly announce a similar water allocation for 2022 within the next month. This is unacceptable. We must work together to figure out a way to fully utilize the water we have access to in a way that benefits our communities and agriculture production. Farmers are desperate for water to grow their crops. Rural towns continue to face water shortages. We need this rain, but we also need to do a better job of managing our resources. We have opportunities to move our water responsibly when the snowpack melts. As you can see here, more than 5 million acre-feet of water was sent out to the ocean over this past year. This water could have gone a long way for our communities and for farmers in the Central Valley. I have asked time and time again for support from the House majority to address this issue. The families of the Central Valley cannot continue to wait. I ask my colleagues yet again to join my efforts to improve water management in California.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Schouten for his contributions to the dairy industry and congratulate him on his retirement. John Schouten's passion for the dairy industry started over 35 years ago and led him to World Wide Sires, which started out in Hanford, California. He completed German language school shortly after starting and quickly built relationships in the international dairy scene that would last decades. His enthusiasm and desire to put farmers first has created numerous opportunities for U.S. genetics worldwide. While at World Wide Sires, Mr. Schouten became known for his remarkable work ethic and empathy for others. He started as an Area Director of Marketing and went on to become VP of Marketing from 1993 to 2001, eventually becoming CEO in 2001. Mr. Schouten's leadership allowed his team to grow as they traveled to over 70 countries, sharing their knowledge and helping farmers. Mr. Schouten became CEO at a time of rapid growth and change in the industry. Thanks to his vision, his team launched Global Dairy Solutions along with setting up six global subsidiaries. Mr. Schouten has set a great example of what hard work and compassion can accomplish. His energy to keep innovating has led him to become one of the most recognized and respected members of the U.S. Al community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. John Schouten for his contributions to the dairy industry and wishing him the best in retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, what we are seeing at our southern border is an undeniable crisis. An unthinkable amount of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances are coming across our border. There is enough fentanyl coming across our border to kill every American seven times over. Think about that. This only exacerbates our existing drug problem in the United States, like the rising use of meth in the Central Valley of California. In October, U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended over 160,000 illegal immigrants attempting to cross our southern border, the highest number of apprehensions for October on record. I have always been supportive of immigration. After all, I am the son of immigrants. But we have to respect and enforce our laws. By refusing to enforce immigration laws, this administration is sending a dangerous message that our border is open for business to cartels and encourages people to put themselves in harm's way to cross our border.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Anthony Galagaza on his retirement from the City of Bakersfield Fire Department after 30 years of service. Chief Galagaza found his calling for community service and firefighting at a young age after witnessing his father serve as Fire Captain for over 30 years. Galagaza began his career as a seasonal firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management while volunteering as a reserve firefighter locally. His hard work and dedication allowed him to become a professional firefighter and eventually Fire Captain himself. Chief Galagaza is a state certified chief officer and obtained numerous advanced training certificates throughout his career. He holds degrees in Fire Technology, Fire Science, and Business Administration. Chief Galagaza dedicated his life to volunteerism and serving his community. He made great efforts to serve the Central Valley throughout his lifetime and has remained an integral part of the community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Fire Chief Anthony Galagaza for his lifetime of service to the City of Bakersfield, California, and congratulating him on his recent retirement.