David Valadao

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Faria Land and Cattle as they are awarded the 63rd Annual Farmers of the Year award by the Kiwanis Club of Tulare. The Faria Cousins--Steve, Rick, Mike, and Danny Jr.--were born into a family of farmers in Tulare. From early on in their lives they learned their craft from their fathers, Manuel Faria Jr. and Danny Faria Sr., who like them, learned from his father--Manuel Faria Sr. Like many family farms in the Central Valley, Faria Land and Cattle was founded by Manuel Sr. after he immigrated to the U.S. from the Azores Islands of Portugal in 1920. The Cousins are the third generation of Faria farmers, carrying on the family business that has stood for more than a century in the Central Valley. Today, the Faria Cousins work together to manage the daily operations of the farm and dairy facilities. Faria Land and Cattle produces a variety of commodities including wheat, oats, alfalfa, and almonds, and operates two dairies, as well as a custom calf ranch operation. Their commitment to providing high- quality products and services to the Central Valley community has been unwavering for more than 100 years. In addition to their dedication to the family business, the Faria cousins are active members of the Tulare community, having volunteered on several boards of organizations that help to serve the local agricultural community. As the recipient of this year's award, the Faria Cousins are being recognized for their commitment to Central Valley agriculture and dedication to giving back to the community. The success of Faria Land and Cattle is a true testament to the Faria family's hard work and perseverance. I am confident that their work will continue to strengthen the Tulare agricultural community for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Faria Land and Cattle as they are awarded the 63rd Annual Farmers of the Year Award.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Ray Mish, who passed away on April 3, 2024. Mr. Mish was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on April 24, 1924. He was raised by his grandmother and two aunts, who became his caregivers after being separated from his parents. He received his first ten years of education in a parochial school and finished high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Mish's passion for the funeral industry started at a young age, when he worked as a sidewalk sweeper for a funeral home. At the age of 15, Mr. Mish began working for the funeral home until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, when he was 17. He served in World War II and was later honorably discharged in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, due to an injury he sustained during his service. After his service, Mr. Mish moved to California to further his education. He earned a business degree with a minor in advertising, and later obtained a degree in Mortuary Science from the California Mortuary Science College in Los Angeles. After receiving his degree, he became a Licensed Funeral Director in the state of California. In 1947, Mr. Mish settled in Bakersfield and began working for two local mortuaries. He married Betty, his high school sweetheart, in 1951, and together they raised two children. In 1960, Mr. Mish and his family purchased a vacant building in Oildale. They used this space to open their own funeral business, Mish Funeral Home-Oildale. His mission was to ensure that every family who visited the funeral home was treated with compassion, respect, and honesty--making sure that financial constraints did not hinder a family's ability to honor their loved ones. Today, Mish Funeral Home-Oildale remains dedicated to this mission. In addition to managing the family funeral home, Mr. Mish made many significant contributions to the Kern County community. As a veteran of World War II, Mr. Mish helped form an Honor Guard through the American Legion, which he was also a proud member of. He led the first volunteer Veterans Honor Guard in Kern County along with the Legion Secretary and twelve other legion members. Additionally, Mr. Mish was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Church, as well as numerous clubs including Kiwanis Club of Oildale, Lions Club of Bakersfield, Elks No. 266, and North Bakersfield Rotary. Mr Mish's service to our country and commitment to the Kern County community will always be remembered. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Ray Mish.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the WestCare Foundation on their 50-year anniversary and thank them for their significant contributions to the Central Valley. For decades, WestCare has played a vital role in delivering essential health programs and services to communities across the nation. Since their founding, WestCare has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing individuals and families with the care they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. In the Central Valley, WestCare California provides essential services to youth, veterans, the homeless, and other vulnerable populations. WestCare California is passionate about supporting individuals that struggle with substance abuse. Through its adult residential and outpatient services in both Fresno and Bakersfield, as well as their Adolescent Services outpatient programs in Hanford and Corcoran, WestCare California delivers comprehensive counseling, education classes, relapse prevention, job assistance and family support services. The organization is also dedicated to serving Central Valley veterans through its San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) program. The SJVV program provides transitional living facilities for all veterans, as well as drop-in locations throughout the Central Valley that offer housing services, job assistance, supportive care, and referrals. WestCare California also addresses homelessness through its Veteran's Plaza and HomeFront programs, providing home and case management services for individuals for up to two years. These initiatives are crucial in ensuring that Central Valley veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the WestCare Foundation on their 50-year anniversary. Their work to improve access to healthcare in the Central Valley will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Happy Trails Riding Academy as they celebrate their 40-year anniversary. Established in 1983 by T.J. Barreiro, Happy Trails Riding Academy is dedicated to serving individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. For four decades, their devoted staff and volunteers have provided equine-assisted services to children, adults, and military veterans, offering a unique alternative to conventional therapies. Happy Trails Riding Academy is the only full accredited therapeutic riding center in the San Joaquin Valley. Participants from across the San Joaquin Valley, including those living with autism spectrum disorder, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, sight and hearing impairments, and posttraumatic stress disorder, have benefited immensely from Happy Trails' programs. Equine-assisted therapy provides numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits to riders. Happy Trails collaborates with several national and regional non-profit organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Program, VA Direct Services, United Ways of Tulare and Kings Counties, Quail Park Memory Care Unit, Central Valley Regional Center, and Tulare County Health & Human Services. Through these partnerships, they provide a nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities to improve their overall well-being and gain independence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Happy Trails Riding Academy on their 40-year anniversary. Their unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in the Central Valley will have a lasting impact for years to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, California is in its second consecutive wet year. Every major reservoir in our State is above the 15-year average, and our snowpack in the Sierras is at more than 100 percent of average for this time of year. These conditions should mean that our farmers and communities are finally getting the water deliveries that they desperately need after years of drought. Sadly, that is not the case. Central Valley Project contractors rely on meaningful allocations from the Bureau of Reclamation for their yearly planning, including the type of crops they will plant and when. Despite these favorable conditions, our South-of-Delta farmers were still not allocated 100 percent of the water they contract and pay for this year from Reclamation. In February, our South-of-Delta farmers were allocated just 15 percent of their contracted supply. In March, these numbers were updated to 35 percent. Just last week, these allocations were bumped to 40 percent, a mere 5-percent increase, with no real explanation or transparency on the decisionmaking process. A 5-percent increase is insufficient for our family farms and downstream communities who rely on meaningful allocations from Reclamation to grow the food that feeds the world. California grows a quarter of our Nation's food, so these allocations are critical to the fate of our Nation's food supply. I urge Reclamation to significantly increase the allocations for South-of-Delta water contractors so our communities can meet the Nation's food supply needs. Food security is national security, and our ability to grow food for the Nation will not survive without a reliable water supply for South- of-Delta agriculture.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my bill, the Right-of-Way Application and Transparency Accountability Act. The bill makes a commonsense reform to our broken Federal permitting process. Right now, there is no required timeline for Federal agencies to respond to right-of-way applications of projects on Federal lands. That means hundreds of these applications are just stuck in permitting purgatory instead of moving forward. The time spent waiting for answers on these applications is a significant and preventable bottleneck. This wasted time is hindering domestic energy production, rural development, new roads, and so much more. My bill would fix this by requiring Federal agencies to notify right- of-way applicants if their application is complete within 90 days of receiving it. Notifying applicants about their status of their right-of-way application in a timely manner is a very basic step that will make the permitting process more efficient and transparent. We cannot continue to let permitting red tape kill these infrastructure projects. We must reform the Federal permitting process so we can better utilize our domestic energy resources, expand rural broadband, build roads, and ultimately create more jobs here at home. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill, and I thank the chairwomen for their support.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Rodney Brumit for his dedicated service to the Kings County community and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement as principal of Lemoore High School. Mr. Brumit was born in Hanford to a family of educators. After graduating from Hanford High School where his father was a teacher, Mr. Brumit earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno State University. Mr. Brumit furthered his education at Fresno Pacific University, having completed both the Principals and Superintendents Academies. Mr. Brumit began his 25-year career in education as a history teacher at Coalinga High School. He later became the school's Dean of Students and assistant principal. In 2003, Mr. Brumit became Lemoore High School's assistant principal. After five years as assistant principal, Mr. Brumit was selected as principal, where he would lead a faculty of more than 200 employees and 2,000 students annually. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Brumit was dedicated to the success and well-being of all students at Lemoore High School. He was actively involved in numerous aspects of the school's operation, having served as the Director of the School Attendance Review Boards, a member of the negotiations team, and as a Special Education administrator. In addition to his achievements as principal, Mr. Brumit was steadfast in his commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable students in the community. Mr. Brumit worked hard to implement gang resistance programs with the King's County Sheriff's Office, bring the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California program to Lemoore, and create the social and emotional intervention model in coordination with the Kings County Office of Education. Mr. Brumit's dedication to the students at Lemoore High School is a true testament to his character. While he will be missed as principal, I am confident that Mr. Brumit's leadership will have a lasting impact on the Lemoore High School community for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mr. Rodney Brumit for his service to Lemoore High School. I wish him a happy and well- deserved retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, after years of exceptional drought, California is in a second consecutive wet year. Every major reservoir in our State is above the 15-year average, and our snowpack in the Sierras is at more than 100 percent of average for this time of year. This is all good news, but even with the current abundance of water, the South-of-Delta farmers are still not allocated 100 percent of the water they contract and pay for. This is unacceptable. Central Valley Project contractors rely on meaningful allocations from the Bureau of Reclamation for their yearly planning, including the types of crops they will plant and when. California grows a quarter of the Nation's food, and these allocations are critical to the fate of our Nation's food supply. My farmers and communities have endured disproportionately low water allocations for many years, with contractors receiving well below their contracted supply even during wet years. I urge the Bureau of Reclamation to increase these allocations for South-of-Delta water contractors to reflect the record wet year that we are seeing right now. Our ability to grow food for the Nation will not survive without reliable water supply for South-of-Delta agriculture.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mrs. Amy Bush for her dedicated service to the Hanford community and to congratulate her on her well-earned retirement as Head Coach of the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Basketball Team. Mrs. Bush, a teacher at Kings River Hardwick Elementary School in Hanford, became the Head Coach of the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Basketball program in 2015. Under her leadership, the Golden Bears have won an impressive 213 games and maintained a winning percentage of almost 80 percent. Over the past nine seasons, the Golden Bears have also earned two undefeated Tri- County Conference Championships and six East Sequoia League Championships. In 2017, the team won their first California Interscholastic Federal (CIF) Section Championship and advanced to the CIF Semi-Finals. Just one year later, Mrs. Bush led the team to victory at the CIF State Southern Regional and Division V State Championships-- the first in Sierra Pacific High School's history. During her tenure, Mrs. Bush has received numerous awards to recognize her accomplishments as Head Coach. In 2018, she was named the Cal-Hi Sports Division V State Coach of the Year. Two years later, she earned the CIF Central Section National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coach of the Year and was nominated for Federation's State NFHS Coach of the Year. This season, Mrs. Bush has been honored as the Tri-County Conference Co-Coach of the Year. In addition to her achievements on the court, Mrs. Bush has worked hard to ensure the Golden Bears are active in the Central Valley community. Over the years, the team has put together several donation drives to support local residents, including drives to support the families of fallen firefighters and police officers. The team also volunteers every year at the Episcopal Church of the Savior Parish Soup Kitchen. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the team donated food items to the Kings Pantry to give back to local families. The success of the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Basketball Team is a true testament to Mrs. Bush's character and dedication to the program. While she will be missed as Head Coach, I am confident that her leadership will have a lasting impact on the Golden Bears for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mrs. Amy Bush for her dedication to the Sierra Pacific High School Girls Basketball Team and the Central Valley. I wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mayor Olivia Trujillo, who passed away on March 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was 67 years old. Mayor Trujillo was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and at the age of five, her family immigrated to Arvin, California. During her summers, she worked alongside her family harvesting fruits and vegetables in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, learning the values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. Mayor Trujillo attended Sierra Vista Elementary, Haven Drive Middle School, and Arvin High School, and was involved in numerous activities in the Arvin community during her childhood. Mayor Trujillo dedicated her life to serving the Arvin community for more than 60 years. She served as the Vice-President of the Arvin Chamber of Commerce from 2013 to 2018, Chair of the Arvin City Planning Commission from 2015 to 2018, and was a member of the Arvin City Council from 2016 to 2018. In 2020, she was elected as the Mayor of the City of Arvin. As the first woman, Latina, and immigrant in this position, her election represented a significant milestone in our community's history. During her tenure, Mayor Trujillo was deeply committed to serving the community's most vulnerable, including the youth, senior, and homeless populations. She was instrumental in bringing new jobs to the city, improving resources for the homeless population, and leading domestic violence awareness campaigns. She significantly expanded various services for Arvin residents, including the new Bakersfield College Arvin Campus, the first Urgent Care Center and food bank, and the Arvin Kiwanis Club for youth leadership development. Mayor Trujillo was a trailblazing leader, passionate about the well-being of all residents of the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mayor Olivia Trujillo. Her service to the Arvin community will be felt for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I was not present for today's votes on amendments to H.R. 2799, the Motion to Recommit, and final passage of H.R. 2799. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 73, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 74, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 75, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 76, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 77, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 78.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Chair, due to a family emergency, I was not present for today's votes on H.R. 7511 and H.R. 3843, as well as the amendments to H.R. 2799. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 66, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 67, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 68, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 69, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 70, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 71, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 72.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Glen Stephens for his dedicated service to the Kern County community and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District. Mr. Glen Stephens' career in air quality control and passion for public health began more than thirty years ago when he became an Air Quality Engineer for the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District. In 1992, he joined the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and two years later, returned to work for Eastern Kern County. In 2012, Mr. Stephens was appointed to serve as Air Pollution Control Officer by the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District Board. During his tenure as Air Pollution Control Officer, Mr. Stephens has worked to expand the Tehachapi field office to solve staff members and the District's Board of Directors, deployed additional air monitors throughout Kern County to improve air quality, and advocated for cost-of-living wage increases for his staff. Mr. Stephens has also used his expertise to help numerous solar projects navigate the rulemaking and permitting processes. Throughout his career, Mr. Stephens has been steadfast in his commitment to promoting clean air for all residents of the community. He has used his decades of experience to support rural communities and work with local stakeholders to address complex air quality issues and find common sense solutions. He has also strived to engage community members on the importance of air quality and preserving the character of rural communities across the Valley. His dedication to his colleagues, his work, and his community is a true testament to his character. I know that his service to our Central Valley community will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mr. Glen Stephens for his decades of service to the Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Frank Bebereia on his 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our Nation. Mr. Bebereia was born in Laton, California on February 22nd, 1924 to Emily Gonzalez and Manuel Bebereia. He grew up in the Central Valley and attended Lemoore High School. Following his graduation, Mr. Laton spent time as a farmer in Hanford before being drafted to serve in World War II. After completing Army boot camp in 1945, he was deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. During his service, Mr. Bebereia was a member of the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion, 27th Division. He served in Okinawa, Japan as a Heavy Equipment Operator and quickly moved up the leadership ranks--even being promoted to Sergeant after only 7 months of deployment. Mr. Bebereia received in many awards and recognitions to honor his service during the war, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal. His fellow soldiers often spoke about their time serving with Mr. Bebereia, remembering him as a capable, strong, and fearless leader. Mr. Bebereia was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946. Following his service in the war, Mr. Bebereia returned to the Central Valley where he's spent most of his life. Today, we honor Mr. Bebereia's service to our country, commitment to his family, and dedication to the Kings County community. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Frank Bebereia and wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jack Amoroso for his dedicated service to the Kings County community and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Hanford Police Department. Mr. Amoroso was born and raised in San Francisco and moved to the Central Valley in 1974 to attend College of the Sequoias, where he played baseball. His passion for law enforcement was inspired by his father, who retired as the Deputy Chief of Police of the San Francisco Police Department. Mr. Amoroso's career in law enforcement began in 1979 at the Hanford Police Department, where he earned two stripes and was promoted to Sergeant. In 1988, Mr. Amoroso became the Swat Team Leader and Range Master at the Kings County Sherrif's Office. During his time at the Sherrif's office, Mr. Amoroso was awarded the Medal of Valor to honor his bravery while protecting the Corcoran community and was later promoted to Commander. In 2009, he retired as Commander and was sworn in as the Police Chief of the Avenal Police Department. During his tenure as Police Chief, Mr. Amoroso was steadfast in his commitment to reducing violent crime, leading the department to reduce the city's gang crime rate by nearly 80 percent. In 2023--more than 40 years after he was first hired by the department--Mr. Amoroso returned to the Hanford Police Department, this time as its Interim Police Chief. In addition to his more than 35 years as a law enforcement officer, Mr. Amoroso has served for decades as an instructor at the Tulare-Kings Counties Police Academy, where he teaches young recruits the skills, responsibilities, and dedication required of future Central Valley law enforcement officers. From 2017 to 2019, Mr. Amoroso served as the Academy's Director. It is because of the dedication of public servants like Mr. Amoroso that our future law enforcement officers are prepared to protect our Central Valley communities. Mr. Amoroso's dedication to his colleagues, his work, and his community is a true testament to his character and leadership. I know that his service to the Department and his commitment to the safety of Kings County will have a lasting impact for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Mr. Amoroso for his decades of service to the Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. William Lynch for his dedicated service to the Kings County community and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Kings County Fire Department. Mr. Lynch's passion for the fire service began 40 years ago as a volunteer firefighter for Kings County Fire Department. After a few years with the department, Mr. Lynch joined the Hanford Fire Department as a professional firefighter. He quickly moved up the leadership ranks, and was promoted to Captain in 1995, Assistant Chief Fire Marshal in 2004, and Deputy Chief in 2008. In 2011, Mr. Lynch was named Kings County Fire Chief following 24 years of dedicated service with the Hanford Fire Department. After his retirement from the department in 2016, he returned as the Fire Chief in 2020. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lynch has received many professional certifications by the California State Fire Marshal's Office, including Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator, and Fire Prevention Officer. Mr. Lynch has served as an instructor of fire technology at College of the Sequoias, as well as an instructor of hazardous materials for the California Standardized Training Institute, where he teaches students the skills required to protect their communities from fire hazards and other dangers. Throughout his entire career, and in his many different roles, Mr. Lynch continually demonstrated his commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. Mr. Lynch's decades of service to his community serve as a true testament to his character and leadership abilities. I am confident the impact he has left on the Kings County Fire Department and the broader Central Valley community will be felt by generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Lynch for his decades of service to the Central Valley and wishing him a happy and well-earned retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Karen King for her dedicated service to the California public transit industry and to congratulate her on her well-earned retirement from the Golden Empire Transit District. Ms. King's career in public transit began in 1976 at the Utah Transit Authority. Ten years later, Ms. King joined Long Beach Transit as a Grants Administrator. She quickly moved up the leadership ranks, and in 1995 was named Executive Director of Transportation. In 1998, Ms. King worked for the North San Diego County Transit Development as the Director of Development and Communications Services and was selected as the agency's Executive Director in 2001. In 2008, Ms. King moved to Bakersfield where she became the Chief Executive Officer of the Golden Empire Transit District. During her tenure as CEO, Ms. King has been steadfast in her commitment to meeting the transportation needs of all Bakersfield residents. She helped develop and implement the On-Demand Microtransit service program, which was first piloted in southwest Bakersfield and has since expanded across the city. The program increases transportation access for all residents by offering low-cost transportation to residents traveling to popular destinations in the city. Ms. King has directed other initiatives including a partnership with Kern Health Systems to provide rides to appointments for the more than 300,000 members of Kern Family Health Care. Ms. King is also coordinating the Long Range Operational Service Analysis, which aims to improve local transportation and return ridership to pre-pandemic levels. Ms. King has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels for her leadership in the public transit industry. She is the Vice Chair of the California Transit Association (CTA) and in 2021, was selected for a two-year term as Chair. Ms. King has also served as Chair of the CTA's COVID-19 Relief Task Force, where she has helped California's public transit industry recover from the pandemic. In 2018, Ms. King received a Distinguished Service Award from the CTA, to celebrate her distinguished career and outstanding contributions. This year, Ms. King is receiving the CTA's award for Innovation and Resiliency, to celebrate her commitment to the innovation of the industry and well-being of all Bakersfield commuters. Ms. King's many accomplishments are a true testament to her character and leadership. I'm confident that her service to the Golden Empire Transit District and her passion for improving public transit for all residents of our community will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Ms. King for her more than 40 years of dedicated service to the public transit industry and wishing her a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, next week, California is expecting more atmospheric rivers that are bringing welcome rain to our State. I am grateful for this rain and know many of my fellow farmers are. Unfortunately, this is deja vu for many of us in the Central Valley since not much has changed in the last 12 months to better prepare ourselves for a consecutive wet year. Just last year, after 3 years of extreme drought, our State was hit with enough water to supply farms, communities, and homes for years to come. Unfortunately, extreme environmentalists and Sacramento bureaucrats have denied the approval of new water storage projects and restricted how much water we are able to pump with complex and contradictory regulations. The devastating flooding in my district and the millions of gallons of water that were flushed out to the ocean were the direct result of water mismanagement. Many of my constituents are still picking up the pieces from this flooding. These storms brought to light many flaws in our existing disaster relief programs. We must improve coordination between Federal agencies involved in disaster relief like FEMA, Army Corps, and the USDA, so that residents and industries know who to turn to and have timely access to disaster assistance programs and services. As we continue working to get additional disaster assistance for these communities, we must work to ensure we are better prepared for these types of weather events because we know that eventually the rain will stop. Drought is a recurring feature in California's climate, and the time to prepare for those dry years is right now. Maximizing what can be moved at all times through the delta, especially during these atmospheric river events, and investing in water storage infrastructure and conveyance projects is critical to capture and store as much rain as possible. If we don't, we will inevitably find ourselves in another manmade water shortage. We cannot let this water go to waste, and we cannot let the lessons learned from last year's storms be in vain. Thousands of livelihoods, the future of agriculture in California and America's food security depend on it.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arvin High School on their 75th anniversary and thank them for their significant contributions to the Arvin community. Arvin High School began serving students in the rural communities of Arvin, Lamont, and Weedpatch in 1949 as part of the Kern High School District. Since their founding, Arvin High School has been committed to serving their students through a diverse array of educational programs, extracurricular activities, and college-level courses. Today, the school's student body is made up of nearly 3,000 students. The mission of Arvin High School is to encourage P.R.I.D.E--participation, responsibility, integrity, determination, and empathy, and to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their futures. Under the leadership of Principal Ed Watts, Arvin High School has received full accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, recognizing their dedication to high-quality education and school improvement. Through their Career Technical Education program, students at Arvin High School have the unique opportunity to gain experience in the career path of their choice. In these twelve pathways offerings, students learn how to succeed in numerous fields including health sciences, building and construction, agriculture, and engineering. The CTE program also includes a ROTC pathway, providing students who are interested in serving in the armed forces with the experience they need to thrive after they leave Arvin High School. The staff and faculty at Arvin High School are committed to the educational outcomes of every student. In 2023, 89 students were recipients of a California Scholarship Federation membership, which is awarded to students who demonstrate a high-level of academic achievement. The class of 2023 also received nearly 200 Biliteracy Seals and Golden State Seal of Merit awards, and 16 National Honor Society recognitions. This school year, in partnership with Bakersfield College, Arvin High School is offering almost 70 sections of Dual Enrollment course offerings--giving students a chance to earn college credits before they even graduate high school. In just the past three years alone, Arvin High School has helped 25 students receive their Associate of Arts for Transfer degree in Communication Studies through this initiative. In honor of their work to provide students with dual enrollment opportunities, Arvin High School was one of nine schools recognized as an Exemplary Dual Enrollment School by the California Department of Education in 2023. Arvin High School has been nationally recognized for their academic extracurriculars, including Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and the ``We the People'' Constitution Team, which was started by former teacher Larry Hallum in 1987. Mr. Hallum was one of the many teachers at Arvin High School who has received accolades for his dedication to his students. To celebrate the legacy of Mr. Hallum, the Kern High School District created the ``Spirit of Arvin High School'' Memorial Scholarship to support future college students in the district. It is because of the commitment of teachers at Arvin High School like Mr. Hallum that students in the Central Valley community flourish, and I want to thank all the faculty and staff at Arvin High School for creating a learning environment that helps our youth become the best they can be. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Arvin High School on their 75th anniversary. Their work to enrich the lives of students in the community of Arvin will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Glenn E. Denton, Jr., who passed away on November 25, 2023. He was 73 years old. Mr. Denton was born in Rushville, Nebraska to Glenn and Joyce Denton. He was one of nine children. From an early age, Mr. Denton learned the value of hard work and perseverance, having grown up working on his family's ranch. After his high school graduation in 1968, Mr. Denton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served in the Civil War, and father, who served during World War II. In 1969, while on a mission to recover the remains of fallen Marines in Vietnam, Mr. Denton, along with seven of his comrades in the 1st Marine Division, made a promise to each other to share the stories of the Marines who lost their lives--all while sharing Kool-Aid together. From that day on, the eight Marines became known as the Kool-Aid Kids. After his service, Mr. Denton moved to Bakersfield, where he became a recruiter for the Marine Corps. Soon after his move, Mr. Denton acquired a 10-acre parcel of land, which was first used by his fellow Marines as a place to gather. During this time, he remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving the legacy of his fellow servicemembers who lost their lives during the war. In 1978, the Kool-Aid Kids' mission inspired him to start Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial on his parcel, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring service men and women from all branches of the military. Mr. Denton named the memorial after his brother in arms, Leonard Hamilton. Today, Camp Hamilton has planted more than 339 trees to honor servicemembers who lost their lives during or as a consequence of war. With the help of the Memorial's dedicated volunteers, Camp Hamilton has become a place where servicemembers, veterans, families, and loved ones come together to celebrate the sacrifice and bravery of the Marines, airmen, soldiers, and sailors from across the Central Valley. After a career spanning nearly thirty years, Mr. Denton retired in 1995 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. He was a highly decorated Marine, having been awarded a prestigious Purple Heart medal to honor his bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War. Mr. Denton is survived by his siblings, children, and his loving wife, Esther. Mr. Denton's service to our country, commitment to his family, and dedication to the Bakersfield community will forever be remembered. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Glenn E. Denton, Jr.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding. What we are seeing at our southern border is a humanitarian and national security crisis. Earlier this year, I was at the border with my colleague from Arizona to see the situation on the ground firsthand. Our Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed by the surge of migrants from around the world, and we need to give them more support. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has sent a clear message that our southern border is open for business for drug smuggling and human trafficking. The flow of illegal drugs, guns, and human traffickers has a direct impact on the people from the Central Valley. I just held a teletownhall this week, and one of the issues that came up the most was the situation at our border and concerns with fentanyl. We must take action to combat the loss of life from illegal drugs, like fentanyl, which are flowing across our open border at an alarming rate. The House has passed legislation this year to increase the number of Border Patrol agents, deploy new drone and surveillance technologies, and restore construction of the border wall. These are commonsense measures that would go a long way to ensure our Border Patrol agents have the tools they need to deal with the crisis. For too long, extremes on both sides of the aisle have discouraged real and meaningful discussion regarding border security and immigration reform. We need to secure the border and make reforms to our broken immigration system. We won't be able to make these reforms or find compromise with the current humanitarian and national security crisis we have at the border today. I will continue working with my colleagues to find common ground for reforming our broken immigration system and to secure our border.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, this is not a speech I ever wanted to give. I have had the honor of serving in office now for a number of years, and even during my time in the State legislature my district has always bordered Kevin McCarthy's. He was in Congress, and I was in State. When I had the honor of being elected to this body, I served alongside him for a number of years now. To say that he hasn't played a role in my ability to be here or my success here, yes, I wouldn't be here without him. The policies we have been championing for a number of years would never have existed and would have never come to fruition if it wasn't for Kevin McCarthy. We wouldn't have been able to change some of the things in the Valley that have been so positive for us if it wasn't for Kevin McCarthy. It is a sad day for us as an institution and a sad day for us in the Valley when we have all these different issues we are dealing with across the country, across this body, and across even the Central Valley in my home, we have got so much we need to still do, and the reality that he is not going to be there is a huge hole for us in the Valley. Mr. Speaker, if you look at his time in service, understanding the policies that affect us, if it was something like water, we wouldn't have the WIIN Act if it wasn't for Kevin McCarthy. We are seeing some of the results of that as we speak today. The expansion or the repairs in the Friant-Kern Canal, being able to move water south through the delta so that our farmers and our communities can survive, projects that are being funded as we speak to expand and add water infrastructure for the Valley would not be in existence if it wasn't for Kevin McCarthy. Mr. Speaker, when you look at valley fever, a thing that we are dealing with that we are fighting, we still don't have enough research at the Valley Fever Institute, or the ability to have those policies in place or at least the research started so we can create some real solutions for a thing that we are dealing with across the country now. Energy, as we all know, Kern County is a huge hub for energy production and to have a champion like we did--or we do today not much longer--in Congress like Kevin McCarthy for energy production to make sure we continue to provide energy for our country to succeed, we are losing that voice. As far as fire and forestry, I served in Congress under different Speakers. There are not a lot of times I have been in a situation where I am on a codel serving with my colleagues with a bipartisan group or at a press conference here on the Hill with a bipartisan group of Members talking about the same issues with a Speaker of the House. I honestly can't think of one situation where I have seen that happen, other than when it was Kevin McCarthy and our Save Our Sequoias Act. I remember standing there looking around thinking: I don't think I have ever seen any other person and I still can't remember--but that is something that affects votes. Mr. Speaker, when you think about the air quality and the impact it has on the Central Valley and the burning that has destroyed our mountain ranges, to have a piece of legislation championed by a Speaker and being able to get bipartisan support, that was something that I was very proud to be a part of. The fun part was talking trash while playing basketball when I outscored him on the basketball court in the charity game. I think I made one basket, and he might have made zero. I am not sure. As far as shooting, I know I kicked his butt. I saw the picture of the scorecard at some of our charity events that we do in the Valley. There are a lot of opportunities for us to do good things and have some fun together. Some of the most memorable moments are going to be this past year sitting in ELC and watching him across the table, his understanding of the policy itself, the dynamics of the votes, what is going to be able to pass the Senate, how to get the President engaged, and all those different things, we were able to have some real successes this year, to actually have a plan in place to solve real problems that now people who voted to take him out seem to acknowledge that that plan was probably our best option. We are on the verge of losing that. It is something we are going to miss out on. To fill those shoes, to have that person who understands enough of this place and who understands how to make a change, how to implement those changes, and how to execute a plan is something that we are going to struggle with to fill. I wish this day wasn't here. I wish he would stick around. Nevertheless, obviously, I know he is off to bigger and better things. I know we will still have plenty of opportunities for me to talk trash and make fun of him and maybe outscore him on the basketball court again if he is not too out of shape, but he is getting close to that point. I just want to say thank you to Kevin and to his family. Judy has been a huge asset to my family. His children have been a huge inspiration for my kids as they go through some of the same headaches that all of our children of people in this position have to deal with. I thank Kevin for everything he has done and will continue to do. Hopefully, we will have opportunities to work together soon in some situations.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Porterville Elks Lodge on their 100-year anniversary and thank them for their significant contributions to the Porterville community. The Porterville Elks Lodge was established in 1923 on Porterville's Main Street. For more than a century, the lodge has served as a meeting place for residents of the community and the home of the Porterville Elks Lodge Club. The club's unwavering commitment to public service and the Porterville community has guided its mission since the lodge's founding. Today, the club has 149 members, all of whom dedicate their time to giving back to and investing in the local community. The club is passionate about the well-being of Porterville's residents and focuses many of their efforts on helping children and veterans Last year, the club raised more than $32,000 for the Purple Pig Major Project--the second-largest contribution from the California delegation of clubs. The project's funds are used to support disabled youth with the medical treatments and therapies they need to thrive. Through their affiliation with the Elks National Foundation, the Porterville Elks Lodge Club has also awarded students throughout the community with scholarships to support their academic goals and connected veterans and servicemembers with rehabilitation services. During the recent flooding in California, the Porterville Elks Lodge Club worked with the Central California Family Crisis Center and Parenting Network to donate jackets, baby formula, and other items to residents in need. Their efforts were critical in helping families in my district recover from the devastating storms. The club's longstanding history of service is ingrained in the fabric of the Porterville community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Porterville Elks Lodge on their 100-year anniversary. Their work to enrich the community of Porterville will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, for the first time in over 3 years, California is drought-free. This year's rainfall has helped to replenish depleted groundwater and reservoirs, but we have missed an opportunity to capture and store more of this valuable resource. Since October of 2022, over 28 million acre-feet of water has been sent to the ocean, enough surface supply to sustain our agriculture producers for an entire year. We can and must do better so our communities are prepared for both dry and wet years. Last week, the House passed my bill, the WATER for California Act as part of the Energy and Water appropriations bill. This bill makes additional funding available for raising Shasta Dam, extends authorization of the successful water storage project program established by the WIIN Act, and codifies the 2019 biological opinions. These actions aim to provide a clean, reliable water supply to our communities and farmers who grow one-quarter of the country's food. If California's water problems continue to go unaddressed, the entire Nation's food supply is at risk. Madam Speaker, I urge the Senate to keep these provisions in the bill and get this bill across the finish line.

Mr. VALADAO

Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. William Thomas Chartrand, who tragically passed away on October 3, 2023. at the age of 82. Mr. Chartrand was born in Troy, New York to Ernest and Eva Chartrand. He was the middle of five children. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work and perseverance, spending his youth working on a farm in upstate New York. Mr. Chartrand joined the U.S. Navy shortly after high school, where he served as a jet engine mechanic. Mr. Chartrand retired having achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Some of his fondest memories were from his time spent as a navigator on an A-3 Skywarrior Aircraft. During his more than twenty years of service, he developed lifelong friendships with his fellow officers, and kept in close contact with them throughout his life. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Chartrand moved to Hanford, where he attended College of the Sequoias and earned his associate of arts degree. He was later hired by Sears, Roebuck and Co., and received training in appliance repair in Los Angeles and Chicago. After a long career with the company, Mr. Chartrand started his own appliance repair business in Hanford. Mr. Chartrand was passionate about helping his friends and family with their appliances and continued to lend a helping hand in his retirement. This past May, Mr. Chartrand and his wife. Velma, celebrated 36 years of marriage, Together, they devoted themselves to their Christian faith. Mr. Chartrand served on the Diaconate for First Baptist Hanford in his later years. He is remembered by his loved ones and members of the Hanford community for his kind spirit and compassion for everyone he crossed paths with. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. William Thomas Chartrand. His service to our country, commitment to his family, and dedication to the Central Valley community will be felt for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.