Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which I introduced with my colleague, Representative Espaillat of New York, last week. No one, no child in the classroom, no mother in a hospital, no family at a place of worship, should live in fear that an immigration raid should shatter their lives in the very spaces meant to protect them.

Under the prior established norms, we understood that schools and hospitals and places of worship were off limits to Federal agencies. Now, in my district and across the country, patients are skipping their appointments, fearful that they could be detained by ICE and separated from their families.

Churches are turning to virtual worship services so that they will not put their parishioners at risk, and teachers have been training to stop ICE from entering their schools, to protect children.

We cannot become a government that normalizes cruelty. This bill will ensure that the promise of safety in those places is enshrined in law.

In America, we do not weaponize fear. We protect our communities, and we do what is right.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Linda Sarate, who passed away on Monday, February 3.

From a young age, Linda displayed incredible strength and courage, being diagnosed with polio at just 1 year old.

Despite this, her determination allowed her to walk by her preteen years and, in addition, became a camp counselor. This was an experience where she served as a role model for young people, offering them a supportive environment in which to grow.

It is that same determination that guided Linda throughout her life. Linda went on to join the AmeriCorps program and earned a certification in bilingual medical terminology. She dedicated herself to her community by serving on the local school council and becoming a board member for two organizations.

One of Linda's proudest achievements was her activism on behalf of Little Village High School, where she was one of the parents and grandparents who staged a 19-day hunger strike demanding the construction of the school that had been promised to the community, but not funded or constructed.

Linda embodied the power of courage and resilience. Her life is a testament to what can be achieved when one is driven by strength and conviction. May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a fighter for human rights, Jose ``Cha Cha'' Jimenez who passed away on January 10 after a life dedicated to social justice.

Cha Cha, as he was fondly called, was the founder of the Young Lords, an organization created by Puerto Rican teens with the original purpose of providing a safe space in a changing Chicago.

Inspired by the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Puerto Rican leader Pedro Albizu Campos, Cha Cha transformed the Young Lords from a street organization into a social justice group to fight for equality and freedom beyond Chicago. The movement was rooted in the self-determination of Puerto Ricans on the island and the mainland.

They organized actions against gentrification and displacement of Puerto Ricans in Lincoln Park, Chicago. They fought against police brutality and brought much needed basic services like education, childcare, and health services to our neighborhoods.

Cha Cha understood that the Latino and Black communities were facing similar struggles and forged an alliance with the Black Panthers to help underserved, low-income communities. Soon after, they partnered with a group of White, low-income residents called the Young Patriots, establishing Chicago's Rainbow Coalition.

Cha Cha's leadership united people of all backgrounds to fight collectively for a better future, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

May he rest in power.

Honoring the Village of Riverside, Illinois

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the village of Riverside, Illinois, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Originally called Aux Plains, this charming village is known for its peaceful riverbanks and scenic forested areas.

On August 8, 1875, Riverside elected its first village president and trustees. Over the decades, it has become a thriving community, earning the title of: ``Village in the Forest.''

With its expansive green parkways, iconic gaslit street lanterns, and curvilinear streets, the village's charm is matched by its distinction as a national historic landmark, a title that it has proudly held since 1970 in part thanks to the numerous home designs by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Olmsted & Vaux, Jenney, Sullivan, and Drummond.

We congratulate Riverside on this incredible milestone and look forward to celebrating all year long.

Honoring the Life of Juan Soliz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Juan Soliz who passed away in December of 2024. Juan was a public servant, educator, attorney, and an advocate for immigrants and indigenous peoples.

He served our community with passion and dedication. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, Juan's hard work took him to college and later law school in Washington State. He moved to Chicago in 1978 to join the Legal Assistance Foundation and never stopped working for the rights of immigrants and for immigration reform.

My friend, Juan, was the first Mexican American elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1984. In 1987, he became the first Mexican American to represent Chicago's 25th Ward as alderman. He uplifted voter rights and brought Latino representation to Chicago's southwest side, and for that he will be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the president of the Village of Hinsdale, Illinois, Thomas Cauley, Jr., who will be retiring at the end of this year.

President Cauley is currently serving his fourth term, and he previously served on the Village of Hinsdale's board for 2 years.

He is a graduate of the University of Illinois' College of Law. As a lawyer, he has had a successful career representing numerous entities and is now head of his own law firm.

As president of Hinsdale, he has played an essential role in ensuring its residents have a local government connected to the community and responsive to resident needs.

Mr. Speaker, I thank President Cauley for the critical work he has done to transform lives and honorably represent the Village of Hinsdale.

Honoring the Life of David C. Perry

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I lost a friend, mentor, and man who cared about making Chicago and Chicagoland a better, more livable location, Dr. David C. Perry.

David was an urban planner who spent the last 12 years of his life leading the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois- Chicago and bridging the gap across academia, community, and practice.

When I enrolled in the master's in urban planning program at UIC, Professor Perry was one of my favorites. His belief in involving and informing communities to help address the problems they faced had an important impact on my professional development, and it is a concept I have consistently practiced as an elected official.

Professor Perry was a prolific writer who addressed topics such as economic development, race, politics, urban violence, and public infrastructure in American cities.

Professor Perry will be sorely missed. My wife and I are thinking about his wife, Judy, his children, and his grandchildren during this difficult time.

Honoring the Life of Fred Lee Adams

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a great friend and community activist, Fred Lee Adams, who passed away on November 24.

Fred was born in segregated Mississippi in 1934 and later moved to Chicago. Having experienced the worst of Jim Crow growing up, Fred became an organizer looking to improve the conditions of his community in Chicago.

He became part of the Corkery Elementary School's Men's Club, a group of mentors who organized sports teams in the school in my neighborhood of Little Village in North Lawndale.

In 1982, Fred joined my friend and community leader Rudy Lozano and me as a member of the 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization, and he remained one of its core members. The following year, together, we worked to elect the first Black mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington.

Fred continued working to help elect Presidents, mayors, Governors, State senators, aldermen, and Congressmen until his death.

I believe some of the strongest brotherhoods are forged in the heat of fighting for our communities and in the struggle for social justice.

Fred L. Adams was my brother, and he will live in my memory forever.

Honoring Pace's 40th Anniversary

Mr. Speaker, today, I celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pace, the public transportation agency that provides bus and paratransit services in the Chicago metro area. For many in the suburbs, it is the only mode of transportation.

For four decades, Pace has been a vital part of our public transportation network in the region, offering safe and efficient services that connect communities, reduce traffic, and promote environmental sustainability.

As ridership surges to its highest levels since the pandemic, reaching more than 2 million riders in October, Pace is expanding service hours and frequency in Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties.

As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cofounder of the Future of Transportation Caucus, I believe that riders have the right to affordable and environmentally responsible transit options like Pace to get to their jobs, schools, and homes.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to Pace's future innovations, improvements, and expansion of services, and I congratulate them on their 40th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, 2024 has been a year of celebration for the people of Clarendon Hills in my district as they commemorate their centennial.

Known as the volunteer village, the founders of Clarendon Hills were some of the most independent, hardworking individuals. From its very beginning, the Clarendon Hills community recognized the importance of local governance, coming together to elect their first board of trustees and establish their first neighborhood, businesses, churches, and schools.

Although a lot has changed over the past 100 years, the spirit of independence and hard work that first defined the people of Clarendon Hills still lives today. It is a village that I am proud to represent.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Clarendon Hills on their 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Metra on its 40th anniversary. Since it first began operations 40 years ago, Metra has been essential--a bedrock transportation service for the Chicago metropolitan area, connecting commuters to their homes, jobs, and other critical destinations throughout the region.

Without Metra's commuter rail network, our communities would be more isolated, our economy less innovative, and our region a less vibrant place to start a business and raise a family. I am honored to represent the communities of Illinois' 4th Congressional District, a district served by no fewer than three Metra lines: the BNSF line, the Union Pacific West line, and the Heritage Corridor.

Metra's future looks bright. However, sustaining Metra as a vital resource for our communities is an undertaking that is only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many Metra employees. To this end, we must commit to increasing federal investment in our commuter rail networks as a critical component to securing Metra's future and that of public transportation in the Chicago region.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other landmark legislation enacted under the Biden Administration have supported the beginning of a new chapter for Metra, and I look forward to continuing to partner closely with Metra as its vital work continues in the years to come.

I am proud to champion Metra's efforts to improve and strengthen its infrastructure and its service to its customers by continuing to focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and innovation. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, I say thank you, Metra.

Mr. Speaker, this Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise to celebrate the iconic landmark in my district, the ``Little Village Arch,'' ``el Arco de La Villita.''

Since 1990, the arch has become the gateway to the largest Mexican community in the Midwest. It is a symbol of economic, cultural, and social contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the city and the region. It is a reminder to younger generations to be proud of their roots.

The arch is located on West 26th Street, a commercial corridor which is also the second highest revenue generator in Chicago, with businesses predominantly owned by Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants.

As an alderman in 1987, I had the vision of a marker that would celebrate the growing Mexican population in the city and foster community pride. I wanted a monument modeled after Mexican architecture, something that would make 26th Street stand out.

I got to work and secured the funds with the support of numerous community members, small business owners, and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, and together we began the process to make this dream come true.

The design was commissioned to architect Adrian Lozano, also an immigrant from Mexico, and the contractors who helped build it were Ron Baltierra and Dave Ramirez, both Vietnam veterans. All of them poured their hearts and souls into the design and construction of the arch.

The Little Village Arch has become the heart of the Mexican community in the Midwest. People come from all over the U.S. to visit it. The annual Mexican Independence Day Parade that just celebrated its 53rd year kicks off from the arch.

Two years ago the city council officially approved the landmark status for the arch, thus beginning the much-needed restoration process. I am proud to say that the clock that hangs on the arch, a gift from the Mexican Government, was successfully restored by the original makers, Relojes Centenario, the oldest clockmakers in Mexico.

It is an honor and pride to be part of the origin story of the arch. Mr. Speaker, when you come to my neighborhood, I will take you to the arch and say: ``Welcome to the Little Village,'' ``Bienvenidos a La Villita.''

Honoring Benito Morales

Mr. Speaker, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we often talk about our cultural and economic contributions, but we cannot forget that Latinos have served our country in every war since the Revolutionary War.

Today, I rise to honor the contributions and patriotism of one of those heroes: Benito Morales.

Benito was born in a small town in Texas during the Great Depression. He attended segregated schools, where he and his brother constantly faced discrimination.

Benito had to start working after finishing the fourth grade. Later, his family moved to Chicago looking for better opportunities. By the time he was 19 years old, Benito was called to service at the height of World War II. He served our country, fighting across France and into Germany.

During the crossing of the Ludendorff Bridge across the Rhine River on March 8, 1945, an enemy artillery shell burst directly in front of the vehicle in which Private Morales was riding.

With complete disregard for his personal safety, he assisted in the evacuation of 11 American soldiers to the nearest station. His heroism earned him the Bronze Star Medal, but it took 75 years and the advocacy of his fellow veterans for the Army to add V for valor to his medal.

In 2016, Benito was awarded the French Government's Legion of Honor Medal by the French Consul General, for which I had the honor to be present. Benito is currently a member of The American Legion Manuel Perez, Jr., Post 1017 in Chicago.

He is now 101 years old, and his life is a perfect example of the contributions that the Latino community has made to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Benito for his bravery and continued service to our country and community.

Honoring Sylvia Puente

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and community leader, Sylvia Puente, who has served for nearly 18 years as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum and will step down at the end of this year.

Sylvia is a public policy expert whose activism began at the age of 13, walking the picket line with her mom in support of farmworkers. She has spent her career advocating for justice, equity, and economic prosperity.

Sylvia's last name, Puente, means ``bridge'' in Spanish and translates into her own personal mission statement, which is to build bridges of understanding and opportunity within and between the Latino community and the larger society.

Mr. Speaker, we wish her Godspeed in her new endeavors as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sones de Mexico Ensemble, a nonprofit organization founded in the community of Pilsen. They are focused on promoting a greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture.

Sones de Mexico Ensemble has been nominated twice for a Grammy award because of their world-class performances and their contributions to the recording industry. The group has also collaborated with Irish, blues, classical, jazz, country and western, and rock artists, helping expand the reach and understanding of Mexican music.

In 2014, with the objective of giving back to the community, Sones de Mexico Ensemble opened a Mexican Music School with an impressive Spanish language curriculum for children and adults that has now expanded to serve over 150 sites all over Chicagoland.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have such talented artists in my district, and I cannot wait to hear and see where they go next.

Mr. Chair, today, I rise to express my profound concerns about the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act and its potential ramifications for cities like Chicago, which I proudly represent.

As the Nation's first sanctuary city, Chicago is a shining example of what it means to be a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We are committed to the principles of inclusion, safety, and justice for all its residents, regardless of immigration status.

As a welcoming city and State, our policies are designed to build trust between our immigrant communities and local law enforcement, ensuring that everyone feels safe to report crimes and seek assistance without fear of deportation.

The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act threatens to undermine these efforts by withholding essential Federal funds from cities that uphold such priorities. The bill proposes to penalize cities like Chicago, counties like Cook County, and States like Illinois by cutting off essential resources that support public safety, community service, education, and transportation.

Let me be clear: This legislation not only affects the bureaucratic operations of our city and State government, it would also deeply impact the daily lives of our own families and neighbors.

Federal grants play a vital role in equipping emergency response services and our law enforcement with the resources that they need to keep our communities safe. This bill would cut these funds, compromising our ability to effectively protect our communities and maintain our public safety.

Similarly, many of our community programs, which provide critical support to our most vulnerable populations, are also funded by Federal grants. Losing this funding will mean significantly reduced support for after-school programs, fewer resources for schools and healthcare services, and less assistance for families facing economic hardship. It would decimate the Federal dollars used to maintain and improve our city's transportation infrastructure, from roads to public transportation to clean water access.

The Federal dollars threatened by this bill are essential for our economic growth and for the quality of life of all residents.

The message of this bill is clear: If a city chooses to embrace the immigrant communities and prioritize their safety and well-being, it will be punished. This is not only unjust but counterproductive.

Our Nation's strength lies in its diversity, and our cities' efforts to protect and support all residents should be applauded, not penalized.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to values that unite us rather than divide us. Let us support policies that uplift all of our communities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, this week we find ourselves confronted with a series of bills brought by our Republican colleagues that are not only misguided but also villainize immigrant communities.

These proposals attempt to further criminalize those who are seeking a better life and threaten to withhold essential Federal funds from cities like Chicago that have policies designed to support the inclusion, safety, and justice of all regardless of immigration status.

Victims of domestic violence will be even more fearful of coming forward if they fear being reported to immigration authorities.

Let me be clear: Our immigration system is broken, and simply doubling down on punitive measures will not solve the problem. We need comprehensive solutions that recognize the humanity of those seeking refuge and opportunity in this great Nation.

Instead of fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, these bills promote fear and division.

That brings me to a crucial piece of legislation that deserves our immediate attention, the Dream and Promise Act. This bill is a beacon of hope for Dreamers and those with temporary protective status, providing them with a pathway to citizenship.

These young people, many of whom have known no other country but ours, are an integral part of our communities and our economy. They are students, teachers, healthcare workers, and leaders who contribute to our Nation's prosperity. It is time that we acknowledge their contributions and ensure that they can live without fear of deportation.

By prioritizing the Dream and Promise Act, we can send a clear message that we value the lives and aspirations of those who call America home.

I urge my colleagues to reject harmful immigration bills on the floor this week and instead join me in championing the Dream and Promise Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate Morton College, the second oldest community college in Illinois, on its 100th anniversary.

Located in Cicero, Illinois, since 1973, Morton College is the pride of the community. The campus has an award-winning library, a student success center, and facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology for the more than 3,500 students enrolled in it.

As a Hispanic-serving institution, Morton has remained true to its mission of enhancing the quality of life of a diverse community through exemplary teaching and learning opportunities, community service, and lifelong learning.

I am honored to have an exemplary institution in my district, and I congratulate the Morton College community. Here is to the next 100 years.

Honoring Jorge Ramos

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the legendary journalist, Jorge Ramos, as he steps down after 40 remarkable years at Univision.

Jorge has been a beacon of truth and integrity, a voice for the voiceless, and a relentless advocate for justice for the Latino community.

In a world often dominated by sensationalism, he stood as a pillar of credibility, amplifying stories that might otherwise remain unheard. From covering the struggles of immigrants to challenging those in power, Jorge's work has illuminated issues that many in the media choose to ignore.

His legacy is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth.

``Thank you, Jorge, for being a voice dedicated to justice and for keeping our community informed.'' ``Gracias, Jorge, por ser una voz dedicada a la justicia y por mantener informada a nuestra comunidad.''

Mr. Speaker, on Disability Pride Month, I rise to celebrate Access Living -Cambiando Vidas, on their 15th anniversary serving Latinos with disabilities in Chicago.

Cambiando Vidas provides a space for Latinos and immigrants with disabilities to build community, organize, and create equitable change through advocacy.

Their commitment to change lives by ensuring respect and dignity of all is invaluable. Each step they have taken and each barrier they have overcome has paved the way for a more inclusive society.

Congratulations to Cambiando Vidas on 15 years of remarkable accomplishments. Here's to many more years of making a difference and transforming lives.

Congratulations. Felicidades.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of The Rose Town, the village of Berkeley, Illinois.

From its origins as a town of German and Dutch farmers with a population just under 800 residents, Berkeley has become a residential town with transportation corridors that give easy access to the metropolitan region.

Although nestled between two interstates and home to a major railroad and commuter train, Berkeley has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere.

One hundred years later, with a population of just over 5,000, Berkeley's streets are lined with residential homes, green spaces, and a bike path, reflecting a community that values its past while embracing progress and diversity.

Here is to the next 100 years, Berkeley.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in celebration of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community and to raise awareness on National HIV Testing Day.

Queer, Latino, and Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and continue to make up the majority of newly diagnosed people compared to their White counterparts.

For many, this disparity is compounded by obstacles like poor transportation access, language barriers, racial discrimination in healthcare, lack of family support, and the fears of deportation if they seek treatment, to name a few.

Make no mistake, comprehensive and inclusive care is a matter of life and death for our communities. While we celebrate the resilience and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud to join my Democratic colleagues in opposition to Republican attempts to gut funding for lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs and in solidarity with organizers fighting for a pro-equality agenda across America.

Madam Speaker, during Immigrant Heritage Month, I want to honor my constituent, Chef Ambrocio Gonzalez. Chef Ambrocio and his family moved to Chicago over 20 years ago when he was 16 years old.

At a young age, he found cooking was his passion and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. After graduating, he worked on gaining more experience in the food and beverage industry, but he had a dream. Chef Ambrocio wanted to open his own restaurant.

He worked hard and, in 2011, opened La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant in my neighborhood of Little Village, which is so popular that there is always a long line of people waiting to get in.

Fast forward to 2024, and Chef Ambrocio now owns four restaurants throughout Chicagoland and has been named one of Chicago's 40 under 40 by a local business magazine.

Chef Ambrocio is the embodiment of what immigrants bring to this country: hard work, ambition, and ``desire,'' ``ganas.''