Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-12

HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA

TaxesEnvironmentHousingLabor

Context

On 2026-02-12, Representative Adam Gray (D-CA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, housing.

Full Text

HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, February 12, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Ruben Esparza, Modesto City Fire Captain and Modesto City Firefighters Association President, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after three decades of public service. Captain Esparza began his fire service career as a Fire Explorer with the City of Modesto in January, 1996. After gaining experience with CAL FIRE and the city of Newark Fire Department, he was hired as a Modesto Firefighter in 2003. In 2007, Captain Esparza became actively involved in labor representation when he joined the Modesto City Firefighters Association (MCFFA) Political Action Committee. In two years, he was appointed PAC Director which led to his election as MCFFA Secretary in 2010, as Vice President twice and, ultimately, as President of the Association. Under his watchful eye, Captain Esparza helped unite all City of Modesto labor organizations in a collaborative effort to successfully pass Measure H--a voter-approved one-cent sales tax increase, which generated about $48 million annually for public safety, road repair, homelessness initiatives and park maintenance with strict financial oversight by a citizens' board. It was the first time all city labor unions worked together toward a common goal for the betterment of the City of Modesto. Captain Esparza also worked to establish union policies that promote greater accountability and transparency for the membership. He was a fierce advocate for the Firefighter Peer Support Program and was the handler for their first facility dog, Hudson, who plays an integral role in peer support efforts. He nurtured future firefighters and MICFFA leaders and advocated for all firefighters who serve the communities of Modesto, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Ceres, and Salida. With dedication and professionalism, Captain Esparza served the City of Modesto and the firefighters of MCFFA by focusing on building strong relationships, fostering collaborative partnerships and strengthening regional cooperation. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Ruben who has changed countless lives through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Captain Ruben Esparza for more than 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people of the City of Modesto. ____________________

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HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RUBEN ESPARZA ______ HON. ADAM GRAY of california in the house of representatives Thursday, February 12, 2026 Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my long-time friend Ruben Esparza, Modesto City Fire Captain and Modesto City Firefighters Association President, for his service and accomplishments as he retires after three decades of public service. Captain Esparza began his fire service career as a Fire Explorer with the City of Modesto in January, 1996. After gaining experience with CAL FIRE and the city of Newark Fire Department, he was hired as a Modesto Firefighter in 2003. In 2007, Captain Esparza became actively involved in labor representation when he joined the Modesto City Firefighters Association (MCFFA) Political Action Committee. In two years, he was appointed PAC Director which led to his election as MCFFA Secretary in 2010, as Vice President twice and, ultimately, as President of the Association. Under his watchful eye, Captain Esparza helped unite all City of Modesto labor organizations in a collaborative effort to successfully pass Measure H--a voter-approved one-cent sales tax increase, which generated about $48 million annually for public safety, road repair, homelessness initiatives and park maintenance with strict financial oversight by a citizens' board. It was the first time all city labor unions worked together toward a common goal for the betterment of the City of Modesto. Captain Esparza also worked to establish union policies that promote greater accountability and transparency for the membership. He was a fierce advocate for the Firefighter Peer Support Program and was the handler for their first facility dog, Hudson, who plays an integral role in peer support efforts. He nurtured future firefighters and MICFFA leaders and advocated for all firefighters who serve the communities of Modesto, Oakdale, Knights Ferry, Ceres, and Salida. With dedication and professionalism, Captain Esparza served the City of Modesto and the firefighters of MCFFA by focusing on building strong relationships, fostering collaborative partnerships and strengthening regional cooperation. It is my privilege to recognize my dear friend Ruben who has changed countless lives through his selfless public service. Please join me in honoring Captain Ruben Esparza for more than 30 years of his dedication, diligence and devotion to the people of the City of Modesto. ____________________