Mimi Walters

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to demand the Vietnamese Government immediately release Michael Nguyen, an American citizen and Orange County resident who has been unjustly detained for over 5 months. Michael is a loving husband and father of four, a small-business owner, and an active member of his community and church. He has no criminal record in the United States. This summer, while visiting elderly relatives, Michael was arrested by the Vietnamese Government. He is under investigation for allegedly violating article 109 of the Vietnamese criminal code, activities against the government. Article 109 is an arbitrary and vague charge the Vietnamese Government often uses to justify baseless arrests. Michael could be held for months without formal charges as the Vietnamese Government investigates. Despite repeated requests by my office, the Vietnamese have yet to produce any evidence substantiating Michael's arrest. These unjust actions are further exacerbated by the Vietnamese Government denying Michael's family's request to visit him while in prison. During the investigation, the Vietnamese Government permits only monthly visits by the U.S. State Department. These visits are the only opportunity Michael has to hear messages from his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Michael's family has been devastated by this ordeal. I had the opportunity to meet with them again just this last week when I was back in Orange County, and I am here tonight on their behalf, to echo their calls for his safe return. The Vietnamese Government has not only denied an innocent man his freedom, it has completely disrupted the lives of a loving wife, four young daughters, and countless friends and family members across the country who are praying for Michael's homecoming every single day. Michael's wife, Helen, is a nurse who works long hours with many emergency on-call days. During Michael's absence, she has been a single mother to their four young daughters. The girls miss their father dearly. His detainment has made it difficult for them to focus on their schoolwork and their extracurricular activities. These girls should not have to spend one more sleepless night worried about their father's safety. Their entire family has demonstrated incredible strength during this ordeal. I am constantly inspired by their love and devotion to Michael. Mr. Speaker, this unjust detainment has gone on far too long. Michael's detainment is only the most recent example of Vietnam's troubling human rights record and lack of transparent legal system. Earlier this year, the Vietnamese Government unjustly detained William Nguyen, an American citizen of no relation to Michael. I am deeply concerned for Michael's safety and well-being, and I demand his release immediately. In the meantime, I call on the Vietnamese Government to allow Michael's family to visit him in prison. Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine, this time of year is especially difficult for Michael and his family. While most families across our Nation will have the opportunity to spend time together celebrating Christmas, the Nguyen family will cope with Michael's absence. This Christmas, I pray for good news for the Nguyen family. Michael's story has touched so many people. Several of my colleagues have heard of Michael's detainment and have joined in my fight to secure his release. I am grateful for their support and their willingness to join tonight's Special Order. While I will not be returning to Congress next year, I am confident that my colleagues will continue the fight to bring Michael home. I am extremely grateful for my colleagues' engagement, and I will continue to support their efforts any way I can as a private citizen.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight for the final time as a Member of Congress to say thank yous. Thank you to California's 45th Congressional District for the faith and trust you have placed in me to represent you and your families in the people's House. I first entered this Chamber three decades ago as a young intern for Representative Bill Thomas. I remember well the sense of wonder I felt and the goose bumps on my arm. You would think that those youthful emotions would fade once I became a Member myself, but they did not. When I exit for the final time, I will still be in awe of the wonders of those hallowed halls, and I will still have goose bumps. It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent my home of Orange County and the communities of Tustin, North Tustin, Orange, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, and Coto de Caza. Every step of the way during this journey of service, I have been flanked by my husband, David, and my four children: Kate, Caroline, DJ, and Tristan. They have been my rock, my reality check, my most clever social media commenters, and the loves of my life. I thank God each and every day that He has blessed me with them. To my staff, both in Washington and Orange County, thank you for making me and every Member of Congress better at our jobs. You are the unsung heroes of government. Together, we have accomplished a lot: the historic Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights, major tax and regulatory reform, and landmark opioid legislation. And we helped advance the conversation on paid family leave. My staff helped me stay true to the promises I made to my constituents, and I can't thank them enough for that. I am blessed to have grown up and live in Orange County, and those of us privileged to serve our community in Congress can only hope to have left it in better shape than we have found it. One small bit of advice I will impart to all those who succeed me in this office, and that is: Bring your brain to Washington, but leave your heart in Orange County. The people of the 45th District will teach you a lot, and I am wiser from their tutelage. The House of Representatives can be a loud and hectic place sometimes, but that is why we love it. Keep your eye on the ball and remain faithful to the institution. As then-Congressman Abraham Lincoln of Illinois told this very House when it was facing turbulent times: ``Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.'' My home State of California and our Nation are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of citizen legislators working to make both a better place. I thank them for their guidance and their support over the years. While we didn't always agree, I seldom have come across a colleague who I didn't think had his or her constituents' best interests at heart or cared deeply about our country. Now, as I close this chapter of my life and leave the people's House for the final time, I remain as confident as ever in the future of the House and the Union. I remain forever in debt to the people of Orange County and the 45th District for bestowing upon me the honor to serve. May God bless America and the Golden State of California. I will see y'all back home soon.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Charles Celano's retirement from the Tustin Police Department. Over the twenty-seven years Chief Celano has served the City of Tustin, he has been an outstanding leader during his four years as Chief of Police. During his tenure, Chief Celano oversaw the creation of the award- winning Neighborhood Improvement Task Force, and led the department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies national accreditation process, making Tustin Police Department the eleventh in the State of California to hold such a distinction. Chief Celano is one of the finest members of our Orange County community and I am confident he will find success in the next chapter of his life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Chief Celano on an outstanding career serving the City of Tustin. I wish him the absolute best.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, as I travel through my district, the women of Orange County have expressed their support for policies that safeguard women and children, including the Violence Against Women Act. As the mother of two daughters, I share their support for this legislation and care deeply about ensuring the safety of all women. For 24 years, the Violence Against Women Act has provided lifesaving services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. While I am pleased we passed a short-term extension of the Violence Against Women Act, we must work together towards a long-term reauthorization that will allow us to continue to protect and support survivors. We owe it to survivors to ensure this law remains in place, and I will continue to work to make this happen.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6 and the IMD exclusion repeal probation modeled after my bill, the IMD CARE Act. I fought to ensure the IMD exclusion repeal was part of this final agreement because increasing inpatient treatment options is essential in our fight against the opioid epidemic. The Orange County Board of Supervisors agrees with leading addiction treatment groups: the IMD exclusion repeal and the IMD CARE Act are the most important steps we can take to end drug overdose deaths in Orange County. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to address this public health crisis.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Jack Thomas on his recent retirement from the City of Orange Fire Department. Chief Thomas, who served the City of Orange for thirty years, began his long and impressive career journey as a volunteer in the Fire Explorer program. After joining the City of Orange Fire Department in 1988, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2015. As a first responder to some of the worst natural disasters in recent history, Chief Thomas has proudly served communities throughout the country, including the City of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Los Angeles County during the 2009 Station Fire, and most recently, Orange County during the 2017 Canyon 2 Fire. Please join me in thanking Chief Thomas for the many selfless contributions he has made to the City of Orange, the State of California, and our Nation. I wish him the absolute best as he begins the next great chapter of his life.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City of Lake Forest, California, located in my congressional district. On October 2, 2018, the Lake Forest City Council will notify bondholders that the city intends to make an early repayment of a $7 million bond, the city's only outstanding debt. The debt will be paid in full by December 2, 2018. By repaying the debt early, Lake Forest will save approximately $1 million. Those savings will allow the City to allocate additional resources toward various funds, such as transportation improvement funds and the General Fund. Lake Forest is the largest of three cities that has zero outstanding debt liability and is current in its pension payments within the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Following its incorporation in 1991, Lake Forest adopted a conservative fiscal management approach resulting in the substantial financial security the City enjoys today. For example, Lake Forest contracts for police and fire services, and landscape and street maintenance, and rents office space for City Hall rather than issuing debt to build a Civic Center. Further, Lake Forest relies on property and sales taxes to fund its budget, rather than relying on specialty taxes like automobile sales or hotel taxes, which can be unreliable sources of income. A stable income base coupled with conservative spending practices allow Lake Forest to maintain a balanced budget and be debt-free. Again, I would like to congratulate Lake Forest on this achievement and applaud its fiscal responsibility.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my constituent, Muriel Engelman, of Laguna Woods, California. Muriel served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in World War II, spending several months of her two-year service near the front lines at the Battle of the Bulge. Muriel treated countless American and Allied soldiers, forming lasting bonds with those who were fortunate enough to have known her. This July, Muriel was appointed a Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron. Considered France's highest honor, this distinction was bestowed upon Muriel for her brave and selfless work during her six and a half months in France during World War II. Her vital role in the war effort undoubtedly helped liberate our European allies. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Muriel Engelman on her well-deserved recognition.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, when I told Michael's family I would be hosting this Special Order, I asked if there was any message they wanted me to share on their behalf. I would now like to read a personal statement from the family. Michael Phuong Nguyen has been unlawfully detained for over 60 days. He longs for the comfort of his family profoundly and deserves immediate attention to return to the United States. Michael's wife and four children urgently and desperately appeal to all Members of Congress, right now, to take actions to bring Michael Nguyen back home to his family where he belongs. All four girls are experiencing heartfelt anxiety, affecting their school and emotional well-being. He plays a crucial role in his four daughter's livelihood and needs to be where his heart belongs, with his family. Our prayers are with Michael Nguyen's family, and we want them to know we will do everything in our power to bring him home. Again, I thank my colleagues for joining me this evening to support my constituent Michael Nguyen. We will not stop working until Michael is released and returned safely to his family. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, my next colleague proudly represents Michael Nguyen's family members who live in the Houston area. I now yield to Congressman Al Green of Texas, who represents the Ninth Congressional District.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, my next colleague is an active member on the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. I yield to the gentleman from California, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, representing California's First Congressional District.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to welcome Congressman Alan Lowenthal, the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lowenthal) of California's 47th Congressional District.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I now introduce my friend from Orange County who serves on both the Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Committees. I yield to the gentleman from California, Congressman Lou Correa, representing California's 46th Congressional District.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, we gather here this evening to demand the immediate release of Michael Nguyen, an American citizen and Orange County resident, who has been detained by the Vietnamese government for nearly 2 months without cause. Michael, a loving husband and father of four, owns a small printing business and is actively involved in his community and church. He is a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record in the United States Michael traveled to Vietnam on June 27, 2018, to visit family and friends. When he did not return home on July 16 as planned, his family grew worried and contacted my office. They learned through social media Michael had been imprisoned by the Vietnamese government. On July 31, the State Department was able to confirm Michael's detainment. We now know he has been imprisoned for allegedly violating Article 109 of the Vietnamese criminal code, activities against the government. Article 109 is an arbitrary and vague charge the Vietnamese government often uses to justify baseless arrests. Michael could be held for months without formal charges as the Vietnamese government investigates. During this time, Michael will be denied access to an attorney or direct communication with his family. State Department officials are only allowed to visit Michael once a month. The Vietnamese government has refused repeated requests to provide my office with evidence to substantiate Michael's arrest. In a perversion of justice, the Vietnamese legal system allows individuals like Michael to be arrested and languish in prison before its government even begins an investigation or collects evidence. Michael's detainment is only the most recent example of Vietnam's troubling human rights record and lack of a transparent legal system. Earlier this year, the Vietnamese government unjustly detained William Nguyen, an American citizen of no relation to Michael. I am deeply concerned for Michael's safety and well-being and I demand his immediate release. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Nguyen family's strength during this trying time. I am inspired by their love for Michael and determination to bring him home. Michael's wife, Helen, is a nurse, who works long hours with many emergency on-call days. Michael's flexibility as a small business owner allows him to be the primary caregiver for their four young daughters. His absence is devastating the entire Nguyen family. This American family should not have to spend one more day worrying and wondering when Michael will return home. Michael's story has touched many people. Several of my colleagues who have heard of Michael's detainment have joined my fight to secure his release. I am grateful for their support and their willingness to join tonight's Special Order. We will not stop until Michael is returned home safely, and will continue to put ongoing, relentless pressure on the Vietnamese government. I am committed to bringing Michael home so he may be reunited with his family, and will stop at nothing to make this happen. Mr. Speaker, now it is my privilege to yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), a fellow Orange County resident and esteemed chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. I yield to Congressman Royce, representing the 39th District of California.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the topic of my Special Order.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Assistant Manager Robert P. Ghirelli. For almost four decades, Mr. Ghirelli has worked to advance the quality of our Nation's water resources. He is a graduate of my alma mater, University of California, Los Angeles with an undergraduate degree in bacteriology and a doctorate in environmental science and engineering, and holds a master's degree in health science from California State University Northridge. In his most recent role as OCSD's Assistant General Manager, Mr. Ghirelli oversaw the third largest clean water agency west of the Mississippi River, which services 2.6 million residents and delivers high quality water improvements throughout Orange County, California. Mr. Ghirelli previously served for 13 years as the Executive Director of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles/ Ventura Region, where he administered the region's clean water programs and managed 100 water quality professionals. Mr. Ghirelli joined OCSD as its Director of Technical Services in 1998, managing the District's environmental affairs and regulatory compliance programs, environmental laboratories, and industrial waste control programs. He also worked closely with elected officials and senior executives across all levels of government. Mr. Ghirelli has dedicated his career to developing common sense approaches to water protection, mentoring the next generation of water professionals, and delivering high quality water to my constituents in Orange County, California. After decades working to improve our water resources, I wish Mr. Ghirelli the best in his retirement.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ferguson), serving on the Committee on the Budget, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, representing the Third District of Georgia.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege to introduce the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers).

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), who sits on the House Committees on Education and the Workforce and Oversight and Government Reform. Virginia Foxx is the Congresswoman who represents North Carolina's Fifth District.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, House Republicans made a promise to the American people that there was a better way forward under our leadership. Our Better Way Agenda outlined a pathway toward safer communities, a stronger military, and a robust economy. Since then, House Republicans have compiled a record of results, not rhetoric. Thanks to this progress, the American people are better off now. Republicans started by moving bills that address some of the biggest issues plaguing cities and towns across the country: We have passed over 50 bills to put an end to the opioid epidemic in our communities. FOSTA, which will dismantle the online sex trafficking industry, was signed into law. We are also keeping our children safe by providing additional funding and resources for school safety programs. We are rebuilding our military, ensuring our troops have the tools, training, and equipment they need to carry out their missions and keep us safe both at home and abroad. Our brave men and women in uniform received their largest pay raise in nearly 10 years. We are keeping our promise to provide our veterans with the care they have earned by overhauling the VA and ensuring that they have access to reliable, quality care. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has undoubtedly had the most significant positive effect on the daily lives of Americans. Tax reform has led to unprecedented economic growth across our Nation. Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned paychecks, while companies in all 50 States are creating jobs and opportunity for all. At home in Orange County, the unemployment rate has dropped to a near 20-year low, while pay and benefits continue to rise. Nationally, jobless claims have fallen to their lowest levels since 1969, and economic confidence is soaring. Mr. Speaker, I could go on about the numerous accomplishments House Republicans have achieved in the last 18 months, but the American people don't need convincing. They are seeing the results firsthand. Our Nation is, without question, better off now, and we will continue our work to improve the lives of all Americans. I am proud to introduce my friend and fellow committee member on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Buddy Carter from the First District of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of my Special Order.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Paul Garaven on his retirement from the Tustin Police Department. Deputy Chief Garaven has served over 30 years at the Tustin Police Department beginning in 1987 as a part-time volunteer reservist. Since then, he has held numerous positions within the department, including time spent undercover with the special investigations unit. No matter the title Deputy Chief Garaven held, he devoted every day of his career to making the city of Tustin a safer and better place for all. On July 3, Deputy Chief Garaven will end his long and impressive career at the Tustin Police Department. Thankfully, the image of a young undercover officer will remain to inspire the next generation of officers at the police department to strive for greatness in everything they do. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Deputy Chief Garaven on an outstanding 30-year career serving the city of Tustin. I wish him the absolute best as he begins the next great chapter of his life.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Duncan Gigerich whose life was tragically cut short on June 9, 2018. Duncan was only 19 years old at the time he passed away, yet he demonstrated maturity well beyond his years. As a high school football player, Duncan demonstrated leadership skills both on and off the field. Duncan just returned from a semester abroad in New Zealand where he studied the country's natural history and culture while learning invaluable outdoor leadership and survival skills. He was undoubtedly full of life and eager to embark on each new adventure before him. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to the Gigerich and Dirk families and to all those who were fortunate enough to know Duncan. His memory will live on through the many friends, family, and places that experienced Duncan's loving spirit and immense appreciation for the outdoors. May he rest in peace. Congratulating Deputy Chief Garaven on his Retirement

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the heartbreaking story of an Orange County father named Randy Collins. On March 3, 2003, Randy and his wife welcomed their son, Keisuke, to the world. Following their divorce, Randy became concerned that his ex-wife would flee with their son to her home country, Japan. The California court system agreed and granted a temporary retraining order on foreign travel for their son. Unfortunately, this did not prevent the abduction from taking place. I first met Randy during my time in the California State Senate when we worked together on legislation to prevent future international parental child abductions. I am proud the bill, named Keisuke's Law in honor of Randy's son, passed the State legislature unanimously and was signed into law on September 7, 2012. This month marks 12 years since Randy, a loving and devoted father, last saw his son. Japan continues to have one of the worst records in returning abducted children like Keisuke to the United States. Mr. Speaker, as the mother of four, I can only imagine the pain that Randy must feel missing each passing milestone of his son's life. This is a grave injustice, and I will continue to support Randy and all families whose children have been wrongfully abducted. Remembering Duncan Gigerich