[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 164 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H4871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING KMPH TELEVISION'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Costa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a significant 
milestone for one of the local news stations in my hometown and 
district in Fresno, California. KMPH Television is celebrating 50 years 
of TV programming and broadcast news excellence.
  First taking the air in 1971, by the Pappas family, KMPH launched its 
news department 7 years later, serving as a vital source of information 
for viewers across the Central Valley.
  It has not been an easy time for journalists in the last decade 
throughout our country. Nearly one-fourth of America's newspapers have 
shuttered their operations, and a significant portion of print and TV 
journalists, sadly, have lost their jobs. This leaves many smaller 
stations with fewer reporters to inform the public on what is happening 
in their communities. Getting local news is so critical to having an 
informed public.
  KMPH is no stranger to these challenges, but it continues to thrive, 
make a difference, and inform the public.
  A free press, as we all know, is the cornerstone of our democracy. 
Local news plays an integral role in shaping America, keeping people 
informed, and allowing them to be active in participatory democracy.
  During a time of disinformation--sadly, these days--in social media, 
I think supporting local journalism has never been more critical.
  Fifty years of public service is worth celebrating. Congratulations 
to KMPH in Fresno for 50 years of informing the public.


                  Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Hispanic Heritage 
Month, to honor the cultures, history, and achievements of the Hispanic 
community, both in my district and across the country, for generations.
  Throughout the last year, every segment of our society has been 
impacted by the COVID pandemic. Certainly, Hispanic Americans have felt 
this impact as well, but they have worked hard to do their part.
  Many of them are essential workers who have to be on their job every 
day, like the farmworkers, some of the hardest working people you will 
ever meet in your life, putting food on America's dinner table every 
night. Some are healthcare workers--doctors, nurses, technicians, first 
responders--and they risk their lives every day doing their jobs and 
putting their families at risk.
  Every day, the Hispanic-American community's quest for the American 
Dream has impacted our communities. They are living the American Dream 
of immigrants past and immigrants present.
  There are examples such as the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where 
over 320 female small business owners have participated in the 
Latinapreneur and Womanpreneur programs to grow their small businesses, 
creating jobs and creating vital economic activity.
  Other individuals historically have played a role and have been 
barrier-breakers, like our valley's own Coach Tom Flores, son of 
migrant workers in the San Joaquin Valley. He spent 30 years in the 
NFL, as the first Hispanic quarterback and then coaching and becoming 
the first Hispanic Super Bowl champion. Just a month ago, Coach Flores 
was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame for these achievements.
  We have so many others who have made a difference, such as my dear 
friend Joseph Castro from Hanford, California, who is today chancellor 
of the California State University System, the largest public 
university system in America. We also have Juan Sanchez Munoz, who is 
chancellor of UC Merced, one of the newest universities in America, 
making a difference. In addition, my neighbor, Dr. Saul Jimenez-
Sandoval, is the newest president of Fresno State University. Go Dogs.
  All of these individuals have played a role. All have unique stories 
and careers. They have helped to educate and create new opportunities, 
and they serve as a role model for future leaders. But we must not 
forget that many in our Hispanic community live in fear of attaining 
these important goals.
  Over the past few years, I have met with DACA students across my 
district to hear their stories and discuss the need for immigration 
reform. For them, America is the only country they have really known, 
and so immigration reform is so critical.
  As we commemorate this month, let us not forget that they are 
counting on Congress to bring about comprehensive immigration reform.
  As a proud member of the Hispanic Caucus, I work with my colleagues 
every day to ensure the promise of America is accessible to the 62 
million Hispanics living across the country.

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