[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E223-E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF SAM PAREDES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2026

  Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Sam Paredes, who spent more than four decades of his life advancing 
the cause of liberty and defending the Second Amendment.
  Sam Paredes dedicated his life to Gun Owners of California, serving 
as Executive Director since 1998. A tireless defender of the Second 
Amendment, Sam was also a member of the Board of Directors and 
Secretary/Treasurer of Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation, 
where he served as a national spokesman and trusted voice for freedom.
  Under Sam's leadership, Gun Owners of California became a relentless 
force in protecting and preserving the rights of law-abiding citizens 
in California. Sam testified in hundreds of legislative committee 
hearings and advocated fearlessly before the California Fish and Game 
Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of 
Justice. His work was marked by conviction, courage, and an unwavering 
belief that constitutional rights are God-given and non-negotiable.
  Sam's expertise was sought after by virtually every California news 
outlet, as well as national and international media such as Fox News, 
ABC World News Tonight, the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, 
Washington Post, Univision, Telemundo, BBC, and many others. He was a 
frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows, a popular speaker at events 
across the country, and taught numerous workshops on ``Confrontational 
Politics.'' He also formerly co-hosted Sacramento's Just Guns radio 
show.
  In addition to his work with the Gun Owners of California, Sam was 
appointed by Governors George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson to serve in 
the Trade and Commerce Agency, where he worked in both administrations.
  Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents, Sam was the second of three 
children. He attended Pepperdine University on scholarship and 
graduated with a degree in political science, later pursuing studies at 
the Foundation for Economic Education in New York.
  Sam was a certified firearms instructor, an avid outdoorsman, and a 
man who relished the beauty of God's creation--whether hunting, 
fishing, golfing, or traveling. He also served as a volunteer 
firefighter and on board of his local fire protection district in El 
Dorado County.
  Above all, Sam was a man of deep faith. His love for Jesus Christ 
guided his life and shaped his mission. He leaves behind a legacy of 
faith and freedom, inspiring countless others to stand courageously in 
defense of liberty.

[[Page E224]]

  One thing Sam told me that I will never forget is: ``No matter how 
difficult it sometimes is for you, please remember that many of us 
stand behind you and count on you.'' Sam was a true freedom fighter. 
Sam was the proud father of three children, a devoted grandfather to 
eight, and the loving husband of his wife, Laurie. Sam made his home 
with his family in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where his 
presence will be dearly missed but his impact will never fade.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Sam Paredes and extending heartfelt condolences to his family and 
friends.

                          ____________________