HONORING JOHN KING

On 2026-06-30, Representative Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (D-CA-31) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOHN KING" in the House.

HONORING JOHN KING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [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. ____________________