Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank the ranking member for yielding.

Mr. Chair, the budget before us today sets up a tax plan that would harm hundreds of thousands of working families in Illinois and millions across the Nation.

It has been widely reported that this tax plan enables a budget that would eliminate the State and local tax deduction, also known as the SALT deduction, S-A-L-T, SALT deduction.

In my home State of Illinois, this SALT deduction represents a sizeable portion of taxpayers' income, accounting for approximately 6 percent of the average itemizers' average gross income.

Within my district, the SALT deduction allows families in Cook County to save an average of $4,000 a year. In Kane and DuPage Counties, the numbers are even greater, $5,000 and $6,600, respectively.

Simply put, Mr. Chair, this SALT deduction prohibits double taxation on working families. That is why numerous bipartisan and nonpartisan organizations have spoken out in support of the SALT deduction, including the National Governors Association and the United States Conference of Mayors.

If this budget passes, the tax structure it creates will cause a dramatic increase in the tax burden on working families.

There is no doubt that our Tax Code needs to b updated, but we need to do so in a way that upholds the President's promise that working families would not see a tax increase.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this double taxation budget and this increase in taxes on working families.

Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers also go to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address another subject that, unfortunately, came up last week.

Mr. Speaker, as one of ten naturalized United States citizens in Congress, I rise today to express strong objections to the Department of Homeland Security's new policy to collect the social media account information of naturalized citizens.

In accordance with this new rule, the DHS will include social media alongside basic information, such as biometrics, Social Security numbers, and contact information in naturalization records. This is unprecedented.

There is no evidence that tracking social media accounts of naturalized citizens will in any way make the United States more secure.

Rather than target naturalized citizens, the President should work with Congress to reform our immigration system and ensure that all Americans, natural born or naturalized, are able to work, study, and pursue the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, today I remember and honor the life of Jerome Mileur who passed away on September 5 this year.

Jerry was born in Murphysboro, Illinois in 1934 where he honed a love of government, politics, baseball and corny humor punctuated with comedic puns. A loyal son of Illinois, Jerry earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from his beloved Southern Illinois University where he served for many years on the board of directors of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

An accomplished author and editor, Jerry joined the Political Science faculty of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1967 where his teaching and research focused on U.S. political parties and elections for nearly four decades. He served as chair of the Department of Political Science, received the UMass Amherst Chancellor's Medal, founded the Jackie Robinson Initiative which marked the 50th anniversary of baseball's integration and advised a cadre of doctoral students.

So many people knew Jerry's passion for baseball. He could be seen wearing a baseball cap with a pencil in hand to keep score at nearly every game he attended in person, and he was the longtime owner of the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball franchise. As a diehard Cubs fan myself, Mr. Speaker, I must say Jerry's one irredeemable feature was his passionate devotion to the St. Louis Cardinals. In all seriousness, though, Jerry's historical study of the St. Louis Cardinals led to the publishing of two books about the Cardinals, and he finished the manuscript for a third book just days before his death.

Jerry's commitment to his communities, both in Illinois and in Massachusetts, could be evidenced by his governmental and political activity, his substantial support for the arts, and

his longstanding weekly meals and happy hours with friends of all ages.

On behalf of all of Jerry's countless friends and associates, I just want to thank him for all he has done for the people of Illinois and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I hope we might all keep in our thoughts and prayers the Mileur family and friends as they mourn their loss. In that spirit, I celebrate Jerry's life and think about what an impact that life made on so many people.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor Centro de Informacion in celebrating their 45th Anniversary. Since 1972, Centro de Informacion has been dedicated to serving our community in helping more than 15,000 Hispanic immigrants every year.

Immigrants come to America hoping for a better life, better work, and most of all, a better future. Centro de Informacion plays a crucial role in helping immigrants achieve these dreams.

Starting as an outreach mission of the United Methodist Church and the Catholic Archdiocese of Rockford, Centro has grown to be a valued resource within our community. With the changes in our community, Centro has grown its services and now provides bilingual advocacy, parenting skills training, community education, and youth programs.

For 45 amazing years, Centro de Informacion has provided vital resources to the community such as application workshops for those in search of citizenship, and services for housing and employment. Moreover, they are an official Illinois Welcoming Center for refugees, something to be proud of. They have built powerful relationships with various organizations throughout our region, and have earned the valuable trust of people throughout Northern Illinois.

Without them, the communities of Elgin, Hanover Park, and Carpentersville would be incomplete. Social service is not just a great accomplishment but a great kindness. Our world is better for the work that Centro does.

Immigrant families travel to our neighborhoods with limited resources at their disposal, but for the past 45 years, Centro de Informacion has been there for them, and Centro will continue to be there for future generations of immigrants.

I honor Centro de Informacion as they celebrate their anniversary.

Madam Speaker, once again, Senate Republicans are trying to pass a healthcare bill without serious hearings or a proper CBO score. But the process is not the only issue with this proposed legislation.

The Graham-Cassidy bill would allow States to end critical consumer protections established in law by the Affordable Care Act. These protections ensure that patients with preexisting conditions can access affordable coverage and won't face lifetime caps that force families to choose between lifesaving care and bankruptcy.

Regardless of whether you receive insurance through your employer or the individual market, this bill, the Graham-Cassidy bill, endangers access to quality, affordable health coverage for every American.

Senators have proposed changes to this bill, but they cannot change the underlying fact that it would be unconscionable to rip healthcare away from more than 32 million Americans. I implore the Senate to reject this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner to reduce costs and expand coverage.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the Indo-American Heritage Museum in Chicago, Illinois as they celebrate their annual Gala.

The Indo-American Heritage Museum, located in the heart of Chicago's Indian American commercial district, is an inclusive, community-based institution where visitors can better understand and experience the cultural, historic, and contemporary development of millions of Americans of Indian origin.

The mission of the Indo-American Heritage Museum is to promote understanding of the heritage, culture and diversity of Indian Americans, preserve their history and share their contributions to the fabric of American life. Since 1994, IAHM has collaborated with other institutions in Chicago, such as the Field Museum and the Chicago Opera, to promote Indian culture and heritage, and it has created hundreds of presentations for students at K-12 schools and universities.

The 2017 Gala coincides with the showing of the Smithsonian's Beyond Bollywood exhibit in partnership with the Field Museum. The exhibition explores the heritage, daily experience and numerous, diverse contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have made to shaping the United States.

Beyond the broader impact that IAHM has, it is also personal to me. I was raised to be proud of being American, and I make sure my children understand every day to be proud of the United States. At the same time as we embrace our identities, we never forget from where we and our families came.

Today, India stands as a beacon for what can be achieved. Home to more than 1.3 billion people, India boasts the world's largest middle class and one of the world's biggest democracies. Meanwhile, India's reach extends far beyond her borders. Today, there are five Indian- American members of Congress including myself, and India has become one of the United States' largest trading partners. I see India's cultural influence every day in the U.S. Capitol, and in my very own district in Illinois.

I honor the Indo-American Heritage Museum as they celebrate their annual Gala.

Mr. Speaker, since the President's decision last week to end the DACA program, DREAMers across the country have lived each day in fear. I have heard that fear from my constituents in Illinois, which hosts the fourth largest DACA population in the country.

One of my constituents came to this country when he was 3. Now 23 years old, he is a university student, works at the local senior center, and he helps out in his father's small business on the weekends.

In his letter to me, he said: ``It is during these trying times that each one of us demonstrates who we are and what we truly stand for.'' I couldn't agree more. That is why I urge Speaker Ryan and my colleagues on both sides to pass the Dream Act.

Passing the Dream Act will show our country's DREAMers that we stand with them and that we believe in their promise. It will also show who we are and what we truly stand for.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the Elgin Fire Department for celebrating its 150th anniversary. Since Elgin's first fire station was established in 1867, it has made an exceptional impact on Elgin and its surrounding communities.

The Elgin Fire Department currently has over 133 sworn firefighters who provide life-saving care to a community of more than 180,000 people. This includes the historic downtown area, two major medical facilities, two college campuses, multiple industrial and office parks, a growing commercial area, and countless homes.

Over the past 150 years, the Elgin Fire Department has been a rich part of Illinois' history. In July 1869, the Elgin Fire Department purchased the James T. Gifford fire engine, which put the Department on the front lines of the Greater Chicago Fire in October 1870. To this day, the Elgin Fire Department continues to protect the city of Elgin and its neighboring communities as well.

Additionally, the Elgin Fire Department has provided Illinoisans the opportunity to immerse themselves in Elgin history. Since 1987, the fire department has operated a museum looking back on the remarkable work Elgin firefighters have done.

The Elgin Fire Department touches countless lives every day, and has done exceptional work over the last 150 years in the Chicagoland area. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely grateful for their work, and I hope for their continued success in the future.

I honor the Elgin Fire Department in Elgin, Illinois on September 16th.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple's significant, enduring contributions to our community, state, and country.

The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple has opened its doors to devotees for more than 30 years. Its mission is to promote the highest values of Hindu culture, philosophy, religion, spirituality, and tradition in the United States with benevolence, compassion, and tolerance. It holds a prestigious reputation as one of the most beautiful and authentic Hindu temples outside of India.

Each year the annual Appreciation Banquet is held to honor all who worship and participate in the Temple's social and cultural gatherings. The Banquet also serves as an opportunity to show Hindu traditions to our children, and to promote getting youth further involved in temple activities.

Every time I visit the beautiful Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple in Aurora, Illinois, I am inspired by the congregation's devotion and its commitment to making our community stronger. Hinduism is a religion that prides itself on pluralism, inclusion, tolerance, non-violence, and the embrace of diversity.

These are not only the values of the temple; they are also our shared American values. When people try to divide Americans or separate us, we need to remember that all of us belong together and that diversity and inclusion make us stronger as a country.

I honor the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple's annual appreciation banquet in Aurora, Illinois on September 9th.

Mr. Speaker, today the President made clear that he refuses to protect DREAMers. It is now imperative that Congress acts to protect DREAMers before DACA ends.

This issue is personal for me because I, too, was brought to our country by my parents as a child. The hope for a better life which carried my parents here from oceans away was no different from that of the parents of DREAMers and generations of immigrants before.

DREAMers play a vital role in our economy, and ending DACA would cost our country nearly half a trillion dollars over 10 years. But the contributions of DREAMers go beyond any single statistic: DREAMers have built their lives here, started families here, built businesses here, and bled in uniform for the only home they have ever known.

I urge Speaker Ryan and my colleagues from both parties to come together to defend DREAMers and to develop a comprehensive approach to immigration built on American values.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 70th Anniversary of Indian Independence from the British Empire.

Seventy years ago, millions of Indians banded together for independence and rallied to attain freedom from Britain. Among them were more than 1,600 languages and dialects, eight major religions, and in excess of 350 million people. Despite these differences, they were united by a singular desire for democratic home rule. Ordinary men and women fought peacefully to realize this dream, and their victory stands as a testament to the enduring power of freedom.

Today, India stands as a beacon for what can be achieved. As the world's largest democracy and home to more than 1.3 billion people, India boasts the world's largest middle class and one of the world's highest economic growth rates. Meanwhile, India's reach extends far beyond her borders. Today, there are five Indian-American members of Congress including myself, and India has become one of the United States' largest trading partners. I see India's influence every day in the U.S. Capitol and in my very own congressional district in Illinois. My district is nearly 10 percent Indian-American, one of the highest percentages in the country, and my constituents take pride in seeing how much their homeland has grown in prominence. We all share in the joy of seeing how far India has come, and I have no doubt that this progress will continue.

Looking ahead, India will continue to grow and become stronger for the same reason that the United States has endured: its belief in democracy, justice, free and fair elections, freedom of conscience and press, and the diversity of cultures and religions that withstood the tests of the Mughal Empire, British Rule, Partition, and globalization.

Seventy years ago, India's people dreamed of a free and democratic country. Today, that dream is a reality. Tomorrow and far into the future, that reality will endure.

I would like to honor Indian Independence Day on August 15, 2017.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj, spiritual leader and founder of the Yogi Divine Society--a Hindu spiritual and humanitarian charitable organization--as he makes a historic visit to Yogi Divine Society members and devotees across North America.

The Yogi Divine Society is a global not for profit organization founded in 1974 that encourages all races, religions, and genders to lead enriched and harmonious lives. With over 500 educational and cultural centers worldwide, the Yogi Divine Society is devoted to working on issues like the environment, youth development, spiritual education, and health care.

His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj has dedicated his life to the principle of Atmiyata (Spiritual Affinity with one and all). He became a Sadhu (religious devotee) in 1965 and was made diksha (being appointed saint) by his spiritual educator Guruhari Yogiji Maharaj. His drive for global harmony led him to found the Yogi Divine Society. Through his work, his Holiness strives to promote humanity, peace, and understanding amongst the people of the world.

Every time I visit the volunteers and members of the Yogi Divine Society, I am reminded of the incredible virtues that the Society promotes not only to Americans but to people around the world. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support their work and their devotion to creating a more welcoming and understanding world.

I honor His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj, the spiritual leader and founder of the Yogi Divine Society, as he visits the Jain Temple of Metropolitan Chicago on August 12th.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding, and I thank Mr. Knight and Mr. Mitchell for their leadership on this. I also want to thank Ranking Member Elijah Cummings for all that he has done to try to get the answers about executive branch background checks.

For over 6 months, various Oversight and Government Reform Committee members have been working to get basic answers from the White House about its process for granting security clearances. In a February 2017 hearing, my colleague, Congresswoman Plaskett, asked the Director of the National Background Investigations Bureau if any senior administration officials with access to sensitive material were under criminal investigation. Chairman Chaffetz specifically asked the Office of Personnel Management to get back to Representative Plaskett about her request. Unfortunately, neither OPM nor NBIB have answered these basic questions. That is why I am pleased that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee unanimously adopted my amendment during consideration of H.R. 3210 last week.

My amendment is very simple. It requires the NBIB to report to Congress on the process for conducting and adjudicating security clearances at the White House.

This bill is a necessary first step for Congress to conduct the oversight necessary to ensure that all personnel in the U.S. Government, regardless of administration, regardless of office, regardless of the President who happens to be in office at the time, will be thoroughly vetted and will not pose a threat to our national security.

I encourage all Members to support this bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, last week, The Washington Post reported that President Trump was considering pardoning his aides, his relatives, and even himself. Any of these actions would disrupt the investigation of Special Counsel Mueller.

Beyond simply pardoning those convicted of crimes, the President has the power to grant a pardon before charges are even brought, as President Ford's pardon of President Nixon demonstrated.

There is no requirement that Presidential pardons be publicly announced, meaning that President Trump could grant pardons in secret to prevent his associates from cooperating with the special counsel. That is why I am introducing the ``Presidential Pardon

Transparency Act.'' The President may have the power to pardon, but the American people have a right to know how and when he does it.

This bill requires the White House to publicly disclose every pardon the President grants. Our Founders established the Presidential power to pardon to protect the American people from their government, not for the President to protect himself. This bill upholds that principle.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the work and community engagement of the organizers of and participants in Hindu Heritage Day on Sunday, July 23 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

Hinduism is one of the world's oldest living religions, and the faith is richly diverse with traditions stretching back thousands of years. Hinduism is a religion that prides itself on plurality, inclusion, tolerance, non-violence, and the embrace of diversity. These same values line up with our shared American values, and it is without question that in these times, we must defend these values. When people try to divide Americans or separate us, we need to remember that all of us belong together and that diversity and inclusion make us stronger as a country.

Every time I visit with members of the Hindu community, I am inspired by their devotion and their commitment to making our communities stronger all over the nation. Mr. Speaker, as a Hindu- American, I am also proud to support my many friends and family who celebrate their religion and culture throughout the country.

I honor Hindu Heritage Day on July 23, 2017 in the metropolitan Chicago area.