Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus rise in support of H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

My parents were farmworkers who worked tirelessly day in and day out with calloused hands and tired backs to give me, their children, opportunities that they never had.

Farmworkers like my parents and like many of my constituents back home in the Coachella Valley taught me the value of hard work, resiliency, and taking care of one another.

Farmworkers are getting infected and dying from COVID-19 at a much higher rate than the general public. They are literally dying to feed you, give you the nutrients you need to prevent COVID-19 and to heal from COVID-19.

We must protect and secure our food supply chain. We must pass the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to stabilize our food supply chain and ensure that farmers can meet their future labor needs.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is proud to work with Chair Zoe Lofgren and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, as well as CHC members Salud Carbajal and Jim Costa, and other Members to get the bill signed into law.

Madam Speaker, Donald Trump is an immediate threat to our Constitution and to our Democracy. He must be removed.

It has now been a week since rampaging criminals incited by Mr. Trump invaded and vandalized the Capitol--the heart of American Democracy and government. The attack resulted in six deaths--including that of two police officers--and left an indelible stain on our nation. With each passing day, we learn more about the extent to which this attack was planned and orchestrated.

This was a violent insurrection--not a peaceful protest. The criminals who perpetrated this attack were inspired, directed, and encouraged by Donald Trump and his lies and incited by several members of Congress, all of whom have refused to acknowledge--let alone take responsibility for--their roles in this shameful episode.

No action we take today can undo the desecration caused by Donald Trump, the members of Congress who aided and abetted him, and those dangerous insurrectionists. This was not merely a criminal conspiracy; it was an attack on our nation's Capitol to deliberately and violently overthrow the duly elected Government of the United States.

Regardless of our actions today, Donald Trump will be removed from office in just over a week. But that does not mean we shouldn't act. If we let an insurgence against our government go without consequence, what will we be saying to future generations?

We must send the permanent message that in January of 2021, Congress refused to condone, pardon, or ignore this crime against the Constitution and the American people, and further, that Congress refused the possibility that Donald Trump could ever hold office again.

Some have said that this should be a time for unity, not for divisiveness. I agree. We must be united and unequivocal in our declaration: The desecration of our Democracy will not be tolerated. The divisiveness over this issue is not being caused by those of us who insist on upholding the Constitution and rule of law; the responsibility for discord belongs solely at the feet of those who refuse to do so.

Therefore, I must call out those in this body who continue to perpetuate the lies that led to this deadly chain of events. American Democracy was and remains threatened by their actions and words. Over the last four years, we have learned that the guardrails constructed by our Founders to protect the Constitution are only as strong as the leaders who take the oath to defend them. When our elected officials take steps to undermine democracy--as far too many here today have done--the fabric and future of our great nation is endangered.

All of us have sworn an oath to protect America from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. Today, that oath requires each and every one of us to support the immediate impeachment of Donald Trump. History will judge us all for our decision today.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we learned of two Facebook groups in which CBP agents made hateful comments about the women, children, and asylum-seekers under their custody and, therefore, their responsibility.

This kind of racism, xenophobia, and violent misogyny is unacceptable. CBP must be held accountable to end these shameful comments and the cruel, inhumane treatment of children in their custody.

We can't simply fund supplies and expect a behavior change. That is why I am grateful to Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson and to Chairman Nadler and Chair Lofgren of the Committee on the Judiciary for holding a markup of my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CPB Custody Act, to ensure our treatment of children, women, and families is consistent with the principles of basic human dignity.

My bill sets the basic standards we need to create a comprehensive public health approach to the humanitarian challenges at our border. Together, we are moving this bill forward to prevent children from dying and restore humanity to our treatment of children under the custody and responsibility of the Federal Government.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendments to protect our servicemembers from toxic smoke exposure and move us closer to ending the use of burn pits.

Burn pits are large fields where the military burns waste, including batteries, jet fuels, and medical waste, causing our men and women in uniform to inhale toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and particulate matter. These hazardous materials have been linked to life-threatening cancers, lung diseases, and rare illnesses.

Exposure to burn pits took the life of Jennifer Kepner, a veteran and mother of two from Cathedral City in my district, who lost her life to pancreatic cancer that her doctor believed was most probably caused by her exposure to burn pits.

Jennifer's story has become all too common. As a physician and a public health expert, I know that, when there is a high enough suspicion of harm that causes a severe enough illness, we must act.

As the co-chairman of the bipartisan Burn Pits Caucus, I am working to end the use of burn pits, educate doctors and veterans about their health effects, get exposed veterans the healthcare and benefits that they have earned and need and deserve, and do more research on the health effects of burn pit exposure.

Madam Chair, my amendments will require the Department of Defense to conduct an implementation plan to end the use of nine active burn pits continuing to threaten the health of our servicemembers stationed overseas.

In addition, my amendments will require DOD to provide a list of all locations where open-air burn pits have been used and report to Congress on its research assessing their health effects.

Finally, my amendments require the Department of Defense to train doctors on the potential health effects of burn pits, helping them catch the early warning signs of serious life-threatening illnesses before it is too late.

I would like to thank Congressman Peter Welch for his support and commitment to protecting the health of our servicemembers and veterans, and I urge my fellow Representatives on both sides of the aisle to support these critical amendments.

As Jennifer Kepner said to me before she died:

Burn pits are the Agent Orange of our generation. We must

take action before more veterans and servicemembers lose

their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of my bill, the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act, legislation to protect patients from unfair and expensive surprise medical bills. By working together as a bipartisan team of 30 original cosponsors--and growing--we are gaining momentum because we agree that patients must come first.

For too many middle-class families, receiving an unexpected and very expensive bill from an out-of-network provider is devastating and can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and financial ruin.

Our bill creates the most fair and transparent system to end surprise bills without picking winners or losers. This bill is the best solution to protect middle-class families from receiving an unexpected and very expensive bill from an out-of-network provider.

As an emergency room physician, I know patients come first and must be protected. That is why this bill includes the strongest patient protections of any surprise billing legislation proposed in this House or Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Dr. Roe and the 30 Members who agree that the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act is the most effective legislation in Congress to end surprise billing once and for all.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on legislation to provide our immigration agencies the humanitarian resources they need for children, women, and families. However, that is not enough when this administration has argued in court that children in CBP custody do not need soap, toothbrushes, or blankets as basic necessities for hygiene.

This bill funds items and resources for a dysfunctional system that treats children and families inhumanely. It does not create humanitarian standards that will change behavior, and it will not meet the humanitarian needs of children and families.

We need to pass my legislation, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, a comprehensive, public health approach to address the basic humanitarian needs of children and families under CBP's custody and responsibility.

Why? Why are these humanitarian standards needed? Because, when I visited the border, I saw open toilets and crowded cells without privacy. I saw one latrine for 200 individuals. I saw babies who were dirty and didn't have diapers and didn't have free access to water and formula. Because six children have now died while in the custody and responsibility of CBP, under their supposed TEDS standards.

Why? Because my bill will define what a health screening is. It will say that a health screening is an interview, a questionnaire, and it will have vital signs, an actual physical examination, and consultation with an emergency care provider. The appropriations bill doesn't.

My bill will say that high-priority individuals, upon detention, within 3 hours, must have a health screening. The appropriations bill doesn't.

My bill says that there needs to be emergency care backup for every individual who has a healthcare screening. The appropriations bill doesn't.

In terms of water, my bill will say that every adult will, at least, have free access to 1 gallon of water. The appropriations bill doesn't give those metrics.

It says that there should be one closed, private, functioning toilet per 12 men or 8 women. The appropriations bill doesn't.

It says that individuals should have the ability to bathe once a day. The appropriations bill does not.

In terms of shelter, an individual should have 2 meters squared of space. Right now, they are piled on top of each other. The appropriations bill will not change that practice.

It says that temperatures should be kept within a humane range. Currently, they are keeping them in very, very cold rooms, interrupting their sleep, which decreases their immune system and makes them prone to more illnesses and mental health disorders.

The appropriations bill does not require them to allow the children to sleep 8 hours.

The appropriations bill does not say that they need to keep temperatures in a humane range.

In terms of food, my bill says that an adult should have, at least, a minimum of 2,000 calories a day. The appropriations bill doesn't. We are just funding a lot of food, and we already know that children are given frozen burritos.

My bill will say that a pregnant woman or a child under 12 years old or the elderly should have age-appropriate food and age-appropriate calories per day. This appropriations bill does not enforce those behavioral changes.

So, today's vote is a desperate bill for a desperate situation. But, don't be fooled that this bill is going to meet the humanitarian needs of women and children at the border. Don't be fooled into thinking that we should pat ourselves on the back and walk away thinking that this problem is over or that children and families will be treated humanely--not when an administration is arguing that toothbrushes and soap are not needed for basic hygiene for children.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a vote on my bill, and I urge my fellow Representatives to support my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, to bring humanity back to our treatment of women, children, and families seeking asylum and prevent the needless loss of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise to urge a vote on my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act, an all-American, value-based, comprehensive public health approach to help CBP address the basic humanitarian needs of children and families under their custody and responsibility.

When I visited our southern border, I saw overworked agents and the meltdown of a system that is understaffed, under-equipped, under- resourced, under-trained, and under-skilled to meet the humanitarian needs of children and families.

That is why my bill identifies humanitarian standards on water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and shelter missing from the administration's emergency supplemental budget request.

My bill requires a clearly defined medical screening for all individuals in CBP custody, and identifies priority groups, like children and seniors, who should receive their screenings within 3 hours of being detained by CBP.

It identifies how many calories a pregnant woman or a child should be given each day, for example, and it requires that CBP provide toothbrushes and diapers, the chance to bathe at least once a day, and meets everyone's basic daily need to drink enough water.

Madam Speaker, I urge my fellow representatives to support these straightforward reforms to prevent the deaths of children, and ensure our treatment of women, children, and families seeking asylum is consistent with the basic principles of human dignity.

Madam Chair, I rise today to express my support for this block of amendments to H.R. 2740.

Included is my amendment to provide $2 million in critical funding for Bureau of Reclamation projects with a public health benefit, such as the Salton Sea in southern California.

The Salton Sea is a danger to Californian residents. Dust from the exposed lake bed contains harmful particulate matter that blows into communities and is inhaled by residents as far away as Los Angeles.

If we do not take decisive action now, the Salton Sea's decline will accelerate, exacerbating this public health crisis and leading more children and seniors to develop respiratory illnesses like asthma.

After Congress passed this amendment last year, the Bureau devoted $2.5 million to mitigation projects at the Salton Sea. My amendment would continue this essential funding to invest in the health of families who live near the Salton Sea and beyond.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment to support the public health of children, seniors, and families across southern California, and I thank Chair Kaptur for her support and interest in helping us with the Salton Sea.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Jakelin Caal Maquin, a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl, who died in December while in the custody of our Federal Government.

Seven months ago, Jakelin joined her father in fleeing the extreme danger and poverty of her village in Guatemala. They fled from violence. However, Jakelin's life was cut short in December when she died of sepsis while under the responsibility of our Federal Government.

As a physician, I know that the inhumane conditions at our Border Patrol facilities risk the lives of children when under CBP custody. That is why, this week, I am introducing the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Act, legislation requiring CBP to meet the humanitarian needs of children and families in their custody.

My bill will require health screenings and improved access to lifesaving equipment and medications, and it will set minimum standards to ensure access to food, water, and shelter.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to help prevent future deaths of children at the border and restore humanity to our treatment of asylum seekers and families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in the wake of National Police Week to memorialize our officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Nearly 3 years ago, on October 8, 2016, Officers Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega from the Palm Springs Police Department were shot and killed in the line of duty responding to what appeared to be a routine domestic disturbance.

Through this tragedy, our community came together, not only to remember Officers Zerebny and Vega, but to do more for their families and the entire law enforcement community.

Together, we found that families of fallen first responders, those who gave their all to protect us all, are being shortchanged. That is why I introduced the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responder Survivor Support Act, to honor those who have passed by serving the living.

My bill will increase the Public Safety Officer Benefit from $350,000 to $500,000 in order to pay off the calculated national average debt most families have; it will increase the monthly education benefit from $1,024 per month to $2,000 per month to ensure they can afford the actual rising costs of an education; and it will fix a bureaucratic loophole that, due to unnecessary red tape and delays in receiving benefits, can cost families up to tens of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own.

I urge all Members of Congress to do the right thing: to follow words with action, to follow praise with pragmatic solutions that will improve the lives of fallen first responders' families. I hope that all Members will cosponsor and support my bipartisan Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responder Survivors Support Act.

I urge the Speaker to bring it up for a vote immediately. Let's support this bill and stand up for the families of fallen officers who have sacrificed so much for us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Seymour Kaplan, known as Sy, a local hero and World War II veteran who passed away on April 19 at the age of 95.

Sy was born on February 28, 1924, to Morris and Fannie Kaplan. At just 17 years old, Sy enlisted in the U.S.

Army--17--and, boy, was his father mad. But from a young age, Sy didn't let anything get in the way of serving others.

During World War II, Sy served this country bravely in the 2nd Army 2nd Corps Division under General George S. Patton.

Sy fought for 3 years, advancing through Italy, France, and Germany. Sy was severely wounded while building a bridge to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For his heroism, Sy earned three Battle Stars and two Purple Hearts.

But Sy's service to our Nation did not end with his military service. Sy was a lifelong advocate for our local veterans. For 25 years, Sy served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78 in the Coachella Valley. His leadership helped countless veterans find healing, community, and a sense of purpose. Over the years, Sy also helped many homeless veterans find homes and jobs. Sy would show up to every townhall, every event, and every community forum, always ready to make his voice heard.

Shortly after I became a Member of Congress, I remember Sy knocking on my door and asking: ``Who is this young guy? What does he know about veterans?''

I sat down with Sy, and I immediately recognized his expertise and, more importantly, his heart. That is why I asked Sy to serve on my veterans advisory board and help my office connect veterans with the healthcare and benefits they have earned and deserve.

Sy said: ``Hell, yeah. Let's do this.''

When Sy came to our meetings, he would often bring along a veteran in need, and before we started the day's agenda, Sy would give that veteran the space to tell their story. That was Sy Kaplan: a devoted advocate who recognized that good leaders also have to be good listeners.

Sy became one of the visionaries behind Veterans University, my annual event to connect veterans with local and Federal resources. Among his many accomplishments, Sy was instrumental in bringing the Palm Desert VA Clinic to the Coachella Valley. Sy would often visit the clinic to, in his own words: ``Make darn sure all of my vets from the Coachella Valley are getting good care.''

Last year, it was my honor to present Sy with the Shirley Powell award in recognition of his service to local veterans in our communities. I looked to Sy as a trusted adviser and a dear, dear friend.

Sy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris, and his daughter Ellen. He is survived by his daughter Ilona and a loving community grateful for his leadership and compassion.

I will always remember Sy's blue Disabled Veterans of America shirt, his baseball cap, his energy, and his infectious smile. In Sy's honor, let's make ``darn sure,'' as he would say, that we carry his memory in our hearts.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication of the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial.

The memorial honors LGBTQ veterans across the nation who bravely defended our country and the freedoms we hold dear. California is the first state in the nation to have a state memorial for LGBTQ veterans, which enshrines the sacrifices of our LGBTQ service members and reaffirms our commitment to the LGBTQ community.

The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Cathedral City, California. Organized by AMVETS, an organization that enhances and safeguards our nation's support for veterans, this event included a wreath-laying service to remember our deceased veterans.

The ceremony also honored 26 individuals with a dove release. Honorees included Jon Castro, an Army soldier from Corona, California, who was killed in the bombing of a mess hall in Iraq. The Rancho Mirage Chapter of Veterans for Peace, a veterans group dedicated to building a culture of peace in our communities, was named in his honor.

All of our veterans regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity deserve our respect for courageously putting their lives on the line to protect our nation. And with this memorial, we will recognize our LGBTQ soldiers who fight every day to defend our country and protect liberty. It is our solemn duty to honor and respect their service.

I am grateful to AMVETS, Veterans for Peace, and all of the other wonderful organizations and people who made this memorial possible. On behalf of the residents of California's thirty-sixth congressional district, I thank the thousands of LGBTQ Americans who have fought and continue to fight to defend our nation. We will never forget their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to help working Americans access quality, affordable healthcare.

Last month, I introduced the bipartisan Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act, which has already unanimously passed the House and Senate. With the President's signature, this bill will help parents coordinate care for a sick child and protect seniors from going bankrupt to pay for their loved one's in-home care.

My bill will also address skyrocketing prescription drug costs by preventing pharmaceutical companies from cheating State Medicaid programs.

As an emergency physician, I know that timely access to care is critical to helping every family live a full, healthy, and productive life. We must put patients first.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the President to sign this important bill into law immediately.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Father Andrew Green on his retirement after 30 years of leading the St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church.

Father Green joined St. Paul in the Desert in December 1988. From his earliest days in our Valley, Father Green has been a generous and compassionate leader.

Father Green was a trailblazer who advocated for the Coachella Valley's LGBTQI community at a time when few religious leaders would. He was one of the first religious leaders to bury AIDS sufferers and many same-sex couples. Through his words and actions, he lives a gospel that recognizes the equality of all people and the fundamental dignity of humanity.

Outside of his parish, Father Green brought his leadership to the Desert AIDS Project's board of directors, where he served as a member of the board for 18 years. He also helped empower young people with a quality education through his work with the Palm Springs Unified School District. A generation of tomorrow's leaders owe him their gratitude.

From feeding the hungry to advocating for the LGBTQI community, Father Green's commitment to serving others knew no bounds. By doing good, he brings out the best in others. His life demonstrates that love always wins.

Father Green has touched the lives of so many people, spreading love to every corner of our Desert. I have no doubt that his legacy of faith and grace will continue to uplift our Valley for years to come. I wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address concerns about the Colorado River drought contingency plan and to sound the alarm and avoid a public health crisis at the Salton Sea in southern California.

To be clear, I support the goals of the DCP, which outlines voluntary water use cuts across seven Western States in the event of a worsening drought. However, I am concerned that the current proposal to implement the DCP provides an expansive waiver to the Bureau of Reclamation that could result in the reduction of water to the Salton Sea.

The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water in all of California, and its very existence is already at risk. Ensuring the Salton Sea is protected as part of this agreement is critically important because, if the Salton Sea decline accelerates, thousands of lake beds will become exposed, subjecting residents of southern California to harmful dust that penetrates the lungs and can cause severe respiratory illness.

I look forward to working with the Natural Resources Committee to find a solution that prevents a broad waiver of Federal laws and that preserves water rights and critical environmental protections for its surrounding residents.

Madam Speaker, I support the goals of the DCP. However, I cannot in good conscience support implementation in a way that harms the Salton Sea or threatens the health of the people I serve.