Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I want to first thank my colleague from California for her work to undo the damage the President has done to transgender servicemembers and our Armed Forces.

This ban endangers transgender soldiers and tells all transgender Americans that they are not fit to serve their country. The Harry Truman amendment will reverse the President's harmful ban and protect transgender soldiers from further discrimination.

Though the administration cited concerns over readiness, unit cohesion, and medical costs to justify its ban, it has been unable to back up its claims.

Mr. Chair, transgender troops have served openly at home, overseas, and in combat zones since 2016 without incident, a finding supported by the Chief of Staff of every service branch.

The Truman amendment extends Federal protections to transgender soldiers and makes it unlawful to exclude anyone from service based on their gender identity.

Transgender servicemembers, as my colleague noted, testified in the House that serving openly dramatically improved their quality of life and their service to our country.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

Madam Chair, I rise today to support the amendment offered by my colleague from California (Ms. Speier). It provides our servicemembers with medically accurate educational resources to help prevent unintended pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

The courageous Americans who put their lives on the line for our country deserve the best wellness education we can offer, and keeping them healthy helps maximize our military's readiness.

This commonsense amendment is recommended by the Pentagon's nonpartisan Defense Department Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, and, therefore, there should be broad bipartisan support. I encourage my colleagues who support our troops to vote for it.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the SAFE Act.

No matter what my colleagues conclude about the Mueller report, I think we can all agree it shows our elections are under foreign attack.

What would happen if a foreign government actually succeeded in changing the results of a Federal election?

All bad actors have to do is break through the defenses of even one-- even one--of the over 10,000 election administration jurisdictions in our country.

As we all know, questionable results in just one county can derail an entire Presidential election and throw our country into a tailspin.

Election security is national security. Election machinery is the machinery of democracy.

The SAFE Act gives States what they need to upgrade and maintain safe and resilient election infrastructure.

In the House Administration Committee, we debated whether paper ballots are the safest way to go. It does seem ironic that our answer to cybersecurity, in fact, is old school, but we know what works.

As Oregon's Secretary of State Dennis Richardson said, ``You can't hack paper.'' We can recount and audit paper ballots with a certainty that we just don't have with machines.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 2500.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, let me just tell you about a family at our local shelter in San Diego. The mother and the father owned a successful fruit stand in Guatemala, and they were threatened by a gang for money.

If they didn't pay, the safety of their children was in jeopardy.

Eventually, one of their kids was injured on his way home from school, and the mother shared that it was common--common--for the gangs to shoot into the air and for shrapnel to hit unintended objects and, sometimes, people.

The gangs also targeted young, female children, attempting to use them as prostitutes.

The question that we have had before us is: What do we do? What do we do with families? What do we do with children separated from their families that come 1,000 miles to escape violence?

What are our choices? Do we shut the door? Do we keep them detained under inhumane conditions or hear their case?

So, we must consider who we are as a country and what are our values. The least we can do--the least we can do--is to provide basic care while their case is heard.

Today's proposed funding is crucial to helping improve humanitarian efforts at the border. This crisis, we know, will only get worse if we don't act now, so let's act now. Let's act now. Let's pass this rule, and let's pass the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, due to a personal conflict I was unable to vote during two series on June 11, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 245; YEA on Roll Call No. 246; YEA on Roll Call No. 247; and YEA on Roll Call No. 248.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be here this evening and to have a chance to talk about my friend and my colleague, Ellen Tauscher.

Ellen, as we are all hearing, was really a trailblazer. She was a trailblazer, a businesswoman. She was a single mom, a philanthropist, a diplomat, a mentor, and for so many of us, a dear friend.

If you were a woman in California politics in the last three decades, Ellen probably had a significant impact on your life. She showed us all that kindness and charity can go with strength and wit.

We all have personal experience with Ellen. I actually met Ellen about 1996, I think it was. We happened to be at a National Women's Political Caucus meeting.

What was funny about that is that we kind of caught one another's eye. We have heard people talk about no-nonsense Ellen. Something was going on. We were a little impatient, and we kind of both looked at each other like: Is this really what we came for?

That was the start of a friendship.

When she learned later that I was considering running for Congress, she got in touch with me. She said: If you are coming to D.C., then I have a place for you to stay. Please stay at my house, and let's have a chance to talk, sit down and really get to know one another.

That was pretty cool because, as I said, it had just been a small encounter that we had had sometime before.

So we sat at her dinner table, and I remember asking her about what she was doing and what she was learning in Congress. She told me about the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, and I was really very impressed with that because the thought of working on arms control just seemed like, first, a fantasy and, then, just a really hard thing to do.

She said that one of the reasons that she was interested in doing that, aside from the fact that she lived so close to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and she had a real interest in having them be a premier lab for much of the testing in the future, was she felt that she wanted to show that women could do that job.

Of course, we knew that she was the one who was capable to do that and probably was the first woman to have served on that committee.

I remember, too, at her table, just talking about her daughter, Katherine, and how proud she was of Katherine, all her hopes and dreams for her, and how tough it was being a mom and also wanting to make her schedule work for her daughter.

Then, of course, as a colleague on HASC, we were both on the committee when our country faced the great tragedy of 9/11, and just being able to respond to so many of the issues around that.

I always went to Ellen when we had a chance to talk about what we either had to vote on or what we were facing on the committee. Sometimes I would share with her: I am not sure what to do in this instance.

She would look me straight in the eye, as she would always--and you can tell in her eyes here--with that kind of wry smile. She would say: Susan, you are going to do the right thing.

Honestly, it gave me the confidence to do the right thing, and I knew that Ellen was going to do that as well.

A number of years into her term and the great job that she did here presiding in the House, at the request of President Clinton, she became and was able to be interviewed for and go before the Senate as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, as people have mentioned.

In that role, she traveled extensively and was really the face of our country in those negotiations with the Russians. Quite honestly, from the discussions that I had with Ellen, I think they didn't know what to make of her because she was so direct and so strong. She wouldn't take anybody's nonsense in that role.

We were all so proud of her, knowing what she was able to accomplish, and people have referred to that as well.

I want to be mindful here of the role that she played on nuclear weapons policy, how she came at that, and how she felt it was so important for a woman to be in that position someday.

She didn't know that she was going to be the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security. I don't think she even thought that was a possibility at one time, but she wanted to be ready. She wanted to be prepared. That is what she did so much of her life.

Following a number of years facing cancer, being a survivor and all that she went through with the best attitude in the world, even in recent months, she was still speaking before the Armed Services Committee on nuclear weapons policy.

Her work on nuclear security made this world measurably safer and will have a lasting impact on future generations.

We relied so much on her knowledge and her counsel as we considered the most sobering aspect of national security: weapons with the power to destroy life as we know it on this planet. We looked to Ellen for that.

While her work was critically important, always, for Ellen, her family came first. So our thoughts today are with her daughter, Katherine, everyone

who was close to her in her community, and those she worked with throughout this world. Our thoughts are with all of them, and our blessings go with that.

``On Saturday, June 17, 2017, the President called McGahn and directed him to have the special counsel removed . . . In interviews with the Special Counsel's Office, McGahn recalled that the President called him at home twice and on both occasions directed him to call Rosenstein and say that Mueller had conflicts that precluded him from serving as special counsel. On the first call, McGahn recalled that the President said something like, `You gotta do this. You gotta call Rod.' '' Volume II, page 85.

Madam Speaker, on Saturday, as members of our Jewish community in San Diego and all over the world observed the final day of Passover, a 19-year-old chose hate. He stormed into the Chabad of Poway synagogue, shooting at the congregation, leaving beloved community member Lori Gilbert Kaye dead and three more wounded.

The congregation's brave rabbi, Yisroel Goldstein, reflected: ``I do not know why I had to witness scenes of a pogrom in San Diego County like the ones my grandparents experienced in Poland. . . . I don't know why I had to see my good friend . . . hunted in her house of worship.''

This Thursday, Madam Speaker, is Israel's Yom HaShoah, a day to commemorate the Holocaust and the 6 million Jews who were murdered for being Jewish.

We are reminded of the hate, bigotry, and intolerance that we continue to face today, whether it be in San Diego, Sri Lanka, Christchurch, or Pittsburgh.

Hate and violence had no place then and still do not today. We need to say ``never again'' and act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize an important milestone in the history of San Diego as Dr. Adela de la Torre is set to be inaugurated as San Diego State University's (SDSU) ninth President on April 11, 2019.

Her inauguration is taking place at a unique juncture in the history of San Diego State University and has the potential to impart a significant impact on higher education throughout San Diego County.

SDSU is, and always will be, a major driver of San Diego's economy. With an annual economic impact of over $5.67 billion dollars, it is important that we continue to support SDSU and the thousands of students who graduate from the institution every year; more than 60 percent of whom stay in San Diego and put their degrees to work in our local communities.

Dr. de la Torre is a graduate of UC Berkeley, and holds a master's degree and Ph.D. in agricultural and resource economics. She has been a dedicated leader in the higher education space for over 30 years.

Dr. de la Torre was appointed as SDSU's first woman president in June of 2018. Throughout her first year in this position, she has spent significant time ``listening and learning'' to stakeholders in the region and embarked on a listening tour throughout San Diego County to ensure she has an intimate understanding of the unique needs of the students SDSU serves.

As she assumes control of SDSU, Dr. de la Torre has an opportunity to establish her vision for the future. At a time when the University is planning a major expansion in Mission Valley, it is important that its leaders clearly articulate their plans for growth and development.

Under Dr. de la Torre's leadership, SDSU embarks on a journey to increase its local footprint and establish the infrastructure necessary to support students over the next century. By engaging with the community, she has positioned herself well for success.

As I reflect on Dr. de la Torre's past accomplishments, and on her vision for the future, I am inspired by her dedication to social justice, and to improving higher education for the good of all students. I believe that her experience has prepared her well for achievement of SDSU's lofty goals.

I am pleased to be able to welcome Dr. de la Torre as SDSU's new president, and look forward to seeing her vision for SDSU take shape. Under her guidance, SDSU stands poised and ready to greatly expand its impact, and emerge as a mecca for innovative higher education in California and beyond.

I extend my congratulations to her on her appointment and inauguration. In the short time she has been in San Diego orienting herself to every opportunity here, she has epitomized the future of our community. Dr. de la Torre is SDSU and will surely touch lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with our transgender servicemembers and to stand against President Trump's proposed ban of transgender people serving in the military.

Transgender troops have been serving openly since 2016--at home, overseas, and in combat zones--without incident.

When I met with transgender servicemembers last month, I was impressed to learn that by serving openly--I want to make a note of that--by serving openly, the quality of their service improved, and, in fact, the obstacles--and there are many obstacles, Mr. Speaker--the obstacles they have overcome informed their greater ability to do their job. Their impressive records speak for themselves, and there is no doubt that each of the servicemembers I met with have served their country with distinction.

As already stated, this ban is blatant discrimination poorly disguised as concerns over readiness, unit cohesion, and medical costs associated with transitioning. We already know that there have been zero reports of issues regarding unit morale or cohesion since the ban was lifted in 2016, a fact that has been supported by the chief of staff of every service. The cost of medically transitioning has also been proven to have minimal impact on the military's healthcare budget.

This administration is resorting to misinformation; misinformation to exclude capable, qualified people from service to their country.

At a time when the Army is failing to meet recruitment goals, and the Navy and Air Force opted to lower their quota in order to reach their own recruitment goals, we cannot be turning away dedicated, able-bodied recruits simply because they happen to be transgender.

Madam Speaker, I rise to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of a wonderful friend and former San Diego City Councilwoman, Judy McCarty.

It is an honor to have worked in the same community as Judy. Throughout her accomplished life, Judy's selflessness and commitment to others never wavered. As a journalist, a community volunteer, and a dedicated public servant, Judy always remained focused on building community and improving the lives of her neighbors.

Judy brought a zest for life into everything she did. One of her biggest passion projects was the founding of Mission Trails Regional Park. Judy was a key figure in establishing this beloved public recreational amenity that is now the largest municipally owned park in the State of California and the 6th largest park in the entire country. This is just one of many accomplishments of Judy's, in a lifetime of service and dedication to the greater good.

Those who have had the pleasure to cross paths with Judy likely know that she was a woman who valued the little things in life. She loved volunteering, tending to her garden, and cheering for the Indiana Hoosiers, but above all, she loved being a mother and a grandmother.

I wish her family the comfort to know that Judy left San Diego a better place than she found it, and that we are all better off because of her vision and leadership in our community.

I am grateful to have called Judy my friend and will miss her presence in the community. The joy she brought into life will live on in the thoughts and actions of everyone she has touched along the way. Though she will be missed dearly, the impact she made in San Diego will always endure.

Mr. Chairman, this bill was not rushed. It is long overdue. I recently joined our colleague and civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, commemorating the march and the fight for the right to vote.

We can never forget how many people have risked and lost their lives for that right. Fifty-four years later, our election system is still stacked against

many Americans. Some eligible voters are still prohibited from voting by mail and can't make it to the polls.

Some eligible voters have still been unfairly purged from the rolls, and some communities still do not have enough polling locations, leading to long lines.

We need justice. We need to expand the fixes that have been proven to work in so many of our States, and that is exactly what H.R. 1 does.

If we are for the people, not just the ones we think will vote for us, then we should be for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, today is a momentous day, one that makes me proud of this Chamber. After years of inaction, Congress is moving to address our country's gun violence problem.

We have seen some of the worst mass shootings in our Nation's history in just the past few years. Las Vegas, Thousand Oaks, Sutherland Springs, Parkland, Sandy Hook--these are only a few of the names that recently shocked us to the core. And, sadly, each time, Congress failed to act.

But today--today--we are offering more than thoughts and prayers. We are offering legislation. This bill has bipartisan support--finally, something we can all agree on.

Strengthening our background check system is a small but a very important first step. We simply cannot allow criminals to take advantage of loopholes.

Background checks work. They keep guns out of the hands of criminals, and background checks will save lives.

No more excuses. It is just common sense.

Madam Speaker, I rise with great admiration to honor the efforts of a humble hero in San Diego and our LGBTQ community, Michael ``Big Mike'' Phillips.

Big Mike may have received his namesake due to his tall stature, but there is nothing bigger about him than his enormous heart. Those who have had the pleasure to cross paths with Big Mike know him as a warm, empathetic, and gregarious soul, dedicated to improving the lives of others. He has a unique way of welcoming total strangers and making them feel included, loved, and a part of our community.

Throughout over four decades working in all aspects of the hospitality industry, Big Mike has come to be an expert in the art of serving others. Whether he's serving food and beverages to friends or new friends, hosting a charitable event, or photographing history in the making, his main concern is always the happiness and fulfillment of the people around him.

Big Mike's selflessness may be what helps to make him such a talented photographer. When he looks through a lens, his focus remains solely on the people and the moment. He has captured local historic LGBTQ events, multiple LGBTQ Marches on Washington, and even photographed four living U.S. Presidents and First Ladies at the opening of the Clinton Library.

In all endeavors, Big Mike gives one hundred percent of his head and his heart. He has contributed to so many charitable organizations that I could not possibly list them all. When Special Delivery San Diego, a nonprofit that provides meals to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, was in need of funding, he inspired 128 other bartenders to enroll in an effort to donate to the program. He has the rare ability to inspire others to be a part of something greater than themselves. Using this skill, Big Mike helped to found Ordinary Miracles and The Rob Benzon Foundation, two non-profits with the mission of welcoming individuals to add their own light to the world that when joined together, illuminates and eases the needs of the abused, sick, and hungry.

When leaders in our community search for a sense of direction and initiative, they often look no further than Big Mike--which can explain why he has been appointed to serve on community advisory boards under almost every single mayor in recent San Diego history.

Though he has lived an accomplished life, Big Mike is quick to give credit to his caring adoptive parents, his loyal friends, and all who have supported him along the way. It is exceptional to find a person who has carried out their career and lived their life almost entirely for the benefit of others, and I can honestly say that Big Mike is one of them.

Even on his birthday, he cannot help but use the opportunity to make the world a better place to live. Every year, Big Mike hosts his Birthday Fundraiser to boost awareness and support for various non- profit organizations and invaluable local resources.

On the 20th Anniversary of his first Birthday Fundraiser, I commend Michael ``Big Mike'' Phillips for his continuous and substantial efforts to lend love, hope, and a helping hand to all in need. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to him for a successful event and a wonderful year ahead.

Though Mike was born in Germany, and raised in Texas, I am so pleased that he adopted San Diego as his home. San Diego is an even finer place to live because Big Mike was born.

Madam Speaker, this Trump shutdown is forcing servicemembers and retirees to go without pay.

Yes, our President is withholding Coast Guard pay because of his reckless demands. Who does that?

A constituent wrote to me: As a Coast Guard retiree, I am facing no pay during the shutdown. It is outrageous that, after 26 years of service, I face financial troubles due to my country not facing its obligations.

I agree. This is unacceptable for those who served our country, and it is unacceptable for those currently serving and not getting paid.

Can't we agree that supporting the Coast Guard is better than having a stalemate on a political issue?

We must take action to help our servicemembers and hardworking government employees, and our whole economy, which is being hurt even more than we thought.

Madam Speaker, how can the President think it is a good idea for national security to not pay those who protect us?