Nanette Barragán

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act. This legislation, introduced by my colleague from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver), directs the Transportation Security Administration to issue a plan to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus at passenger screening checkpoints and among the TSA workforce. To date, over 8,200 TSA employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, and tragically, 17 workers have died from the disease. As Americans begin to travel again, we must take steps to guarantee the safety of critical frontline workers and air passengers from the dangers posed by the virus, including the delta variant and other variants that could come our way. Under H.R. 1877, the TSA Administrator would coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security's Chief Medical Officer, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the CDC to develop a plan that identifies best practices among foreign governments, airports, air carriers, and other Federal agencies regarding COVID-19. Together, they will pinpoint specific operational challenges that TSA can make to further reduce the spread of the coronavirus at airports across the Nation, building on the actions TSA has taken over the past year. COVID-19 has made it clear that public health is a global issue that requires a global response. That is why the United States must work with our international partners on how best to stop the spread of disease in transportation security settings, end this pandemic, and prevent future outbreaks. TSA routinely participates in the international exchange of information to enhance global aviation security, share its expertise, and reduce threats across the globe. Given the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic to today's air travel environment, TSA must capitalize on its international partnerships to identify new ways to enhance its security operations and contain this virus. H.R. 1877 will push TSA to do just that to protect the workforce and passengers. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1877 received unanimous support in our committee because it is a commonsense legislation that will keep Americans safe. The coronavirus pandemic is not yet over, and TSA must work with national and international partners to implement new strategies to stop the spread of disease and prepare for the future. The Security Screening During COVID-19 Act will push TSA to build upon its current efforts to ensure the agency is doing everything possible to protect the workforce and passengers. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1877, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1871, the Transportation Security Transparency Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation, as introduced by my colleague from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop), will ensure consistent standards and improve procedures for designating sensitive security information at TSA. Sensitive security information, known as SSI, is information that if publicly released would be detrimental to transportation security. Just like with classified information, those who are granted access to SSI have a special obligation to safeguard it and face penalties if they fail to do so. Given these stakes, it is important that TSA apply consistent standards when designating SSI. This bill will not only require TSA to maintain those clear standards, but also develop a schedule to regularly review its SSI guidelines, develop a tracking mechanism for SSI redaction challenges, and conduct additional outreach with aviation stakeholders on SSI guidelines. These reforms will improve transparency at TSA. H.R. 1871 has the potential to enhance TSA's work to secure last- points-of-departure airports by requiring TSA to include air carriers and other stakeholders in the development of security directives and emergency amendments affecting such airports and to engage with foreign partners on their implementation. By including industry and international perspectives in this process, H.R. 1871 will ensure TSA's efforts to secure flights from foreign airports are effective. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from New York closes. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from Mississippi closes. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, DHS is uniquely positioned to address human trafficking through the Blue Campaign. H.R. 2795 seeks to build upon the success of the Blue Campaign, which was first established in August 2010, and to bolster human trafficking awareness by ensuring that public-facing materials remain as current and accessible as possible. This is a worthwhile endeavor. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Pastor Reginald Alton Pope, a beloved faith and community leader in Los Angeles. Under Pastor Pope's direction, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church went beyond the walls of the church to offer support services to its neighbors, did outreach to the unhoused, provided unemployment services, and much more. I witnessed this work after worshipping with the church on a Father's Day morning. It was a moving service. Pastor Pope preached that this country is big enough for all our children. I will always remember Pastor Pope's passion and his compassion. Pastor Pope founded the Watts Area Ministers as a force for positive community change. I was honored to participate in their annual Martin Luther King Day festivities, always first-rate, service-focused events. After a life of service to our community, Pastor Pope passed away on June 16, 2021. He is missed.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, we are living in a climate emergency. The carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached the highest levels in human history. In California, we have our worst drought in decades. Last week, we were hit by a heat wave that stretched from the West Coast to the Great Plains. This combination of unforgiving drought and relentless heat sets the conditions for another severe wildfire season. New Federal data shows the number of new wildfires this year is at a 10-year high. In recent years, our country has also faced record floods, deep freezes, and hurricanes. And deadly wildfires have hit States beyond California. Climate disruption is here. Congress has a responsibility to act boldly in response. The American Jobs Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet the moment with a transformative investment in infrastructure. We have the opportunity to build a clean-energy future that uplifts the communities who now suffer from the impacts of the fossil fuel industry. We must do it. We must also recognize that communities of color have been hit first and worst by climate change. They must be at the front of the line for these investments. They must be represented in discussions on any infrastructure agreement. We can afford to protect our planet, clean our air and water, and provide a better quality of life for communities all over the country. We cannot afford an infrastructure bill that doesn't have climate at its center. We cannot afford a bill that doesn't invest in infrastructure that will create millions of jobs and serve the needs of our communities. We need: clean energy, a resilient electric grid, electric vehicle charging, green affordable housing, zero-emissions public transit, climate smart ports, and more. Our constituents did not send us here to back down when faced with climate deniers and deniers of taking any meaningful climate action. If we don't do it now, when will it ever happen? This is our opportunity. Now is the time to stand up for the health and the well- being of our communities and our planet to say: No climate, no deal.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. So many questions have surfaced since the attempted insurrection from January 6, but one question encompasses everything: What happened? A truth-telling commission will set the record straight about the January 6 uprising, its causes, and potential remedial measures. This is about a fact-finding and truth-telling mission. It was the very absence of these two things that helped bring the insurrection on January 6. We can't move on until we look back and make sure we know what happened, why, and make sure it never happens again. On behalf of fallen Capitol Police Officer Sicknick, the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police, the congressional and Capitol Hill staff that keep our offices running, and the American people, we must uncover the truth.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 147. Stated against:

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Roll Call 147, House Resolution 403, the rule providing for consideration of H. Res. 275 and H.R. 1629. I intended to vote ``yes'' on the resolution. Additionally, I was unable to cast the vote of Representative Maxine Waters by proxy. Had I been able to cast the vote of Representative Waters on House Resolution 403 by proxy, Ms. Waters would have been recorded as a ``yes.''

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 189, the John Lewis National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Endowment Revitalization Act. This is a bipartisan bill that I introduced with my colleague from Georgia, Congressman Carter. It is fitting that this bill comes before us during National Minority Health Month because this legislation moves us closer to ending the public health disparities facing communities of color. We need to understand why people of color are more likely to get certain illnesses. It is a tragic reality, but solutions are out there. H.R. 189 will fund the research that will help us find solutions and save lives. This bill would, once again, allow for current and former NIMHD or Health Resources and Services Administration centers of excellence to receive research endowment funding, money that is critical in the fight to reduce minority health disparities. The Research Endowment Program at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities provides funding to the endowments of academic institutions across the country, such as Charles R. Drew University in my district, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Howard University College of Pharmacy, and so many others. The goal of the program includes promoting minority health and health disparities research capacity and infrastructure, increasing the diversity and strength of the scientific workforce, and enhancing the recruitment and retention of individuals from health disparity populations that are underrepresented in the scientific workforce. This is critical legislation that is going to play a huge role in addressing and researching disparities. During the COVID-19 health emergency, communities of color were once again disproportionately affected. Research into health disparities is more crucial than ever. I want to thank my cosponsors, and I want to thank Chairman Pallone for working to help me get this important bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Let's get this done and across the finish line.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I regret to inform you that I was unable to be present for the vote for the motion to adjourn today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 56.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4499, the NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act, a bill I introduced with my friend and colleague from Georgia, Congressman Carter. This legislation moves us closer to ending the disparities in public health between minority communities and other Americans. We need to understand why people in minority communities are more likely to get certain illnesses and how we can prevent that. H.R. 4499 will fund the research that will help us find solutions. If signed into law, this bill will once again allow for current and former NIMHD or HRSA Centers of Excellence to receive research endowment funding, money that is critical in the fight to reduce minority health disparities. The Research Endowment Program at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities provides funding to the endowments of academic institutions across the country, such as Charles Drew University in my district. The goals of the program include: Promoting minority health and health disparities research capacity and infrastructure; Increasing the diversity and strength of the scientific workforce; and Enhancing the recruitment and retention of individuals from health disparity populations that are underrepresented in the scientific workforce. Charles Drew University has stated that this legislation and the funding are critical to their mission and that they support this legislation because: ``Restoring eligibility would allow the University to continue its historic focus on research to close the gap between the burden of illness and premature mortality experienced more commonly by communities of color, as well as other medically underserved populations, as compared to the nation as a whole. It would also help to grow and enhance the University's capacity and infrastructure for health disparities research within the Urban Health Institute.'' During the COVID health emergency, where communities of color are once again disproportionately affected, research into health disparities is more crucial than ever. I want to once again thank my colleague Congressman Carter for co- leading this bill with me, as well as the other bipartisan cosponsors: Congresswoman Kelly, Congressman Rogers, and the late John Lewis. I also want to thank Chairman Pallone for working with me to help move this important bill through the Committee. I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on the NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act so that these schools can continue this important research on minority health disparities. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Statement on H.R. 4499 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine in Science (CDU) is in strong support of H.R. 4499 which amend the Public Health Service Act to provide that the authority of the Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to make certain research endowments applies with respect to both current and former centers of excellence, and for other purposes. If enacted H.R. 4499 would reinstate the University's eligibility for NIMHD endowment grants that were withdrawn because the University had received endowment grants for 10 years despite being underfunded for its critical health disparities research. Restoring eligibility would allow the University to continue its historic focus on research to close the gap between the burden of illness and premature mortality experienced more commonly by communities of color, as well as other medically underserved populations, as compared to the nation as a whole. It would also help to grow and enhance the University's capacity and infrastructure for health disparities research within the Urban Health Institute. Respectfully Submitted, David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, President and CEO, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I missed the votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 207 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 208.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, commissioned in 1943, the USS Iowa was the most powerful American warship of her time. The ship saw action in World War II, and even transported President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since 2012, the battleship has been berthed in my district in San Pedro, California. Today, Senator Feinstein and I introduced a resolution to formally name the Battleship USS Iowa Museum the ``National Museum of the Surface Navy.'' This resolution honors the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the surface forces of our Nation by designating this museum as a monument to their sacrifice. In decades past, the USS Iowa defended our Nation. Today, it educates the next generation as a museum and promotes the causes of veterans. Given the challenges of operating the museum in the COVID-19 era, I say thank you to the dedicated people who have kept this museum afloat--literally.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio for working in a bipartisan manner, and subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano, to make sure this bill got through on a bipartisan basis. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that two policy changes that I led the fight for have been included in this legislation. Flooding disproportionately impacts low-economic communities and people of color. Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, a severe storm in my district flooded the streets of Compton and shut down parts of the 710 freeway. Many communities lack the money to pay for studies to plan and develop projects that can reduce damage from flooding and storms. As part of a new program funded by this bill, the Federal Government will now cover 100 percent of the cost of these studies for a select number of disadvantaged communities. This bill also makes it less costly for communities to restore nature in ways that will reduce the risk of flooding and help provide cleaner air and water. For example, it will be easier to restore areas where water covers the soil, known as wetlands, such as the Dominguez Gap Wetlands along the Los Angeles River. Or we can more easily afford planting street trees and trees in local parks to absorb flood water, cool the community, and clean the air. In short, this bill will make our communities stronger, built to last, and better prepared for the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, like so many here tonight, I was inspired by John Lewis and his lifelong fight for our country to live up to its ideals to be more tolerant, more just, and more equal. He was fearless. He sacrificed his body, bloodied by billy clubs and beatings from police, in hopes that future generations of people of color would not have to. He was my hero. I called him ``Mr. Lewis'' when I first arrived to Congress, and I will never forget, he would say, ``Call me John.'' He was so humble and supportive. Hearing John Lewis tell firsthand stories of the fight for civil rights was a privilege. Walking the Edmund Pettus Bridge with him was something I will never forget. We will honor his life by continuing to, and as he said, cause ``good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.'' As he wrote: ``Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.'' We will try. Thank you, John.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, green spaces should be a right for everyone, regardless of where they live or the color of their skin. Unfortunately, for too many Black, Brown, and Native American communities, parks are considered a privilege. Today, we can change this injustice. The Great American Outdoors Act will create more local parks in low- income and urban neighborhoods. Minority communities across the country lack access to green spaces. In my district, in Compton, we only have about half an acre of parkland for every thousand residents, well below the averages in the rest of Los Angeles County and the Nation. Voting ``yes'' means more outdoor recreation opportunities, including sports fields and trails. Voting ``yes'' means all kids, no matter their ZIP Code, have the right to play on green grass and explore the natural world. I am proud to vote ``yes'' to secure this right for our young people today and for future generations.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, California's 44th Congressional District lost a longtime South Gate champion and my friend, Henry Gonzalez. Besides being a confidant and adviser to me on many occasions, he spent decades serving the city of South Gate as a council member, mayor, and community leader. Henry became the first Latino elected to the city council and served as mayor of South Gate for six different 1-year terms. ``Hammerin Hank,'' as he was called by many, championed the priorities of hardworking families. He was a labor leader with the United Auto Workers, and his entire family was involved in the union's fight for workers' rights. Henry was a dedicated public servant who demonstrated honesty, integrity, and commitment to our community during the most challenging times. He even survived an assassination attempt on his life. Henry left an imprint on our community and inspired me. His legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, for too long, communities of color, Black and Brown communities, have suffered environmental injustice. For too long, these same communities have been on the front lines of environmental air pollution that has caused higher rates of cancer and asthma and, with COVID-19, more deaths. For too long, these communities have literally said: I can't breathe. My very own district is surrounded by three freeways and the Port of Los Angeles. Ports are critical jobs. They provide movement of goods. They are a huge economic engine. But they also are the cause of air pollution on the docks, not to mention the truck traffic that goes to and from ports. Today, I am proud to say that my bill, the Climate Smart Ports Act, is included in this infrastructure package. It will make a significant difference to air quality in my district and for the 40 percent of Americans who live near a port. This bill will invest billions in zero-emission technology at ports and clean trucks that go to and from ports. That is right, zero emissions. Bottom line is it will save lives, create jobs, and fight the climate crisis. Today I ask you to join me in voting for H.R. 2: to invest in our Nation's infrastructure, to invest in greening our ports, to invest in fighting the climate crisis, and to invest in improving air quality for the people.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, the time for change is now. Not next month. Not after more studies. Not after more deaths. Now. Our country demands it. We, as a Congress, have listened. Today, we must act. For George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, and the countless others, we demand justice. We demand change. In my very own district, just last week, a young Latino kid, 18 years old, Andres Guardado, was shot in the back by police. There were no body cameras. Surveillance video gone. And Andres is gone, with six police bullets in his back. The public should not need to call for a third-party investigation into these deaths. We should be able to trust the system. More importantly, they should not need investigations because the killings must stop--today. Mr. Speaker, we must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I regret that I missed the votes today because of an illness. The House doctor recommended that I not fly. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 103 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 104. personal explanation

Ms. BARRAGAN

Ms. BARRAGAN. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 79, and YEA on Roll Call No. 80.