FUNDING FOR LOS ANGELES

On 2026-02-10, Representative Luz M. Rivas (D-CA-29) delivered a floor speech titled "FUNDING FOR LOS ANGELES" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, trade policy.

FUNDING FOR LOS ANGELES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [House] [Page H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] FUNDING FOR LOS ANGELES (Ms. Rivas of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to deliver over $2 million in Federal funding to the city of Los Angeles' Crisis and Incident Response through Community-Led Engagement program, or CIRCLE. CIRCLE is a 24/7 unarmed response program that sends a team of mental health professionals and individuals to address nonurgent LAPD calls relating to the homeless population. Through the use of this Federal funding, CIRCLE will now expand to more communities in my district, including North Hollywood and Sun Valley. By meeting people where they are, CIRCLE helps prevent crises from escalating and connects individuals with the service and long-term support that they need. The safety and prosperity of communities in the San Fernando Valley are among my most critical priorities. I am working with stakeholders and leaders across my district to ensure that all people feel safe and welcome in my district. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to bring these resources that will improve mental health and address substance abuse within the homeless population. Funding for Autodesk Technology Engagement Center Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to secure over $1 million in Federal funding for the CSUN's Autodesk Technology Engagement Center. This center will be a tech hub where students and our community will be able to explore their curiosities in STEM through hands-on learning opportunities. These funds will allow the center to purchase cutting-edge tools and equipment for their discovery lab, Student Success Center, and other state-of-the-art technology. As challenges continue to plague our country, including climate disasters and health-related threats, it is important that we understand how STEM can be used to solve these issues. As an engineer and former STEM educator, I have seen firsthand what can be done when we provide accessible STEM education resources to communities with diverse backgrounds. For over 65 years, CSUN has provided students across the San Fernando Valley with the educational opportunities that they need to succeed in our world. With the funding I was able to help secure for the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center, CSUN will be able to continue preparing students for the workforce. I am confident that with this support, students will feel encouraged to pursue careers in STEM and create innovative solutions to solve the demands of our ever-changing world. Funding for Los Angeles Valley College Cybersecurity Center Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to deliver $1 million in Federal funding to Los Angeles Valley College for a new cybersecurity center. This funding will provide the latest software and training for our current and future cybersecurity professionals to engage with. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields in California and across the country. In fact, California has promoted a statewide initiative to train 50,000 entry-level cybersecurity professionals by 2030. The expansion of STEM education in my district will help close equity gaps and barriers that traditionally exist. Meeting the demand for careers in cybersecurity not only boosts our workforce but also ensures that the United States remains a global leader. Cybersecurity education needs to be accessible, and this center will foster those opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to gain experience from those who are in the cybersecurity field. It also ensures that our workforce is better equipped to prevent cybersecurity threats to our key infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with LA Valley College to continue paving pathways for students to access high-paying, in-demand careers. ____________________