HONORING THE LIFE OF SAM PAREDES

HONORING THE LIFE OF SAM PAREDES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E223-E224] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF SAM PAREDES ______ HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ of indiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Mrs. SPARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sam Paredes, who spent more than four decades of his life advancing the cause of liberty and defending the Second Amendment. Sam Paredes dedicated his life to Gun Owners of California, serving as Executive Director since 1998. A tireless defender of the Second Amendment, Sam was also a member of the Board of Directors and Secretary/Treasurer of Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation, where he served as a national spokesman and trusted voice for freedom. Under Sam's leadership, Gun Owners of California became a relentless force in protecting and preserving the rights of law-abiding citizens in California. Sam testified in hundreds of legislative committee hearings and advocated fearlessly before the California Fish and Game Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Justice. His work was marked by conviction, courage, and an unwavering belief that constitutional rights are God-given and non-negotiable. Sam's expertise was sought after by virtually every California news outlet, as well as national and international media such as Fox News, ABC World News Tonight, the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Univision, Telemundo, BBC, and many others. He was a frequent guest on podcasts and radio shows, a popular speaker at events across the country, and taught numerous workshops on ``Confrontational Politics.'' He also formerly co-hosted Sacramento's Just Guns radio show. In addition to his work with the Gun Owners of California, Sam was appointed by Governors George Deukmejian and Pete Wilson to serve in the Trade and Commerce Agency, where he worked in both administrations. Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents, Sam was the second of three children. He attended Pepperdine University on scholarship and graduated with a degree in political science, later pursuing studies at the Foundation for Economic Education in New York. Sam was a certified firearms instructor, an avid outdoorsman, and a man who relished the beauty of God's creation--whether hunting, fishing, golfing, or traveling. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and on board of his local fire protection district in El Dorado County. Above all, Sam was a man of deep faith. His love for Jesus Christ guided his life and shaped his mission. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and freedom, inspiring countless others to stand courageously in defense of liberty. [[Page E224]] One thing Sam told me that I will never forget is: ``No matter how difficult it sometimes is for you, please remember that many of us stand behind you and count on you.'' Sam was a true freedom fighter. Sam was the proud father of three children, a devoted grandfather to eight, and the loving husband of his wife, Laurie. Sam made his home with his family in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where his presence will be dearly missed but his impact will never fade. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Sam Paredes and extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ____________________