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Sam T. Liccardo

Representative for California · Democratic · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Nestled among the hills of the Coastside, the property provided the home and livelihood for their wider family for more than fifty years. In addition to his agricultural work, Adreveno dedicated more than three decades to public service across the Coastside.

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE705-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Nestled among the hills of the Coastside, the property provided the home and livelihood for their wider family for more than fifty years. In addition to his agricultural work, Adreveno dedicated more than three decades to public service across the Coastside.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II.

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II.

RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event.

CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event.

RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

The complete record

Every one of 38 lines we hold for Sam T. Liccardo, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account.

  1. The couple played a pivotal role in establishing the Parish Council at Our Lady of the Pillar Church. His family and friends remember the twinkle in his eye, his warm smile, and his upbeat nature. The couple took immense pride in their family who survives them: their daughter and son-in-law, Eda and John Muller; their granddaughters, Heidi Bianchi and Trudy Muller; grandson-in-law, Aldo Bianchi; and their great-grandchildren, Delfina and Lorenzo Bianchi; and many nieces and nephews. Al Adreveno sowed a legacy of military service, agricultural entrepreneurship, and community leadership that will benefit Coastsiders for generations. ____________________

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE705-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  2. Nestled among the hills of the Coastside, the property provided the home and livelihood for their wider family for more than fifty years. In addition to his agricultural work, Adreveno dedicated more than three decades to public service across the Coastside. On the Half Moon Bay School Board, he helped lead a successful bond campaign to [[Page E706]] build a new high school, and he worked to unify three school districts into one. He later served eight years on the City Planning Commission, followed by twelve years on the City Council (including four years as Mayor), and sixteen years on the Coastside County Water District Board. Beyond his public accomplishments, Adreveno embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed golfing, tending his vegetable garden, and traveling with Eda, his wife of 71 years.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE705-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  3. Born on July 17, 1923, in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, Adreveno grew up in Colma, California, where his Italian family worked on a produce ranch. In 1943, Adreveno joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served on an elite team in the Pacific Theater that participated in the liberation of Okinawa. After the Japanese surrender, he served in Korea until coming home to San Francisco in 1946. He returned to his job at the flower nursery where he had worked before the war. There, he met Eda, and the couple married in 1947. A few years later, they purchased a ranch in Half Moon Bay, founding Daylight Nursery in 1954, where they grew field flowers, including irises, daffodils, and daisies.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE705-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  4. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E705-E706] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO ______ HON. SAM T. LICCARDO of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Al Adreveno, who passed away on May 18, 2026, in Half Moon Bay, California, at the age of 102. A lifelong farmer, a World War II veteran, and a civic leader on the Coastside for more than three decades, Adreveno shaped the Coastside into a better community for all.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGE705-4 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  5. During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II. Arthur later served as an electronic scientist with the Department of Defense and helped lay the foundation for the National Security Agency. His groundbreaking work in cryptography, secure communications, and technological innovation left an indelible mark on our national security institutions and made us all safer. Arthur's greatest legacy lives through his family and the community that he helped build, including Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. His integrity, ingenuity, and patriotism will endure in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and a grateful nation.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  6. His prescient political sense--gathering Silicon Valley support for everyone from his successor, Neysa Fligor, to a little known southerner by the name of Bill Clinton--made him a local kingmaker. In his retirement, Larry and his much-beloved wife, Carmen, will continue to generously support local nonprofits and the arts. Larry's example, however, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Madam Speaker, on behalf of many, I thank Larry for his leadership, his mentorship, and his friendship. {time} 1215 Honoring Arthur Herbert Hausman Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur Herbert Hausman, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 102. Our Nation owes Arthur a profound debt of gratitude for his lifetime of service.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  7. Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event. He even wore a Grinch costume for many years in our annual Santa Run, sitting in the pace car with thousands of runners dressed up as Santas with beards on chasing him through the streets of downtown San Jose. Larry's work was serious, however. He leaves behind an assessor's office that has become a national model for efficiency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness. Larry's signature forthrightness made him the first phone call for local reporters looking for someone quotable. His willingness to call out malfeasance by the powerful made him a reliable advocate for good government.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  8. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4634-H4635] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LARRY ``THE GRINCH'' STONE (Mr. Liccardo of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of myself [[Page H4635]] and on behalf of my colleagues, Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, to recognize Larry Stone, who retired a few months ago as Santa Clara County's longest serving elected official. Larry has been an extraordinary public servant, ethical role model, a mentor to many of us, and a friend to all.

    CREC-2026-07-20-PT1-PGH4634-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  9. The couple played a pivotal role in establishing the Parish Council at Our Lady of the Pillar Church. His family and friends remember the twinkle in his eye, his warm smile, and his upbeat nature. The couple took immense pride in their family who survives them: their daughter and son-in-law, Eda and John Muller; their granddaughters, Heidi Bianchi and Trudy Muller; grandson-in-law, Aldo Bianchi; and their great-grandchildren, Delfina and Lorenzo Bianchi; and many nieces and nephews. Al Adreveno sowed a legacy of military service, agricultural entrepreneurship, and community leadership that will benefit Coastsiders for generations. ____________________

    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  10. Nestled among the hills of the Coastside, the property provided the home and livelihood for their wider family for more than fifty years. In addition to his agricultural work, Adreveno dedicated more than three decades to public service across the Coastside. On the Half Moon Bay School Board, he helped lead a successful bond campaign to [[Page E706]] build a new high school, and he worked to unify three school districts into one. He later served eight years on the City Planning Commission, followed by twelve years on the City Council (including four years as Mayor), and sixteen years on the Coastside County Water District Board. Beyond his public accomplishments, Adreveno embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed golfing, tending his vegetable garden, and traveling with Eda, his wife of 71 years.

    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  11. Born on July 17, 1923, in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, Adreveno grew up in Colma, California, where his Italian family worked on a produce ranch. In 1943, Adreveno joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers and served on an elite team in the Pacific Theater that participated in the liberation of Okinawa. After the Japanese surrender, he served in Korea until coming home to San Francisco in 1946. He returned to his job at the flower nursery where he had worked before the war. There, he met Eda, and the couple married in 1947. A few years later, they purchased a ranch in Half Moon Bay, founding Daylight Nursery in 1954, where they grew field flowers, including irises, daffodils, and daisies.

    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  12. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E705-E706] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO ______ HON. SAM T. LICCARDO of california in the house of representatives Monday, July 20, 2026 Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Al Adreveno, who passed away on May 18, 2026, in Half Moon Bay, California, at the age of 102. A lifelong farmer, a World War II veteran, and a civic leader on the Coastside for more than three decades, Adreveno shaped the Coastside into a better community for all.

    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. AL ADREVENO · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  13. During World War II, Arthur served at Bletchley Park on Project ULTRA, helping decrypt enemy communications alongside Alan Turing and other legends of the era. Their work proved instrumental in securing the Allied victory in World War II. Arthur later served as an electronic scientist with the Department of Defense and helped lay the foundation for the National Security Agency. His groundbreaking work in cryptography, secure communications, and technological innovation left an indelible mark on our national security institutions and made us all safer. Arthur's greatest legacy lives through his family and the community that he helped build, including Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. His integrity, ingenuity, and patriotism will endure in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and a grateful nation.

    RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  14. His prescient political sense--gathering Silicon Valley support for everyone from his successor, Neysa Fligor, to a little known southerner by the name of Bill Clinton--made him a local kingmaker. In his retirement, Larry and his much-beloved wife, Carmen, will continue to generously support local nonprofits and the arts. Larry's example, however, continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Madam Speaker, on behalf of many, I thank Larry for his leadership, his mentorship, and his friendship. {time} 1215 Honoring Arthur Herbert Hausman Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur Herbert Hausman, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 102. Our Nation owes Arthur a profound debt of gratitude for his lifetime of service.

    RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  15. Larry served in elected office for 46 years, 30 as Santa Clara County's assessor. He made the most of his notorious role as tax leveler, humorously egging on everyone to boo him at every civic and political event. He even wore a Grinch costume for many years in our annual Santa Run, sitting in the pace car with thousands of runners dressed up as Santas with beards on chasing him through the streets of downtown San Jose. Larry's work was serious, however. He leaves behind an assessor's office that has become a national model for efficiency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness. Larry's signature forthrightness made him the first phone call for local reporters looking for someone quotable. His willingness to call out malfeasance by the powerful made him a reliable advocate for good government.

    RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  16. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4634-H4635] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING LARRY ``THE GRINCH'' STONE (Mr. Liccardo of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. LICCARDO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of myself [[Page H4635]] and on behalf of my colleagues, Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Ro Khanna, and Jimmy Panetta, to recognize Larry Stone, who retired a few months ago as Santa Clara County's longest serving elected official. Larry has been an extraordinary public servant, ethical role model, a mentor to many of us, and a friend to all.

    RECOGNIZING LARRY "THE GRINCH" STONE · 2026-07-20 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  17. Larry Stone spent his career elevating public service, and local government. He leaves his own service to Santa Clara County knowing that he made his community stronger than when he found it. His legacy of principled public service will benefit our community for generations. ____________________

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  18. Later, Vice President Al Gore drew inspiration for ``reinventing government'' from reforms that Stone helped implement in Sunnyvale. Stone's forthrightness, quotable humor, and keen insights continue to attract reporters seeking someone who will say what nobody else has the courage to utter publicly. Stone and his gracious wife, Carmen, are sought-after guests at nonprofit events and generously support local causes, particularly the arts. Larry invests heavily in affordable housing projects throughout the region and repeatedly champions the region's efforts to build stadiums and land professional sports teams. Stone also continues to drive the Downtown San Jose Rotary Club, one of the largest and most actively philanthropic clubs in the Nation, where he served as a past president.

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  19. While relishing the independence of elected office and enjoying the political process--never losing an election in his decades of service--he remained grounded in results, believing that strong performance was the best campaign. He stood up publicly for good government and reliably spoke out when powerful figures misused resources or misled the public. Among local elected officials, Stone is known as a political ``godfather.'' Politicians routinely ask him for advice and for support, and he became the go-to leader on dozens of commissions, task forces, and nonprofit boards. In 1990, he convened Silicon Valley power brokers to help Bill Clinton learn about tech and the innovation economy, which transformed into support for Clinton's winning presidential campaign.

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  20. His work ensured transformative funding for our region's schools and communities. A tireless and deeply dedicated public servant, Stone was among the first to arrive at work and last to leave, often remarking that he preferred workdays to weekends. He instilled a strong sense of urgency within the office, pushing for efficiency, responsiveness, and customer service. In his final years in office, he modernized the Assessor's Office's outdated software and database, ensuring its ability to continue serving Santa Clara County into the future. As a leader, Stone welcomed discussion on major decisions, but once resolved, he acted decisively and expected others to move with equal urgency.

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  21. As Santa Clara County's longest-serving elected official, we celebrate his contributions upon his recent retirement. First elected to public office in 1975, Stone served on the Sunnyvale City Council for 16 years, including two terms as mayor. In 1994, voters elected him to the role of Santa Clara County Assessor. As Assessor, Stone supervised $8 billion in properly tax revenue and managed a roll of more than 500,000 properties, which incurred a 500 percent increase in value during his time in office. During his tenure, he returned $35 million to the county's general fund while adding only one person to the payroll. For thirty years--through economic booms and downturns alike--he consistently delivered complete, on-time assessment rolls within budget, earning stellar audit results and strengthening confidence in the office's performance.

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  22. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E588] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LAWRENCE E. ``LARRY'' STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE ______ HON. SAM T. LICCARDO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise alongside my colleagues Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and Congressman Ro Khanna, to honor a widely-respected community leader, mentor, and friend. Lawrence E. ``Larry'' Stone served more than three decades as Santa Clara County Assessor, among his 47 years in public office.

    CREC-2026-06-18-PT1-PGE588-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  23. Larry Stone spent his career elevating public service, and local government. He leaves his own service to Santa Clara County knowing that he made his community stronger than when he found it. His legacy of principled public service will benefit our community for generations. ____________________

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  24. Later, Vice President Al Gore drew inspiration for ``reinventing government'' from reforms that Stone helped implement in Sunnyvale. Stone's forthrightness, quotable humor, and keen insights continue to attract reporters seeking someone who will say what nobody else has the courage to utter publicly. Stone and his gracious wife, Carmen, are sought-after guests at nonprofit events and generously support local causes, particularly the arts. Larry invests heavily in affordable housing projects throughout the region and repeatedly champions the region's efforts to build stadiums and land professional sports teams. Stone also continues to drive the Downtown San Jose Rotary Club, one of the largest and most actively philanthropic clubs in the Nation, where he served as a past president.

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  25. While relishing the independence of elected office and enjoying the political process--never losing an election in his decades of service--he remained grounded in results, believing that strong performance was the best campaign. He stood up publicly for good government and reliably spoke out when powerful figures misused resources or misled the public. Among local elected officials, Stone is known as a political ``godfather.'' Politicians routinely ask him for advice and for support, and he became the go-to leader on dozens of commissions, task forces, and nonprofit boards. In 1990, he convened Silicon Valley power brokers to help Bill Clinton learn about tech and the innovation economy, which transformed into support for Clinton's winning presidential campaign.

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  26. His work ensured transformative funding for our region's schools and communities. A tireless and deeply dedicated public servant, Stone was among the first to arrive at work and last to leave, often remarking that he preferred workdays to weekends. He instilled a strong sense of urgency within the office, pushing for efficiency, responsiveness, and customer service. In his final years in office, he modernized the Assessor's Office's outdated software and database, ensuring its ability to continue serving Santa Clara County into the future. As a leader, Stone welcomed discussion on major decisions, but once resolved, he acted decisively and expected others to move with equal urgency.

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  27. As Santa Clara County's longest-serving elected official, we celebrate his contributions upon his recent retirement. First elected to public office in 1975, Stone served on the Sunnyvale City Council for 16 years, including two terms as mayor. In 1994, voters elected him to the role of Santa Clara County Assessor. As Assessor, Stone supervised $8 billion in properly tax revenue and managed a roll of more than 500,000 properties, which incurred a 500 percent increase in value during his time in office. During his tenure, he returned $35 million to the county's general fund while adding only one person to the payroll. For thirty years--through economic booms and downturns alike--he consistently delivered complete, on-time assessment rolls within budget, earning stellar audit results and strengthening confidence in the office's performance.

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  28. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E588] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LAWRENCE E. ``LARRY'' STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE ______ HON. SAM T. LICCARDO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, June 18, 2026 Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise alongside my colleagues Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and Congressman Ro Khanna, to honor a widely-respected community leader, mentor, and friend. Lawrence E. ``Larry'' Stone served more than three decades as Santa Clara County Assessor, among his 47 years in public office.

    HONORING LAWRENCE E. "LARRY" STONE LIFETIME OF SERVICE · 2026-06-18 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  29. Among them was Helen, my constituent, who watched as her aunt boarded a boat, and days later she would also follow the path of Vietnamese refugees on to San Jose in my district, which proudly boasts the largest population of ethnically Vietnamese people of any city in the world outside of Vietnam. Helen's journey was filled with horror and hardship, but rooted in hope, hope for a life with freedom and opportunity. We must honor her hope by living up to the promise of America, by fulfilling our democratic values, and by embracing those who come to America from around the world earnestly seeking freedom, as she did. ____________________

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1763-3 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  30. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [House] [Page H1763] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LIVING UP TO THE PROMISE OF AMERICA (Mr. LICCARDO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Black April. As Pulitzer Prize-winning author and one of San Jose's favorite sons, Viet Nguyen, has written: ``All wars are fought twice; once on the battlefield and a second time in memory.'' On this day, 50 years ago, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers looked out across a vast ocean as Saigon was falling behind them.

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1763-3 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  31. They are attacking California by putting on this political Kabuki show for political benefit. Let's talk about California. Despite our many faults, my State has used this waiver and these clean air standards to clear skies that were once filled with smog when I grew up there in the 1970s and in building the world's fourth largest economy. It is larger than Japan, India, the U.K., and, yes, even Texas. Madam Speaker, I am not entertained by this Kabuki, and the American people aren't either. Do you know what would entertain them? If we actually did something to lower their costs.

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1741-6 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  32. Even if it is adjusted for different vehicle purchase costs, Americans will pay $55 billion more out of pocket because of these efforts to make our cars and trucks less fuel efficient. Indeed, it will also cost us in higher medical bills. The waiver for the Advanced Clean Cars II rule will save [[Page H1747]] Californians some $13 billion in spending on healthcare for respiratory ailments. The health and cost benefits are even greater under the heavy-duty truck regulations. In the heavy- and medium-duty truck sector, we are seeing zero-emission and low-emission trucks that are 2 years ahead of schedule in sales set by California requirements. To my friends on the other side of the aisle, the global industry and the market have left them behind. House Republicans have no agenda to lower the costs for the American people.

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1741-6 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  33. Instead, my Republican colleagues seek to undermine waivers from Federal regulations that California and 13 other States have relied upon for half a century to protect our clean air. This waiver has done much to clear the once smoggy air of the Golden State, and eliminating these standards will result in the release of 1.6 billion metric tons of pollutants into the air. That pollution will imperil our children, our seniors, and the tens of millions who suffer with respiratory illness like asthma and COPD. As if the harm to our health and environment isn't enough, the GOP proposals in each of these three measures will cost American citizens even more in their pocketbooks. Over the next 15 years, eliminating these fuel standards will increase Americans' spending at the gas pump by $89 billion.

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1741-6 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  34. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89. Mr. Speaker, I wish I was here to speak about different policies, policies that the American people actually want to see to help them pay their bills and to lower the cost of living that is choking millions of American families. Instead, in this administration's first 100 days, I have seen this Republican majority capitulate to the largest sales tax in U.S. history in the form of Trump tariffs, costing the average American family perhaps $4,900 annually at the checkout counter. I have seen this Republican Congress authorize the imposition of even more excessive overdraft fees which will cost American consumers another $5 billion. Where is the action to help Americans pay their bills? Mr. Speaker, you won't find it in any of these three measures.

    CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGH1741-6 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  35. Among them was Helen, my constituent, who watched as her aunt boarded a boat, and days later she would also follow the path of Vietnamese refugees on to San Jose in my district, which proudly boasts the largest population of ethnically Vietnamese people of any city in the world outside of Vietnam. Helen's journey was filled with horror and hardship, but rooted in hope, hope for a life with freedom and opportunity. We must honor her hope by living up to the promise of America, by fulfilling our democratic values, and by embracing those who come to America from around the world earnestly seeking freedom, as she did. ____________________

    LIVING UP TO THE PROMISE OF AMERICA · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  36. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [House] [Page H1763] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] LIVING UP TO THE PROMISE OF AMERICA (Mr. LICCARDO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LICCARDO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Black April. As Pulitzer Prize-winning author and one of San Jose's favorite sons, Viet Nguyen, has written: ``All wars are fought twice; once on the battlefield and a second time in memory.'' On this day, 50 years ago, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers looked out across a vast ocean as Saigon was falling behind them.

    LIVING UP TO THE PROMISE OF AMERICA · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  37. A typical overdraft fee of $35, which is what we had before the rule, amounts to an interest rate of more than 16,000 percent APR on the bank's loan of $26. Mr. Speaker, that is usurious. American families cannot afford any more liberation. It is not as though we have a history here in which banks have always complied with the notion that these overdraft fees are simply to offer a service. We know that it has been used to pump up profits, in fact, illegally on several occasions. Mr. Speaker, in 2017, TCF National Bank was cited by CFPB and ultimately settled. It paid $30 million for its abuse of overdraft fees. In 2020, TD Bank was sanctioned $123 million for, among other violations, deceptive practices related to debit card overdraft.

    CREC-2025-04-09-PT1-PGH1519 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  38. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I am here to commemorate liberation month. A week ago, Liberation Day brought us President Trump's tariffs which will liberate a typical American family from 3,800 of their hard-earned dollars each year, according to one study. The Trump slump, moreover, has liberated our retirement accounts from more than 6 trillion of those hard-earned dollars through market losses. In week 2 of liberation month, the Republican majority proposes S.J. Res. 18 which will increase the annual cost of bank overdraft fees on American families by an average of $225, collectively liberating all of us of 5 billion more of our dollars in a given year. Remember, the average debit card overdraft is less than $26. Mr. Speaker, it is repaid typically within 3 days on average.

    CREC-2025-04-09-PT1-PGH1519 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD