[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E643-E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY
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HON. MIKE LEVIN
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate International
Surfing Day and defend the magnificent beaches of Southern California
and our Nation's coastlines. In California's 49th Congressional
District, our communities are defined by the Pacific Ocean. From the
surf breaks of Dana Point to the sandy shores of Del Mar, our beaches
are a source of community pride, ecological richness, and economic
vitality that we must protect for future generations.
California's beaches attract tens of millions of visitors every year,
supporting local economies and providing access to nature for people of
all backgrounds. More than that, they serve as vital habitat for
endangered species, support vibrant kelp forest ecosystems, and play a
critical role in the health of our ocean environment. Protecting our
beaches means protecting the intricate web of life that depends on
healthy coastal systems.
Climate change poses an acute and accelerating threat to our
shorelines. Rising seas and increasingly powerful storms are eroding
beaches, threatening coastal infrastructure, and putting communities at
risk. We must meet this challenge head-on with bold investments in
coastal resilience, science-based shoreline management, and meaningful
action to address the root causes of climate change.
I am proud to have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle
to secure federal resources for beach restoration, water quality
improvement, and marine conservation. Keeping our beaches clean, safe,
and accessible is a moral obligation and an economic imperative.
I also want to recognize the surfers, lifeguards, environmental
advocates, and coastal stewards in our communities who dedicate
themselves every day to protecting these special places. Their passion
and perseverance inspire us all.
Mr. Speaker, our beaches are among America's most precious assets. I
urge this body to invest in their protection, celebrate their wonder,
and safeguard them for every American--today and for generations to
come.
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