Gilbert Cisneros

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the California School of the Arts in the San Gabriel Valley. Over the past decade, this special institution has inspired so many talented young students in California's 31st District to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams as artists. I visited the campus earlier this year and saw firsthand the talent on display. Students here are equally dedicated to academic excellence and mastering the artistic process. It is truly an inspiration to witness. To the staff and educators, I congratulate them on their 10-year anniversary of setting our California-31 students up with the foundation for success. Best of luck on the new school year, and I wish them all success in their future academic and creative endeavors.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I appreciate my colleague's argument there, but if the Department of Defense can't maintain the cybersecurity cameras on our own installations, then we have a lot bigger problems. The truth is that vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for our servicemembers. Why are we even debating this? We should be debating amendments that rein in this administration's reckless conduct on this Iran war or its reckless spending in the Middle East. Instead, my colleagues would rather discuss speed cameras. The fact is, this amendment restrains the Secretary's ability to allocate security and law enforcement resources to address traffic safety. Prohibiting the use of speed cameras also undermines an installation commander's ability to deploy the appropriate resources to effectively meet the traffic and public safety needs of the installation. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this reckless amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes. Mr. Chair, I am going to say, I am pretty baffled by this amendment from my friend and colleague, and I rise in opposition to this amendment. It moves base safety in the wrong direction. Even the Department of Defense opposes this amendment. This amendment would prohibit automated speed enforcement cameras on military installations. To be clear, these cameras aren't about punishing our troops or their families. They exist to keep bases and military families safe. These cameras keep reckless drivers accountable and have a proven and effective record for reducing traffic accidents and maintaining safe and orderly driving. According to the Federal Highway Administration, speed enforcement cameras have been found to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries by up to 37 percent. I want to remind my colleagues that our military bases aren't just for troops to work and train. They are home to schools, youth centers, child development centers, playgrounds, and family housing. Junior personnel can't usually afford vehicles and are usually having to walk around bases. It is imperative that we maintain traffic safety. The servicemembers and families who live and work on these bases deserve every protection we can give them, and that must be part of this conversation. I have not heard one shred of data and not one credible argument that this amendment makes our installations safer. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, gender dysphoria is real. It is a real diagnosis, and there is a treatment for it. Yet, our colleagues want to deny them. Both in this debate and in the previous debate, my colleagues have said gender dysphoria is a mental health issue, and it needs to be treated. Yet, they want to deny individuals, the dependents--family members of our servicemembers and those servicemembers--the treatment required in order to help and support them. I have a friend, because of this Nation's policies, who is being forced--is leaving this country so that her daughter can go get the treatment that she can get in another country. This policy, this amendment, is cruel. It is meant to just basically root out a whole people that exist. You want to deny their existence. That is unfortunate, and it is cruel. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Jacobs).

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. This amendment bans gender-affirming care for servicemembers and their dependents under TRICARE. Recently, the Secretary of Defense just came out in support of gender-affirming care for our male servicemembers by providing the testosterone testing and treatment for those who need it. The DOD Secretary and Republicans have already canceled health coverage for less than 1 percent of the population within the Department of Defense. The Secretary is currently kicking out transgender servicemembers, and now this cruel amendment is targeting dependents of servicemembers who are receiving hormone therapy and mental health counseling for gender dysphoria. Dependents not receiving adequate healthcare is a factor pushing people to separate from the military. This culture war ideology amendment can result in a readiness gap issue. I strongly oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The FY16 NDAA already granted the Department the authority to establish a process for servicemembers to carry personal firearms on base. It is simple. The chain of command has the authority to grant these requests. However, Secretary Hegseth's MOU from April, which this amendment codifies, has a presumption of approval that weakens an installation commander's authority and would require them to essentially prove a negative to deny a request. The process that we established was dependent on a servicemember's need for personal or force protection. Yet, this amendment strips that requirement or any justification for that matter in order to carry a personal firearm on base. The Secretary's logic is that adding more firearms at military installations would make it safer. No law enforcement agency would ever suggest that more people carrying personal weapons makes any place safer. While our military personnel are trained to use firearms, they are not all trained to be law enforcement, and no one should ever take the law into their own hands. There is nothing in this amendment that would restrict locations for personal firearms. Does that mean junior enlisted servicemembers who account for roughly half of all military suicides are now permitted to carry in the barracks under this amendment? Are personnel now allowed to walk around the commissaries, schools, the exchange, or libraries with a firearm? More guns does not make us more safe. Expanding access to personal firearms on base increases the risk of servicemember suicide. Independent research, including reviews commissioned by the Department of Defense itself, has found that greater access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risks among servicemembers. There is a clear lack of consideration by Republicans for servicemembers' and their families' well-being and safety here. Madam Chair, I urge all my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. While this is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection. In southern California, we know what this country is capable of when we care for each other, lead with empathy, and open our communities to everyone, not just to some. I am proud to represent a community of families, friends, teachers, servicemembers, veterans, and small business owners, a community of people who came from all over the world to call the San Gabriel Valley home, because that is exactly what makes this country special. At our core, we are a nation of immigrants, a melting pot of diverse traditions, cultures, and shared histories. In this time of great political divide, it is more important than ever for us all to come together to build a better nation that lives up to our founding principles of liberty, freedom, and justice for all. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to champion our district in Congress. On the 250th anniversary of our democracy, I am grateful to uplift what we should be celebrating today.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize this July as Disability Pride Month and to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In 1990, the U.S. passed this landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with physical and mental disabilities. In the time since then, we have made great progress breaking down barriers to employment, healthcare, and housing, dismantling harmful stigmas, and fighting against ableism. There is still work to be done to ensure every disabled American can contribute to our society and receive the accommodations they need to live a free and fulfilled life. Disability is a vital aspect of our country's diversity, and no one should ever be discriminated against or excluded from public life because they are differently abled. In light of this current administration's disturbing decision to move the Office of Special Education out of the education department, it is especially important to protect disabled students' rights and support their access to the programs and support they need to succeed. Mr. Speaker, to everyone living with physical and mental disabilities in California's 31st District, I am proud to champion their right to live in a society built on equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Recognizing America 250

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding achievements from schools in California's 31st Congressional District at this year's National Speech and Debate Tournament. I congratulate the students representing West Covina Unified School District for their multiple top 10 finishes. I extend a special congratulations to Edgewood Middle School on receiving the prestigious School of Excellence Award for the third year in a row. To the 20 middle school students and 8 high school students who competed, you demonstrated exceptional talent, resilience, and intellect. All of us in the 31st Congressional District are so proud of them. They all competed under high pressure and completely rose to the occasion. I want to give a special shout-out to California's 31st Congressional District students who earned top 10 finishes in the Nation: Cetlalli Valenzuela-Gonzalez, Darcy Lam, Lorenzo Williamson, Jacky Huynh III, Jillian Liang, and Arielle Hsiao. Mr. Speaker, their hard work and perseverance paid off, and I am honored to uplift their accomplishments today. Recognizing Disability Pride Month

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the Covina community, Councilmember John King. After 20 years on the Covina City Council and 30 years of serving the city, Councilmember John King is moving on from public office. John guided the community with love and care and made every resident proud to call Covina their home. He is an example of what it means to be a true public servant. While his time on the council comes to a close, I am sure his service to the community will only grow even stronger. We are also grateful to have benefited from his many years of leadership. He left an incredible legacy and a permanent mark on the community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate John on a remarkable career in service. Covina is so proud of him. Recognizing West Covina Speech and Debate Team

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges this week, the landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed marriage equality as law of the land over a decade ago. We honor this anniversary every year during Pride Month by remembering the activists, couples, and lawmakers who had the courage to fight for their right to love whom they love in the face of hate, discrimination, and injustice. Their relentless advocacy and conviction paved the way for marriage equality. I am so grateful to live in a world where every LGBTQ+ individual who calls California's 31st District their home has the right to marriage. I will always fight to protect their right to equality and to live freely and happily as their most authentic self.

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concern about disturbing actions taken by our country's leadership. The Trump administration has announced plans to move the office of overseeing special education services out of the Department of Education. With this development, the Department of Education has hollowed itself out by delegating the vast majority of its functions to other agencies. The President is so determined to dismantle our education systems that he is willing to put millions of students at risk and completely abandon our children with disabilities. As a proud champion for students with special needs, I am horrified that this decision will undermine accountability and disrupt communication for families and school officials who need help. We should be investing in and expanding special needs programs across the country so that all children can get the support they need and the education they deserve. Instead, this administration has made the cruel decision to shut our most vulnerable students out from the programs that they rely on. This is a reprehensible action from a corrupt administration. I will do everything in my power to oppose this shameful decision and protect our disabled students' rights. Anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Glendora High School baseball team on pulling off an incredible comeback victory in the Division III regional championship. Mr. Speaker, it takes grit, determination, and focus to pull off an upset win when the cards are stacked against you, and that is exactly what they demonstrated. It is an incredible feat to win eight straight playoff games in a row. They accomplished that through teamwork and dedication to athletic excellence. What a perfect way to cap off a great season. I congratulate them on winning a CIF championship. Mr. Speaker, I hope they enjoy their win and know that our entire district is so proud of their accomplishment. All Children Deserve Education

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and uplift a major milestone achieved by an outstanding member of California's 31st Congressional District. Congratulations to Soo Hak Kwon for graduating high school at the young age of 91 years old. Soo was a Korean-American businessowner who immigrated to Los Angeles in 1972 and moved to La Puente with his family in 1980. He always enjoyed learning but never had the time to start taking classes because he was busy raising his family and operating a local TV repair and wig shop. That all changed when he enrolled at Bassett Adult School 5 years ago. Last week, he received his high school diploma in his cap and gown. His teachers say Soo has a kind, warm presence that makes other students feel welcome, and he lit up every classroom he walked into. Soo is an inspiration to our community, and he should be so proud of himself. He has reminded us all that education truly is a lifelong process. Glendora Baseball Division III Regional Championship.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Charter Oak High School Cheer and STUNT Team for making history by becoming the first San Gabriel Valley school to win a CIF Southern Section STUNT cheer championship. Their hard work and dedication paid off. They should all be very proud of themselves for capturing the Division 2 title. Congratulations to Coach Ashley Garcia for all the time and energy she spent training these talented athletes. An additional shout-out to sophomore Juliette Ramirez for being the top power player and point earner and to senior Kaelynn Quezada who made a triumphant return from injury this season. She came back stronger than ever and scored 249 points in 265 rounds. I'm not really sure what that means, but it sounds incredible. Kaelynn was also named the Valle Vista League MVP, and that I do know is incredible. I congratulate her on that achievement. This was a remarkable season capped by historic victory. I am incredibly proud of the Charter Oak team, and I hope they enjoy their major win. Congratulating Edgewood Softball Team

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Edgewood softball team for their impressive victory in the CIF Southern Section championship. Their teamwork, hard work, and devotion to the game paid off with this success, and they should be so proud of their achievements. A special shout-out to junior Alexis Hurtado for her amazing performance. She pitched a complete game, played great defense, and helped guide her team to victory. The entire team demonstrated dedication to athletic excellence and made our district proud with this impressive game. I congratulate them on their accomplishment. They earned it through their hard work and dedication. I wish them good luck in the CIF Southern Section playoffs. I will be rooting for them. Recognizing Pride Month

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pride Month and celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of the LGBTQI+ community in California's 31st District and across the country. It was just over a decade ago that the Supreme Court announced their decision to affirm marriage equality as the law of the land. This historic step forward remains a landmark legal victory for LGBTQI+ Americans in the fight for equality, but today that fight continues. There is always more work to be done to make this country a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. This Pride Month is about coming together as a community to celebrate the freedom we all deserve because everyone deserves to love who they love and to live openly and authentically, without fear of discrimination. I also want to take a moment to reaffirm my commitment to fighting for trans equality. I will always defend their right to live as who they are. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, I am proud to champion their fight for equal justice, equal dignity, and equal rights. Happy Pride Month. Gun Violence Awareness Month

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month and to honor the thousands of Americans who lost their lives to gun violence. In 2025, gun homicides killed an estimated 15,000 people. This number represents children taken from their parents, young people with bright futures stolen from them, beloved community members and so many families torn apart by the cruel injustice of an act of violence permitted by our broken policies. I know family and friends who have lost loved ones due to an act of gun violence. For them, it is pain that will live on forever. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. It is time for us all to confront this epidemic head on with long-overdue gun reform. Commonsense gun safety laws are not controversial. In fact, a majority of Americans say it is far too easy to legally obtain a gun in this country. No one should have to bear the trauma of losing a loved one to a preventable incident of gun violence. I promise you that I will fight every day to forge a better tomorrow where everyone is safe from this unconscionable harm of gun violence.

Mr. CISNEROS

Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate nine schools in my district that have been honored as California's 2026 Distinguished Schools. Congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff at California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley in Duarte; Edgewood High School in West Covina; El Monte High School in El Monte; Hollencrest Middle School in West Covina; Lone Hill Middle School in San Dimas; Mt. SAC Early College Academy at West Covina; Ramona Middle School in La Verne; Sandburg Middle School in Glendora; and South Hills High School in West Covina. The California Distinguished Schools recognition program honors public schools that go above and beyond to close education gaps, provide exemplary instruction, and innovate education systems to help create better outcomes for our students. Our students are our future, and I am so proud to see these inspiring schools receive the recognition they deserve. The students, teachers, and staff at these distinguished schools are to be commended for their dedication and hard work. I congratulate them on this tremendous achievement.