Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Manuel Padilla, Jr., on the occasion of his recent promotion. Mr. Padilla has been chosen to serve as the Director of the Joint Task Force West, Department of Homeland Security.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Padilla has served in the U.S. Border Patrol, working to create safer and more secure border communities. Most recently, he served as the Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector and the Commander of the Joint Task Force- West, South Texas Corridor. Chief Padilla's dedication and determination will be greatly missed but I know he will continue to protect our communities, and our country as a whole, in his new position.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent someone as hard-working as Mr. Manuel Padilla, Jr. The South Texas community is thankful for his dedication not only to our country but also to border communities like ours. I wish him the best as he begins a new chapter of his life and thank him for his time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Francisco Munoz III on the occasion of his retirement. For more than 43 years, Mr. Munoz served as director of the dance and Ballet Folklorico programs at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Francisco Munoz graduated from Pan American University--now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley--in 1975, double majoring in history and health, physical education and recreation. He went on to earn multiple graduate degrees at the University. Francisco began teaching dance part-time in 1977, and in 1982 became the first full- time instructor at the school to focus on folklorico.

On August 31, 2018, Francisco retired from his positions as director of both prestigious UTRGV performing arts programs. Francisco and his wife, Mary, built the dance program and the internationally recognized Ballet Folklorico company from the ground up. His work has forever transformed the dance department at UTRGV and enabled students from all over the Rio Grande Valley to share their talents on national and international stages. Francisco's colleagues and pupils were fortunate to receive instruction and encouragement from a leader like him.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent someone as hard-working as Mr. Francisco Munoz III. The South Texas community is thankful for his work and dedication to enriching our culture. I wish him the best as he begins a new chapter of his life. May retirement suit him and his family well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chaplin Ricardo Garcia and his commitment to serving those in need.

Chaplin Garcia's dedication to selfless service is commendable and deserving of recognition. Chaplin Garcia has delivered aid to regions affected by natural disasters such as Joplin, Missouri after it was hit by a tornado, Louisiana after the destructive flooding, and most recently Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

The Chaplin's work with the Emergency Ministries Service Church and Garcia Trail Rider moves and inspires all of us. The Emergency Ministries Service Church provides food, preaches to the youth, gives the homeless a nice, warm place to rest for the night and much more. Chaplin Garcia also led a trail ride to benefit a Vietnam veteran battling cancer and has an upcoming trail ride to benefit St. Jude's.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent individuals, such as Chaplin Garcia, who consistently put the needs of others before their own. Chaplin Ricardo Garcia and all of the people who volunteer to work with him at Emergency Ministries Services Church and Garcia Trail Rider are shining examples of what the 15th District of Texas has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Region One Education Services Center. Because of the hard work of their board members, administrators, educators, and students, the Texas Education Agency placed Region One at the top of the performance list.

Region One is made up of Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata Counties. This year, 100 percent of the school districts in Region One met the standard set by the Texas Education Agency, outperforming several regions of similar size. Fourteen of the districts in Region One also earned postsecondary readiness distinctions, three of which earned this distinction for the fifth consecutive year.

By setting high expectations for their students and working with the local communities to better understand their needs, Region One has gone above and beyond to provide South Texas students with the tools they need to succeed. There is no doubt in my mind that Region One will continue to empower young South Texans to perform at the highest levels.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent the hard-working individuals of the Region One Education Services Center. Our region and its recent success is a shining example of what the 15th District of Texas has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the bravery of fellow South Texans: Lieutenant Phillip Foley, Officer Lucino Cabrera, Officer Ulysses Guerrero, Officer Alberto Rios-Cantu, and Officer Osiel Reyes of the City of McAllen Police Department. These five law enforcement officers engaged and prevented the Deutsch and Deutsch Jewelry store robbery on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at La Plaza Mall in McAllen, Texas. They apprehended seven male suspects who were attempting to rob this jewelry store midday during an otherwise calm weekend in South Texas.

After entering the store with what appeared to be firearms, the suspects intimidated and threatened store staff while smashing glass displays. One off-duty officer working at a nearby store was alerted to the commotion and immediately went to appraise the situation. He then approached the active scene with the assistance of an off-duty Pharr Police narcotics officer, an off-duty McAllen Police lieutenant and off-duty McAllen Police officers. Together they arrested the suspects and secured the scene.

Thanks to the brave actions of these officers, all seven suspects were taken into custody, and no one was harmed and no shots were fired. Though off-duty, these officers remained committed to the safety and well-being of our community. I would be remiss to not thank McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez for his leadership at the helm of the police department for now more than 17 years. His vision, tenacity, and approach to guiding the more than 400 people under his command at McAllen Police is admirable and second to none.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to represent and recognize these courageous officers from South Texas. These heroes deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for a job extremely well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Cayetano Cabrieles who celebrated his 100th birthday and received the Champion of Life Award on August 7, 2018.

Cayetano Cabrieles was born in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico in 1918. He worked on a ranch for much of his childhood, enduring adversity and overcoming many challenges. At the age of 23, Mr. Cabrieles married Juana Maria Mendoza, and together the couple raised four children. Mr. Cabrieles now lives in San Juan, Texas where he continues to work tirelessly to provide for his family.

Though Mr. Cabrieles suffered many injuries while working, he nevertheless persevered. After a lifetime of strenuous work, Mr. Cabrieles retired at the age of 80 and now resides at the Palmas Health Care Center.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to share Mr. Cayetano Cabrieles's life story and recognize this true pioneer on his 100th birthday. Congratulations again to Mr. Cabrieles on this major milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of beloved Jim Hogg County Judge Agapito ``Cuate'' Molina, who passed away on July 3, 2018, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Judge Molina began working for his community after being elected County Commissioner Pct. 2 in 1978. Because of his continued devotion, he was elected County Judge in 1999. Judge Molina became the first elected official from Jim Hogg County to obtain membership in the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), in which he served as Chairman of the TAC Health Insurance Committee for 11 years.

In addition to the Health Insurance Committee, he was also a member of the Risk Management Committee and Chairman of the Occupational Region of Community Affairs. Throughout his time with the TAC, Judge Molina advanced projects to improve his county and serve his constituents. Judge Molina routinely visited Austin, Texas, and Washington, D.C., to advocate for communities in Jim Hogg.

Aside from his accomplished career in public service, Judge Molina led a distinguished personal life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a devout Catholic. He was a regular amongst friends at the U.S. Post Office. Moreover, he had a loving wife, children, and family who succeed him.

Mr. Speaker, South Texas lost one of our most excellent and beloved public servants. Judge Agapito Molina will be missed dearly by family, friends, and constituents alike.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pulido family for their contributions to South Texas, both through their musical talents and dedication to civil service. Roberto Pulido, his brother Eloy Pulido, and his son Bobby Pulido have been active participants in the South Texas community since the 1970s when Roberto made his mark as a Tejano musician.

At the age of 12, Roberto began his musical career when he decided to repair his grandfather's old guitar. Roberto grew to become a pioneer of Tejano music. Roberto's brother Eloy also participated in his family's music legacy. In the mid 80's, Eloy began his career as a civil servant, later becoming the 27th Hidalgo County Judge. As County Judge, Eloy lived by a creed of ``effectiveness and accountability.'' He strived to make government more accessible and produce positive results through regional problem solving.

Roberto's son Bobby continued his father's musical legacy by introducing Tejano music to new generations of Mexican-Americans. He became an idol among the young and old alike and is credited as one of the most influential Tejano recording artists.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to share Roberto, Eloy, and Bobby's contributions to South Texas. Their family's music and public service have had a significant impact on the lives of South Texans. I find it proper and fitting to honor them and the Pulido family today.

Mr. Speaker, on July 18, 2018 during Roll Call No. 345, I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``aye.'' I support the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and my vote should be recorded as ``no.'' The NEA and NEH are essential because they support and strengthen our great country's rich and diverse cultural heritage and history. These organizations promote excellence across all of America's communities and deserve Congress' unwavering support. I look forward to supporting the NEA and the NEH in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the Quigley amendment to restore funds to prevent Russian interference in our elections.

Mr. Speaker, today we speak about the most egregious acts from this administration, one after another after another, but I will not forget about our children.

I rise today to tell my fellow Members of Congress that I am appalled over reports of the mistreatment and abuse towards children at the Shiloh Residential Treatment Center.

The facility is under contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and located just south of Houston, Texas. The Shiloh facility is owned and operated by the same entity that formerly operated Daystar Treatment Center in Manvel, Texas.

You may remember this place. Daystar was closed because of the way in which they physically restrained children that led to the death of three teenagers. In most cases, children were hog-tied.

Now, instead of being hog-tied, they are drugging children into submission. One child was prescribed ten different shots and pills, including the antipsychotic drug Latuda, Geodon, and olanzapine. We are giving them Parkinson's medications, we are giving them pain medications, antidepressants, and cognizant enhancers. This is a disgrace.

Federal District Judge Laughrey recently explained: ``Psychotropic drugs are powerful medications that directly affect the central nervous system. They are particularly potent when administered to children. . . . They are more vulnerable to psychosis, seizures, irreversible movement disorders, suicidal thoughts, and aggression. . . . ''

This is a disgrace and this is un-American and it must stop now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell my fellow Americans and fellow Members of Congress that I am appalled over reports of mistreatment and abuse toward children at the Shiloh Residential Treatment Center.

The facility is under contract with the Department of Health and Human Services, and is located just south of Houston, Texas. The Shiloh facility is owned and operated by the same entity that formerly operated Daystar Treatment Center in Manvel, Texas. Daystar was closed because the way they physically restrained children led to the death of three teenagers. In most cases, the children were hog-tied. Now, instead of hog-tied, they are drugging children into submission.

One child was prescribed 10 different shots and pills, including the antipsychotic drugs Latuda, Geodon, and Olanzapine; the Parkinson's medication Benztropine; the seizure medication Clonazepam; and many, many others, such as nerve and pain medications, antidepressants, and cognitive enhancers. This is a crime.

A Federal judge in California, Judge Laughrey, recently explained: ``Psychotropic drugs are powerful medications that directly affect the central nervous system. They are particularly potent when administered to children. . . . They are more vulnerable to psychosis, seizures, irreversible movement disorders, suicidal thoughts, aggression, weight gain, organ damage, and other life-threatening conditions.''

The message is clear. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services needs to be reprimanded for letting these horrific actions take place, and provide answers to the American people. You cannot hide behind subcontractors. You are on notice.

Let me make this even clearer. The Federal Government must act at once. Stop placing these children in traumatic and dangerous environments that right now are causing children to suffer in pain.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in this argument, utilize their powers of congressional oversight, and call on the administration to end these procedures and abide by simple rules of decency and humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Gomez, a school bus driver with the McAllen Independent School District.

Every morning, Mr. Gomez starts his day at 4:30 a.m. to pick up his 200 plus students for their daily bus ride to school. Mr. Gomez dedicates his time to getting to know the many students that ride his bus, motivating them to do their best work and always maintaining a positive outlook.

His words of encouragement and motivation inspire students to strive for excellence in their daily lives. The interest Mr. Gomez takes in the lives of these students has empowered them in an uplifting way. Mr. Gomez's heartfelt sentiment should not go unrecognized. Recently, students who graduated this summer honored him by thanking him for his work and service, and I wish to honor him here as well.

Mr. Speaker, today I share my deepest admiration for Mr. Gomez. His hard work for the McAllen Independent School District over the past four years has inspired so many in our community. He has made South Texas a better place, and I am honored to represent individuals like him in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call votes 269, 270, and 271 on June 19, 2018. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call vote 269, Yea on Roll Call vote 270, and Yea on Roll Call vote 271.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Javier Armando Martinez, who passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017.

Born to Joey Martinez and Yoli Garza, Javier had four siblings, Vanessa, Veronica, Victoria, and Gustavo. He attended South Middle School in Edinburg, Texas, where he excelled academically. Javier also loved being outside. On any given day, one could find him climbing trees, swimming, or riding his bike with his older brother.

On May 19, 2015, Javier, at the age of 11, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Javier bravely fought against the disease, drawing strength and comforts from his parents and siblings who provided him with love and support every step of the way.

Mr. Speaker, a brilliant young man was taken away from us before his time. Javier touched the hearts of those around him and

displayed inspirational courage in the face of adversity. The memories he leaves behind will forever be treasured by all who knew Javier.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the American people of the quick phrase that was recently used by the current administration: ``It's not our fault.''

It is not our fault. Really? That is that sentiment of our U.S. Attorney General who deflected the responsibility for a zero-tolerance policy that allows the separation of children from their parents.

In the month of May, this evil new policy led to the separation of more than 600 children in a short 13-day span.

Have we lost all our human decency? We are a Nation of laws. How can you explain family separation when it comes to asylum seekers? They have not crossed the border illegally, and yet they are being detained and their families separated as if they were here illegally.

This is a clear attack on immigrants who have exhausted every last resource to seek refuge in the Nation that once welcomed the tired, the poor, and huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

Have we forgotten the words spoken by Mark 12:31 to love thy neighbor as thyself? Is our new message to blame others and not take responsibility?

I think it is important to consider the possible logistical challenges before implementing such policies. Perhaps instead of calling for zero tolerance first, you put prosecutors in place and facilities to house folks in a humane manner. Instead, we asked the U.S. Department of Justice to lend us their lawyers and to rent out vacant Walmart stores.

I have no illusions about what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services are hiding behind those curtains.

We have to remember that these immigrant families are not committing dangerous crimes. Asylum seekers are not criminals and are not here illegally.

I represent an area along the border where crime is at record lows, yet the administration keeps saying the opposite. I believe our local officers and local courts and local judges and prosecutors in both State and Federal courts in my region. I believe them when they tell me what the crime rate is, what is happening in our communities.

Right now, the only increased criminal activity I see is the egregious method of ripping families apart and herding immigrant children into a broken system.

This is not the America the world knows and loves. This is a shameful period in our history, and we in this body have the responsibility to correct it.

Mr. Speaker, if any of these frightened, innocent children ask a Member of this House why they are being separated from their families, we cannot merely say: It is not our fault.