Joaquin Castro

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 68 on the Eddie Bernice Johnson Amendment for consideration of H.R. 3293--Scientific Research in the National Interest Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 69 on the Motion to recommit H.R. 3293--Scientific Research in the National Interest Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 70 on the final passage of H.R. 3293--Scientific Research in the National Interest Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 65 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 3293 and H.R. 3442. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 66 on H. Res. 609--Rule Providing for consideration of both H.R. 3293--Scientific Research in the National Interest Act and H.R. 3442--Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 67 on H.R. 4470--Safe Drinking Water Act Improved Compliance Awareness Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 64 on H.R. 3036--9/11 Memorial Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Raul R. Rendon, a San Antonio resident who passed away on January 28 and whose life was marked by service to his nation. Born on September 14, 1928, Mr. Rendon served in the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War. On September 27, 1950, he was injured at Yudam-ni during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. Mr. Rendon and his comrades in that battle were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, a decoration given to a unit that displays gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set it apart from other units participating in the same campaign. He was also a Purple Heart recipient. Mr. Rendon was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elvia, parents Romana and Trinidad, and sisters Alma Vergara and Freya Mirta Rendon Garcia. He is survived by his brother Trinidad, and his legacy lives on through his children--Raul Jr., Robert, and Rosanna--and his grandchildren--Mark, Elyse, Justin, and Gianna. It is brave Americans like Mr. Rendon whose patriotism and selflessness make our nation great and keep us safe. While the San Antonio community mourns this loss, we draw strength from our memories of Mr. Rendon's courage and kind spirit.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 62 on the Motion to Recommit for consideration of H.R. 766, Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 63 on the final consideration of H.R. 766, Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have vote ``nay.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 57 on the DeSaulnier Amendment for consideration of H.R. 1675, Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 58 on the Issa/ Polis Amendment for consideration of H.R. 1675--Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 59 on the Maloney/Ellison/Quigley/Polis Amendment for consideration of H.R. 1675, Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 60 on the Motion to recommit for consideration of H.R. 1675--Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 61 on the final passage of H.R. 1675, Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 55 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1675 and H.R. 766. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 56 on H. Res. 595, the Rule providing for consideration of both H.R. 1675, Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015 and H.R. 766, Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call Number 48 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3700. I am not recorded because I was absent due to awaiting the impending birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted NAY. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call Number 49 on H. Res. 594--Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3700--Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to awaiting the impending birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted NAY.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call No. 50 on the Palazzo Amendment to H.R. 3700, Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted NAY. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call No. 51 on the Al Green of Texas Amendment to H.R. 3700, Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted AYE. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call No. 52 on HR. 3700, Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2015. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted AYE. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call No. 53 on H.R. 3762, the Objections of the President Notwithstanding (Veto Override). I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted NAY. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call No. 54 on H.R. 3662--Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to the birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted NAY. Personal Explanation

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call #46 on H.R. 2187--Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to awaiting the impending birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted AYE. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Roll Call #47 on H.R. 4168-- Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act. I am not recorded because I was absent due to awaiting the impending birth of my son in San Antonio, Texas. Had I been present I would have voted AYE.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of North Korea's alleged hydrogen bomb test last week, the House of Representatives yesterday passed the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act and sent a strong signal that the United States will not tolerate such hostile behavior. Yesterday's legislation strengthens and expands our existing sanctions against North Korea, increases our investigations into nefarious activities that support North Korea's weapons programs and human rights abuses, and holds bad actors accountable when they engage with North Korea to launder money, traffic narcotics, or carry out cybersecurity attacks. I am glad that the final bill includes a measure I proposed stressing the strategic importance of U.S. trilateral cooperation and military intelligence-sharing with Japan and South Korea. The United States will uphold its commitment to Japan and South Korea, protect their security in the face of the North Korean threat, and work to preserve stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, a bipartisan effort to increase educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for Latinos in America. Over the past 2\1/2\ decades, the initiative has made great progress. The percentage of Hispanics with a high school degree has jumped by nearly 20 percent. The percentage of Hispanics dropping out of high school is nearly 20 percent lower. The percentage of Hispanics with a bachelor's degree or higher has nearly doubled. Progress like this is possible because of so many committed organizations across our Nation. The initiative has identified certain ``Bright Spots'' in this effort, and I would like to recognize those programs that received the ``Bright Spot'' designation in my own congressional district. They are: The Academy for Teacher Excellence, the Graduate Support Center at UIW, IDRA's Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program, Northwest Vista College's College Connection Program, and San Antonio College's College and Grants Development Department. Congratulations to these ``Bright Spots,'' and thank you to all the organizations out there helping to make this program a success.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on rollcall No. 450, the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question to the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1599 and H.R. 1734. I was not present for the vote due to attending a national security briefing at the White House. I intended to vote ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 451, the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1599 and H.R. 1734, I intended to vote ``nay.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Upton and the Republicans for their cooperation on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the ranking member.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Chair, I thank Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Pallone, and also Congresswoman DeGette for their work on this bill. My amendment seeks to ensure that, when the NIH reports on its retention of young scientists, it includes data specifically related to women and other underrepresented minority populations in the scientific community. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Rollcall #376 on H.R. 1190, Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act. I was not present for this vote due to travel in Texas at the ICE detention facilities and subsequent flight delay. I intended to vote ``no.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Rollcall #377 on H.R. 805, Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act of 2015. I was not present for this vote due to travel in Texas at the ICE detention facilities and subsequent flight delay. I intended to vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Rollcall #378 on H.R. 2576, TSCA Modernization Act of 2015. I was not present for this vote due to a travel in Texas at the ICE detention facilities and subsequent flight delay. I intended to vote ``yes.''

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his foresight and thank him for his work on this. I also want to thank a few folks: Congressmen Cleaver, Clay; Dana Rohrabacher, who was with me on this; Congressmen Schweikert, John Lewis, and Donald Norcross. Congressman Norcross did a lot of work on this in New Jersey. So thank you very much. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their hard work on this bill. My amendment would add $10 million to the Community Trust Initiative account for police body-worn cameras, and would take those $10 million from the DEA account for salaries and expenses. Over the last several months, we have seen more and more encounters between members of our communities and law enforcement that have been too powerful to ignore. We have seen in those recordings instances of police abuse. We have seen instances where police were justified in the use of force. We have even seen instances where police went above and beyond doing their job. Mr. Chairman, over the last two decades or so, something changed--two things, in fact. First, we developed a technology so that basically each of us who walks around with a cell phone camera is a social documentarian of the things going on around us. The second thing that changed is the advent of social media, which allowed people not only to document their experiences, but also to widely distribute what they have documented to this country and to the world. Because of that, we have gotten a better indication of the interaction between law enforcement and members of our community. In this digital age, we have a responsibility to seek and to know the truth about those encounters. Local police departments, many of them-- in fact, 25 percent of the 17,000 police agencies in this country--are already using body cameras. Many more in States all over our Nation are seeking the funds to do this. The President of the United States asked for $50 million to allow local grants and moneys for local agencies to afford these body cameras and for the storage to make sure that they can keep that evidence. As you all know, this is a very expensive thing, and many departments have struggled with the funds to afford these things. So in the budget that has been proposed, the amount proposed is not $50 million, but $15 million. This $10 million would simply bring us back up to half of what the President has requested at $25 million. I will also add that this is very popular among the American people: 86 percent of Americans--Republicans and Democrats, people of every race and ethnicity, in every community across the country--support increased use of body cameras for officers. Even the association of police chiefs in our country supports this also. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to thank my colleague from San Antonio, Chairman Lamar Smith, and also follow Texan Eddie Bernice Johnson, the ranking member, for their work on this bill and for consideration of my amendment. My amendment amends the section of the bill concerning the orbital traffic management study. The bill, as written, has the Administrator of NASA enter into an agreement with an independent private systems engineering and technical assistance organization to study frameworks for the management of space traffic and orbital activities. My amendment would include nonprofits, so that nonprofit independent research organizations can contribute to this critical work. In addition to allowing for private contractors to be part of this discussion, my amendment would also allow for nonprofits to do the same. In Texas, we have become a hub for space research and exploration. Some of the private industries or private businesses doing work in this business include Lockheed and Boeing, but there are also wonderful nonprofits like the Southwest Research Institute, in our hometown of San Antonio, and the Universities Space Research Association, which is based in Houston. My amendment would allow these nonprofits to also be part of this work. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Chairman, when it comes to the border, for many in politics, there is no greater boogeyman. The fact is that the border has more resources committed to it today than ever before, 21,000 Border Patrol agents, more than double what we had in 2004. We should not militarize the U.S. border with Mexico or with Canada. This amendment would not only allow resources to go south and affect States like Texas and communities in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California, but would also allow these military objects to go into New York and Washington State along our northern border. There is also no indication that the Department of Homeland Security has asked for these resources or indicated that they are either short- staffed or undermanned when it comes to the resources that they need to deal with the border situation. Painting our border as a war zone does a disservice to the men and women who live along our U.S.-Mexico border and also the border with Canada. I think that, just as the 1033 program has had some troubling issues with respect to our local law enforcement, it is a bad idea to extend this program to DHS.