J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carlos Chairez for his exceptional service to his community and his country. Mr. Chairez valiantly served his country during World War II as a Private First Class in the United States Army. Mr. Chairez served in the European Theater of war as a member of General Patton's Third Army, Fourth Armored Division. As the war came to a close, his division was converted into the peacekeeping constabulary force. With great confidence and great strength, Mr. Chairez helped create victory and a better world. Mr. Chairez embraced his country in a time of great need. He went into a perilous domain and fought to preserve democracy and install freedom. He helped to bring peace to a region torn apart by the ravages of war. Mr. Chairez has been happily married for almost 70 years to his wife Margarita, has 4 children, and 7 grandchildren. His love for his family and country is unparalleled and I deeply admire his dedication, charisma, and willpower. He is an outstanding role model for us all. I am honored and privileged to thank such an extraordinary man. I hope he continues to be a reminder to us all to never forget no sacrifice is too great or small.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I stand on this floor to speak about our Dreamers. Again, I must ask very simply: What happened? For months, Washington refused to pass a budget. We had many continuing resolutions. Again, one of the issues was Dreamers. After spending caps were raised for both military and nonmilitary expenditures, we got a budget and both Democrats and Republicans voted for that budget. Yet, still, no action for the Dreamers. Eighty percent of the public wants a fix. We recognize that Dreamers are soldiers, teachers, police officers. They are our friends. They are our neighbors. The President has said he wants also a fix to the Dreamer issue, yet here we are again, one more time, and, again, the Dreamers face a very uncertain future. Mr. Speaker, it is time to stop using Dreamers as pawns in a bigger political chess game. At the State of the Union Address here on this floor, my guest was a Dreamer, a young lady studying chemistry at one of my local universities. She wants to be a scientist, and I know she is going to be a very good scientist. That is what chemistry majors do. You know, America is the land of immigrants, and we have many, many hardworking immigrants. That is what Dreamers are. They work hard. They study hard. They pay taxes. They follow the law. They have been fully vetted. Yet, today, again, we ask: What happened to the Dreamers? I ask my colleagues, let's give Dreamers the opportunity to earn the American Dream. Let's give them the opportunity to earn citizenship. And let's not live with regrets. Let's not look back 20, 30 years from now and say what we could have, should have, would have. Now is the time to act. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring up the Dream Act to the floor and give relief to almost a million young people who want nothing but to earn the American Dream.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor Harry Oliver, also known by his rank as Senior Chief, an exemplary constituent who I am immensely proud to represent. Mr. Oliver is retiring for the second time, after serving in the United States Navy for 23 years and then serving our nation's youth for another 20 years. Mr. Oliver is retiring as a teacher and NJROTC instructor for Santa Ana High School, as well as carrying his Senior Chief military rank. Though his teaching journey is coming to an end, the impact he has made will live on forever. Mr. Oliver is a teacher in every sense of the word. He carries the qualities that every teacher should strive for--dedication, genuine interest, and being a role model for all his students. His time in the Navy unearthed his passion for guiding future generations as a Company Commander, teaching Damage Control to over 10,000 new recruits. His understanding and natural talent for helping recruits develop into their best selves led to his astounding success. It was after this time that he retired from the Navy to be with his wife and four children. After a short stint working for a delivery company, Mr. Oliver was inspired to become a teacher again and sought the Santa Ana High School NJROTC program. His dedicated focus on his students became evident to all that witnessed him teach. He was not only a teacher, but a mentor, friend, and at times even a father figure to his students. It is because he genuinely loved his students that they loved him. While working with Santa Ana High School's NJROTC unit for almost 21 years, he helped develop one of the most distinguished units in the country. They received numerous awards including ``Distinguished Unit'' for 17 years in a row, ``Most Improved Unit,'' and honored as one of the top 5 NJROTC units in the nation. Mr. Oliver has enriched the lives of everyone he encounters and is a pillar of his community. His time in both the Navy and NJROTC will be remembered, and we are saddened to see him leave. His actions deeply impact all his students who will carry on his legacy. Even though he is retiring, he will continue to be a teacher, leading by example and demonstrating the best qualities of a life lived in service. I am truly honored to recognize Mr. Oliver today for his service in the U.S. military and for improving and guiding the lives of future generations.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, the month of March celebrates Women's History Month. As a proud father, I am honored to recognize Latinas this month and believe in the importance of investing in the next generation of Latinas. One in six women in the United States is a Latina. There are currently over 27 million Latina women living in the United States. Latinas are vital contributing members of our American society through their work in business, education, science and technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, the military, and public service at all levels of government. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's honor Latina women and their history. Therefore, today, I am introducing a resolution on International Women's Day, March 8, 2018, that celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America on their One-hundred fiftieth Anniversary for their outstanding and unparalleled service to the United States. The Elks started their charitable organization on February 16th, 1868. Since then they have grown nationwide creating and advocating for different services to our communities by advocating their mission to include the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government. The Elks are committed to America's Promise, an alliance of organizations building a better future for our youth through our Scholarship Program, the Hoop Shoot free throw program, and our Drug Awareness Program. The Elks have pledged NOT to forget our nation's veterans . Each year we visit VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics and State Veterans Homes providing companionship and enhancing their level of comfort. The Elks also adopt by state its own charitable project. These include summer camps for children with disabilities or who are financially disadvantaged; in-home treatment for people with disabilities; children's hospitals; cancer research; and providing safe, temporary heavens for abused families. Mr. Speaker, The Order of the Elks have become cornerstones in their individual communities all throughout the United States. These lodges are a source of knowledge, expertise and leadership for our communities, and I once again congratulate them on their momentous milestone.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Defense provides exceptional training and experiences to our nation's servicemembers. For each occupation in the military, servicemembers undergo a series of formal military training courses. For years, the American Council on Education (ACE) has evaluated that training and related experiences to provide colleges and universities with guidelines and recommendations to consider when awarding credit for such training. For instance, ACE may recommend that colleges award one semester credit hour of first aid for a soldier who has taken basic combat training. Since 2013, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard have produced the Joint Services Transcript (JST), an official documentation of a servicemember's military training and their corresponding ACE credit recommendations. The JST allows veterans to earn college credit for their military service, helping them attain a college degree sooner. While the document is available through an online portal, there are reports of servicemembers leaving the military unaware of the JST. Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Facilitating Veterans' Education Act, which directs the Department of Defense to issue the Joint Services Transcript to servicemembers separating from the Armed Forces.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, in January, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rescinded the Cole Memorandum, a directive which has provided a framework for states to pursue reasonable regulation of cannabis. DOJ's ill-conceived decision adversely affects states, including the State of California, that have in ``good faith'' implemented regulatory frameworks, relying on the memo. In November 2016, the people of California spoke up and voted in favor of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis, joining seven states in our nation in making recreational cannabis legal. Currently, those laws are being implemented. The recent action by the Attorney General puts the industry in jeopardy. The State of California has the sixth largest economy in the world and accounts for almost 15 percent of our nation's Gross Domestic Product. Given the implementation of tax reform and elimination of State and Local Tax deductions in the coming year, coupled with our limited federal budget due to sequestration, California and other states will experience funding shortfalls that need to be addressed. The economic constraints being placed on California will slow down our economy, but marijuana sales taxes will help provide stability and be a mechanism used to fill the funding gaps. By 2020, marijuana sales taxes are estimated to potentially reach $1 billion annually in revenue for California. To date, eight states have legalized recreational cannabis and twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia--which represent more than half of the American population--have enacted legislation to permit the use of medical marijuana. The repeal of the Cole Memo contravenes the will of the American public. Furthermore, this decision will negatively affect numerous Americans who utilize marijuana for medical purposes. Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Sensible Enforcement of Cannabis Act with Representative Gaetz. This legislation will prohibit the Attorney General from prosecuting individuals for any conduct that concerns medicinal cannabis or recreational use of cannabis in states that have authorized cannabis laws. The bill would also include exceptions in which the Attorney General would be able to prosecute such cases involving the distribution of cannabis to minors, among others.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, again, I stand on this floor to speak about the Dreamers, and this time I ask a simple question: What happened? For months here in Washington, we couldn't pass a budget; we refused to pass a budget. Numerous continuing resolutions were brought up. We even shut down government, and the press talked about the Dreamers. It was all about the Dreamers. Yet, last week, after the budget spending caps were raised for both military and nonmilitary expenditures, we got a budget, and that was a budget that was voted on by both Democrats and Republicans. So, I guess, ladies and gentlemen, this was not about the Dreamers because we still don't have a fix for the Dreamers. Yet 80 percent of our public supports a fix for the Dreamers; 80 percent of our public supports a pathway to citizenship for our Dreamers; and even our President wants a fix for the Dreamers. Why? Because all of us recognize that Dreamers are soldiers, teachers, police officers. They are, effectively, our friends and our neighbors. Yet here we are again today, not sure of the future for Dreamers in this country. Folks, it is time to stop using Dreamers as political pawns in a bigger political chess game. Last week, at the State of the Union, my guest was a Dreamer from my district. She is a college student majoring in chemistry, and I say to all of you, she is going to make a tremendous scientist. We need scientists in this country. As you know, America is a land of immigrants, and all of us here are immigrants, and, as you know, 75 of our Fortune 500 companies are led by immigrants. We need more hardworking immigrants. That is what Dreamers are. They are hardworking. They study hard, pay their taxes, follow the law, and, yes, ladies and gentlemen, Dreamers have been vetted. Let me repeat: Dreamers are immigrants who have been vetted. And yet today we still ask: What is going to happen to Dreamers? Mr. Speaker, let's not live with any regrets. Let's not look back tomorrow, next year, 10, 20 years from now and say what we could have, should have, would have. Let's do the right thing, Mr. Speaker. Now is the time to act. Let's vote for our Dreamers. Let's vote on H.R. 3440, and let's do the right thing.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today and honor Irma Hernandez, a constituent I am immensely proud of Mrs. Hernandez is retiring after serving the public for 36 years and serving the city of Orange for nearly 20 years. Mrs. Hernandez is retiring as the Deputy City Manager, and through her career she has set an example for all future municipal employees. Mrs. Hernandez's personal qualities fit perfectly with the duties of a city employee--easygoing and personable with all walks of life, and determined and thorough with every single task required of her. Before her time with Orange, she served for the cities of Costa Mesa, Tustin, and Garden Grove. Her proficiency in handling the finances and budget of a city, coupled with her excellent communication skills, made her the ideal candidate for Deputy City Manager. Mrs. Hernandez represented the people of the city of Orange on the Metro Cities Fire Authority, Orange County Animal Care, and the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission. Mrs. Hernandez also represented all of Orange County's cities on the 800 MHz Governance Board, where her outstanding dedication has played a major part in the advancement of our state-of- the-art public safety radio system. Mrs. Hernandez has enriched the community she lives in, not only through her career, but also through her fundraising for various causes. These include the Veterans' Memorial in Orange, and projects for Rotary International and the Chamber of Commerce. We are saddened that Mrs. Hernandez is leaving the city of Orange, but she has earned a long and happy retirement, and we wish her the best. Mrs. Hernandez will, without a doubt, be difficult to replace, but we are so fortunate to have had her commitment and drive. She exemplifies the best aspects of a government employee. I am honored to recognize Mrs. Hernandez for the positive role she has played in our community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Army Specialist Trevor Anthony Win'E from my district in the city of Orange, California. Specialist Win'E was a young man of strong convictions. A few months after 9/11, he joined the Army on May 1, 2002, to serve his country. After Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he arrived at Fort Lee, Virginia for the petroleum supply specialist course. Upon his graduation from that course in October 2002, Specialist Win'E was then assigned to the 24th Quartermaster Supply Company at Fort Lewis, Washington. In November 2003, the Company, was scheduled to deploy to Iraq. At the same time, Specialist Win'E was on orders to move to South Korea but approached his commander and he asked to deploy and serve alongside his fellow soldiers in the unit. He was granted that request to continue with his unit to Iraq. Sadly, while serving in Tikrit, his convoy was attacked by improvised explosive devices. Specialist Win'E was in the lead truck. Tragically, the following day, May 1, 2004, Specialist Win'E died from injuries sustained during that attack. He was only 22 years old. Therefore, to honor his service to our nation, I am introducing legislation--with the support of the entire California delegation--to name the facility of the United States Postal Service located on North Tustin Street in Orange, California as the Specialist Trevor A. Win'E Post Office. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the memory of Specialist Trevor A. Win'E by supporting my legislation to name a Post Office facility in his hometown after the young man so that his service and sacrifice may be remembered.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to dedicate some time to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Cruz Sarmiento, for the inspirational life he led. Mr. Sarmiento passed away on January 29, 2018 peacefully, at the age of 95, and his life should and will be remembered. Mr. Sarmiento's life embodies this country's greatest ideals--opportunity, determination, and the American dream. Born in Juarez, Chihuahua in 1922, Mr. Sarmiento spent his early years in both Mexico and America, but it was his dedication to family that kept him in Juarez, as he cared for his grandmother. There, he met his beloved wife, Juanita, and together they returned to the U.S. He worked diligently to provide for his family of 8 children, emphasizing the importance of education to them. After moving the family to California and performing a variety of jobs, he seized opportunity through investments and was able to retire at age 65. He and his wife flourished during this long retirement. Mr. Sarmiento's life sets an example for all; his hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice earned him the respect of all who met him. Mr. Sarmiento could always be relied on to help others, whether he was helping coworkers fill out documents when they could not read or write in English, or when he co-founded Mayas, an organization that held dances with proceeds funding the scholarships of future students. His selflessness and dedication to all communities around him was admirable. Mr. Sarmiento is survived by his family, including his children and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family will carry on the values of his legacy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Sarmiento for the inspiring example his life has set, and I thank him for coming to America and enriching the lives of all around him.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor one of my constituents, Mrs. Helen Shipp, for her dedicated service to the community of Orange County. Mrs. Shipp passed away at the age of 82 on January 25, 2018, but her life and legacy will continue to vibrantly live on. Mrs. Shipp founded and organized Orange County's first Black History Parade and Cultural Faire in 1980. Mrs. Shipp dreamed of a gathering where the history, accomplishments, and culture of the African-American community would be remembered and celebrated. This quickly became Orange County's premier event for Black History Month, and Mrs. Shipp's dream was realized. Her commitment and diligence in organizing the Black History Parade has inspired many members of the community, within and outside Orange County. Mrs. Shipp thought of the event as a gathering of old friends, where a community of neighbors and friends could better understand each other. This event also brought together many new friends. Mrs. Shipp's passion led to many prominent figures serving as grand marshals in the parade, and continually attracted crowds from diverse backgrounds. This year, the parade will be entering its 38th anniversary--this longevity is a testament to Mrs. Shipp's selfless dedication to the community. Mrs. Shipp enjoyed a career of giving, from her parade organizing to her service working for the Head Start program, where she provided early-education for children from low-income families. Her life shows us the capability, within all members of the community, to create something that enriches the lives of their fellow Americans. Mrs. Shipp's legacy will be continued by her children, her neighbors, her friends, and all who are inspired by her life. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I would be honored to recognize and remember Mrs. Helen Shipp for her dedication to connecting and uniting people in the community. I thank her for her generosity and example. I extend my deepest condolences to her children, and the rest of her family. May God bless her soul and her family.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Tom Danley for his outstanding and unparalleled service in my district. Mr. Danley attended California State University, Long Beach where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He first started as a Physical Education Teacher in 1959 at Lynwood High School, now Anaheim High School, and finally Katella High school as a director and coach. Mr. Danley has coached Varsity Basketball for 33 years at Katella High School, where he led Katella to win 14 league championships and win a staggering 618 games. For 50 years, Mr. Danley has continuously been recognized for his surreal accomplishments including the following: induction into the Southern California Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, ``Basketball Coach of the Decade'', and CIF/SS All-star Game Coach, and State Athletic Director of the Year in California, just to name a few. In addition to serving as Katella's Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, he has also served as President to the Southern California Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association, was the President to the Orange County Athletic Directors' Association, and was the President of the California State Athletic Directors' Association. Mr. Danley is a prime example of an extraordinary individual who has gone above and beyond for his community. His expertise, compassion, enthusiasm, and charisma will forever be remembered by those he mentored, coached, and led. He has left us with a legacy that will be the next stepping stone for those to follow. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Danley has been an outstanding role model for his community, and especially for young people. I am proud to be represent Mr. Danley. I hope he continues to be a source of knowledge, expertise and leadership for his community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor one of my constituents, Mr. Jon Jumper, for his immense dedication to serving California's state government. Mr. Jumper graduated from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Dance. While attending UCR, he also studied physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, accounting, archeology, and dance history. Mr. Jumper is a Tax Administrator for Anaheim's tax office who was originally hired in 1985. First working as a field auditor, then as a tax collector and now as an administrator. During his tenure, Mr. Jumper has worked tirelessly to account for tax revenue and manage audits in the city of Anaheim. Mr. Jumper is essential to his office in collecting tax revenue from audits. Mr. Jumper has successfully managed a team of tax professionals, administrative program specialists, and auditors to create exceptional work. His expertise has greatly helped the Anaheim and Santa Ana community receive tax revenue, which in turn has led to better infrastructure, improvements in education, and public services. I am pleased to say that Mr. Jumper has contributed greatly to his community and state government. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Jumper is an exemplary citizen. I am honored to congratulate Mr. Jumper for his tenure at Anaheim's tax office and hope he continues to be an outstanding citizen for his community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I just want to add, think about all of the progress that we made as a country, as a nation in regulating cannabis, medical cannabis, how so many States have relied on that Cole memo to be lawfully abiding citizens, lawful citizens, lawful businessmen, and States have also relied on that memo to make sure that their regulatory framework fits within Federal guidelines. Much time, energy, effort, and resources have been invested by these States to make sure that we are following Federal law. And overnight, the Cole memo is gone. All of that work these States have put together is out the door. How do we tell all of these citizens that want to follow the law, want to pay their taxes, want to do what is right under the law that they are now criminals? This is not right. It is inconsistent with our due process. And at the end of the day, again, these are States' rights. We have given effectively these powers, these abilities to the States to regulate medical cannabis. We cannot just turn our back and say: We didn't mean it. Sorry. Let's move forward. I don't believe we can return to those days when we would lock up individuals for minor sources of cannabis. We can't go around the streets and arrest people for cannabis anymore, and, of course, Dr. Moynihan has to have the ability to continue to medicate his daughter.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I also am honored to join my colleagues from across the aisle tonight to talk about Attorney General Sessions' decision to rescind the Cole memo, which has guided the State of California as well as other States in pursuing reasonable cannabis regulation. As a California State senator, we relied on the Cole memo to help craft California's cannabis industry regulatory framework. I personally introduced legislation to regulate medical cannabis that was sponsored by the public safety community of the State of California. We all relied on the Cole memo. We all relied on regulating medical marijuana to make sure that it was chemical free, that it was tested, labeled, and that cannabis was kept away from our children, our neighborhoods, and our schools. I remember working on this legislation, and one day I got a phone call from a Republican doctor who wanted to lecture me about my bill. I assumed he was opposed to the legislation, but, you know what, I wanted to hear him out. So I had him drive out to my district office. And during the meeting, he told me about his daughter, a young Miss Moynihan, who from birth to the age of 10--she was 10 years old--had had seizures. And every year, those seizures had gotten worse and worse. And the medication he had to use to keep the seizures under control had gotten stronger and stronger with terrible side effects on his beloved daughter. Finally, Dr. Moynihan fell across medical cannabis. He used it. It was like a miracle. His daughter was getting better with no negative side effects. But then he said, ``Lou, I want to make sure that my daughter's seizures stop, but I want to make sure she doesn't get high,'' meaning what he wanted me to do in my legislation was to make sure that my legislation carried language to make sure that medical cannabis was tested and properly labeled. All this doctor wanted was medical cannabis for his beloved daughter. And there are many patients like young Miss Moynihan that rely on medical cannabis, but she also relies on the proper regulation, and labeling, and manufacturing of medical cannabis. Attorney General Sessions' doing away with the Cole memo effectively says to the State of California: You can no longer regulate medical cannabis. This will not be available for the young Moynihans of the State of California. I ask Attorney General Sessions to reinstitute the Cole memo. Let States do what States do best. Let's respect the sovereignty of our States, and let's move forward, not backward.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. I thank my colleague from Texas. I represent Orange County, California. I would like to say that California is now the sixth largest economy in the world. My home county of Orange County, if it were a country today, would be the 32nd largest economy in the world. My district is exploding with jobs, unemployment at a record low. We have biotech, high-tech, tourism, home to Disney land, the Angels. We also have recycling, manufacturing. You name it, it is there. It is about Americans working hard; former immigrants, now Americans, also working hard; and new immigrants, like DACA students, DACA members of my community, also holding hands with all of us, working hard to enrich our communities, our neighborhoods, our county, our State, and our Nation. Today, DACA recipients, model immigrants. Nobody in this body would ever debate the fact that we want immigrants who come to work hard, follow the laws, pay taxes, learn English, and study hard. Those are model citizens that any nation in the world would want, and we have them here in this country. Just a few weeks ago, my daughter came home, 17 years old, from high school. Two of her best friends came with her, and they said: We want help, Mr. Congressman. You are a Congressman. We want some help. And I said: What is the issue? They said: We are both DACA students, and we are afraid. We are concerned. We want to go to college. We don't know what is going to happen. I didn't have any answers for those two young ladies, but, really, the answer I gave them was the same answer I give all the DACA individuals, students I meet in my district, which is: Let me fight the fight for you in Washington, D.C. What you have got to do is continue to study hard, continue to follow the law, and don't give up praying. I am convinced that, in this body, there are enough people to vote for DACA students, to vote to change the laws. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. This is a country of immigrants, and nobody, again, can debate the fact that these are good immigrants. These are good, hardworking folks who want a shot. They don't want a gift, but they want the opportunity to earn American citizenship. These folks have taken an oath, the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and our country to defend it against foreign and local enemies. These folks are Americans in the true sense of the word. Let's give them a shot, a true shot, at being Americans.

Mr. CORREA. I would like to say, they serve in our military. They are police officers, teachers, doctors, nurses. They are part of our fabric.

Mr. CORREA. If the gentleman will yield.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, recently, my daughter came home from high school accompanied by two of her good friends. These young ladies are about 16 years of age. They wanted to sit down and talk to me a little bit, so we sat down and we spoke. After a while, I learned these young ladies were very nervous and very scared. They were DREAMers. They had a basic question for me, which was: What can we do? What can you do for us? Very, very tough questions. After a moment I answered them: Continue to study hard. Continue to follow the law. Be good students and don't give up hope. At the same time I told them: Don't worry about Washington, D.C. I am going to Washington to fight for you. That is what we are doing here today, myself and my colleagues, fighting for DREAMers, fighting to make sure that they have a shot at the American Dream. Now, I am happy to say today that DREAMers enjoy support of not only Democrats, but Republicans as well on this floor. Why? Because all of us know who DREAMers are. DREAMers are hardworking individuals. They serve in our military. They are soldiers, police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, and, of course, they are also our neighbors. DREAMers also are very good immigrants. They pay their taxes and follow the law. Do you know what? They provide value to our country. Recently, I also had the opportunity to visit my son's high school, the Air Force Naval ROTC program. I went to be part of what is called a pass in review. Some very nice, honorable young cadets passing in review, all saluting the flag of the United States, all taking the Pledge of Allegiance to our country and to our flag. Do you know something? A lot of those cadets were DREAMers. Mr. Speaker, today we have the chance to do what is right. We have a chance to do our job. Let the Dreamer legislation come before us for a vote and let's give the DREAMers the opportunity to earn the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, let's not live with regrets. Let's not look back 5, 10, 15 years from now and say what we could have, should have, would have. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to vote for our DREAMers. I ask my colleagues to please vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring up the Dream Act to vote for justice and equity.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4569, the Counterterrorism Information Sharing Improvement Act of 2017. This bill seeks to ensure that the DHS gets access to biometric and biographic data collected by the United States Government to carry out its counterterrorism efforts. Since 9/11, the Democratic members of this committee have been committed to bolstering terrorism information sharing within our government. Today, terrorist threats are decentralized, spreading beyond al-Qaida, al Shabaab, and ISIL to a patchwork of small cells and lone wolves who stand ready to carry out violence to our country at their whim. Increasingly, this threat also includes homegrown violent extremists and domestic terrorists. Ensuring that the DHS has access to biographic and biometric data on individuals associated with a terrorist organization is critical to comprehensive assessing of all forms of terrorism and threats to our government. This legislation also requires that the DHS report on how the data is being received and utilized for screening and vetting purposes. This report will help Congress ensure that screening and vetting of travelers to the United States is conducted in a risk-based manner. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and I am prepared to close. Again, Mr. Speaker, this legislation ensures that the DHS have access to biographic and biometric data collected by our government on individuals associated with terrorist organizations. It is important that this information be integrated into the DHS' screening and vetting programs to protect our country, our citizens, from all forms of terrorism and extremism. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to make international travel more secure and fosters a strong relationship between our country and our allies. All nations must increase their vigilance with respect to security screening. There are thousands of ISIL foot soldiers who may seek to enter the Western world and other nations to carry out their attacks. This legislation seeks to harness the United States' best practices and capabilities to advance the safety of the global aviation community as we face an agile and evolving enemy. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4581, the Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, the Screening and Vetting Passenger Act of 2017 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and share best practices for using data provided by passengers in screening and vetting operations with our allies around the world. Since 2014, more than 75 million international travelers have come to the United States. In recent years, especially during the Obama administration, great strides were made to use the information furnished by these incoming travelers to advance security screening and vetting processes. Building upon the Department's 2017 last point of departure security enhancements that sought to raise the bar in physical screenings at overseas airports with direct flights to the U.S., this bill will further reinforce security measures and seek to provide our overseas partners with the capabilities to advance their own vetting and screening. No country is immune from terrorism, and this bill will ensure that the DHS can be a valued partner to nations that work with us. By providing best practices on passenger screening, H.R. 4581 seeks to ensure that terrorists seeking to inflict harm are not allowed to travel without detection. Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4564, the Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017. The Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act requires the DHS to conduct an intelligence threat assessment of foreign fighter activities. With the military defeat of ISIL's caliphate, we are concerned about the threat of foreign terrorists returning to the West. While the vast majority of foreign fighters originated from Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, about 20,000 foreign fighters traveled to Iraq and Syria from at least 110 countries. We must address foreign fighters who are ready to return home. We must stay abreast of their movements and stop them from coming to the United States. Requiring DHS to conduct a threat assessment of current foreign fighter activities will help DHS to continue to focus on travel screening on the risk-based dangers that we face. Let's focus our policies on preventing terrorism by keeping dangerous individuals from coming to this country. H.R. 4564 requires a detailed report by the Secretary of Homeland Security, coordinating with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, on foreign fighter movements to help DHS focus on preventing their activities. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this measure. I want to thank Mr. Higgins for this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4433, the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, DHS is a diverse Department that has the distinction of being the largest law enforcement agency in the Federal Government. To help support its critical mission, DHS must maintain and safeguard a variety of sensitive law enforcement equipment, such as firearms, ammunition, and badges. DHS equipment in the wrong hands could result in loss of life. According to an October 2017 report issued by the DHS Office of Inspector General, the Department does not have adequate requirements to safeguard its sensitive assets. Approximately 2,100 highly sensitive assets were lost between 2014 and 2016. In response to the report, my legislation requires DHS to develop and implement policies to secure firearms and other sensitive DHS equipment at the Department. This security measure requires the Under Secretary of Management to disseminate a departmentwide directive that includes requirements for securing firearms and sensitive DHS equipment, as well as reporting these requirements. This measure outlines the responsibilities to properly safeguard firearms and sensitive assets in accordance with the directive and requires personnel to properly report lost firearms and equipment. This measure was unanimously approved by the Committee on Homeland Security last month and will help foster greater accountability and security within DHS, and I urge passage of this measure. Mr. Speaker, in closing, my legislation is intended to advance the critical mission of DHS by ensuring that firearms and sensitive assets are properly safeguarded and maintained. In my home State of California, in 2015, a 27-year-old, Antonio Ramos, was shot and killed with an ICE agent's stolen 9-millimeter weapon. According to the DHS OIG, failures to safeguard important equipment and assets are still not being properly addressed. Given DHS' mission, it is essential that the DHS workforce prioritize and properly protect the equipment that is critical to their mission. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.