Judy Chu

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I join with my Bengali constituents to honor and commemorate the tragedy that befell Bangladesh 50 years ago and the millions whose lives were lost or disrupted. The 1971 Bengali Genocide was one of the worst human tragedies of the 20th century, with over 2 million lives lost and over 10 million displaced. In addition, over 200,000 women were violently raped. The campaign of sexual violence against women in particular was so severe that the United Nations was bringing in doctors to help treat these women. These terrible events began on March 25, 1971, with ``Operation Searchlight''--a military operation that intentionally targeted civilians because of the language they spoke and the religion they practiced. It was a deliberately brutal response meant to silence Bengali voices and erase Bengali culture while snuffing out the flame of self-determination. Fortunately, this genocidal attempt failed, but not before too many paid the ultimate price. And the survivors still carry their scars, even fifty years later. This violence was made worse by the failure of the United States to speak out against it. That is why I am urging the U.S. government and all Americans of conscience to not only join me in remembering this genocide and those we lost, but also to speak out against this kind of violence against civilians wherever it occurs. I also encourage more Americans to learn about what happened in the 1971 Bengali Massacre so that we can start telling the truth about this genocide.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, eight lives were lost in Georgia this week when a gunman targeted three Asian-owned businesses. Six of these victims were Asian-American women. I am heartbroken for all these lost souls, and I am heartbroken because this is just one of the latest in a string of attacks that have created fear throughout the Asian-American community. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been over 3,800 reported anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents. What started off as dirty looks and verbal assault has escalated into physical attacks that have become increasingly deadly. There was Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year old man who died after being assaulted outside of his home, and Noel Quintana, whose face was slashed from ear to ear on a New York subway. These attacks have been almost a daily tragedy, and they must stop. We must stand united against xenophobia and slurs like ``China virus'' and ``Kung flu,'' which we know put lives at risk, and we must work together to stop Asian hate.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, to put Dreamers and TPS and DED immigrants on a path to citizenship. These are our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. They have graduated from our schools, served in our military, and worked in our communities. During the pandemic, they have kept our country running with over 200,000 Dreamers and over 130,000 TPS holders in essential jobs at hospitals, grocery stores, and schools. As the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I know this is important to so many, including the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, who are 7 percent of the entire population but 16 percent of the undocumented. That means there are well over 100,000 Asian-American immigrants who urgently need relief. This bill means so much to so many. I urge a ``yes'' vote for H.R. 6.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, discrimination against women is a part of America's history, but it should not be our future. That is why we need the equal rights amendment. It was not an accident that women were left out of the Constitution. The Founders very much believed us to be unequal and, as such, we could not own property, vote, hold certain jobs, or even serve on a jury. The impacts of that discrimination are still felt today. Women are paid less than men and still face discrimination for being pregnant. The Founders were wrong, and this is our chance to fix it by doing what they refused to do: assert in the Constitution that women, too, have rights. The ERA will not end discrimination, but it will empower us to fight it in court. Already, 38 States have ratified this amendment, which satisfies the requirements in the Constitution. The vast majority of Americans support it. Congress set a deadline for ratification, which means we can repeal it. It is time to affirm that there is no expiration date on equality.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, every day, constituents in my district are asking when the $1,400 survival checks are coming and when they can get help with their rent so that they don't become homeless. They are suffering, and they need help now. Mr. Speaker, the American Rescue Plan is a real plan to crush the virus by speeding vaccine distribution and increasing access to healthcare. This will not only mean safer families but also safer classrooms for teachers and students. It means a continuation of $300- a-week checks in unemployment insurance, and it supports our businesses so they don't close. Mr. Speaker, with over half a million dead, we need a way to end this crisis and help our people. That is exactly what today's bill will do. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Rescue Plan. This bill provides security to families with $1,400 survival checks. It provides relief to the unemployed, increasing their insurance to $400 a week. It expands loans to small businesses to help them stay open. And, most importantly, it improves the distribution of vaccines and PPE, and expands affordable healthcare coverage so we can stop the terrible deaths that have occurred, saving people's lives. One year into this crisis, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the approval of vaccines. But we still have months to go before we return to normal. That means more months of anxiety for families, businesses, and healthcare providers, all already stretched to the max. That is why today we must send urgently needed aid directly to Americans as quickly as possible. This bill is too important to delay any longer. We must pass this aid today.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 803, the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. This legislation includes the text of my bill, H.R. 693, the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, which is the result of decades of grassroots advocacy and community engagement to improve protections and access for these treasured lands of southern California. The San Gabriel Mountains provide 30 percent of the Los Angeles area water, comprise 70 percent of the county's open space, and are home to historic habitats of species like the California condor and Nelson's bighorn sheep. This immense natural beauty exists right in the backyard of one of the densest urban areas of our country, offering recreation opportunities like hiking, fishing, and camping to the more than 15 million Americans that live nearby. That is so important because the Los Angeles region is among the most park-poor areas in the country, which means that too many communities are deprived of the well- documented public and mental health benefits that result from access to outdoor recreation opportunities in their own neighborhood. After President Obama granted my request to designate the San Gabriel Mountains a national monument in 2014, we immediately began to see cleaner rivers; improved facilities, like picnic areas; safer hiking trails; and more rangers to interact with visitors. Most importantly, it brought the entire community together to develop a management plan for the monument with over 40 Members representing a variety of stakeholders, such as water agencies, local governments, the business community, and environmental advocates. That is why this same level of protection is needed throughout the mountains and in the communities that serve as their gateway. This legislation would make that a reality by expanding the Monument's boundaries to include the western Angeles National Forest, establishing new and expanded wilderness areas, and protecting more than 45 miles of wild and scenic rivers. It would also establish the new San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation area to bolster the connection between urban and wild spaces. Mr. Speaker, for nearly two decades, so many stakeholders have worked together with a common vision of a community seamlessly connected to the beautiful wild lands in its backyard. Today, we have an opportunity to realize that vision. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of Al Padilla, who passed away on October 4, 2020, at the age of 90, and his wife, Dora Padilla, who passed away on January 8, 2021, at the age of 86 from COVID-19. Al and Dora touched the lives of countless students in the San Gabriel Valley and were larger than life figures in their communities. Hector Albert ``Al'' Padilla was born on March 22, 1930 in Tucson, Arizona, and moved to Los Angeles in 1939. Following high school, Al joined the United States Army and then enrolled in junior college. He transferred to Occidental College and was an all-conference guard on the Occidental football team. After years of playing sports at a young age, Al knew that coaching and mentoring young athletes was his calling. Al coached football at his alma mater, Roosevelt High School, before moving to rival Garfield High School. He went on to be the head football coach at East L.A. College, where he coached the Huskies to a state title in 1974 and was voted the California ``Coach of the Year.'' But it wasn't just wins and losses that made Al a legend in the East L.A. community, it was his impact on the lives of generations of players. Al demanded good grades and sportsmanship from all of his players, and taught them the importance of caring for their loved ones, teammates, and community. And long after his players would graduate, he would stay in touch with them, because he believed that his role as a mentor didn't end when he left the football field. Al's wife, Dora Padilla, was born on October 4, 1934 to Mexican immigrants. Dora began her long career in education by helping in her children's kindergarten classroom and by leading fundraisers as her children grew up in the Alhambra Unified School District. As she became more involved in school functions, she personally saw what students needed and was determined to bring change at the district level. She ran for the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education on the slogan ``Querer al nino es educarlo,'' or ``To love a child is to educate a child,'' and won her seat in 1978. She became well-known as a reliable defender of arts and music programs at a time when the state cut the district's budget, and she has been credited as the reason the school district has maintained a K- 8 musical education program until today. She helped create the Alhambra Latino Association in 1995 and advocated for bilingual education, but also believed she represented all students regardless of their background. Dora was elected to five terms on the Board of Education and served for 20 years. In honor of her legacy, Alhambra High School dedicated a plaque outside of their new library in 1996, praising her ``continued support and love of students seeking the American dream and equal opportunity.'' Al and Dora were married for 64 years and made a lasting impression on their community and on many constituents in my district. I was fortunate to have known Dora well and to have seen the impacts of her achievements in Alhambra, and I saw first-hand the impact that Al had on his players when we both worked at East L.A. College together. Al and Dora leave behind an enduring legacy of public service and the development of generations of children and young adults. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the lives of these two extraordinary individuals.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of getting the American people the help they need and getting it to them fast. The budget resolution before us today is simple. It allows Congress to act quickly to deliver much-needed assistance to the American people so that we can defeat this pandemic. That means more survival checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, new grants and loans for small businesses, State and local aid, education funding, faster vaccinations, and much more. This winter has been the most challenging period of the COVID-19 crisis. People have been driven to desperation with skyrocketing cases, hospitalizations, and 440,000 deaths nationwide. But now we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Every day, over a million more Americans receive safe and effective vaccines, and that rate is increasing. That means that it is absolutely crucial for Congress to act now to provide enough stimulus and support so that our economy, healthcare facilities, local governments, and schools have the resources needed to survive and begin to recover. The urgency can't be overstated. Last year, Republicans allowed unemployment benefits to expire and pushed 8 million Americans into poverty. By acting now, we can avert a repeat of this disaster when benefits expire again in just 6 short weeks. We can make substantial improvements to make sure that we have a more inclusive recovery that includes low-wage workers and immigrant families. Let's pass this bill and truly help the American people.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, last week, I hid in an office for hours, terrified to open the door because I did not know if a rioter was on the other side ready to attack, kidnap, or murder me. But my experiences were just the tip of the iceberg. The U.S. Capitol was targeted, besieged, and ransacked on January 6 by a murderous mob holding a noose for Vice President Pence and targeting Speaker Pelosi. Their rampage resulted in destruction and five people dead. We were attacked by terrorists, but this time the terrorists were radicalized right here in the United States. Worse, they were radicalized by the President, who intentionally lied to his supporters that the election was stolen and then told them when to come to D.C., where to protest, and whom to direct their anger at. The need to remove this President could not be more urgent. He is too dangerous to remain in office. Donald Trump must be held accountable. He must be impeached.

Ms. CHU

Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rose Matsui Ochi, who passed away on December 13, 2020, at the age of 81. Rose was a dedicated public servant, a longtime constituent of mine in Monterey Park, California, and a dear friend. Rose was born on December 15, 1938, in East Los Angeles, but her early childhood was spent imprisoned at Rohwer concentration camp in Arkansas along with countless other Japanese Americans during World War II. This childhood experience with systemic racism helped forge her passion for social justice and solidified her determination to break barriers. At a time when people of color were not expected or encouraged to seek higher education, Rose graduated from UCLA in 1959 and received her graduate degree in education from Cal State Los Angeles in 1967. After witnessing the 1968 East L.A. walkouts by Latino students demanding equal conditions in schools, Rose was inspired to pursue a career in law to create a more just and equitable society. She graduated from Loyola Law School in 1972 and was admitted to the California Bar that year. Seen by many as a rising star who possessed an incredible legal mind, Rose quickly became involved in public policy at the federal level. In 1979, she was appointed to President Carter's Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy, where she pushed for immigration reform and helped secure a pathway to citizenship for thousands of undocumented immigrants. She then took from her childhood experiences and helped secure a federal apology and redress for Japanese American detention camp survivors in 1988. And in 1997, Rose was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the director of the Community Relations Service at the Department of Justice, becoming the first Asian-American woman to serve as an assistant attorney general. She also had incredible achievements in her service to Los Angeles communities. She served for two decades as the director of the City's criminal justice office, where she helped reduce gang violence by supporting programs for at-risk youth, designed successful community policing methods, and increased the number of women and officers of color within the Los Angeles Police Department. And in 2001, she broke yet another barrier by becoming the first Asian American woman to serve on the Los Angeles Police Commission. On top of her long list of accomplishments, Rose Ochi paved the way for people like me. There were so few Asian-American women in leadership positions as I was growing up that I never dreamed I could be an elected official, let alone a Congressmember. But Rose's spirit, determination, and boldness were an inspiration to me. She was passionate and compassionate, and always had a word of encouragement for me. I was lucky to have her as my constituent and I was lucky to have known her. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of an extraordinary woman and a trailblazing public servant.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th birthday of one of my constituents, Iris Cummings Critchell, a remarkable woman who has led an extraordinary life. Iris was born on December 21, 1920, in Los Angeles, California. She was a competitive swimmer in her youth and was the U.S. champion in the 200-meter breaststroke from 1936 to 1939. Her hard work and talents led her to represent the United States in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Shortly thereafter, she attended the University of Southern California (USC) and graduated in 1941 with a degree in physical sciences and mathematics. Interested in aviation from an early age, Iris was accepted into USC's first Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1939. She received her pilot's license in 1940 and began work as a pilot instructor after graduating college. During WWII, Iris joined the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS), which later merged into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). She served as a member of the 6th Ferrying Group out of Long Beach, California, ferrying planes built in Southern California across the country. During her service, she flew 27 different types of military aircraft, nearly 30 types of civilian aircraft, and flew 18 military aircraft as the pilot in command. It was during her time in the service that she met her husband and fellow military pilot, Howard Critchell. After the War, Iris returned to the University of Southern California to develop and teach a curriculum on civilian aviation for returning veterans. In 1962, Iris and Howard joined the faculty of Harvey Mudd College, where they founded the Bates Aeronautics Program, a two-year program to teach undergraduates to fly. She ran the program with Howard until he retired in 1979 and continued alone until the program ended in 1990 with her retirement, although she continued to teach aeronautics classes until 1996. Among her many honors, Iris was inducted into the National Flight Instructors Hall of Fame in 2000, awarded the Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2006, and awarded the Nile Gold Medal of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale in 2007 for her lifetime of dedication to aviation education. Although she has been retired for 30 years, Iris continues to be an active member of both the Harvey Mudd College and aviation communities, mentoring students and anyone interested in aviation. She serves as a role model for women aviators and is an inspiration to all with whom she interacts. It is my distinct honor to recognize Iris Cummings Critchell's lifetime service to our country, and I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our best wishes to her and her family as they celebrate her 100th birthday on December 21st.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, which would help those diagnosed with ALS get their benefits quickly by making them eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance immediately instead of having to wait 5 months. I have heard heart-wrenching stories from my constituents whose lives have been upended by this cruel and aggressive disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease over the course of which those with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement. This leads to paralysis and, ultimately, death. Tragically, ALS has a fatality rate of 100 percent. Unfortunately, this disease is so aggressive and can take so long to diagnose that some patients lose their battle with ALS before the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits is over. This bill would ensure that those who have an ALS diagnosis are not denied their benefits when they need them most. I am proud to be a cosponsor of the House version of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill before us today.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 7903, which would authorize the Community Advantage Loan Program for 5 years. To help our struggling economy, we need a bipartisan bill that gets money to those who need it. This bill, which I am proud to have introduced with my colleague, Congressman Ross Spano, does just that by providing statutory authorization to the Community Advantage program, already a proven and successful pilot program. Thanks to Community Advantage, underserved small businesses, which typically have the hardest time accessing loans, can gain access to affordable financing and technical assistance from mission-based, primarily nonprofit lenders through SBA's 7(a) loan guarantee. That means more money in more communities to keep our businesses operating. This is something we need now more than ever. The Community Advantage program was first established almost 10 years ago as a pilot at the Small Business Administration with the goal of delivering capital to the hard-to-reach businesses that need under $250,000 in financing to grow. Since 2011, the program has facilitated over $850 million in loans averaging $140,000 each. Compare that to the average 7(a) loan of $530,000, and it is clear Community Advantage is meeting a small business need that is unfilled by the traditional 7(a) program. It has also made a big impact in my district, where businesses have received nearly $10 million in Community Advantage loans. That includes businesses like Unincorporated Coffee Roasters in Altadena, California, which received a Community Advantage loan last summer. This business had been in operation for under 2 years, but their Community Advantage loan allowed them to expand into the space next door and open a second company to roast their own coffee beans for the wholesale market. They have even added jobs and continued to grow during the pandemic. That is what can happen when we make small business loans just a little less difficult to access. And it is an experience shared by businesses across the country. Last year, I chaired a hearing in the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations to examine the Community Advantage program. We heard from borrowers and lenders about the ways that Community Advantage has closed the credit gap for underserved businesses. Because of their focus on economic and community development, the mission-based lenders that facilitate Community Advantage loans can leverage their strong relationships within the community to provide accessibility, guidance, and assistance to the businesses that too often find themselves on the margins without the ability to access capital from traditional banks. As a result, Community Advantage is able to reach far more businesses owned by people of color, women, and veterans than traditional 7(a) loans. This is a proven model, and we can see further evidence in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, first launched at the start of April, traditional lenders prioritized their largest and longstanding clients, making it difficult for underserved businesses to even submit an application for assistance. To address this problem, Congress established a set-aside lending authority for community financial institutions like certified development companies, microloan intermediaries, and community development financial institutions, many of which are already certified Community Advantage lenders. The result was a success, as these nontraditional lenders were able to reach the underserved businesses and, together, deliver over 141,000 PPP loans totaling more than $8.5 billion. Now it is time to build on that success. This legislation before us today includes measures, with bipartisan agreement, to make the program even stronger. It will expand the definition of ``underserved businesses'' to explicitly include those owned by people of color and those located in declared disaster areas, and it will increase the percentage of loans that lenders must make in underserved markets from 60 to 75 percent of their portfolios. It will also allow SBA to make loans up to $350,000 on a case-by-case basis. With these improvements and the long-term certainty afforded by statutory authorization, this bill will make the Community Advantage program an even more powerful tool for closing the credit gap and delivering affordable capital to more small businesses. With a long and arduous economic recovery before us, this bill will help countless small businesses rebuild, and it will help them to start anew as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Spano for his partnership and Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for their strong support. I also thank the Community Advantage lenders and borrowers whose success and testimony over the years have powerfully made the case for Congress to pass this legislation to authorize the program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7903.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of David M. Barron, who passed away this month at the age of 79. Mr. Barron was a colleague of mine in Monterey Park, California, a longtime resident of California's 27th Congressional District, and a dedicated public servant. Mr. Barron was born in East Los Angeles on September 29, 1941, and was the youngest of four siblings. He attended East Los Angeles College for several years and transferred to California State University, Los Angeles, where he would go on to receive his B.A. in Journalism and Communications in 1965. His passion for journalism led him to work as a writer and editor for the Belvedere Citizen and Eastside Journal for many years after college, and he would later go on to publish the Monterey Park Journal and the West Valley Journal for over 20 years. Mr. Barron met his wife at East Los Angeles College and the two married in 1963. They moved to Monterey Park in 1966 where he began his long career in public service to the community. He served on the Monterey Park Planning Commission for several years before being elected Monterey Park City Clerk in 1988, where I worked alongside him as a member of the City Council. Among his many accomplishments as City Clerk, Mr. Barron was credited with bringing electronic touchscreen voting to the city. He retired from his long career as City Clerk in 2013 after 25 years in the role, but was dedicated to continue his service to the community. He then served for six years on the Board of Trustees for the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library and was a member of the Monterey Park Library Foundation. Mr. Barron is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ellen, four children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of service to Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley, and it is my distinct honor to commemorate his life.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, as chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am here to say that we have reached another terrible milestone. Just yesterday, the number of COVID-19 cases in our country surpassed 11 million. One million of those cases came in just the last week alone. The coronavirus is spreading at a rapid rate, and while hospitals and healthcare providers in all 50 States are overwhelmed, there is still no plan to contain it. The failure to contain the coronavirus has let it spread within every State and community. Almost one-third of Americans know someone who has died from COVID- 19, and yet we are still hearing false claims, including from some of my colleagues on the other side of this Chamber, that masks don't work and that gathering in large groups indoors is safe. The message that we can or should live with this virus is a denial of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who are sick or who have died from this virus already, and it is condemning thousands more to die as well. But not everyone is impacted equally. While all of us are susceptible to the virus, communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration's inaction. Now that we know more about this virus, we can see who is paying more for it. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have seen cases surge in their communities and continue to face some of the highest COVID-19 infection and mortality rates out of any of the racial groups in several States, including in my own State of California. And new data shows that Asian Americans are also dying from COVID-19 at a disproportionate rate, with deaths in the Asian-American community nationwide increasing by 35 percent this year compared with the average over the last 5 years. This is compared to a 9 percent increase in deaths for White Americans. For other communities of color, there are equally high rates: for Blacks, a 31 percent increase compared to 5 years ago; 44 percent for Hispanics; and a 22 percent increase for Native Americans. Downplaying this virus is also downplaying the reality of healthcare inequality and minority health disparities in this country. That is why we crafted an urgently needed COVID-19 response bill: to make us sure we can combat the disproportionate effects of coronavirus on communities of color. That is precisely what the House did in May, with the passage of The Heroes Act, and again in October, with the updated Heroes Act, which ensured that we collect disaggregated race and ethnicity data related to COVID-19 and that we restore Medicaid coverage for citizens of the Freely Associated States of the Pacific islands and include provisions like Congressmember Barbara Lee's COVID-19 Community Care Act. It is so important because it would provide targeted COVID-19 testing, treatment, and contact tracing for communities of color that have been devastated by the pandemic. What is so crucial is that it would include culturally and linguistically competent outreach for contact tracing that is so critical to the AAPI community. Communities of color cannot wait any longer. Americans cannot wait any longer. We need the outgoing President and Republicans in Congress to stop playing games with American lives. We can't ignore the fact that Americans are dying and the economy is struggling because of a refusal to take this virus seriously. It is time to face facts and work together to pass a coronavirus relief package now.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, because I will not tolerate sabotage of the U.S. Postal Service. This week, I went to my local post office to fight back against the attacks on mail delivery that my Republican colleagues now claim never happened. But I stand by those who know better than anyone, our country's postal workers. They talked about how cuts to overtime are forcing mail carriers to abandon their routes halfway through, and how deliberate reductions to operating capacity mean that they cannot meet their community's needs. My constituents also know better. Every day, I have heard from seniors whose medications have been delayed, small businesses unable to get orders to customers, and workers waiting to receive a check. Pharmacies in my district have even needed to tell customers to pick their medicine up in person instead of relying on the mail. No one should have to risk exposure to COVID-19 just to pick up a prescription, especially not so the President can suppress votes in November. Madam Speaker, vote to save the post office.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I stand today in support of the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. As families juggle working from home and childcare, this pandemic has made it clear just how vital childcare is to our economy. If we want to prioritize economic growth and improve outcomes moving forward, we will have to make investments that improve quality and access today. Even before the COVID-19 crisis, many families of color were not able to access childcare. In fact, only 3 percent of federally eligible Asian children, 6 percent Latinx children, and 15 percent of Black children were able to access childcare based on Federal eligibility. This bill helps by adding billions of dollars to our childcare infrastructure. It also makes the child and dependent care tax credit refundable so families could receive a childcare credit of up to $6,000. Finally, the bill ensures that essential workers have access to safe care for their children while they are providing invaluable services to our communities. Without investments in childcare, our economy cannot recover.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember my friend and colleague, John Lewis. To say John Lewis was a civil rights icon barely captures his legacy because he was so much more than that. He was a living piece of the civil rights movement, a connection to historic injustice, and a reminder of our power to remedy it. John didn't just talk about voting rights, he nearly died defending the right to vote. And because of him and his determination to do what was right, to stand up to injustice whenever he saw it, and to cause a little ``good trouble'' whenever it was needed, our country is a more just and equitable one. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life that I was not only able to serve alongside John on the Ways and Means Committee, but I was able to march alongside him as well. In Alabama, he led many of us on the annual pilgrimage of Selma across that Edmund Pettus Bridge. But throughout his life, he gave voice to the voiceless, fought to empower the powerless, and stood up for those who could not. I will never forget that June day here in Washington, D.C., after 49 people were shot dead in Florida in yet another senseless mass shooting. John said, ``Enough is enough.'' He came to the House floor, right there, in fact, and sat down. We joined him for 26 straight hours while the Nation tuned in, transfixed. When the President was keeping immigrant children in cages, John led us on a march to the CBP offices to demand these children be released. It was so hot and humid that many of us felt like fainting, but I looked over at John, and there he was still standing strong and marching. I thought to myself: His strength is the result of decades of civil disobedience. This past week, we passed the historic NO BAN Act to stop the senseless travel ban against Muslims. And it was John who, 3 years ago, went to the Atlanta airport when the ban was first announced to demand answers and release. And when he was essentially ignored by Customs and Border Protection, he started a sit-in right that moment at the airport. John was always a moral voice urging us to think of others and to do all that we can to improve their lives. Even in the face of the worst, John never stopped believing in our capacity for the best. I will miss him and his guidance. John may be gone, but we will keep marching.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Senate 2163, a bill to address the root causes of inequality for Black men and boys in America. Mr. Speaker, today, as the civil rights icon, John Lewis, is laying in state just a few feet in the Capitol rotunda, I am so moved to know that the banner of equality, which he waved his whole life is being picked up by the next generation. As chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I have seen Americans of all backgrounds and ethnicities united in filling the streets to demand reforms to a criminal justice system that does not value Black lives and to an economy that does not give Black boys an equal chance of success. The people have had enough with the systemic inequalities that have persisted since our founding. But we cannot fix them unless we understand them. That is what this commission will do by looking at the obstacles and policy and culture that keep Black youth from having the same opportunities that Whites do. We must listen to the demands of a country that is saying ``no'' to racial inequality. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my friend and colleague, Representative Ocasio-Cortez, but most of all, I rise in support of basic human decency. I condemn remarks that are disrespectful and offensive; and recent remarks reflected a hostility that should alarm my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It is not expected that everyone in this Chamber agrees with each other. It is expected, however, that we treat each other with dignity and respect. There should never be a reason that anyone fails to meet this low bar. Turning policy disputes into personal disputes is dangerous. As leaders, we risk inciting violence in others. As Congress Members, it indicates a focus more on fighting than governing. We should never utter comments that are misogynistic and hateful to any Congress Member. This week, it was Congress Member Ocasio-Cortez, but if we don't speak out against this, tomorrow it could be any Congress Member who is a woman or person of color; and that is why this must end now. If any such ugly curse words are uttered, decorum dictates that there should be an apology, a real apology, a sincere apology, not words that simply deflect and blame others. On the great seal of the United States, it says, ``e pluribus unum;'' out of many, one. Disagreement and different perspectives were baked into this country, and it is our ability to work with others that we do not always agree with that has allowed America to be the beacon of hope. We should never betray these values of unity, despite disagreement. Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez deserves respect. Congress Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez deserves a real apology now.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Nadler for his leadership in bringing the NO BAN Act for a vote on the floor today. Three years ago, when President Trump first took office, within 1 week, he announced the first Muslim ban. I will never forget that terrible day in January of 2017. I was on my way to a community event when I received a frantic call about 50 Muslims with green cards who were being detained at LAX for hours, with no end in sight. At that moment, I decided to drop everything and help in any way I could. I rushed over to LAX to advocate for these people. Once I arrived, I found out that, indeed, there were scores of people with a legal right to be here kept for hours without food and blocked from receiving legal advice from an attorney. With this action, Trump was immediately creating chaos and separating families with no justification. It was outrageous. When I pressed Customs and Border Protection for answers, they resisted and blocked me. I even got them on the phone, only to have them hang up on me. I had never been more disrespected as a Member of Congress, but disrespect and chaos is what this Muslim ban is all about. Since then, the administration has steadily worked to make it harder and harder for individuals to come to the United States, which has meant keeping families and loved ones apart. Partners and spouses have been kept apart for years at a time. Children have missed parent's funerals. Parents have missed children's weddings, birthdays, and graduations. Families have been languishing, wondering when they will be reunited, all because of a policy born from prejudice. This is a cruel abuse of power that must be stopped. The NO BAN Act repeals all versions of the Muslim ban, including the travel ban imposed in February of this year that includes many African countries. It limits the President's authority to ban people from entering the United States unless there is a clear justification. The President would have to consult with the Departments of Homeland Security and State before implementing a ban and would have to brief Congress within 48 hours. Let me make clear that this bill would not have impacted our ability to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in any way, as it does not interfere with the ability of a President to restrict immigration due to public health concerns. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this historic legislation which sends a strong message to our communities that you cannot be discriminated against based on your religion or national origin.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this amendment, which includes the text of my legislation, the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act. The San Gabriel Mountains provide 30 percent of southern California's water, comprise 70 percent of L.A. County's open space, and are easily accessible to more than 15 million Americans. But still, the L.A. County region is amongst the most park-poor in the country, with too many communities lacking access to outdoor recreation opportunities in their own neighborhoods. By creating the San Gabriel Mountains national recreation area by building on the progress made by the establishment of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, by designating new wilderness and wild rivers, this amendment will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to millions, improving their health and well-being. I urge my colleagues to join me in strong support of this amendment.

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, last week, as COVID-19 cases continued to spread, even reaching historic highs, and as the number of Americans killed by this virus rose well above 100,000, Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to strike down the entire Affordable Care Act. If Trump and Republicans got their way, millions of Americans would immediately lose their health insurance in the middle of a pandemic, with no alternative available. Ending the ACA is life-threatening, especially as we battle COVID-19. That is why I am proud to support the Affordable Care Enhancement Act. This bill would build on the success of the ACA by expanding tax credits to ensure more Americans have access to health insurance, not fewer. And it expands eligibility for these credits so that Dreamers can access affordable healthcare as well, something we know will benefit entire communities. The coronavirus does not discriminate, and neither should we. Critically, this bill undoes the Trump administration's expansion of junk insurance plans, which offer minimal coverage and leave patients with massive bills when they do get sick; because, while access to healthcare is essential, it must be affordable. That is why it is so important that this bill also includes language from H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This will lower prescription drug prices by allowing the government to negotiate for those prices, bringing our prescription drug prices in line with what they cost overseas. This bill puts the health of the American people first when we need it most. I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Ms. JUDY CHU of California

Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. Speaker, the lynching of George Floyd shocked our Nation, not because he was the first Black man murdered by police, but because he is one of countless Black men unjustifiably murdered, and with video. It was indisputable. After centuries of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination, the American people are crying out for justice. Today, we are taking action. The Justice in Policing Act curbs the excessive force and lack of transparency that has contributed to police brutality; chokeholds and no-knock warrants for drug cases would be banned; deadly force would be restricted, as would military equipment meant for battlefields, not American streets; and body cameras would be mandatory. Crucially, it also limits qualified immunity, which protects police from accountability. But reform is not enough. We must also change the culture of policing, which this bill does through funding for States and communities to conduct badly needed de-escalation training. George Floyd was not the first Black man killed by police, but with this legislation, he can hopefully be among the last.