[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 94 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WELCOMING THE HONORABLE VINCE FONG TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Calvert) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our newest member of the 
California delegation, Vince Fong. While he may have just arrived, 
Vince is joining our delegation after serving in the California State 
Assembly since 2016. He is also armed with the knowledge and invaluable 
insights learned from his time serving as a staff member in Kern County 
with legends like Bill Thomas and Kevin McCarthy.
  We have no doubt he will be just as successful as his mentors.
  On behalf of the entire delegation, let me again congratulate Vince, 
his wife, Amanda, and the entire Fong family.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the newly minted Congressman, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Fong).
  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to stand before you 
as the Representative of the 20th District of the great State of 
California. I am truly honored, humbled, and grateful to be given this 
opportunity by the voters to serve and be a strong voice for our 
region.
  It is truly more special to have been sworn in with my family here in 
the gallery. I thank my wife, Amanda, for her love and support. I thank 
my parents, my mother-in-law, my sister, and all of our family for 
always being by my side. I especially acknowledge my niece, Evie, who 
is celebrating her ninth birthday with us today.
  I also especially thank my mentor and friend, Speaker Kevin McCarthy. 
He has worked tirelessly for decades on behalf of the constituents of 
the Central Valley of California and our Nation.
  In traveling the 20th Congressional District, listening to my 
neighbors, constituents, and friends throughout Fresno, Tulare, Kings, 
and Kern Counties, I know that our concerns are very familiar with the 
concerns that all of you have heard: We must do more to find solutions 
and to deliver results. We need to address the border crisis, stop the 
rising costs of everyday essentials that are squeezing our family 
budgets, and work to keep our communities safe. We must strengthen our 
crumbling infrastructure, find long-term solutions to water and energy 
resources, especially out West, and create more career and educational 
opportunities. We must support our military installations.
  I personally thank the men and women at Naval Air Weapons Station 
China Lake in the Indian Wells Valley, Naval Air Station Lemoore, 
Edwards Air Force Base in the Antelope Valley, and the Fresno Air 
National Guard for their service and sacrifice defending our great 
Nation.
  I certainly anticipate passionate discourse that is expected of us. 
There is certainly no shortage of challenges facing our Nation, my 
State of California, and my district, but this is also the moment where 
we together can make the most positive impact.
  I was born and raised in the Central Valley, the son of a local 
pharmacist who moved his family to Bakersfield, California, for new 
opportunities, never imagining that one day he would witness his son 
speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives. Our region is 
known for its grit, its perseverance, and its generosity driven by 
faith, family, and patriotism. I am blessed to call it my home.
  In closing, I look forward to serving and working alongside all of 
you to address our Nation's challenges and to ensure that the voices of 
the congressional district my neighbors have entrusted to me are heard 
every single day in these Halls of Congress.

  We can tackle these challenges head-on and leave a better and 
stronger America for future generations.

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