Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, this is Police Week, when we celebrate and honor the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities and families safe.

I am reminded of the bravery of Sergeant Adrian Alejandro. While serving in south Texas, Sergeant Alejandro, a 6-year veteran of the Mission Police Department, encountered an individual on foot. While conducting an interview, the individual pulled out a gun and shot him once in the torso. Sergeant Alejandro was able to return fire, striking the suspect twice.

By the grace of God and his training, Sergeant Alejandro survived this incident, and I pray for his continued recovery.

I am proud to stand with our police officers across the Rio Grande Valley and the entire district, who come out day after day to protect our communities.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the McAllen Public Library, a cornerstone of our community, on receiving the prestigious 2023 Achievement of Library Excellence Award for the 10th consecutive year.

The library's commitment to enhancing literacy and providing educational opportunities is unparalleled. From hosting the annual South Texas Book Festival to offering essential coding classes and vibrant summer reading programs, our library ensures that the flame of knowledge burns bright across the RGV.

This award recognizes past achievements and is a testament to the enduring impact our library has on enriching lives and fostering community growth.

Mr. Speaker, this week I introduced legislation that pays tribute to a true cultural icon, Selena Quintanilla. This legislation will honor her legacy with commemorative coins produced by the U.S. Mint.

Selena, known affectionately as the queen of Tejano music, was the pride of south Texas. She transcended boundaries and transformed the music landscape. With her dynamic performances and timeless hits like ``Como La Flor'' and ``Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,'' she brought Tejano music beyond south Texas and garnered adoration from millions worldwide.

It is fitting that we chose this week to introduce this bill because Tuesday would have been Selena's 53rd birthday. Through these commemorative coins, we honor her artistic talent and her role as a trailblazer for Hispanic artists.

Let this coin reflect the brilliance of Selena's life.

Mr. Speaker, as the IRS' tax filing deadline quickly approaches, safeguarding the rights of

taxpayers across our Nation is top of mind for me and for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advocate for H.R. 6332, the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act of 2023.

At the heart of this bill, it is a simple, yet powerful principle: Taxpayers have a right to a fair and impartial appeals process.

H.R. 6332 restores accountability and fairness to the appeals process by ensuring that taxpayers have a say in who does and who does not get to participate in their own appeals conference before the IRS' Independent Office of Appeals.

In passing the Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Act, we should send a clear message: The rights of taxpayers are nonnegotiable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand with me and recommit to fairness, justice, and the fundamental rights of every taxpayer.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the dire consequences of Mexico's failure to meet its 1944 water treaty obligations. The recent closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Texas' sole sugar operation, is a direct result of Mexico's noncompliance.

The water shortfall, which now exceeds 700,000 acre-feet, has devastated our sugarcane industry, a crucial industry for Texas, one of only three States that grow and mill sugarcane.

Mexico's breach has not just jeopardized our agricultural heritage and the livelihood of over 500 workers, it also threatens our region's economy and national food security.

The current situation is unsustainable. We urge the Biden administration to take immediate action and press Mexico on this critical issue. Time is of the essence.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1065, which is critical to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the unprecedented crisis at our southern border.

This resolution is not just a condemnation of this administration's policies but a call to action, a plea for a return to responsibility, security, and the rule of law.

The Biden administration's approach to border security, marked by its relentless pursuit of political correctness at the expense of common sense and American lives, has reached a point of abject failure.

This was made painfully clear by the President's abhorrent recent statements where he felt compelled to apologize for accurately identifying a murderer as an illegal immigrant.

Let me be very clear: As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants myself, I am very proud of our heritage. In fact, the community where my family and I live is over 90 percent Hispanic, and I have yet to encounter anyone, outside of three or four activists here in Washington, D.C., who are offended by calling Laken Riley's killer exactly what he is, an illegal immigrant who is a murderer. In fact, where I am from, being called an illegal immigrant is

perhaps the kindest thing we would say about such a despicable individual who is a murderer.

The outrage seems reserved for those who are out of touch with the realities of everyday Americans, including the vast majority of Hispanics who are sick and tired of extremists using our culture as a shield for their radical open-borders agenda.

President Biden's apology is emblematic of a broader issue. Our border policy, just like everything else with this administration, is not dictated by the needs of Americans but by the whims of D.C. insiders and elites who do not care about working Americans. Their policies have jeopardized the safety and well-being of both American families and the migrants and children who are being exploited by the ruthless cartels.

This resolution, once again, brings to light the harrowing reality that under President Biden's and Secretary Mayorkas' watch, our Nation has witnessed the worst border crisis in American history.

The resolution is clear on its demands. It is time for this administration to uphold its responsibilities. We must initiate asylum cooperative agreements with safe partner countries, employ expedited removal authority judiciously, and ensure that those not admissible are detained, as Federal law requires.

This is not merely a question of immigration policy but of national security, public safety, and basic human dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H. Res. 1065. Let us send a resounding message that the safety and security of American citizens are nonnegotiable. We deserve a sensible, secure, and humane immigration system. For the sake of our Nation, for the protection of our citizens, and for the integrity of our borders, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an urgent matter, the water crisis tormenting south Texas farmers and residents.

Our communities, bound by the Rio Grande, suffer as the Mexican Government delays the treaty-mandated water deliveries. This isn't merely an inconvenience. It is a threat to our livelihood and is a national food security issue.

As planting season looms, our farmers face halved yields. Without immediate action, the ripple effects will be felt nationwide, meaning less produce on the shelves, soaring food prices, and heightened foreign dependence.

The House has already passed my bipartisan House resolution urging the Mexican Government to provide consistent, annual water deliveries as per our 1944 treaty. I ask the Biden administration to firmly advocate on behalf of our farmers and secure a reliable water future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in support of the hostages being held by Hamas following the October 7 attacks in Israel, the worst massacre of the Jews since the Holocaust.

These individuals, unjustly seized and separated from their families, must not be forgotten. Each day in captivity underscores the cruel reality of anti-Semitism and terrorism.

We must continue demanding their immediate release. Their stories, etched in our hearts, demand our unwavering commitment to the fight against hate. In their names, we must reinforce our stance against anti-Semitism in all its forms.

Let us unite in our efforts to ensure their safe return, keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers. We will not rest until they are home.

Mr. Chair, today, I have the honor to stand before this distinguished body to highlight the urgency and importance of the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. In the face of one of the most severe border crises in our history, it is imperative that we unite to support this crucial legislation.

This bill, which I proudly co-led with Congressman Ciscomani, is a commitment to our national security and public safety. It is also an acknowledgment of the perilous risks that our brave Border Patrol officers face daily. Agent Raul Gonzalez, a hero and a cherished member of our community, tragically lost his life in a high-speed chase involving illegal immigrants. This heart-wrenching incident is a reminder of the dangers at our border.

This law proposes that any illegal immigrant who fails to yield to Border Patrol agents could be charged with a felony. Moreover, if their actions result in the tragic loss of an officer's life, they could face life sentences. This isn't about right versus left. It is about right versus wrong and protecting those who protect us.

I invite my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us. This is a time for unity, not division. Supporting this lifesaving legislation means standing up for the rule of law and sending a clear message: Evading American law enforcement is a serious offense, and if it results in the death of an officer, the consequences will be severe.

Our Nation is stronger when we work together and prioritize common sense over division. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act is a pivotal step in ensuring our borders are not only safe but respected. Let's honor the memory of this brave man and the countless others who put their lives on the line every single day. Let this bill's passage be a testament to our shared resolve to safeguard our Nation and uphold its laws.

Mr. Chair, I thank my colleagues for their support. Let's stand united for public safety, our Border Patrol agents, and for a stronger, more secure America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the crisis unfolding at the southern border, a crisis that has been grossly neglected by the Biden administration.

Let's be clear: Texas is stepping up to the plate, because under President Joe Biden's failed leadership, the Federal Government has abdicated its responsibilities.

Under the Constitution, it is the Federal Government's job to secure our borders. If the Biden administration did its duty, Texas law enforcement officials could focus on local issues, not Federal issues. However, President Biden won't even acknowledge the crisis at our doorstep, and that is why Texas is leading the charge on border security.

This was entirely avoidable. How do we know this? Due to President Biden's decision to roll back effective border security policies it has sparked an unprecedented increase in illegal immigration, leaving Texas in the untenable position of having to manage this crisis.

The Biden administration's current lawsuit against Texas underscores its own failures.

In south Texas, we are on the front lines of this crisis, witnessing the chaos and the strain that illegal crossings are causing to local communities. This isn't just a policy failure; it represents a clear and present danger to our local communities, to extremely vulnerable immigrants, and really to all Americans.

Let me also address some of the other nonsense we are hearing from the other side.

My name is Monica De La Cruz. I am the granddaughter of Mexican ``campesinos,'' ``farmers,'' and I am from Hidalgo County, which is over 90 percent Hispanic. In fact, no one would ever confuse my children or me as anything other than Hispanic. We are very proud of our Latino heritage, so this entire notion that concerns over border security are somehow anti-immigrant or racist is itself racist.

The bigotry of low expectations that assumes that just because we are Hispanic, we do not care about this country's laws, and that we do not care about having safe and secure borders is simply not true. In fact, it is just ignorant.

Mark my words, the Biden White House's refusal to address this crisis and its insistence on labeling those who are concerned with border security as racist will cost this administration dearly.

We do not like this mess. Guess what? It affects our neighborhoods, our bodegas, our kids' schools. They are all on the front lines of this crisis, along with those of the millions of other patriotic Americans.

We are sick and tired of weak border policies being misrepresented as compassionate. No, Mr. Speaker. True compassion is enforcing our country's immigration laws, requiring people to come here legally and safely, and protecting Americans from the dangers posed by weak borders.

As a Congresswoman, I refuse to stand idly by. The situation we are facing is detrimental and it is inhumane, not only to Texans, but also to the American people and those who are being exploited by the coyotes and the cartels.

This crisis demands immediate and effective Federal attention, which we have yet to see under the Biden administration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local hero, Corporal Bill Schroeder, who is retiring after 28 years in law enforcement. Starting as a reserve deputy, he joined the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office in 2001 and exemplifies public service.

Corporal Schroeder is a father, a mentor, and a community pillar who has inspired many to serve, including his daughter, a dispatcher at the sheriff's office. As a true salt of the earth, he leaves a legacy of friendship, courage, and integrity that will continue guiding us.

On behalf of this distinguished body, I thank Corporal Schroeder and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. His family, friends, and I are so proud of him. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith all the while.

May God bless him, and may God bless Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for hosting this Special Order.

I stand before you today as a mom and a lifelong small business owner to champion the cause of small businesses by encouraging my colleagues to work swiftly to extend three vital tax provisions from the TCJA.

These provisions include the full expensing of critical research and development, the full expensing of investments in new equipment, machinery, and technology, and also business interest deductibility.

These provisions are tools that empower small businesses to drive innovation, create jobs, and make ``el Sueno Americano,'' ``the American Dream,'' a reality for families all across America.

I urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a cherished son of south Texas, Mr. Harold Hudson ``Rip'' Wallace, Jr., who was called home earlier this year.

Rip lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love. His 58 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Donna, stands as a testament to his commitment and love.

A respected rancher and community pillar, Rip's contribution to local agriculture, the Texas Farm Bureau, and his unwavering support for the Live Oak County Fair enriches our lives.

His legacy as a lifelong member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will not be forgotten.

My heart goes out to Donna, their family, and to all those who were touched by Rip's remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the profound impact of Roberto E. Garcia from south Texas.

Born in the humblest of circumstances in Alice, Texas, he embraced the values of faith, family, and hard work. From serving our Nation bravely in the Navy during the Vietnam war to transforming the educational landscape in school districts like San Diego ISD and Robstown ISD, Dr. Garcia's dedication is unparalleled.

He is not only an educator, but a cornerstone in our community, establishing the Alice soccer program, supporting the church, and advocating for veterans.

I commend Dr. Garcia for his unwavering commitment to service, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his enduring contributions to the Lone Star State and our Nation.

The people's House salutes Dr. Garcia.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 683. This is a matter of utmost importance that impacts the lives and livelihoods of families in south Texas and across all of America.

The ongoing drought and resulting water scarcity in the Rio Grande Valley represents a crisis for our farmers and our communities. Under the 1944 water treaty, our neighbors in Mexico have pledged to supply the United States of America with an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a 5-year cycle.

Unfortunately, there have been consistent delays in meeting these obligations that have severely affected American agriculture.

The absence of adequate water threatens to drastically reduce their yields, potentially cutting their usual production in half. This situation poses a threat not only to local communities but also to our national food security, escalating the costs for American families, and increasing our reliance on imported produce.

This shortfall is also leading to stringent water restrictions in our community, further burdening families and businesses. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Mexican Government to fulfill their treaty obligations. It is not fair for American families, American farmers, and ranchers to be penalized due to noncompliance by Mexico.

In response to this pressing issue, I introduced this bipartisan House resolution that expresses support for the diplomatic relations necessary to ensure Mexico adheres to the 1944 water treaty.

This resolution emphasizes the need for consistent water delivery to the United States and encourages renewed commitments to uphold the annual water deliveries.

Mr. Speaker, I express my sincere thanks to the bipartisan coalition of House Members, including my esteemed colleague, Henry Cuellar, for their support in bringing the resolution to the House floor. Additionally, I thank the chairman, my fellow Texan (Mr. McCaul), for his efforts with this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan House resolution. It is crucial that the 1944 water treaty be honored as it provides vital support for American farmers who are pivotal in sustaining our Nation's food supply.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my community and all of south Texas, we are thankful for the attention given to this urgent matter.