CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

On 2026-06-30, Representative Mike Levin (D-CA-49) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY" in the House.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [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 ______ 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. [[Page E644]] ____________________