Pete Aguilar

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, in honor of Kenneth Cornelious Loggins, a victim of gun violence.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. We just heard that, on those measures, they have reached a bipartisan agreement to at least allow votes. When will this Chamber do the same? When will we work to address meaningful solutions rather than acting on recycled bills from months ago that do little to address the issue? I have said before that House Republicans' most significant action to curb gun violence has been to hold a moment of silence, and I was wrong. They have consistently and deliberately worked to prevent commonsense reform from even being discussed in this Chamber. For that, they should be ashamed.

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak on something that, frankly, I am sick and tired of having to discuss: House Republicans' refusal to address our Nation's gun violence epidemic. On December 2, I will never forget how I felt as I walked off this House floor. I had just voted to allow debate on keeping guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists--the no fly, no buy--which was blocked by House Republicans, when I received a barrage of text messages about what was unfolding in my hometown of San Bernardino. When I heard the news this weekend on Sunday morning, my heart sank. Again. This time, Orlando. This time. We cannot afford to stand in silence when people are being massacred in bars, when coworkers are being slaughtered at their holiday parties, when churchgoers are being murdered in their place of worship, and when first graders are assassinated in classrooms. Where do we draw the line? When will we say: Enough is enough? Preventing domestic abusers, convicted felons, and terrorists from obtaining guns will make our communities safer without infringing on responsible gun owners' right to bear arms. There is no reason to believe that the Second Amendment and commonsense gun reform are mutually exclusive. Thoughts and prayers are nice, but they don't stop suspected terrorists from getting a firearm. Thoughts and prayers are nice, but they don't perform comprehensive background checks on domestic abusers and those convicted felons who want to kill. Thoughts and prayers are nice, but they don't stop rounds of bullets from ripping out of an assault weapon and inflicting mass casualties on innocent Americans. And thoughts and prayers should not be used as a replacement for taking meaningful action to make our communities safer. Just hours ago, we heard from Senator Murphy that the other Chamber has reached a bipartisan agreement to allow votes on two important gun safety measures.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for adding this amendment to the en bloc package, and to staff for their coordination and effort. My amendment would increase funding for the Information Assurance Scholarship Program by $5 million and decrease the operation and maintenance defense-wide Office of the Secretary of Defense administrative account by the same amount. The IASP is a DOD program designed to address our cyber personnel demands through the recruitment and retention of top IT and cybersecurity talent. It allows the Secretary of Defense to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing studies in computer and network security in exchange for their obligation to either serve in the Armed Forces or fulfill a DOD civilian service commitment postgraduation. Using 2014 numbers, the DOD has employed over 500 IASP/CAE--Centers for Academic Excellence--graduates, and has seen a 97 percent completion rate since the program was started in 2001. It is imperative that we give the Department of Defense the tools necessary to recruit those personnel charged with protecting our critical infrastructure, fortifying DOD networks, and conducting computer network operations. We must make sure that we have the right people with the proper training in the right positions, and this amendment would aid in that effort. Mr. Chairman, I once again thank the chairman and the ranking member.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pastor Joshua Beckley of the Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino, California, who just graced us with the opening prayer. Pastor Beckley has served as senior pastor at Ecclesia for the past 25 years and has presided over a congregation of 4,000 Inland Empire residents. In addition to helping Ecclesia grow and flourish, Pastor Beckley cofounded the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, received numerous accolades for his ministry and service to our region, and today serves as the chair of the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County, which is a local organization that seeks to empower and lift low-income families throughout San Bernardino County. In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino last December, Pastor Beckley was a resounding voice of comfort and an unwavering leader for thousands in our darkest hours. He provided solace to the families of the victims, compassion to their coworkers, and strength to the community as we recovered. His leadership was and continues to be an integral part of our efforts to heal and rebuild. We are so grateful for his dedication to the thousands of Inland Empire families who look to him for guidance, and we thank him for his continued service to the region. He is joined by his wife, Lynda, and his sister, Tammie Watson.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Toni Momberger, a dedicated former editor and journalist who recently retired from our local paper, the Redlands Daily Facts in Redlands, California, after a sterling career. Ms. Momberger has been a staple in the Inland Empire community as an advocate for civic engagement, accountability and transparency in San Bernardino County. In 2011, Ms. Momberger was named editor of the Redlands Daily Facts and was soon after recognized for her efforts when she was awarded Journalist of the Year by Digital First Media. Her ability to engage the Redlands community and to give a voice to our region has been an invaluable service for which we will always be grateful. As a loyal reader of the Redlands Daily Facts and as a Redlands resident raising my family in this community, I thank Ms. Momberger for her hard work and accomplishments that have pushed our region forward. I also commend her on her achievements as a journalist and community leader, and thank her for bringing important resources and stories from our region into Redlands households each and every day. She leaves behind a legacy of journalistic excellence that will be remembered by all who read and appreciated her work.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Arrowhead United Way as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Arrowhead United Way was founded on April 17, 1891 in San Bernardino, California. Today it serves communities throughout California's 31st Congressional District, helping thousands of families access health, education and financial resources in the areas of our region most in need. Arrowhead United Way's ability to partner with schools, government agencies, local businesses, faith leaders and other groups allows residents throughout the Inland Empire region to access critical everyday services. Arrowhead United Way's advocacy in our communities has advanced the common good and made the Inland Empire a better place to live. I congratulate Arrowhead United Way on its 125th anniversary and commend the staff, both past and present, who have made and will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of so many families throughout our community.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to call on House Republicans to halt their proceedings to file an anti-immigrant amicus brief with the Supreme Court on behalf of the entire House of Representatives. The document in question hasn't even been made public, and the House of Representatives is trying to speak on behalf of the entire Chamber and our Nation without allowing us to even see the language. What will the brief say? Will the Court tell the House of Representatives to encourage tearing families apart by rounding up and deporting DREAMers? Will they advocate ending birthright citizenship and repealing part of the 14th Amendment? Will it call for building their big, beautiful, 50-foot-tall wall along our southern border? Comprehensive immigration reform has historically been an issue that receives bipartisan support, and I welcome this discussion. We are here as a nation of immigrants. Let's work together to fix our broken immigration system.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Justice Marsha Slough, who earlier this week was sworn in to serve on the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Prior to this landmark achievement, Justice Slough served as Presiding Judge and Court of Appeal Justice Appointee of the San Bernardino County Superior Court. I speak with the utmost confidence that Justice Slough will continue to serve the people of the Inland Empire proudly in her unwavering commitment to carrying out justice in our community. A graduate of Ottawa University and Whittier Law School, and a seasoned attorney in the Inland Empire, Justice Slough has devoted her life and career to our community and residents for decades. Justice Slough is a resident of Redlands and has honorably served the people of San Bernardino County on the County Superior Court since 2003 when she was appointed by Governor Gray Davis before becoming Presiding Judge of the San Bernardino County Superior Court in 2012. As a fellow public servant and as her representative in Congress, I commend Justice Slough on her latest achievement and am grateful to see someone of her integrity and leadership attain such a prestigious position in our community.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to call attention to the issue of gun violence that has seized our Nation. A little over a month ago, my hometown of San Bernardino fell victim to gun violence and was added to a list that no community wants to join: Aurora, Newtown, Chattanooga, Charleston, and the list goes on. And that is the problem, the list goes on. The only action Congress has taken to address the epidemic of gun violence has been to hold moments of silence in honor of their memory. As a father of two young boys and as San Bernardino's voice in Congress, I cannot be silent. We owe it to our communities, from San Bernardino to Newtown, to do something. As one of the family members mentioned earlier in the week: ``Congress has offered their thoughts and prayers, but thoughts and prayers are cheap when you have the power they have.'' While one single law could not have prevented the horrific events in San Bernardino, that doesn't justify a refusal to take action to make our communities safer.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. I thank the gentleman for yielding. The terrorist attack in my district killed 14 and injured 22. Responding to the attack were the brave men and women from the San Bernardino Police and other first responders. I look forward to working with the gentlemen and the departments to examine ways to assist San Bernardino in recovering from this attack.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the 14 innocent lives lost on December 2 in San Bernardino, California, in the terrorism attack at the Inland Regional Center. In the wake of this terrorist act, our San Bernardino community has come together and supported one another during this dark chapter in our region and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues, fellow Americans, and those who hear this message around the world, to pray for the families of the 14 victims, the speedy recovery of the 22 injured, the countless first responders that helped that day, and for the health and resilience of the San Bernardino community. In the aftermath of this pain, I have seen firsthand the tenacity and the spirit of the area that we call the Inland Empire. We have said loudly, as one community, that this tragedy will not define us and it will not divide us. We will not be afraid to come together in fellowship, to work together, to mourn together, or to rebuild together. Across faiths and across culture, we will support one another in this time of need. Mr. Speaker, San Bernardino has been forced to soldier through difficult times before. As we face this new and difficult hurdle, I know my community will continue to stand together to show our country and our region the resolve of this city and of these people to heal. We are San Bernardino united. Mr. Speaker, I am joined by my colleagues, and I ask the House to pause for a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the terrorist act in San Bernardino on December 2.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, on December 2, 2015 I was absent from the House of Representatives due to a mass shooting terrorist attack in my district. I was also absent on December 3rd and 8th through 11th. Due to my absence, I am not recorded on roll call votes 656 through 693. I would like to reflect how I would have voted had I been present for legislative business. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 656, on Agreeing to the Upton of Michigan Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 657, on Agreeing to the Tonko of New York Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 658, on Agreeing to the Gene Green of Texas Amendment No. 14 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 659, on Agreeing to the Beyer of Virginia Amendment No. 17 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 660, on Agreeing to the Schakowsky of Illinois Amendment No. 19 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 661, on Agreeing to the Tonko of New York Amendment No. 22 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 662, on Agreeing to the Castor of Florida Amendment No. 23 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 663, on Agreeing to the Polis of Colorado Amendment No. 24 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 664, on Agreeing to the Barton of Texas Amendment No. 25 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 665, on Agreeing to the Conference Report for S. 1177, to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 666, on Ordering the Previous Question for H. Res. 546, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 22, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 667, on Agreeing to H. Res. 546, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 22, to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 668, on Agreeing to the Cramer of North Dakota Amendment No. 26 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 669, on Agreeing to the Rouzer of North Carolina Amendment No. 30 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 670, on Agreeing to the Pallone of New Jersey Amendment No. 37 to H.R. 8. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 671, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions for H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 672, on Passage of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 673, on Agreeing to the Conference Report for H.R. 22, To authorize funds for Federal- aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 674, on the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 675, on the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 676, on the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 677, on the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 678, on the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 679, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 680, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3842, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 681, on Consideration of H. Res. 556, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2130, Red River Private Property Protection Act. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 682, on Ordering the Previous Question for H. Res. 556, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2130, Red River Private Property Protection Act. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 683, On Agreeing to H. Res. 556, Providing for consideration of H.R. 2130, Red River Private Property Protection Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 684, on Agreeing to the Cole of Oklahoma Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 2130. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 685, on the Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 686, on Passage of H.R. 2130, the Red River Private Property Protection Act. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 687, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3578, the DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 688, on the Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 689, on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2795, the First Responder Identification of Emergency Needs in Disaster Situations or ``FRIENDS'' Act. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 690, on Ordering the Previous Question for H. Res. 560, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 2250, Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 691, on Agreeing to H. Res. 560, Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and providing for consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 2250, Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. I would have voted ``yes'' on Roll Call Vote number 692, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions the Conference Report for H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. I would have voted ``no'' on Roll Call Vote number 693, on Agreeing to the Conference Report for H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge my colleagues to support the Displaced Jobs Relief Act of 2015, a bill I introduced yesterday to help small businesses that have been hurt by foreign competition. As the Inland Empire of California fights back from the Great Recession, we need to make sure that we use every tool available to help our small businesses recover. Small businesses were dealt heavy blows in the past decade, both from our weakened economy and from our flawed trade agreements. International trade plays an important role in our economy, but history has taught us that not all agreements are fair. Sometimes they take a toll on local businesses that don't have the ability to handle unfair foreign competition. That is why I introduced this bill. Trade Adjustment Assistance has played a crucial role in retraining and placing Americans in good- paying jobs for generations. If we increase the availability of funds, we can help protect hardworking Americans from losing business to unfair competition overseas. My bill would increase the authorization for TAA for businesses up to $50 million for each fiscal year, beginning in 2016 and running through 2021. Historically, these programs have always authorized $50 million a year, and, in fiscal year 2011, House Republicans cut the levels to $16 million, barely 30 percent of what funding was. This is an important program that can help businesses in the Inland Empire and across the Nation, and I urge my colleagues to support me and the Displaced Jobs Relief Act for 2015 for the sake of American workers and businesses.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Chairman, I think we can all agree that our veterans deserve the very best we can offer when they return home. While we can never repay them for their heroism and bravery, we can reaffirm our appreciation by doing everything in our power to help them transition back to civilian life. My amendment would help us do just that. This amendment requires the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense to work together to help veterans transition into civilian jobs driving commercial trucks. It would help them obtain commercial driver's licenses, as outlined in a report commissioned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 2 years ago. This report was done at the direction of the last surface transportation bill, MAP-21, and my amendment requires DOT and DOD to work together to implement the report's recommendations. Along with improving access to quality health care, one of the most important ways we need to help veterans is connecting them with job opportunities. Encouraging local businesses to hire more veterans is one step, but helping our veterans translate those skills they used in the military is a crucial part of putting our veterans back to work. Many veterans who drove specialized vehicles in the military struggle to put these skills to work when they return home because of unnecessary and burdensome regulations. My amendment makes it easier for veterans to put their skills to work by requiring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's report recommendations be put into effect. Please allow me to explain. My amendment writes into law the recommendations that States can waive driving skills tests if a veteran certifies that he or she was employed in the military in a position operating a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV, during the last year. This was included in the underlying bill, for which I applaud the majority and minority for their efforts; however, my amendment goes a bit further. Among other things, my amendment helps create an abbreviated commercial driver's license skills test for States to give military drivers who do not have the experience operating vehicles with air brakes or manual transmissions. This amendment also, based on the recommendations of the report, directs the military services to work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to clarify options available to servicemembers and veterans to obtain existing information on military licenses, military CMV driver history, and military CMV experience. Mr. Chairman, we need to do better by our men and women in uniform who have risked and sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free. As we focus on growing our economy, we need to keep our veterans in mind as we seek to expand job opportunities. This amendment will help us do just that. The study commissioned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was 2 years ago. It is time to put that into action and to get our veterans back to work. This is about getting our veterans what they have earned and deserve, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see this through. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AGUILAR. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, today I rise in support of my fellow Inland Empire colleague, Mr. Takano's amendment to the surface transportation bill, which would clarify project eligibility under the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program. Improving our roads, rails, and bridges is crucial for the Inland Empire, a region of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties that Congressman Takano and I represent. Working families need reliable transportation and infrastructure to get to and from work, to get their children to school, and to have the ability to play a role in our regional, State, and national economies. This amendment would allow more local projects to meet that $100 million threshold to qualify for the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program that otherwise wouldn't meet the requirements and would be excluded from Federal funding. The Valley Boulevard grade separation in Colton is just one program in San Bernardino County that would benefit directly from this project, one of many throughout California and the Nation. This amendment would help San Bernardino and Riverside County residents, as well as millions of working families and public safety officials who require the grade separations throughout our country, who rely on transportation and infrastructure each and every day. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the amendment.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today, Congress was faced with a 22-day extension for the reauthorization of the highway trust fund. We have been in this situation before, and every time Republican leadership has chosen to kick the can down the road. Mr. Speaker, it has to end here. This needs to be the last time. If Congress is going to take 22 days, then we need to use the time to come together and focus on a long-term solution, one that is measured in years, not months. Our roads, rails, and bridges are the foundation of our economy. They transport our goods, get working moms and dads to and from work, and they connect our towns and cities to States and to the global economy. We cannot afford to gamble with our transportation and infrastructure, which Inland Empire families in my area and millions throughout the country rely on every day. If we are able to do this extension, then let's stop governing by crisis. Short-term Band-Aid solutions prevent cities and towns from being able to plan and accommodate for future projects. Today, I ask my colleagues to come together and take these 22 days to put through a responsible, long-term solution so Inland Empire families and throughout this Nation have safe and sustainable infrastructure to support their growing homes and businesses.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor California State University, San Bernardino as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Established in 1965 as California State College at San Bernardino, the Inland Empire institution opened its doors to less than three hundred students. In 1984, it officially changed its name to California State University, San Bernardino. From starting with nearly three hundred students in 1965, to educating and empowering more than 20,000 today, Cal State San Bernardino has become an integral part of the San Bernardino community. With bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in five colleges, it provides students from all walks of life with endless opportunities. Educating and training our students for our rapidly evolving world is critical for the Inland Empire today and tomorrow. California State University, San Bernardino has been a powerful economic, social, and cultural force for decades. This can be seen through the thousands of graduates it sends into the workforce each year to the thousands of Inland Empire residents it employs. To date, the University has graduated more than 80,000 people since its establishment, enriching our community and culture with innovative and creative minds that will continue to make the Inland Empire a better place to live and raise a family for generations to come. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary, we commend and thank the faculty, staff and students of California State University, San Bernardino of the past five decades for their contributions to our community.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Veterans Wall of Freedom, a monument to be erected in Grand Terrace, California. This memorial will honor the service, sacrifice and spirit of our nation's veterans, hundreds of thousands of whom called the Inland Empire home. This will memorialize the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and liberty. We will never forget what they did for our nation, risking their lives to keep us safe and free. For over two hundred years, brave Americans have put their lives in harm's way for the sake of our country. The Veterans Wall of Freedom will allow us to pay tribute to those courageous souls, and to teach future generations of their selflessness and sacrifice. The Veterans Wall of Freedom will serve as a constant reminder of the fearless Americans who lived beside us for decades and through multiple wars, and what they did to protect our families, communities and country.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Juan Felipe Herrera, the United States' newest poet laureate and the first Latino poet laureate. As the son of migrant farmworkers and as a Chicano civil rights movement activist, Mr. Herrera serves as an inspiration to Latino Americans everywhere. His poetry sheds light on the Mexican- American experience and allows people of all generations and backgrounds to appreciate his artistry and history. Mr. Herrera was most recently the California poet laureate from 2012 to 2014. He retired in March from the University of California, Riverside where he worked as a professor. Mr. Herrera was a Redlands resident and we are so honored and proud to have had him play a role in the Inland Empire community. He brought our community into his world, engaging Redlands residents in his state project ``The Most Incredible & Biggest Poem on Unity in the World.'' The 170-page poem included submissions from hundreds of people across the state, including those in the Inland Empire. Today we thank Mr. Herrera for sharing his gift with all of us and for giving Latino Americans a voice in the world of poetry. We are so proud of what he has accomplished and commend him on the distinguished honor of being the poet laureate of the United States, and the first Latino poet laureate in American history.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, less than 2 months ago House Republicans refused to take the opportunity to extend the highway trust fund and, instead, decided to be reckless and kick the can down the road. Well, to no one's surprise, today we are back at it, faced with the same predicament. How long will Republican leadership continuously refuse to govern? They have played the same political games with the funding of the Department of Homeland Security, which keeps our Nation safe from national security threats, and allowed the Export-Import Bank to expire, punishing American businessowners across the Nation. And now they want to gamble with the safety of millions of Americans who rely on our transportation and infrastructure, which is crumbling beneath us. Enough is enough. We need a comprehensive and long-term surface transportation plan, not a short-term fix. The highway trust fund supports critical projects, which include improving the I-10 freeway in the Inland Empire, as well as countless other projects within the country. It is time that we start governing and bring a long-term extension measured in years, not months. We don't need another short-term patch. It is time for real solutions.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman from New Jersey yielding some time. Tomorrow, the House will vote on the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation that will advance medical research at the FDA and the NIH to lead new treatment for cures for countless people. This is necessary. However, what is not necessary is the dangerous language that Republican leadership quietly tucked in the bill that blocks access to reproductive care. This is unacceptable. As a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I oppose this and other attempts to expand restrictions on reproductive care. We cannot allow this type of antichoice language to keep appearing in what is otherwise important legislation. Today, it is in legislation to further medical research. Before, it was in legislation to fund community health centers and to protect victims of trafficking. Allowing this policy to move forward will move women's health care backward. We cannot allow these attacks to continue. Representatives Lee, Clarke, and Schakowsky have offered an amendment to strike this destructive antichoice language. Today, I offer them my strong support. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of their amendment and to also insist that we need to stop injecting the Hyde language into parts of law it doesn't belong.

Mr. AGUILAR

Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to highlight the familiar predicament Congress has found itself in because the Republican leadership continues to govern by crisis. As of today, we have only 4 legislative days until the Export-Import Bank expires. This bank helps American businesses of all sizes and markets around the world. China's businesses have the support of their country's export-import bank, and we need to give our businesses the same certainty. For years, the Ex-Im Bank has helped level the playing field for businesses in my district and across this Nation, empowering and supporting them to grow and conduct business overseas. I have had the opportunity to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support businesses and create jobs in my home district in San Bernardino County. There is no reason we can't continue working together to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank so American workers and businesses have the opportunity to play a role in the global economy. We cannot force American businesses and workers to pay the price for Congress' inaction. The Ex-Im Bank doesn't cost taxpayers a cent and has created or maintained 1\1/2\ million private sector jobs since 2007. We need to stop the political games and reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank.