Ruben J. Kihuen

Mr. Speaker, today, I stand before the House to thank the people of Nevada's Fourth Congressional District. It has been the honor of my life to serve as a Member of Congress and represent my constituents in the 115th Congress. I have worked tirelessly on their behalf every single day to make Nevada a great place to live and raise a family.

As many of my colleagues know, I was not born in this country. I don't come from a wealthy or politically connected family. My family emigrated from Mexico when I was 8 years old. My parents, a housekeeper and a former farm worker, came to America because they knew that, if they worked hard and sacrificed, in America, they could achieve the American Dream.

Less than 30 years later, thanks to the wonderful opportunities that only this country has to offer, their son is standing before you as a Representative of the United States of America. That is the American Dream.

There are still so many people who have hopes and aspirations of achieving that American Dream. Unfortunately, under this administration, immigrants have been denigrated. Before even being given a chance, they are labeled as criminals and murderers.

But America is a Nation of immigrants and the land of opportunity. As the first Dreamer and one of the first two former undocumented immigrants to serve in Congress in our Nation's history, I have used my personal experience to fight for other Dreamers so that DACA recipients are able to remain in America and thrive.

I have fought to ensure that our asylum process is upheld and that young, innocent children are not separated from their families at the border. I have advocated for comprehensive immigration reform.

My Democratic colleagues and I have also fought relentlessly to protect people's healthcare and the Affordable Care Act, especially as Republicans have tried time and time again to get rid of preexisting conditions.

I was proud to announce my support for the Medicare for All Act because healthcare is a human right, and all Americans deserve quality and affordable healthcare.

I joined my union brothers and sisters in championing workers' rights, fighting for a $15 minimum wage, the right to join a union, and equal pay for women.

I fought against the unconstitutional travel ban, fiercely defended funding for Planned Parenthood, and stood side by side with our LGBTQ community in the fight for full equality.

As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I have fought to keep people in their homes and advocated for affordable housing and the immediate need to address homelessness in America.

I was proud to join the Nevada delegation in standing strong to fight against efforts to bring nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. Yucca Mountain is not safe and should remain closed forever.

I introduced the STEP for Veterans Act, which would provide grants to community colleges to train veterans with the job skills that employers need in their communities. Although we can never do enough to thank our veterans for their sacrifices, I am proud of the work that I did to help them get the resources they need and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, one of the worst days of my life and in many of my constituents' lives was last year on October 1, 2017, when Las Vegas became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. In total, 58 innocent lives were lost.

While they are gone, I wanted to make sure that their memories were not lost. That is why I told each of their 58 stories here on the House floor, so that their precious and vibrant lives would be remembered and never forgotten.

I am optimistic that the House will finally pass meaningful legislation next year to prevent more tragedies from happening.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I thank my team who worked tirelessly day in and

day out to deliver services to hundreds of Nevadans. I relied on them every day to do my job, and I couldn't have done it without them. I am profoundly grateful and forever grateful to each and every one of them.

Thank you to my colleagues for making my time as a Member of Congress unforgettable. I made so many friends here, friendships that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to all the staff in the House of Representatives, including the floor staff, the cleaning crew, the kitchen staff, all of you whom I enjoyed many great conversations with.

Thank you to my family and friends for all of your unconditional support.

Thank you, once again, to my constituents for putting your faith and trust in me. I am blessed and honored to serve you and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the State and country that has given me and my family so much.

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

Thank you to the people of Nevada for your support and the

opportunity to serve you in the U.S. Congress. I will always

fight for you.

Muchas gracias a toda la gente de Nevada por su apoyo y por

la oportunidad de servirles en el Congreso de los Estados

Unidos. Simpre luchare por ustedes

Mr. Speaker, may God bless Nevada and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to share the story of Shalynne Vilela, the loving daughter of Amy and David Vilela.

At just 22 years old, Shalynne was a smart, ambitious, and dedicated young woman who loved her family. She was working hard to become a registered nurse.

In 2015, Shalynne was admitted to the ER with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, a highly treatable condition, if treated in time.

Upon arrival to the ER, Shalynne told the hospital staff that she did not have insurance, and she was advised to leave the hospital without being given proper care.

Three weeks later, Shalynne died of a pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot that originated in her leg.

It is unacceptable that, in one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world, a tragedy like this can still occur. Everyone in the United States of America should have access to quality and affordable health insurance. Access to healthcare is a basic human right, and no one should ever be denied medical care because of their inability to pay.

This is why, Mr. Speaker, I have recently pledged my support to the Medicare for All Act, which provides universal coverage to all those living in the United States of America.

My deepest condolences go out to the Vilela family. And, Shalynne, this one is for you.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the life of my friend, Loretta McKinney Harper.

Ms. Harper was a high school counselor at Desert Pines High School, where she counseled thousands of students over her 17 years there. But Ms. Harper was more than just a counselor. She was a friend, a mentor to her students, and an inspirational community leader.

Ms. Harper cared deeply for her students and auctioned off personal memorabilia to assist her undocumented students with their DACA filing fees.

Ms. Harper attended Know Your Rights training sessions so she could stand up for them when they were unable to do so for themselves.

Ms. Harper instilled in her students a sense of civic duty and bragged about her students who registered to vote as soon as they became eligible to do so.

Ms. Harper was a true patriot who loved our democratic process. During elections, Loretta devoted countless hours to voting registration, volunteering on campaigns, and getting out the vote. Her energy inspired others.

Sadly, on September 18, 2018, Ms. Loretta Harper passed away.

Today, I stand here to honor Loretta as a shining star of community service. Ms. Harper was driven by her love of her community and a burning desire to make it better.

Mr. Speaker, as I reflect on her contributions to our community over so many years, I can attest that she left her community in a better place. I will miss my friend.