[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF DEBRA JONES ON HER RETIREMENT

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                           HON. JAY OBERNOLTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
service of Victorville City Councilwoman Debra Jones. During her nearly 
fourteen years of dedicated public service, Debra has advocated 
tirelessly for the Victorville community and its citizens' most 
pressing concerns. Debra is renowned in our community as a selfless and 
caring servant and is a true friend to all who have the privilege of 
knowing her.
  Elected to the City Council in November 2018 and sworn into office 
the following month, she went on to serve as Mayor from December 2020 
through December 2023. Debra was instrumental in championing Measure P, 
which expanded law enforcement, strengthened code enforcement, and led 
to the development of a new police station and civic plaza, enhancing 
public safety and revitalizing the city's core. She also helped 
establish the Victorville Wellness Center, the first facility of its 
kind in San Bernardino County, which reduced the city's unsheltered 
homeless population by fifty-seven percent and now serves as a model 
for other communities.
  In addition to her work in public office, Debra has been deeply 
involved in education and community service. She co-founded the 
Adelanto Elementary School District's first Special Education Parent 
Advisory Committee, served two terms on its Governing Board, and has 
devoted herself to volunteerism, philanthropic writing, and foster 
parenting--particularly for infants prenatally exposed to illicit 
drugs.
  Debra has also represented Victorville on numerous regional boards 
and commissions, including the San Bernardino County Transportation 
Authority, the San Bernardino Council of Governments, and the Victor 
Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority. Her service on these bodies 
has been marked by professionalism, collaboration, and a deep 
commitment to transparency and good governance.
  Debra's accomplishments would not have been possible without the 
support of her family. Her husband, Gene, and their six children have 
stood by her side throughout her many years of public service and 
community leadership.
  Debra has had a profound impact on the Victorville community. Heather 
and I deeply appreciate her years of service, and we wish her and her 
family well as she enters this next stage of her already eventful and 
purposeful life. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Councilwoman Debra Jones and celebrating her retirement.

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