[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4045-H4048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 2000
THE FUTURE OF APPROPRIATIONS
(Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Kiley
of California was recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the
majority leader.)
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I will say a brief word about
the passage of today's reconciliation bill. At a time when Congress is
more polarized than ever, today's vote is likely to make things worse.
The House is giving away its most important power--to make
appropriations on an annual basis and assure funds are spent in a way
that carries out the intent of Congress while reflecting the will of
the American people.
This precedent also threatens a last vestige of bipartisanship in
Washington, turning appropriations into a party-line exercise.
[[Page H4046]]
The issue of interior immigration enforcement, in particular the
tragic events in Minnesota, have deeply divided the country. Congress
needed to come together with bipartisan reforms to restore trust and
focus the mission of our immigration agencies. Reforms like body
cameras, training, identification, warrants, and nonenforcement zones
near schools are supported by the vast majority of Americans and would
receive strong majority support in the House.
I made it clear for months that I would not consider voting for a
party-line reconciliation bill absent these policy changes. There is no
national security imperative for additional immediate funding when last
year's reconciliation bill provided $170 billion for immigration
enforcement.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to vote for what is best for my
district, irrespective of partisanship, and will fight for commonsense
solutions to the challenges facing our country.
Recognizing Detective Austin Alvarez
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor Detective Austin Alvarez, a
dedicated member of the Folsom Police Department, for his exceptional
dedication to public service.
Throughout his distinguished career, Detective Alvarez has
exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and
courage in service to the communities of Sacramento County. With 7
years of experience in law enforcement, he has demonstrated an
unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and fostering
meaningful community engagement.
During his ongoing tenure, Detective Alvarez has served in roles such
as officer and detective, earning the respect and admiration of
colleagues and constituents alike. He has been recognized with the
Folsom Police Department Lifesaving Award and Unit Citation Award,
reflecting his commitment to excellence and a record of exemplary
service.
Detective Alvarez is known by others for his compassion, exceptional
investigative skills, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Over the past 2\1/2\ years, he has been working on highly sensitive
and emotionally difficult cases during his assignment to the Sacramento
County Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. In this role, his primary mission has
been investigating internet crimes against children and identifying
those who exploit and prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of
our community. His efforts have directly contributed to the
identification, arrest, and prosecution of offenders involved in the
exploitation of children, while also helping safeguard victims from
further harm.
The nature of these crimes often requires long hours, extensive
follow-up, and exposure to deeply disturbing material. Regardless of
these challenges, Detective Alvarez is regarded by his colleagues and
leadership for his ability to continue to perform at the highest levels
while representing both the task force and his department with
distinction.
He also stands out for his ability to build strong working
relationships with partner agencies and prosecutors at the State and
Federal level, enhancing regional collaboration in combating crimes
against the most vulnerable members of our community.
Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Detective Alvarez of
the Folsom Police Department as part of this year's District Three
Police Honor Roll.
Recognizing the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Strike Team
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor seven dedicated members of
the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office for their exceptional dedication
to public service, including Sergeant Blake Alvarez, Deputy Josh
Stillman, Deputy Craig Reimche, Deputy Vincent Durant, Deputy Griffin
O'Camb, Detective Zachariah Kraus, and Deputy Tyler Costere.
Throughout their distinguished careers, this team has exemplified the
highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and courage in service
to the El Dorado County community. Within their many years of
experience in law enforcement, they have demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to protecting public safety and fostering meaningful
community engagement. They have earned the respect and admiration of
colleagues and constituents alike. Their commitment to excellence and
exemplary public service is commendable.
This team stands out for their heroic actions during an officer-
involved shooting in the town of Camino earlier this year. After they
had received a report that a man had shot and wounded a PG&E contract
worker and was barricaded in his home, these El Dorado County Sheriff's
deputies arrived on the scene, formed a perimeter, evacuated
neighboring homes, and attempted numerous ways to establish contact
with the suspect to resolve the situation safely.
After their efforts to contact the suspect were unsuccessful, the El
Dorado County Sheriff's SWAT team was summoned to take over the scene
and work toward the safe surrender of the suspect.
As they were establishing their presence on the scene, the suspect
abruptly exited his home and ran up to an elevated nearby bank
embankment that offered tree cover and limited visibility for officers.
The suspect began shooting at the deputies below him. Deputy Reimche
was shot in the lower leg, causing him to fall to the ground. Deputy
Stillman was struck on the upper thigh and went down. Their fellow
deputies moved them to safety and administered aid, even breaking cover
and risking their own safety to do so.
As the shooting began, Deputies Durant and Costere maneuvered toward
the suspect, bounding from tree to tree, until they were able to
restrain the suspect and take him into custody, also providing the
suspect with a medical assessment and treatment, as well as transfer to
a nearby hospital.
This event illustrates the core foundation of selfless sacrifice and
service that embodies the men and women who swear an oath to protect
our communities every day as peace officers. They remained calm under
fire, even after being wounded, addressed the suspect as he fired on
deputies, pulled deputies to safety under fire, applied lifesaving
intervention care, and transported the wounded to medics. Their
decisive actions and effective teamwork made a meaningful difference
toward stopping the threat of a suspect and resolving the incident.
It is an honor to represent exemplary individuals like these officers
in Congress. On behalf of California's Third Congressional District and
the United States House of Representatives, I extend my sincerest
gratitude to this team in the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office for
their continued dedication to safeguarding and serving our communities.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these officers and all
those who serve in law enforcement during National Police Week.
Recognizing Officer Phillip Brooks
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor Officer Phillip Brooks, a
dedicated member of the Nevada City Police Department, for his
exceptional dedication to public service.
Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Brooks has exemplified
the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and courage in
service to the Nevada City community. Within his 16 years of experience
in law enforcement--2 in law enforcement and 14 in probation--he has
demonstrated an unwavering devotion to protecting public safety and
fostering meaningful community engagement. He has earned the respect
and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike, and his commitment
to excellence and record of exemplary service is commendable.
Officer Brooks stands out for his dedication to servant-oriented
policing and to building strong relationships with the public. He
represents his city with distinction and to a level that is highly
regarded by his community, colleagues, and leadership. He is known for
the great number of written compliments that he receives. In fact, it
is not uncommon for his department to see a new compliment submitted
every week recognizing Officer Brooks for his outstanding service.
[[Page H4047]]
It is an honor to represent remarkable individuals, like Officer
Brooks in Congress. On behalf of California's Third Congressional
District and the United States House of Representatives, I extend my
sincere gratitude to Officer Brooks for his continued dedication to
safeguarding and serving our communities.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Officer Phillip Brooks and
all those who serve in law enforcement during National Police Week.
{time} 2010
Recognizing Placer County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll, and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor the Placer County Cold Case
Unit with the Placer County Sheriff's Office for their exceptional
dedication to public service.
This specialized team of investigators focuses on unsolved cases,
utilizing advanced DNA technology and genetic genealogy to secure
breakthroughs in decades-old murders, including the recent arrest of
James Lawhead, Jr., in the 1991 case of Cindy Wanner.
For 34 years, investigators continued pursuing answers in relation to
Cindy Wanner's murder, never allowing the case to be forgotten. After
detectives identified Lawhead as the suspect, they collaborated with
other law enforcement agencies and used facial-recognition technology
to locate him under his new identity.
Their steadfast efforts in cases such as these represent a meaningful
step toward justice for victims, some of whom have waited decades for
answers.
The investigators of the Placer County Cold Case Unit have
exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and
courage in service to the Placer County community. With decades of
experience in law enforcement between them, they have demonstrated an
unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and fostering
meaningful community engagement.
This team has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and
constituents alike. Their commitment to excellence and record of
exemplary service are commendable.
It is an honor to represent exemplary individuals like the
investigators of the Placer County Cold Case Unit here in Congress.
On behalf of California's Third Congressional District and the United
States House of Representatives, I extend my sincere gratitude to the
Placer County Cold Case Unit for their continued dedication to
safeguarding and serving our communities.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Placer County Cold
Case Unit and all of those who serve in law enforcement.
Honoring Greg Jensen
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll, and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor Lieutenant Greg Jensen, a
dedicated member of the Rocklin Police Department, for his exceptional
dedication to public service.
Throughout his distinguished career, Lieutenant Jensen has
exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and
courage in service to the Rocklin community.
With more than 19 years of experience in law enforcement, he has
demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting public safety and
fostering meaningful community engagement.
Lieutenant Jensen has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues
and constituents alike. His dedication to excellence and record of
exemplary service are commendable.
Lieutenant Jensen is widely regarded by others for his devotion to
community safety, visionary leadership, and results-driven policing. He
stands out for his reliability, strong work ethic, and innovative
approaches. His contributions have made a meaningful impact on the
Rocklin Police Department, resulting in measurable improvements in
investigative outcomes, operational coordination, community engagement,
and organizational performance. His willingness to take on demanding
assignments in addition to his primary duties demonstrates a commitment
to his role that far exceeds expectations.
Lieutenant Jensen oversees some of the most complex and high-impact
operations within the Rocklin Police Department and performs with
distinction in this role. His leadership is defined by strategic
direction and an ability to translate extensive experience into
quantifiable outcomes that strengthen organizational effectiveness and
reinforce public trust. He fosters an environment rooted in
accountability, mentorship, and collaboration, ensuring that team
members are supported, empowered, and held to the highest professional
standards.
Last year, he supervised a team comprised of four detectives and a
sergeant in the investigations unit that delivered truly outstanding
results for the department. This team was responsible for 193 criminal
investigations and achieved an exceptional clearance rate of 89
percent.
Lieutenant Jensen's leadership was instrumental in guiding this
highly skilled team of detectives to solve numerous high-profile,
multijurisdictional cases.
In one notable organized retail burglary investigation, approximately
nine suspects used a stolen vehicle to forcibly enter a business and
steal nearly $100,000 in merchandise.
Working collaboratively across multiple jurisdictions, including
agencies in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Campbell, and Berkeley, Lieutenant
Jensen and his investigative team coordinated a complex and far-
reaching effort. Through the team's diligent investigative work,
detectives identified stolen property being sold online, secured search
warrants, and ultimately recovered more than 1,200 stolen items. This
marks just one of the many cases successfully led by Lieutenant Jensen.
Beyond his operational accomplishments, Lieutenant Jensen has
demonstrated initiative in developing programs that strengthen
community relationships and invest in the future of the law enforcement
profession, including the administration of justice dual-enrollment
program with Sierra College and the Rocklin Unified School District.
Additionally, he played a key role in implementing the Blue Envelope
Program in the department, enhancing communication, safety, and trust
during law enforcement interactions, particularly for individuals with
specific communication needs.
My district team and I have had the pleasure of working with
Lieutenant Jensen in his support of our district office. He has played
a key role in ensuring the safety of my team and visitors, preserving
our ability to provide constituent services. We have been touched by
his positive and proactive approach to public safety.
It is an honor to represent remarkable individuals like Lieutenant
Greg Jensen in Congress. Therefore, on behalf of California's Third
Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives,
I extend my sincere gratitude to Lieutenant Jensen for his continued
dedication to safeguarding and serving our communities.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lieutenant Greg Jensen and
all of those who serve in law enforcement during this National Police
Week.
Honoring Alana Gruchow
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as part of the California
Congressional District Three Police Honor Roll, and in recognition of
National Police Week 2026, I wish to honor Investigator Alana Gruchow,
a dedicated member of the Placer County District Attorney's Office, for
her exceptional dedication to public service.
Throughout her distinguished career, Investigator Gruchow has
exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and
courage in service to the Placer County community. With 14 years of
experience in law enforcement, she has demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to protecting public safety and fostering meaningful
community engagement.
During her ongoing tenure, Investigator Gruchow has served in roles
such as deputy for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, officer
for the Roseville Police Department, detective for the Roseville Police
Department, and investigator for the Placer County District Attorney's
Office, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and
constituents alike within these roles.
[[Page H4048]]
She has been recognized with the 2019 Elks Lodge Roseville Police
Officer of the Year and numerous other accolades from coworkers,
supervisors, and citizens, reflecting her commitment to excellence and
a record of exemplary service.
Investigator Gruchow is widely regarded by others for her strong work
ethic, her unmatched positive attitude, and her unwavering support for
victims. She stands out for her tenacious approach to investigations
and commitment to faithfully supporting her colleagues and serving her
community.
Investigator Gruchow began her career in the San Bernardino County
Sheriff's Office, where she worked as a deputy. She later moved to the
Roseville Police Department in 2015 and has been an integral part of
Placer County's law enforcement team since that time.
In 2023, Investigator Gruchow lateraled to the Placer County District
Attorney's Office as an investigator, where she handles the child abuse
and sexual assault caseload.
In navigating these difficult cases, Investigator Gruchow meets and
exceeds expectations through her dedication to the fine details of a
case and willingness to exhaust all leads. She has handled at least 400
cases in the past 4 years, guided victims through trying court
processes, and played a crucial part in keeping dangerous criminal
offenders off the streets.
In addition to the management of her caseload, Investigator Gruchow
proactively brings her peers and law enforcement partners together in
meaningful ways. For example, she leads a team comprised of law
enforcement representatives from Placer County for the Baker to Vegas
Annual Relay Race that spans from Baker, California, to Las Vegas,
Nevada. It is the world's largest law enforcement sporting event, which
hosts over 10,000 participants each year.
{time} 2020
With Investigator Gruchow's leadership, the Placer Regional law
enforcement team has finished at the top of its category for the past 2
years, bringing home a coveted mug. This success, enforcing regional
comradery and helping to improve morale across agencies, could not
happen without the tireless devotion of Investigator Gruchow.
It is an honor to represent remarkable individuals like Investigator
Gruchow in Congress. Therefore, on behalf of California's Third
Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives,
I extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to Investigator
Gruchow for her continued dedication to safeguarding and serving our
communities.
I ask my colleagues to join me in offering Investigator Gruchow and
all those who serve in law enforcement their gratitude, as well in
honoring these amazing individuals and public servants during this
National Police Week.
Recognizing Bobbi Gagnon
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize
school librarians across California's Third Congressional District as
part of National School Librarian Day, which was on April 4, 2026.
School librarians play a critical role in a student's educational
journey, from collaborating with both students and teachers to enable
the access of educational resources in a wide variety of formats, to
guiding them in how to acquire, evaluate, and use new information. In
doing so, they promote curiosity and learning experience by introducing
young scholars to new literature and other types of resources.
As such, it is my privilege to honor a select group of outstanding
school librarians from California's Third Congressional District for
their dedication to supporting the education of our country's future
leaders and workforce.
But there is one librarian who received the highest number of
nominations across my district, that being Bobbi Gagnon of Orangevale
Open Elementary School in the San Juan Unified School District. This
outpouring of support from students, parents, colleagues, and community
members alike is an inspiring testament to the impact she makes every
day.
I will say, I happened to get the chance to see her read a book to
her students, and I can understand why she is so popular and has such a
great impact on students there.
Therefore, I am proud to name Bobbi Gagnon as the 2026 School
Librarian of the Year for California's Third Congressional District.
Through her role as school librarian, she has enriched her school and
the Orangevale-Fair Oaks community, making a meaningful and positive
difference in the lives of all those she serves.
She is known for her kindness, compassion, care, and commitment to
student access. Bobbi opens the library doors before school and during
lunch to provide a welcoming place for students to come and finds
unique ways to connect with each individual student in the school. In
doing so, she fosters a love of learning and an environment of support
that motivates students to grow.
It is an honor to represent exemplary individuals like Bobbi Gagnon
in the United States House of Representatives. Therefore, on behalf of
California's Third Congressional District and in celebration of
National School Librarian Day, it is my privilege to recognize Bobbi
for her tireless efforts and devotion to the students and families of
the Orangevale-Fair Oaks community.
I thank and congratulate her.
Honoring James Berardi
Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and
congratulate James Berardi on his retirement from the Sierra-Plumas
Joint Unified School District earlier this year.
Throughout his career in education, Mr. Berardi was known for his
creative thinking, positive energy, and his commitment to students,
families, and staff. Mr. Berardi had the unique experience of retiring
from the school district where he not only worked as a teacher,
principal, and superintendent but where he was also a student.
Mr. Berardi was born and raised in Downieville, California, and
attended the local high school. After high school, he joined the U.S.
Merchant Marines and then went on to start his teaching career at
Lindhurst High School. He then returned to Sierra County as a teaching
principal, later serving as both the principal and superintendent of
the Twin Ridges Elementary School District. He then went on to serve as
the Sierra County superintendent of schools while simultaneously
working as teacher, principal, and superintendent.
Not only did Mr. Berardi wear many hats during his career, but he
also navigated through unique challenges, including the COVID-19
pandemic, and he developed innovative solutions to continue to support
students in their academic journeys through these difficult times.
Deeply valued by his community, Mr. Berardi is seen as a pillar of
inspiration to his peers, students, and family. On behalf of the United
States House of Representatives, I am honored to join the community in
celebrating Mr. James Berardi's successful career and service to the
communities of the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District and to
wish him the very best in his retirement.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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