Raúl M. Grijalva

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Stanton, for that kind introduction and to the entire Democratic delegation from Arizona and the delegation that stood here with me that has supported me throughout this process.

I rise today, the proud granddaughter of a bracero, a hardworking Mexican immigrant who came to this country for a better life, and I stand as the proud daughter of a U.S. Congressman, a man who spent his entire life fighting for justice, equity, and dignity for the most vulnerable.

From working as a vaquero to serving in Congress in just a single generation, that is the promise of this country. That is the America I want to raise my three beautiful children in--Adelina, Raul, and Joaquin. They, along with my amazing husband, Sol, and my wonderful Mama Ramona are here with me today.

``Thank you for your support and your love.''

``Muchas gracias por su apoyo y tu amor.''

Thank you to ``the people,'' ``la gente'' of southern Arizona for making history, electing me as the first Latina, the first Chicana from Arizona to ever go to Congress.

(English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

``This is a historic moment for our community. It is an honor to be the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. Let me assure you, while I am the first, I will not be the last.''

``Este momento es historico para nuestra comunidad. Es un honor ser la primera latina en representar Arizona en el Congreso, y les aseguro que aunque soy la primera, no sere la ultima.''

While we celebrate this moment, today our American promise is under serious threat. Basic freedoms are under attack. Healthcare premiums are skyrocketing. Babies are being ripped away from their parents by masked agents. We can and must do better.

What is most concerning is not what this administration has done, but what the majority in this body has failed to do: Hold Trump accountable as the coequal branch of government that we are.

It has been 50 days since the people of Arizona's Seventh Congressional District elected me to represent them; 50

days that over 800,000 Arizonans have been left without access to the basic services that every constituent deserves.

This is an abuse of power. One individual should not be able to unilaterally obstruct the swearing in of a duly elected Member of Congress for political reasons.

Our democracy only works when everyone has a voice. This includes the millions of people across the country who have experienced violence and exploitation, including Liz Stein and Jessica Michaels, both survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse. They are here in the gallery with us this evening. I thank them for being here.

Just this morning, House Democrats released more emails showing that Trump knew more about Epstein's abuses than he previously acknowledged. It is past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for we, the American people.

We need to fight for our immigrant communities and veterans. We need to stand up for our public schools, children, and educators. We need to respect Tribal sovereignty and our environment. We need to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights because that is what the American people expect us to do, fight for them.

That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files, because justice cannot wait another day.

``Forward my people. Thank you very much.''

``Adelante mi gente. Muchas gracias.''

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment, which I offered a version of at the markup nearly a year ago, would have addressed all the concerns. If adopted, I would be happy to support H.R. 1449.

This amendment extends the timeline for the Department to determine permit completeness, as the Department requested in its testimony, and gives flexibility to issue a final determination on a permit when environmental review is actually complete.

This will ensure permitting is done in a timely manner, in accordance with Federal law, reducing the risk of litigation and promoting responsible development.

There are a few things to note on this amendment. The first thing is, for the 90-day timeline for determining permit completeness, I point my colleagues to H.R. 6011 from Republican Representative Valadao.

That bill directs the Secretary to notify a right-of-way applicant, which is the permit needed for a transmission line or a pipeline to cross Federal land, that their permit is complete or not within 90 days of submission.

My amendment proposes that same standard for geothermal drilling permits.

For my amendment piece about flexibility, I point my colleagues to the Manchin-Barrasso permitting proposal.

I have plenty of concerns with that bill, but even those Senators saw the same issues with approving or denying a permit within 30 days. That is why their bill includes the same environmental review backstop language for geothermal as is included in my amendment here.

These are bipartisan and Republican-endorsed ideas. My colleagues should take yes for an answer and accept that.

This amendment is a reasonable solution to the issues we raised almost a year ago and have continued to raise since.

If this amendment passes, it will be a bipartisan win for geothermal and a demonstration of good-faith cooperation from the other side of the aisle.

Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) to address this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment consists of reasonable fixes that Republicans have previously supported. If adopted, Democrats would unanimously support the final passage of this bill.

Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment says that this act cannot take effect until the Secretary certifies that the Bureau of Land Management and other Federal permitting agencies have sufficient staff and funding to actually comply with the deadlines established by this act.

The tight deadlines in this bill are part of what has become the classic Republican permitting playbook of complaining that agencies don't move fast enough, gut their funding, and then impose deadlines impossible to achieve.

If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to impose these deadlines, let's make sure the agencies can actually do the work.

Mr. Chair, I might add that that is exactly what Democrats did with the IRA. Democrats secured $1 billion for the Federal permitting offices so that they can do their jobs and they can do the jobs that are required by the IRA. It is already working.

The Biden-Harris administration cut 6 months off from the median time it takes for agencies to complete environmental impact statements, a 16 percent time savings compared to the Trump administration.

The Department of Energy has cut environmental review timelines in half, and the Department of Transportation has cut time by more than one-third. These are real permitting improvements, not wishful thinking like we have in this bill.

That is what is dangerous about this bill, the timelines are so short that many good project proposals will get permit denials unnecessarily, not because the application couldn't pass the environmental review, but because the bill forces a decision before the review is completed.

Instead of letting the applicant wait a few more days to get the review completed, the bill forces the agency to move ahead and deny the permit. This is going to set geothermal back right when we should be supporting it the most.

Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prevent this bill from creating a situation where the agency is required to decide on permits before the applicants have had a chance to go through environmental reviews.

Without my amendment, this bill will force the administration to deny permits to good geothermal projects that we should be supporting.

Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the remarkable careers of three distinguished journalists who have recently retired from KVOA, one of Tucson's premier news organizations: Lupita Murillo, Frank Velasco, and Al Mazeika.

Lupita Murillo joined the KVOA team in 1978 as a general assignment reporter, specializing in crime reporting. A pioneer in her field, Lupita was the first Hispanic female in broadcasting in South Texas before moving to Tucson. Her career at KVOA spans an impressive 46 years, during which she has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from the Arizona Press Club, United Press International, and the Associated Press. She has also been honored with several Edward R. Murrow awards and has received national recognition from the American Women in Radio and Television. Lupita's commitment to community service is exemplified by her involvement with organization such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and Santa Cruz County, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, and the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Her dedication extends beyond the newsroom, making her a cherished member of the Tucson community.

Frank Velasco has been a steadfast presence at KVOA since 1965, starting with janitorial work and rising to become the station's first official news photographer in 1973. Over his extensive career, Frank has witnessed and adapted to significant technological changes in the industry. His passion for videography and production has left an indelible mark on the station, and his creative contributions have shaped many of the station's memorable broadcasts. Frank's deep-rooted connection to KVOA is evident in his long tenure and his role in helping the station evolve over decades.

Al Mazeika joined KVOA in 1975, initially as a part-time booth announcer and eventually transitioning into roles such as audio technician, technical director, and commercial producer. With nearly 50 years at the station, Al's versatility and dedication have made him an integral part of the KVOA family. Known for his engaging voice and behind-the-scenes work, Al has not only contributed to commercial production but has also made occasional on-air appearances. His enduring commitment to KVOA and his personal connection to the station, including meeting his wife Cathy through KVOA, highlight the deep ties he has with the organization.

Together, Lupita Murillo, Frank Velasco, and Al Mazeika have exemplified excellence in journalism and broadcasting. Their careers have enriched the Tucson community and the field of journalism through their unwavering dedication, innovative contributions, and deep connections to their work and audience.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Lupita, Frank, and Al in their retirement and life after journalism. Their legacy of service and excellence will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of journalists and broadcasters.