Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the winners of the 2022-2023 Brownsville ISD Spelling Bee, with special recognition to Nicholas Torres, who took home the first-place prize.

For those who may not be as familiar with the South Texas region, the Brownsville Independent School District (ISD) is the largest employer in the entire Rio Grande Valley. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 thousand students with a 95.4 percent graduation rate, Brownsville ISD is thriving thanks to its dedicated faculty and staff.

The brisk February air was not enough to deter the more than 40 contestants who took part in the Brownsville ISO Spelling Bee, as well as the parents, family, friends, and alternates who joined them in the morning of February 4, 2023. More than 30 elementary schools and 10 middle schools were represented in the Spelling Bee, which has been held annually for more than 50 years. Additionally, each contestant was already a winner before the contest even started; every campus has an individual spelling bee, and the winners all competed in this event.

With the spelling bee lasting more than an hour and a half, each contestant made all of South Texas proud. Aime Garcia, from Putegnat Elementary, finished 5th. Javier Ramirez, of Hudson Elementary, finished 4th. Alexandra Garcia, of Manzano Middle School, finished 3rd. And Jack Kocaya, of Stell Middle School, finished second.

For the final two words, Nicholas Torres did not need the definition, part of speech, or for the judge to use the words in a sentence. After lawlessly spelling both bumptious, (self-assertive or proud to an irritating degree) and subsequent (coming after something in time; following) Nicholas Torres, of Egly Elementary, became the 2023 Brownsville ISD Spelling Bee champion.

Mr. Speaker, Nicholas Torres, the rest of the spelling bee champions, and all the educators involved in this year's spelling bee represent the best and brightest in our education system. I cannot wait to see what Nicholas and these bright young scholars accomplish in their future, and I am thankful for all the educators and parents who have given up so much to get them there.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on January 30, 2023 for Roll Call Vote 94. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call Vote 94.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge James William Huff, a native of Three Rivers, Texas who has served his community in a multitude of roles for over four decades.

While in school at Texas A&M University, Judge Huff worked as a substitute teacher at Bryan High School. After graduation, he started his career in criminal justice working in courtroom support for the Bexar County District Clerk Criminal Division. Judge Huff then ascended to the role of Patrol Sargent at the University Police Department. Later he served as a Patrol Deputy for Nueces County and then for the Live Oak County's Sheriff Department. In 1987, he was first elected to his current role as Live Oak County Judge, where he has served honorably for the last 36 years.

Judge Huff sits on a number of boards and committees that seek to make Live Oak County a better and safer place to live. He is Chairman of the Coastal Plains Community Center which provides mental health services to 9 counties. As chairman of the Dispute Resolution Services, he helps provide mediation services for 6 different counties. He also serves as Chairman of the Three Rivers Economic Development Corporation, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, and is a board member of the 36th Judicial District Juvenile Probation.

Judge Huff has also received numerous accolades for his leadership and service to South Texas. In 2017, Judge Huff received the Senator Rodney Ellis Award for Courtroom Excellence from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has also received the Texas Gideon Recognition Award from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission which recognized Bee, McMullen, and Live Oak counties for the first regional approach to indigent defense by creating a 3-county public defender's office. Additionally, Judge Huff has been named Citizen of the Year in the cities of Three Rivers and George West.

Madam Speaker, Judge James Huff is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to justice and public service. His legacy will have a lasting impact on Live Oaks County.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 7946, the Veteran Service Recognition Act, which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose regulations to implement this bill no later than 90 days after the date of enactment.

Our deported veterans have waited long enough. These men and women are

heroes; and how did we thank them for their service after they fought for our country around the world? We deported them. That is despicable and goes against every principle this country stands for.

At the very least, we owe them an opportunity to naturalize, to live in the country they fought for, to raise a family and to live and pursue their American Dream, the dream they have earned, the dream they have fought for.

I came to Congress 6 years ago and introduced the Repatriate Our Patriots Act because I was in shock that the United States was deporting American veterans. This gave them a pathway to citizenship.

Today, I am proud to see Chairman Takano's bill on the floor. Together, we have been fighting this cause to ensure future servicemembers have the resources to naturalize and become American citizens.

I can't think of anything more shameful than to deport an American veteran, someone who has worn our uniform and fought for our freedom.

Most of the issues that have occurred when they come home are due to PTSD and scars that they bring back from the battlefield. I have spoken time and again to my constituents in South Texas, to veterans across my border, and to people across this country, and the consensus is clear: Congress must fix this and bring every last veteran home.

This Congress has taken more action than any before by signing the Honoring our PACT Act to clear the way for veterans to get the healthcare they deserve after incurring illnesses in the line of duty. But we can't stop there.

While there is no way to adequately apologize to veterans who have been deported after bravely serving this country, this is a step in the right direction.

For decades, many veterans have not been with their families; have not celebrated anniversaries and holidays. They couldn't be with loved ones for important moments like graduations and birthdays. This is our chance to act, and our chance to show we can grow and correct the wrongs and create a nation that really is for all.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment and to ensure the Department of Homeland Security acts swiftly and comprehensively to propose regulations and implement this critical bill.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the underlying bill, the Veteran Service Recognition Act, to ensure these servicemembers can come home, and that we will never, ever deport a single veteran again.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and the underlying bill and assure justice is served to all who have served our country.

Mr. Speaker, a vote against this bill and against this amendment would be on the wrong side of history.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maggie Salinas, a native of Kingsville, Texas, who served her community for over 70 years. Ms. Salinas was a member on over two dozen boards and committees that helped the people of Kingsville across many different areas of life.

In 1951 at the age of 17, Ms. Salinas was the first and youngest Hispanic woman hired by Kleberg County. She started her career with the Kleberg Welfare Department as a social worker, helping people achieve independence. In April of 1957, she worked with county officials and automotive industry experts to get the ``Safety Belt'' Seal adopted which certified seat belts. She later moved on to work for Duval County as a social worker, all the while helping Nueces County administer the polio vaccine and tuberculosis screenings.

Ms. Salinas has sponsored 4 Girl Scout troops and served as a member of the Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Board. She has served as the Chairwoman of the Kleberg County Historical Development Board since 1999, preserving the rich history of South Texas. In 2005 she received a Local Committee of Honor Award from the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives Centro Alameda, the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texas Cultures and was recognized for her participation with ``Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement'' from the Smithsonian U.S. Traveling Exhibition.

Ms. Salinas currently serves as the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Engineering Department Advisory Committee Chairwoman. As Chairwoman, she works with Texas A&M University-Kingsville engineering professors and students to compile information for the Calle Siete Project. This data will be utilized in potential economic revitalization and tourist opportunities of the historic Kingsville area, establishing a cultural zone. One revelation from the Calle Siete Project was the unveiling of the ``Los Kinenos Trail''. The Los Kinenos Trail honors the King Ranch Kinenos who played a role in founding the historic King Ranch. Her dedication to community and culture is seen in her founding role of ``La Posada'', a Christmas tradition event, in 1990, her work redesignating over 80 historical streets in La Colonia Mexicana to include their original names, and her instrumental role in the restoration of the Mother Julia Chapel and Museum.

A true humanitarian, Ms. Salinas has planned and led fundraising events for the National Kidney Foundation. American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. She was also awarded the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate Leadership Award in recognition of volunteer service in a leadership role and expanding role of the American Heart Association--to name one of many awards she has been honored with.

Madam Speaker, Ms. Maggie Salinas is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to the development of the Kingsville community. Her legacy will have a lasting impact on South Texas.

Madam Speaker, my vote on July 26, 2022, for Roll Call No. 393 was incorrectly recorded. My vote should have been Yea on Roll Call No. 393.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Julieta Garcia, who recently was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian honor. Dr. Garcia was the first Mexican American woman to serve as a college president in the United States.

A native of Brownsville, Texas, Dr. Garcia received her Ph.D. in communication and linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. and B.A. in speech and English from the University of Houston. Dr. Garcia has devoted her life's work to bringing equitable education and opportunity to South Texas, leading the way for higher education innovation.

Dr. Garcia served as President of Texas Southmost College (TSC) from 1986 to 1991, where she successfully led a $13.5 million general obligation bond election, the first in the history of the college. During her tenure at Texas Southmost, she led a successful campaign to raise $1 million for scholarships in the poorest community in the United States, helping local students gain access to education.

She also spearheaded efforts to establish a program between Texas Southmost College and University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), allowing students in the region to pursue doctoral degrees. Garcia became the president of this unique partnership from 1991 to 2013. Over the course of her leadership, the institution doubled the number of degree programs offered, doubled the number of full-time faculty, grew enrollment by two and a half times, and tripled the number of degrees conferred annually.

Dr. Garcia was named the 2009 Time Magazine Top 10 College President, 2014 Forbes Magazine Top 50 World Leader, and holds honorary degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Brown University, Smith College, and Princeton University. She also is the recipient of an ACE Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted in the Texas Women's Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Julieta Garcia is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to accessible education and her legacy will be remembered for generations to come. She has enriched the lives of many South Texas students, and I am proud to recognize her latest achievement today.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

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

My amendment to H.R. 2543, the Federal Reserve Racial and Economic Equity Act, ensures no changes made by this bill will prohibit community banks from expanding into underserved areas as defined by the bill.

Access to credit is a building block for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners and helps create jobs and boost local economic power and growth.

My amendment helps increase banking opportunities in rural and underserved areas, and I urge my colleagues to support it and the base legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further remarks. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the chairwoman's underlying bill.

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

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on May 18, 2022, for Roll Call Vote No. 218, Roll Call Vote No. 219, and Roll Call Vote No. 220. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote No. 218, Nay on Roll Call Vote No. 219, Yea on Roll Call Vote No. 220.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of three critical pieces of legislation that are in the House this week. I proudly endorsed and cosponsored all three of them to keep our promise to essential workers and support communities across the country. It is time for Congress to start delivering the results that we have promised to the American people.

First, I will begin by praising the passage of H.R. 2499, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022. There are over 15,000 firefighters employed by the Federal Government. Each of them is at greater risk of developing illnesses due to their job. These hazards include diesel emissions, carbon monoxide, and other cancer-causing chemicals released by fires that they combat on a regular basis.

Madam Speaker, 48 States have compensation laws that provide firefighters with a presumption that certain diseases were contracted on the job. However, no such rule applies so far to Federal firefighters, and it is time we correct this wrong and stand behind the brave men and women who protect us.

I also urge the passage of H.R. 903, the Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act. 365 days a year, TSA agents across the country ensure safe travel to all of us. Despite working through the COVID-19 pandemic and government shutdowns, agents face stagnant pay.

These brave men and women deserve better, which is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 903. This legislation will put TSA agents on a level playing field with other Federal employees, and we need to do this today.

Finally, Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022. This bill reauthorizes the community services block grants for the next 10 years that improve the lives of Americans across the country and have done so much in my district. Just this year, over $3 million of these grants helped improve the lives of communities in south Texas in my district.

This is a product of the War on Poverty. These grants support poverty reduction, increase in health access, and many other benefits. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation and continue the program for south Texans and Americans across this country.

I urge the House to pass these bipartisan pieces of legislation so we can get them to the President's desk.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic Cine El Rey, which has provided outstanding entertainment to South Texans for 75 years.

Cine El Rey opened its doors in 1947 and is one of the longest- running entertainment venues in the nation. Cine El Rey has hosted a variety of entertainment events over the last 75 years, ranging from film screenings and concerts to wrestling events, and propelled the careers of many South Texas artists.

Established during segregation, Cine El Rey was the only place where Latinos could watch movies in McAllen, Texas. Today, it is a hallmark of Hispanic entertainment. Cine El Rey is the only privately-owned National Historic Landmark representative of Hispanic Culture in America.

In 2020, like many entertainment venues across the country, Cine El Rey was forced to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, with the support of our community and dedication of its owner, Burt Guerra, Cine El Rey has reopened and again offers the live entertainment it is so fondly known for.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to celebrate the 75 years that Cine El Rey has been open and entertaining our community, and I look forward to celebrating many more years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate House Democrats' efforts to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which would cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month.

This bill will be a game changer for the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas and the country as a whole. We have the highest rates of diabetes in the country, and over 25 percent of the population is uninsured.

The stark reality is that the skyrocketing cost of insulin is crushing south Texans and people across our country.

One in four Americans who rely on insulin have been forced to ration or skip a dose or choose between buying groceries and filling prescription drugs.

Pharmaceutical companies manufacture insulin for less than $10 yet sell it to the American people for more than 10 times that.

I refuse to accept the status quo.

This long-overdue legislation is an important step to lower healthcare costs for families and hold Big Pharma accountable.

I urge my Senate colleagues to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act and send it to the President's desk to sign today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Isabel Diaz for being chosen as the 2022 American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for the State of Texas.

Each year, ANCOR chooses one outstanding DSP from every state. This year, Ms. Diaz, a resident of the Rio Grande Valley, was chosen as the Texas Direct Support Professional of the Year. From helping patients travel for medical care to providing open and honest communication, and volunteering to shelter-in-place with those who needed it most at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Diaz exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for her community.

Ms. Diaz has dedicated her time to giving members of our community with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) the care they deserve. She has gone to great lengths to ensure the safety, wellness, and inclusion of patients in her care. This not only makes her an exceptional DSP but also a leader. This recognition is well- deserved, and I look forward to hearing about all that she will accomplish for our community.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to celebrate the countless achievements and successes of Ms. Isabel Diaz, who has devoted her life to providing the highest quality care to South Texans with I/DD. For that and much more, South Texas will be forever grateful.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Teresa Vera Perez of Concepcion, Texas, who dedicated her life to serving the people of Duval County.

Mrs. Perez was born on November 25, 1933, to Saturnina Vera and Francisca Saenz Vera. At the age of 18, she married Mr. Asildo Lopez Perez with whom she shared a life for 57 years. During this time, they raised five children together: Elena, Ester, Eloy, and twins Eduardo and Ernesto.

Mrs. Perez first ran for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 in 1977 and won, making hr the first female Justice of the Peace in Duval County history. She served a total of three terms, becoming a lifelong member of the Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association and Chaplain for the South Texas Association of Justices of the Peace and Constables. In addition to her time serving as Justice of the Peace, Mrs. Perez also worked as a Nurse's Aide at the P&S Hospital, previously located in Alice, Texas. Following her 12 years as Justice of the Peace, she continued to serve as an Honorable Judge by joining couples in matrimony.

Mrs. Perez was an active member of the Duval County and the Concepcion communities throughout her lifetime. She proudly served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Immaculate Concepcion Catholic Church Altar and Rosary Society as well as the Guadalupana and the Fiesta Del Rancho Committee. She was also crowned Queen of the Elderly Nutrition program twice. fn 1993, at the age of 60 years old, she obtained her GED diploma in Alice, Texas. Mrs. Perez passed away on January 23, 2014. Although she is no longer with us, her memory remains eternal.

Madam Speaker, I stand here today to acknowledge the countless achievements and charitable acts of Mrs. Teresa Vera Perez. She devoted her life to the betterment of her community and her legacy will be no doubt be remembered by all who knew her. Her general love for life, her family, the Lord, and commitment to her neighbors is admirable. May she rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Congressman Filemon Vela's bill, H.R. 268, which would add Fort Brown to the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park located in Brownsville, Texas.

By including this fort, we are creating a national monument for the only standing architecture in the United States associated with the Mexican-American War.

In 1845, after the annexation of Texas, President James Polk sent soldiers to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to proclaim the boundary of the United States at the Rio Grande River.

In 1846, General Zachary Taylor ordered the construction of the fort, which consisted of a six-sided earthwork. Once finished, General Taylor left to procure supplies and gave command of the fort to Major Jacob Brown.

On May 3, 1846, Mexico sought to capitalize on the depleted resources and bombarded the fort for 6 straight days. Major Jacob Brown and the American troops fought valiantly, forcing Mexico to retreat. American forces only lost two soldiers, one of which was Major Brown himself.

Today, the city of Brownsville and Fort Brown serve as a testament to Major Brown's valor, patriotism, and sacrifice. By passing H.R. 268, we as a Nation will honor Major Brown and the Americans who stood their ground at Fort Brown.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join Congressman Vela and I in preserving this important part of south Texas' and our entire country's history.