Vince Fong

Clergy Act

in committee

OUTPACE in Space Act

in committee

Save Our Sequoias Act

in committee

“Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the incredible interns who dedicated their spring to serving the people of California's 20th District. From my district offices in Bakersfield and Clovis, to my office in Washington, D.C., these students exemplified a commitment to public service, working tirelessly for the good of the office and our constituents. From the beginning, they were willing to learn and proved to be both diligent and intelligent throughout their internships. Every time we interacted, it showed me what we have to look forward to from the next generation. At a time when many young Americans are avoiding politics, these interns chose to face it head on and came out stronger for it, with knowledge and experience that will carry them forward. As their spring internships wind down, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Christian Salyers and Sophie Newfield for their service in my Bakersfield, California office, to Rayne Hardy for her service in my Clovis, California office, and to Triniti Gregg, William MacLean, and Bode Gower for their contributions to my Washington, D.C. office. The work done by each of them has helped my team's efforts more than I can say, and I trust that the skills and educational experiences they have gained will guide them toward continued success in their future endeavors. I look forward to seeing where their paths lead, and hope those paths include a continued dedication to serving others. [[Page E369]] ____________________”

2026-04-27 · Government Reform

“Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Houchin Community Blood Bank as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary. For the past 75 years, Houchin Community Blood Bank has been a lifeline connecting donors and patients in need across all of Kern County's hospitals, and in doing so, became a staple of our local community. Since its creation, Houchin's mission has been simple: ``protect the local blood supply so patients in Kern County are not left waiting.'' Today, we honor their hard work, sacrifice, and constant devotion to helping others, as we join them in celebration. Until Houchin's founding in 1951, Kern County had no community blood bank. Blood had to be transported from Los Angeles or San Francisco and would take at least a day to arrive; a time frame far too slow for the residents of Kern County whose lives were on the line. In light of these difficulties, members of the Kern County Medical Society asked their fellow member Elmer Houchin to help secure them a permanent site to build on. Through the Houchin Foundation, Elmer donated land on G Street in downtown Bakersfield as well as an endowment in memory of his mother, Sarah Alice Houchin. The blood bank's doors opened in April of 1951, and within a year the bank's original name ``Kern Community Blood Bank'' was changed to ``Houchin Community Blood Bank'' in honor of the family who made its opening possible. Houchin currently works with local hospitals such as Bakersfield Memorial, Kern Medical, and Bakersfield Heart Hospital, as well as organizations such as the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center and Dignity Health Group. Their organization shares resources across all 50 states and is affiliated with some of the Nation's most trusted blood supply organizations. They are currently working tirelessly on key projects like the Pre-Hospital Transfusion Initiative, and a Capital Campaign to raise funds and awareness. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Jonathan Bautista, Houchin's CEO, and his staff at Houchin for their support for the people of Kern County. It is thanks to them that the lives of residents are saved every day. I join all those gathered here in wishing them continued success and look forward to seeing their continued part in Kern County's future as a leader among its medical professionals. ____________________”

2026-04-27 · Healthcare

“Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the incredible interns who dedicated their spring to serving the people of California's 20th District. From my district offices in Bakersfield and Clovis, to my office in Washington, D.C., these students exemplified a commitment to public service, working tirelessly for the good of the office and our constituents. From the beginning, they were willing to learn and proved to be both diligent and intelligent throughout their internships. Every time we interacted, it showed me what we have to look forward to from the next generation. At a time when many young Americans are avoiding politics, these interns chose to face it head on and came out stronger for it, with knowledge and experience that will carry them forward. As their spring internships wind down, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Christian Salyers and Sophie Newfield for their service in my Bakersfield, California office, to Rayne Hardy for his service in my Clovis, California office, and to Triniti Gregg, William MacLean, and Bode Gower for their contributions to my Washington, D.C. office. The work done by each of them has helped my team's efforts more than I can say, and I trust that the skills and educational experiences they have gained will guide them toward continued success in their future endeavors. I look forward to seeing where their paths lead, and hope those paths include a continued dedication to serving others. ____________________”

2026-04-21 · Government Reform