Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 86, a disingenuous resolution that wastes our time while it misleadingly attacks a carbon tax. Continuing with yesterday's shameless giveaways to Big Oil and Gas, Republicans' next energy week bill asserts that a carbon tax would raise food prices and the cost of every good in America, while ignoring the cost of climate change to communities hit hardest by flooding, wildfires, and other climate catastrophes, all while oil and gas executives maximize their profits. This is unacceptable. The reality is that when Democrats controlled the House, Senate, and White House, we did not pursue a carbon tax. Instead, we passed historic tax credits that are incentivizing and fueling the clean energy transition. The Inflation Reduction Act was the largest climate investment in history and through it, we are powering economic growth, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and advancing environmental justice. While asserting a carbon tax would raise food prices, Republican leadership refuses to disavow their own Members' proposals, like the FairTax Act, which would actually be a 30 percent sales tax on everything, including groceries, medical bills, tuition, insurance, and, yes, fossil fuel products like gas that you buy at the pump, hurting the very same people they are purporting to help. Ultimately, this resolution represents yet another attempt by House Republicans to favor corporate interests, including Big Oil, over job- creating clean energy policies and climate solutions that benefit American families and our planet. They are trying to distract from the reality that the U.S. is hitting record levels of domestic energy production under President Biden. We welcome Republican support in facilitating the transition to clean energy. Instead, they remain focused on doing everything they can do to undo this progress. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on February 5, 2024, I was unable to cast my vote on H.R. 443--Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 33.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6918, the deceptively named Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act. This bill has a simple but negative purpose: It would divert Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars that successfully keep needy children and families from poverty to anti-abortion centers. These so-called crisis pregnancy centers masquerade as healthcare facilities, even going so far as to have staff dress in scrubs and white coats to mimic medical professionals. Let's be clear: They are organizations attempting to strong-arm, manipulate, and coerce pregnant people seeking abortion care into carrying pregnancies to full term, and this is to the great disadvantage of women in need. These anti-abortion centers are not actual medical facilities, so they are not covered by the privacy and security rules of HIPAA. With little or no consequence, staff at these facilities can lie to patients and share their personal information with anti-abortion extremists in order to survey, harass, pressure, or prosecute those seeking abortion care. The lies these centers tell can have profound impacts on a patient's health. In Iowa, an OB/GYN has seen patients who were told at these centers that using contraceptives was the same as having an abortion. In Massachusetts, an unqualified staff member at an anti-abortion center failed to diagnose a woman's ectopic pregnancy. That woman later required emergency surgery. Worst of all, there are no consequences to these centers for this. A recent study of 607 anti-abortion centers across nine States found that they ``promoted patently false and/or biased medical claims about pregnancy, abortion, contraception, and reproductive healthcare providers.'' Fewer than half of these centers reported having a licensed medical professional on staff. Unfortunately for the American people, spreading misinformation about abortion and ultimately implementing a national ban on abortion seems to be unifying objectives for Republicans here in Congress. During our markup last week, Democrats offered a series of amendments to allow funding to these centers if they could prove that they provide medically accurate information, not harm women's health, and did not mislead or coerce women into visiting their centers. Committee Republicans rejected all of those amendments, making it clear that their purpose is coercive propaganda, not support for pregnant women. If Republicans want to support expecting new parents, House Democrats would welcome their backing of a fully expanded child tax credit, universal paid family and medical leave, and affordable childcare. However, instead of considering these measures or even doing the basic business of keeping the government open, we are debating a bill going nowhere in the Senate and intended, instead, to score political points with anti-abortion groups gathering in Washington. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 6918.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Stephen Sham, who passed away on November 29, 2023, at the age of 59. As the first Asian and Chinese American mayor of the City of Alhambra, Stephen Sham was a revered visionary, leader, and advocate who dedicated his life to empowering the Asian community, fostering economic opportunities, and promoting social equity. Stephen Sham was born in Beijing, China, in 1964 and later lived in Hong Kong before immigrating to the United States during his teenage years. His educational journey led him to Daniel Murphy High School in Los Angeles, and he went on to earn a B.S. in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) from Cal State L.A. Alongside his wife, he successfully operated Plaza Printing, a local business, for over 25 years. When Stephen first started his business, he faced racism and discrimination from residents who resented the growing Asian American community in Alhambra. Motivated by these challenges, he joined the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce to challenge such prejudiced views. Through hard work and dedication, he not only dispelled misconceptions, but also rose to become the Chamber's President. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in enhancing community outreach and supporting the growth of small businesses. In fact, I was proud to honor Stephen as businessperson of the year in my Congressional District in 2018. Stephen's journey into the public service began in 2006, when those who knew him and benefitted from his service to the community urged him to run for the City Council. He answered the call and won, ultimately making history as the first Asian American Mayor of the City of Alhambra since its establishment in 1903. His leadership extended over four mayoral terms and 12 years on the City Council. During his tenure, he prioritized the needs of every resident and led initiatives to increase the city's and Police Department's use of social media platforms to better connect with the Chinese-speaking community. He worked closely with fellow Councilmembers to make Alhambra a more prosperous place during his time in office. He oversaw a 23 percent decline in the crime rate and a strategic investment of over $4 million into Public Safety equipment, with an additional $2 million for fire training safety. Under his leadership, Alhambra attracted new businesses, and the city council invested in new recreational facilities for its growing community. Furthermore, the city successfully built housing to meet the growing needs of its residents, and Stephen collaborating with local non-profit organizations to reduce homelessness. His influence expanded beyond Alhambra as Stephen served as the President of the Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO), the President of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, and the President of Chinese American Elected Officials (CEO). Additionally, he contributed to the Board of Directors of Bank Irvine in his most recent role. Stephen will be remembered by family, friends, community leaders, and residents for his devotion and service to equal opportunity and diversity in the City of Alhambra. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of this extraordinary individual.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Chairman, as chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I rise in strong opposition to the DETERRENT Act. The DETERRENT Act would burden higher education institutions and Federal agencies by needlessly complicating existing research security measures. Further, the bill would impose unreasonably expansive reporting requirements on individual researchers. What is worse is that it would broadcast their personal information on public databases; therefore, casting a chilling effect disproportionately on the Asian- American academic community. From the incarceration of Japanese Americans in World War II to racial profiling of Chinese-American scientists under the failed China Initiative, countless Asian Americans have had their lives destroyed because our government falsely accused them of being spies. Already, 72 percent of Asian-American academic researchers report feeling unsafe. Safeguarding national security can be done through commonsense reforms that Democrats have offered that don't come at the expense of U.S. scientific innovation, global collaboration, and the Asian- American community. In fact, Congressman Bobby Scott has submitted such an amendment that is a commonsense reform. Meanwhile, this bill, the DETERRENT Act, is a bill that I urge all my colleagues to vote ``no'' on.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on November 10, 2023, I was unable to cast my vote on H.R. 1105--Debbie Smith Act; H.R. 593--To rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, as the ``John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic''; and the Motion to Refer the Resolution Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 643; YEA on Roll Call No. 644; and YEA on Roll Call No. 645.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment, which would prohibit the Small Business Administration from implementing the Community Advantage SBLC program. This amendment is an attack on veterans, rural, and low-income entrepreneurs, and it should be rejected resoundingly. One of small businesses' greatest challenges is obtaining access to financial capital. For over a decade now, the Community Advantage program has been helping close this funding gap. Community Advantage lenders are required to make at least 60 percent of their loans to underserved markets defined as veteran-owned businesses, rural businesses, new businesses, businesses located in HUBZones, empowerment zones, and other low-income communities. These are the types of businesses that too often find themselves on the margins. Their owners lack the ability to qualify for more traditional loans because they may lack a credit history or preexisting relationship with a bank. What is unique about Community Advantage lenders is that they are mission-based, primarily nonprofits focused on economic and community development. They go beyond just providing loans. They provide technical assistance to the businesses they serve. As a result, Community Advantage has been far more successful than the traditional Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program at reaching underserved groups like veterans. Community Advantage was operating as a pilot up until the SBA, just this past month, established the Community Advantage SBLC program to provide more permanency for the program and lenders. Congress needs to build on these efforts by providing statutory permanency for Community Advantage so veteran, rural, and low-income small business owners can continue to be served. This amendment would do the exact opposite, eradicating this proven program and undoing all our progress. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support our Nation's veterans, rural, and low-income entrepreneurs by rejecting this amendment.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 95th birthday of my friend, Reverend James Lawson, who for more than half a century has been a force for justice and worker rights. As a minister and teacher of nonviolent resistance, James Lawson was a leader of the civil rights movement and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King. Lawson led sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and strikes, including the historic 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, and he was a mentor to our beloved John Lewis. In 1974, Reverend Lawson moved to Los Angeles, where he teaches nonviolence at UCLA. His work orchestrating nonviolent sit-ins and civil disobedience helped improve working conditions for southern California hotel workers, generating a national movement for immigrant worker justice. Reverend Lawson has been an inspiration to many as he continues the fight for freedom and justice. Mr. Speaker, I wish Reverend Lawson a happy birthday.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to these amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act, which aren't designed to protect our national security or support the men and women in uniform who protect our freedoms. These amendments are anti-diversity and anti-freedom. They hurt women and restrict access to necessary abortion care. They are homophobic. They censor servicemembers. They deny the existence of trans people. They needlessly undermine our military's readiness and effectiveness. They even attack our domestic film industry. Further, these amendments seek to interfere with international collaboration on research by targeting Asian researchers and scientists and then peddle conspiracy theories about COVID-19. As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I have to underscore how these amendments open the door to more hate, violence, and profiling of Asian Americans, especially after 3 years of increased anti-Asian hate. Ultimately, what was a bipartisan bill in committee has become a vehicle for MAGA Republican extremism. Vote ``no.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, it has been a year since the Supreme Court ripped away the rights of millions of Americans in an instant by overturning the constitutional right to abortion care. It has been nearly 1 year since American women were forced to live in a country where they possessed fewer rights than their grandmothers. House Republicans are out of step with the American people when it comes to abortion access, but instead of working to restore these fundamental freedoms, they have worked to further restrict abortion access in this country. That is why we are here today, to take action. I am proud to present this discharge petition to force accountability for Republican inaction.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Ronald S.W. Lew, who passed away on May 19, 2023, at the age of 81. Judge Lew's esteemed jurisprudence and relentless advocacy made him a widely respected judge and community leader. Judge Ronald Lew was born in Los Angeles, California in 1941. He attended Loyola High School and went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in 1964 from Loyola Marymount University. He then enrolled in Southwestern Law School, but those studies were put on a temporary hold when he served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. Upon returning home, Judge Lew completed his studies in 1971 and went on to serve as deputy city attorney for the Los Angeles City Attorney's office in the Criminal and Civil Liability Divisions from 1972 to 1974. After practicing with the city attorney's office, Judge Lew practiced privately and, during that time, was appointed to commissioner of the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension Board from 1976 to 1982. As a widely respected jurist, Judge Lew was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the Los Angeles Municipal Court in 1982, and two years later was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court by Governor George Deukmejian. Then, in 1987, Judge Lew was honored with a nomination from President Ronald Reagan to serve as United States District Judge for the Central District of California, making history by becoming the first Chinese American person appointed to a federal bench position outside of the state of Hawaii. After serving for nearly two decades, Judge Lew took senior status in 2006 but remained a committed and prominent jurist. Judge Lew was also a dedicated advocate in the Chinese American community. He was instrumental in the creation and success of the Chinatown Service Center, a renowned nonprofit organization located in Los Angeles that provides health care, social services, economic development, youth, and many more resources to tens of thousands of deserving clients each year. After working with the Center to provide counsel on youth criminal issues in 1974, he became a board member of the Center, spearheaded the organization's incorporation into a 501(c)(3), drafted its bylaws and even became its first President of the Board of Directors. When Judge Lew began his work with this organization, it only had two staff members and no budget for employees. Judge Lew took action, organizing fundraisers and spreading the word which enabled the Center to obtain the staff and finances it needed to continue its essential services. But his work was nowhere near done. Judge Lew continued his incredible service to the Chinatown Service Center by securing crucial city funding and establishing a close partnership with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, which later helped the Center receive its first city workforce grant. Since its founding, the Chinatown Service Center has had an immeasurable impact in providing essential services to the surrounding community, thanks in large part to the tireless work of Judge Lew. Outside of his remarkable work with the Chinatown Service Center, Judge Lew helped found the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association in 1975, the first Asian Pacific American bar association nationwide which offers support and resources to law students, lawyers, and jurists in the Chinese American and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders communities. For his incredible work in law and in the Chinese American community, Judge Lew was named one of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California's Chinese American Pioneers in Law and also received the Los Angeles Chinese American Museum's Historymakers Award. Judge Lew was a trailblazer whose accomplishments strengthened the Chinese American community and uplifted all Angelenos. He was always considered a mentor and trusted advisor to those who knew him. His impact is indelible and will never be forgotten. Judge Lew was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and inspiration to us all. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of this extraordinary individual.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the 100th anniversary of Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California. This historically Black Church has played a vital role in the community and has been a beacon of faith, perseverance, and resilience for a century. The founding of Saint Barnabas Pasadena is rooted in the ``Great Migration'' of African Americans from the South in the early twentieth century. These individuals sought better lives and opportunities in California, but were confronted with racial segregation and discrimination. Existing Jim Crow laws prevented African Americans from worshiping where they wished, including at All Saints Church in Pasadena. Undeterred by this adversity, a group of determined individuals met on June 16, 1909, at the home of Mrs. Georgia Weatherton on South Fair Oaks Avenue to organize a Black Episcopal mission. This mission, known as Saint Barnabas Guild, quickly gained support, and the members sustained their ministry through food sales. By 1911, services were being held in the Grand Army Hall on Colorado Street, and the seeds of Saint Barnabas Church were sown. Finally, in 1923, eight remarkable women, including Ellensteen Bevans, Rosebud Mims, and Georgia Weatherton, officially founded Saint Barnabas Church. The church had come a long way from its first services, which were held in Georgia Weatherston's home on Del Mar Street, with as many as 29 members in attendance on Sunday mornings. Over the course of the following decade, the church grew steadily and in 1932, the Saint Barnabas Congregation was admitted into the Episcopalian Archdioceses, signifying its growing significance and influence. The Saint Barnabas Church helped strengthen and shape the character of the City of Pasadena with many of its church leadership playing important roles in the community, such as Reverend Jesse D. Moses, II, who served as the first Black principal of the Pasadena Unified School District. Today the church has become an essential pillar in the San Gabriel Valley, transcending racial boundaries and fostering unity. Its current congregation is a diverse community that is dedicated to serving others. The church supports local youth by sponsoring the Northwest Pasadena Little League and granting scholarships to Pasadena Unified School District graduates. It also uplifts vulnerable families by providing meals to the homeless, maintaining a community food pantry, and hosting Alcoholics Anonymous groups. Over the last century the Saint Barnabas Church and its congregation have overcome racism and adversity to strengthen the Black community, build the City of Pasadena, and uplift all communities in the San Gabriel Valley. They are a remarkable institution and embody the best qualities of the 28th Congressional District.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge my Republican colleagues to come back to work now to responsibly avoid a national default, just like they did three times under President Trump. Instead, as the U.S. is on the brink of defaulting for the first time in history, House Republicans have recessed for the weekend, holding the global economy hostage and threatening a catastrophic recession if they don't get to impose cruel cuts on American workers, families, veterans, and seniors. The mere threat of default will cost workers close to $20,000 out of their retirement savings. It would also send interest rates skyrocketing, cost small businesses $2,500 more per month for capital, and force Californians to pay almost $300 more per month on their mortgages. Republicans already voted to spend the money. Now they are trying to walk out on the bill and leave the most vulnerable Americans out to dry. That is inexcusable.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2, the child deportation act. This bill is not a serious attempt to fix our broken immigration system and to address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border. Rather, H.R. 2 is an anti-immigrant MAGA wish list. It would put kids in cages and allow them to be held in Border Patrol facilities for up to 30 days, 10 times longer than current law. It would place unaccompanied children at risk of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. It would bar nongovernmental organizations, like the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities, from working with our government to shelter immigrants, creating dangerous and inhumane conditions for our border communities. It would decimate our asylum system by creating new and arbitrary restrictions for asylum seekers, all while gutting programs such as humanitarian parole that have been proven to reduce the number of arrivals at our border. It would exacerbate the crisis by tearing down our humanitarian assistance programs while reassigning border agents away from stopping the transport of illegal drugs like fentanyl. H.R. 2 will cause irreparable harm to children and families, undermine our international leadership, and hurt our economy. Yesterday, House Democrats presented a serious framework for how to fix and modernize our immigration system. The U.S. Citizenship Act, or USCA, recognizes that a robust, humane, and efficient immigration system makes America stronger. It would actually alleviate the humanitarian crisis at the southern border by helping the President address the root causes of migration and providing resources to humanely and efficiently process children and families who seek asylum here. It would also reunite families, fix our visa backlog, protect immigrant workers from unscrupulous employers, and ensure no future President can ban entire groups based on religion. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this surprise billing our workers act. This bill would harass workers with surprise bills for unemployment benefits that were overpaid due to State errors. These workers, many of whom worked long hours for low wages, rightfully used these benefits on basic needs, such as utilities, rent, and groceries, with no way of knowing that there was a mistake. State agencies were simply not equipped to expeditiously get out pandemic unemployment benefits, resulting in a number of overpayments to workers who filled out their applications honestly in States led by Governors of both parties. There is no denying that there were wrongdoers who exploited the emergency programs set up by Congress to assist American workers. However, this is not an excuse to go after honest Americans who did nothing wrong. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 2023, I was unable to cast my vote on H.R. 1715--Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 204.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution. Democrats successfully passed America's single largest investment in clean and renewable energy last year in the Inflation Reduction Act, which will quickly decarbonize our economy and shift manufacturing back here to the U.S. That includes production of solar panels that will be critical to the clean energy transition. Last year, the Commerce Department made a thorough and data-driven determination that some companies in four Southeast Asian countries are circumventing U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar panels. Our trade policy requires balance, and the President's emergency order created a short- term bridge to secure the solar materials needed to protect jobs and meet our energy transition goods over the next year. While the emergency order is not perfect, it is necessary to give solar projects in the pipeline enough time to come into full compliance with our trade laws. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this irresponsible bill that would hurt millions of seniors, workers, families, and veterans. If this bill becomes law, the Social Security Administration will close field offices that seniors and people with disabilities rely on for services; nearly 500,000 low-income families could be evicted from voucher-supported housing; 200,000 young children will lose spots in Head Start; and cruel barriers to TANF will mean grandparents who rely on the program to keep their grandchildren out of foster care will lose crucial resources. Meanwhile, Republicans want to cut law enforcement funding and give wealthy tax cheats a license to avoid paying the taxes they owe. What do we get in exchange for over a decade of crippled government? We get less than 1 year of reprieve from default and economic catastrophe. Republicans should do what they did three times under President Trump and pass a clean bill free of brutal cuts.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Lao New Year, which will be celebrated between April 14, 2023, and April 16, 2023. Lao New Year is considered the national holiday of the country of Laos. Nationwide, Lao Americans organize festivals to bring their communities together in celebration of Lao New Year through the month of April and even early May. Lao New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years and is historically rooted in, and unique to, Lao legends and traditions. During each of the three days that Lao New Year is observed, Lao people participate in various practices and ceremonies. The first two days of Lao New Year are dedicated to home and family. Day one tasks involve cleaning and organizing one's home. On day two, families will gather for a traditional ``baci'' ceremony, during which people wish one another peace, prosperity, and happiness while tying white threads around each other's wrists. Food and other goods are prepared on day three to take to the local temple as offerings to the monks. The final day of Lao New Year is typically celebrated at the temple, where activities include classical dance performances, beauty pageants reflecting the legend of an ancient king and his seven daughters, food vending, as well as Lao goods and merchandise. The atmosphere at the temple celebrations is that of an overall uplifting of Lao Americans connecting to their culture and heritage. Lao New Year unites Lao people through a rich history of traditions and celebrations that evoke shared feelings of release, renewal, and resolutions for the coming year. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this global celebration.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on March 22, 2023, I was unable to cast my vote on H. Res. 1159--To amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 145.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, on January 21, 2023, a mass shooting in Monterey Park, California, claimed the lives of 11 people in my district. I remained in my community to respond to this crisis and participate in a vigil for the lives lost during this tragedy. I was unable to be in Washington for votes on January 24, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 32, and YEA on Roll Call No. 33.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 400, the Investing in Main Street Act, which would make commonsense changes to the small business investing laws to maximize the amount that banks may invest in SBA-certified small business investment companies or SBICs. Even though banking rules allow financial institutions to invest up to 15 percent of their capital and surplus in SBICs, small business investing rules cap these same investments far lower, at just 5 percent. The Investing in Main Street Act simply fixes this outdated inconsistency to allow banks to invest the full 15 percent in SBICs. Raising this cap will dramatically increase the amount of investment capital available to our country's small businesses for whom even small investments can mean so much. Already, SBICs have helped companies like Costco, Apple, and Intel get off the ground back when they were just starting out; and SBICs fill a gap in the investment ecosystem and level the playing field for the smallest businesses which often face the highest barriers to securing investments from traditional private investors. The nearly 300 certified SBICs in operation today have invested or committed $38 billion in small businesses nationwide; and last year alone, SBICs provided $7.9 billion in funding to over 1,200 small businesses and startups. By raising the investment cap from 5 percent to 15 percent, we could potentially triple those numbers in the years to come. The growth will be especially important as America's entrepreneurship rates continue to soar as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. I thank Representative Garbarino for his partnership on this legislation, and Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their strong support. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. This last Saturday night, a shooter came into my hometown of Monterey Park, California, to a dance studio and killed 11 innocent people. Today, I rise to honor the memories of the 11 lives we lost: Diana Tom, Mymy Nhan, Lilian Li, Xiujuan Yu, Hong Jian, Muoi Ung, Valentino Alvero, Yu-Lun Kao, Chia Yau, Wen-Tau Yu, Ming Ma. I also wish for the speedy recovery for the nine who are injured, many of whom are still in the hospital. Lunar New Year is a time of celebration for the thriving Asian- American community in my hometown. Saturday's senseless murders pierced the peace and joy of our celebrations and tore a hole through our hearts. This Lunar New Year was supposed to be a celebration of the Year of the Rabbit, characterized by hopefulness and peace. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to keep hope alive and work together to make our country a peaceful one free from this kind of horrific violence. Thank you for helping me honor the memories of those lost by observing a moment of silence.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. While I strongly condemn violence and vandalism in any form, the bill before us neglects to address the real crisis facing Americans today, which is the loss of reproductive rights for millions of Americans in the blink of an eye since the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade last summer. Madam Speaker, 8 in 10 Americans support the legal right to abortion, something that has been seen over and over again in poll after poll, in election after election. This resolution is an attempt to muddy the waters and distract the public from the fact that those on the other side of the aisle support a national abortion ban, regardless of which State you live in. In fact, it was abortion providers who faced significant increases in stalking, invasions, and assault and battery as a result of the Dobbs decision. I cannot support this resolution, which conveniently leaves out the majority of the victims of this type of political violence. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, H.R. 26 would rob families of the ability to make difficult and complicated medical decisions in some of the most heartbreaking circumstances imaginable. It is a mean-spirited solution in search of a problem. If the majority is interested in caring for newborns, I invite them to support Democrats' efforts to provide paid family leave to every new parent. Republicans are welcome to join our efforts to expand the child tax credit to families struggling with paying the bills. And we would be thrilled to have bipartisan support in this Chamber to make childcare affordable everywhere. Alternatively, House Republicans have brought up a bill designed to intimidate doctors and perpetuate disinformation about how abortion care actually works. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill and instead vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit which would bring up my bill, the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation that would create a Federal right to abortion care free from medically unnecessary restrictions in all 50 States.