[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 185 (Thursday, December 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H7135-H7137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                   CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Kiley) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate California State 
officials, as tomorrow is the big day when the State's election results 
will be certified--tomorrow, December 13.
  Of course, I say this in jest. There is absolutely no congratulations 
in order for finalizing election results 5 weeks after the election.
  Because of California's glacial pace of counting votes, several races 
for Congress and the State legislature remain unresolved weeks 
following the November 5 election, not to mention countless local 
races--city council, school board, board of supervisors. Candidates had 
to wait in torturous suspense, unable to effectively begin a transition 
if they were on their way in or make plans for another job if they were 
on their way out.
  Just to give you a sense of what folks who are waiting on election 
results had to go through, they would have to wait for these batches of 
votes to be unveiled maybe once a week, maybe twice a week, maybe three 
times a week, depending on the county, maybe hundreds of votes at a 
time.
  Then you had to ask: What kinds of votes is it that are being counted 
right now? Is it the late absentee votes? Is it the voting center 
votes? Is it the drop box votes? Is it the provisional ballots? Is it 
conditional ballots? Is it cured ballots?
  What do I mean by cured ballots? Well, you are familiar with precinct 
walking where you go out and knock on doors to try to convince people 
to vote for you. In California, that actually happens after the 
election, as well, because if signatures are deemed not to match the 
voter file, then there is an added amount of time to submit a new 
signature to cure your ballot. People actually go door to door saying 
that we need to get you to sign again to cure this ballot.
  California also allows for votes that arrive at elections offices to 
be counted up to a week after the election. Folks who are on the ballot 
and their families and their supporters and everyone else are watching 
this process with tabs left open on their computer for different 
counties, having to wait to find out whether they have won or lost 
their race.
  The implications go much further than those who are on the ballot 
because for a time, the entire balance of power here in Washington was 
left in doubt with control of the House of Representatives in doubt 
because of California's extremely slow vote counting.
  Imagine if California were a swing State. The Presidential election 
could remain undecided for a month after election day. We could relive 
the 2000 recount experience every single election.
  Adding to the absurdity, the California State Legislature actually 
began its new session, swearing in new Members on December 2. These are 
both in State law. We are going to swear in our new Members on December 
2, but we are going to finish counting votes on December 13.
  This farce has made California a national laughingstock. It is one 
thing to fail at basic governance tasks like building roads, storing 
water, or keeping the lights on. We should at least be able to expect 
our government to conduct the elementary arithmetic of tallying ballots 
on which democracy depends.
  As this process dragged on over the last several weeks, you had 
elections experts and people on all parts of the political spectrum 
calling for reform in California.
  For example, one left-leaning election analyst said this. He said: I 
always vote straight ticket Democrat, but I will actually vote for any 
Secretary of State candidate, red or blue, who promises to streamline 
the election process in California and facilitates getting our ballots 
counted and reported faster. I am so done, he said, adding that the 
tabulation process is a joke.
  I am working with Congressman Jay Obernolte to set clear deadlines 
for counting votes. For example, 90 percent have to be counted within 3 
days of the election. This will force State officials to make the 
necessary changes to meet those deadlines in a way that every other 
State, by the way, has already done. All 49 other States, red or blue, 
managed to count their votes much faster and more confidently than 
California.
  This is a necessary change to restore trust in our election process, 
and I look forward to getting this legislation passed and signed into 
law in time for the 2026 election.


    Ending Federal Funding for California's High-Speed Rail Project

  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, this week I announced legislation to end all 
Federal funding for California's high-speed rail project. This bill 
will make the project ineligible to receive any Federal funding going 
forward.
  Simply put, it is time to stop throwing good money after bad. 
Currently, there remains a $100 billion funding shortfall for the 
train. This is in the estimation of the High-Speed Rail Authority's own 
officials.
  There is no viable plan for making up this gap other than continuing 
to demand it from taxpayers. There is simply no way to justify further 
expense to State or Federal taxpayers when even The New York Times 
reports that the project isn't on track to be completed this century. 
Not on track to be completed this century.
  The billions in Federal funding that have gone to the nonexistent 
train is all the worse, considering the condition of California's roads 
and other transportation infrastructure which rank among the very worst 
in the country. Once we have high-speed rail off the table, we will be 
able to focus on our real transportation needs when it comes to Federal 
funds.
  We can also abandon the pretense that this is somehow a high-tech, 
inspirational, visionary enterprise. The reality is that even if the 
train were to magically spring into existence at this very moment, it 
would fail to impress.

  As we speak, Waymo is providing thousands upon thousands of 
driverless rides every week in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Tesla has 
autopilot and self-driving software deployed on millions of vehicles.

[[Page H7136]]

  When it comes to trains, China is working on one that they expect to 
be completed this decade that will go 1,000 kilometers per hour. That 
is three times longer than California's high-speed rail is supposed to 
go.
  We need to stop pretending that the technology of 1990s is somehow 
futuristic, but we need to plan for the future that truly awaits us. In 
the meantime, we need to spend tax dollars on things that will actually 
benefit taxpayers, like drivable roads.
  That is why I am introducing this legislation to end California's 
high-speed rail disaster once and for all.


   Honoring the Life and Years of Service of Colonel Joseph Peterburs

  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor and congratulate Colonel 
Joseph Peterburs, a decorated veteran in Placer County, on his 100th 
birthday. The great American Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, wrote: 
``Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men but is a right 
that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.''
  The life and actions of Colonel Peterburs not only illustrates the 
longing for freedom but the dedication of service and sacrifice 
required to maintain it.
  Colonel Peterburs began his service to the defense of the United 
States as a pilot in World War II. During his deployment in Europe, he 
was tasked with escorting B-17 bombers and protecting them against 
enemy aircraft. During World War II, he flew an astounding 49 missions 
with 269 combat hours.
  On April 10, 1945, Colonel Peterburs had to bail out of his aircraft 
at 300 feet during an air battle. He was burned and injured, then 
captured and placed in a Nazi prisoner of war camp. Overcoming 
unimaginable adversity, Colonel Peterburs escaped as the camp was being 
evacuated by the Germans. He and other escapees temporarily joined a 
Russian tank unit before being reunited with American Forces.
  After World War II, he continued his service to the United States by 
contributing to the country's defense during the Cold War.
  Throughout this period, Colonel Peterburs served in Korea, Vietnam, 
and Europe. Highly decorated, Colonel Peterburs was awarded the Legion 
of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the POW Medal, the Purple 
Heart, and many other medals and decorations. He is highly respected by 
his family and members in the community for his courage, resilience, 
and selflessness.
  It is a true honor to represent heroes like Colonel Peterburs in 
Congress. He is a living testament to the American spirit, patriotism, 
and embodies the sacrifices made by those who have served our country.
  Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I 
am honored to celebrate Colonel Joe Peterburs not only for his 
centennial birthday but also for the life he has led in years of 
service to the United States of America and its citizens.


      Honoring Outgoing Roseville City Councilmember Scott Alvord

  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize outgoing Roseville City 
Councilmember Scott Alvord for his years of devoted service to the 
Roseville area community.
  Councilmember Alvord has been a leader in the local business 
community for nearly four decades and has served the Roosevelt City 
Council for the last 8 years.
  Councilmember Alvord earned his bachelor's degree in computer science 
at Pacific Union College and went on to earn a master's degree in 
business administration from California State University, Sacramento.
  While an undergraduate, he founded Advanced Development Concepts, 
LLC, a business consulting company which is headquartered in Roseville.
  Prior to his service on the Roseville City Council, Scott represented 
the local business community by serving as president of the Downtown 
Roseville Merchants for nearly a decade.
  Councilmember Alvord's business expertise and devotion to service 
proved essential in his advocacy for the revitalization of downtown 
Roseville, as his leadership prompted integrating infrastructure into 
the area, allowing for economic and recreational growth and prosperity.
  This experience, alongside his time as a city councilmember, helped 
Scott Alvord impart his knowledge to the next generation of business 
students as an adjunct business professor at Jessup University.
  In his tenure as city councilmember, Scott Alvord was steadfast in 
his commitment to public safety. His efforts to support full staffing 
of both Roseville's Police and Fire Departments were accomplished in 
conjunction with his vital work in the development of Roseville Fire 
Station 8 and expanding the Roosevelt Police beat.
  Additionally, Scott promoted regional recreation and well-being. He 
facilitated the introduction of 25 new parks, enabling greater health, 
recreation, and leisure for the community.
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Councilmember Alvord established the 
Roosevelt Volunteer Force where he assembled and mobilized over 2,000 
volunteers who selflessly heeded the call of hundreds of service 
requests from those in need.
  It is because of the leadership and example of people like Scott 
Alvord that Roosevelt remains such a great place to live, work, raise a 
family, and retire.
  Scott Alvord's commitment to service in Roosevelt leaves a well-
established legacy as his influence provides enduring support to the 
region.
  Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, 
it is an honor and privilege to acknowledge Roseville City 
Councilmember Scott Alvord for his career in public service, and I join 
the people of Roseville in wishing Scott the very best in his next 
chapter.


            Recognizing Nevada County Supervisor Ed Scofield

  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the retiring Nevada 
County Supervisor for District 2, Ed Scofield, for his lifelong 
commitment to service to Nevada County.
  Ed was born and raised in Grass Valley, graduating from Nevada Union 
High School and Sierra College, and has been devoted to serving the 
region for the past five decades.
  In 1975, Ed began his career in public service in the city of Grass 
Valley when he was elected to the city council. In 1982, he began his 
tenure as CEO of Nevada County Fairgrounds, a position he held for 26 
years. Ed's leadership was felt in the region as he helped the 
fairgrounds to become visible as one of the top ten outstanding rural 
fairs in the United States.
  He served as president of the Western Fairs Association in 1996 and 
was later inducted into Western Fair's Hall of Fame in 2004 and the 
Nevada County Fair's Hall of Fame in 2009.
  Ed served as a community leader in several other significant roles, 
building teamwork and promoting positive recreation of the youth in the 
region as president of the Grass Valley Little League, engaging with 
the business community as a former president of the Grass Valley/Nevada 
Chamber of Commerce, and putting service above self as a president and 
leader of the Rotary Club of Grass Valley South.

                              {time}  1230

  Ed was elected to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors in 2008, 
further exemplifying his dedication to public service.
  Supervisor Scofield consistently exhibited thorough fiscal 
responsibility in his supervisorial duties of financial reporting and 
budget allocation for the entire county.
  Ed was an advocate for the housing and business industry within the 
region and also focused on transportation by supporting improvements 
for the Highway 49 corridor and for his entire district.
  Moreover, throughout Supervisor Scofield's tenure on the board, he 
served on the California State Association of Counties as Nevada 
County's representative, taking on a role of fiscal leadership by 
serving as the treasurer on its executive committee.
  The lifelong commitment to service and leadership of inspirational 
individuals like Supervisor Ed Scofield ensures that Nevada County is 
an amazing place to live, to work, to raise a family, and to retire. 
The impressive legacy Ed built in his career will be felt for years and 
will continue to benefit Nevada County.
  Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, 
it is an honor to recognize Supervisor Ed Scofield for his life of 
service to the people of Nevada County, and it is a privilege to join 
the Grass Valley area in sending him my best wishes for a happy 
retirement.

[[Page H7137]]

  



                    Congratulating Google Quantum AI

  Mr. KILEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Google Quantum AI on 
an astonishing accomplishment in the field of quantum computing. Its 
new Willow chip performed a computation that is truly mind-boggling, 
that is otherworldly, literally otherworldly, according to some. On the 
performance benchmark known as random circuit sampling, it performed a 
computation in under 5 minutes that would take one of today's fastest 
supercomputers 10 to-the-25th years. That is 10 septillion years. You 
can see the number here, 10, followed by 25 zeros, years. By the way, 
that is way longer than the age of the universe. That is how long it 
would take one of today's fastest supercomputers to perform the 
calculation that the Willow chip did in 5 minutes.
  The chip was built in California in Santa Barbara as part of Google 
Quantum AI's goal of: Building a useful, large-scale quantum computer 
that can harness quantum mechanics--the operating system of nature--to 
benefit society by scientific discovery, developing helpful 
applications, and tackling some of society's greatest changes.
  How do they do it?
  The key breakthrough here was something known as exponential quantum 
error correction. One of the major challenges to making a viable 
quantum computer has been the issue of errors, which occur when the 
units of computation, known as qubits, exchange information with their 
environments and that contaminates the information that is actually 
needed for a computation.
  The problem with building a quantum computer is that when you add 
more qubits, you get more errors and you lose the special quantum 
quality that can be so powerful if properly harnessed.
  What is truly amazing about the Willow system is that the opposite 
has occurred. The more qubits that are used, the fewer errors there 
are. Indeed, as the grid of qubits scaled up in tests, there was 
actually an exponential decline in errors. This breakthrough has 
brought practical applications of quantum computing within sight.
  It has been recognized for some time now that probably the two most 
world-changing technologies in development right now are AI and quantum 
computing, but they have sort of been proceeding at a different pace, 
at a different level of visibility.
  AI is already transforming the world around us. We have hundreds of 
millions of people around the world using LLM, chatbots, and other 
systems. We have AI-powered driverless cars and countless other 
applications.
  We have new releases from the leading labs every day. Indeed, Google 
released several new offerings just in the last few days when it comes 
to AI and Gemini, which is its LLM. ChatGPT, or OpenAI, is in the 
middle of a 12 days of Christmas, where they do a new release every 
day.
  People can see the progress that is happening with AI before our 
eyes. Whereas the work in quantum computing has been done in labs in 
Santa Barbara, what they call the coldest place in the world because of 
the conditions they have to have there to try to make advances and to 
perform tests.
  We haven't yet reached the stage of practical application, but that 
could be changing soon. Indeed, you could start to see where these two 
fields, quantum computing and AI, intersect in truly spectacular ways.
  I was intrigued by the words of Hartmut Neven, who is the founder of 
Google Quantum AI and actually worked in AI before. He was asked why it 
is that he changed fields. He said this: My answer is that both will 
prove to be the most transformational technologies of our time, but 
advanced AI will significantly benefit from access to quantum 
computing, noting that quantum algorithms have fundamental scaling laws 
on their side and this allows for the modeling of systems where quantum 
effects are important.
  Some of the applications that he cites are helping us to discover new 
medicines, designing more efficient batteries, and accelerating 
progress in fusion and new energy alternatives.
  I think that this is important, for those of us who are here in 
Congress making policy, to be mindful of extraordinary developments 
like this because we need to be attending not just to the needs of the 
present but also thinking about the future.
  Based on exciting developments like the one Google Quantum AI has 
just announced, there is every reason to expect that the future may 
look very different in many ways than it does right now. It behooves 
all of us to start thinking about how we start to prepare for it.

  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________