Adriano Espaillat

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, we stood here tonight to warn the American people of these massive cuts in vital programs like the Medicaid program, SNAP, and the Food Stamp program, which provides nutritional assistance to our families, as the Republican majority perpetrates a scam to provide the very wealthiest of Americans a $4.5 trillion tax cut at the expense of the health of the American people by cutting Medicaid. Medicaid is a vital program for Americans all over the United States. It is not just urban areas, but rural areas and suburban areas from the North, the South, the East, and the West of the country. Americans will be dramatically impacted by these cuts. This is not a Republican cut or a Democratic cut. It will impact people across the aisle. Republican Members have many constituents who are on Medicaid and Medicare and who receive SNAP benefits. Yet, the savings will go to the fat-cat executives and shareholders, the wealthiest in America. Mr. Speaker, we are asking for the American people to be alert of the Republican budget betrayal, that it is a life-or-death matter and puts their lives in danger by denying them the basic healthcare benefits that they are entitled to. Mr. Speaker, we stand here as one, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, to say ``no'' to this plan and to tell the American people that they are not alone and that we are with them in good times and in bad times.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, today the Congressional Hispanic Caucus comes to the floor united as one unit against this Republican budget resolution that slashes at least 1 trillion--that is right, 1 trillion with a capital T--dollars from Medicaid and other essential programs to the American people, to working-class families, to seniors, and to children, threatening 80 million individuals. This is a matter of life and death, Mr. Speaker. It is a matter of life and death for our communities. At the very least, 20 million Latinos, about one-third of our folks, rely on Medicaid. More than one- half of the Latinos on Medicaid are children. They depend on it. Many of them are Hispanic, and they will now have to face a precarious situation where they may get an asthma attack at school and maybe that school-based clinic is not open for those critical first minutes of aid. Many of them are diabetics, and they rely heavily on insulin, and they may not have the Medicaid coverage for insulin to save their lives. So this is a matter of life and death, Mr. Speaker. This is not just a regular bill that we do in this august body to feel good or to maybe take care of a specific issue in a particular State. This is a matter of life and death. You have Latinos with renal problems, and cardiovascular problems. High blood pressure is at epidemic levels in the Latino community. This bill, again, presents a situation of life or death for many constituents across the country and the ones whom I represent in New York's 13th Congressional District, where over 500,000 residents of that district rely on Medicaid and over 100,000 rely on Medicare. So over 600,000 of the 780,000 people I represent are either on Medicaid or Medicare. This bill presents a clear and present threat to their health and to their lives. In addition to that, Mr. Speaker, Republicans also seek to cut $230 billion in nutritional programs like SNAP and food stamps. That is right. Food stamps are being cut that currently aid 10 million Latinos, including 5 million kids. These nutritional programs are essential to their health and growth. So we are here pushing back on the cuts to food stamps. In my district, Mr. Speaker, there are over 200,000 households that rely on food stamps. If we multiply that by an average of three people per household, we can do the math, and we can see that it will devastate that community. This budget proposal by Republicans seeks to cut, again, $230 billion in nutritional programs. The $200 billion in this budget also seeks to supercharge Trump's massive deportation plan which will decimate the agricultural workforce by 16 percent and lead to increased food prices. Mr. Speaker, you can expect food prices at the cash register in the supermarket to go dramatically up. This is egregious. We are united in opposition to this betrayal, the Republican budget betrayal. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus stands at once and together in opposition to this Republican budget betrayal. CHC is committed to protecting Dreamers. Those are young people on average that have been in our Nation for over 20 years. They are nurses and teachers. They are bus drivers. They are members of the Armed Forces. They own their own small businesses, they own their own homes, and yet we cannot regularize their status. We support Dreamers. We are in support of farmworkers. They have to pick the crops and the fruits that come to our dinner table, and many of them are staying home in fear of being deported. Mr. Speaker, you can expect food prices to go up. Of course, we are in support of keeping families together. A family that is divided, when a mom or a dad is split from his or her children, that family is a weak family. They become vulnerable, and that translates into a weak nation and a vulnerable nation. So CHC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, is in support of Dreamers, farmworkers, and keeping families together. Latinos voted in favor of lowering costs and increasing wages. The budget passed last night only gives billionaires tax cuts and funds indiscriminate raids in our city, all paid for by working-class families. Again, Mr. Speaker, CHC stands with our community and rejects the Republican budget betrayal.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Chair, very often, we take very serious votes on this floor, but this vote is a deadly serious vote. This is a vote about life and death. I represent just slightly over 780,000 constituents. Out of those 780,000 constituents, 524,000 of them are Medicaid recipients, and over 100,000 of them are Medicare recipients, so over 600,000 of the 780,000 constituents who I represent receive either Medicaid or Medicare. In addition to that, there are 263,000 households that receive food stamps. This bill would put their lives and health in danger, Madam Chair. This is about life and death. As the Republican majority proposes to cut Medicaid across this country to give a massive $4.5 trillion, with a capital T, trillion- dollar cut in taxes to the very rich, who would that go to? Fifty percent of that will go to the shareholders. Forty-four percent of that tax cut will go to high-end executives. The fat cat executives are going to get this money, and working-class and even middle-class people are going to get stiffed with the cuts. This is about life and death. It is not a simple piece of legislation that we will pass. There are diabetics who will see the price of insulin go up. There are people with renal problems and cardiovascular problems. Madam Chair, this is about life and death. Vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Dreamers, farmworkers, and families. Much has been said about the immigration issues at the border. I think what has not been said is the fact that we all want to make sure that the border is more secure. There is no disagreement in that. We can work together to make the border safer, safer for children, for families, for women, for grandparents and for the communities, the border communities that many of our Members and colleagues represent. We should work together to make sure that the border is safer. However, Mr. Speaker, there is a reality in the Nation, and that is that Dreamers are young people that are teachers and nurses. They are part of our communities. They own their homes. Many of them have their own businesses. Yet, they haven't been given the opportunity to be a full part of America. Dreamers have been, on the average, in the United States for about 20 years. They have lived here. Many of them pay taxes. They haven't committed any crimes. They play by the rules. They stay within the parameters of the law. Yet, we have failed to allow them to be fully part of this American experience. We should work very hard to ensure that Dreamers are given that opportunity. In fact, 80 percent of Americans feel that Dreamers should be given that opportunity. Farmworkers, Mr. Speaker, we all know many of them aren't going to work because they are afraid they are going to be deported. In fact, 40 percent of farmworkers are undocumented, and they are not showing up at the farms. That will show up at our cash register. That will show up at our dinner table. Farmers are also a sector of the immigrant community that we should help. Prices will come down. They will be able to go to work, and we will get greater goods in our houses, in our grocery stores, and in our supermarkets. Dreamers and farmers are an important part of the immigration equation that often are left out. You would think that the only part of the immigration debate is the border. We all agree that the border should be safer. Finally, Mr. Speaker, families should be kept together. The average immigrant family has been here in the country for over 10 years. Families, if they are divided, or if a young boy or a young girl is taken away from his or her mother, that family will be weaker, and as such, our Nation will be weaker. The equation is simple. Weak families make a weak nation. Separated families become weak families, and as such, make a weak nation. Dreamers, farmworkers, and keeping families together are an important and central part of the immigration debate, which is a very broad debate that includes other topics. We all agree that the border should be safer. How is it that we cannot agree and come to a consensus that Dreamers and farmworkers are important and that families must be kept together?

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 7th Annual Dominicans on the Hill event which will be held tomorrow. It is a time for all participants to celebrate the contributions of Dominican Americans throughout the country. In fact, we have today in the gallery the Honorable Ricardo de los Santos Polanco, who is the president of the Dominican Senate, and Alfredo Pacheco, who is the president of the house. They will be with us for the next couple of days, and I want to extend the courtesies of the House so that all of us can attend this wonderful event that is being held for the seventh year in a row. Protecting Dreamers, Families, and Farmworkers

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father of the Dominican Republic, where I was born. Duarte was an instrumental person in the war for Dominican independence. He fought for the ideals of a liberal democracy after founding the nation. January 26 marks Duarte's birthday, and it is celebrated by the Dominican Republic as a national holiday. Each year, I have the pleasure of introducing a resolution that supports the ideals of Juan Pablo Duarte, and I look forward to doing it again. This is one of several bills that I will introduce to mark the beginning of Dominican Heritage Month. We look forward to the February 11 event here at the Hill, Dominicans on the Hill. In February, we will remember Juan Pablo Duarte for all of his sacrifices. ``God, Homeland, and Liberty,'' ``Dios, Patria, y Libertad.''

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 5. I rise in opposition to S. 5 because the bill is redundant. In fact, the provisions in this bill to penalize those who have committed violent crimes are already included in the penal code. So this legislation is redundant. What it does do, in fact, is it would force ICE to treat minor offenses as violent ones. That includes, of course, a child caught stealing a candy bar from Walmart, someone who jumps the turnstile in a New York City subway or takes a box of cornflakes because they otherwise have no way to make ends meet. It also sends a chilling effect out there amongst law-abiding families and workers who are too frightened to show up to their shifts at farms, hospitals, businesses, and schools across the country. Mr. Speaker, this bill is redundant, and, frankly, the Laken Riley family should not be subject to the political theater that is about to happen here today. In fact, we should be looking at this issue to fix the problems of both the border, but also to regularize Dreamers, farmworkers, and keep families whole. At the end of the day, Dreamers are productive. They contribute to our society. Farmers need their workers, and we need their workers. Families need to stay together because families that are divided are weak families, and that makes a weak nation. So this is a redundant bill. While they are targeting the immigrant communities for stealing a candy bar, the folks from January 6, get this, Mr. Speaker, were released. Felons were released and sent out to our communities. Today, I think of Officer Daniel Hodge whose gas mask was ripped off his face as he was punched in the face and was stuck in between two doors. America saw the film. America saw the video of him crying for help. Today, we will continue to fight for sanity and against any political theater that happens here on our floor.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I was not present to vote today on Roll Call No. 509, H.R. 115 due to an unforeseen matter. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 509.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I thank, of course, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, for her leadership in getting 296 Members of the House to sponsor this bill. That is way under Roberto Clemente's batting average, but it is still a great number. Of course, I also thank our ranking member, Maxine Waters, and Chairman Patrick McHenry for their collegiality and support of this measure. Long before the Latinization of baseball, long before we enjoyed seeing players from many Latin-American and Caribbean nations on the diamond play, there was the great number 21, Roberto Clemente, and that is why today I rise in support of H.R. 6751, the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act. Roberto Clemente was a baseball icon and trailblazer, breaking barriers as the first Latin American inducted into the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players of all time. We have heard about the 15 All-Star Games, and we have heard of his MVP winning years. He got his 3,000th hit on his last at bat before he unfortunately passed on a mission to Nicaragua. Clemente was much more than a baseball star. He used his platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality as he played throughout the Jim Crow South. In fact, Clemente and many other MLB players protested the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by not playing the first two games of 1968. He fought for justice not just here in the United States but abroad as well. Clemente's dedication to service extended beyond the baseball diamond. As a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve, he exemplified discipline, leadership, and pride, earning the rank of Private First Class. Perhaps most inspiring was his humanitarian work. During his off seasons, Clemente would host free baseball clinics for underprivileged kids, giving aspiring players an opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise. He also delivered aid to numerous Latin American countries, including his hometown in Puerto Rico. Tragically, he lost his life on New Year's Eve 1972 while on an earthquake relief mission to Nicaragua. It was a selfless act that defined his legacy. In his honor, Major League Baseball established the Roberto Clemente Award. Given annually, it recognizes a player who best exemplifies baseball's sportsmanship and community involvement. It has been given to many, many baseball greats. This bill pays tribute to Clemente's unparalleled contributions, making him the first Afro-Latino and Puerto Rican featured on a commemorative coin. Proceeds from the coin will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Roberto Clemente was a humanitarian, a civil rights advocate, a baseball legend, a marine. By passing this bill, we honor his life, legacy, and enduring impact on the world. Let's remember number 21. Let's remember the great one, Roberto Enrique Clemente Walker. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this extraordinary measure.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of a trailblazing Olympic fencer, Peter J. Westbrook, who unfortunately passed away this weekend. To keep her son off the tumultuous streets of 1967 Newark, Peter Westbrook's mother, Mariko, enrolled him in fencing class, where his natural talents were fully realized. In 1984, he became the first Black American to win an Olympic bronze medal in fencing. Throughout his career, he won countless competitions and is recognized by many athletic halls of fame. One of his greatest achievements, Mr. Speaker, was the opening of the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which allowed him to introduce Black and Latino youth to the fencing world, including my own family, which was touched by him. The foundation provides fencing lessons, academic assistance, and opportunities for marginalized youth. The foundation has produced seven Olympians. Just this year, Lauren Scruggs, a foundation alum, made history by becoming the first Black woman to win a gold medal in the Olympics in fencing. Peter Westbrook left an incredible legacy in the fencing world. He was an icon and trailblazer and changed the lives of countless youth. He will always be remembered in my household, New York City, and the country.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the life, legacy, and work of Clementine Pugh, a dear and distinguished friend of my predecessor, The Honorable Charles B. Rangel. As a strong believer in the power of knowledge, she demonstrated the importance of learning and expanding educational opportunities for women and African Americans throughout our great Nation. On June 20, 2015, at Harlem's historic Riverside Church, family and community gathered to memorialize Clementine's life and contributions to opening our minds to the importance of culture, honesty, and knowledge. On April 11, 1925, Clementine was born to Alberta and Otho High in Raleigh, North Carolina. She attended Shaw University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She began her career as a psychiatric social worker, moving on to becoming a public school teacher and, eventually, a professor at Hunter and Lehman Colleges of the City University of New York. After 20 years of service at Lehman College, she was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Education. She earned a Master of Social Work degree in 1949 from New York's Columbia University and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1982. For her teachings, she was awarded the prestigious title of Professor Emeritus of Education. Clementine vividly strived for honesty and understanding. She made it her duty to present others with the awareness she obtained. Her tireless effort to engage, enjoy, and educate people touched the hearts of every person she met. A woman ahead of her time, Clementine Pugh tackled the many realms of ``isms'' including racism, sexism and classism. Her life was devoted to acknowledging and improving how these systems affect African American people. With her remarkable resilience, my predecessor, The Honorable Charles B. Rangel, is proud to have called Clementine and her husband, G. Douglas Pugh, dear and very special friends. I know that Clementine's legacy will live on for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me as we pay tribute to such a treasure to our community. I pledge to continue to carry out her tradition of provoking thought and feeling for all who have lost their way or simply need to be reminded of who we are, what we come from, and how we can overcome any obstacle.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, today is the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, and we honor the family, friends, and loved ones whose lives have been taken far too soon by violence. I rise in recognition of one of my constituents, Jackie Rowe-Adams, cofounder of Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., who has dedicated her tireless efforts to ending gun violence and murder in communities across my district. Gun violence has become far too prevalent in New York City and in communities around the Nation. It is undeniably a national crisis. Today, we remember those lost to homicide. We honor their memories and uplift their loved ones. Far too many lives in my district have been lost to gun violence and far too many families have been impacted. Congress must come together now and work toward a future where gun violence no longer plagues America and we can keep our communities safe. I thank Jackie Rowe-Adams for everything she does for us.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Chairman Bruce Westerman, Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, and of course, the gentlewoman from New York, my colleague, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez, subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany, and subcommittee Ranking Member Joe Neguse for their leadership on this important matter. Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse went to Rucker Park, and he shot a mean three-pointer. In fact, he earned the name ``Let It Fly,'' Joe Neguse, over the summer. I also acknowledge the families and community leaders who have championed this cause: the Rucker family, the Marius family, the McCullough family, Bobby Hunter, who was here in one of the hearings, a Harlem Globetrotter, Freddie Crawford, 155 Entertainers LLC, and so many from Harlem, including Manhattan Community Board 10 Parks Chair Horry. I thank them for their unwavering support and dedication in preserving Holcombe Rucker Park's legacy. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 6852, the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act. This legislation is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a commitment to recognizing the historical and cultural significance of one of Harlem's most cherished landmarks. In the 1950s, Holcombe Rucker, a World War II veteran and a scholar, had a vision for Harlem's youth. He sought to create a space where children of the Harlem community could find refuge from the street, a space that could not only showcase their athletic talents but also push young people toward higher education and economic mobility. The Rucker Pro League was not just about basketball. It was about giving back and about mentorship, about lifting each other up. The ``Each One Teach One'' program was Rucker's mantra, a motto that resulted in over 700 scholarships for young athletes. Through his leadership, Rucker transformed the lives of hundreds, instilling in them the importance of academic achievement and community service. This park has become a cultural institution where the worlds of sports, music, and education converge. A generation of athletes like Julius ``Dr. J'' Erving, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have graced the court. Beyond the fame, the real legacy of Rucker Park is in the scholarships, the mentorship, and the opportunities of upward mobility it has created for Harlem's youth. The bill we are considering tonight will grant Federal recognition to Holcombe Rucker Park, helping to preserve this sacred space for future generations. It ensures that Rucker's commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and community empowerment is enshrined in our Nation's history. The recognition will highlight its historical significance and ensure its legacy is preserved. In closing, let me emphasize that this bill isn't just about a historical basketball court. It is about honoring a man who used basketball as a tool for social change, for empowering young people, and for building a brighter future for his community. It is about continuing the legacy of resilience and empowerment that Holcombe Rucker started decades ago. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6852. Let's honor the history, the culture, and the transformative impact of Holcombe Rucker Park.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, due to an unforeseen matter, I was not present for one vote on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and one vote on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 403, and YEA on Roll Call No. 419.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, September 11 serves as a reminder to each of us and our allies across the world, across the planet, of the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans. It also serves as a reminder of our strength as a nation to stand united in the face of terrorism. Yes, 23 years ago, we remember and will never forget the lives lost that fateful day as we witnessed the strength and bravery of individuals who sacrificed everything to help their fellow New Yorkers, colleagues at the Pentagon, and fellow passengers and crewmembers of United Airlines Flight 93. We remember, Madam Speaker, Port Authority Police Officer Bruce Reynolds, who raced from the George Washington Bridge south to the towers to give his life in support of New Yorkers. Today, we honor him with Bruce's Garden in Inwood, along with 22 other members of the Inwood community who were either raised or lived in that community and gave their lives on that fateful day. We remember Yamel Josefina Merino, a 24-year-old emergency responder who raced down to the southern tower to try to help people and was one of the first victims of that attack. Since 2001, we have worked to increase the benefits for those who have been affected in the aftermath. I am a proud cosponsor of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, which will provide additional funding to the program that provides treatments to 9/11 responders and survivors. September 11 is a solemn day in our Nation's history. It brought our Nation together. We remember how churches in my district had processions in the street. Thousands of local residents participated. We have heroes from Harlem, East Harlem, the Bronx, Washington Heights, Inwood, and Hamilton Heights who gave their lives for our Nation. While 23 years have passed since the attacks, we remember and mourn the lives we lost and reflect on the sacrifices and heroism of our first responders, and we vow to never forget. I know many young people who were not there on that day perhaps have forgotten or the memory has faded. We will never forget the heroism of the men and women who gave up everything for our country, for democracy. We will never forget 9/11 and cannot ignore the magnitude of emotion and remembrance as we reflect on the lives of survivors, their families, and first responders. May God continue to bless our 9/11 families and first responders, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Dr. Segundo Armando Gonzalez Tamayo. He played a vital role in shaping the history of the Dominican Republic. Dr. Tamayo was a distinguished cardiologist and a committed patriot during a pivotal moment of that country in its fight for democracy. He was elected as vice president in the first national elections after the fall of the Trujillo dictatorship. His service alongside President Bosch in 1962 to 1963 symbolizes a time of great hope and transformation for the Dominican people. Though their tenure was cut short by a coup, their legacy remains. Dr. Tamayo's life was defined by service to his country, to medicine, and to democracy. We must remember his contributions. Mr. Speaker, his life's work continues to inspire all of us, and I want to thank his family, Dr. Patria Gonzalez, his daughter, and my good friend, Fernando Oliver, and their children for sharing this story with all of us.

Mr. ESPAILLAT

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. These policies should be debated in a different context on a different bill. However, I will debate this since the Congressman is addressing the issue. Wearing a mask can help lower the risk of virus transmission and can save lives. Here we go again. Since 2021, according to the CDC, we have lost over 1.2 million lives in these United States due to COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, we lost over 7 million people across the globe. People are still contracting the disease. As of this past April, there were 22 million active cases. Vaccines and masks are for the safety of self and others. COVID-19 and other viral illnesses significantly impact and strain our hospital and healthcare workers. We have come a long way in protecting ourselves against COVID. We have more tools now to combat the deadly disease. However, creating a law that would limit our use of health mandates is shortsighted. Congress' health mandates are guided by the recommendations of our very own Attending Physician who coordinates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under this amendment, agencies would be limited in which tools they could use to ensure the health of Members, staff, and visitors, our own constituents who come to the campus in the face of a pandemic. This amendment undermines public health and our ability to ensure the safety of our Capitol complex for all of us. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chair, this is the way government should work. I agree with the chairman, and I join the chair and rise in opposition to this amendment. At a time when international conflicts are on the rise, it is vital for America to lead and spread democracy. In fact, for 25 years, the Congressional Office for International Leadership has sponsored political and civic leaders of participating countries to exchange democratic best practices and encourage mutual understanding. In 2023, COIL brought 532 rising leaders from 24 countries to these United States, facilitated meetings with more than 100 congressional offices, and showcased 62 American communities in 37 States, Mr. Chairman. Eliminating this program is another attempt to divide us further and prevent our country from doing what it does best, leading by example. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. Isolation is not a political tool that should be exploited at this time when we face international conflicts, and they are on the rise. Mr. Chairman, I am glad that we are both on the same side on this issue.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise again to oppose this bill. This bill contains many, many poison pills and partisan riders that are unnecessary--really unnecessary--and aim to do more harm than good. In addition, I am disappointed the bill, as currently written, does not include bipartisan language that has been supported by both sides of the House for years to allow the legislative branch agencies to employ individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA. An overwhelming majority of Americans support the DACA program. Let me remind you, Mr. Chair, that 75 percent of Americans favor permanent legal status to noncitizens who came to the United States as children. Moreover, 85 percent of DACA recipients already participate in the labor force. It is unconscionable that we will not allow them to work in the legislative branch. Let me remind you that during the pandemic, more than 200,000 Dreamers stepped up to the front line and served as essentials workers to provide fellow Americans with important goods and services, including medical care, educational instruction, food, and more. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to the committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would include language permitting the funds in the act to be used to employ individuals with employment authorization documents under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of the amendment. Mr. Espaillat moves to recommit the bill H.R. 8772 to the Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment: At the end of the bill, before the short title, insert the following: Sec. __. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an entity may use amounts appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act to pay the compensation of an officer or employee without regard to the officer's or employee's immigration status if the officer or employee has been issued an employment authorization document under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program of the Secretary of Homeland Security, as set forth in the Department of Homeland Security's August 24, 2022 final rule entitled ``Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals''.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chair, in closing, let me repeat: The legislative branch bill should not be the place for divisive politics. It should be used solely to ensure Congress has the tools that it needs to legislate and support the constituents we all serve. It should be used to ensure we have a successful democracy through effective and responsible governance. The majority, again, is obsessed with cutting Federal funds and eliminating vital programs that help to grow and diversify our country. Passing these partisan bills is a complete waste of time. I don't agree with these divisive ideas and partisan tactics. I believe we can do and should really do much better. For these reasons, I cannot support this bill. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer), a member of the Appropriations Committee.