Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Barbara Matteson of Tucson, Arizona.

I can't think of a major education event, rally, or protest in Tucson where I didn't see Barbara front and center.

A lifelong educator, the first in her family to go to college, Barbara spent over 38 years as a classroom teacher in the Tucson Unified School Direct. As mentioned in her obituary, her ability to make learning fun and meaningful left a lasting impact. Being out and about in Tucson with Barbara inevitably meant being stopped by a former student who would share their stories of how she influenced their lives.

As a union organizer and fierce advocate for public education, Barbara dedicated herself to fighting for our students, our teachers, and our schools. She showed up, She spoke up, and she never stopped standing up for what she believed was right.

Barbara was not only a champion for education, she was a friend and someone who made our community stronger through her service and her commitment.

To Barbara, I thank her for always fighting for our students, teachers, and schools. To Barbara's family, I thank them for sharing her with us.

Mr. Speaker, may my friend rest in peace. I will always remember her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 1501, the Protecting Domestic Mining Act.

At a time when we should be strengthening environmental protections, respecting Tribal sovereignty, and ensuring communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their land and water, this bill moves us in the wrong direction.

I offered an amendment that would have required robust, meaningful, and enforceable consultation with potentially impacted Tribal nations before a mining project may be eligible for expedited permitting under

Mr. Speaker, my amendment does not slow progress. It strengthens it. By ensuring Tribal nations and impacted communities have a real seat at the table, we produce more informed and more mindful policy outcomes. Respecting Tribal sovereignty and listening to affected communities is not optional. It is a fundamental obligation.

For those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I oppose H.R. 1501, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Today, we honor the lives of Cameron Davis Capara and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, who were taken from us far too soon in an act of gun violence and hate at the Venture-N in Tucson, Arizona, a cherished place for queer people across the city.

This type of targeted violence does not happen in a vacuum. It is cultivated by anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, laws, policies, and executive orders. And it is a direct consequence of this body's failure to act on gun violence.

Cameron and Vincent should still be alive today.

Mr. Speaker, how many more parents need to bury their children before Congress takes action to address the gun violence epidemic? How many more people need to die before this Chamber stands up to the gun lobby?

Our communities are sick and tired of hearing our thoughts and prayers. We should be acting today to pass commonsense gun safety laws and to combat hate and violence targeting our LGBTQ folks.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join members of the Arizona delegation and the Congressional Equality Caucus in a moment of silence to honor their lives and commit this Chamber to action.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jackson and the Congressional Progressive Caucus for bringing attention to this important issue during this Special Order hour.

We are all here to call out the quiet, calculated campaign sweeping across our Federal agencies.

Under the banner of defeating wokeness, the Trump administration is dismantling the structures that protect civil rights, equal opportunity, and equal protection under the law.

This is not a theoretical debate over acronyms. It is about the resources, protections, and dignity of everyday families.

In southern Arizona--from Tucson to Nogales, Yuma, Avondale, Tolleson, Douglas, and our border and travel communities--the impact is deeply personal.

Let us take a look at what is being dismantled.

They are stripping economic lifelines from rural communities. The Department of Agriculture canceled a $300 million program to help minority and marginalized farmers buy land. For Arizona's small-scale, Tribal, and Latino farmers, this isn't about ending favoritism. It is about crushing the dream of land ownership.

They are silencing families by cutting language access. In Arizona's Seventh Congressional District, bilingualism and multilingualism are our strengths. When language access is rolled back, grandmothers struggle to understand their doctors, and parents struggle to access basic Federal services.

They are compromising our local healthcare security. In border and rural communities where healthcare deserts are a reality, rolling back health equity initiatives means leaving mothers, children, and our most vulnerable neighbors behind.

They are blinding our civil rights watchdogs. After 60 years of progress, our Federal civil rights agency is moving to end demographic data collection. For six decades, that data has helped us identify where discrimination exists. We cannot address what we refuse to see.

They are politicizing our military and threatening free media. They are replacing merit with ideological litmus tests in Pete Hegseth's military. They are weaponizing independent watchdogs, with the FCC ordering a review of ABC's broadcast licenses over its diversity and inclusion policies.

Mr. Speaker, these attacks are not isolated. They are interconnected.

When this administration rolls back protections for people with disabilities, strips LGBTQ+ protections, or targets women's medical research, it is not simply streamlining government. It is unravelling the public infrastructure of our democracy, because diversity, equity, and inclusion are not buzz words. They are guarantees.

They guarantee that a child with a learning disability in Tucson gets a fair and just education. They ensure that a small business owner in Yuma gets an honest shot at a Federal contract, and they uphold a basic promise: every American deserves an equal opportunity to succeed.

We in southern Arizona know how to stand our ground. We will not sit in silence while 60 years of civil rights progress are erased by an executive decree.

I urge my colleagues and the American people to see this campaign for what it is: a systemic dismantling of our civil rights.

We must stand united. We must organize, and we must fight to defend equal opportunity for every community in this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a figurehead in Tucson and southern Arizona and a true Renaissance man, Joel Ireland.

Joel lived a consequential life, and Tucson is better off because he lived it there. He dedicated much of his life to public service, especially to the students, families, and educators of Tucson Unified School District. He served on the TUSD Governing Board for two decades, including as board president, and he was a tireless advocate for public education.

Joel's service went far beyond the school board. He was an attorney, an Episcopal priest, an advocate for historic and cultural preservation, and someone who believed deeply in standing up for people who needed a voice. He and his church even opened their doors to refugees from Central America during the 1980s.

I am proud that Joel and I shared the distinction of being the longest serving TUSD board members, a record that we both agreed would be pretty hard to break.

What I will remember most about Joel is the friend. He could always make me smile, gave great advice, and was always supportive. The last time we saw each other, we talked for hours, catching up on family, politics, and, of course, a little bit of gossip.

Mr. Speaker, to his amazing sons and his entire family, I send all my love. May Joel rest in power. I thank him for his life of service, friendship, and community. I am really going to miss him.

I thank Representative Torres and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for hosting this Special Order hour.

In Arizona, we have seen firsthand why congressional oversight of our immigration detention systems matter. We have also been witness to inhumane conditions and violent attacks by ICE when trying to detain people on our streets and rip people from their cars or their homes.

Earlier this year, Emmanuel Damas, a Haitian asylum seeker, died after being held in ICE custody at the Florence detention facility in Arizona.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner found that Mr. Damas' death stemmed from a severe infection connected to a serious dental disease. A toothache should never become a death sentence, not in Federal custody, not in Arizona, not anywhere in the United States, especially when someone is in the custody of the United States Government and completely dependent on that government for access to medical care.

Mr. Damas' death raises serious concerns that remain unanswered. Why did he not have timely medical treatment? Why were his requests for care ignored? How did a treatable condition progress into a fatal medical emergency while he was in Federal custody?

In March, my colleagues and I formally requested Mr. Damas' medical records and information about his request for treatment and a full accounting of the circumstances leading to his death.

ICE responded in May, but once again failed to provide any real answers. ICE's response said doctors believed Mr. Damas was suffering from septic shock caused by pneumonia; but the medical examiner found his death stemmed from severe infection connected to a serious dental infection.

When the Federal Government detains someone, it assumes responsibility for that person's health, safety, and well-being. Congress has a responsibility to make sure our government is meeting that obligation.

Unfortunately, what happened to Mr. Damas is not isolated. There have been 56 people who have died in ICE detention since Trump took office last year.

In Arizona and across the country, we continue to see reports of delayed medical treatment, inadequate care, deaths in custody, due process failures, and serious questions about conditions inside ICE and CBP facilities.

Families deserve answers. Congress deserves the information necessary to conduct meaningful oversight. When failures occur, there must be accountability.

Mr. Damas came to this country seeking asylum. While in Federal custody, he deserved humane treatment and appropriate medical care. His family deserves answers.

We need to continue demanding that DHS and ICE provide records and information necessary to fully understand what happened in Florence to Mr. Damas and what they are doing to make sure it never happens again.

We demand accountability. We demand justice for the individuals who have died and answers for the families and communities mourning their loss.

Every day that passes, more people will die, more people will forever be scarred from their time in detention, and more families will be ripped apart.

Remembrance is important, but remembrance without accountability is not enough.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the victims of a shooting that occurred outside of the Venture-N bar in Tucson, Arizona, last night--Vincent Siqueiros and Cameron Capara--and to demand that this Chamber take immediate action to ensure that this can never happen again.

I am disgusted by the targeted act of hate and the cold-blooded murder of two members of our LGBTQIA+ community. This horrific attack is a painful reminder that even in welcoming communities like Tucson, hate and violence against our LGBTQIA+ community still exists.

When the hate is combined with easy access to firearms, the consequences can be deadly. I am sick and tired of Congress refusing to lift a finger to protect our communities while every day dozens of people are shot and killed across this country. It does not have to be this way.

The House of Representatives is returning to session this week, and our first action should be passing commonsense gun safety reforms that we know can save lives.

In Tucson, we must come together as one city, mourn alongside victims and families and friends, and stand with our LGBTQIA+ community, saying in the most unconditional terms: Everyone is welcome in Tucson, and hate has no place here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable Arizonan and celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Conrado ``Beto'' Villegas.

Reaching a century of life is an extraordinary milestone, and I was honored to join Mr. Villegas' family, friends, and neighbors in Nogales to celebrate this special occasion, highlighted by him taking over the dance floor with his wife at his birthday party.

Mr. Villegas is a proud World War II veteran whose courage and selfless service continue to inspire all of us. Like so many of his generation, he answered our Nation's call in a time of great need, helping defend the freedoms we cherish today. His service and his life remind us of the enduring values of sacrifice, resilience, and commitment to country and community.

I extend ``mil gracias''; ``1,000 thanks'' to Beto for his service, his example, and the extraordinary legacy he has built over the past 100 years.

On behalf of the people of Arizona's Seventh Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt thanks and wish him a very happy 100th birthday.

``Feliz cumpleanos. Que Dios lo bendiga''; ``Happy birthday. May God bless you.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Patricia ``Patti'' Lopez, a dedicated educator, mentor, and advocate whose life's work transformed the lives of countless children and families in southern Arizona.

For more than three decades, Dr. Lopez served Tucson's students as a teacher, principal, district leader, deputy superintendent, and chief academic officer for Tucson Unified School District. As a former TUSD governing board member, I primarily remember Dr. Lopez for her bright spirit, dedication, compassion, instincts, and smarts.

After her distinguished career in education, she continued her mission as executive director of Angel Heart Pajama Project, helping provide more than 73,000 children experiencing crises with new pajamas, books, and the comfort of knowing that they were seen, valued, and loved.

Dr. Lopez believed that even the simplest acts of kindness could change a child's life. Her compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment inspired volunteers, strengthened communities, and brought hope to thousands of children when they needed it most.

May we honor Dr. Patti Lopez by carrying forward her example of service and her belief that every child deserves comfort, dignity, and hope.

``Muchisimas gracias''; ``many thanks'', Patti. ``Para todos, descansa en paz''; ``for all, rest in peace.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to recognize a remarkable milestone for Tucson's Academia de Baile Tradicion y Cultura as it celebrates 25 years of inspiring young people--including my own children, nieces, and nephews--from across Tucson and southern Arizona through dance, culture, and community.

For a quarter of a century, Academia de Baile has provided generations of students with exceptional dance instruction, fostered confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural traditions that make southern Arizona so vibrant.

I want to congratulate the dedicated directors and instructors whose passion and dedication have made this achievement possible, the students whose hard work, talent, and artistry continue to impress us, and the families whose unwavering support have helped make this academy flourish for so many years.

Academia de Baile is proof of how the arts bring people together, preserve our heritage, and strengthen our communities. Their legacy is reflected not only in the performances on stage but in the lives that they have touched across Tucson and southern Arizona.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Arizona's Seventh Congressional District, I say ``congratulations,'' ``muchisimas felicidades'' to Academia de Baile on their 25th anniversary and wish them many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young woman from Yuma, Arizona, Kofa High School senior Sabrina Anaya.

Sabrina distinguished herself both in the classroom and on the field, earning the title of Kofa High School valedictorian while being named Yuma's Female Athlete of the Year.

A remarkable three-sport athlete, Sabrina excelled in cross-country, soccer, and track and field. She was named the Yuma Sun Girls Cross- Country Runner of the Year, earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in soccer, and dominated distance events in track, winning the 800- meter, 1600-meter, and 3200-meter races.

However, what makes Sabrina's accomplishments so impressive is not just her athletic talent or academic excellence. It is her dedication, discipline, and determination to succeed in every area. She has shown what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.

Sabrina represents the very best of Yuma and Arizona. I congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success at Arizona State University and in her studies in electrical engineering.

To Sabrina, I say: ``Congratulations''; ``felicidades.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman Takano, for hosting this Pride Month Special Order hour.

For generations, LGBTQ+ people have been at the forefront of a fight for a more just inclusive future. This month, we honor the resilience, courage, and determination of a community that has never stopped organizing, speaking out, and demanding equality.

As a proud ally and a mom, I know that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is connected to so many of the challenges we face today: from reproductive freedom, to healthcare access, to housing, education, and the right to live openly and authentically.

Pride reminds us that progress doesn't come from the top down. It isn't handed to us by billionaires or corporations. It is one when ordinary people come together, build coalitions together, and refuse to accept injustice. That work is not over.

Just this morning, on the last day of pride, the Supreme Court ruled to allow States to ban trans kids from playing in school sports. Really? I think they are worried about the wrong 0.1 percent in this country.

To the queer youth and trans kids and their families across the Nation, I know these are scary times, but you are not alone.

As Republicans continue to scapegoat queer people, especially transgender youth and their families, we must meet this moment with courage. We have got to organize, speak truth to power, and keep building a movement rooted in justice and equity.

Let us never forget that pride is a protest, but it is also our power, and together we will keep fighting for a future where everyone can live with dignity and freedom.

Happy pride.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressional Progressive Caucus vice chair, Congresswoman Ramirez, for hosting this Special Order hour.

I rise today during Immigrant Heritage Month to honor our hardworking immigrant communities and call out the cruel and dangerous actions of the Trump administration.

While communities across America are honoring generations of immigrants who built our Nation, Trump and his administration are choosing fear, cruelty, and division.

This administration is carrying out a mass deportation agenda that is tearing through our communities, our barrios, and our families to target people who have lived in this country for decades, who own businesses, and who are students, leaders, teachers, and nurses in our community.

This administration wants to erase the contributions of immigrants while benefiting from their hard work, innovation, and sacrifices.

Let me remind them: Immigrants are not outsiders. They are the reason America looks the way it does.

I want to highlight Karla Toledo. She was brought to this country at 1 year old. She was violently pulled from her home and put in detention, inhumanely detained for 4 days. She was released on the lowest bond possible, and her charges were dropped.

The day before yesterday, ICE and DHS embarrassed by the spotlight and the black eye, are bringing new charges against her for deportation. We are sick as a community of being scapegoated. We are sick as a people of being scapegoated.

I am the granddaughter of a bracero, a guest worker, a hardworking Mexican immigrant who came to this country seeking opportunity.

I am the daughter of a Member of Congress, who spent his life fighting for immigrants and working families.

The Trump administration can attack immigrants, but they cannot erase their stories. They cannot erase our stories. They cannot erase our contributions, and they cannot erase the truth. Immigrants built this country.

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

``Immigrants are part of our history, past, present, and future.''

``Los inmigrantes son parte de nuestra historia, nuestro presente y nuestro futuro.''

No amount of fear or cruelty will change that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Juneteenth festivities happening in southern Arizona and throughout the country.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863. However, it took until June 19, 1865, 2\1/2\ years later, for all enslaved people to be informed of this order.

As a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, I was proud to champion the board's first-ever funding of the Tucson Juneteenth Committee and support making Juneteenth a paid, administrative holiday for Pima County employees.

As we mark the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth, we also recognize and celebrate the Tucson Juneteenth Committee, which has been bringing our community together in commemoration and celebration since 1970 thanks to the leadership of Larry Starks.

I am honored to join our community and the Tucson Juneteenth Committee in celebrating this important occasion. Their decades of dedication have helped preserve the history, culture, and significance of Juneteenth for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all of southern Arizona, for the last of a month full of events, to join us Saturday, June 20, at the Kino Sports Complex for an evening of freedom, culture, education, and community as we honor this important milestone for our Nation's history and recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all.

Happy Juneteenth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julie Gallego, a devoted wife and mother, a gifted educator, and a beloved member of the Tucson and southern Arizona community.

Julie passed away yesterday, on June 8, following a courageous, yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. While her loss is deeply felt by her family and loved ones, it is also felt across Tucson and beyond by the generations of young people whose lives she touched.

Julie served as a director of Viva Performing Arts Studio on Tucson's south side. She created a place where hundreds of children learned folklorico and mariachi, connected with their culture, developed confidence in themselves, and found a sense of belonging. Through her leadership, Viva became a cornerstone of the community and a second home for so many families.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Julie will remember her warmth, compassion, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Julie's legacy lives on in the students she mentored, the people she inspired, and the vibrant cultural traditions she worked hard to preserve and pass on to the next generation.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and everyone mourning this tremendous loss. May her memory be a blessing.

Julie's legacy will live on.

``Rest in peace''; ``que en paz descanse.''