Joaquin Castro

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and all of the chairs of the committees and members who helped bring the America COMPETES Act to where it is. Madam Speaker, today I offer my amendment to the America COMPETES Act. My amendment simply adds ``media and entertainment'' to the list of eligible programs for nontraditional industries or occupations. The U.S. media and entertainment industry plays a prominent role in defining who we are as a nation, not only within our borders but across the world. The media, as I know the media is plural, but the media as an institution continues to serve as one of the main narrative-creating and image-defining institutions conveying America's values and ideals to audiences around the world. Yet the lack of diverse talent in the industry's workforce fails to reflect our population, therefore, stunting our ability to accurately portray the U.S. as a multicultural symbol on a global scale, and also sidelining millions and millions of Americans from participating in an industry with well-paying jobs. By expanding apprenticeship programs, we can build a foundation for more Americans to begin professional careers in the media industry, particularly those that have been traditionally excluded, such as Latinos and other minority communities that are often underrepresented and undervalued. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, to address some of the concerns, the media and entertainment industry is one that involves different STEM fields such as a wide variety of engineering positions, for example, many of which have gone unfilled in different media corporations. Also, as the gentlewoman knows, the GOP in particular has made a big deal about our film industry yielding to different Chinese demands, for example. So it is important that our government collaborate with the industry to make sure that we have a well-prepared workforce that is able to, again, make sure that the America media is robust. We also want to be sure that--as you have industries like the media industry that continue to, for example, go film television and movies overseas, that American workers are well-prepared to take on those jobs so that industry does not have a single excuse to go somewhere else but to one of our cities and States in the United States. That is exactly what this amendment will help do, is to bring about a more prepared workforce to take on these roles so that industry doesn't have an excuse to go somewhere else. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I believe the information being solicited is important, although I don't think that we need to pass a law to get it, and we shouldn't have to pass a law to get it. In that sense, I think the amendment is overkill. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs last Congress, I saw how incredibly difficult it was to get basic information and simple briefings from the Trump administration. So I am sympathetic to getting information from an administration. The checks and balances put in place by the Constitution require the executive branch, no matter the party, to be responsive to congressional oversight. As we saw during the last administration, the executive branch has become increasingly empowered to not cooperate with Congress on basic oversight matters; that much is true. The Foreign Affairs Committee has found statutorily mandated briefings, however, generally backfire. They give the executive branch an excuse not to provide basic briefings on important subject matters on which we do not mandate briefings through legislation. These topics vastly outnumber those with statutorily required briefings. By writing mandatory briefings into statute, Congress is conceding to the executive that it does not need to be responsive to legislative branch inquiries unless a statute says so. Although I am opposing this amendment, I think the information is important. I would also join Representative Crenshaw in a letter requesting that kind of briefing from the Biden administration this year and the next and until the next administration. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, again, I agree this is important information. However, this should not be our approach, except on issues where the executive branch has continuously, and over a period of time, refused to respond to basic inquiries. On climate issues, the Foreign Affairs Committee has not had any issues obtaining core information that is shared on a bipartisan basis. In fact, both Secretary of State Blinken and Special Envoy Kerry addressed this question in their hearings in front of our committee last year. Again, I would be willing to work with Representative Crenshaw, and everybody else who is interested in a bipartisan way, to request this hearing. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO

Mr. CASTRO. Madam Speaker, regarding Mr. Perry's amendment, if the United States does not choose to lead on the issue of climate change, we can't outcompete China or expect the world to join us in countering China's policies. To compete, we must lead the world forward, and we must face reality and be willing to enact policies that deal with reality. This amendment is about taking America backward, and so I ask my colleagues to oppose it. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose Mr. Perry's amendment.

Mr. CASTRO. Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Pennsylvania's amendment would undermine the U.S. leadership on climate change and isolate the United States on the world stage on a critical issue for the future of our Nation and the future of the world. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues claim that they are deeply alarmed by China. They implore us to counter a threat from the People's Republic of China, yet when a comprehensive bill is in front of them to strengthen the United States' competitiveness on the world stage, including on our diplomacy, all of that urgency goes out the window. And why? Why aren't Republicans clamoring to vote for America COMPETES Act? This amendment makes clear that it is at least in part because of their climate denialism. Republicans just don't want to address climate in this China bill, even though China is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and is outcompeting us at the same time in creating the green energy jobs of the future. The truth is, they don't want the United States to address climate change, period. Our closest allies were aghast when President Trump pulled us out of the Paris climate agreement, and China took advantage of that in every way that it could, painting the United States as the irresponsible party on the world stage. Now Mr. Perry's amendment would have us make the same mistake again. If we want to hold China accountable for its coal power plants and its rising emissions, we need to be at the table to pressure it to do better, and we need to lead multilateral efforts to combat climate change and invest in green energy and green projects, because if we don't, China will be more than happy to fill in with its unsustainable Belt and Road Initiative projects and its financing, which always comes with strings attached. For those reasons and others, I oppose this amendment and ask my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of World War II veteran, Roland Eugene Dullnig, who hails from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Today marks Mr. Dullnig's 100th birthday. I am honored to recognize his milestone on this joyous day. Roland Eugene Dullnig was born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 3, 1921. The eldest of three children, Mr. Dullnig graduated from Fox Tech High School whereafter he enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942. Mr. Dullnig served as a Crew Chief with the 668th Squadron of the 416th Bombardment Group maintaining the A20 and the A26 light bomber aircraft. His 416th Bombardment Group participated in the battles of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Air Offensive Europe. Mr. Dullnig continued to serve until the end of the war, being discharged as a Technical Sergeant in January 1946. Upon completion of military service, Mr. Dullnig returned to San Antonio and worked in the printing trade for 40 years. He was married to his wife, Evelyn, for almost 69 years having two children, Carolyn, and Ron. In February 2020, Mr. Dullnig was presented with the French Legion of Honor Medal given by the people of France to American Veterans who fought for the liberation of France during World War II. Today, Mr. Dullnig continues to reside in the family home in San Antonio. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing World War II veteran, Mr. Roland Dullnig, on his 100th birthday. I thank Mr. Dullnig for his many years of service to our country and community. It is my hope that he is surrounded by loved ones on his special day.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to provide context on my present vote on November 3rd for H. Res. 760. While I echo many of the sentiments in the resolution and appreciate Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Sires, and Rep. Diaz-Balart efforts to draw attention to the rights of the Cuban people to protest their government and to condemn the Cuban government for its repressive actions, I share the concerns of my colleagues that the resolution would perpetuate the isolation of Cuba that the Obama administration worked to reverse. I stand firmly behind the people of Cuba as they fight for their rights, which is why I did not vote against the bill. However, I believe that such a statement on U.S.-Cuba policy should also affirm a policy of engagement and reject the use of sanctions-- like those applied by the Trump administration--that hurt the Cuban people and do nothing to support their democratic aspirations. Furthermore, I was disappointed that this resolution was brought to the floor under suspension of the rules and did not go through a markup on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, preventing the opportunity to include language that underscores our commitment to finding real solutions to the current impasse in U.S.-Cuba policy. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a clear path forward that upholds human rights and democratic values while paving a way for practical engagement.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jesse Vidales who hails from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Vidales celebrated his 100th birthday this past August. Born and raised in San Antonio's Westside, Mr. Vidales emulates what it means to be a proud San Antonian. I am truly honored to recognize him this Veterans Day. Mr. Jesse Vidales was born on August 9, 1921 to Mr. Jose Ramos Vidales and Mrs. Maria Rios. At the time, Westside San Antonio experienced widespread poverty. Through their tireless efforts, the Vidales family rose above, knowing that education was the surest path to success. During the height of World War II, Mr. Vidales enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served with Army Intelligence until the end of the war. After, Mr. Vidales married the love of his life, Mrs. Victoria Perez Vidales, and followed in his father's architectural footsteps and became a successful contractor for more than 50 years. Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Mr. Jesse Vidales. I wish Jesse a happy 100th birthday and Happy Veterans Day. He has reached a milestone, and I thank him for his service to our country and community. May God bless and watch over him.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Heinz G. Bachman, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who hails from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Bachman was stationed at Hickam Field, Hawaii during Pearl Harbor. Throughout his life Mr. Bachman exemplified the best of us and I am proud to recognize him on this Veterans Day. Mr. Heinz Bachman was born on October 22, 1921 in Mulhausen, Germany. Shortly thereafter, his family immigrated to the United States, landing on Ellis Island in 1924. By 1934 his family fully emigrated and became U.S. citizens. With the rise of the Axis powers and seeing conflicts across the globe, Mr. Bachman's father encouraged him to enter the armed forces. By 1939, Mr. Bachman joined the United States military beginning at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During his time in service, Mr. Bachman worked as a translator serving in the Army Air Corps, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1941, Mr. Bachman was stationed at Hickman Air Force Base when the Imperial Japanese Forces bombarded Pearl Harbor and surrounding military installations throughout Hawaii. Mr. Bachman was fortunate to be away from the main building on detached service where bombardments hit the buildings center. Upon completion of service in 1945, Mr. Bachman went on to interview German civilians for the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey. Mr. Bachman married the love of his life, Mrs. Virginia Bachman and raised a family together. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Heinz Bachman for service and commitment to our great country. I thank Mr. Bachman for everything he has done for our community and country. It is my hope that he will continue to share his story. Happy Veterans Day.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Ruiz for organizing this Special Order. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Marine Corporal William Garza, Jr. William joined the Marines in the summer before 9/11. His first deployment was to Iraq in 2003, where he participated in the fall of Baghdad. It was there, during war, where he was exposed to burn pits. When I met William, he told me that he and his fellow marines would sleep and work around burn pits 24/7. These burn pits were as big as football fields, burning tires, human waste, metals, and electronics. William, like many servicemembers, didn't know the dangers of burn pit exposure. After serving his country with honor, he returned home to Texas, and he soon met the love of his life, Melanie, and they would marry, buy a home, and start living their American Dream. Soon after his marriage, William developed a sore on his tongue, but he struggled to get an appointment with the VA. When he did, it confirmed his worst fear: cancer. He would receive treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center, where the doctors would perform a miracle throat cancer treatment. William beat cancer. Then, a few years later, he received terrible news during a VA checkup. He had two tumors in his lungs, and he would need immediate treatment. But then, making matters worse, he received a letter from the VA denying his service-connected disability claim. This time around the chemo and immunotherapy would not be as successful, and his cancer spread. On March 4, 2019, in San Antonio, Texas, William died, and our Nation lost a hero. His mother, Rose, who I had the pleasure of speaking with, calls him ``William, my Hero.'' Marine Corporal William Garza, Jr., deserved better. I hope William's story creates an urgency in Congress to address this generation's Agent Orange. Burn pits have destroyed servicemembers' lives and American families. Let's not let another veteran receive a denial of benefits letter. Let's work together to honor our Nation's sacred obligation to our men and women in uniform.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today in celebration of the Guadalupe Dance Company's 30th anniversary of its first performance on September 15, 1991. The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center founded the Guadalupe Dance Company in 1991 through a collaboration with the City of San Antonio and the lnstituto Cultural de Mexico. The Guadalupe Dance Company was created to build and promote a professionally-trained Mexican Folkloric Dance Company to represent South Texas, and has grown to be a premier professional dance company in the region. The Guadalupe Dance Company was brought to life with cultural activists, community leaders and master artists led by then Executive Director Pedro Rodriguez. With dancers from in and around the San Antonio area, the Company debuted its first performance to a full house for the Citysponsored Grito Ceremony on September 15, 1991 at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. In 1994, Maestro Rafael Zamarripa was commissioned to create, choreograph and fully stage Rio Bravo, an original production telling the story of South Texas through a chronology of dance and music. With a cast of over 25 dancers, musicians and stage and film star Jesse Borrego, Rio Bravo helped set the course for the dance company. The Guadalupe Dance Company continues to create original productions as well as its ongoing First Friday events and staple annual productions which include Historias y Recuerdos, Dia de los Muertos, Alma de Mujer, Pastorela Folklorica and Celebrando Tradiciones. The 30th Anniversary Celebration features the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de America. It will commemorate 30 years of dance, success, and evolution with repertoire from various states of Mexico. I am proud to honor the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, and its remarkable impact on San Antonio, and I look forward for many performances to come.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 1828, the HAVANA Act of 2021, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. America's diplomats and intelligence professionals are the best in the world, dedicating their lives to public service to protect the American people and promote the interests of the United States. As citizens, we are in their debt. As lawmakers, we also have a responsibility to protect their health and safety, making sure that they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and providing them with the necessary support if they are harmed in the line of duty. That is why the HAVANA Act is such a critical piece of legislation. The incidents behind the so-called Havana syndrome are still under investigation and have affected American personnel at U.S. missions around the world, from Cuba, where the incidents first surfaced, and then reportedly to China, Europe, Central Asia, and even potentially here in Washington, D.C. It is imperative that the State Department, working in conjunction with the intelligence community, the Department of Defense, and other interagency partners and allies, get to the bottom of what caused these events, how best to deter them from happening in the future, and how best to protect our people. While I am confident that the Biden administration is working hard to advance these investigations, Congress must also do its part, especially when it comes to helping those who have been directly impacted. The HAVANA Act ensures that the United States' diplomats and intelligence professionals are appropriately taken care of and compensated for injuries they incurred in connection with these events, fixing an important gap in existing law. I am very glad this important legislation will provide necessary supplemental funds to those who have been affected while in no way touching on any other benefits that come with Federal employment. This is a good, bipartisan measure, and I commend our Senate colleagues, especially Senators Collins and Mark Warner, for sending it over to us in the House today. The HAVANA Act, which the Senate unanimously passed, is the companion to legislation that Chairman Adam Schiff introduced alongside Chairman Gregory Meeks. As the only Democratic Member who serves on both the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I deeply appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of our diplomats and intelligence professionals who are working hard to defend our national security. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the HAVANA Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1828.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1828) to amend the Central Intelligence Agency Act of 1949 to authorize the provision of payment to personnel of the Central Intelligence Agency who incur qualifying injuries to the brain, to authorize the provision of payment to personnel of the Department of State who incur similar injuries, and for other purposes.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is imperative that we, as the elected representatives of the American people, working with the executive branch, get to the bottom of exactly who is behind these events, why they are occurring, and how to stop them. But we must also make sure to do our part to take care of the public servants who put themselves on the line every day for our own interests. I want to say thank you to the President, to the Secretary of State, and to the State Department for taking these cases seriously, for listening to the families and all the trauma that they have gone through, and for showing them nothing but the utmost respect. This bill is an excellent contribution to this effort, and I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis on this critical issue going forward. I thank Chairman Schiff for his hard work, and I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in commemoration of United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Edward Andrew Zawora Sr. who is turning one-hundred years old on October 21, 2021. Lieutenant Colonel Zawora resides in my hometown of San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Mary Carolyn Peak. This milestone is so joyous for Lieutenant Colonel Zawora and his family, and I am honored to celebrate him on this day. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Andrew Zawora Sr. was born in East Chicago, Indiana, on October 12, 1921. His parents, Joe and Ana Zawora emigrated from Poland in 1908 with only six dollars. At an early age he demonstrated hard work and resilience, growing up as one of six children during a time of financial hardship. He held many jobs as a young man to support his family, helping them make ends meet while attending school. Shortly after graduating from high school, Lieutenant Colonel Zawora enlisted in the United States Army. He moved to Panama from East Chicago to complete his basic training and was assigned to Fort Bliss thereafter. During his time in El Paso, the Army observed great potential in Lieutenant Colonel Zawora and brought him to the White Sands Proving Grounds. It was here that the Army was developing the first missile defense program, as well as the first atomic bomb. Lieutenant Colonel Zawora participated in these projects as a team member with top secret clearance. Lieutenant Colonel Zawora was assigned to the Explosive Ordinance Detachment during the Korean Conflict, in which he excelled and was quickly promoted. He was the youngest First Sergeant in the Army when he received his stripes. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel Zawora participated in courageous assignments, such as diving into the ocean in order to disarm underwater mines while wearing heavy protective gear. He also served in World War II, participating in EOD activities. Lieutenant Colonel Zawora served his country in two wars and completed duty assignments in various parts of the world. In 1966, he retired as the top Army officer assigned to the EOD at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the life and service of a person who dedicated themselves to family and country above all else. The entire San Antonio community celebrates this great milestone of an American hero. I thank Lieutenant Colonel Zawora for his service, his courage, and for his unending commitment to our country.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of Dr. Charles L. Cotrell, President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science at St. Mary's University. Dr. Cotrell is set to retire after 55 years of service to St. Mary's University and the San Antonio community. His retirement concludes a vibrant career of advocacy, public engagement, and scholarly work. I am proud to call Dr. Cotrell a fellow San Antonian and friend. Please join me in commemorating the career of an extraordinary educator and equal rights advocate. Dr. Charles L. Cotrell began his studies at St. Mary's University in 1958, graduating in 1962. In 1965, after receiving his Ph.D. in Political Science and Government from the University of Arizona, Dr. Cotrell went on to teach at Texas A&M University--Kingsville (formerly Texas A&I) until returning to teach at his alma mater in 1966. Dr. Cotrell was an active participant in many civil rights causes like the La Casita Farms strike. He was professor to many Chicano activists of the late 1960s at both Texas A&M--Kingsville and St. Mary's. He mentored youth in the Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO) and is a founding board member of the Mexican American Unity Council in San Antonio. In 2000, Dr. Cotrell was named President of St. Mary's University where he spearheaded several education initiatives focusing on underrepresented groups. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. Cotrell and his many contributions to our beautiful city. I thank Dr. Cotrell for all that he has done. May he enjoy his well-earned retirement.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in San Antonio, Texas, and across the United States. Since 1977, every May, we celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of AAPI communities. Though a modest population, we have a vibrant community of AAPIs in San Antonio that contribute greatly to our city's prosperity. Since 1860s, immigrants of Asian descent began migrating to Texas and Southwestern States and today the AAPI community account for 5 percent of the total population in Texas, and it's one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Like many immigrants, Asian Americans were often unwelcome and suffered racism and discrimination. For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prohibited individuals arriving or staying in the United States solely based on their ethnicity. Today, AAPI communities continue to face discrimination and even violence, which is often underreported. During COVID-19, hate crimes against AAPIs have grown exponentially and the community is still living in fear. In recognition of the continued threats that AAPI communities endure, Congress passed legislation that President Biden signed into law to ensure hate crimes against AAPIs are investigated and prosecuted. Our Nation must come together and work to address centuries of discrimination that impedes our Nation from its full promise of equality and justice for all. Over the generations, AAPI communities have made significant contributions in the arts, government, business, medicine, and education. In San Antonio, our city is led by Ron Nirenberg, the city's first mayor of Asian descent. I'm also particularly proud of AAPI veterans, including 33 individuals who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and also AAPI men and women who serve our Nation in uniform. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for our Nation's AAPI communities, and I am proud to recognize their accomplishments. Thank you.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lisa Starr Rosenstein, 53, who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident while jogging. I want to express my condolences on behalf of the people of San Antonio to the Starr family. Mrs. Rosenstein was an extraordinary individual, generous and genuine, and someone who cared deeply about her fellow neighbors. She was also an avid long-distance runner who competed in 27 marathons, including the New York Marathon, and she was a member of the Jewish community at the Rodfei Sholom and Temple Beth El congregations. Lisa Starr Rosenstein is survived by her friends and family, including her children, Emma and Nathan, her husband of nearly 28 years, Alan Rosenstein, her parents, Arlene and David Starr, the president of the American Agape Foundation. She was profoundly loved and will be greatly missed by all. Madam Speaker, I am thankful to know this remarkable San Antonio family who is dedicated to service and community. I am deeply saddened by this horrible tragedy, and I hope this honor will bring a small amount of comfort to her family. May her memory be a blessing.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concern about the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine. The events of the last week and the deaths of so many Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including many children, are heartbreaking. My condolences to their families and my thoughts are with those in Israel and Gaza who continue to live in fear. Rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups that intentionally target civilians are, of course, reprehensible, and I condemn them unequivocally. The escalation of violence is not in the interest of Israelis or Palestinians, but only extremists who thrive on conflict. The Biden administration needs to call on the Israeli Government to agree to a cease-fire and put pressure on Hamas to do the same. I have consistently supported security assistance to Israel and voted to fund the Iron Dome, which is saving lives as we speak. Yet Israel's disproportionate response to Hamas' attacks, destroying entire buildings and public spaces, is exacerbating this horrible cycle of violence. These air strikes, which have already resulted in the deaths of civilians and at least 38 women and children, must stop. We need a cease-fire now, and the United States must help bring one about. Beyond stopping the immediate violence, the United States must also urge Israel to support the creation of a Palestinian state--the only way to end this cycle of violence for good. The status quo of occupation and creeping de facto annexation is unjust and not sustainable. The forced evictions of Palestinian families in east Jerusalem are wrong, and it is not the first time that events like we saw last week in Sheikh Jarrah have happened. I will wrap up by saying that I hope and pray for peace. I want to thank my colleague, Rashida Tlaib. I think part of what has been missing in Congress is hearing Palestinian voices.