Floor Statements

I want to recognize my colleagues, Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Gonzalez, for organizing this special order hour.

The United States is the land of opportunity, and it functions on the premise that every American citizen has natural given rights outlined in our Constitution.

Maybe the most important of these rights is the right to make our voices heard in the voting booth.

Unfortunately, some states in our great nation have passed laws that actively work to suppress this sacred right.

The Republican leadership in Wisconsin, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have all passed measures that drastically change Voter-ID requirements.

In Wisconsin--elderly and disabled voters will no longer be able to use their Social Security identification to vote.

In Texas--student IDs will no longer be recognized at the polls.

These types of measures have the potential to impact 5 million voters in the United States.

Those impacted are most likely to be the youth, minority, elderly, disabled, and low-income voters.

Some claim that the reason for such measures is to combat ``voter fraud.'' But there is absolutely no evidence to prove this theory true.

Since October 2002--86 individuals have been convicted of federal crimes relating to election fraud, while over 196 million ballots have been cast in federal general elections.

Voter fraud is exceedingly rare, and when it does happen, it's doesn't occur at the polls through impersonation.

It happens through misinformation about polling locations, voter roll purges, or even ballot stuffing and electronic voting system manipulation.

There are 21 million Americans who do not have government-issued photo identification. They do not deserve to have their rights stripped away from them.

This number includes 18 percent of the elderly, 16 percent of Latinos, 25 percent of African American, 20 percent of young people, and 15 percent of people who earn under $35,000 yearly.

These misguided laws clearly create a disproportionate burden on racial minorities, seniors, young people, and low-wage workers.

The fees to obtain an ID can range from $20 to $100, and the costs of getting the required paperwork such as birth certificates, passports or naturalization papers can be costlier.

Many foreign-born Americans--who are legally allowed to vote--lack papers such as birth certificates required to obtain a driver's license or state ID.

These laws go against the fundamental foundations of our democracy.

They are unconstitutional and violate a citizen's right to voice their opinion through the form of a ballot.

Every citizen should easily be able to have their say in an election.

These laws are voter suppression--plan and simple--and we will no longer stand for it.

Many compare these laws to the poll taxes adopted by Southern states to discourage African-Americans from voting after the Civil War.

Have we really reverted back to this mentality?

We've made so much progress as a nation of equality for all, but these laws are making us take a step backwards.

Simply put, this is a threat to our democratic process.

Our right to vote should not be determined by any political agenda.

Many countries around the world do not have the universal right to vote as we have here.

Americans are able to speak freely, and write about their issues or concerns without fear of being reprimanded.

Politically, they voice their opinions through the vote, and stripping or limiting that natural born right is in complete violation of how I can be here today.

It is an infringement on our democracy.

I know that if we come together--we can and will do better than this.

Again--I thank Whip Hoyer and CHC Chairman Gonzalez for organizing this special order.

Madam Speaker, the poverty rate in California and the Inland Empire has risen from 11 percent to 17 percent. My constituents are hurting and it's time for Congress to live up to its responsibility.

But in the 45 weeks since the Republicans took control of the House, they have failed to pass a single bill that creates jobs for the American people. The American Jobs Act contains bipartisan ideas, keeps our teachers, firefighters and cops on the jobs, provides tax cuts to help small businesses grow and hire more workers, helps to rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges and airports, puts more of our veterans who are returning troops back to work.

This is a balanced approach to help fix the American jobs crisis. It's long past overdue. We need to bring it up for a vote. The 14 million Americans looking for a job can't wait any longer. They need a job.

Let's act now. Let's pass the Jobs Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of H.R. 3004, to designate a United States Post Office in Yountville, California as the ``Private First Class Alejandro R. Ruiz Post Office Building.''

Pfc. Ruiz was a former United States Army soldier who served our nation honorably between 1944 to 1964.

He received the Medal of Honor on June 26, 1946 for his actions in the Battle of Okinawa in the Ryukyu Islands during World War II.

President Harry S. Truman presented Pfc. Ruiz with the highest military decoration the United States has to offer.

Pfc. Ruiz's unit was stopped by a camouflaged enemy pillbox where these soldiers encountered machinegun fire and grenade attacks.

Pfc. Ruiz was able to destroy the pillbox under heavy fire and save the lives of many comrades.

He faced overwhelming odds and not only served his unit bravely, but also served his country admirably.

As a Member of Congress, and a veteran, I am proud to stand here before you because of the efforts of Pfc. Ruiz, and soldiers like him.

Mr. Speaker, across the country, 14 million Americans, I state, 14 million Americans are looking for work. And yet there are no jobs that have been created, and the Republicans still don't have a jobs plan.

In my congressional district in San Bernardino County, the unemployment rate is 17 percent. People throughout our country are hurting. They're hurting. They can't wait any longer for Congress to do the job. We must bring the American Jobs Act for a vote. It will provide an opportunity to put people to work.

It contains bipartisan ideas. It puts our teachers, firefighters, first responders, and cops back to work. It provide tax cuts that will help small businesses create new jobs. It puts our veterans and returning troops back to work with a tax credit and provides an immediate boost to our economy.

Republicans have supported all of these ideas in the past. It's time they support them again. We must work together and pass the American Jobs Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to a beloved friend and community member and a longtime resident of Rialto, Carmen Haro Galvan. Carmen passed away September 7, 2011 at the age of 79. A memorial mass and a burial service were held on September 15, 2011. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Carmen was born to Demetri Haro and Ruth Valdivia. She was born and raised in Ontario, California, and was the eldest of twelve siblings. From an early age Carmen was known for her grace, beauty, and capacity to love.

She married David Galvan in 1953. They settled and raised a family in Rialto. The Galvans lived in the city for fifty years and were active members of St. Catherine's Church.

Both Carmen and David shared a love for music. They enjoyed singing and dancing together--the two frequented Rainbow Gardens, a dance hall in Pomona, and even competed in dancing competitions in Los Angeles.

Their daughter, Debby Galvan, remembers that they danced like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, moving like butterflies on the floor. The two loved music, loved their family, and loved each other.

It was obvious how deeply the couple loved each other. Debby says, ``They lived and breathed each other.'' David could often be overheard singing 'Muchacha Bonita' to Carmen. The couple had three children, Debby, Jeff, and Randy, and seven beloved grandchildren. Carmen will always be remembered for her big heart and love for her family and friends.

May we all be so lucky to live a life full of love. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Carmen's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a cherished community member, Carmen Galvan.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H.R. 1904, a bill that would authorize a land exchange in the state of Arizona.

The lands impacted by this legislation contain many sites that are sacred to our Nation's first peoples.

We in Congress have a responsibility to protect the rights of our tribes to conduct religious ceremonies, and use their sacred sites. Unfortunately, H.R. 1904 disregards this obligation.

Previously, Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, NAGPRA, to protect the sacred sites of tribes. H.R. 1904 is a direct violation of the rights afforded to tribes by NAGPRA.

Both Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon worked to ensure the lands in question were protected and available for tribes to worship. H.R. 1904 would reverse these past efforts.

To make matters worse, the legislation does not give the land in question to an American-based company that would reinvest its profits here in the United States.

Instead H.R. 1904 gives control of the land to foreign owned mining corporations.

I urge my colleagues to ensure the religious rights of our Nation's first peoples are respected in the Southwest, and vote no on H.R. 1904.

Mr. Speaker, it's been 294 days since the Republicans took control of the House. The party of no still refuses to put forward a clear jobs plan. They have put politics ahead of what is right for the American people.

Unemployment is near 17 percent in my district, one of the highest rates of foreclosure in the country. The American people in my district are hurting, and throughout the country.

Yet, instead of acting on a bold plan to create new jobs, Republicans have decided to protect tax cuts for millionaires and companies that ship jobs overseas. Now the Republicans in the Senate have said ``no'' to the American Jobs Act, even though it includes the same proposals that they have supported in the past.

And the Republican leaders in the Senate just called the proposal to help teachers, firefighters, and police officers stay on the job a ``bailout.'' These public servants educate, and I state, educate our children and keep our streets safe. They deserve our support. They don't deserve more gridlock in Congress.

We can't wait. Let's pass the American Jobs Act now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 2447, to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines.

I want to thank my colleague from Florida, Ms. Brown, for sponsoring this bill and recognizing the efforts of true heroes who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.

In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt established a presidential directive allowing African Americans to be recruited by the Marine Corps.

These men were not trained at Parris Island or San Diego, but instead were segregated to Montford Point, near Camp Lejeune, NC.

Between 1942 and 1949, approximately 20,000 men received their basic training at Montford Point.

The original intent of the directive was to discharge all of these men after the conclusion of World War II. But after being able to display their commitment and courage, it became obvious that these African American Marines were just as capable as all other Marines regardless of race, color, and creed.

And to this day, hundreds of thousands of minorities make these same commitment and sacrifices for our country in our military's efforts across the world.

At a time when African Americans suffered countless instances of prejudice and injustice--not only by their peers, but by the laws they abided by--these men were willing to put their commitment to country above all else and become trailblazers for all those who followed their lead.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 2447 which will award the Congressional Gold Medal in appreciation for these Marines' sacrifice and dedication to our country.

It will, moreover, reassert the fundamental principle that our country was founded on--that all men are created equal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 2527, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. I want to thank my colleague from New York, Mr. Hanna, for introducing this legislation which I am proud to co-sponsor.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors on June 12, 1939, in Cooperstown, New York. Since that time, just one percent of all major league players have been enshrined there for their amazing accomplishments on the field.

But more than 14 million baseball fans have visited the Hall of Fame since its opening, to learn about the history of our national pastime and the game's connection to the American experience. As an avid baseball player and lifelong fan, I am in awe of the greats enshrined at Cooperstown like Ruth, Gehrig, Robinson, Clemente, and Koufax.

Baseball is an integral part of the American fabric, and Americans from all walks of life still have much that we can learn from the values and lessons of the game.

I urge all my colleagues to support the establishment of a National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coin, and vote YES on H.R. 2527.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of World Food Day, and recognize the vital impact of the food industry in the United States on the health and economic wellbeing of America's families.

From farm to fork, the food industry in the U.S. employs more than 15 million Americans.

The food industry is responsible for 1.4 million manufacturing jobs alone in the U.S.

With more than 6 billion people living around the world, the production of U.S. agriculture and food industries is critical to preventing hunger--both domestically and globally.

Through its support of federal nutrition programs like SNAP, school lunch, and TEFAP, the food industry serves as a responsible partner with government in helping to feed over 37 million Americans struggling with food security.

And with the changes of the past decade, consumers are seeing healthier food options at stores with clear labeling that provides families information to make the choices that are right for them.

On World Food Day, we should all be thankful to live in a nation with a safe, affordable, and reliable food supply.

I urge my colleagues to recognize those in the agricultural and food industry sectors who work to ensure the health and wellbeing of so many Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H.R. 320, the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial Act.

I want to thank my colleague from southern California, Mr. Calvert, for sponsoring this bill and championing this cause to recognize some of our nation's greatest aviators.

March Air Field Museum, located in California's Inland Empire, at the site of the March Air Reserve Base, is a place for Americans to learn and celebrate our nation's great aviation and military histories.

It is appropriate then, that this museum serve as a sight for the United States to officially recognize the heroic service of over 165,000 Americans who have received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to a member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself with heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.

March Air Force Bace, March Air Reserve Base, and now March Air Field Museum have all been vital parts of the fabric of our community in California's Inland Empire.

I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 320 and help ensure California's Inland Empire will forever serve as home to the Distinguished Flying Cross National Memorial.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National School Lunch Week to express my appreciation to the thousands of people in the great state of California who work tirelessly to ensure that children are fed nutritious meals in school.

During times of limited resources, these professionals are working to provide high quality meals to all students.

I applaud Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack for the USDA's efforts to improve child nutrition programs.

Yet I also wish to express my concerns regarding the recently proposed regulations for school meal standards.

I fear the proposed regulations will increase costs to hard-pressed school districts beyond what can reasonably be managed.

The result may be that schools will reduce access to nutritious meals because they simply can't afford to provide them.

Of equal concern is the great number of unknowns about the impacts of the proposal--including how it will impact school meal costs, participation, and access.

I urge the Secretary to take this into consideration and allow flexibility during this regulatory process.

We must all closely monitor the progress made by schools, and the effectiveness of the new rules on the health and well-being of America's children moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to not make cuts to vital safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

52.5 Million people received Social Security in 2009 alone--and 3 million seniors live below the $11,000 federal poverty level.

Today, 40 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare.

More than 48 million people rely on Medicaid services.

Unfortunately, Republicans want to turn back the clock and place increasing costly burdens on the backs of America's seniors and their families.

We must not ask seniors to sacrifice benefits before asking the wealthiest few and major companies to pay their fair share.

Seniors have health care security and a greater financial security because of these services--we must ensure their protection and avoid cuts that will negatively impact job creation.

We must lower our long-term deficit and work together to find a better solution so that America's beneficiaries are not at risk.

Mr. Speaker, as policymakers, it is our job to learn from the mistakes of the past and not repeat them.

Nearly 700,000 American jobs have been lost as a direct result of NAFTA. In my district, the 43rd Congressional District, we have lost over 2,000 jobs since the passage of NAFTA and other trade agreements; and the United States has gone from a $1.6 billion trade surplus to a $97 billion trade deficit with Mexico. Yet we stand this week ready to pass three more NAFTA-style trade agreements: Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

My constituents face a 15 percent unemployment rate. They need us to create jobs, not shift them overseas where thousands of jobs will be sent.

I ask you, who benefits from these trade deals? Not the American working families. Major corporations are the ones who benefit with this misguided agreement.

This is a debate about the haves and the have-nots. It is time to stand up for working families. I say it's time to stand up for working families and do the right thing for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to a fallen soldier and

unsung hero, Carlos Aparicio. Carlos was killed while serving on September 23, 2011, at the age of 19. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 7th, at Ingold Funeral Chapel in Fontana. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 8th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Rialto. Burial will follow at Riverside National Cemetery.

Carlos was born on January 9, 1992, in Fontana, California to Concepcion and Hugo Aparicio. He was the youngest of three children. He had an older sister, Maricela, age 26, and an older brother, Miguel, age 29. He grew up in Fontana and moved to Redlands in 2008. He attended Fontana High School before graduating from Redlands East Valley High School in 2010. In high school, he was a standout member of the football and wrestling teams. He also excelled in the classroom-- Carlos had a love for literature, and could often be found reading. He earned straight As on his last report card.

Carlos enlisted in the Army in June 2010 after graduating from high school. After training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he went to Fort Pork in January 2011. He deployed to Afghanistan in February 2011. He was an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Pork, Louisiana.

Carlos died in Wardak province from wounds sustained when insurgents used an improvised explosive device to attack his unit, according to the Defense Department. He earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

His mother recalls that Carlos wanted to devote his life to serving in the military. ``He told us he loved America and he wanted to make a difference. He felt his purpose in life was to make the country safer,'' his mother says. The last thing Carlos told his mother was that his goal was to earn a Gold Star and become an Officer.

His mother remembers him as an outstanding young man who achieved everything he set his mind to do. ``He was outgoing and touched a lot of lives. He was a very happy person,'' she says. His sister remembers Carlos for his big heart, intelligence and down to earth nature. ``He was our hero,'' she says.

Carlos leaves with cherished memories his parents, two siblings, and his two grandmothers, Juana Torres and Audelia Aparicio. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Councilman Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Carlos' family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a true hero, Carlos Aparicio.