Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as we observe National Historic Preservation Month this May, I rise to honor the legacy of the Rio Vista Bracero Farm in Socorro, Texas. A site that serves as a testament to the resilience and contributions of migrant laborers and their profound impact on our Nation's agricultural history.

The Rio Vista Farm was established in 1915 as El Paso County's ``Poor Farm'' and has served various purposes over the years. From 1951 to 1964, it functioned as a key hub for the Bracero Program, facilitating over 4.6 million border crossings for Mexican agricultural workers under challenging conditions. In recognition of its national significance, the Rio Vista Farm was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in December 2023. This designation highlights the contributions of Latino excellence and presence in our Nation's history and our community.

As we celebrate National Historic Preservation Month, let us reflect on the importance of preserving our Nation's diverse history and the importance of it. The Rio Vista Farm serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions of migrant laborers and their stories.

I commend the City of Socorro, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and all involved in these preservation efforts. By working together, we can preserve the culture and heritage of the Rio Vista Farm and the Braceros across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Takano for yielding. I am so grateful for his leadership and for bringing us together on the House floor to talk about what is happening here in our country every day.

Americans are sounding the alarm about the crisis that our country is in. It is not just an economic crisis, as we see our country sinking very quickly into an economic crisis, which is being reflected in Donald Trump's poll numbers. In fact, his sinking poll numbers are even being reflected in the issue that many consider to be his strong suit with the American people, which is immigration.

Americans are now realizing that Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies are targeting everyone in our country, including U.S. citizens.

When Donald Trump eliminates due process for immigrants, whether it is

for legal immigrants or students who are here with legitimate visas, he is impacting due process for all of us.

When Donald Trump ignores an order from the Supreme Court to bring back a wrongfully deported immigrant, he is violating the rule of law, which impacts all of us.

Mr. Speaker, when Donald Trump sends immigrants to a gulag in a foreign country, believe him when he tells you that he will be doing this to U.S. citizens next. In fact, he has already begun deporting U.S. citizen children.

Just today, in the House Judiciary Committee, as the Judiciary Committee was marking up the reconciliation package, which, unfortunately, many Republicans will just blindly approve, Judiciary Committee Republicans refused to protect U.S. citizens from deportation.

It is shocking, I know.

Here is the thing: We can have strong border security and a fair and humane immigration system that works for our Nation. That is not what Donald Trump is doing. He is acting like a tyrant, and he will keep undermining our democracy, our country, and the rule of law as long as compliant Republicans allow him to.

Will there be just four Republicans who will stand with us and their constituents to protect the Constitution, the rule of law, and law and order in this country? I hope so.

Mr. Speaker, Republicans spent the last 4 years telling Americans to trust them on the economy, and Donald Trump promised to lower costs for Americans on day one.

Months into this administration, with Republicans in complete control, prices are up, inflation is up, joblessness is up, the stock market is all over the place with American retirees losing

trillions of dollars in just 72 hours, and a recession is looming.

Let's be clear: Republicans have no plan to prioritize hardworking Americans, but they have a $7 trillion plan to help billionaires. They will do that by cutting Medicaid and nutrition programs and exploding the national debt by $6 trillion.

This budget resolution makes Americans sicker and poorer, and it will make the rich richer.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to have some common sense and work with Democratic colleagues. Together we can address all of this. I will be voting ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to the life and legacy of U.S. Army Captain Roberto ``Chito'' Samaniego, the first KIA servicemember from El Paso in the Vietnam war.

Captain Samaniego was an El Paso native and Jefferson High School alumni, who served his country as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam war. He was assigned to the 52nd Aviation Battalion, 119th Company.

On June 19, 1965, Captain Samaniego was a copilot on one of the two UH-IB Helicopters conducting supply transports from Kon Tum to Dak Sut, Vietnam. When entering Dak Sut Valley, both air crews were hit by enemy fire 300 feet above land and plummeted to ground exploding on impact with no surviving crew members. Mr. Speaker, 209 El Pasoan service members would later lose their lives in the Vietnam conflict.

I recognize and express my eternal gratitude for veterans like Captain Samaniego; for the courage, bravery, and sacrifice to fight for our country. I also commemorate the families of service members, who have fought and continued to fight, as their sacrifices are beyond measure.

On March 29, 2025, we will honor the lives of the Vietnam war heroes in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer and Stephanie Han, two remarkably accomplished sisters from El Paso whose dedication and success in women's boxing has inspired all of us.

Jennifer Han, former IBF world featherweight champion and soon-to-be member of the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame, has paved the way for women in the sport, making her one of the most accomplished female boxers in the country and the world. She now lives a quiet life as a mother and trainer at a local gym where she teaches youth programs.

Her sister, Stephanie Han, has built her own legacy in boxing with an undefeated record. She earned this year's WBA lightweight title by way of knockout in the first round in under 2 minutes. She is ranked as number two in the world, and beyond her success in the sport, she is a dedicated mother, wife, and officer with the El Paso Police Department where she dedicates herself to public service.

We are so proud of both of them.

Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time.

Let's talk about what is really happening here today. Housing costs are up. Groceries are up. Inflation is up. Donald Trump is threatening more tariffs, which means our costs will continue to go up. It is no wonder that the bond market is flashing a warning sign about slowing economic growth under Donald Trump.

My Republican colleagues, instead of working with us to lower costs, what are they doing? They are working to give billionaires massive tax breaks, and they will do that by making life costlier for everyone else.

In fact, this budget bill that will be on the floor today will have enormous consequences. It will make America poorer, sicker, and hungrier. It will close hospitals and clinics. It will kick seniors out of nursing homes. It ends support for Americans with disabilities. It will double healthcare costs and more.

That is just the Medicaid portion of it. In Texas, in my State, over 4 million Texans stand to lose with the cuts that my Republican colleagues will implement that this bill would unlock with cuts to Medicaid.

It is not just that. It gets worse. This budget bill would explode the national debt. Why? So that billionaires can have another yacht, another luxury home, another jet?

It doesn't have to be this way. We just need some of our Republican colleagues to stand with us and vote to protect the American people, reject these billionaire tax breaks, reject the harm that it will do to their constituents and ours, and protect the American people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the remarkable life of retired U.S. Army Major General Edward Greer, a veteran who broke barriers and made history as one of the service's first Black generals.

His military career began when he enlisted in the segregated Army Reserve during World War II. He achieved the rank of master sergeant while attached to the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an all-Black unit.

Upon commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army, he pursued a second enlistment during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He concluded 33 years of service, retiring at the rank of major general, as the deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center.

Last year, in March, I had the honor of visiting him at his home in El Paso to celebrate his life for his 100th birthday.

On January 29th of this year, this extraordinary man died peacefully in his home. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We honor the life of this hero, husband, father, and patriot, and we celebrate his immeasurable contributions to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Pebble Hills High School Spartan Marching Band. Under the leadership of Director Maximo Sierra and the unwavering support of the Socorro Independent School District, the Spartan Marching Band has made history as the first band from El Paso to perform in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

This remarkable accomplishment reflects the dedication, discipline, and talent of the more than 300 student musicians, dancers, and color guard members who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. Their invitation to participate in the 136th Rose Parade is not only a testament to their musical excellence, but their commitment to representing the spirit and pride of El Paso's heritage on a national stage.

I commend the students, parents, educators, and community members who have supported the Spartan Marching Band on this journey. Their achievement is a source of immense pride for El Paso and an inspiration for young musicians across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and enduring legacy of Hector Serrano, beloved artist, storyteller, and visionary creator of Viva! El Paso.

For over four decades, Hector brought the history and culture of our region to life through the magic of Viva! El Paso. His groundbreaking work celebrated the diverse stories of the borderland, intertwining the heritage of indigenous, Mexican, Spanish, Anglo, and Fort Bliss communities through music, dance, and drama. His passion turned Viva! El Paso into an iconic tradition that has captivated audiences, inspired pride in our shared history, and has united our community.

Hector dedicated his life to the arts and uplifting his hometown of El Paso. His commitment to preserving our cultural identity and showcasing the beauty of our beloved borderland makes him a cornerstone of the artistic and cultural fabric of El Paso.

I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. We honor his life and his immeasurable contribution to our cultural heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable career of Judge Yahara Lisa Gutierrez, a trailblazer in the legal community of El Paso County.

Born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, Judge Gutierrez's story is one of courage, resilience and determination. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1991 from the University of Texas Permian Basin and her Juris Doctor in 1994 from Texas Tech University, becoming a distinguished member of the legal profession.

Since taking the bench in 2009, Judge Gutierrez has been a transformative force in El Paso County's judicial system. She has presided over cases involving child abuse and juvenile delinquency with a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Her leadership has driven innovative reforms, including the establishment of the County's first Protective Order Court, Children's Cross-Over Court, and the first Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Court in Texas. These specialized courts reflect her commitment to addressing complex social issues with empathy and effectiveness, ensuring that justice serves to protect and uplift.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Gutierrez has devoted herself to community service. As a member of the Texas Children's Commission and the El Paso Women's Bar Association, and as a founding member of the El Paso Project Future internship program for aged-out foster youth, she has worked to empower and support others. Her accolades, including the Foster Parent Association's Judge of the Year Award, the Honorable Sam Paxon Outstanding Jurist Award, and the Trailblazer of the Year Award, highlight her contributions to the legal profession and our community.

Today, it is my privilege to honor Judge Yahara Lisa Gutierrez for her exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to our community, and wish her and her family the best upon her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor El Paso County Commissioner, Carlos Leon, a lifelong El Pasoan, who has dedicated his career to serving El Paso, Texas for over four decades.

Commissioner Leon began his career in 1974 with the El Paso Police Department, where he served for three decades. As a captain, he championed community policing, the law enforcement policy of fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and residents that builds trust and creates safer neighborhoods. In 1999, he was appointed Chief of Police, leading El Paso to its first national recognition as the safest city in America.

Commissioner Leon's dedication continued with his election as County Commissioner for Precinct 1, where he has served three terms. I had the privilege of working with Commissioner Leon on the Commissioners' Court, witnessing firsthand his passion for a responsive, efficient government. He was instrumental in creating a County Administration Office to streamline and professionalize county operations, expanding healthcare access through University Medical Center clinics, and championing a $15 minimum wage for all County employees.

It is my privilege to honor Commissioner Carlos Leon for his decades of dedicated service to the citizens of El Paso County. His leadership in public safety, infrastructure, access to healthcare, and economic equity has left a lasting impact on our community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for his years of service and wish him and his beloved family, the very best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Willie Barraza Post 9173 for their 75th anniversary. The Willie Barraza Post has been an important service organization to assist our veteran community, their families, and the wider El Paso community.

The Post was founded in 1949 and named after Willie Barraza, who was an Army Sergeant from Smeltertown who went Missing in Action during World War II. Smeltertown was located in El Paso, Texas, and housed workers of the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO). Willie Barraza Post 9173 is the second oldest post in El Paso with veteran members from the Korean, Vietnam, and Global War on Terrorism.

The Willie Barraza Post is chartered with 34 World War II service members and currently has 148 members serving our border city and our military base of Fort Bliss. Their members are active participants in supporting our community. They help raise funds for local churches and scholarship opportunities for students. They also serve in recognizing veterans through participation in our district's annual Independence Day and Veterans Day parades.

Today, I want to thank the Willie Barraza Post for their service to the country and our community. I join them in celebrating their 75th Anniversary and commend them for their consistent presence in El Paso. I look forward to the continued work that they do in the coming years and decades.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jessica Alana Sanchez, who was born and raised in my community of El Paso, Texas. Jessica sadly passed away in July at the age of 38 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind a 4-year-old daughter, her husband, a sister, parents, and extended family, many of whom are my constituents.

I met Jessica as a young woman when she and I were volunteering on a local campaign. From the first time I met her, it was clear that she was a brilliant individual who was guided by a strong sense of responsibility toward social justice.

When Jessica was enrolled in Mesita Elementary School, she participated in a rally to protest a plan to build a nuclear waste facility on the outskirts of our community in El Paso. She was a brave and outspoken girl and wanted to voice her classmates' worries about the negative effects on the environment if the facility were to come to fruition. After months of protests, the site was never built, and the community prevailed.

She continued to advocate for people while at El Paso High School, and her advocacy transcended our borders. She was particularly concerned about drug cartel violence and the disappearance and murders of hundreds of women factory workers across the border from us in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. She petitioned city leaders on both sides of the border to take action to curb violence and to safeguard those vulnerable workers.

Her activism and community involvement were evident to others. She attended Stanford University for her undergraduate degree and Boston University Law School.

Incensed by our country's failed immigration policies and actions that gave rise to the separation of families, Jessica decided to return to California. She would go on to work on advocacy on behalf of migrants and refugees at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles.

Jessica was also a mother to her daughter, Leila. She raised Leila to embody her core values of fairness, equality, and giving back to her community. She felt it was her obligation that Leila be raised to speak out as a woman in our society and be proud of her Latina heritage and family background.

It was not all about politics. Jessica and Leila also had fun singing and dancing and reading books. They enjoyed making arts and crafts together and decorating their annual Christmas tree with projects made throughout the year. They watched children's television shows, like ``Sesame Street'' and ``Bluey,'' and spent summer afternoons playing in their neighborhood park and feeding the ducks there.

Jessica was a woman of faith and believed strongly that we are all tasked with utilizing our God-given gifts and talents to journey in solidarity with those we encounter in life and contributing to the common good.

I close by sharing a reflection Jessica delivered as an intern with the Catholic community in June 2009 during a Sunday service at Stanford's Memorial Church. It captures her philosophy and her outlook on Christian discipleship that she practiced throughout her young life very well.

Jessica's reflection is as follows:

``I remember the first time I answered my call to service. My home parish in El Paso, Texas, sponsors a Thanksgiving dinner for homeless residents in our binational community. My family and I showed up at the church cafeteria and were assigned the task of serving guests plates of food. I was 8 years old and extremely intimidated by strangers.

``Anxiety grew in the pit of my stomach as I carried a meal to my first guest, an older woman in a Dallas Cowboys' jersey. As I placed the plate in front of her, she glanced up. She didn't speak, but there was a calm gratitude in her eyes. I felt connected to her. God opened my heart in that moment and enveloped me with peace.

``For the first time, I understood the gift of service. It has made an indelible impression upon me. My commitment to service played a huge role in my decision to accept the intern position with our Catholic community at Stanford. I was called to give back to a community that supported me in my time of need.''

Those were Jessica's beautiful words.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of El Paso, I extend my deepest condolences to Jessica's family. Jessica left us too soon, and I and everyone who knew her will cherish our memories with her. I am proud to honor the life of Jessica Alana Sanchez and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her lifetime commitment to advocating for her community.

Mr. Speaker, we are only 12 days away from a potential government shutdown, and yet here we are debating yet another slate of unserious Republican policies, so-called antiwoke bills.

Instead of prioritizing legislation to improve the lives of the American people, they are set on wasting our time with political games.

Instead of working on a bipartisan appropriations process with Democrats to keep our government open, the Republican Party is focused on pushing elements of Trump's Project 2025, a blueprint for a radical and draconian

restructuring of our country that includes eliminating many of our freedoms.

They show us over and over that their party is gripped by troubling extremism. Their incessant dangerous rhetoric about immigrants is but one example of this extremism.

My Democratic colleagues and I remain focused and committed to real solutions that improve our country and our economy, which is why if we defeat the previous question, we will come together to pass meaningful, life-changing legislation, like the American Dream and Promise Act, a commonsense bill that has bipartisan support.

Despite high public support for Dreamers, who were brought to the country as children and are proud to call the United States home, Dreamers had the rug pulled out from under them in 2017 when former President Donald Trump abruptly terminated the DACA program. Since then, Dreamers and their families have been caught up in a court battle, not just for the fate of the program but for their future.

The American Dream and Promise Act could put an end to years of fear and uncertainty for Dreamers as well as TPS and DED recipients and countless mixed-status families who dread the day their loved one may no longer be here.

This bill is a vital step toward providing dignity, stability, and security for those individuals who for years have contributed to our communities, our economy, and our American story.

I urge my colleagues to use our limited time here in Washington, D.C., on real solutions. Help us defeat the previous question so we can instead do real work that makes a real impact, like the American Dream and Promise Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jefferson High School.

Established in 1949, under the leadership of its first principal, Mr. J.M. Whitaker. Jefferson High School has been the institution that has provided an excellent education to generations of students from the South-Central community. Better known as the `Silver Foxes,' students and alumni proudly represent Jefferson all throughout El Paso, the country, and the world. From Ricardo Samaniego, our El Paso County Judge, Alberto Almanza, an Olympian who competed in 1960 and 1964, and numerous of veterans and servicemembers who have served in all branches of the military in pursuit of liberty and justice. Jefferson has a saying `once a fox, always a fox'--and Jefferson students and alumni are always proud of their community and where they come from.

I would also like to recognize all the teachers, faculty, and staff of Jefferson for their dedication and tireless work to enrich the lives of students, empower them to become productive citizens, and leaders in their communities. It takes a village to educate and raise children and without their work, Jefferson High School would not be able to operate.

I ask all Members to join me today in honoring Jefferson High School for their 75 years of educational excellence and its profound impact on the lives of countless students, families, and the broader community. Long live Jeff (Viva la Jeff).