Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1617) to designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the ``Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1617.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The Javier Vega, Jr. Memorial Act of 2017 would designate the Border Patrol checkpoint on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint.

After serving his country honorably as a United States Marine, Agent Vega joined the United States Border Patrol in 2008. During his time in the United States Border Patrol, he served as a canine handler and was involved in 42 seizures of narcotics and 38 separate cases involving the apprehension of 238 illegal immigrants. He was a man of honor and duty, a man who loved his family, and a man who would give his life in service to his country.

On August 3, 2014, in Raymondville, Texas, Agent Vega took his wife, three children, and parents out for a day of fishing. While fishing with his family, two illegal immigrants attempted to rob them.

These illegal immigrants had been deported multiple times for various crimes. Law enforcement believed they had conducted a string of similar robberies at the behest of a Mexican cartel.

Agent Vega sprung into action to defend his family. While drawing his firearm, Agent Vega was shot in the chest.

His father was also shot and wounded. Though his family did everything possible to help, Agent Vega, tragically, passed away.

On September 20, 2016, Border Patrol determined that Agent Vega's actions were instinctive as a result of his law enforcement training. He did what law enforcement in America does: he put himself in harm's way. As a result, his death was determined to have been in the line of duty.

This bill honors the service of Agent Vega. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his family and his country. Today, the House will name the Border Patrol checkpoint after him where he and his service dog, Goldie, served.

Every day, the men and women of the United States Border Patrol put on their uniforms and put their lives on the line to protect America's borders. Tragically, as we see in the case of Agent Vega, even when spending time with family, they may be called to serve.

On Sunday, President Trump unveiled immigration enforcement policies that will ensure other families will not have to face the devastating loss of a loved one at the hands of an illegal immigrant. I hope Congress can work together to make those proposals a reality. I believe it is more than fitting to name this checkpoint after Agent Javier Vega, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the remarks of my good friend from Pennsylvania, and I, too, rise in support of S. 1617, a bill to designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint.

Javier Vega, Jr., was killed in the line of duty on August 3, 2014, while trying to stop a criminal act and trying to protect his family in Raymondville, Texas. While fishing with his wife, with his children, and with his parents, two men approached him and tried to rob his family.

Agent Vega attempted to stop the robbery by drawing his gun, and we know that Border Patrol agents may carry their guns when they are off duty because they are law enforcement officials. He was shot in the chest. Agent Vega was rushed to the hospital after he was shot but died soon thereafter.

It was determined that Agent Vega was aware of a pattern of robberies in the area due to his role as a Border Patrol agent and that he identified himself as an agent before he was fatally shot. The U.S. Border Patrol considered those facts and later determined that Javier Vega, Jr., was murdered in the line of duty, ensuring that Agent Vega's name was enshrined at the Customs and Border Protection Valor Memorial.

Agent Vega was a U.S. Marine veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for 6 years before his untimely death. He served his country with honor and distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation honoring the life and death of Javier Vega, Jr., by naming this checkpoint after him. I urge my colleagues to pass S. 1617, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S. 1617 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.