Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday April 25, 2023, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on two roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on Roll Call No. 193 and YES on Roll Call No. 194.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday March 30, 2023, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on nine roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on rollcall No. 174; YEA on rollcall No. 175; YEA on rollcall No. 176; NAY on rollcall No. 177; NAY on rollcall No. 178; NAY on rollcall No. 179; NAY on rollcall No. 180; YEA on rollcall No. 181; and NAY on rollcall No. 182.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with the Congressional Black Caucus, to honor the extraordinary life and career of Randall Robinson, a legendary activist, lawyer, and a true fighter for racial justice. From reparations for Black Americans to ending apartheid in South Africa, Mr. Robinson dedicated his career to advocating for equity and human rights for all people of African descent. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Randall's family, his wife Hazel Ross-Robinson, and his three children, Anike, Jabari, and Khalea. They are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. Robinson's story is one of tremendous courage and is a testament to the goodness that exists in humanity, even in the face of racial injustice. Born in the Jim Crow South, Mr. Robinson's worldview was heavily influenced by the racial discrimination he faced from a young age, as he grew up in a society marked by institutional racism and attended segregated schools. From these experiences, Mr. Robinson found a deep passion for political activism and racial justice. He rose to become a leader in representing the African diaspora and African people in the United States.

Randall was a proud graduate of Harvard Law School, a Ford Fellow, a Congressional staff member to Representatives Bill Clay & Charles Diggs, and founder of the TransAfrica Forum. Through TransAfrica, Mr. Robinson organized sit-ins and civil demonstrations, influenced US foreign policy to the Caribbean and throughout the African continent, and ultimately established the leading foreign-policy think-tank for African Americans.

But perhaps, Mr. Robinson's most notable achievement was his contributions to the end of apartheid, as he forced the United States to confront the evils occurring in South Africa. His organizing efforts included leading daily sit-ins in the South African embassy calling for Nelson Mandela's release from prison. Randall's commitment to South African liberation earned him seven arrests for civil disobedience, but ultimately helped influence a congressional override of President Ronald Reagan's veto of economic sanctions against the South African government.

Mr. Robinson's dedication to the African community never ceased, even after Nelson Mandela's successful release and the official end of apartheid.

He famously missed President Mandela's inauguration, as by then he had already led a month long hunger strike to protest the treatment of Haitian refugees fleeing a military junta. Mr. Robinson ended his hunger strike only after President Clinton committed to granting those fleeing violence in Haiti asylum hearings.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of working with Randall when he was a senior staffer to the late Congressman Diggs and myself with Congressman Ron Dellums. I vividly remember helping Randall organize TransAfrica and the hard work, brilliance and passion of this effort. He never lost his vision and purpose. Because of this, he changed the world.

Randall Robinson was a shining example of public service and activism. He was the first to give voice to so many unheard and ignored African communities in the United States and throughout the world. May his incredible legacy serve as an example to us all, as the work for racial equity remains unfinished. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate a truly remarkable individual who served as a force for justice until the end. May he rest in Peace and Power.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 27, 2023, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on two roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 163, and YEA on Roll Call No. 164.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on two roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 165, and NO on Roll Call No. 166.

Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on seven roll call votes, today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 167, ``no'' on rollcall No. 168, ``no'' on rollcall No. 169, ``no'' on rollcall No. 170, ``no'' on rollcall No. 171, ``no'' on rollcall No. 172, and ``no'' on rollcall No. 173.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Walter Yin Chinn. Mr. Chinn was a community leader in Chinatown and Little Saigon who worked tirelessly to provide opportunities to promote Asian community building.

I proudly recognize Mr. Walter Yin Chinn for his lifelong dedication to the Oakland Community. Mr. Chinn's integrity, ability and devotion to his Country, its citizens and his family enabled him to make a substantial, valuable, and lasting contribution to the City of Oakland, State of California, and his Country.

For many years as a leader in the State of California, Mr. Chinn distinguished himself for his character, and devotion to the interests and growth of the City of Oakland and its Asian community. He would go on to earn the respect and affection of all whom he interacted with, for his infectious personality and unwavering service to the community, not only as a private citizen but as a public servant in various positions.

Due to his reputation for being a consistent resource, Mr. Chinn was recognized as the Oakland Police Department AACC Citizen of the Year, and was twice honored as a distinguished recipient, first in 1993 and again in 2013. Additionally, he was awarded the Oakland Police Department Honorary Gold Badge in 2013 and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy Reserves for his work on the China Clipper flying boat which connected the U.S. and Asia on Treasure Island during World War II.

Today, I recognize and remember Mr. Walter Yin Chinn, for his lifetime of dedication to his community, and for his service to this country. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate his incredible life, which he lived fully. May he rest in peace and power.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise today to honor the momentous accomplishments of the Niagara Movement Democratic Club. This organization's work has proven vital to our Oakland community, and it continues bearing its fruits more than 50 years after NMDC's inception.

I proudly recognize NMDC's founding President, Virtual Murrell, and co-founders Leo Bazile, Wilson Riles, Jr., AC Taylor, and Johnnie Harrison for their tremendous work, ongoing support, and commitment to African American education and political representation in our community. I vividly remember sitting in Virtual Murrell's kitchen on a Sunday morning, with excitement during the discussions that led to the establishment of the Niagara Movement Democratic Club.

In 1970, Oakland's population was more than 365,000, and 35 percent was Black. Yet, no Black community members had ever been elected to the Oakland City Council or the County of Alameda Board of Supervisors. The future founding members of NMDC knew this had to change--the Black community needed a voice. These founding members knew it was time for a shift in political power and embraced the challenges that stood before them to attain the representation they desperately needed.

In the fall of 1973, the Niagara Movement Democratic Club was formed. A group of young, energized, and determined individuals came together to continue the dream of the Niagara Movement, a civil rights group founded in 1905 dedicated to obtaining civil rights for African Americans. Inspired by a founding member of the Niagara Movement, W.E.B DuBois, NMDC's guiding mission was the ideal of the ``Talented Tenth,'' which sought to cultivate strong Black leadership through prioritizing college education and championing social change. As a result, the Niagara Movement Democratic Club surpassed its educational goals and moved toward political advocacy and representation. Because of this, NMDC focused on recruiting young Black professionals and students to grow their club and fulfill their mission of Black representation in local politics.

To challenge the status quo, NMDC worked relentlessly to coalesce other major Black organizations behind the common goal of increased representation in their community while challenging Republican efforts to maintain a conservative footprint in our district.

Since its formation some fifty years ago, NMDC has consistently embodied this mission as reflected by its members, including student activists, educators, graduate students, accountants, law students, city planners, and healthcare professionals. In addition, the organization has maintained an acute focus on empowering and integrating Black students and working professionals in the political conversations impacting Oakland.

Today, I recognize the organization's extraordinary members for their unyielding efforts to fight for representation and equity. These individuals challenged and changed the narrative, whether it be through fighting against the Republican establishment, organizing young students, or being elected to public office. NMDC created space for Black residents of Oakland, California to have a political voice. We thank them for the everlasting footprints of change they have made in our community.

The founding members of the Niagara Movement Democratic Club are as follows:

1. Virtual T. Murrell

2. Leo Bazile

3. AC Taylor

4. Johnnie S. Harrison

5. Shirley Douglas

6. Edmund Atkins

7. Art Scott

8. Irene Scott-Murrell

9. Anita Williams

10. Al Rogers

11. Wilson Riles, Jr.

12. Edna Tidwell

13. Esther Tidwell

14. Walter Edwards

15. Sandra Simpson-Fontaine

16. Beverly Brown-Spelman

17. Joyce Wilkerson

18. Barbara Lee

19. Michael Penn

20. William ``Bill'' Riley

21. Geoffrey Carter

22. Elihu Harris

23. Walter Edwards

Members Elected to Office

1. Wilson Riles, Jr., Oakland City Council

2. Leo Bazile, Oakland City Council

3. Elihu Harris, Mayor of Oakland and state legislator

4. Don White, Alameda County Treasurer, 32 years as county

treasurer

5. Mary King, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, First

African American woman

6. Keith Carson, Alameda County Board of Supervisors

7. Sylvester Hodges, Oakland School Board

8. Alfreda Abbott, Oakland School Board, second African

American woman.

9. Barbara Lee, First African American woman elected to the

state legislature (assembly & senate) from Northern

California. Later replaced Representative Ronald V. Dellums

in the United States House of Representatives, again the

first African American woman from Northern California elected

to the U.S. House of Representatives.

10. Sandre Swanson, California Assembly

11. Geoffrey Carter, Judge-Magistrate

12. Dezie Woods-Jones, Oakland City Council

13. Margaret Pryor, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

14. Carol Tolbert, Oakland School Board

15. William ``Bill'' Riley, Peralta Community College Board

of Trustees

On behalf of the 12th Congressional District, congratulations to the Niagara Movement Democratic Club on their many incredible achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anita Williams, an incredible activist, a founding member of the Niagara Movement Democratic Club, a former member of my team, and a dear friend of mine. I would like to extend my condolences to Anita's family, her sisters Sandra Herbert and Paula Carter, and her beloved friends and Church community. They are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ms. Williams was born on December 5, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee but relocated to California during her childhood. Anita attended Pacific Union College and went on to earn her nursing degree from Contra Costa Community College. Her passion for service eventually led her to politics and organizing, as Ms. Williams set out to uplift the underrepresented voices in Oakland, particularly the voices of African American women.

Ms. Williams was a charter member of the non-profit, Black Women Organized for Political Action, which seeks to increase political engagement and participation amongst African American women through advocacy and education. Their organization successfully helped elect the late Congressman Dellums and raised over $75,000 for his campaign.

Ms. Williams was also a founding member of the New Niagara Movement Democratic Club, an organization that is near to my heart. The Niagara Movement Democratic Club has been integral in increasing African American representation in Oakland and organizing the community. Ms. Williams impressively served as their second president and led the charge in fundraising efforts.

Anita's commitment to advancing racial justice and equity throughout her life will ensure that her legacy lives on. The outcome of her years of hard work and advocacy is ever-present throughout our community, as the city of Oakland has been a leader in the national fight for racial justice. In remembrance of all the good that Ms. Williams extended to the world, let us continue in her footsteps.

Anita was a kind, dedicated, and selfless woman whose life was spent serving her community and those around her. She was a political force in the Bay Area and an unbelievable field and casework staffer and was committed to progressive causes that improved the lives of the most vulnerable.

Anita and my late mother had a special and loving relationship, as she did with my two sons. I've been fortunate enough to speak with her several times over the last few weeks before her passing, and it brings me comfort that she was able to spend her final days with her sister and family in Louisiana, surrounded by those who loved her. I know that because of her deep faith, she was ready to be called home to her maker. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be truly missed.

Ms. Williams will be remembered as a fierce advocate and a true force for good. Today, I recognize and celebrate her beautiful life. May she rest in peace and power.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Barbara Staggers, a fierce advocate, civil servant, and a trailblazer in the medical community. I would like to extend my condolences to Dr. Staggers' husband, Chester Elmore, and their three children, William, Celeste, and Spencer, and her granddaughters, Allyson & Isabelle. They are in my prayers during this difficult time.

Dr. Staggers was born on March 6, 1954, in New York but spent her first years in Japan, during her father's service with the Navy. Upon her family's return to the United States, Dr. Staggers was raised here in the Bay Area, the community she later spent the remainder of her life serving.

Dr. Staggers boasted a brilliant academic record, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Public Health, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco.

Improving medical services for young boys and girls was Dr. Staggers' guiding mission. She hoped to uplift and inspire young people, most especially at-risk teenagers. This noble pursuit led Dr. Staggers to become an adolescent health specialist, with an incredibly distinguished thirty-year career. During her tenure with the Children's Hospital, Oakland, she became the director of the Adolescent Health Clinic. She oversaw the implementation of groundbreaking care and mentorship programs that has inspired generations of health care providers. She also founded the Community Health and Adolescent Mentoring Program for Success, an award-winning, three-year program that seeks to support minority high school students to explore health professions.

Dr. Staggers distinguished medical career served as a framework for her civil service to our community. She spent her career advocating for equitable healthcare for all low income and historically marginalized children, founding mentorship programs for at-risk youth, and fighting for a healthcare system that serves all Americans.

I had the honor to work with Dr. Staggers on several issues and projects. Her enthusiasm, brilliance and commitment to our young people always inspired me. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and support. While I mourn her loss, I celebrate her incredible life, which she lived fully. May she rest in peace and power.

Madam Speaker, last week, one of our colleagues from across the aisle made very ignorant comments and questioned Representative Judy Chu's loyalty and service to this country.

These claims were baseless, discriminatory, and flat-out wrong. As one of his own Republican colleagues said, these types of troubling comments are out of bounds and, yes, beyond the pale.

Questioning Congresswoman Judy Chu's loyalty to the United States purely based on her Chinese heritage is not only racist and xenophobic, it is very dangerous, and it is not new.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was subject to baseless accusations of being a communist by J. Edgar Hoover. These same harmful bouts of hateful misinformation have been cast on myself, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and other women of color in Congress. It is despicable.

Madam Speaker, hate speech leads to hate violence. We must clearly and strongly denounce this kind of rhetoric, especially during a time when our AAPI community continues to be a target of hateful aggression against the country.

Congresswoman Chu has been a steadfast warrior for constituents in her district, the AAPI community, and for all marginalized communities she has worked for across our country. She is a great patriot.

To question her service and loyalty to the United States is shameful and unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of my dear friend and first legislative director, Ying Lee, and her incredible contributions to her community and our country. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Ying's children, Sarah and Max, her grandchildren, Max Jr. Kelley, and Olivia, and Ying's entire extended family. They are all in my prayers during this difficult time.

Ms. Lee's story is one of tremendous perseverance, resilience, and fortitude in the face of struggle. Born in China, Ms. Lee arrived in the United States as a refugee from Shanghai during World War II. Her life before immigrating was marked with hardship, as Ms. Lee faced firsthand the brutal realities that stem from war and militarization. By the young age of 13, Ms. Lee had survived more than most people do in a lifetime, witnessing poverty, famine, and sickness, all brought on by devasting warfare. Her experiences in childhood were fundamental in shaping Ms. Lee's identity as an activist, educator, city councilmember, and anti-war movement icon.

Her family's escape from an invading Japanese army brought Ms. Lee to the Bay Area. Settling in Berkeley, Ms. Lee spent most of her fighting for progress, peace, and equity, as a councilmember and as my legislative director. Her journey in political activism began in the halls of UC Berkeley, where Ms. Lee studied political science, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees. There, she became involved in the civil rights movement, fighting for racial justice; and the anti-war movement, calling for an end to the Vietnam war.

Ms. Lee's commitment to serving the greater good began with her career as a teacher at Berkeley High School, where she spent years educating young minds. In 1973, Ms. Lee made history as Berkeley's first Asian American council member and helped shape the city's ongoing legacy as a haven for progressive politics. She continued her journey in public service as a Congressional aide for Congressman Ron Dellums and, later, for myself, as my first Legislative Director when I came to Congress. Here in D.C., Ms. Lee spent years by my side advocating for equity, global peace, and legislative change. Together, we worked to advance global peace and security on many fronts, including our visit to Japan to discuss the consequences of war in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Ms. Lee's work to advance equity measures included her contributions to the Living Wage, Jobs For All Act, which sought to codify basic economic rights for all Americans and improve the quality of life.

Ying Lee was a tireless warrior, as her activism never ceased. In 2020, Ms. Lee joined historic crowds of people to fight for Black Lives, marching in the streets of Berkeley with her ``Black Lives Matter'' sign. At 83, she protested the closure of Berkeley's post office, handing out pamphlets and participating in rallies. Ms. Lee exemplified a true public servant, an advocate, and fierce warrior for justice.

I spoke with Ying two weeks before her passing. She sounded strong and energetic. As always, she encouraged me to keep fighting the good fight. While I will always remember our last conversation with a heavy heart, I will meet our challenges head on with Ying's fervor and passion, in her honor.

While we mourn her loss, we celebrate her remarkable life, which will be remembered as one of love, passion, compassion, dedication, and brilliance. Her legacy will provide us guidance in rising to the occasion as we continue her fight for peace and justice. I loved Ying and will miss her tremendously. May she Rest in Peace and Power.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the musical legacy of Pete ``Pops'' Escovedo and his tremendous contributions as a truly remarkable artist here in the Bay Area. I want to congratulate Mr. Escovedo on his retirement and on fifty incredible years in the music industry. His passion for Afro-Caribbean music has left a lasting impact on the music culture in our community.

Born in Pittsburg, California, Mr. Escovedo found his passion for music from a young age when he learned to play bongos in Junior High School. His dedication to honing his musical abilities was evident from the beginning, as Mr. Escovedo built his own bongo set out of coffee cans and tape. He went on to pursue a career in music as a percussionist, forming a jazz band, Escovedo Brothers Latin Sextet, with his brothers Coke and Phil Escovedo. The band's success led them to Carlos Santana, and his Latin band Santana, with whom Mr. Escovedo performed for three years. Santana went on to become one of the best- selling groups of all time. In 1972, Mr. Escovedo debuted his independent band Azteca, along with his brother, defying traditional norms for Latin music. Azteca was the first band to incorporate an orchestra, horns, woodwind instruments, keyboards, vocalists, and percussionists all under the genre of Latin rock.

Mr. Escovedo's professional legacy includes being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Grammys, performing with industry notables Herbie Hancock, Bill Summers, Tito Puente, and penning his own book. ``My Life in the Key of E.''

Mr. Escovedo's list of accomplishments extends beyond his professional pursuits, as a devoted husband to his wife, Juanita Gardere, and father to 4 kids, Sheila, Juan, Peter, and Zina. His children inherited Mr. Escovedo's love and talent for music, and together, they are lovingly accepted as the Bay Area's First Family of Latin and Contemporary Jazz. Furthermore, Mr. Escovedos legacy is carried on by his daughter Sheila, who has become an industry titan herself, earning the moniker the ``Queen of Percussion.''

It has been a fantastic journey watching Mr. Escovedo play and create beautiful music over the years. His passion and skill have inspired generations of musicians and will continue to do so. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to the music industry.

As he embarks on his Retirement Tour, starting in Oakland, I want to wish Mr. Escovedo the best of luck. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of California, I am proud to honor Peter Escovedo for his tremendous achievements. Congratulations again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose H. Res. 76, the motion to remove Congresswoman Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Let's be frank. This is not about antisemitism. If we're going to have a conversation about antisemitism, let's start with Donald Trump inviting vile antisemites and neo-Nazis like Nick Fuentes to dine with him.

This vote today is a partisan, baseless attack of political vengeance and nothing more.

I want to make very clear what this country would lose without Congresswoman Omar's representation on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ilhan, who I've had the pleasure of getting to know well over the years, is an experienced, dedicated, talented legislator and public servant. She is a survivor of war who knows first-hand the trauma of conflict and life in a refugee camp. And she would be the first African-born member to serve as a Ranking Member of the Africa Subcommittee.

Republicans are taking this action at the same moment that we are working to rebuild relationships with the people of Africa--at the same time that China emerges as a powerful force on the continent. By treating Congresswoman Omar this way, we are silencing the voice of a woman who knows firsthand what is needed to repair our relationships on the African continent and allow it to thrive, as opposed to castigating African nations as ``S-hole'' countries like the former president and leader of the Republican party shamefully did.

Stripping her from this committee is not only undemocratic. It is a shame, a disgrace, and a profound loss for the people of the United States. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing, to stand with Ilhan, and to vote against this bigoted resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 21, which would prevent increased drilling on Federal lands under this act until the Secretary of Energy certifies that it would not perpetrate environmental injustice.

Let me just thank, first of all, Ranking Member Pallone for his leadership and support in advancing this amendment.

My amendment is very simple. It prohibits increases in the percentage of Federal lands leased for oil and gas production under this act, if that new drilling would perpetuate environmental injustice.

Environmental justice is the right to a safe, healthy, productive, and sustainable environment for all, regardless of race, class, income, or background.

For too long, we have overlooked the impact of environmental issues on underserved communities in this country. EPA data shows that people of color are much more likely to live near polluters and breathe polluted air. For instance, asthma, which is often caused by a particular pollution, impacts approximately 13.4 percent of African- American children, compared to only 7.3 percent of White children.

But all low-income people and communities, and especially in poor communities, all communities deserve to be safe from environmental health impacts, and people of all races confront environmental injustice.

Rural communities are also adversely impacted by mining pollution and contaminated air and groundwater. Environmental injustices impact all of us; from urban centers to rural regions.

In my home State of California, we are experiencing the climate emergency firsthand. We know that these unprecedented fires are driven by climate change. Preventing harmful oil and gas drilling, especially when it harms those already most vulnerable, will help get us back on the path to justice.

This amendment builds off of the A. Donald McEachin, our beloved late colleague, his Environmental Justice for All Act, that I am proud to co-lead with Ranking Member Grijalva, which sets the stage to begin addressing the long history of environmental racism and injustice in the United States.

Mr. Chairman, this fight for environmental justice is also very personal for me. I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, under the shadow of the smokestacks of the Asarco copper smelter. Myself, my friends, my neighbors, we were constantly exposed to toxic chemicals. I watched so many people close to me, including family members, suffer with major health challenges because of lead that spewed from that plant.

In the 1970s, the CDC found that 62 percent of children under 10 living near the plant where I lived had toxic levels of lead in their blood. Even after the smelter was shut down, I think it was, like, 2013, it took decades before any of the residents harmed saw any sort of justice.

Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record an article titled: ``Before Flint, Before East Chicago, There Was Smeltertown.''

[From NRDC, Nov. 29, 2016]

Before Flint, Before East Chicago, There Was Smeltertown

(By Lauren Villagran)

After a 1970s CDC study showed that the mostly Mexican-

American population of this Texas town had dangerously high

blood lead levels, its buildings were demolished and its

residents were booted.

The Smelter Cemetery sits high atop a desert arroyo between

Interstate 10 and the Mexican border in El Paso. Its wind-

worn wooden crosses are almost all that remain of a community

that sprang up more than a century ago next to an Asarco lead

smelter on the banks of the Rio Grande.

The stone-pile graves bear testament to the history of this

place called Smeltertown. At one time it was a village of

more than 2,500 people, most of them Mexican immigrants who

built their lives on company land in the shadow of the

smelter's smokestacks that would poison their air, their

land, and their children. And almost as soon as the

contamination became known in the 1970s, the community of

Smeltertown was erased: its buildings demolished, its people

forced out.

Now, the men and women who lived and worked in Smeltertown,

their children, and their children's children reunite each

year. Many still live in El Paso, in neighborhoods that

cropped up as Smeltertown was torn down. Others travel from

California, the East Coast, and abroad. They come together to

reweave the social fabric of Smeltertown by sharing memories

and retelling stories they all know by heart. They celebrate

their old hometown despite the dangers it posed to their

families.

Seminal research done on Smeltertown in the 1970s by the

Centers for Disease Control found that 62 percent of children

10 and under living within one mile of the smelter had blood

lead levels considered to be ``evidence of undue lead

absorption.'' The residents of Smeltertown would be the first

American community to face the grim prospect of lead exposure

and its consequences--but they wouldn't be the last. The

communities of Flint, Michigan, the West Calumet Housing

Complex in East Chicago, Indiana, and the schools in Newark,

New Jersey, are just three of the most recent examples. But

the CDC estimates that at least half a million children in

the United States have elevated blood lead levels--and many

of them may not even know it.

A Company Town

The American Smelting and Refining Company owned a smelter

in El Paso that, starting in 1910, refined hundreds of

thousands of tons of lead and copper harvested from its mines

in Mexico. It did so with the help of ``an army of Mexican

contract workers,'' according to University of Houston

associate professor of history Monica Perales in her book

Smeltertown: Making and Remembering a Southwest Border

Community.

Mexican workers who labored in Asarco mines began migrating

north, lured by that new operation on the U.S. side of the

border. Many settled on company land below the foothills of

Mt. Cristo Rey. In the early years of the 20th century,

Smeltertown lay outside El Paso city limits, a few miles from

the city's downtown. Divided into an upper section, El Alto,

where the Anglo managers lived, and a lower section, El Bajo,

where the Mexican workers lived, Smeltertown had its own post

office, butcher shop, bakery, cantinas, a theater, San Jose

Catholic parish, a YMCA, a public elementary school, and the

Smelter Vocational School.

Smeltertown was a quintessential company town, in which the

company could be both benefactor and tyrant. Former residents

say Asarco paid well, better than many other employers of the

working class. And yet poverty in Smeltertown could be

extreme. Residents built and invested in their homes, but the

company owned the land; few families could afford cars; many

relied on outhouses into the 1960s. ``As in other single-

industry towns, Smeltertown's residents fashioned their own

way of life in the world the company made, one marked by

inequality, racial segregation, and corporate paternalism,''

Perales writes. The community would flourish for 70 years

under the plumes of the smelter's twin smokestacks, ignorant

of the pervasive danger.

``A Silent Poison''

In March 1971, a team of Epidemic Intelligence Service

officers from the CDC arrived to investigate lead exposure

connected to the Asarco smelter.

Dr. Bernard Rosenblum, the El Paso City-County health

commissioner, had called the CDC after his department

discovered that Asarco was discharging large quantities of

lead and other metallic wastes into the air. Between 1969 and

1971, the smelter's stacks had spewed more than 1,000 tons of

lead, 560 tons of zinc, 12 tons of cadmium, and 1.2 tons of

arsenic into the atmosphere. Soil studies showed the highest

concentrations of lead and other metals in surface soil

closest to the smelter--essentially, in Smeltertown. The city

of El Paso was suing Asarco on the basis of those findings

alone, but Rosenblum wanted to know more. He was worried

about the health of the kids. (OnEarth made several attempts

to reach Asarco and its parent company, Grupo Mexico, for

comment without success.)

The CDC team, led by a 29-year-old pediatrician named

Philip Landrigan, began to explore a subject about which

precious little was known: lead toxicity, especially its

effects on children. Landrigan, now a pediatrician and

epidemiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says,

``The notion that lead could be toxic at lower levels was

extremely new at that time. Up until 1970 and continuing for

years, people believed you didn't have to worry about lead

unless it was so high that it made a child seriously sick.

The whole idea that lead in the body could be a silent poison

was a new concept.''

Landrigan and the CDC team first looked at whether

environmental contamination would be reflected in human blood

lead levels over three months. The results were startling:

Although they found no cases of overt lead poisoning, 43

percent of people in all age groups and 62 percent of

children 10 and under living within one mile of the smelter

had blood lead levels of at least 40 micrograms per

deciliter. That's eight times the level at which the CDC

recommends a full-fledged public health response today.

Landrigan quickly followed up with a second study in

Smeltertown in 1972, examining the health consequences of

lead exposure in children. The CDC team administered IQ tests

and a finger-tapping test of physical reflexes to the

Smeltertown kids with elevated blood levels; a control group

of children with blood lead levels below 40 micrograms per

deciliter was also tested. The study found that children with

elevated blood lead levels tested as many as seven points

lower on the IQ test than the control group; they also showed

much slower reaction times on the physical reflexes test.

I am not going to quit until all of my colleagues understand the human consequences of environmental discrimination. I ask my colleagues to consider the people, the families, who every day bear the unequal and unjust consequences of our addiction to fossil fuels.

As President Biden has said, justice must be at the heart of our response, and my amendment does just that.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.