MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Kevin Kiley

Independent CA 25 statements translated

Kiley frequently recognizes and praises individuals, businesses, and organizations from his district, highlighting their hard work, dedication, and positive impact on the community. He often brings up local issues and concerns, such as the high-speed rail project and protecting Yosemite, and advocates for more federal funding and support for his district. Kiley also criticizes the California governor's policies and executive actions, positioning himself as standing up for voters against unpopular mandates.

House of Representatives

America 250

2026-07-22

“I am here to praise a zookeeper in my district. Amy Van der Molen works at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. She has been a zookeeper for a long time. She takes care of many animals. She helps the vet. She teaches people about animals. She even helps animals make paintings that the zoo sells to make money. Amy loves her job and the animals a lot. She could retire but she wants to keep working. I am happy to thank her for her work in my district.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, I rise today to recognize an outstanding zookeeper in my district, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Zookeeper Amy Van der Molen. Amy has been a zookeeper at the Zoo Sanctuary since 1994. Prior to that, she worked as zookeeper at the Fairytale Town Park in Sacramento and is an educator at the Sacramento Zoo Interpretive Center. During her career, she has cared for birds, reptiles, omnivores, and carnivores. During her tenure at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Amy has overseen the care of many animals, including 13 bears, 8 mountain lions, 2 tigers, 5 wolves, and many others. As part of her zookeeping job, Amy participates in vet procedures for the animals in her care, creates behavioral and environmental enrichment, performs positive enforcement training, participates in keeper chats for guests to educate them about animals, and shares the Zoo Sanctuary's mission of teaching responsible behavior toward all animals. Amy has created the Annual Art Program where animals use their feet, nose, or other body parts to paint with nontoxic washable paint on a canvas. These paintings are sold in the zoo gift shop and have even been part of art shows at a local art gallery in Folsom and have sold at various special events and fundraisers to benefit the Zoo Sanctuary. Amy's love for her work and for the animals under her care is evident as she has been quoted as saying: ``During my career, I have loved every single animal that I have worked with, but of course there are a few that I will never forget and will always be a part of me. I have been eligible,'' she said, ``for retirement since January of 2025, but I love my job and my animal family. I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.'' Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize zookeeper Amy Van der Molen for her service to the Folsom community.

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“I want to congratulate a nonprofit group in my district. They help families with childcare. That is good for the economy. That lets parents work and study. I went to their gala. They are good people. I am happy to honor them.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Child Action for celebrating 50 years of service to the Sacramento community. Child Action is a nonprofit organization that has been supporting children and families since 1976. Rooted in the qualities of compassion, community, and support, Child Action has provided affordable and quality childcare to over 19,000 children throughout Sacramento County. When childcare is affordable, educational, and accessible, it greatly benefits the whole regional economy. As chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I know full well the impact that Child Action's subsidy program and eligibility lists provide to deserving families with the necessary financial support. These forward-looking initiatives allow parents to seek employment or educational opportunities while still being able to support their families. In addition to the programs for families, Child Action also provides support and training to other childcare providers in the Sacramento region, raising the quality of care in the field while growing local businesses in the process. Partnering with like-minded stakeholders is just another way that Child Action enhances the quality of life in our community. They are, indeed, a pillar of compassion and care by supporting other childcare providers and guiding children and families toward brighter futures. I was honored to attend Child Action's Golden Gala in the city of Rancho Cordova. The evening was filled with connection, care, and support as guests raised awareness for programs that continue to provide high-quality care to those who need it most in our community. Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize Child Action for 50 years of service to the Sacramento region.

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“I don't like the tax increase. It will make healthcare premiums more expensive for California families. I want the federal government to stop it. I'm writing a letter with other California representatives to ask them to block it.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Utah for yielding. Many Californians have been shocked to learn that our State legislature and Governor just imposed what the California Tax Foundation calls ``the largest tax increase in State history.'' For a State that already has the highest taxes in the country and the highest cost of living, that is really saying something. As part of this, the Governor and legislature in Sacramento have imposed a massive tax increase on healthcare that is going to cause California families to have to pay up to $400 more for healthcare premiums. This is something that Californians simply cannot afford, and it is all the worse given that California voters already said that this kind of tax increase is barred. It is a double blow to democracy and affordability. Fortunately, there is a way that we can fight back to stop it. I am writing a letter putting forth a formal request, joined by my colleagues in the California delegation, for the Department of Health and Human Services here at the Federal level to block this tax increase, which does require Federal approval. We will be sending this request out by the end of this week, and it is my hope that California taxpayers can be spared yet another increase in our cost of living that so many Californians simply cannot afford because of the extreme policies coming out of Sacramento.

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House of Representatives

Will of Californians Has Prevailed

2026-07-22

“I don't like the governor's ban on gas cars. Most people don't like it either. I got a resolution passed to stop it. People can keep driving their cars. This is good. Californians want someone to stop the governor's extreme policies.”

Official Congressional Record

A new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California finds that two-thirds of Californians oppose Governor Newsom's ban on gas-powered cars. This ban was imposed by the Governor without so much as a vote in the legislature or the people of California. The good news is that the will of the people has prevailed. I introduced a resolution here in Congress to reverse Governor Newsom's ban on gas cars. It passed this House with strong bipartisan support. It has passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and it was signed into law by the President. This is an important win for sanity in California. Californians can continue to drive the car of their choice, and it is exactly the kind of check and balance against the extreme policies in Sacramento that Californians are asking for.

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House of Representatives

California Tax Increase

2026-07-15

“I want the federal government to block a big state tax increase. The California government raised taxes a lot. It will make healthcare cost more. That is bad. It also broke a state rule. I want the federal government to stop it.”

Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, many Californians were shocked to learn that our legislature and Governor have just imposed what is being called the largest tax increase in State history, which is saying quite a lot in a State that already has the highest taxes in the country. Included in that is a massive new healthcare tax that is estimated to raise the healthcare premiums for many Californians by hundreds of dollars. This is something that our State simply cannot afford. When we already have the highest cost of living in the country, this is the last thing that our families need. What is more, it violates, at the very least, the spirit if not the letter of Proposition 35, passed by voters to limit precisely this kind of a tax increase. Fortunately, there is a way we can fight back. This new change has to be approved by regulators at the Federal level, and so myself and my colleagues are asking HHS--and we will be conveying this in a letter-- specifically to block the implementation of this plan, to block this tax proposal so that Californians do not suffer another blow to both our democracy and our cost of living.

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