J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me just bring back the issue at hand, which is our Dreamers. Dreamers are taxpayers. They obey the law. They work. They go to school. They are firefighters. They are police officers. They are nurses. Dreamers are Jose Angel Garibay. This man from my district made the ultimate sacrifice for this United States, his adopted country. Orange County's first Iraqi war death, Jose Angel Garibay was killed in action on March 23, 2003. At the age of 21, Jose became Orange County's first combat casualty in Iraq. Jose Angel Garibay did the right thing. He sacrificed his life for his country. Let us do the right thing and pass this legislation to honor Dreamers.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, today, I rise with Congresswoman Roybal- Allard on behalf of California Latinas and the work of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) during ``Women's History Month.'' Latina entrepreneurs are a key economic engine for the state, generating $19 billion in revenues and employing over 86,000 individuals in California. Latina-owned businesses fill gaps and serve community needs that other business owners have been unwilling or unable to meet. Their ability to provide culturally relevant services gives them a competitive edge in meeting the demands of a Latinx market with a purchasing power of $1.7 trillion. Latinas are being elected to public office and appointed to powerful positions. HOPE alumnae serve on the City Councils of California's largest cities: Los Angeles, Fresno, and Riverside. To date 220 have been appointed to serve on over 400 state and local government positions and 400 have served on over 1,200 non-profit boards. We celebrate contemporary Latinas who continue to build upon the foundation of our ancestors for the betterment of future generations. We challenge each other through HOPE to ensure that Latinas achieve political and economic parity to benefit all communities and the status of all women. Please join me in celebrating March 12, 2021 as the 30th Annual Latina History Day and, in congratulating Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, HOPE, for their service to the Latinas of this great nation.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Laura Martinez, a public servant who has spent a lifetime helping her community, most recently as the Constituent Services Director for the Office of Congressman Luis Correa in Orange County, California. Over her 30-year career in public service, Ms. Martinez has literally helped thousands of individuals and families resolve issues with local, state and federal agencies. Ms. Martinez devoted 20-years of her public service career with the Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. Throughout her years of service, Ms. Martinez developed relationships with liaisons representing Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, Immigration and Customs, and other entities. By using her expertise in navigating the complicated immigration system and overcoming bureaucratic roadblocks, she was able to reunite families during emergencies, obtaining citizenships, visas, and much more. Born in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, Ms. Martinez grew up witnessing many acts of racial injustice. Her dream and lifelong mission was to help those who did not have the capability to help themselves due to living in poverty, being a minority, and living in other challenging conditions. She brought heartfelt passion to her work that included positions with such non-profits as the renowned City of Hope and The East Los Angeles Community Union, which helps empower communities and revitalize neighborhoods. As a breast cancer survivor, along with her mother, she is a decades long participant in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Her team, Laura's Lifeline, has raised thousands of dollars to battle cancer. Another passion was working with Latino Advocates for Education, an organization that pays tribute to WWII veterans. Her uncles were all veterans who served in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars. She was the only girl in a family of six boys, several of whom served in law enforcement. Ms. Martinez was honored for her work with veterans by being invited to witness the unveiling of the WWII Memorial in our nation's capital. Ms. Martinez also has a background in real estate and is still licensed with the State of California. She has dedicated her time for her community service as an usher with the La Mirada Performing Arts Center. In her retirement, she will be providing care for her extended family and traveling. Please join me in wishing this good and faithful public servant a well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of serving others.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of WWII Veteran Kenneth Conrad Cooper, who served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1981. After a full military career, Navy Captain Cooper retired as an Air Wing Commander. Born March 12, 1921, to Clarence and Ruby Cooper, Ken was raised in Pomona, the western anchor of California's citrus-growing region known as the ``Queen of the Citrus Belt.'' Ken was part of the Orange Empire legacy, having been born and raised on a citrus ranch. He grew up working in the groves and well remembers the sweet scent of citrus blossoms and the sooty smoke of the smudge pots that were lit to save the orange trees from frost. With a mother who was a public school teacher, and later a principal, Ken was a good student who followed in his mother's footsteps to become a lifelong educator. Ken remained in the Pomona area to attend Chaffee and La Verne colleges. While in college his love of flying took wing and he earned his pilot's license and became an instructor. Then WWII happened. With his civilian flight instructor background and the urgency of the war at hand, he joined the United States Navy and immediately began training young pilots. A short time after his entrance into the service, he began flying the large DC-6 and DC-7 transport planes. It was during these tumultuous times that he met a Navy nurse, Shirley, who became his wife. At the end of the war, he and Shirley settled back in the Orange Empire. Ken became an elementary school teacher. During his many years in education, he advanced from classroom teacher to principal of both elementary and junior high schools. At the end of his career, he was assistant superintendent of the same school district he attended as a child. These were busy years for Ken. Along with raising a family of three children with Shirley, while moving up the ladder in education, he also was chairman of the Pomona Planning Commission, president of the local Kiwanis Club, and president of the Pomona Teachers Association. He maintained his passion for flying by participating as a Navy Reserves ``weekend warrior.'' While doing all of this, he earned a Master's degree at Pomona College and attended the Naval War College, thereby continuing his military advancement. In retirement, his drive did not diminish. He and Shirley maintained additional homes in both Mexico and Palm Springs, where he pursued his passion for golf. It was also during this time that he and his wife did a great deal of traveling, mostly on cruises. This wanderlust took them all over the world, from Asia, Alaska, Europe, South and North America, and the Caribbean, to name a few. Later they moved to Walnut Village in Anaheim, where Ken participates in veterans celebrations in full uniform. Please rise with me to salute this good man who has devoted his life to family, community and country. Happy 100th with many more birthdays to come.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Ann Martinez, wife of Marine Corps Veteran SSGT Jose Martinez, and an avid volunteer to the American Legion Post 132. Carol passed away on January 29, 2021, during an emergency heart surgery. Carol was born on March 6, 1960, and raised in Santa Ana, CA. She was a graduate of Santa Ana High School and worked for the Santa Ana Police Department early on in her career. Being a proud military wife was a highlight for her. She was an Auxiliary member and was involved with the American Legion Post 132 alongside her husband. She assisted with the children and youth activities for the post and district levels. As well as being a historian for the post, she took pictures and documented activities. Carol also started events such as the ``Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Dinner'' and the ``Welcome Home Korean War Veterans Dinner''. She assisted with a multitude of functions and fundraisers outside of the Legion as well like the Relay for Life. The Relay for Life was near and dear to her heart from losing so many family members to cancer. Carol was incredibly giving, and losing her to heart complications affected so many people. We will all love her, miss her and remember her every single day. She was laid to rest on February 22, 2021, at Riverside National Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, her daughter Jessica and her grandsons Aaron, Evan, Jayden and Roman. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Carol Ann Martinez. May her memory live on with her loved ones.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, last week, Congress was under siege by a mob motivated and directed by the President of the United States. Our Vice President was a target of that mob. Members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, were targets of this mob. And I witnessed, for the first time in my life, Americans fighting Americans, all at the behest of our own President of the United States. As Americans, we can do better. I will vote for impeachment today for our Nation, for our children, and for our grandchildren. I will be voting for impeachment so that America will once again be the shining city upon the hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and vote for impeachment.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for leading. I thank Chairman Nadler for his leadership in this issue and thank him, also, for including my amendment that calls for a study of cannabis as an alternative medicine for our veterans. More than half of all Americans live in a State where cannabis is legal. Let's align Federal cannabis laws with the will of the people. And let's take full advantage of the medical benefits of cannabis. We know that medical cannabis is good for treating things such as seizures, glaucoma, chronic pain, and PTSD, and veterans prefer cannabis over opioids. Let me repeat. Veterans prefer cannabis over opioids to treat the invisible wounds that they bring back from the battlefield. Other nations, like Israel, export cannabis products. Let's unleash America's free enterprise system to take full advantage of the commercial benefits of cannabis. Let's get busy and do the will of the people. Let's pass the MORE Act.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Scanlon for yielding, and I rise in support of H. Res. 1153. First of all, let me say to my colleague from Georgia, I was there on that trip and I was not aware that the hospital administrator was offering to meet with us. I was meeting with the people that would want to meet with me and would want to talk to me. As a matter of fact, I had a lot of discussions with a lot of members of ICE while I was there. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have visited a number of ICE detention centers, especially in the State of California. But I must say nothing has prepared me or had prepared me for what I had found, what I saw and what I heard at the Irwin Detention Center. This was the first time that I have heard individuals in ICE custody desperate to be let out--anywhere--to get out. Women crying, asking not to be left alone. They cried that we--please not forget us--don't forget them. And yet, their stories had one very common theme. When asking for medical care, when asking for gynecological care, the care they received was without their consent and they had no idea what was going on, what they were doing to them. The medical doctor that was delivering the healthcare--and I believe my colleague from Georgia mentioned his name--is a doctor that has allegedly been fined half a million dollars. He and his medical practice paid half a million dollars in fines. So I would ask, why does the U.S. Government, why would ICE, contract with a healthcare provider that has been fined half a million dollars? And if these women complained about their medical problems, they were placed in what was called isolation for observation. Many of them described it as solitary confinement for days. Solitary confinement that caused psychological pain. These women were scared. They were traumatized, they were scared to ask for further medical treatment and they wanted to be sent home.

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, first, we had child separations. Now we have mistreatment of women. This has to stop. We need investigations. We need oversight. We need accountability. This is not going away. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ms. Jayapal, for bringing this resolution forward, and I ask all the Members of this body to support this resolution.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Priscilla Arceo. Santa Ana High School's valedictorian, Priscilla Arceo, made us proud when she appeared and earned the spot of student speaker at the national Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Student Class of 2020. I also thank our Santa Ana High School principal, Jeff Bishop, for his support. And, of course, I thank the debate coach and teacher, Sal Tinajero, for bringing the debate program to Santa Ana High School. Mr. Tinajero continues to make champions out of these great kids at Santa Ana. Madam Speaker, today, Priscilla is headed to the University of California for her college degree, and I extend congratulations to Priscilla.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am proud to support the Trahan-Correa amendment. Our most precious gifts that we have in life are our children. As parents, nothing is more important than the well-being of our children. Today, parents across the country are very concerned about their children's health, as they should be. Parents across this country are also concerned about their children's education and how to move forward. Parents and local school boards, elected by the local voters, are in the best position to make the decisions on when to open those schools, and under what circumstances, not Washington bureaucrats.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, in January of 2017, when President Trump issued his first Muslim ban executive order, I immediately rushed to LAX to help those individuals who were being held at LAX. These were individuals who had been cleared by our State Department to enter the United States. Let me repeat: These were individuals who had been cleared by our State Department to enter the United States, and then they were blocked by the President's random order. I immediately introduced my first bill, the DIRe Act, to provide due process guaranteed by our Constitution for Dreamers, immigrants, and refugees, due process that has been systematically denied by a President. Our Nation is built by immigrants who dare to dream better, immigrants who came to this country with nothing but their dreams of a better life. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize United Biologics in Santa Ana, who stepped up during the pandemic to help our local healthcare workers. After I called on local manufacturers in my district to retool and manufacture PPE, United Biologics' President, John Barnhill, stepped up to the plate. The company designed a face shield, ordered supplies, and even added more employees to their workforce to produce thousands of face shields. Not only did this effort keep the company running and in business, but John Barnhill decided to donate the PPE to the local healthcare workers. United Biologics shows what happens when we call on American companies to do the right thing.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I join Congresswoman Bass in support of H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The tragic death of George Floyd and countless others will not be in vain. This bill is a comprehensive approach on policing that aims to end decades of systemic racism, and I ask my colleagues to join us in support of this measure. I had hoped that arrest disparities, especially cannabis-related arrests, would have been part of this measure. According to the ACLU, Black people are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession, and in some States they are up to 10 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession. We can't ask our police officers to enforce flawed cannabis policy. Cannabis use is a social and medical issue and not a criminal matter. Let's not ask our police officers to do the impossible. I ask for reform in cannabis policy immediately.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize Asian American Senior Citizens Services Center (AASCSC) and their invaluable contribution to the community they serve. The Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC) is a non- profit organization founded in 1989 that follows the philosophy of ``caring for elders as if they were our own.'' The Orange County service center office of AASCSC was established in 1991. Their mission is to dedicate their time to raising awareness of the needs of the Asian American elders, providing assistance by accessing essential health care and social services, and promoting a dignified living in the community. AASCSC is a leader in service and advocacy for the elderly who are determined to provide thorough direct services, policy advocacy, and capacity building for the Asian Pacific American community. For over 30 years, AASCSC has been an essential resource to ensure the most vulnerable, low-income seniors receive access and equity to quality social and health programs and services. With their bilingual staff and volunteers, AASCSC works to serve and empower their diverse aging community. These challenging times have impacted AASCSC's vulnerable and high- risk senior citizen community beyond the prevalent public health threat, such as difficulties in obtaining basic needs like toilet paper and food, reduction of income or ability to run their businesses, and an increase in xenophobia towards the Asian American community. Despite these hardships, AASCSC continues to provide exceptional service and care to their communities by continuing the work towards the 2020 Census, coordinating packaging and distribution of food and basic necessities to thousands of vulnerable seniors, and collaborating and supporting other non-profit organizations with the mission to provide resources to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedicated service of the Asian American Senior Citizens Services Center in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize Nailing It For America and their mission, ``Operation: Nailing It for Health Care Workers,'' to support the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by coordinating and distributing to frontline workers. The Nailing It Team has donated hundreds of thousands of PPE to various hospitals and healthcare clinics from the beginning of California's stay at home order. Through collaborative efforts, the Nailing It team, consisting of leaders from Advance Beauty College, Whale Spa, Studio 18 Nail Bar, with other nail salon owners and others, rallied the community to donate their PPE supplies. In the first ten days of combining their efforts, their team collected 120,000 face masks and more than 300,000 gloves that were delivered to healthcare workers in 40 hospitals and medical clinics. Additionally, the Nailing It team's efforts has encouraged more than 15 restaurant owners to join their initiative to deliver freshly prepared, packaged meals to healthcare workers. Orange County is home to a vibrant Vietnamese community, which I am proud to represent. An estimated eighty percent of nail salon businesses in California are owned by Vietnamese proprietors, who had to close their doors due to the pandemic. Many owners and manicurists face day-to-day struggles as they try to keep their businesses afloat while providing for their families. Despite facing financial hardships and day-to-day challenges of this pandemic, the Nailing It team has embodied the spirit of kindness and compassion through these-times. I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Nailing It for America team in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the underlying rule and the HEROES Act to provide stimulus checks to all taxpayers. In April, I introduced H.R. 6438, the Leave No Taxpayer Behind Act, so that hardworking, taxpaying immigrants, immigrants who work in our fields to feed us on an everyday basis, also receive stimulus checks. Thank you for including this measure in the HEROES Act, and I urge passage of the HEROES Act.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our law enforcement officers from across our nation. This year National Police Week kicks off on May 10, which we dedicate time on the calendar to honor, remember, and celebrate American Law Enforcement. Since 1962, National Police Week continues to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Each year, hundreds of American law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty. In respect, honor, and remembrance their names are added to the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. This year, 307 names are being engraved on those walls, adding to the nearly 22,000 killed in the line of duty already memorialized there. Our law enforcement officers protect our communities by keeping us safe from harm, and even putting their own lives in jeopardy to save ours. Throughout my district, I've seen firsthand how committed our local officers are in keeping our communities safe and striving to protect our families by acting courageously when they come across harm. Given the unprecedented health threat of COVID-19, our law enforcement officers remain committed to serving our people. I would like to take this time to thank our brave men and women for risking their lives every single day. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our brave men and women who serve in our front lines and for all our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to celebrate the life of Frank J. Quevedo. Frank passed away on April 2, 2020, but leaves behind a rich legacy of many accomplishments and was an extraordinary role model to many. Frank was born on August 14, 1944 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside. Throughout his career, Frank served as the chairman on the board of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. He was also the chair of the Puente Project and co-chair of the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, and served on a number of other boards and advisory committees including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Edmund G. ``Pat'' Brown Institute of Public Affairs, Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, Latino Issues Forum, Cathedral High School Board of Trustees, White Memorial Medical Center Charitable Foundation, The Women's Foundation of California, Asian American Justice Center, and the WATTS Health Foundation. Frank was recognized by Hispanic Business Magazine on its annual ``100 Influential'' listing on four separate occasions. Frank was appointed to positions by President Nixon and Governor Jerry Brown, and was Chief of Staff to Commissioner Tony Gallegos at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1982 in the Reagan administration. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life of Frank J. Quevedo. May he rest in peace and may his legacy continue.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1140, the Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act. Mr. Chair, I want to thank, again, Chairman Thompson for his leadership on this issue and bringing this bipartisan piece of legislation to the floor that I am cosponsoring. Today, finally, we acknowledge that the TSA workers deserve a pay structure and personnel management system that recognizes their value. These employees have had a higher turnover than the average Federal employee, and, in fact, many went unpaid during the government shutdown. These hardworking men and women are effectively the thin blue line that stands between us and our families while they are traveling by air and those who would do us harm by smuggling items onto planes through checkpoints. That is what a TSA officer does: protect us and our families. We need to have professional TSA employees. We need to make sure that they are the best of the best. Our family's safety is worth it. As chairman of the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, I am proud to stand with these men and women of TSA in strong support of this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program offers grants to assist veterans with service-connected disabilities with the purchase, construction, or modification of their homes to meet their unique needs. The SAH program provides for an increased quality of life by allowing veterans to live independently in their homes. Unfortunately, there have been cases where veterans have been unsatisfied with the quality of work provided. Currently, VA does not have the explicit authority to recover SAH funds even if it determines there has been substandard work. To address this situation, my bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine whether SAH overpayments have occurred as a result of a breach of contract and to recover such funds in the same manner as any other debt due to the United States. To prevent any financial burden for veterans and their families who receive an overpayment through no fault of their own, the bill requires VA to waive the overpayment. My legislation will allow for more accountability and discourage individuals from breaching SAH contract.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, over 44,000 Transportation Security Officers serve as our first line of defense at airports across the country. Due to the nature of their job, these hardworking men and women, many of whom are parents, work abnormal hours, yet are not provided with the benefits, such as childcare, that many other federal employees receive. We need to ensure that Transportation Security Officers' children are taken care of when their parents are working, especially during split shifts. Moreover, we need to provide our Transportation Security Officers that are expecting adequate breaks and provide designated lactation facilities for mothers. For that reason, I am introducing the TSA Child CARE Act. This bipartisan, pragmatic legislation requires the Transportation Security Administration to assess childcare options and barriers to such services for TSA personnel who are parents or guardians of children. The bill requires TSA to report back to Congress on how it will respond to any findings, including a timeline for implementation for any recommendations. We must ensure that we have policies and procedures set in place to ensure that our hard-working.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the robust career and retirement of Sergeant Daron Wyatt. Sgt. Wyatt served over 33 years in law enforcement, the last 11\1/2\ with the Anaheim PD. In 1986, Sgt. Wyatt began his public service career with the Tustin PD. After a successful tenure with the Tustin PD, Sgt. Wyatt continued his career working for the Santa Ana Unified School District PD, Imperial PD, Placentia PD, and later Anaheim PD. While working for the Placentia PD in 1997, Sgt. Wyatt was assigned the Cathy Torrez Homicide Cold Case in 1994. Sgt. Wyatt worked the case for 10 years before convincing the DA's Office to prosecute. The case had been rejected by three different prosecutors and a memo from the Orange County Sheriffs Office opined the case would never be solved. The suspects were convicted in 2015. In 2011, Sgt. Wyatt was assigned as the lead detective on the Orange County Homeless Homicides Investigative Task Force. He obtained confessions from Itzcoatl Ocampo to the commission of six murders in Anaheim, Placentia, and Yorba Linda between October 2011 and January 2012. Ocampo was the first serial killer known to operate in Orange County in more than 25 years. Sgt. Wyatt's homicide cases have been profiled on Dateline, True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, America's Most Wanted, Fatal Attraction, Criminal Confessions, Snapped, Blood Relatives, Murder by Numbers, Family Secrets, In Ice Cold Blood, and the premiere episode of Price of Duty. From 2015 to 2019, Sgt. Wyatt served as the Public Information Officer for the Anaheim PD and Anaheim Fire & Rescue, he represented the departments in local, national, and international news stories for such incidents as the KKK stabbings, the Donald Trump presidential campaign visit, multiple officer involved shootings, and the Canyon Fires. Sgt. Wyatt was also deployed as a PIO on Type 1 Incident Management Teams to the Mendocino Complex (largest wildfire in CA history) and the Camp Fire (most destructive wildfire in CA history). He is one of 70 FEMA credentialed Master Public Information Officers in the nation and the only public safety PIO in California to receive this credential. Sgt. Wyatt will remain to be known for his unwavering devotion to victims' families. Please join me in honoring the storied career of Sergeant Daron Wyatt, who has significantly impacted our community and made it a safer place for all.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Ttt, Vietnamese New Year, for 2020. The large Vietnamese community in Orange County will gather together in Little Saigon to celebrate the Year of the Rat. I am once again honored to join them in observing their traditions and rich culture. Ttt marks the beginning of a new spring where families can reunite with their ancestors, reconnect with their loved ones, and move beyond their troubles and difficulties from the past year. Furthermore, they celebrate and hope for a better year ahead of them. The celebration brings together the Vietnamese community in Little Saigon, the largest Vietnamese community outside of Vietnam. Fifty thousand participants and over sixty organizations will gather to celebrate with food, music, dance, and so much more. The theme for this year's parade is ``With Profound Gratitude and Appreciation,'' where participants will express their gratitude to the ancestors who sacrificed to give forthcoming generations a brighter future. Another aspect of this year's celebration is an expression of the community's appreciation to the United States. In the nearly fifty years since the fall of Saigon, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees have resettled and built strong communities across the United States. The United States accepted and looked after the Vietnamese community and offered the opportunity to start a new life in this great country. Here in America, they have the freedom to celebrate their basic human rights and enjoy the communities they have built after resettling. A shining star of the Vietnamese American community of Little Saigon is the vibrant group of media outlets--Nguoi Viet Daily News, Vien Dong Daily News, Viet Bao Daily News, Vietnam America TV (VNA-TV), Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (SBTN), Little Saigon Radio, Central Broadcasting Network (CBN), and many more. They are committed to providing reliable news, preserving the Vietnamese language and culture, and enriching the lives and experiences of the Vietnamese community in the United States. Madam Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me in celebration of the Vietnamese New Year, Ttt 2020.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I know firsthand the dangers that foreign interference in our elections present to our democracy. As a Member of Congress, it is my sworn duty to ensure that our Nation is secure from all threats, foreign and domestic. And Congress has a constitutional job to investigate allegations of misconduct by the executive branch, including the United States President. The Constitution is the highest law of the land, creating a system of checks and balances to prevent the creation of a king. Congress is a coequal branch of our Nation's government, equal with the Presidency, with duties that are given to us by the Framers. This is a very sad day, and I do not take impeachment lightly; yet, I am here to do my job as a Member of Congress. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) My town sent me to Washington to work with everyone, Democrats and Republicans, to improve the lives of our communities. Sadly, we are here, today, considering the actions of the President of the United States. My vote will be to ensure that we remain a democracy, and not a dictatorship. Many of our sons and daughters have paid the price of our freedom with their blood. Our liberty and democracy must be the inheritance that we leave to our sons and daughters. A democracy exists when nobody is above the constitution, and we are all subject to the law. I ask God to give us wisdom, and to help us unite our beloved homeland, the United States of America. Mi pueblo me mando a Washington para trabajar con todos, Democratas y Republicanos, para mejorar las vidas de nuestra comunidad. Tristemente estamos presentes, considerando las acciones del president de los Estados Unidos. Mi voto, sera para asegurar que sigamos siendo una democracia, y no una dictadura. Muchos de nuestros hijos y hijas, han pagadado el precio de nuestra libertad con su sangre. Nuertra liberated y democracia, tienen que ser la herencia que les dejamos a nuertros hijos y hijas. Una democracia existe cuando nadie esta sobre la constitucion, y todos somos sujetos a la ley. Le pido a dios que nos de sabiduria, y que nos ayude unir nuestra querida patria, los Estados Unidos Americanos. Mr. Speaker, today I pray to God for His guidance in uniting our great Nation.