Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as we come to the final days of this session, I rise to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments House Democrats delivered for the American people during the 117th Congress.

While there are too many wins to mention, I would like to make sure everyone knows that we have always put people over politics.

Democrats will save 13 million Americans an average of $800 a year on their health insurance premiums. Democrats helped create a total of 10.3 million jobs. Democrats lowered the national unemployment rate to 3.7 percent, which is nearly a 50-year low. Democrats delivered the largest 1-year reduction to the Federal deficit in American history, a reduction of $1.5 trillion this year alone. Democrats passed many pro- woman bills--like the Women's Health Protection Act, which protects the woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions.

House Democrats did all this because we always put people over politics--we always have, and we always will.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize how important the recent passage of the Respect for Marriage Act is for America.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court's mega-Republican appointed Justices shocked the world with their Dobbs decision.

House Democrats knew that the same reasoning these Republican- appointed judges used in their attack on women's abortion rights could be used on the LGBTQ+ community's right to marry whom they chose. So we decided to be proactive, to put people over politics, to put love over hate.

Last week, we passed the Respect for Marriage Act to protect the LGBTQ+ community's right to marry whomever they love.

As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am incredibly proud to have supported the Respect for Marriage Act, which will be signed tomorrow by the President, because in our country, when we say the pledge and we say, ``justice for all,'' it means for all. It means freedom for all. It means protecting our rights for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the passage of the Veteran Service Recognition Act.

Shockingly, many noncitizen veterans have been unjustly deported after honorable service. This is wrong. It is cruel, and it must stop.

Veterans risk their lives to protect our Nation, and now it is up to us to honor their service regardless of their immigration status.

The historic passage of the Veteran Service Recognition Act honors noncitizen veterans and servicemembers by giving them a fair shot at a pathway to citizenship.

It puts veterans over politics. It honors service over politics. It is fair, and it is the American way. That is why I was so proud to strongly support this bill that passed on Tuesday.

It is now up to the Senate to show noncitizen veterans and servicemembers the respect and dignity they deserve by passing the Veteran Service Recognition Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support people's right to love and their equal protection under the law. The Respect for Marriage Act will reaffirm marriage equality as the law of the land.

All Americans, no matter who they are and who they love, deserve dignity and equal treatment under the law.

Madam Speaker, back home in my State of Texas, people are literally scared. Entire families are considering fleeing Texas for fear of what the MAGA GOP will do to their partners and their loved ones.

Earlier this year, the far-right Texas GOP declared homosexuality as an abnormal lifestyle choice in their official platform. Yes, they put it in their platform.

Last month, Texas Republicans pre-filed 17 bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community for our next legislative session in Texas.

To my LGBTQ constituents and neighbors back home, know that I am here for you. House Democrats will not waver in our fight for human dignity and equality under the law.

Madam Speaker, I rise to call upon our colleagues in the Senate to protect DACA recipients before the end of this Congress.

Six years old, Madam Speaker. Six years old. That is the average age recipients of DACA were when they first entered the U.S. through no fault of their own.

Known as Dreamers, these young people have served in our military, attended our schools, and worked in our communities. They have grown up here, eagerly contributing to our neighborhoods and the diversity that makes America great. They are Americans in their heart and their soul and in their minds because this is the only country that they have known.

Many of them are now educated doctors, trusted lawyers, committed schoolteachers, and essential workers. In fact, more than 200,000 of them worked as essential workers during the pandemic keeping us safe, keeping us healthy. Now, because of right-wing attacks on our communities' all-stars, their futures are uncertain.

Madam Speaker, Dreamers need action, and they need it now.

In my home State of Texas, nearly 100,000 Dreamers are at risk of facing deportation, and 30,000 of them live in my hometown of Houston.

They are not strangers; they are not Martians coming in from some alien nation. We are talking about our friends, our neighbors, people we go to church with, people we buy groceries with, people that are just down the street, and they are also part of our families.

For our community, it is now or never. The Senate must put Dreamers over the political tactics of fear and hate. It is simple: we need to put people over politics. We need to put Dreamers over rhetoric. The time is now.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the need for us to prohibit the physical restraining of young children as a form of discipline in schools.

Shockingly, in the 2017 through 2018 school year, nearly 71,000 elementary school-aged children were physically restrained. Even worse, 80 percent of the restrained children were kids with disabilities, some younger than 5 years old, even though they only make up 13 percent of the student population.

In Texas, 91 percent of all reported restraints are experienced by children with disabilities. Regrettably, children who are Latino and Black are at much higher risk of being restrained.

Since 2020, nearly 20 fatalities have occurred because of poor restraining techniques and children's bodies simply being too small to endure this form of discipline. This is simply heartbreaking and is totally unacceptable.

It doesn't appear to be slowing down. Just this month, Moesha Baker, a mother from the Houston Independent School District, received a letter from her 4-year-old son's elementary school and was told that he had been restrained at school. Ms. Baker learned 2 days after the incident that this restraining had been unjustified and that the teacher was on administrative leave.

This is a very deeply troubling case. Fortunately, her son was not physically hurt, but think of the emotional scars that he must endure. This is, again, totally unacceptable.

Many times children are hurt, like a 10-year-old student from a charter school in Waco, Texas, who sadly was restrained to the point that he actually had a broken arm in four places when he was restrained last month. The child had a learning disability.

Madam Speaker, put yourself in the shoes of these families. One minute, you are hugging your child, saying goodbye, they are off to school. The next minute, you get a call that your child has been restrained, put in handcuffs or zip-tied as a form of discipline. This is flat wrong, it is inhumane, and it must stop.

Madam Speaker, today, I will be introducing my resolution called the No Kids in Cuffs Resolution to encourage local and State governments to prohibit this practice.

Young children who are restrained are more likely to experience short-term and long-term problems in sleep, learning, relationships, and trust. In fact, being restrained is so traumatic that it even impedes a child's development. Many of them go on to struggle with suicidal thoughts and are forced to live with post-traumatic anxiety. All of this on top of the physical pain that they may experience.

While the children clearly must be the first we protect, sometimes teachers, administrators, and officers are also at risk of developing trauma from just simply witnessing a child being restrained to the degree that their little arm is broken in four places. It is hard to endure, it is hard to witness, and this trauma must end.

Let's make sure no other parent must endure what Ms. Baker and thousands of others families must go through. Let's begin the conversation of prohibiting the physical restraining of children. Let's put children over restraints. Let's put books over cuffs.

That is why I am introducing today, Madam Speaker, the No Kids in Cuffs Resolution, and I ask all my colleagues to help me. We must end this practice. Children should focus on their books and their learning, not on cuffs and trauma.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize how critical it is for the Senate to protect the DACA program and the more than 800,000 Dreamers in America.

Brought here as children through no fault of their own, Dreamers have gone to our schools, grown up in our neighborhoods, served on the front lines for the pandemic, and are just as American as all of us in this room. Yet, the DACA program hangs by a thread because of right-wing politicians and judges.

Mr. Speaker, 75 percent of Americans already support Dreamers obtaining a path to legal citizenship. So I call on the Senate to act. America wants action. We must pass legislation this Congress, or our Dreamers will suffer. We must put people over politics, Dreamers over rhetoric. It is now or never for America's Dreamers. We must act.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the work Democrats are doing to create safer communities across America. Living safely should not be determined by your ZIP Code, your ethnicity, or your salary.

That is why, last week, Democrats passed four public safety bills, including:

The Invest to Protect Act, which helps local police departments with less than 125 officers to hire additional officers;

The Mental Health Justice Act, which provides for training of mental health professionals to respond to mental health crises;

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act, which provides grant dollars for neighborhood crime prevention programs; and

The VICTIM Act, which allows us to hire and train more detectives to investigate violent crimes.

Keeping families safe by putting people first and putting people over politics is what Democrats do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the good-paying jobs that will be created by the historic investments Democrats have recently made in America.

What are the investments, you may ask?

Well, let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. These are three key laws that will power America forward by creating jobs, jobs, and, yes, better-paying jobs.

Since President Biden took office in January 2021, over 9.4 million jobs have been created. I will repeat that: 9.4 million jobs.

If we look closely at the numbers and reports of these three new laws, we get a preview of how many more jobs will be created under President Biden's leadership.

First is the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill has the power to create 9 million new jobs over the next decade, nearly 1 million jobs each year, and 5 million of these jobs will likely be new clean-energy jobs across America.

Second, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will add 2 million new jobs per year over the next decade.

Third, the CHIPS and Science Act will create more than 1 million construction jobs over the next 6 years to build America's semiconductor factories.

All these laws work to create good-paying union construction jobs for plumbers, pipe fitters, electrical workers, steel workers, laborers, electricians, and other trades for working people.

These are the types of jobs that residents across my district, Texas 29, and millions of Americans across our Nation proudly work to help keep their families together, to feed their children, and to look to the future. These are the kinds of jobs that power America and its economic engine.

House Democrats and President Biden understand that growing the middle class means creating better-paying jobs right here in our country. That is why we passed these monumental laws.

Under the leadership of President Biden, who is the most pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, we have also invested hundreds of millions of dollars in registered apprenticeships and pre- apprenticeships to provide new opportunities for working people to get good-paying union jobs.

President Biden knows it is not only about providing opportunities for Americans today, but it is also about planning for tomorrow's generation of workers and having a better life for our children.

I am proud President Biden is building a better America for generations to come by putting people over policy politics. Sadly, as House Democrats and the President are working to create better-paying jobs, the Republicans are job killers. They oppose this legislation because they only focus on controlling women and their bodies. Democrats trust women.

So while Republicans are focused on their own power, House Democrats and President Biden remain laser focused on producing results for the American people, and Democrats are delivering big-time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to condemn the disturbing Dobbs decision handed down by the Supreme Court recently.

With the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court overturned two historic rulings--Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey.

These two decisions established a constitutional right to obtain the medical procedure known as an abortion.

With the Dobbs decision, for the first time in nearly 50 years, Republicans have succeeded in making sure America's daughters have less freedom than their mothers.

Republicans did this by taking away a woman's right to have an abortion.

It's simple. This decision was made for one reason and one reason only: to control women and female service members, and their reproductive health care.

All women, and especially those who have put their life in harm's way to serve their country, should have the right to choose their own reproductive health care.

Sadly, nearly 80,000 female service members--40 percent of them on active duty--will have no access or very limited access to abortion services in the U.S.

On top of that, women serving in the military experience unintended pregnancy rates 22 percent greater than civilians.

According to a study in 2020, between 2,500 through 4,100 active-duty servicewomen have an abortion annually.

Now, because of the right-wing Supreme Court, servicemembers stationed in states that ban abortion now may need to travel long distances to obtain an abortion.

In my home state of Texas, there are 15 military bases.

Female servicemembers stationed at these bases would virtually need to travel out of state in all cases to get an abortion. As Texas has banned abortions in all cases--even rape or incest.

Shockingly, they need to use their own personal leave to travel out of state. This is absolutely crazy.

You see, only a very small amount of these abortions are done at military facilities as current laws prohibit military health insurance from covering abortions.

The only exceptions are unless the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, or the mother is at risk of death.

Seriously, everyone, put yourselves in the shoes of a young E-1 in the military. An E-1 is the beginning rank for a military career--their pay is roughly $22,000 a year.

That is about $1,833 a month. Trust me, it's not easy to travel out of a large state like Texas on that type of salary.

Many of these servicemembers don't even have cars as they are just beginning their military life and move to different bases constantly.

These are dedicated and strong women who have fundamental rights and should be able to decide for themselves.

They do not need Republican lawmakers telling them what is best for their health.

This is cruel. It's not right. And it must stop.

This is not how servicemembers should be treated. We should be honoring them and their service, but Republicans are only seeking to control them and their bodies.

Even worse, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Dobbs has served as a catalyst for a wave of anti-women efforts led by Republicans across our country.

Some Republicans even want to ban contraception now. It's ridiculous.

But House Democrats, Rep. Speier, we won't let them.

We promise to always stand by women and fight for their rights. That's why House Democrats passed bills like the:

Right to Contraception Act;

Women's Health Protection Act; and

Ensuring Women's Right to Reproductive Freedom Act.

We passed these bills because House Democrats trust women and servicemembers.

We always have and we always will.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act. This law not only makes a massive $370 billion climate and energy investment nationwide, but it could generate up to 5 million new clean energy jobs across America.

Madam Speaker, Texas is number one in wind energy and number two in solar energy. Texas led all States in overall renewable energy production in the first quarter of 2022. There are nearly 240,000 Texas workers in the clean energy industry.

This number will soon increase because of the estimated $66 billion investment in Texas' clean power industry between now and 2030. More Texas workers will be able to gain employment across the solar, wind, and other clean energy industries.

President Biden and House Democrats are not only fighting the climate crisis, but we are making sure workers can transition into good-paying clean energy jobs. We are putting people over politics, and it is about jobs, jobs, and more jobs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. My fellow colleagues, yesterday, I joined many of my House Democrats alongside Democratic President Biden as we celebrated the passage of this new law at the White House.

During the White House visit, I kept thinking of the millions of Americans this monumental law will help. I also kept thinking about the Texans and constituents across my district who will benefit significantly from the impact of this law. The Inflation Reduction Act will lower families' costs with savings ranging from healthcare to energy costs. But if we look closely, we see just how important and lifesaving this law is. This law lowers prescription drug prices, like insulin, which is critical, by finally giving Medicare the ability to negotiate prices of prescription drugs--not just simply accept what Big Pharma says but negotiate prices.

It also prevents greedy price hikes and caps out-of-pocket costs to $2,000 to Medicare beneficiaries--capping out-of-pocket at $2,000.

Madam Speaker, for residents like those in my district, Texas' 29th District, these savings can literally save lives.

My district is 77 percent Latino. Studies from the CDC show that Latinos are 70 percent more likely than white non-Hispanics to be diagnosed with diabetes, and they are 1.3 times more likely to die from diabetes complications. On top of this, about 11 percent of Texans have diabetes.

Shockingly, studies show that one in four diabetics in Texas have rationed their insulin to make ends meet. They are literally putting themselves at risk of death and more complications because of the price of insulin.

Let's just let that sink in, Madam Speaker. One in four diabetics ration a lifesaving drug simply because the prices are high and because our country has higher prescription drug prices than any other developed country in the world.

This simply breaks my heart. It is tough to think about this because this issue also does hit very close to home. I know all too well people who have family members that are suffering from diabetes. I know their pain, and I know how it impacts their livelihoods and their pocketbooks.

My mother faced uphill battles with diabetes before passing away from complications due to diabetes.

Now, I am 1 of 10 children. Five of us are also affected by diabetes and are on insulin, and a brother is on dialysis. So, I know firsthand how important insulin is to one's health, and I can't fathom a country where people can't afford this lifesaving drug.

While more must be done for those diabetic patients not on Medicare, this law is a monumental, great step forward in making insulin accessible to all. But I promise to keep fighting for those who are not on Medicare, those who are not insured, and those who are too poor to get access to insulin.

The Inflation Reduction Act also reduces the cost of health insurance for millions by extending the Affordable Care Act subsidies for 3 more years. This will lock in lower healthcare prices that will save 13 million people across our country an average of $800.

Now, $800 may not sound like a lot to some people, but in my district and across America, hardworking families know the value of $800. In my district, Madam Speaker, there are about 55,000 people who are enrolled in health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act. That is about $800 for these Texas families to use for school supplies, for food, for gas, and for other basic necessities.

So, the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a massive victory for the people in my district and districts across America.

This is what happens when we have strong leadership in the White House and when House Democrats work together, because they put people first.

Madam Speaker, it is all about putting people first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and the massive financial relief it will bring to hardworking American families.

The Inflation Reduction Act is monumental. It is historic. It will do several things, including: lower prescription drug prices; lower the cost of healthcare for millions; lower energy costs; and lower the deficit and reducing inflation.

On top of this, President Biden recently went a step further in helping Americans by announcing his remarkable student loan relief program. This is huge for many young Americans.

It is simple. House Democrats and President Biden are producing results for the American people because together, we are putting people over politics.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to celebrating these key victories at the White House this afternoon alongside the President and following these remarks I will be going straight over there.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 100 years of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, in the 29th Texas Congressional District.

The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council was founded in 1922 by Corinne Fonde and Frances Mann Law. This year, 2022, marks a full century of the council empowering girls across my district. The San Jacinto Council is a community-based organization and is one of the country's largest girl scout councils, with more than 35,000 girl members and 14,000 adult members. It serves 26 counties across Southwest Texas, including Houston and Harris counties and aims to build girls of ``courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.''

The Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council provides girls of all backgrounds the opportunity to explore the outdoors, STEM-based learning, entrepreneurship, and valuable life skill lessons. Through these girl scout programs, Texan girls of all ages establish strong relationships and abilities that they will carry with them beyond their girl scout years. Girls are encouraged to find their passions, tackle a wide range of challenges, and express themselves through various activities and programs. The council is also committed to diversity and inclusion, and works to engage in critical conversations with members about how to ensure inclusivity through Girl Scout values.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council for 100 years of service to girls across local Texas communities, and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate House Democrats' efforts to lower costs for working families. Democrats fight for families over politics.

As we know, Putin's cruel war on Ukraine has caused the price of goods to increase. Instead of playing politics and pointing fingers as extreme MAGA Republicans have done, House Democrats have delivered results for the American people.

Democrats simply passed the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act, and the Affordable Insulin Now Act to lower the costs of goods, gas, and insulin for all Americans.

On top of that, yesterday, the House passed the CHIPS and Science Act, a strong bill that will invest in lowering costs for hardworking American families and end our country's dependence on foreign producers.

You see, Madam Speaker, Democrats are here to deliver for the American people. We are putting people over politics.