Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2017.

Today, I stand with the people of Nicaragua and the people of south Texas. Nicaragua has been our partner to the south. They work with us to combat drug trafficking, limit irregular migration, and make our region and our world a safer place. Nicaragua today is the safest country in Central America.

I agree, we must be vigilant in monitoring Nicaragua's transition to democracy. However, we must recognize that enacting this bill could have serious consequences on the region.

NICA could strain our alliance with Nicaragua, and it could lead to instability, irregular immigration to the United States, to my border district, and an increase in criminal activity. My district was ground zero for the last immigration surge, and I would like to prevent that from happening again.

Nicaragua has its economic and political challenges, but it has taken steps to address poverty, climate change, and to grow its economy. How can we, in good conscience, support a measure that would punish the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere?

Moreover, Nicaragua stands with America and our allies against the rogue nation of North Korea. We cannot compare Nicaragua to Venezuela.

While we must hold countries accountable, we should bring them in rather than shut them out. We have the ability to guide these nations to embrace democracy and condemn bad actors.

Lastly, I want to make clear that this is not an endorsement of the Sandinistas or any other regime. Today I speak for the less fortunate in Nicaragua who suffer the most from NICA.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to find a solution to this complex issue.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act.

First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read into the Record a letter written by president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva, in support of what we are doing here today. He says:

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial

Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, the House of Representatives

has introduced a bill to mint an exclusive commemorative

coin. The bill is sponsored by Congressman Richard E. Neal

and Thomas Rooney. Senators Elizabeth Warren and John McCain

support the venture by sponsoring the same legislation in the

Senate, S. 2598. I am respectfully requesting your support

and cosponsorship of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of

Fame Commemorative Coin Act.

This endeavor and legislation is of deep interest to me

because of my professional career--primarily the last 16

years--has been fully embedded in promoting basketball

through my passion for the game as president and CEO of the

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

It has been an honor to help the Naismith Memorial

Basketball Hall of Fame provide a home for the greatness of

the game's past, its exciting present day and brilliant

future that continues to touch all parts of the globe. The

game's immortals, through their stories and achievements, are

contained here through their legacy as players, coaches,

teams, officials, and legendary contributors to the game.

More than 6 million visitors have educated themselves through

the enjoyment of exploring the rich history.

My passion for this sport is not solely rooted in the game

itself or its traditions, but, rather, my love for basketball

centers on its ability to develop character. One example is

the outreach of the Hall of Fame's MVP's of Character

program, an initiative that has involved thousands of youth

in the cities across the country, like New York City;

Washington, D.C.; and Lawrence, Kansas. The program centers

on the belief that ``teaching youth about good character--

both on and off the court--helps them understand the impact

of it and their lives . . . character traits like honesty,

respect, responsibility, integrity and cooperation create a

foundation for success.''

Support of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Commemorative Coin bill has no taxpayer cost, is your

opportunity to help grow the game of basketball and the

educational and outreach programs provided by the Basketball

Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, a bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a commemorative coin in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Naismith

Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in the birthplace of basketball.

Located in the ``birthplace of basketball,'' the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is entrusted with recording and disseminating the history of this great American pastime and recognizing and honoring the achievements of the sport's greatest players, coaches, and contributors.

With the ability to reach millions of Americans through its educational programs, events, exhibits, and online presence, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame plays an important role in celebrating and promoting the positive core values demonstrated by basketball's heroes, who have inspired Americans from all quarters.

Passage of the legislation also provides an opportunity to highlight the creative ways in which the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has leveraged America's love of the game and to develop basketball-related educational programs that teach our youth about a wide range of topics, such as financial literacy, math, civil rights, leadership of character, women's and men's history, and geography.

In addition to raising awareness of its important work and honoring its 60th anniversary, surcharges associated with the sale of the unique basketball-themed coins provided for in the bill will also enable the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to increase its operations and educational programming, all at no cost to taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, basketball is one of the games that unites all Americans across party lines, across racial lines, and across geographic lines. That is who we are. The bipartisan legislation before us already has the support of more than two-thirds of the House, and I hope all Members will join me in supporting this bill to honor and support the important work of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I will read into the Record a letter from Kareem Abdul- Jabbar to the House of Representatives:

``After 20 years as a player in the National Basketball Association with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, which included winning six NBA Championships as well as an equal number of Most Valuable Player awards, I had the honor to be inducted in 1995 into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

``To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Congressmen Richard E. Neal, Andy Barr, and Mike Kelly have sponsored legislation to authorize the U.S. Mint to issue limited-edition commemorative coins for sale to the public in 2019. Proceeds from the coins' sale will go to help continue the impressive archival and educational efforts of the Basketball Hall of Fame for years to come, all at no cost to the taxpayer.

``The Basketball Hall of Fame preserves the history of the game and celebrates the very best of the sport at all the levels it is played. The museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, honors women and men players who have achieved greatness, exemplary coaches, referees, and other major contributors to the sport. It attracts 6 million visitors a year, who see hundreds of thousands of historic artifacts and memorabilia spanning the past 125 years of basketball.

``As a Hall of Famer, I am very passionate about the work they do to not only preserve and honor, but also grow the game of basketball. It is because of this I am respectfully requesting your support and cosponsorship of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 1235.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of H.R. 2519, legislation that calls for the issuance of a commemorative coin in honor of the 100th anniversary of The American Legion, a distinguished organization that works tirelessly in communities across the Nation to serve our veterans and those still in the Armed Forces.

Since being chartered by Congress following the First World War, The American Legion has played a pivotal role in the lives of so many servicemembers and their families, always stepping up and lending a hand to those who need it most. For example, The American Legion provides key services, such as healthcare claims assistance for veterans and job fairs. They support targeted efforts to meet the needs of homeless veterans.

The American Legion also supports military personnel and their families through the provision of financial assistance and comfort items for hospitalized veterans and, also, dedicated funds to support the needs of youth at risk.

Over its history, The American Legion has also advocated and played a leading role in securing the passage of key laws that better the lives of our servicemembers, such as the landmark GI Bill, as well as the Veterans' Reassurance Act and the Post-911 Veteran Education Assistance Act.

In addition to honoring and raising awareness of the important work of The American Legion, the legislation before us will also help raise small sums that will help it carry out its tremendous work and advance American values. Specifically, surcharge proceeds raised through the sale of the coin provided in this bill will allow The American Legion to advance the interests of those who have served in uniform and ensure they receive the proper healthcare and disability benefits earned through military service; promote the importance of and caring for those who are still serving in the Armed Forces; promote the patriotic values, morals, culture, and citizenship of the United States; and provide support for at-risk children and activities that nurture their development.

This overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation has the support of more than 350 Members of the House and has already received the unanimous support of the United States Senate, where the legislation passed by voice vote.

For all these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in the passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. Chair, during rollcall Vote No. 494 on H.R. 3354, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.''

Amendment No. 113 Offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call votes 439 and 440 on September 5, 2017. Had I been present, my votes would have been the following: Aye on Roll Call votes 439 and 440.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the wasteful spending of $1.6 billion of taxpayers' money.

These funds will be used to construct unnecessary barriers along our Southern border, destroying wildlife habitats, and violating property rights of Americans. If we want to be more secure, we should appropriately fund to address CBP staffing issues, to maintain and upgrade aerostats and other technology, and to provide CBP with the resources it actually needs to continue maintaining a safe and secure border.

Building a wall along our Southern border will put us on the wrong side of history. It will also be a shameful act in front of the international community that is watching us.

Mr. Speaker, I support the Department of Homeland Security's mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values. These are not our values. But the congressional misallocation of over $1.5 billion does not help to accomplish this goal.

I urge my colleagues to oppose the funding of this expensive, unnecessary wall. I call on them to find more productive and effective uses of this fund in a way that better helps the American people and is on the right side of American history.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act.

This bill would enact crucial reforms allowing efficient trade of energy products with our North American friends and allies. Unfortunately, the existing process has politicized vital cross-border energy infrastructure.

H.R. 2883 offers a narrowly crafted, sensible solution to this problem. The bill will create a process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, State Department, and the Department of Energy to permit cross-border infrastructure projects.

This new procedure will bring regulatory certainty while ensuring these projects are environmentally sound and within public interest. These projects create jobs in my district in south Texas and across the country.

I congratulate and thank Mr. Green and Mr. Mullin for this important piece of legislation. Energy security, targeted regulatory reforms, and smart infrastructure investments are things we can all support, and we should all support.

Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this sensible bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey, who was recently inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

Sonia began running competitively when she was in the seventh grade. While a student at Edinburg High School, she qualified for state three times. Sonia excelled on the track and was recruited heavily by many colleges and universities in the state of Texas. She eventually chose to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she joined their Track and Field Program. During her college years, Sonia was part of the second fastest relay team in Baylor's history.

Inspired by her first grade teacher, who she refers to as her “haven,” Sonia became an educator following her graduation from Baylor. She currently works as a testing facilitator at Edinburg North High School, where her husband serves as the band director. Sonia has been an educator for two decades. She also periodically gives motivational speeches to student athletes, a testament to her passion for athletics and commitment to student athletes.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey on the occasion of her induction to the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and recognize her contributions to education and student athletes in South Texas. Today, I am proud to honor Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Weslaco native, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, one of the seven sailors lost in the tragic collision between the U.S.S. Fitzgerald and the ACX Crystal in the Philippine Sea on June 17, 2017.

Noe attended Weslaco High School where he participated in United States Army Junior Reserve Officer Training for four years. By the time he graduated in 2009, Noe had reached the rank of cadet major and served as the program's executive officer. Following graduation, he reported to the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.

He was a student at the Recruit Training Command and the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Great Lakes until March 2010. He then served at the Navy Munitions Command in Sigonella, Italy, for three years and then reported to San Diego, California, for Littoral Combat Ship Training and classes at the Center for Surface Combat Systems until October 2015. Later that year, Noe and his family moved to Yokosuka, Japan, where he was stationed at Navy Force Japan and subsequently on the U.S.S. Fitzgerald. During his time in the U.S. Navy, Noe became an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and earned the rank of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class.

Noe was a first-generation patriot who cared deeply for the United States of America and took pride in serving his country. His friends and family describe him as modest, loving, and kind and many remember him for his selflessness and unwavering faith in God.

Noe is survived by his wife Dora and his son Leon. He loved his country, and he will be sorely missed.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to Dora, Leon, the Hernandez family, friends, and loved ones. Our country has lost one of the best South Texas has to offer and I hope his family can find peace in this trying time. I am proud to commemorate the life of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez and I thank him for his service to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez, who at the age of 88, received her high school diploma.

Mrs. Gonzalez is the embodiment of hard work and selflessness. After completing the 7th grade, Dolia left school to help her mother raise her five siblings. She then became a full-time mother to her own son, Alfredo Gonzalez, who sacrificed his life for our country in the Vietnam War.

After losing Freddy in the Vietnam War, Mrs. Gonzalez continued to work at the Echo Hotel in Edinburg. Unfortunately, she eventually lost the compensation previously promised to her by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Then after being forced to leave her job at the Echo due to health concerns, she began working at her local H.E.B. in Edinburg, Texas, where she is currently employed.

On Saturday, June 3, Mrs. Gonzalez received an honorary high school diploma from McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas. Alongside Dolia were her niece, Emily Acosta, and the rest of the McAllen High School Class of 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mrs. Gonzalez and her family. Her perseverance, fortitude, and dedication to her family and to our country have not gone unnoticed. She has made the South Texas community a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of prominent Rio

Grande Valley businessman, Baldomero Vela Sr., who passed away on Friday, June 2, 2017.

Baldomero, or ``Baldo,'' as he was known to friends and family, was born and raised in Hidalgo, Texas. After graduating from McAllen High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944, serving in the 29th Infantry Division during World War II. He then attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1949 with a degree in pharmaceuticals.

Following graduation, Baldo was a pharmacist for 50 years in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1957, Baldo opened the Professional Pharmacy in McAllen, Texas. In the 1970s, he purchased Lee's Pharmacy, which is now owned and operated by two of his five children. In addition to his role as a pharmacist, Baldo was deeply involved in a number of community organizations, including the Hidalgo Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, McAllen Public Utilities Board and McAllen Housing Services.

Baldomero will be remembered as a kind and generous man, whose contributions to his community will not be easily forgotten. His generous spirit will live on in the Rio Grande Valley, leaving those he loved better for having known him.

Mr. Speaker, South Texas lost a strong community member this month. He embodied the values of diligence, selflessness, and service. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Waters for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 10.

While this bill may contain some language that I would agree with and that is helpful to our community banks, as well as some of our credit unions, it would be very harmful to our seniors and the elderly.

Additionally, the Financial CHOICE Act, as written, would be dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate and a monumental waste of time for this Chamber. As a public servant, we are called to serve the citizens of our great Nation, those who raised us; those who consistently told us, ``it is more important to have the will than to have mere ability,'' ``hace mas el que quiere que el que puede;'' those who forged a new path and a better way of life.

One of the best measures of a nation is how it cares for its elderly. As a country, we made a promise to our elderly, to protect them and ensure that they would have reliable access to resources, and the support they need to live a dignified life in their later years.

In my book, a promise made should be a promise kept.

Today, my colleagues in support of the ``Wrong'' CHOICE Act seek to renege on this promise and leave millions of elderly Americans vulnerable to financial exploitation schemes. One in every five Americans have been victims of financial abuse, accounting for a cost of over $36 billion annually. We cannot abandon our elderly when their resources and, ultimately, their independence is threatened. We must stand with them and enable the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to continue to protect our elderly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2213, the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017.

This legislation aims to address a staffing issue that has plagued the United States Customs and Border Patrol for many years.

H.R. 2213 would add the option to waive the polygraph test for a select few individuals who have already successfully taken and passed a similar polygraph test in the past. These individuals are veterans, members of our Armed Forces, or law enforcement officers with clean records and years of honorable service.

A veteran with secret clearance and an honorable discharge, 3 years of service, and a tier 5 background check is someone I would hold in high regard and exempt from an unnecessary polygraph.

I would not be in favor of this bill if it was exempting a polygraph test to the general public. This is a special group--our veterans and our law enforcement.

This legislation would not change the United States Customs and Border Patrol requirements for background checks or interviews. Customs and Border Patrol would still have their candidates undergo the regular battery of tests and checks. Customs and Border Patrol would still ask a candidate who waived the polygraph under these proposed changes to take the examination. This bill will not lower the standards for entry. Rather, the flexibility it provides would prevent potential bottlenecks in the hiring pipelines and eliminate redundancy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to appease the concerns of several of my colleagues and say that this is not about building up a deportation force. Mr. Speaker, I would like to reaffirm that this legislation exclusively applies to Customs and Border Patrol, and it will not change the hiring procedures for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This bill is about ensuring the agency hires only the best and the most honorable candidates. This bill is about providing employment and advancement opportunities for our servicemembers and law enforcement and creating job opportunities for those living in our border communities and border States.

Mr. Speaker, I also live in a border community, and I support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate A. Cynthia Leon on her reappointment as Chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission.

On March 8, 2017, Governor Greg Abbott reappointed Cynthia to the Texas Public Safety Commission. Originally appointed in 2011 by then Governor Rick Perry, Cynthia served as the Commission's chairman from April 2012 to March 2017. Prior to serving on the Texas Public Safety Commission, Cynthia served as regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Cynthia also served our country for 25 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring with the rank of captain.

Outside of her work on the Texas Public Safety Commission, Cynthia is an active member of her community. She is a member of the International Women's Forum and Leadership Texas, previously chairing the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio Federal Executive Boards. Cynthia is also a life member of the Naval Reserve Association, Navy League, U.S. Naval Institute and the Reserve Officers Association.

Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Cynthia on her well-deserved reappointment. I know that she will continue to lead the Texas Public Safety Commission in the right direction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the graduation of Ashlee Victoria Perez from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, with the Class of 2017.

Marco Antonio Perez and Claudia Perez are very proud of their daughter, who graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Ashlee averaged an exceptional Grade-Point-Average of 3.7 during her time at St. Mary's, all while maintaining active membership in the national sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma, becoming the captain of the cheer squad, and earning the Academic Madeline Scholarship. Her achievements are a testament to her work ethic and perseverance.

Mr. Speaker, I wish only the best for Ashlee in all her endeavors and know her future is filled with limitless possibilities.