Veronica Escobar

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation as it celebrates 20 years of advancing health care, innovation, and economic opportunity across the Paso de Norte region.

In El Paso, we know that progress is only built by people willing to see possibilities where others have seen limitations. Twenty years ago, the MCA was founded on the belief that our border community could become a center for exceptional health care, scientific discovery, and economic opportunity. What began as an ambitious idea has become a defining, indispensable part of our community.

Because of the MCA, young El Pasoans can imagine a future in medicine and science, local innovators have turned their ideas into solutions, and families can receive critical, life-saving care closer to home. The MCA's success belongs to the many visionary leaders, health care professionals, researchers, educators, and community partners who believed deeply in El Paso's potential and worked together to realize it.

I congratulate the entire MCA family on 20 remarkable years and thank them for helping build a healthier, more innovative, more prosperous future for our community.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this resolution.

Every day Americans are being confronted with skyrocketing prices at the gas pump and grocery store, and this resolution does absolutely nothing to address the economic crisis created by Donald Trump's economic policies, including his tariffs and an illegal war.

Instead, Republicans in Congress are dumping nearly $100 billion into the budget to fund this illegal war--$100 billion. That could pay the salaries of 1 million elementary school teachers, medical care for 7 million veterans, enough to fund nearly 10 years of school lunches for every child, and so much more.

Budgets are representative of our values and our priorities. It is absolutely clear that neither the President nor congressional Republicans value or prioritize the needs of the American public.

Americans want a Congress that is willing to fix the economy that Donald Trump broke. We are willing every day of the week to do that hard work, to come together to address these pressing issues. $100 billion for something Americans don't want? We have to reject it.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Raiz Federal Credit Union as it celebrates its 90th anniversary of service to the people of El Paso.

Founded in 1936 by seven visionary educators as the El Paso Teachers Federal Credit

Union, Raiz was built on a belief that when communities invest in one another, families thrive. Through generations of change and challenge, Raiz has remained a trusted partner for teachers, workers, and families across our region. Since 2019, more than 53,000 individuals have participated in Raiz's financial education programs, helping families build stronger financial futures. Raiz has also awarded more than 160 scholarships, grants. and community awards, while employees have contributed more than 4,100 hours in support of local organizations and initiatives.

Featured on the award-winning TV show Opportunity Knocks, Raiz was highlighted for their excellence as a financial leader, helping El Pasoans purchase homes, build credit, overcome financial challenges, and build brighter futures. I congratulate Raiz Federal Credit Union on this remarkable milestone and wish them continued success in the years ahead.