Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I seek to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3093.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of one of my constituents, an Anaheim resident, Specialist Daniel Delgado Torres, who suddenly passed away on February 16 in an automobile accident.

The son of immigrants, I recently had the opportunity to meet with his mother and father, who told me a story. They said from the early days that they could remember, Daniel dreamed of being an American soldier. In 2016, he had the opportunity when he joined the United States Army, and he became the first of his family to join the military.

He was deployed to Afghanistan and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for helping save the lives of seven of his fellow soldiers.

Daniel was just 22 when he passed away. He is survived by his parents, Teresa and Aurielo; his sister, Yasiry; his girlfriend, Noelia; and their young son, Joaquin.

Madam Speaker, I thank Daniel for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Katko for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is simply about the truth. It is about the truth behind the assault on our Capitol on January 6. Enough with lies. Enough with conspiracy theories. The January 6 commission will have the power, power to find the truth. It will have subpoena power to compel people to testify, to testify under oath under penalty of perjury.

An attack on our Capitol, an attack on our democracy, an attack on the election of our President--these cannot be tolerated, and they cannot happen again.

What happened? What happened January 6? This bill is about sunshine, this bill is about transparency. That is why I ask for every Member on this floor, I ask you to vote ``aye'' on this most important measure.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to reform the way the Department of Homeland Security procures uniforms and protective equipment for its personnel. The aim is to improve the quality of uniforms and equipment issued to Department frontline personnel by encouraging the procurement of domestically sourced uniform items.

Today, OHS has tens of thousands of uniformed officers, but not all of those uniforms are made here in the United States. Under this legislation, at least a third of OHS funds spent on uniforms are to be used to purchase goods manufactured by American small businesses.

Madam Speaker, my bill is good for homeland security, and it is good for small American businesses.

Additionally, in response to concerns expressed by frontline personnel about how quickly they exhaust their annual uniform allowances, my bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to take a hard look at the adequacy of the allowances. In studying the issue, the Secretary is required to determine what improvements can be made to the current allowances and what impacts the current allowances have had on employee morale and retention

Madam Speaker, I have met with multiple veterans in my congressional district who attest to the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis in managing their pain.

According to the American Legion, a significant number of veterans across the country--not just in my district--are currently using medical cannabis as an alternative treatment. With so many veterans using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, it is important that physicians have the information and research necessary to fully advice on the potential impacts of medical cannabis usage on post-traumatic stress and chronic pain. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is uniquely positioned to pursue that vital research.

To that end, I am introducing the bipartisan VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, which requires VA to conduct clinical research on the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis, in varying forms and delivery methods, for treating veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with chronic pain. The legislation requires VA to submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation of this bill for five years. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act is a pragmatic and sensible approach to the need for additional research and could potentially save veterans' lives.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, in 2017, there were more than 47,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened an already serious problem.

Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.

For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and universities also offer mental health resources on campus.

To raise awareness of these available resources, the bill simply requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is available on their website.

Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.

Madam Speaker, April 30 we will commemorate the 46th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon. On this day we are reminded of the pain of losing your homeland and the sacrifices made in the search for freedom from tyranny.

When Saigon fell in 1975, thousands of families were forced to flee their home or be brutalized in reeducation camps. Today, the refugees of Vietnam are proud Americans who are a very important part of our community and our country.

The United States must always be a beacon of hope to those without hope. We must continue to stand up for human rights and religious freedom around the world.

Madam Speaker, when the President first announced his Muslim ban, I immediately went to LAX. I went because constituents were telling me that they couldn't get their relatives into the U.S. Individuals who were traveling to the U.S. that had been approved by the U.S. State Department could not enter the U.S. I saw people who thought they were here for a regular, routine visit approved by the U.S. Government denied--denied on a whim.

This bill is simply about making sure that no future President--Obama or Trump--will ever be able to deny entry into the U.S. based on religion or race. That is what the bill is. It is not about any specific President. It is about doing the right thing in America.

Mr. Speaker, the SAFE Banking Act can be summarized in three basic points. First of all, this measure does not legalize anything at the State level. Today, 47 States, four U.S. territories, and D.C., representing 98 percent of the U.S. population, have legalized cannabis in one form or another.

Second, this is essentially a States' rights issue. This measure essentially says that when a State legalizes cannabis, the Federal Government will respect that decision when it comes to banking.

Finally, this measure is essentially about helping our local police officers back home do their job safely and effectively. We already give our local police officers the impossible job of taking care of the homeless and the mentally ill, and now we are asking our police officers to protect the legalized cannabis industry, a cash business, from those criminals that would prey upon them. This just doesn't make sense.

Today, because of Federal law, the cannabis industry can only operate on a cash basis. They pay their Federal, State, and local taxes with cash. Let me repeat. Today, the cannabis industry pays their Federal taxes with cash. They pay their employees with cash. They pay their rent with cash, and they pay their bills with cash. This is no way to keep our streets safe.

Let's help our local police officers keep our communities safe. Let's get the cash out of the cannabis industry, and let's pass H.R. 1996.

Madam Speaker, one in six women in the United States is a Latina. There are currently nearly twenty-nine million Hispanic women living in the United States. Latinas have been part of our nation's fabric from the start. They contribute to our nation through their work in business, education, science and technology, medicine, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, the military, agriculture, hospitality, and public service at every level of the government. Latinas have served as essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have kept the economy going and the people of the United States safe. Many have overcome a unique set of challenges and have paved their own paths to success. During National Women's History Month, I want to honor the millions of Latinas who have contributed to our nation.

Therefore, I am reintroducing a resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. This resolution will recognize their contributions to American society and further celebrates those who have inspired the next generation.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Let me just bring back the issue at hand, which is our Dreamers. Dreamers are taxpayers. They obey the law. They work. They go to school. They are firefighters. They are police officers. They are nurses. Dreamers are Jose Angel Garibay.

This man from my district made the ultimate sacrifice for this United States, his adopted country. Orange County's first Iraqi war death, Jose Angel Garibay was killed in action on March 23, 2003.

At the age of 21, Jose became Orange County's first combat casualty in Iraq. Jose Angel Garibay did the right thing. He sacrificed his life for his country.

Let us do the right thing and pass this legislation to honor Dreamers.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise with Congresswoman Roybal- Allard on behalf of California Latinas and the work of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) during ``Women's History Month.''

Latina entrepreneurs are a key economic engine for the state, generating $19 billion in revenues and employing over 86,000 individuals in California. Latina-owned businesses fill gaps and serve community needs that other business owners have been unwilling or unable to meet. Their ability to provide culturally relevant services gives them a competitive edge in meeting the demands of a Latinx market with a purchasing power of $1.7 trillion.

Latinas are being elected to public office and appointed to powerful positions. HOPE alumnae serve on the City Councils of California's largest cities: Los Angeles, Fresno, and Riverside. To date 220 have been appointed to serve on over 400 state and local government positions and 400 have served on over 1,200 non-profit boards.

We celebrate contemporary Latinas who continue to build upon the foundation of our ancestors for the betterment of future generations. We challenge each other through HOPE to ensure that Latinas achieve political and economic parity to benefit all communities and the status of all women.

Please join me in celebrating March 12, 2021 as the 30th Annual Latina History Day and, in congratulating Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, HOPE, for their service to the Latinas of this great nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of WWII Veteran Kenneth Conrad Cooper, who served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1981. After a full military career, Navy Captain Cooper retired as an Air Wing Commander.

Born March 12, 1921, to Clarence and Ruby Cooper, Ken was raised in Pomona, the western anchor of California's citrus-growing region known as the ``Queen of the Citrus Belt.''

Ken was part of the Orange Empire legacy, having been born and raised on a citrus ranch. He grew up working in the groves and well remembers the sweet scent of citrus blossoms and the sooty smoke of the smudge pots that were lit to save the orange trees from frost.

With a mother who was a public school teacher, and later a principal, Ken was a good student who followed in his mother's footsteps to become a lifelong educator.

Ken remained in the Pomona area to attend Chaffee and La Verne colleges. While in college his love of flying took wing and he earned his pilot's license and became an instructor. Then WWII happened.

With his civilian flight instructor background and the urgency of the war at hand, he joined the United States Navy and immediately began training young pilots. A short time after his entrance into the service, he began flying the large DC-6 and DC-7 transport planes.

It was during these tumultuous times that he met a Navy nurse, Shirley, who became his wife. At the end of the war, he and Shirley settled back in the Orange Empire.

Ken became an elementary school teacher. During his many years in education, he advanced from classroom teacher to principal of both elementary and junior high schools. At the end of his career, he was assistant superintendent of the same school district he attended as a child.

These were busy years for Ken. Along with raising a family of three children with Shirley, while moving up the ladder in education, he also was chairman of the Pomona Planning Commission, president of the local Kiwanis Club, and president of the Pomona Teachers Association.

He maintained his passion for flying by participating as a Navy Reserves ``weekend warrior.'' While doing all of this, he earned a Master's degree at Pomona College and attended the Naval War College, thereby continuing his military advancement.

In retirement, his drive did not diminish. He and Shirley maintained additional homes in both Mexico and Palm Springs, where he pursued his passion for golf. It was also during this time that he and his wife did a great deal of traveling, mostly on cruises. This wanderlust took them all over the world, from Asia, Alaska, Europe, South and North America, and the Caribbean, to name a few.

Later they moved to Walnut Village in Anaheim, where Ken participates in veterans celebrations in full uniform.

Please rise with me to salute this good man who has devoted his life to family, community and country. Happy 100th with many more birthdays to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Laura Martinez, a public servant who has spent a lifetime helping her community, most recently as the Constituent Services Director for the Office of Congressman Luis Correa in Orange County, California.

Over her 30-year career in public service, Ms. Martinez has literally helped thousands of individuals and families resolve issues with local, state and federal agencies. Ms. Martinez devoted 20-years of her public service career with the Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

Throughout her years of service, Ms. Martinez developed relationships with liaisons representing Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, Immigration and Customs, and other entities.

By using her expertise in navigating the complicated immigration system and overcoming bureaucratic roadblocks, she was able to reunite families during emergencies, obtaining citizenships, visas, and much more.

Born in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, Ms. Martinez grew up witnessing many acts of racial injustice. Her dream and lifelong mission was to help those who did not have the capability to help themselves due to living in poverty, being a minority, and living in other challenging conditions.

She brought heartfelt passion to her work that included positions with such non-profits as the renowned City of Hope and The East Los Angeles Community Union, which helps empower communities and revitalize neighborhoods.

As a breast cancer survivor, along with her mother, she is a decades long participant in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Her team, Laura's Lifeline, has raised thousands of dollars to battle cancer.

Another passion was working with Latino Advocates for Education, an organization that pays tribute to WWII veterans. Her uncles were all veterans who served in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars. She was the only girl in a family of six boys, several of whom served in law enforcement.

Ms. Martinez was honored for her work with veterans by being invited to witness the unveiling of the WWII Memorial in our nation's capital.

Ms. Martinez also has a background in real estate and is still licensed with the State of California. She has dedicated her time for her community service as an usher with the La Mirada Performing Arts Center. In her retirement, she will be providing care for her extended family and traveling.

Please join me in wishing this good and faithful public servant a well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of serving others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Ann Martinez, wife of Marine Corps Veteran SSGT Jose Martinez, and an avid volunteer to the American Legion Post 132. Carol passed away on January 29, 2021, during an emergency heart surgery.

Carol was born on March 6, 1960, and raised in Santa Ana, CA. She was a graduate of Santa Ana High School and worked for the Santa Ana Police Department early on in her career.

Being a proud military wife was a highlight for her. She was an Auxiliary member and was involved with the American Legion Post 132 alongside her husband. She assisted with the children and youth activities for the post and district levels. As well as being a historian for the post, she took pictures and documented activities. Carol also started events such as the ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Dinner'' and the ``Welcome Home Korean War Veterans Dinner''.

She assisted with a multitude of functions and fundraisers outside of the Legion as well like the Relay for Life. The Relay for Life was near and dear to her heart from losing so many family members to cancer.

Carol was incredibly giving, and losing her to heart complications affected so many people. We will all love her, miss her and remember her every single day.

She was laid to rest on February 22, 2021, at Riverside National Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband, her daughter Jessica and her grandsons Aaron, Evan, Jayden and Roman.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Carol Ann Martinez. May her memory live on with her loved ones.