James Gallagher · TranslatePolitics.com

House of Representatives

Honoring the Life of Rylee Rose Belza

2026-09-02

“A young girl died. That makes me sad. I want the House to pray for her family.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of Rylee Rose Belza, a beloved 11-year-old from Marysville who entered into eternity with her Savior on July 8. Rylee was the cherished daughter of Dom and Julia Belza and a loving sister whose joy filled her family's life. Our hearts are with Dom and Julia. I have seen the deep faith, amazing grace, and love that has been guiding the Belza family during this painful time. Rylee was a bright light. She loved her family, her friends, softball, and fishing. Her church and her faith in the Lord were central to her life. The picture that really stuck with me at her memorial was Rylee worshiping with arms stretched wide even as she was battling cancer. She carried joy into every room and made people laugh. She consistently placed herself behind others. She had a beautiful voice, and she loved to sing ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' She wanted to be the President. She told her classmates as much, and, Mr. Speaker, I bet you she would have been. The Yuba-Sutter community has responded with compassion, love, and prayer for the Belza family. Today, I ask the House to join me in praying for Rylee's family and every person her life touched. Rylee's life was far too short, but her outsized legacy will remain with her family and her community for many years to come.

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House of Representatives

Recognizing Community Housing Improvement Program

2026-09-01

“I want you to think Sacramento is bad. Sacramento keeps making homes expensive. I visited a place where people built their own homes. I think that's good. I like those people. I want you to vote for me. I support some bills. Those bills are supposed to help with housing. I think that will help people own homes. I want you to think I'm doing a good job.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Community Housing Improvement Program, or CHIP for short, a nonprofit that is helping working families achieve the American Dream of homeownership across the north State. I recently visited the community of Orland Park Estates housing project in Glenn County, where eight families received keys to homes they helped build with their own hands. These families put in the work. Sacramento should try doing the same. Instead, Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic politicians have passed costly mandates and excessive fees that keep driving up the price of building a home. It is now a median price of $900,000. California has an affordability crisis because Sacramento keeps making everything less affordable. As a member of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus and a member of the majority, I have been able to support the More Homes on the Market Act, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act. Together, these bills tackle the housing crisis and make homeownership more affordable for working families, just like those eight families in Orland who now have keys to a new home. CHIP proves that the American Dream is still alive in the north State. These families worked hard for their homes. They earned their keys. The least Sacramento can do is stop making those dreams more expensive.

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House of Representatives

Permission for Member to Be Considered as First Sponsor of H.R. 1420 and H.R. 4970

2026-07-16

“I want to be listed as the first sponsor of two bills. The other guy who had that spot is gone. I would like his spot. I want to be the one who gets to add more sponsors to the bill.”