Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this bill in my district which includes parts of the Tucson sector where we are currently seeing record levels of illegal crossings of over 15,000 per week.

The administration's efforts to turn our national parks into shelters not only does not solve the problem or even address it, but it only further exacerbates and furthers the crisis which is both one of national security and one of humanitarian consequences, as well.

Migrants are literally dying as they make their journey into the United States. Turning these national parks into shelters only encourages migrants to make this dangerous journey.

As an immigrant myself, I can say that this is no way to help immigrants seeking asylum. The reality is that the asylum system has been abused.

My State, along with every State in the country, is feeling the impact of this administration's failures.

I support this bill, as I cannot stand for migrants and asylum seekers being treated inhumanely and sheltered in national parks while our local communities bear the burden of this administration's failures.

Our CBP agents are undermanned, underserved, overwhelmed, and unsupported. Our security is threatened, and migrants continue to be abused. This is unacceptable. We are better than this, Mr. Chair, and this bill begins to address this crisis.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Head Start programs across the country.

As a father of six, I recognize the importance of early learning and development for our next generation. As a dad, I want to ensure all children have the same opportunities to build a strong foundation for their lives.

That is why I joined my colleague and friend Representative Lawler on his amendment, which we will consider later, to increase the amount of Head Start funding provided in the FY 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

Further, I introduced my own amendment, which is included in the en bloc to underscore the importance of the Head Start program.

The importance of these programs, both in my district and across the country, cannot be understated. When our students and families have access to these resources, they are better equipped to put their best foot forward each day, both in and out of the classrooms.

With 22 Head Start programs at almost 500 locations in Arizona, these programs are vital to the well-being of families and children everywhere. In my district alone, 10 percent of the families with children under the age of 5 lives below the poverty level. The tools our students need to succeed go far beyond pencils and notebooks in the classroom. When we invest in our kids, we are investing in a stronger community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeremy Tarbet, an automotive teacher in my district, who was awarded the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.

Mr. Tarbet has dedicated almost a decade of his life to teaching at his alma mater, Canyon del Oro High School in Arizona's Sixth District, just a few miles away from my home.

For the past 3 years, Mr. Tarbet has worked with SkillsUSA, a technical student organization, where he encourages his students to showcase their skills by participating in competitions.

Throughout the year, Mr. Tarbet offers three classic cars for restoration projects, giving his students the opportunity to see firsthand their education at work.

This award, given to only 25 teachers every year, is a testament to his dedication to his students.

I have no doubt that he will continue to shape the future of our students for years to come.

Congratulations, again, Jeremy, on receiving this well-deserved distinction.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in respectful opposition to this amendment by my good friend from Pennsylvania.

The Southwest Border Regional Commission encompasses all five of the counties that I represent in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, in addition to 88 other counties in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California.

While I appreciate the sentiment of this amendment to rein in Federal funding that I think we can all agree on, cutting funding from the Commission is not the way to do so. Of the approximately 35 million people the Commission serves, nearly 5 million live in poverty.

Additionally, of all the regional commissions, the Southwest Border Regional Commission has the largest population, about 2.4 million people living in the most severely economically distressed counties.

These are communities that are dealing with drought, economic downfall, and overstretched resources as we see record-high levels of illegal immigration along the southwest border. Many of the people live in designated health professional shortage areas and lack access to clean water and also other necessities.

The Southwest Border Regional Commission finally received its first Federal co-chair just last December. That means that it was just recently allowed to begin convening and to begin activities. It would be a shame to reduce funding that is so desperately needed to promote economic development in our counties along the southwest border.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. We are living in a border crisis, the worst one that we have ever seen. The numbers show what used to be bi-annual numbers are now monthly and even weekly numbers. There is no denying where we are.

The Tucson sector, which is where I live, has seen the worst of this, Mr. Speaker. We are at home seeing street releases now, just last week allowing 11,000 apprehensions and during this month about 40,000. These are, again, annual numbers in the past, and now they are what we consider almost on a weekly basis.

Now, I live in a county that is on the border, and we are seeing it firsthand. I know exactly how life is there. As Mario Diaz-Balart, my good friend from Florida mentioned, I am an immigrant myself. I know the journey. I became a U.S. citizen in 2006 and became a U.S. Congressman in 2022, 16 years later.

I know this country is the country of opportunity. I get why people want to come here. However, this administration has allowed the cartels to run amuck and handle the border and abuse people as they are trying to do so.

Our local communities are suffering because of that. They are the ones carrying the burden. We have cries from help from both sides of the aisle. I hear from mayors that are Democrats, mayors that are Republicans. It doesn't matter the party, they are all being impacted the same way.

This administration has not prioritized this crisis.

I will tell you, living on the border I understand what I call the three buckets. We can talk about immigration, we can talk about trade and commerce, and we can talk about security, and all three are suffering right now because of the lack of attention on this issue.

It is also a humanitarian problem when this administration has lost track of 85,000 minors. This is nothing short of a humanitarian crisis, as well. Not even that will make the President wake up to this.

This is the worst time to be on the verge of a shutdown in less than 48 hours. We cannot shut down. We have to do what we can to protect our border and keep our government funded.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible constituent of mine, 9-year-old Carter Crawley.

Not only are Carter and his family constituents of mine, but I am also lucky to have coached Carter on my flag football team.

Carter has been through some battles leading our team as quarterback, but earlier this year he encountered the biggest battle of his life and was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a cancer that affects the tissue around your joints.

Well, I am excited to announce that just 3 weeks ago, following months of radiation and treatment, Carter received clean scans.

I have had the privilege of being Carter's football coach for several seasons now, and it has been a high privilege of my life to watch him develop both as a player and as a leader.

When it came time to tackle cancer, Carter kept a good sense of humor and bravery, and his team and I look forward to having him back on the field leading our team once again later this year.

I also recognize his parents, Melissa and Kevin, and his 11-year-old sister, Emerson, for their strength and fortitude during this time.

Additionally, I highlight Dr. De La Maza and her fellow doctors, nurses, and staff at Banner UMC, where Carter was treated.

I am thrilled to share this incredible news on the House floor and can't wait to see Carter back on that field soon.

Tucson Boulevard Diversion Structure Project

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Tucson Boulevard Diversion Structure project, which was named one of our Nation's top public works projects by the American Public Works Association.

Pima County initiated this project to address the area's persistent sewer problem, which has plagued the community with sulfuric acid odor and a number of other issues. The outdated sewer was replaced with a new composite structure and a safe odor-free and corrosion-resistant system.

The crews on this project worked 6 to 7 days a week and up to 16 hours a day, which allowed the project to be completed on time. This achievement would not have been possible without the organizations and companies who partnered together, including Pima County, Hunter Contracting, Dibble, and the APWA Arizona chapter.

This project reflects the incredible impact strong partnerships have on the community. Congratulations to these awardees and all the well- deserved recognition on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of BASIS Oro Valley, a school in my district that has been included in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Best Public High Schools, securing the 21st position.

This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and the entire school community.

BASIS Oro Valley prides themselves on their award-winning STEM curriculum and liberal arts program to help children pursue their dreams.

From advanced AP courses to high-level music classes, this school has something for everyone.

The average ACT score for BASIS Oro Valley students is a 32 and the average SAT score is 1368. This is one of

the best high schools in the country and it is located right in Arizona-06, my district.

This school, which has only been around since 2010, has made a huge impact on our community. I am so proud of the teachers who make this a great experience for the kids and the kids that push themselves to be better every single day.

I am proud to represent this outstanding school in Congress and to recognize the BASIS Oro Valley school here today.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me this time to speak in support of Representative Luttrell's bill, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023.

I am grateful that my bill, the Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act, is included in this package. My bipartisan bill, which I introduced with Congressman McGarvey, is aimed at reducing wait times for our veterans with claims in front of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

For too many of our veterans, they are waiting weeks, months, and sometimes even years to hear back. These delays create an incredible hurdle for our veterans who are trying to get a potentially life- changing decision.

While progress has been made in this area to older legacy VA appeals from veterans, the backlog is only increasing with newer claims stemming from the PACT Act.

Simply put, the Board of Veterans' Appeals, like all employers, is having issues recruiting employees and does not have enough staff to process the volume of cases. To address this shortage, my bill would create an internship program for law students at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Additionally, it would create a 9-year pilot honors program at the VA for recruiting entry-level attorneys to work at the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

This bill makes major strides in improving and addressing the backlog and delays that our veterans see far too often and will help recruit much-needed staff.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to supporting this legislation and swift passage on the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arizona's 2023 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Ty White, a chemistry teacher at Wilcox High School in Wilcox, Arizona.

Mr. White, known for his dedication to his students in and out of the classroom, embodies all that a parent wants to see in their children's teachers.

He serves as a founding board member of InSimEd, a nonprofit that helps students participate in STEM-related experiential learning opportunities. He also sponsors other initiatives at Wilcox High School aimed at finding ways for his students to gain real world industry experiences.

Mr. White has been widely honored by other organizations across the country, including being recognized as the 2023 National Rural Education Association's National Teacher of the Year, the Air and Space Force Association's Arizona Teacher of the Year, and the first runner- up for the Air and Space Force Association's National Teacher of the Year.

His commitment to the next generation is unmatched. I am incredibly proud to have him in our district. I know his students will walk away from his class and the programs he runs with lifelong lessons.

Because of his tireless efforts, people in my district are developing an interest in STEM fields and growing their love for learning.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Ty White and the committed educators like him. Congratulations to Mr. White on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the town of Pima, one of the many unique and special rural communities in my district. This town has a long history of bravery, service, and sacrifice.

This town, during World War II, lost 27 men, accounting for the greatest loss suffered by any community in the country on a per capita basis.

Today, a memorial to these men stands at the local high school. I was able to spend some time in Pima over the August work period, and I had the opportunity to visit their local fire station.

Like many communities across the country, these firefighters are all a volunteer force. I was inspired by these individuals' commitment to their community, running toward the danger when their neighbors need them most.

It is clear that these Arizonans have a strong dedication to not only each other and their community, but service to our country as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent them in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the monumental effort happening in my district of the Tucson Passport Center and Western Passport Center.

The employees here are working around the clock--sometimes 7 days a week--to help Americans across our country receive their passports during an unprecedented surge in demand and clear the backlog of applications.

These men and women are not only helping Americans in a timely manner, but they are also coming up with creative and innovative solutions so travelers' plans are not disrupted.

A record one-half million passport applications are being submitted every week--every single week--by our friends and our neighbors. Families going on vacation, students studying abroad, business travelers seeking trade opportunities, whatever the reason, Americans are traveling abroad like never before, and they aren't going to get very far without a passport.

The Western Passport Center is seeing upwards of 200 in-person emergency and urgent traveler counter appointments per day.

The Tucson Passport Center has ramped up organizations to print 80,000 passports per day, working in tandem with their colleagues in Arkansas to supply the 29 passport agencies and centers across the country.

Last month alone, Tucson printed 1.1 million passports--eclipsing the million they printed the month before.

I am honored to have these passport centers in Arizona's Sixth Congressional District. These individuals are really stepping up on behalf of myself, my constituents, and all the people they have helped. I thank them for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Skin Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the most common and often avoidable form of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer. Nationwide, 3.3 million cases are reported annually, including over 13,000 in Pima County alone.

Sun exposure on unprotected skin is the primary cause of skin cancer, and it is a year-round threat. Other risk factors include the use of tanning equipment, family history, and increasing age.

Typically, this type of cancer is treated with Mohs surgery, but today I am pleased to note a nonsurgical alternative is available in Arizona, which means those afraid of surgery can now seek treatment.

I congratulated Tucson dermatologist Marc Epstein for being the first in southern Arizona to provide this new standard of care. This method avoids all potential complications of surgery, using a low-level x-ray precisely targeted through the use of ultrasound imaging, with a rate of cure of over 99 percent.

Given that most States now offer this nonsurgical treatment, and more than 50,000 patients have been treated successfully with it, no one should avoid timely treatment for this common skin cancer.

This month and always, I hope all Arizonans will take the simple skin care precautions necessary to prevent skin cancer.

Protecting Unaccompanied Minors

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shine light on yet another tragedy unfolding at our southern border.

We have all seen the surge of border crossings, fentanyl trafficking, and migrant deaths brought about by President Biden's mishandling of the border.

Recently, The New York Times investigated the treatment of migrant children by the Department of Health and Human Services. They found that the Department had lost contact with over 85,000 migrant children after placement with sponsors.

What is even worse, hundreds of these children have been found in work environments that defy child labor laws, some working 12-hour days in hazardous conditions.

In an effort to rush migrants out of government custody, HHS' lack of vetting has put vulnerable children directly in harm's way.

As an immigrant myself, and especially as a father, it is heartbreaking to imagine the neglect that these innocent children have endured, first as a casualty of the border crisis and now by the agencies tasked with rescuing them. It is a national tragedy and an embarrassment to allow this exploitation to continue.

I am proud to be a first-generation American who has benefited from the freedoms and opportunities of this country. This is not the best that America has to offer. What is happening at the border is not part of the American Dream my family pursued and thousands of other families continue to pursue.

We have seen babies abandoned in rivers, migrants dying in deserts, and high-speed car chases through our neighborhoods.

Last month, I led 75 of my colleagues in a letter to Biden administration officials demanding accountability for this terrible neglect. We carried out our constitutional duty of oversight and set a deadline for Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Becerra to provide transparency. The deadline was 12 days ago. With the Biden administration refusing to take action to prevent another surge at the border, it is hard to see what exactly these officials are preoccupied with.

This must be a top priority. Focusing on border security isn't just about keeping Americans safe, it is about stopping an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

As we speak, lives are being put at risk, migrants are being exploited, and the only people winning are the cartels leveraging this administration's weak border policy.

I urge President Biden and his Cabinet to accept accountability for this disaster and implement the border security measures our country desperately needs. There is no time to waste.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time to talk about this important bill.

I am grateful that my bill, H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act, is being considered today on the House floor. This bipartisan effort would extend the invaluable program for our veterans, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses, or VET-TEC program.

The VET-TEC pilot program allows eligible veterans to gain experience and training in high-demand tech jobs. Since the start of the VET-TEC program in 2019, introduced by Speaker McCarthy, over 12,000 veterans have completed the program in areas like computer programming, software development, data processing, and other in-demand careers. This is crucial to strengthening our American workforce, while enabling our vets to have a clear shot at the American Dream, a dream they have fought to protect for so many of us.

Of the veterans that completed the program, roughly 62 percent were offered a job related to the training they received, with an average salary of around $65,000 a year. These results show that the program works, and by extending the program, we will ensure veterans will be able to participate in the program in the coming years. Not only has this program been beneficial for our veterans, but it is crucial for our employers, as well. We need a skilled workforce working in the tech industry, and our veterans are the perfect fit.

I am proud to have partnered with Chairman Bost and Congressman Khanna on this legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the men and women who served our country can continue to grow in the civilian workforce, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, with deep admiration, to recognize an extraordinary member of my southern Arizona community. His legacy continues to inspire all who have had the privilege of knowing him. Today, I pay tribute to William P. Chewning, a man whose commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens has left an indelible mark on our region.

For countless decades, William P. Chewning selflessly served the people of southern Arizona with dedication and courage. As a respected lawman, he donned the badges of both the Tucson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Highway Patrol, fearlessly patrolling the streets, safeguarding our communities, and upholding the principles of justice. His tireless efforts, often in the face of great adversity, exemplify the very essence of public service, and we owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to his family, for it is through their continued support and understanding that William P. Chewning was able to devote himself to the service of others. Their family's sacrifices and encouragement have undoubtedly played an integral role in his ability to fulfill his duty with dedication and distinction.

I am deeply touched to have received their father's Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Belt Buckle. I am acutely aware of the deep significance this cherished memento holds for the Chewning family, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for their trust in me as their elected representative. This meaningful gift serves as a testament to the faith they have placed in my ability to serve and represent the interests of our esteemed constituents from Arizona's 6th district.

Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances in flight delays, I missed one vote on Monday, May 15, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 213.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud product of the American Dream. I became a U.S. citizen in 2006, and today, 17 years later, I stand here as a Member of the United States Congress.

I also stand here as a representative of southeastern Arizona. What is happening at the border is not part of the American Dream my family pursued and thousands of other families continue to pursue.

We have seen babies abandoned in rivers, migrants dying in deserts, high-speed car chases through neighborhoods, and 85,000 children disappear after being released from HHS custody.

We have a border crisis, a humanitarian crisis, and on the front lines are our border communities. Americans have been failed by the government designed to protect them.

While our country suffers because of this administration's inaction, House Republicans have proposed a solution. H.R. 2 gives our agents and officers the resources they desperately need, closes loopholes in an abused asylum system, and protects innocent children from harm.

This bill is a step away from the chaos we are seeing and a step closer to helping others achieve the American Dream I have been so blessed to live.