Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, while other regions in the U.S. have recently encountered super storms and experienced catastrophic flooding, the southwest has continued to endure shortages in available water resources. Mounting pressures, created by persistent drought and a rapidly growing population, have put additional strains on the area's water resources. For states in this region, such as my home state of New Mexico, it is very clear that water is not a commodity to be taken for granted; instead it must be considered the most important natural resource, essential for the survival of the environment, households, businesses and quality of life.

My fellow members of the New Mexico Congressional Delegation and Congressional colleagues in the Southwestern States share my commitment to help communities facing drought-like conditions; together we are developing ideas and support for legislation that would promote innovation in water efficiency research and promote job creation in water infrastructure and conservation.

New Mexico has abundant brackish water resources, it is reported that the state has approximately 15.4 billion acre feet, which is

enough to sustain a population of three million for 300 years. In its current state, brackish water is useless and undrinkable but once it is pumped up, desalinated, and put to use, it can be added incrementally to our dwindling supplies of lakes, rivers and streams.

Our communities could greatly benefit from investments in desalinization technology, which would activate our brackish water resources and create a new water supply for our municipalities, businesses and industries. I have visited international communities with fewer available water resources at their discretion, but they have flourished by employing new technology to better manage their limited water resources. New Mexico should follow this example.

In my discussions with water experts and researchers, they have identified areas where New Mexico can take immediate action to better manage our existing water resources. Investing in new irrigation methods can save about 40 percent of water being applied to the fields. Providing more funding and technical assistance for the rehabilitation of old water infrastructure can conserve water by eliminating leaks while also creating more jobs for New Mexicans.

New Mexico can and should be the next innovation hub for water management technology. But in order to achieve this, we have to continue forming partnerships between the public, government, and the private sector. We also have to continue investing in water technology research initiatives that will show us how to better manage existing water resources and will allow us to unlock alternative new water resources.

Mr. Speaker, I eagerly anticipate the input from my constituents and colleagues as we set a dynamic course that will demonstrate to the region, the country and the world that New Mexico can respond to adversity and become a leader in water resources management.

Mr. Speaker, in Western States like New Mexico, where we continue to endure severe drought, it has become clear that water is a resource that can no longer be taken for granted.

Instead, we must recognize just how essential it is for households, for businesses, for the environment, for jobs, for life, and we must rise to the challenge because New Mexico can and should be the next innovation hub for water management technology.

New Mexico is reported to have approximately 15.4 billion acre feet of brackish water. That is enough to sustain 3 million people for 300 years.

Our communities could greatly benefit from investments in desalination technology, which would create a new water supply for our municipalities, businesses and industry, while also leading to more jobs and more economic development.

Mr. Speaker, we must continue investing in water technology initiatives, not only to better manage existing water resources but to unlock alternative water resources.

I eagerly anticipate the input from my constituents and colleagues as we set a dynamic course that will demonstrate to the region, to the country, and the world that New Mexico can respond to adversity and become a leader in water resources management.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of New Mexico and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico for their dedication to achieving health justice. This September, the University of New Mexico hosted the Congressional Tri-Caucus Health Disparities conference titled ``Practices and Policies That Promote Health Justice''. The summit brought together local and national experts, leaders, policymakers, and advocates for a comprehensive discussion on the status of health justice.

The Tri-Caucus health summit grew out of the need to move forward the discussion on health disparities in Washington and around the nation. The 2013 Health Disparities Summit has set a new standard for this discussion. Thanks to the efforts of the conference planning committee, this summit was the first to include Native American speakers and perspectives, a contribution that sets an important precedent for future summits.

Hosted by the University of New Mexico, under the leadership of President Robert G. Frank and Chancellor for Health Sciences Paul B. Roth, and coordinated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy at UNM, led by Director Gabriel Sanchez, the summit provided my Tri-Caucus colleagues and myself with the most relevant and groundbreaking research on health disparities, including in-depth discussions on the serious reality of racial and ethnic health disparities.

The RWJF Center for Health Policy at the University of New Mexico is a research and training institute whose mission is to increase the diversity of health policy leaders who are trained in the social and behavioral sciences and nursing. One of the ways they accomplish this is through their doctoral fellow program, which nurtures promising researchers who are dedicated to social justice and the elimination of health disparities.

Over the course of the conference, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with several RWJF doctoral fellows whose dedication and passion for achieving health equity helped me return to Washington reenergized to continue working toward health equity. It is meeting people like the RWJF research faculty and their doctoral fellows that gives me hope that we will continue to gain traction in the movement to eliminate health inequalities and achieve health justice.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the privilege of representing my alma mater in Congress. As the only Hispanic-Serving Institution in the United States that is classified as a Carnegie Research University with Very High Activity, UNM is at the forefront of education and groundbreaking research, which contributes to a more just and equitable society. The University of New Mexico has taken an active role in working to eliminate health disparities and the RWJF Center for Health Policy is leading this charge. I would like to congratulate the University of New Mexico on their successful conference and for their dedication to achieving health justice.

Mr. Speaker, November is Native American Heritage Month, and I rise today to honor the many contributions that Native Americans have made--and continue to make--to our nation's proud history and culture.

Earlier today, we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to 25 tribes whose members served as Code Talkers during World War I and World War II, including the Pueblo of Acoma, which is one of 22 Native American tribes that call New Mexico home.

The Pueblo of Acoma has been in existence for over 800 years and their original village, known as ``Sky City,'' sits atop a breathtaking mesa west of Albuquerque. To commemorate the Pueblo of Acoma's service, the United States Mint has produced a specially-designed gold coin. One side depicts Code Talkers carrying out communications tasks, while the other side features the Pueblo of Acoma flag.

The Code Talkers proudly served our country with great honor and distinction. They

transmitted vital information during some of the most dangerous battles, including every assault the Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Major Howard Connor, 5th Marine Division signal officer, had six code talkers working around-the-clock during the first two days of the Battle of Iwo Jima. He said if it weren't for the Code Talkers, ``the Marines would never have taken Iwo Jima.'' Without the Code Talkers, the World Wars would have lasted longer and America would have suffered many more casualties.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the Pueblo of Acoma and the other Code Talker tribes are officially getting the thanks and recognition they deserve from a very grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, November is Native American Heritage Month, and I rise today to honor the many contributions that Native Americans have made and continue to make to our Nation's proud history and culture.

Earlier today, we awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to 26 tribes whose members served as code talkers during World War II and World War I, including the Pueblo of Acoma, which is one of 22 Native tribes that call New Mexico home. At a later date, we will honor seven more code talker tribes, including another from New Mexico, the Pueblo of Laguna.

The code talkers proudly served our country with great honor and distinction. They transmitted vital information during some of the most dangerous battles, including every assault the marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. Without the code talkers, the world wars would have lasted longer and America would have suffered many more casualties.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna and the other code talker tribes are officially getting the thanks and recognition they deserve from a very grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on Veterans Day, I had the honor of speaking at a veterans ceremony in Albuquerque, where I was reminded of our solemn responsibility that we have as lawmakers to do everything we can do to stand up for those who stand up for us.

That is why last month I introduced the Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that will help disabled veterans live independently and participate in family and community life.

Currently, only 2,700 veterans in the entire country can enroll in the VA's highly successful Independent Living Program each year. When you compare that to the 2.6 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone, it is clear that this number is far too low, preventing veterans from getting the services and support they need.

My bill, which has both Democratic and Republican cosponsors, along with the support of a dozen different veterans and health organizations, would remove this arbitrary cap so that every veteran who can participate in it would benefit from the Independent Living Program.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to fulfill its responsibility to our Nation's veterans and their families and take up this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank the brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.

In the past week alone, seven law enforcement officials in New Mexico have been shot and wounded. It is a pattern of senseless violence that has become all too familiar in this Nation.

On Saturday, in Albuquerque, a man armed with an assault rifle and a bulletproof vest ambushed officers, stole a police cruiser, and led them on a dangerous chase. Three Albuquerque police officers and a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy were shot. Thankfully, they are all expected to make a full recovery.

But from that terrifying situation, stories of immense heroism and courage emerged. Officers sprang into action to resolve the situation quickly, prevent more harm, and help their brothers and sisters who had been shot; firefighters from a nearby station ran into danger to help the injured; and New Mexicans have stepped up to donate thousands of dollars to help the officers and their families during this difficult time.

To the first responders in New Mexico and all over the Nation, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 568 I was unavoidably detained.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today and ask unanimous consent that the House immediately bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, to open the government and go to conference on a budget so that we end the Republican shutdown immediately.

Thank you very much to my friend and colleague from California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the hard work of the men and women at New Mexico's National Labs who protect our Nation's security and help grow our economy.

Sandia National Labs in my district is home to 9,000 of those dedicated public servants. These are the best and brightest physicists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians. They have chosen to serve our country instead of taking more lucrative jobs in the private sector because they are passionate about the lab's mission.

Sandia is a national security asset that uses technology to find solutions to the most challenging problems that threaten our Nation. Their work supports numerous Federal, State, and local government agencies, companies, and organizations.

During the BP oil spill, Sandia employees were called in to help cap the well. The work they do is absolutely remarkable.

Since 1976, Sandia has received 101 coveted research and development 100 awards, often referred to as the ``Oscars of invention'' or the ``Nobel prizes of technology.''

While New Mexico's National Labs have been able to use carryover funds to stay open during the shutdown for the past 11 days, that money is quickly running out. Within the last week, employees at both Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs received letters informing them that they would face furloughs if the government doesn't reopen soon.

Despite the fact that they play a crucial role in our Nation's security, the employees at New Mexico's National Labs are technically not Federal employees. As a result, the legislation we passed to provide back pay to furloughed Federal employees, which I was proud to support, unfortunately does not protect employees at these labs.

Earlier this week, Congressman Lujan and I, along with Senators Udall and Heinrich, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Moniz requesting that he allow the labs to use their funding to back pay any employees furloughed because of the shutdown.

I remain hopeful that the furloughs can be avoided because I have heard stories about the damage that they can do, and I have seen firsthand the damaging and devastating effect that the other Federal furloughed employees and their families have suffered in Albuquerque, my district, and the entire State of New Mexico.

In fact, last Sunday in Albuquerque, I hosted a roundtable meeting with lab employees, furloughed Federal employees, and members of the business community. They told me that any missed or delayed paychecks would prevent them from paying their mortgage payments, household utility bills, car loan payments, and credit cards on time.

But they are not just worried about their pay; they are also worried about their careers. Lab employees who hold security clearances are in danger of losing their clearances if their credit scores are impacted because they cannot pay their bills.

After the meeting, I reached out to community partners to see if they would be able to help us in any way. Several credit unions, banks, utility providers, and other community partners reached out because they all want to help.

If nonprofits in the business community can step up, then it is time for Congress to step up too. We need to do our job, we need to pass a funding bill to keep New Mexico's National Labs open. National Labs should not be forced to operate under the threat of shutting down just because a few dozen reckless Tea Party Republicans decided that destroying the Affordable Care Act was more important than keeping the government open.

New Mexico's National Labs deserve and require the certainty and stability of a full funding bill and so does the rest of the country. We need to vote on the Senate passed clean funding compromise right now.

I thank the gentleman from California for his leadership in protecting our national security interests and the labs in my home State.

Mr. Speaker, it is now day 8 of House Republicans' reckless, irresponsible government shutdown. In that time, America has been demanding to hear one reasonable, responsible proposal from House Republicans about how they plan to reopen the U.S. Government.

While House Republicans refuse to capitulate, New Mexicans are still hurting. They're hurting because one radical faction of one party in the House stands in the way, holding the entire Congress and the entire country hostage.

First, this band of radicals forced a government shutdown just to get its way. They have caused significant economic harm and are wasting hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars every day. These are the same Republicans who promised fiscal responsibility.

Now they're dangerously close to forcing an economic shutdown by threatening a catastrophic debt default if they don't get what they want. The problem? They don't even know what they want. As my Republican colleague from Indiana said last week:

We have to get something out of this, and I don't know what

that even is.

As Speaker Boehner admitted the other day, he committed to Senate leadership that he would support the very same bill--a clean continuing resolution--for which he now refuses a vote on the floor.

On Sunday, I was back in Albuquerque, meeting with Federal employees who have been furloughed. I heard heartbreaking stories of families who say that because of the shutdown, they're worried about paying their mortgages and utility payments and car loans and credit card bills. That's what they're concerned about. That's what keeps them up at night.

I heard from a civilian air traffic controller at Kirtland Air Force Base who was worried about the safety of the airmen because he's not allowed to work. Federal employees are demoralized and feel abandoned. They don't understand why they are being blamed for House Republicans' failure to pass a clean funding compromise.

But in a 2\1/2\-hour meeting, not one of the furloughed New Mexicans told me he wants to see the Affordable Care Act repealed. Not one. I think that shows how far removed from reality House Republicans are. They're willing to continue harming hardworking, innocent Americans because of their obsession with destroying the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. Speaker, this is reckless behavior.

As this shutdown carries on into week 2, we keep learning of more negative impacts. Sandia National Labs, one of the largest employers in my district, has started notifying its more than 10,000 employees that they are likely to experience furloughs if the government doesn't reopen soon. That

will have an absolutely devastating ripple effect on our local economy that we may never recover from.

Instead of voting to end the shutdown, House Republicans have wasted time with false and misleading attempts to reopen the government bit by bit. After all, they didn't shut down the government piece by piece, so we shouldn't open it that way either.

The one bill that House Republican leadership should be bringing to the House floor today is the Senate-passed, clean funding compromise, which would go directly to the President and immediately open up the entire government for all New Mexicans and Americans.

We know that there are enough votes right now to pass a clean funding compromise. So why won't the Republican leadership allow a vote on it?

I understand that some of my Republican colleagues say part of the reason they got elected was because they pledged to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. We were all sent here to represent our constituents. I know that.

I'm here to represent constituents who are being hammered by the sequester. I've said many times in this Chamber that we need to immediately replace the sequester with a balanced approach to deficit reduction, but I'm not prepared to keep the government shut down because of it, inflicting further harm on people, not only in my district, but around the country.

In spite of the damaging effect the sequestration continues to have on my State, I am prepared to vote right now for a temporary compromise bill that funds the government at sequester levels. I am prepared to vote for it as is virtually every Democrat in the House. The Senate has already passed it. The President says he'll sign it immediately.

We want to get rid of the sequester, but we're willing to vote for a compromised funding bill at sequester levels, and I'll tell you why-- because, at this time, it's a reasonable path forward.

So to my Republican friends who don't like the Affordable Care Act, here's a proposal for you: let's reopen the government now with a clean funding bill. Let's put all the furloughed Federal employees back to work. Then we can work together to determine what parts of the Affordable Care Act work well and which parts need to be addressed. After a reasonable amount of time, we can make the necessary adjustments to the law.

That's how you effectively represent your constituents who still have serious concerns about the Affordable Care Act. That's a reasonable path forward.

Mr. Speaker, let's reopen government right now. Then let's work together on a long-term solution that addresses the serious and significant fiscal issues facing our Nation today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor former New Mexico State Senator Timothy Z. Jennings, who is being recognized with the prestigious Heritage Award by the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico. A lifelong resident of Roswell, few have done more for their community and the entire state than Timothy Z. Jennings.

The Society is holding its 32nd Anniversary Heritage Dinner on October 8 in Roswell to celebrate the rich history of Southeast New Mexico. Each year, the Society, which dates back to 1907, honors a member of the community with the Heritage Award. This year's award will be presented to Timothy Z. Jennings in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the community and the State of New Mexico.

Timothy Z. Jennings, the son of James T. and Francis Jennings, was born, raised and still lives in Roswell. His father, James, was a prominent local attorney and his mother, Francis, is a longtime member of the Historical Society of Southeast New Mexico. He graduated from New Mexico Military Institute, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Creighton University in Nebraska and took courses in agriculture at New Mexico State University. He continues to operate a sheep ranch outside of Roswell.

Timothy Z. Jennings was first elected to the Chaves County Commission in 1975. After serving for four years, he was elected to the New Mexico Senate, where he represented his constituents with distinction for 33 years, becoming the second-longest-serving member in history. He served in several leadership posts, including Majority and Minority Whip, Majority Floor Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore. He was respected as a bipartisan leader and a champion for persons with developmental disabilities.

Timothy Z. Jennings and his late wife, Patty, were passionate supporters of cancer research and strong advocates for cancer patients and their families. He continues that passion in memory of Patty.

For his efforts on behalf of New Mexicans, Timothy Z. Jennings received the Outstanding Leadership Award from New Mexico State University, the Friend of the Profession award from the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Soaring Eagle Award from the New Mexico Association of Counties, honorary membership from the New Mexico Medical Society, and was honored for his commitment and support in the battle against cancer from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in addition to numerous other awards.

After leaving the Legislature, Timothy Z. Jennings was appointed to a prestigious position on the New Mexico State Investment Council. He has also kept busy on the ranch, serving as fire chief for the volunteer fire department near his home and spending time with his children: Katherine and husband Josh Stewart, Elliot Ikard and wife Melanie, Courtney Ikard, Zeph Jennings, Zach Jennings and grandson Keegan Ikard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor New

Mexico resident Paul Herzog and thank him for his service as he prepares to retire as the Chief Executive Officer at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces.

I want to acknowledge the innovation and hard work of a true professional who successfully guided Memorial Medical Center during the past decade. I understand and appreciate the challenges of running a hospital, particularly during an era of drastic changes in the health care industry. Paul Herzog not only overcame those challenges, he also positioned Memorial Medical Center to succeed and provide the best possible care to the community--a standard that should be set for all hospitals.

Paul Herzog has 40 years of experience in the health care industry. He previously led the Albuquerque Regional Medical Center in Albuquerque before taking over as Chief Executive Officer at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces.

During his tenure, Paul Herzog led several successful efforts to improve Memorial Medical Center, including:

Overseeing a $5.7 million renovation of the hospital.

Making cardiology, oncology, women's services and emergency services top priorities.

Developing the Memorial Medical Cancer Center, a medical oncology center, as a department of the hospital contracted with the University of New Mexico for physician services, a research nurse and a nurse practitioner.

Overseeing Memorial Ikard Cancer Treatment Center during its accreditation by the American College of Radiology.

Creating an additional 20 Critical Care Unit beds, with a total of 43 Intensive Care Unit/CCU beds.

Creating a new urgent care clinic.

Overseeing the accreditation of the medical residency program.

Creating a neonatal program.

Creating a hospitality program.

Under Paul Herzog's leadership, Memorial Medical Center was named the ``Best Practice'' in 2011 by the U.S.-Mexico Border Centers of Excellence Consortium for its ability to retain physicians; and named ``Best Hospital'' by Readers' Choice Awards for 2003-2012.

Paul Herzog has played a pivotal role in ensuring that rural hospitals can provide exceptional care and services to their communities, and his leadership will be greatly missed. On behalf of all New Mexicans, I wish Paul Herzog the best in his future endeavors.

I thank my colleague from Ohio.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this disastrous bill that cuts $40 billion from SNAP, a vital program that feeds over 442,000 New Mexicans, half of whom are children.

I want to share the story of LaNae Havens, which shows just how much SNAP means to the people in my district.

LaNae is a single mother with a handsome 9-year-old son named Konnor. She works full time, but she doesn't make a lot of money. She has to pay for childcare, rent, transportation to work, utility costs, and all the other expenses families face. That doesn't leave much money for food--and certainly not for the healthy, nutritious food that growing children need.

Konnor suffers from anemia. Without her $33 a week in food assistance, LaNae says there's no way she is able to feed her son the protein- and iron-rich foods he desperately needs. She is terrified of what happens if she loses SNAP.

I did the SNAP challenge, and it's just enough to get by. You can't buy fresh vegetables. You can't buy enough protein. The thought that we would make it even less for those Americans who need it is unconscionable. I don't want Konnor to go hungry.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I have recently met with some constituents from New Mexico whose lives have been impacted by pancreatic cancer,

the deadliest of all major forms of cancer. It's not easy to hear a woman talk about losing her husband, a sister talk about losing her brother, or even a father talk about losing his daughter.

It's not easy to listen to their stories, but it's important, and here's why: pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in this country; the 5-year survival rate is just 6 percent; and there are still no early detection tools or lifesaving treatments.

Last year, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act, which requires the National Cancer Institute to develop a scientific framework for combating both pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. Unfortunately, the much-needed progress we stand to make is in serious jeopardy. Largely because of sequestration, the National Cancer Institute's budget has been drastically cut.

This is simply unacceptable, and it's yet another reason why I continue to call for a permanent fix to sequestration. The country deserves it; those constituents I met with deserve it; and everyone who has lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer deserves it.