[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
                           HONORING JOHN KING

  (Mr. Cisneros of California was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the 
Covina community, Councilmember John King.
  After 20 years on the Covina City Council and 30 years of serving the 
city, Councilmember John King is moving on from public office.
  John guided the community with love and care and made every resident 
proud to call Covina their home.
  He is an example of what it means to be a true public servant. While 
his time on the council comes to a close, I am sure his service to the 
community will only grow even stronger.
  We are also grateful to have benefited from his many years of 
leadership. He left an incredible legacy and a permanent mark on the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate John on a remarkable career in service. 
Covina is so proud of him.


             Recognizing West Covina Speech and Debate Team

  Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding 
achievements from schools in California's 31st Congressional District 
at this year's National Speech and Debate Tournament.
  I congratulate the students representing West Covina Unified School 
District for their multiple top 10 finishes.
  I extend a special congratulations to Edgewood Middle School on 
receiving the prestigious School of Excellence Award for the third year 
in a row.
  To the 20 middle school students and 8 high school students who 
competed, you demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and 
intellect. All of us in the 31st Congressional District are so proud of 
them. They all competed under high pressure and completely rose to the 
occasion.
  I want to give a special shout-out to California's 31st Congressional 
District students who earned top 10 finishes in the Nation: Cetlalli 
Valenzuela-Gonzalez, Darcy Lam, Lorenzo Williamson, Jacky Huynh III, 
Jillian Liang, and Arielle Hsiao.
  Mr. Speaker, their hard work and perseverance paid off, and I am 
honored to uplift their accomplishments today.


                   Recognizing Disability Pride Month

  Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize this July as 
Disability Pride Month and to commemorate the passage of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act.
  In 1990, the U.S. passed this landmark civil rights law that 
prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental 
disabilities.
  In the time since then, we have made great progress breaking down 
barriers to employment, healthcare, and housing, dismantling harmful 
stigmas, and fighting against ableism.
  There is still work to be done to ensure every disabled American can 
contribute to our society and receive the accommodations they need to 
live a free and fulfilled life.
  Disability is a vital aspect of our country's diversity, and no one 
should ever be discriminated against or excluded from public life 
because they are differently abled.
  In light of this current administration's disturbing decision to move 
the Office of Special Education out of the education department, it is 
especially important to protect disabled students' rights and support 
their access to the programs and support they need to succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, to everyone living with physical and mental disabilities 
in California's 31st District, I am proud to champion their right to 
live in a society built on equity, inclusion, and accessibility.


                        Recognizing America 250

  Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th 
anniversary of the United States of America.
  While this is a time for celebration, it is also a time for 
reflection. In southern California, we know what this country is 
capable of when we care for each other, lead with empathy, and open our 
communities to everyone, not just to some.
  I am proud to represent a community of families, friends, teachers, 
servicemembers, veterans, and small business owners, a community of 
people who came from all over the world to call the San Gabriel Valley 
home, because that is exactly what makes this country special. At our 
core, we are a nation of immigrants, a melting pot of diverse 
traditions, cultures, and shared histories.
  In this time of great political divide, it is more important than 
ever for us all to come together to build a better nation that lives up 
to our founding principles of liberty, freedom, and justice for all.
  Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to champion our district in Congress. On 
the 250th anniversary of our democracy, I am grateful to uplift what we 
should be celebrating today.

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