[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H69-H70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ASSISTANT CHIEF LAURA QUATTLEBAUM FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE 
                   WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that on National Law 
Enforcement Appreciation Day, I rise to recognize California Highway 
Patrol Assistant Division Chief Laura Quattlebaum for her years with 
the California Highway Patrol and congratulate her on her retirement.
  Assistant Chief Quattlebaum is a shining example of the selflessness 
and courage our Nation's law enforcement possesses. She is truly an 
amazing woman, full of passion, character, and integrity. I am humbled 
to have worked alongside her in our community, and I am honored to call 
her my friend.
  For more than 30 years, Assistant Chief Quattlebaum has served as a 
dedicated public officer for my constituents, as well as countless 
other Californians. After graduating from the CHP academy she went on 
to act as public information officer for the city of Indio.
  From this critical position to her current role as California Highway 
Patrol assistant chief, she has answered the call to defend our public 
safety many times. Throughout her career, Assistant Chief Quattlebaum 
has been recognized on numerous occasions for her outstanding work. As 
lieutenant in the Indio area, she received the Commissioner's 
Commendation for Leadership and Cultural Awareness and Racial Profile 
training.
  Six years later, Assemblyman Brian Nestande awarded her the 2013 
Women of Distinction award, and in 2014, Assemblyman Manuel Perez 
presented her with the Woman of the Year award in recognition of her 
service to the people of California.
  Assistant Chief Quattlebaum is known to her colleagues as a 
hardworking and selfless leader. Her commitment to bettering the lives 
of others is reflected in her tireless advocacy for those she served 
alongside and for peace officers throughout the country.
  I have witnessed this commitment firsthand on multiple occasions, 
notably, when we worked together to more than double our Nation's 
funding for mental health services for our local law enforcement 
agencies just last year.
  Assistant Chief Quattlebaum's career in public service is a true 
testament to her devotion to community, country, and public safety. Her 
unwavering dedication to the people of California is admirable.
  On behalf of California's 36th Congressional District, I thank 
Assistant Chief Quattlebaum for her years of service and thank all of 
our law enforcement agents who work tirelessly to uphold the safety of 
our communities.
  I congratulate Assistant Chief Quattlebaum on her retirement. We must 
carry the spirit of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day with us 
every day by showing our gratitude for our public safety officers year-
round.


                           Conflict with Iran

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of Americans in my district 
and across the country who are anxious that the events of this past 
week are sending us down a path to war with Iran.
  Over the past week, I have been thinking most about our 
servicemembers and their families, the people whose lives will be 
immediately and irreversibly affected by the decision to go to war: 
sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, siblings, our neighbors and our 
friends, who will put at risk their lives; families worried about their 
loved ones put in harm's way; servicemembers who have seen multiple 
deployments and are now faced with the prospect of being sent overseas 
yet again.
  Our veterans and their families have dealt with the human toll of war 
for nearly 20 years. It is time for a new approach. Americans don't 
want another endless war in the Middle East. After 19 years of 
conflict, America doesn't need another war. We do not want reckless, 
high-risk provocations of war that make Americans less safe for years 
to come.
  That is why I urge President Trump to deescalate the situation and 
pursue a diplomatic path forward. In the meantime, I hope everyone will 
join me in continuing to pray for the servicemembers overseas defending 
our Nation and for a strategic, peaceful solution to avoid another 
costly war in the Middle East.

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