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RECOGNIZING KMPH TELEVISION'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa) for 5 minutes.
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a significant milestone for one of the local news stations in my hometown and district in Fresno, California. KMPH Television is celebrating 50 years of TV programming and broadcast news excellence.
First taking the air in 1971, by the Pappas family, KMPH launched its news department 7 years later, serving as a vital source of information for viewers across the Central Valley.
It has not been an easy time for journalists in the last decade throughout our country. Nearly one-fourth of America's newspapers have shuttered their operations, and a significant portion of print and TV journalists, sadly, have lost their jobs. This leaves many smaller stations with fewer reporters to inform the public on what is happening in their communities. Getting local news is so critical to having an informed public.
KMPH is no stranger to these challenges, but it continues to thrive, make a difference, and inform the public.
A free press, as we all know, is the cornerstone of our democracy. Local news plays an integral role in shaping America, keeping people informed, and allowing them to be active in participatory democracy.
During a time of disinformation--sadly, these days--in social media, I think supporting local journalism has never been more critical.
Fifty years of public service is worth celebrating. Congratulations to KMPH in Fresno for 50 years of informing the public.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, to honor the cultures, history, and achievements of the Hispanic community, both in my district and across the country, for generations.
Throughout the last year, every segment of our society has been impacted by the COVID pandemic. Certainly, Hispanic Americans have felt this impact as well, but they have worked hard to do their part.
Many of them are essential workers who have to be on their job every day, like the farmworkers, some of the hardest working people you will ever meet in your life, putting food on America's dinner table every night. Some are healthcare workers--doctors, nurses, technicians, first responders--and they risk their lives every day doing their jobs and putting their families at risk.
Every day, the Hispanic-American community's quest for the American Dream has impacted our communities. They are living the American Dream of immigrants past and immigrants present.
There are examples such as the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, where over 320 female small business owners have participated in the Latinapreneur and Womanpreneur programs to grow their small businesses, creating jobs and creating vital economic activity.
Other individuals historically have played a role and have been barrier-breakers, like our valley's own Coach Tom Flores, son of migrant workers in the San Joaquin Valley. He spent 30 years in the NFL, as the first Hispanic quarterback and then coaching and becoming the first Hispanic Super Bowl champion. Just a month ago, Coach Flores was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame for these achievements.
We have so many others who have made a difference, such as my dear friend Joseph Castro from Hanford, California, who is today chancellor of the California State University System, the largest public university system in America. We also have Juan Sanchez Munoz, who is chancellor of UC Merced, one of the newest universities in America, making a difference. In addition, my neighbor, Dr. Saul Jimenez-
Sandoval, is the newest president of Fresno State University. Go Dogs.
All of these individuals have played a role. All have unique stories and careers. They have helped to educate and create new opportunities, and they serve as a role model for future leaders. But we must not forget that many in our Hispanic community live in fear of attaining these important goals.
Over the past few years, I have met with DACA students across my district to hear their stories and discuss the need for immigration reform. For them, America is the only country they have really known, and so immigration reform is so critical.
As we commemorate this month, let us not forget that they are counting on Congress to bring about comprehensive immigration reform.
As a proud member of the Hispanic Caucus, I work with my colleagues every day to ensure the promise of America is accessible to the 62 million Hispanics living across the country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 164
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