Mimi Walters

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, over the last 2 years, I have worked with organizations in my district, including the Children's Hospital of Orange County, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Alzheimer's Orange County. During my visits with these groups, I have met with constituents who are suffering from incurable diseases. I have met with parents of children suffering from prescription drug addiction and families struggling to find adequate mental health care for their loved ones. All of these people have one thing in common. The 21st Century Cures Act would directly improve the care they receive. This innovative legislation will provide them with faster and better cures and treatment. In passing this legislation, we have the opportunity to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of lifesaving and life- improving therapies. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 21st Century Cures Act. It is time for cures now.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Ralph Cicerone, who passed away on November 5, at the age of 73. Ralph served as the University of California-Irvine's chancellor from 1998 to 2005. During that time, UCI experienced tremendous success under his leadership, including raising the school's national rankings and breaking ground on its teaching hospital. Beyond his contributions to the Irvine community, Ralph was world- renowned for his innovative, scientific research that has helped shape environmental policy. Our thoughts are with Ralph's wife, Carol, his daughter, Sarah, and his two grandchildren. He will be truly missed but will be long remembered for his contributions to the Orange County UCI and science communities.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mayor John Nielsen for his service as the chairman of the Orange County Sanitation District Board of Directors. Under John's leadership, the county expanded its groundwater replenishment system, and OCSD made structural changes that allow it to focus on regional wastewater collection, treatment, and recycling. John was also instrumental in advocating for legislation at the State level to allow water agencies to bottle their potable reused water. California's 5-year drought has highlighted our need to diversify our water portfolio to ensure water security, and John's attention to this issue demonstrates his commitment to the residents of Orange County. I thank John for his hard work and leadership, and I congratulate him on his success. I wish him all the best as he continues to serve our community.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Staff Sergeant Matthew Thompson of Irvine, who was tragically killed on August 23 while on patrol in Afghanistan. He enlisted in the Army in March of 2011, and though this was his first deployment to Afghanistan, he had also been deployed to Iraq to combat the Islamic State. He was awarded over a dozen medals in his military career and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Staff Sergeant Thompson was just 28 years old, and he leaves behind his wife of 5 years, Rachel. Our prayers remain with her, his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant Thompson gave everything to protect our freedom. It is because of him, because of his service, because of his sacrifice, that we live in the most free nation on Earth. We will always remember this, and we will remain forever grateful for his selfless sacrifice.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and Representative Darrell Issa, I congratulate Saddleback College on its new Sciences Building, a 52,897 square foot state-of-the-art facility designed to encourage research and innovation. Under the leadership of Dr. Tod A. Burnett, 23 full-time faculty, 41 part-time faculty, and 11 staff members will support Saddleback's science programs, which include a record enrollment of more than 3,000 students this year. The building's lobby features an Albert Einstein quote: ``We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.'' This exemplifies the innovative approach to learning the building will facilitate. A well-educated, well-trained workforce is essential to keeping the United States competitive on a global stage. Saddleback College's new facility will serve Californians well as the need for employees educated in the STEM fields continues to grow. We congratulate Saddleback College on its new Sciences Building, and we look forward to seeing its students' contributions to the community.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, Monday, October 10 is Taiwan's National Day--also known as Double Ten Day. The United States and Taiwan enjoy a longstanding relationship that stems from our shared values: democracy, the rule of law, and free elections. Taiwan is an increasingly important partner for our national security, and it is also one of our strongest economic partners. In fact, it was our ninth largest trading partner in 2015. Additionally, Taiwan is California's fifth largest export market in Asia, and seventh largest export market in the world. As Taiwan celebrates Double Ten Day, I would like to take the opportunity to support Taiwan's participation in the international community. The 39th Triennial Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization will take place next week. Three years ago, Congress enacted a law instructing the U.S. Government to facilitate Taiwan's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization assembly as an observer. I am pleased to see that Taiwan is invited again this year. I wish the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day, and I look forward to many more years of the friendship with Taiwanese people.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, under current law, basic rights that protect survivors of sexual assault and allow them full access to justice vary greatly between each State and Federal statute. The uneven patchwork of laws across this country and the lack of substantive rights for sexual assault survivors prevent them from having full access to the justice system. Survivors of sexual assault have experienced unspeakable trauma, and they should not face unnecessary barriers to justice. These brave survivors deserve commonsense legal protections and clear procedures that ensure access to justice. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that sexual assault survivors in Federal criminal cases have a right to a sexual assault evidence collection kit, a right to be notified in writing before the kit is destroyed, a right to request preservation of the kit, and a right to be informed of important results from a forensic examination. This legislation is so important because it ensures these rights in the Federal criminal justice system and, furthermore, it will set an example for States to adopt similar procedures and practices. Additionally, this legislation will establish a joint working group formed by the Attorney General and the Department of Health and Human Services on best practices regarding the care and treatment of sexual assault survivors and the preservation of forensic evidence. It will also make the Victims of Crimes Act grant funding available for States to disseminate written notice of survivors' rights. The Senate has unanimously passed these reforms, and now we must do our part to ensure that sexual assault survivors have a fair chance at justice. This legislation, which I have introduced with Ms. Lofgren, has been endorsed by Rise; the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, more commonly known as RAINN; the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence; and the National Center for Victims of Crime, among other groups. I thank these groups, Chairman Goodlatte, Ms. Lofgren, and all other cosponsors working to advance the Survivors' Bill of Rights. I remain committed to ensuring that survivors of sexual assault can secure justice, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advocate for victims of sexual assault and enact sensible reforms like this bipartisan bill. I encourage my colleagues to support the Survivors' Bill of Rights.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, Marian Bergeson passed away at the age of 90. Marian was a true pioneer. She was the first woman to serve in both the California State Assembly and State Senate, and she paved the way for so many women in California to pursue public service. Marian herself was a tireless public servant who advocated for education, small business, and transportation. My friend State Senator Pat Bates summed it up when she said: ``Few people have influenced Orange County and California politics more effectively than Marian did.'' Marian also had a real zest for life. She celebrated her 90th birthday by jumping out of an airplane for the sixth time. The entire Orange County community joins her husband, Garth, and their three children in mourning, but I hope they will find comfort in knowing her legacy will live on for years to come.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, across the United States, we are faced with a substance abuse epidemic that results in overdose, addiction, and far too many deaths. From opioids to heroin, no community--not even Orange County, the place that I have called home for over 50 years--is immune. Last year, the number of deaths in Orange County caused by drug overdose rose to 400, the highest level in at least a decade. More than two-thirds of these untimely deaths involved opioids. Nationwide, nearly 130 people die every single day from drug abuse. Though this is a nationwide epidemic, there is not a one-size-fits- all cure to addiction. That is why this legislation is so important. I thank all of my colleagues who have worked so intently on these lifesaving policies. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure so that we can send it to the President's desk. As soon as this law is implemented, it will save lives and help Americans suffering from addiction reclaim their lives.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Across this country, our mental health system is broken. Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from serious mental illness, and for far too many of those individuals the Federal Government stands between them and the care that they so desperately need. The laws on the books are complicated and outdated, but with this legislation, we have the opportunity to reform our national mental health system. This bipartisan bill will refocus programs, reform grants, and remove the Federal Government as a barrier to lifesaving health care. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation to improve the quality and access to mental health care treatment.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act. As we mourn the death of the 49 Americans and pray for a full recovery of the 53 who were injured in the terrorist attack in Orlando, we know we must do more to combat radical Islamic extremism. The Federal Government's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the American people. This means strengthening our response to the threat ISIS and other terrorist organizations pose to our homeland. The House has passed several bills to combat radical Islamic terrorism, prevent attacks, stop radicalization on our soil, and keep terrorists from entering America. Each of the three bills included in this legislation has already passed the House with wide bipartisan support, but we must do everything we can to get them signed into law as soon as possible. I urge my colleagues to support the Countering Terrorist Radicalization Act. We must send this bill to the Senate and on to the President for his signature, and this must be done immediately. This is essential to defeating ISIS and preventing radicalization here at home.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, on May 24, Laguna Niguel councilman and former mayor Jerry McCloskey passed away unexpectedly. Jerry, a United States Navy veteran, continued his service to the military and his community through his volunteer work with Laguna Niguel Military Support Foundation and the American Legion Post 281. He was also involved in the local Rotary Club, Lions Club and Historical Society, and served as the president of the Orange County Watershed and Environmental Center. I met Jerry when I ran for city council in 1996, and in all the years I knew Jerry, he truly exemplified what it means to serve. He will be sorely missed. Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife Marilyn, his two daughters, and his four grandchildren. We join them in their mourning and hope that they can find comfort in knowing that his impact on the Orange County community will live on for decades to come.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act. The IRS requires tax exempt organizations to report sensitive information about their donors, but, frankly, the information is unnecessary. There are numerous examples of the IRS targeting political groups, which demonstrates that the IRS is incapable of using this information for legitimate purposes. Even the IRS itself has indicated it is considering eliminating this requirement. By eliminating the IRS' power to inquire into the membership of private citizen groups, taxpayers' identities will be protected and the IRS will be prevented from improperly targeting certain organizations. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5053 to hold the IRS accountable and act in the best interest of the American taxpayer.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3636, currently under consideration.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Mr. Nadler and all of the other cosponsors in their helping to advance H.R. 3636, the Oversee Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act, otherwise referred to as the O-VISA Act, for a floor vote. Congress established the O visa program to allow non-immigrants with extraordinary abilities to be employed in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. In recognition of the unique nature of the motion picture and television industry, Congress established special evidentiary criteria for O-1 and O-2 visas for artists who are working in the industry. One requirement mandates that the USCIS consult with the appropriate labor and management organizations for each visa petition. The reason for this is very simple in that those organizations are best suited to evaluate whether a visa applicant has demonstrated extraordinary achievement--the standard for O-1 and O-2 visa petitioners in this industry. These consulting organizations dedicate substantial resources to advise the USCIS on the merits of visa petitions. They are essential to identifying fraud as well as to protecting U.S. workers who are capable of filling those jobs. Unfortunately, these organizations are never notified as to the USCIS' final petition decisions. The consulting organizations should be notified of these decisions so that they may better assist the USCIS in determining fraud and in properly implementing the O visa standards. There have been serious indications of fraud in O-1 and O-2 visa petitions, including the outright forgery of advisory opinions, shell production companies, and sponsoring employers who are without any connection to the motion picture and television industry. These concerns led Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers to send a letter to the USCIS in 2014, which stated: It seems that, at the very least, USCIS should be notifying these organizations when it approves petitions over their objections. However, we are told that such organizations are rarely, if ever, notified regarding the outcome of petitions to which they object. Ensuring transparency in the adjudication process for any visa program is essential to a secure and effective immigration policy, and, therefore, we are concerned about the reported potential fraud in O-1 and O-2 visa petitions. It is important to note that there are no indications of abuse by the major studios, such as members of the MPAA. In fact, it is my understanding that the labor and management consulting organizations concur with the vast majority of O visa petitions that are submitted by the major studios. The O-VISA Act, which Mr. Nadler and I have put forth, is a narrow provision that injects transparency into this visa petition process. It amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide a copy of the USCIS visa petition decision to the consulting organization that was required to provide the advisory opinion for that specific petition. Essentially, the organization will be copied on the agency decision. Congress wisely recognized that the opinions of these private stakeholders deserve proper consideration due to their unique expertise in the industry. Congress should further utilize that expertise by authorizing the USCIS to copy these organizations because this will assist in identifying fraud and in protecting American jobs. I was pleased to receive the recent report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that H.R. 3636 will have no significant cost to the taxpayer. In fact, any associated costs will be recouped from fees that are collected by the Department of Homeland Security in the visa application process. Simply put, H.R. 3636 is a model of commonsense, bipartisan legislation that utilizes private sector expertise to improve our governance. I will take this opportunity to note that there are other issues regarding O visas that must be addressed. In particular, there are serious concerns that the USCIS' decisionmaking process moves far too slowly. This lack of efficiency means that film and television face considerable delays and unnecessary costs. I am committed to working with the committee and the industry to address these issues in the future. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3636, the O-VISA Act. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I will close by thanking everyone for their support of this bill. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3636, the O-VISA Act. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3636) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow labor organizations and management organizations to receive the results of visa petitions about which such organizations have submitted advisory opinions, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. MIMI WALTERS of California

Ms. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Chairman, across the United States we are faced with a substance abuse epidemic that results in overdoses, addiction, and, for too many, death. From opioids to heroin, no community--not even Orange County, the place I have called home for 50 years--is immune. Statistics show that nearly 130 people die every single day from drug abuse. Though this is a nationwide epidemic, there is not a one-size- fits-all cure to addiction. That is why the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act is so important. This bill will create a grant program to help State and local governments combat opioid addiction in their communities and give them flexibility to dedicate resources to the needs of their specific community, whether that means prescription drug monitoring programs, overdose treatment training for first responders, or rehabilitation programs. This legislation passed the Judiciary Committee with unanimous support. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill because its passage will save lives and help Americans suffering from addiction reclaim their lives.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule serves no purpose other than to make it more challenging for hardworking Americans to plan for retirement. This ill- advised rule will limit choice and access for those who seek financial advice to prepare for their future. It will be especially damaging to middle-class families who will lose access to affordable retirement advice, and it will discourage small businesses from helping their employees save for retirement. Saving for the future is difficult enough, and now this out-of-touch administration is stepping in to make it even more challenging. We can and we must get Washington out of the way. Americans cannot afford to have the Federal Government interfering in their retirement planning. Under the Congressional Review Act, we can prevent implementation of this harmful rule. Congress should do everything it can to empower Americans to secure their future. I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 88 to stop this misguided government intervention and allow the American people to achieve their retirement dreams.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act. Between 2004 and 2013, nearly 1,600 IRS employees intentionally violated tax laws, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Just last year, the same Inspector General reported that the IRS rehired 141 former employees who had bungled their own tax returns. Five of those rehires had intentionally failed to file their returns at all. Think about that for a moment. The Federal bureaucrats who are responsible for ensuring the American people pay their taxes are not paying their own taxes, and they face no repercussion for botching their own returns. This is one more example of how Washington is out of touch with the people it is meant to serve. It is no wonder the American people do not have faith in this Federal agency. This bill will require the IRS to exclusively hire employees who pay their own taxes. It is essential to protecting American taxpayers and ensuring the IRS is held accountable. It is just common sense. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1206.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Jean Hamilton Aldrich, who passed away on March 23, 2016, at the age of 96. Mrs. Aldrich was married to the University of California-Irvine's founding chancellor, Daniel G. Aldrich, Jr. Together they witnessed Irvine evolve into the hub for business and technology it has become today, all centered around one of the Nation's top research universities. Their work played a tremendous role in this transformation. But Mrs. Aldrich's public service reached far beyond the university. She participated in health and arts projects throughout Orange County and served on boards for a home for the developmentally disabled and South Coast Repertory, a professional theater company in Costa Mesa. She will long be remembered for her infectious laughter, her ability to keep her composure in high-pressure situations, and her service to the Irvine community. Mrs. Aldrich leaves behind a rich legacy. She is survived by 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. We join them in mourning the loss of Mrs. Aldrich, who was truly a leader in our community.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, in 1975, Robert Gustafson began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Glendale Police Department. Four years later, he joined the City of Orange Police Department, where he faithfully served our community for decades. His leadership has been critical to the public safety and the betterment of Orange. Throughout his 41 year law enforcement career, he alleviated some of the most difficult issues facing our community. He oversaw the implementation of the Youth Services Board and the SHIELD program, which provides referrals to families and children in need of additional social assistance. Furthermore, Chief Gustafson has been instrumental in the City of Orange's efforts to reduce gang violence, helping to establish Orange's Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership. Additionally, he has been a tireless advocate for those suffering from mental illness, and was awarded Orange Police Department's John Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing for these efforts in 2015. Chief Gustafson also made the Five Pillars for Success the Department's standard. A selfless leader, he has always put others first and never failed to put the police department and the residents of Orange before himself. He exemplifies selfless public service, and he is a stalwart in our community. We are grateful for his leadership in Orange over the last 37 years. I thank Chief Gustafson for his tremendous service to the City of Orange and wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California

Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report for the FAST Act. As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I am pleased this bill reflects the committee's hard work. This legislation makes a fundamental investment in our Nation's roads, bridges, and infrastructure, providing long-term certainty for local governments and ensuring the efficient movement of consumer goods. Importantly, it also streamlines the environmental review and permitting processes to ensure transportation projects stay on time and on budget. I was pleased that three provisions of significance to my district were included in the final bill. One directs Department of Transportation to study the effects of marijuana-impaired driving. The second would incentivize the use of innovative pavement material. The third would help address congestion in HOV lanes. This 5-year bill is fully paid for and will put a stop to short-term extensions that are costly to taxpayers and create significant uncertainty for local and State governments. I am pleased to support this historic bill coming before the House floor today, and I thank Chairman Shuster for his hard work in making this bill a reality.