[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
            CELEBRATING LGBTQI+ AMERICANS ON VALENTINES DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Porter) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, Valentine's Day is a time for us to 
cherish the loved ones in our lives. I rise to celebrate love in all 
its forms and to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ communities in 
California and across the Nation.
  While we have made progress to protect the rights and safety of queer 
Americans, there is still more to be done.
  Last year, a record number of bills restricting LGBTQI+ rights were 
introduced in legislatures across the country, an extremist Supreme 
Court effectively legalized discrimination against the queer community, 
and House Republicans targeted LGBTQI+ in dozens of hearings.
  These attacks are unacceptable. As a member of the Congressional 
Equality Caucus, I will always seek to champion and protect LGBTQI+ 
Californians.
  May this week serve as a reminder to my colleagues that we must 
relentlessly celebrate and defend love.


            Commending United to End Homelessness Milestone

  Ms. PORTER. I rise today to commend Orange County's United to End 
Homelessness initiative for reaching a remarkable milestone. Its 
WelcomeHomeOC program has housed more than 1,000 people experiencing 
homelessness, including 103 former foster youth and 242 veterans.
  This nationally recognized program pairs property owners with those 
given a voucher to reduce their housing costs. This public-private 
partnership helps people avoid homelessness and housing insecurity. Its 
focus on veterans and former foster youth who may lack adequate support 
systems helps the most vulnerable in our community.
  Let's be clear: This program is a patch on a massive problem. 
California's housing crisis is the result of decades of inaction in 
Washington.
  I have pushed for expanding the housing choice voucher program. The 
Federal Government must step up to help local and State governments in 
preventing homelessness.
  I am proud to recognize the United to End Homelessness initiative and 
look forward to its continued success.


                Recognizing 44th OC Black History Parade

  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Orange 
County Heritage Council on a wonderfully successful Black History 
Parade and Unity Festival.
  Madam Speaker, 44 years ago, the late Helen Shipp, founder of the 
Orange County Heritage Council, envisioned an event that would bring 
the community together in celebration of Black excellence.
  Now run by Helen's son, Dwayne, the Orange County Black History 
Parade and Unity Festival continues to thrive--just as Helen imagined. 
The event features interactive Black history lessons, college and 
scholarship information, health screenings, and business connection 
opportunities.
  I applaud how the Unity Festival promotes inclusivity, understanding, 
and equality. It honors the diverse and resilient history of Black 
Americans and their historic and ongoing contributions to California.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Orange County Heritage Council on 
their successful event.


             Commending CalOptima's Street Medicine Program

  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend CalOptima Health 
for their new street medicine program, which offers critical mobile 
health services to unhoused individuals in Orange County.
  Logistical barriers make it difficult for people experiencing 
homelessness to receive the healthcare that they desperately need. 
CalOptima, which provides health services to low-income Californians, 
is reducing these barriers by bringing healthcare directly to homeless 
people, meeting them where they are.
  The mobile health program includes a fully equipped medical van and 
an experienced team to administer healthcare and connect individuals to 
services, including housing assistance.
  CalOptima's Street Medicine program is just one example of how 
Californians step up to help our neighbors in crisis. Expanding this 
program would reduce emergency room visits and first responder 
interventions and keep our communities healthier.
  I will continue fighting in Washington to lower housing costs, which 
is the only way to permanently end homelessness.

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