Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Estella Ybarra, from El Paso, Texas, for her exceptional dedication to justice and integrity.

Ms. Ybarra was a juror in a 1990 high-profile case of Carlos Jaile. When the jury convened to deliberate, she believed in Jaile's innocence but ultimately felt intimidated by the aggressive pushes for a guilty verdict by her white, male peers. It was her first time serving in a jury and without a full understanding of the legal system, she felt pressured into a guilty vote, though her conscience told her otherwise.

For almost 30 years, her conscious reminded her of the man whose innocence she believed in. She decided to take action and with great humility, courage, and empathy. She called the El Paso Police Department, who connected her with the District Attorney's office that had won Mr. Jaile's conviction 27 years earlier. The office agreed to reexamine the case.

The reexamination resulted in an Earth-shattering revelation: the District Attorney's office had DNA evidence from the FBI that exonerated Mr. Jaile, but hid the test results. A judge overseeing the re-opened case called the El Paso Police and prosecutor's office's actions ``unacceptable'' and ``grossly negligent if not more.''

Estella Ybarra, serving in a capacity that demanded both diligence and empathy, demonstrated remarkable courage and an unwavering commitment to justice. The cascade of events that followed her phone call culminated in Carlos Jaile being released from prison after 27 years of wrongful imprisonment. Her role in this case, as detailed in a recent Texas Monthly article, showcases her dedication to ensuring fairness and integrity within the judicial process.

Ms. Ybarra's actions not only upheld the sanctity of the judicial system but also reinforced the critical role that individuals play in maintaining public trust and confidence.

Today, it is my honor to recognize Estella Ybarra. She embodies the best of El Paso: bravery, persistence, empathy, and a commitment to justice. Her actions exemplify the highest ideals of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I regrettably could not be present today to vote on the Floor proceedings before the House. Had I been present, I would have voted: NO on Roll Call No. 276, NO on Roll Call No. 277, YEA on Roll Call 278, and NO on Roll Call No. 279.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the remarkable efforts of community leaders and organizations in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, including AYUDA, Inc., Familias Triunfadoras, Dona Ana County--Health & Human Services, and Family Support Services of Amarillo, along with dedicated leaders like Nora Hernandez, Josiah Heyman, Mark Jurado, Adriana Orozco, Gina Nunez-Mchiri, and the memory of Patricia Juarez Carrillo.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our communities, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as farmworkers, dairy workers, and meatpacking workers. Recognizing the urgent need for targeted interventions, our dedicated leaders partnered with the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) to address the specific needs of these communities.

Our leader's collaboration with community-based organizations aimed to provide essential resources and support to migrant workers and food production workers in El Paso, Moore, TX, and Dona Ana, NM counties. The project began with disseminating vital COVID-19 information and evolved to address emerging needs, including vaccine access, mental health support, and promoting the NCRN application.

By early February 2024, substantial progress had been achieved in providing essential COVID-19 resources to farmworkers, dairy workers, and meatpacking workers. Crucial, targeted outreach efforts meant thousands of these workers received the COVID-19 vaccine, tests, resources, and more. These initiatives highlight a comprehensive approach to supporting essential workers' health and well-being and our greater community. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and leaders have been crucial in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and promoting health equity in our communities, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity.

Today, I am honored to pay tribute to all those involved in this noble endeavor. Their selfless contributions have made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, and their legacy of service will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Escontrias STEAM Academy, a cornerstone of educational excellence in the Lower Valley of El Paso County.

In 1921, faced with the urgent need for a safe educational environment for children of the Socorro district, Silverio Escontrias, a dedicated Texas Ranger and community leader, generously donated land at U.S. Highway 80 and Buford Road for a new school. His commitment to education laid the groundwork for what would become Escontrias Elementary

School and later, Escontrias STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art and math) Academy.

Notably, in 1924, the academy initiated a vocational program, teaching practical skills like carpentry, cotton farming, and animal husbandry, exemplifying the academy's commitment to a holistic education, preparing students for both academic and practical success in life. Since then, the Escontrias STEAM Academy has evolved into a hub of innovation. From its humble beginnings in adobe structures to its current status as a leading institution for STEAM education, the academy has remained steadfast in its mission to provide innovative learning opportunities.

As we commemorate its centennial milestone, we remain committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the transformative power of education. The legacy of Escontrias STEAM Academy serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Today, I am honored to pay tribute to the Escontrias STEAM Academy for its century of educational excellence and its profound impact on the lives of countless students, families, and the broader community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor El Paso County Attorney, Jo Anne Bernal, a trailblazer and proud native El Pasoan whose unwavering dedication to public service has profoundly improved our community.

In November 2009, Ms. Bernal broke barriers as the first woman elected as county attorney in El Paso, marking a historic moment in local governance. Under her leadership, the County Attorney's office is a hub of legal expertise, protecting our community's values and interests.

Ms. Bernal's duties include representing and prosecuting juvenile offenses, addressing deceptive business practices, and aiding victims of domestic and sexual violence. She is a staunch advocate for victims' rights, prioritizing dignity and full legal support, including to undocumented individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community.

It is my privilege to recognize Ms. Bernal for her exemplary service, leadership, and dedication to our community, and I wish her and her family the best upon her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless.

Since its inception on January 3rd, 1994, the Opportunity Center has been a steadfast refuge for homeless adults, originally focusing on men but expanding to accommodate the increasing number of women seeking shelter. Through this evolution, it has established permanent and transitional housing options to offer stability and hope to those in need.

Central to the Center's philosophy is the principle of recovery to service. It proudly stands as the largest employer of homeless individuals in the El Paso community, with close to 60 percent of its staff having lived experience with homelessness. This practice not only provides employment but also fosters a sense of purpose, self-worth, empathy, and dignity among its employees. In a landmark achievement in October 2011, the Opportunity Center became the first homeless shelter in the United States to receive excess food from schools, thanks to Congressional clarification on food donation regulations. This initiative has since provided over 1.2 million meals in 2023 alone, nourishing those in need and exemplifying the Center's commitment to holistic support.

Founded by Ray Tullius, a U.S. Army veteran and Golden Nugget award recipient, the Center is dedicated to aiding veterans facing homelessness and has assisted countless individuals. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, such as service providers, educational institutions, and local governments, the Opportunity Center ensures high-quality care and compassion for those experiencing homelessness.

Today, it is my privilege to honor the Opportunity Center for its 30- year legacy of service, resilience, and compassion. May it continue to make a profound impact on the lives of our community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the distinguished life and extraordinary military career of General Edward Greer, a remarkable individual whose legacy has left an indelible mark on our nation, as he approaches his 100th birthday.

Born in the coal-mining town of Gary, West Virginia, General Greer's journey began at West Virginia State College in 1942, where he enrolled during an era of racial segregation. However, his education was interrupted by World War II, leading him to serve in the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an all-Black unit. By the war's end, he had risen to the esteemed rank of Master Sergeant. Returning to civilian life, General Greer resumed his studies at West Virginia State College, where he met and married Jewell Means. Their union, forged on May 31, 1948, endured for more than 72 years.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army in 1940, General Greer sought stability in the military, serving with distinction for 33 years. His early assignments in Japan coincided with the outbreak of the Korean War, where he earned the Silver Star for valor. Promoted through the ranks, General Greer's military career traversed Germany. Oklahoma, Kansas, and the Pentagon, witnessing the Army's integration and earning promotions to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel. His family grew to include three children: Michael, Kenneth, and Gail.

In 1970, Colonel Greer served in Vietnam before becoming a trailblazer in military history. Selected for promotion to Brigadier General in 1972, he joined an esteemed group of Black officers, contributing to the integration of the Army's general officer ranks. Retiring in 1976 after 33 years of dedicated service, General Greer made El Paso his home. With his beloved wife Jewell, he became an active member of the community, engaging in real estate sales and contributing to various civic boards.

The Greers' post-Army life was a testament to their commitment to service and community. It is with profound gratitude and respect that we honor General Edward Greer's legacy, a legacy that exemplifies the highest ideals of duty, honor, and love for our great nation, and wish him a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the El Paso County Senior Meal Program.

Since February 1974, El Paso has been assisting seniors across our community to receive at least one warm meal a day through the Older Americans Act. The program first started at the Sacred Heart Church Center and St. Alban's Church Center and there are now over 16 centers across El Paso. The El Paso County Senior Meal Program ensures that no senior goes hungry.

Today, in partnership with various regional government entities such as the City of El Paso, City of Socorro, City of San Elizario, Town of Clint, as well as grant funders including the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, El Paso County remains committed to delivering essential services, including providing nutritious meals, facilitating socialization, conducting wellness activities, and performing safety checks. These services are consistently offered across 16 congregate sites, where a dedicated team of both staff and volunteers works collaboratively to serve approximately 12,057 congregate meals each month. Additionally, an impressive 39,000 home-delivered meals are distributed monthly as part of this initiative.

Today, it is my privilege to recognize the significant contributions of the El Paso County Community Services Department personnel, as well as their partners and the multitude of volunteers involved in delivering these essential and crucial services to our community, for the last 50 years. I wish them continued success and impact for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the GOP's political stunt of the day: impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

The real problem here is congressional inaction on immigration reform. My community of El Paso, Texas, on the U.S.-Mexico border has been on the front lines of this issue and living with the consequences of Congress' failure to act.

Our Federal personnel, local governments, and shelters are all overwhelmed, and Republicans continue to withhold vital funding that would help address this issue.

As a border legislator, I have never met a more committed, accessible Cabinet member than Secretary Mayorkas.

He is a great public servant doing everything he can with the limited resources Congress has given to him.

Madam Speaker, I invite my Republican colleagues who really want to solve this to join the bipartisan coalition supporting the Dignity Act. Stop playing games and do your job.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I have the incredible privilege of representing El Paso, Texas, which is a vibrant, wonderful, and generous community of goodwill that is right on the U.S.-Mexico border. My community has seen firsthand the challenges that come with a significant number of people fleeing their homeland and seeking refuge in the United States. We have opened up our pantries, we have opened up our wallets, and we have opened up our hearts, but it is time for Congress to act.

I am so proud to be spending this Special Order hour talking about the first bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill introduced in Congress in a decade. In fact, even today, it is the only bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that exists in Congress. It is a bill that addresses the border and beyond. It is a national security bill. It is an economic bill. It is a bill that finally forces Congress to do its job.

While we are seeing a large number of migrants arriving at our Nation's front door, at the same time, we have 8 million unfilled jobs in our country. If we want to be a competitive nation and if we want to make sure that we are at the forefront of having a bold economy, then, frankly, we need immigrants. However, we also need order and humanity at the border. President Biden has repeatedly asked Congress to do its job and find a legislative solution.

Now, the Senate has just introduced their own bipartisan bill. We don't know the fate of that, but what we in the House know is that we have a wonderful bipartisan coalition that has introduced a real solution, and that real solution is the Dignity Act.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce and yield the floor to one of my cosponsors who herself is an expert on immigration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten).

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Hillary Scholten. I so appreciate her leadership and her support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I was born and raised on the U.S.-Mexico border. I am a third-generation border resident. My children are both adults. My son, Cristian, and my daughter, Eloisa, are fourth-generation border residents.

No one wants a solution to the border more than those of us who live there, who have made our lives there, raised our kids there, and know that we will spend the rest of our days there.

We need to come together and find areas of compromise. There is so much

disunity, but we can find unity, and the Dignity Act provides us with that.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild), a cosponsor of the Dignity Act, a dear friend, and an incredible leader.

Mr. Speaker, can you imagine if we came together and actually solved the most politically divisive issue facing our Nation today? The American people would be incredibly relieved. They would be so grateful. We could check this key issue off our list and move on to all the other issues that our Nation faces.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning), another wonderful colleague who is a cosponsor of the Dignity Act.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Ms. Manning's powerful voice.

Mr. Speaker, many of the sponsors of the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, the Dignity Act, are relatively new to Congress, including Ms. Scholten and Ms. Manning, who you heard from.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Sorensen).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Sorensen so much. I am so grateful for his leadership and support.

Mr. Speaker, there are diverse groups and organizations that support the Dignity Act, from the evangelical community, to the American Chamber of Commerce, to ABIC, the American Business Immigration Council.

It is remarkable that once we put up our bill, our bipartisan bill, people from every corner of this country have been clamoring, asking us when it is coming to the floor, when will it get a vote because they are in support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Slotkin), who is an incredible leader here in Congress and a colleague, a classmate that I was elected to Congress with, another cosponsor of the Dignity Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Slotkin for those very powerful words. She mentioned something that I think is so important to repeat. As I have been talking to colleagues on both sides of the aisle about the Dignity Act, they have pointed out things they don't like or things that they consider imperfect.

I have said two things in response: Please give me a suggestion on how you would change whatever provision it is that you don't like and how you would accomplish that in a bipartisan way. That is the first thing I say. The second thing I say is, if this bipartisan bill that to date has about 30 bipartisan cosponsors, a really great coalition of bipartisan support, if this isn't the bipartisan immigration bill you like, I would be happy to look at yours.

If folks don't like this bill, they can either introduce their own after working hard to produce a bipartisan product like we did or they can even offer suggestions on provisions they would like to see changed as long as those changes reflect the bipartisan compromise that we worked so hard to create in this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan), who was just in my district and my hometown this weekend.

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of my colleagues and so incredibly honored and privileged to be working alongside them toward this very noble purpose. I am so proud of my Republican colleagues, as well, and honored they are on this bill.

It is a strange thing to say, but it actually takes a lot of courage for people to compromise in this place. The U.S. Congress today, unfortunately, is in some ways set up to ensure that our divisions are even more deeply rooted and that the chasm between us is made even greater.

It really is up to each and every one of us to build a bridge over that chasm, to find that pathway toward unity, and to focus, really, on areas of agreement instead of areas of disagreement. It is what the American people want. It is what the American people deserve.

A couple of my colleagues mentioned the trip to El Paso last weekend. Since I was elected to Congress my first year in 2019, I have brought over 25 percent of Congress--that number is probably even higher now-- to El Paso. I invite my colleagues to join me. The trips are really insightful. We don't just talk to Border Patrol agents. We actually do a very holistic evaluation and have robust conversations with everyone that a broken system touches.

It helps put into perspective how complex the solution really is and how unacceptable it is that we have gone so long without addressing this solution.

I am going to close with this, Mr. Speaker, because my colleagues have done such an effective job of advocating for this bipartisan compromise. I mentioned just a little bit ago the large number of supporting organizations that have come to us and told us they want to help. They want to see this bill get to the floor. They want a solution. The organizations range from left leaning to right leaning and everything in between.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to the Power and Communication Contractors Association, a group that came to Washington specifically to advocate for the Dignity Act. This is not a group I reached out to. This is not a group that any of us called and invited to D.C. They heard about the bill. They shared it with each other. They are a trade organization that is trying to install broadband across this country, especially in rural areas, but they are up against workforce shortages.

When they learned of the Dignity Act, they reached out to me. They asked me to speak to their group. I visited with them last week in the evening after a long day here on Capitol Hill, and they gave me such inspiration.

If regular Americans who are just trying to do their jobs are coming to D.C. to beg us to do ours, something is very wrong, but something is also very right. That means the American people are finally demanding of us that we do our job.

I would be remiss if I didn't say this: My party should have worked to compromise a long time ago.

Colleagues of mine on the other side of the aisle today are refusing to compromise. They keep pointing to their bill, H.R. 2. They keep saying this is the solution. I can tell you it is not.

A fundamental component to H.R. 2, something that is rarely talked about but fundamental to H.R. 2, is that Mexico be willing to accept every migrant the U.S. decides to expel. That has never happened, nor will it ever happen, so H.R. 2 is not realistic.

House Democrats who are holding onto the perfect are not realistic, either.

Let's come together. Let's fix this once and for all. Let's get to work and bring this to the floor. Let's put everyone to the test. Do we want a solution, or do we not?

On behalf of my colleagues and the millions of Americans who are ready for this vote, let's get this done.

Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful for the opportunity to highlight this very important bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of former University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) baseball player, Mike Maddux, for his success and contribution as the professional pitching coach of the 2023 World Series-winning Texas Rangers.

Coach Maddux, an Ohio native. was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. However, he chose to pursue his education at UTEP, where he excelled as the star pitcher for the 1985 UTEP National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) baseball team. Following his graduation, Coach Maddux enjoyed a 15-year career in the MLB, playing for nine teams and concluding his playing days with the Houston Astros in 2000. Subsequently, he transitioned to a coaching role in the MLB starting in 2003. Over the years, Coach Maddux contributed his coaching expertise to four MLB teams: the Milwaukee Brewers (2003 through 2008), Texas Rangers (2009 through 2015), Washington Nationals (2016 through 2017), and St. Louis Cardinals (2018 through 2022). Notably, he returned to the Texas Rangers as their pitching coach in 2022.

During his initial tenure with the Rangers from 2009 to 2015, Coach Maddux oversaw a remarkable period of organizational success. The team achieved four consecutive seasons with a team Earned Run Average (ERA) below 4.00 from 2010 to 2013. Building on this legacy, Coach Maddux helped guide the Rangers to a resounding and overwhelming 4-1 series victory in the 2023 MLB World Series, securing their first championship in franchise history.

Today, it is my privilege to join the University of Texas at El Paso, and many others, in honoring Coach Mike Maddux for his work in helping the Texas Rangers win their first World Series and making El Paso Proud.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent El Paso, Texas, a border community, and I rise today in strong opposition to this resolution, which is nothing more than a collection of Republican talking points.

Let's be clear: Reforming our outdated immigration laws is our responsibility, a congressional responsibility, and it is our responsibility to do so in a way that actually works and doesn't sacrifice our values.

Some Republicans prefer to go on TV to complain, and others openly acknowledge they don't want a solution, including the Speaker of the House, who says he wants to wait until after the election.

To those who claim their unworkable Secure the Border Act is a solution, please read your bill. You will see that fundamental to it is that Mexico will accept every single migrant the U.S. sends to them. That has never happened. It will never happen. Therefore, H.R. 2 is nothing more than a fantasy for you all.

Mr. Speaker, for those Republicans who are tired of complaining and really want a solution, please join our bipartisan coalition, a coalition that worked on real solutions, legislative solutions. It is called the Dignity Act of 2023. It addresses the border and beyond and does it in a way that doesn't sacrifice our values. Please join us. Let's fix this together because we can.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the 20 years of dedicated service that Ms. Deborah A. Zuloaga has provided as President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of El Paso County (UWEPC).

Ms. Zuloaga, a native El Pasoan and alumna of North Texas State University, dedicated 11 years to various roles in political and government service in Washington, D.C., before returning to her hometown. Upon her return to El Paso, she continued her service to the

community as an Associate Director and then Resource Development Director at the UWEPC. In 2003, she was appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer, marking the beginning of a transformative era for the organization.

Under Ms. Zuloaga's leadership, the UWEPC not only faced challenges head-on but also thrived. The generous donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott in 2020 stands as a testament to the organization's impact and the trust placed in Ms. Zuloaga's stewardship. Her unwavering leadership during difficult times, including the response to the August 3, 2019 tragedy, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, underscores her commitment to community resilience.

Ms. Zuloaga's involvement in various nonprofit initiatives, state boards, and community events further highlights her dedication to the well-being of El Paso. Her accolades, including being honored as one of six Women of Impact by El Paso Inc. in 2019, receiving the Outstanding Child Advocate--West Texas award from Children at Risk in 2021, and being nominated for El Paso Inc.'s 2023 El Pasoan of the Year, are a testament to her lasting impact to our community.

Today, it is my privilege to honor Ms. Deborah A. Zuloaga 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 commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Army Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

The Army ROTC program has been an integral part of the UTEP and the El Paso community since its establishment on July 1, 1948, as an Air Defense Artillery ROTC unit of the College of Mines and Metallurgy. Today, the Army ROTC program offers UTEP students basic and advanced courses of Military Science, including a Minor in Military Studies, and provides training in small unit leadership and military skills, in both classrooms across campus and in a field environment.

The Officers commissioned through the UTEP Army ROTC program have served their nation in all major conflicts from the Korean War through the Global War on Terrorism, having preserved the liberties that have enriched this nation. Additionally, the Officers are always at the forefront of providing voluntary service to our country in terms of disaster preparedness and response, community development and environmental protection.

Today, it is my privilege to honor the UTEP Army ROTC, and all those associated with the program, for the important role in preparing individuals to serve their country and their communities, for the last 75 years. I wish them continued success and impact for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Emergence Health Network Veterans One Stop Center for their continuous innovation to expand mental and behavioral health services to El Paso veterans and active-duty military and their families.

Emergence Health Network (EHN), the local mental health authority in El Paso, has a dedicated facility focusing on behavioral needs and services. The Veterans One Stop Center (VOSC) in Northeast El Paso provides behavioral health services and additional support to veterans, active-duty military, and their families. Recovery-oriented care is offered to meet the needs of veterans, thus promoting hope and encouragement.

EHN's partnership with Fort Bliss has proved to be a tremendous benefit as an additional resource and support system for these individuals to solve the wait and intervention times for care. EHN's Veteran's One Stop Center has the capability and resources to expedite these services to a much-needed population and can provide care to service members anywhere from two to five days of initial contact.

Today, it is my privilege to honor Emergence Health Network's Veterans One Stop Center for the grand opening of their new facility in East El Paso and thank them for their ongoing efforts to help our veterans, active-duty military, and their families.