Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment with Representative LaMalfa.

New Mexicans know all too well how disastrous wildfires can be for our families, homes, private property, culture, and tradition. We need to use every tool in our toolbox to lessen the frequency and severity of wildfires.

Livestock grazing can help us accomplish that goal. Grazing targeted areas can help slow the spread of an intense burn and control the temperature of a fire by reducing the amount of flammable organic fuel.

This bipartisan amendment adds the text of our bill, the Utilizing Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act, to the proposed legislation. This amendment ensures that grazing is a tool that can be used proactively to prevent wildfires and keep New Mexicans safe. It helps cut through red tape and makes it easier for ranchers to assist in preventing devastating wildfires that destroy our lands, culture, and livelihood.

I appreciate Congressman LaMalfa for working with me on this important bipartisan amendment that uses a commonsense approach to reduce the threat of wildfires. We know that the cost of fighting wildland fires is astronomical, so we must use every available resource to prevent future natural and human-caused disasters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico. On October 25, 1923, President Calvin Coolidge took a momentous step by designating a remarkable natural wonder--what was then known as the Carlsbad Cave--as a National Monument. He described it as ``a limestone cavern of extraordinary proportions and of unusual beauty and variety of natural decoration.'' This decision marked the beginning of a century-long journey that would captivate millions of visitors from around the world.

Nestled beneath the Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, this vast and stunning cave system has continued to enchant and inspire. Anyone who has been to Carlsbad Caverns understands how special it is--from watching the evening bat flight to descending more than 750 feet to reach the bottom, Carlsbad Caverns is a New Mexican treasure.

Furthermore, in 1995, Carlsbad Caverns received an extraordinary accolade when it was designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This prestigious recognition not only celebrates the park's global significance but also ensures its protection and preservation for future generations.

The Caverns are also critical to the nearby community of Carlsbad, supporting the local economy as tourists from around the world travel our beautiful district to travel nearly 1000 feet underground to view this natural wonder. Over 500,000 people visit the Caverns each year, supporting hundreds of jobs in

hospitality, food service, and other tourism-related industries.

None of this would be possible without the hard work of the park rangers, park service employees and support staff who have worked to protect, conserve and maintain Carlsbad Caverns for the last century and for centuries to come.

Let us take a moment to celebrate Carlsbad Caverns National Park--not just as a site of state pride, but as a cherished national treasure.

Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege to represent the Second District of New Mexico, home to the storied Mescalero Apache Reservation, a place that has lost time immemorial, history, memories, culture, and patrimony from the most devastating fire that we have seen in the Lincoln National Forest in the history of New Mexico.

It is devastating not only for the economy but for who we are as New Mexicans. As a delegation, we stand strong and support the rebuild of the economy of not just the Mescalero Apache Reservation but the surrounding Lincoln and Otero Counties.

It was the interjurisdictional cooperation between Tribal governments, the BIA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, and local county officials that allowed us to have a quick response to contain the fires, to limit damage, and right now, to recover from one of the most devastating fires that we have ever seen in southwest New Mexico.

The message I have to the folks out in Mescalero Apache country, the place that I represent, is that we have their back. We will honor that sovereign-to-sovereign relationship that we owe them.

For other Members of Congress that have gone through devastating wildfires just like ourselves, we will be seeking Federal resources. We will be seeking funds from the emergency declaration that President Biden has granted us to be able to rebuild these communities.

We are thankful, we are grateful, and we can say that we expect more of this across the West, in other counties and other States that will be impacted by a changing climate.

We are New Mexico Strong. We will be New Mexico Strong. We will rebuild together. We will honor the promise that we have made to Indian Country. We will make sure that we rebuild from one of southern New Mexico's worst wildfires that we have ever seen.

Mr. Speaker, I request a moment of silence for those who have passed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Samantha Keleher Bursum, who died tragically in an automobile accident on March 1.

If you met Samantha, you would know that she was extraordinary. Sam was clever, vivacious, and kind. She moved with energy, purpose, and a little bounce. She spoke with insight, clarity, and an uncanny confidence.

At 14 years old, Sam had remarkable promise. She was first in her class, fluent in three languages, a dedicated volleyball player, active in numerous clubs, and founder of the mock trial club. More importantly, Sam was a good person of great faith who brought light to any situation.

Sam's good energy, light, and purpose spreads throughout her community. Her friends and family, including her sister, Katherine, and her mother, Lori, who are here with us today, feel comfort and delight in the echo of Sam's wild and joyful laughter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous law enforcement officers of New Mexico who have made the ultimate sacrifices for their communities.

Our law enforcement officers are brave public servants who put their lives on the line every day to serve the people of New Mexico. Through their bravery, they make our communities safer and serve as models of justice, strength, and integrity.

This National Police Week, I want to recognize and honor the New Mexico officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty just this year: Curry County Sheriff Michael Reeves, Alamogordo Police Department Officer Anthony Ferguson, Alamogordo Police Department Patrolman James Sides, New Mexico State Patrolman Justin Hare, and Las Cruces Police Department Patrol Officer Jonah Hernandez.

As we reflect on the bravery and service of these officers, I would like to recognize the loved ones they left behind: their families, friends, and colleagues. Just as we won't forget the sacrifices made by these officers, we will not forget the loss that so many feel in their absence.

To their families who grieve their loss today: We owe you our immense support and gratitude.

Choosing a career in law enforcement is not an easy choice. In fact, it comes with unimaginable risks and challenges that the majority of the American public will never have to face. They are our peacekeepers, our first responders, and the protectors of civil society.

There is still more that we can do to support our police officers, their mental health, their physical health, and

their well-being, as well as that of their families. I will continue to support measures in Congress to ensure every officer has the tools and stability that they need to serve our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.

On behalf of all New Mexicans, I thank our fallen officers, again, for their service and sacrifice.

Honoring the Rule of Law

Mr. Speaker, part of the reason why folks look to the United States as a beacon of democracy and justice is because we honor, respect, and follow the rule of law.

Assault in this Nation is never acceptable, no matter the perpetrator or the cause, never. When it comes to our police officers and first responders, that is especially important.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have introduced a bill meant to address this issue and specifically target immigrants in this country, and, unfortunately, they could not help themselves but to introduce inflammatory and anti-immigrant language that distorts what we could accomplish if we were actually willing to work together to find real solutions to our Nation's broken immigration system. That is why I introduced amendments to ensure what we can all agree on: due process, justice, and the rule of law to which we are all entitled to in this country.

Let me be clear: If anyone is convicted of an offense involving assault of a law enforcement officer, then they should be held accountable. However, that is not the case in the bill that Republicans have proposed.

I remain committed to finding solutions based in truth and justice that address public safety concerns with legislators on both sides of the aisle that also support law enforcement and their families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable leader and cherished member of my district and the community from the Village of Hatch, the chili capital of the world, Mayor James ``Slim'' Whitlock.

Last year, I had the privilege of meeting Mayor Whitlock. In our discussions, it became evident that Slim wasn't just a mayor, he was a family man, a community member, and dedicated public servant of the people.

His passion for Hatch and its residents radiated through every word, and his genuine commitment to the well-being of his constituents was truly commendable.

Slim's impact reached far beyond the duties of his office. He was a pillar of strength during celebrations, a comforting presence in times of need, and a beacon of positivity with a smile that could light up a room.

The phrase ``doing extra good'' embodied his values, reflecting a man who consistently went above and beyond for his community.

As we mourn the loss of Mayor Slim Whitlock, let us remember him not only as a leader but as a symbol of selflessness and devotion.

The love he had for his community was reciprocated manifold, creating a bond that will forever endure in the hearts of the people that he served.

May his legacy inspire us to continue the work he started and embrace the service and community he exemplified.

Mayor, you will be missed.

Bolstering Our Rural Healthcare System

Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the critical importance of federally qualified health centers, especially in rural communities like mine.

I had the privilege of visiting La Clinica de Familia in my district and also recently visited Rio Grande High School's school-based health center and the Socorro Mental Health Clinic.

These centers are lifelines for countless New Mexicans who would otherwise lack access to essential healthcare services.

Federally qualified health centers not only provide primary care but also offer mental health services, dental care, and preventative care. They address the holistic needs of our communities.

However, health centers face significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where one in five rural New Mexicans face serious issues accessing healthcare.

That is why I proudly stand as a cosponsor of H.R. 834, the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act.

This legislation aims to bolster our rural healthcare system by incentivizing the training and placement of physicians in underserved areas.

By investing in health centers and supporting initiatives like the Rural Physician Workforce Production Act, we can ensure that all New Mexicans, regardless of their ZIP Code, have access to the quality healthcare that they deserve.

We must prioritize the health and well-being of our rural communities by adequately funding these vital centers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Ken Miyagishima on the occasion of his retirement and to recognize his more than three decades of work as a public servant who has tirelessly represented Las Cruces as the longest serving mayor in the city's history.

In 1992, Mr. Miyagishima was the first American of Japanese-Mexican descent to be elected to public office in New Mexico as a county commissioner for Dona Ana County.

He later served on the Las Cruces City Council before being elected mayor of Las Cruces, becoming the first person of Japanese-Mexican descent in New Mexico to be elected to this position.

Mayor Miyagishima has served with integrity and courage. He has fought to improve the lives of the residents of Las Cruces and elevated our city at the national level.

On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's Second Congressional District, I thank Mayor Ken Miyagishima for his life of service to Las Cruces and to Dona Ana County.

His work has made our community and New Mexico a stronger and more equitable place to live. We wish you well in your next chapter, Mayor.

Mr. Speaker:

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish by Mr. Vasquez is as follows:)

Today, I rise to tell you about my visit to the Cibola County Correctional Facility, and to demand changes to mistreatment within immigration detention centers.

Many of these centers, like Cibola, are operated by private companies. And what we have seen is that the conditions inside these facilities are unacceptable, lacking humanity and access to the civil rights that these immigrants deserve.

The detainees, whose only crime is entering this country without papers, informed me in person of these deplorable conditions, including food that is not even fair for the dogs. They do not have access to the legal system. They are locked in solitary cells for asking for help. They can't even wash their sheets. They leave them locked up for almost a year, while they wait to go before a judge. The mistreatment of those seeking refuge is something we should never accept in our Nation. It doesn't matter if they are from Ukraine, Afghanistan or Venezuela.

My bill, the Humanitarian Accountability Act, is a critical step in ensuring the humane treatment of immigrants. The intention of my legislation is to bring to light the treatment of immigrants in detention centers. We must face reality--there is an opportunity to ensure that we can treat everyone with dignity and humanity.

For example, when the majority of immigrants are Spanish speakers, and the guards and these companies do not provide them with information in Spanish, it is an injustice to access to the legal system, and to this Nation of laws.

Imagine fleeing your country in panic, suffering abuse, losing everything, risking your life, and then facing a judge who will decide your future without having access to a lawyer because you did not receive the information in your language, and they did not give you access to your documents in a detention center.

On this visit, I spoke to a man from Venezuela, a soldier from his country who was seeking refuge, and he told me that he could not present evidence of his asylum case due to the lack of internet access in the detention center. These injustices are done on purpose. He and many others at this center deserve the opportunity to have the resources to present their asylum cases.

Colleagues, we have to make a decision. Do we ignore the suffering at the border and continue giving millions of dollars to the private companies that cause this suffering? Or do we uphold justice and act with compassion? My legislation is a response: a commitment to ensure that all immigration detention centers operate with basic standards that protect the human rights of all who seek refuge in our great Nation. After all, we are a nation of immigrants.

I ask my colleagues to support the Humanitarian Accountability Act, be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and bring about the change our immigration system so desperately needs.

Hoy, estoy presente entre ustedes para contarles sobre mi visita al Centro Correccional del Condado de Cibola, y para demandar cambios a los malos tratos dentro de los centros de detencion de inmigrantes.

Muchos de estos centros, como el de Cibola, son operados por companias privadas. Y lo que hemos visto es que las condiciones dentro de estas instalaciones son inaceptables, faltando humanidad y acceso a los derechos civiles que estos inmigrantes merecen.

Los detenidos, cual su unico crimen es entrar a este pais sin papeles, me informaron en persona, de estas condiciones deplorables, incluyendo alimentos que ni son justo para los perros. No tienen acceso al sistema legal. Los encierran en celdas

solitarias por pedir ayuda. Ni pueden lavar sus sabanas. Los dejan encerrados por casi un ano, mientras esperan ir ante un juez. El maltrato de los que buscan refugio es algo que nunca deberiamos de aceptar en nuestra nacion. No importa si son de Ucrania, Afganistan o Venezuela.

Mi proyecto de ley, la Ley de Responsabilidad Humanitaria, es un paso fundamental para garantizar el trato humano a inmigrantes. La intencion de mi legislacion es traer a luz el tratamiento de inmigrantes en los centros de detencion. Debemos enfrentarnos a la realidad--hay oportunidad para asegurar que podamos tratar a todos con dignidad y humanidad.

Por ejemplo, cuando el mayor de los inmigrantes son hispanohablantes, y los guardias y estas companias no les proveen informacion en espanol, es una injusticia para el acceso al sistema legal, y a esta nacion de leyes. Imaginate escapar de tu pais en panico, sufrir abusos, perder todo, arriesgar tu vida, y luego enfrentar a un juez que va decidir tu futuro sin tener acceso a un abogado por que no recibiste la informacion y en tu idioma y no te dieron acceso a tus documentos en un centro de detencion.

En esta visita, hable con un hombre de Venezuela, un soldado de su pais que buscaba refugio, y me dijo que no pudo presentar evidencia de su caso de asilo debido a la falta de acceso al internet en el centro de detencion. Estas injusticias se hacen a proposito. El y muchos otros en este centro merecen tener la oportunidad de tener los recursos para presentar sus casos de asilo.

Colegas, tenemos que tomar una decision.

rIgnoramos el sufrimiento en la frontera y le seguimos dando millones de dolares a las empresas privadas que causan este sufrimiento?--O-- defendemos la justicia y actuamos con compasion? Mi legislacion es una respuesta: Un compromiso para asegurar que todos los centros de detencion de los inmigrantes operen con estandares basicos que protejan los derechos humanos para todos los que buscan refugio en nuestra gran nacion.

Despues de todo, somos una nacion de inmigrantes.

Les pido a mis colegas que apoyen la Ley de Responsabilidad Humanitaria, y ser la voz de aquellos que no pueden hablar por si mismos, y a lograr el cambio que nuestro sistema de inmigracion tan desesperadamente necesita.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak today about a place that I love, and a place that is vitally important to our Nation.

I am a proud product of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, a culturally rich binational community, full of opportunity, which helps power international trade and is key to bringing down the costs of goods for all Americans.

I understand how disillusioned Americans have become when it comes to addressing our broken immigration system and the challenges that we currently face at the border.

I am frustrated myself. That is why I stand here today saying that both Democrats and Republicans have not done enough to fix our outdated, broken immigration system. The administration should look to the leadership and the experience of border House Representatives, like myself, on immigration reform and border security.

Let me be clear: Republicans haven't brought forward any real bipartisan solutions that could help alleviate the impacts of the humanitarian crisis that we are seeing today.

In fact, just this week, Republicans introduced a toothless resolution that only serves as a political statement that vilifies immigrants.

Further, Republicans did this in the same week that extreme rightwing immigration policies in the State of Texas led to the death of two migrant children who drowned in the Rio Grande. This is disgraceful. It is not who we are. It is un-American.

Trust me, I am tired of Congress kicking this can down the road for over 30 years. That is why I have introduced a package of commonsense legislation that could help solve this problem.

We can fix this crisis, but we can't do it while we lose our humanity. We can do that by securing our border, while also ensuring immigrants are treated humanely. After all, we are a Nation of immigrants.

That means investing in customs agents who work long hours and providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs. It means modernizing our legal system to match our needs. It means giving new Americans the opportunity to fill the jobs that our Nation and our communities desperately need.

I am a proud Democrat, but I am an American first, and right now that means holding everybody accountable to bring real solutions to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly announce that two of my communities in various parts of southern New Mexico will receive $63 million in Federal investment to construct two medium- and heavy- duty commercial electric truck charging stations along Interstate 10 thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Lordsburg, in Hidalgo County, is home to only 2,300 people, and Vado in Dona Ana County is home to nearly 3,000 people.

This type of investment in these small, rural communities will spur economic development in these places for generations to come.

While we talk about these new electrification opportunities across the country, I am always asked: What jobs will this bring to the rural communities like mine?

This $63 million award coming to New Mexico is the largest award in the United States and will go a long way to not just helping us transition to cleaner trucks and transportation but it will also boost economic development in rural communities.

Larger metropolitan areas continuously benefit from Federal investments, so this is why I fight to make sure that towns like Lordsburg and Vado are not being left behind by the decisions here in Washington.

The construction of these new charging centers will provide critical resting places along the I-10 corridor, a route that facilitates the transportation of millions of dollars in goods from the Ports of Los Angeles through New Mexico and through the rest of the country.

Along with this project comes new jobs and other investments like lodging, food services, and fuel stations that will serve the truckers who are utilizing the new center.

This critical funding is also helping grow American manufacturing, including in my district in New Mexico. In fact, in September, Hota, an auto parts maker, announced that they are opening a factory in Santa Teresa that will support 350 new jobs building these parts for electric vehicles.

I am committed to growing the rural economies in my district, whether that is supporting new manufacturing jobs or establishing new charging hubs along I-10. This shows that we can work together in a bipartisan way and deliver for the American people and for our rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cheyenne Anderson, Isabel James, Pheladi MacDonald and their collaborators on the successful publication of their book, South Valley: The Poetry and Art of the South Valley. Their book is an inspirational reminder of young people's power to make positive change in their communities. I am grateful for the work they have done for the South Valley.

Cheyenne and Isabel are young activists with a history of contributions to the South Valley community. They have been involved with amazing local organizations such as La Plazita Institute and Crossroads for Women that work to break cycles of incarceration and celebrate indigenous culture in New Mexico. Their record of service at a young age is admirable.

Through their activism, Cheyenne and Isabel saw a need to change the unfortunate stereotypes about the South Valley and to create a positive depiction of their community for other young people. They collaborated with young poet Pheladi MacDonald, South Valley artist Bill Mohr, youth in the community, and poets Jimmy Santiago Baca, Luis Rodriguez and Mary Oliver to create a beautiful collection of art and poetry celebrating the South Valley. Their book depicts the unique heritage and thriving culture of the South Valley and will be an inspiration for future young community activists.

Since their book's publication, Cheyenne, Isabel and Pheladi have worked tirelessly to increase access to it throughout the state and their work has been featured on various news programs in New Mexico.

On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I applaud Cheyenne Anderson, Isabel James and Pheladi MacDonald on their commitment to serving their community and supporting their goal of increasing access to their book. Their work has improved the South Valley and inspired other youth to contribute positively to our region. I thank them for their service.

Mr. Speaker:

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud product of the Borderlands. I grew up on both sides of the border, my parents worked for the maquiladoras, and I still cross the border when I am back in my district because Las Cruces benefits from an interconnected community with El Paso and Juarez.

For years, I have seen the challenges that we face at the border with the humanitarian crisis and the influx of drugs. We are at a point where we need more resources to address these crises.

We need bipartisan solutions to address these issues, so I introduced a package of legislation that addresses security at our border and immigration reform. I am proud to share that my bills have been informed by the people of New Mexico, for the people of New Mexico.

We have waited for too long to address this issue, and we need to put partisan politics aside to deliver for all of our constituents.

Estoy aqui con todos ustedes hoy como un producto orgulloso de la frontera. Creci en ambos lados de los Estados Unidos y Mexico, mis padres trabajaron para las maquiladoras y todavia cruzo la frontera cuando regreso a mi distrito porque Las Cruces es una comunidad interconectada con El Paso y Cd. Juarez.

Durante los anos he visto los retos que enfrentamos en la frontera con una crisis humanitaria y el flujo de drogas a nuestro pais. Estamos en un punto importante en que necesitamos mas recursos para abordar estas crisis.

Necesitamos soluciones bipartidistas para solucionar estos problemas, por eso yo presente un paquete de legilacion que aborda la seguridad en nuestra frontera y la reforma migratoria. Estos proyectos de ley han sido informados por nuevos mexicanos, para nuevo Mexicanos, y he pasado los ultimos meses proponiendole al Caucus Hispano del Congreso, y al Caucus de Los Nuevos Democratas y hemos trabajado entre ambos partidos para encontrar soluciones a la crisis migratoria.

Hemos esperado demasiado para abordar este tema y debemos dejar de lado la politica partidista para cumplir con todos nuestros votantes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation and commemorate their 50th anniversary. Tierra del Sol has proudly been serving the needs of low-income families in my district since 1973 and has promoted economic and social empowerment through homeownership programs, employment training, and access to financial resources. Their work has helped ensure financial security for New Mexican families and build stable communities where all can thrive.

Throughout their 50 years of service, Tierra del Sol has instituted various programs to assist rural New Mexicans. From rural farm rental housing to supportive housing for the elderly to major subdivision developments, Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation has tirelessly worked towards their mission.

In recent years, Tierra del Sol has led the construction of single- family housing under their self-help housing program. That recent construction has allowed community members access to affordable housing and energy-efficient living, putting New Mexico well on the road to becoming a leader in clean energy practices. As we look to the future, I am confident that Tierra del Sol will continue to find innovative ways to reach out to New Mexicans, while promoting the health of our State more broadly.

On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I thank Tierra del Sol for their service to the people of New Mexico and congratulate them on celebrating 50 years of service. Their work has made our community stronger, safer, and more prosperous, and I am excited to see what they accomplish for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dona Ana Community College for its 50 years of exemplary service to the New Mexico community. DACC's commitment to education, community development and workforce training have opened doors to new opportunities for thousands of students.

DACC opened in 1973 as the Dona Ana County Occupational Education Branch. Since that time, the college has expanded to six campuses, training students in a wide variety of occupations that keep our communities moving. From public health workers to teachers, electrical lineworkers to firefighters, and chefs to welders, DACC graduates can be found performing essential jobs throughout southern New Mexico. Additionally, their adult education programs and high school partnerships ensure that age is not a barrier to higher learning.

DACC has been enriched by the service of its past presidents, including Dr. Alex Sanchez, Dr. Patricio Quintana, Dr. Donaciano Gonzalez, Dr. Andrew Burke, Dr. Margie Huerta, Dr. Renay Scott, and current president Dr. Monica Torres. On behalf of all who have benefitted from DACC's work, I thank these leaders for their vision and their commitment to educating our community.

DACC continues to look forward, with programs such as a new scholarship to support education towards renewable energy jobs. I believe that New Mexico should be a leader in building a clean energy economy, and I am grateful for the work of DACC and all of our educational institutions to build our future workforce.

As DACC commemorates its 50 year anniversary, I thank all who have worked for DACC for their service. They have ensured that education is available to all who seek it out for 50 years, and I wish them and their students the best going forward.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall No. 560 on H. Res. 559, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``nay'' when I should have voted ``yea''.