Raúl Grijalva

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez) for the time and to Ranking Member Westerman. I am proud to represent the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Arizona's Third District. We both call southern Arizona our home. The Yaqui people are an integral and historic part of the fiber of southern Arizona, reflecting our history, our cultures, and our people. H.R. 4881, the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act, will take a 30-acre parcel of land into trust for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the area known locally and to the Tribe as Old Pascua community. As the gentlewoman from New Mexico outlined in her comments, as well as the ranking member, this was the initial focal point for the Yaqui people as they fled persecution. While some families relocated to this new land base, many families remained in the Pascua Village community, known as Old Pascua. At the time in 1921, it was an isolated area outside the community and outside of Tucson, but things have grown out around them. I think the Yaqui community in Tucson, Arizona, considers Old Pascua not only the formally recognized area for the community but also a sacred site for the Tribe. Before receiving Federal recognition and a formal reservation south of Tucson, many Pascua Yaqui families called Old Pascua in Tucson their home. Today many families still call Old Pascua home, yet they continue to fear losing their Yaqui knowledge, culture, history, and traditions due to the encroachment of the growing city of Tucson. Other areas of concern for Yaqui families include the lack of ownership for sacred, cultural, traditional, and religious grounds. The Tribe has worked tirelessly to ensure that they take care of their Tribal citizens. Earlier this year, as Mr. Westerman outlined, the State of Arizona and the Tribe negotiated a State compact. This compact included gaming activities in the Old Pascua community to promote the Tribe's governmental operations, cultural and religious activities, job creation, increased Tribal housing, social and community services, healthcare, and educational facilities. The Tribe has worked tirelessly with the State of Arizona, the city of Tucson, and the county of Pima to address their concerns, and have entered into an intergovernmental agreement supporting the legislation and the land transfer. Since this agreement, the State has negotiated a compact that reflects that agreement and approved it, and the Department of the Interior has approved it. H.R. 4881 is a bipartisan bill that will raise the Tribal standard of living, improve system coordination and integration of service delivery, and promote the ongoing transmission of Yaqui knowledge, culture, history, and traditions for future generations. This bill is a bipartisan bill. It merits the support of all Members, and I would add that it is for the people in southern Arizona an extension of a reality and a confirmation of something that already exists.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, as stated before, today marks the first day of National Native American Heritage Month. I want to thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico, the chair of the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples of the United States, Ranking Member Westerman, and Ranking Member Young for putting a package together for Congress to vote specifically on significant bipartisan pieces of legislation that deal specifically with Indian Country. I think it is noteworthy and symbolic, and as you see these pieces of legislation, very much necessary. I want to extend my thanks to all of them for that. While it is a time to celebrate the histories and achievements of Native Americans in this country, it is also a time for Congress to fully recognize the trust and treaty obligations the U.S. Government owes to Tribal governments and to indigenous people in our country. Ensuring equity for Tribal healthcare entities is an essential part of the Federal trust responsibility, which is the reason that I am proud to sponsor H.R. 5221, the Urban Indian Health Confer Act. The accessible and culturally competent healthcare services that Indian Health Services provides to Tribal communities are critical to ensuring their well-being. As stated by the chairwoman, over 70 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives began seeking healthcare outside of Tribal jurisdictions in our cities and nonreservation communities across this country. Urban Indian Organizations, UIOs, were created to fill that gap. Today, IHS supports 41 of these programs that offer vital medical services, including dental care, mental health support, optometry services, and social services, such as nutrition, education, and home healthcare. Although UIOs have been recognized as critical components of the Tribal healthcare system, they continue to experience parity and recognition of purpose and the attention that they deserve for the services they provide to indigenous people and the family services they provide to nonreservation Native people across this country. At the Department of Health and Human Services, only IHS maintains an obligation to confer with UIOs regarding any healthcare policy changes that may affect urban Indian communities. This issue became glaringly obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Department excluded UIOs in the vaccine rollout discussions, leaving urban Indian communities among the last to receive vaccine allocations through their local urban Indian centers. As a Member of Congress who represents a UIO, the Tucson Indian Center, I am grateful for their essential work to keep Tribal communities safe and healthy, especially as we go into a post-COVID-19 pandemic era. H.R. 5221 will establish direct lines of communication between UIOs and the Department of Health and Human Services so that UIOs have a seat at the table for all relevant Tribal healthcare policy changes. Ensuring that UIOs achieve equity at the Department is sound public health policy and upholds the U.S. Government's Federal trust responsibility to Indian Country. H.R. 5221 represents a much-needed change. Madam Speaker, I urge the quick adoption of this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, my amendment will direct $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility for the operations and maintenance of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI). This is in addition to, and separate from, the funding that currently exists for the long overdue repairs to the IOI. The International Outfall Interceptor is the infrastructure that transports wastewater from Sonora, Mexico and Arizona to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. The IOI pipeline covers approximately 8.5 miles. Under a 1944 water utilization treaty, Mexico can treat water in the United States. The International Border and Water Commission is tasked with managing international infrastructure negotiations and operates the Nogales International Sanitation Project. On average, 92 percent of the water treated daily at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant is from Mexico and 8 percent from the surrounding community. Unfortunately, due to damage and aging infrastructure, the International Outfall Interceptor needs costly and urgent repairs. Wastewater constantly emerges from the IOI and pollutes surrounding rivers and streams. Rains carry the polluted stormwater into Nogales, Arizona and exposes downstream populations to extraordinary public health risk. In 2017, I called on the Governor of Arizona to commence the Disaster Declaration process for the State of Arizona to secure immediate federal assistance to remedy and prevent raw sewage exposure to Arizona residents. Every year during the monsoon season the health of residents along the Arizona southern border are put at risk, due to this ongoing issue. While Arizona residents are very familiar with this issue, other communities along the United States--Mexico border experience similar health risks due to similar issues. The IBWC recently awarded a contract to initiate the urgent repairs of more than 5 miles of the deteriorating pipeline using existing funds from the $34.2 million IBWC has already allocated. My amendment further directs $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility to sustain the operations and maintenance of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI). This has been an ongoing international issue that impacts the safety and well-being of communities across Southern Arizona. In the past, Senators and Member of Congress on both sides of the aisle of the Arizona delegation have collaborated to remedy the situation. I would like to thank the Chairwoman and the committee for their work on this bill. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this amendment, and I would urge all my colleagues to support this amendment. We must finally find a solution to protect the health of residents along the United States--Mexico border.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a friend, not only to myself, but to his colleagues and to this country. I rise today to honor United States Army veteran, Alexander Lofgren. Alex served the veteran community on behalf of my office in Arizona's Third Congressional District. Born March 10, 1989 in Exeter, California, he spent many years of his life traveling and living in different states as his father served in the military. Alex followed in his father's footsteps and joined the military in 2011. He served as a Combat Engineer in the Army and only months after he joined, he was deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. During his service in the Army he lost 4 friends, who we also honor today. SFC Bobby L. Estle, PFC Jose O. Belmontes, 2LT David E. Rylander, and SPC Junot M. L. Cochilus. After being honorably, medically discharged in October 2014, Alex began his studies at Arizona State University. He graduated with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Anthropology. Shortly after graduating, he worked at the Crisis Response Network where he did case management answering calls of veterans in crisis and helping them with immediate crisis intervention. He later served on then-Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema's Veteran's Advisory Council and Legislative Committee. In July 2019, Alex joined our District office in Tucson, AZ through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program. Alex worked as a constituent services representative helping local constituents resolve issues with federal agencies, serving as a liaison to local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), and attending local events and meetings on behalf of my office. Alex loved his plants, enjoyed nature, golf, greenhouses, cooking, and local coffee and donut shops. He was an avid photographer and always on an adventure that often included enjoying time with his partner, Emily, and their dogs, Gunner, Jane, and Nora. Alex had visited over 20 national parks. He was passionate about using outdoor activities as a means of helping other veterans and embraced the activities and serenity nature had to offer. Tragically he passed away on April 4, 2021 in a visit to Death Valley National Park. We find comfort in knowing that Alex spent his last days doing what he enjoyed alongside a person he loved. We have no doubt that his heroic actions during the hike that ended so tragically helped keep his partner, Emily, alive until search and rescue brought her to safety. I want to thank the community from Tucson and beyond for the outpouring of support during these difficult months, as well as the National Park Service and other federal and local partners who deployed every available resource to locate Alex and Emily. To know Alex was to know someone who had boundless energy for life and who was focused on making a difference in the lives of others. His loss has left a void in the hearts of his colleagues and his family. He will forever be a part of our family, and my heart is with his parents, Joe and Ruth, and his loving partner Emily. Our Nation has lost a hero. I am thankful to have known Alexander Lofgren.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Luis Carlos Moll, Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona, for his election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (The Academy.) The Academy was created in 1780 and serves to honor leaders in various fields. Previously elected members include Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Martin Luther King, Charles Darwin, and Dr. Fauci. This year, new members include Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Maria Hinojosa, and Oprah Winfrey. The Academy also includes an ``Education'' section, to which Dr. Moll has been elected in 2021. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Dr. Moll remembers his early experiences with school as extremely difficult. At the age of 15 he moved to Los Angeles with his mother and grandmother. Later in life he would often begin one of his prodigious talks by recollecting this move from his native Puerto Rico and would famously say, ``As soon as I stepped onto U.S. soil, I became a minority.'' His profound ability to recognize social inequity are emblematic of his enduring concern for deeply understanding the circumstances that shape lives and how these can impact educational futures. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and served for three years, including six months in Vietnam. After his military service he returned to study at Cal Poly, graduating with a B.S. in 1972. He went on to earn a master's degree in psychiatric social work from the University of Southern California. During his studies at USC he worked with Latino families at an East Los Angeles mental health clinic. He enjoyed the work, and later applied to the doctoral program in educational psychology at UCLA. Prior to his earning his PhD, Dr. Moll completed a PreDoctoral Fellowship at the Institute for Comparative Human Development at Rockefeller University in New York. In 1986, Dr. Moll joined the faculty of Language, Reading and Culture at the University of Arizona (VA). Dr. Moll has dedicated his career to the study of language acquisition and bilingual education, primarily in Latino students in the United States. His scholarship attests the value of transdisciplinarity, as his main research interest is the connection among culture, psychology, and education, especially as it relates to the education of Latino children in the U.S. Among other studies, he has analyzed the quality of classroom teaching, examined literacy instruction in English and Spanish, studied how knowledge is produced in the broader social contexts of household and community life, and, in collaboration with teachers, attempted to establish pedagogical relationships among these domains of study. He has focused much of his work on the application of Vygotskyan theory to understand the processes of language acquisition and learning in general for Latino children in the U.S. Furthermore, Dr. Moll is highly recognized for the development of the ``Funds of Knowledge'' theory, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Arizona. His extensive work has a central theme: educators must uncover and utilize the social, cultural, and linguistic processes of diverse communities as the most important resources for producing positive educational change. This powerful message has helped educators in Tucson and around the world ``see'' Latino families with respect and with appreciation for the wealth of resources they have accumulated as a result of living their lives. Dr. Moll has changed not only entire disciplinary fields, he has also changed lives. In collaboration with his colleagues, Dr. Moll excavated the rich relationships, knowledges, and histories of the local Tucson community. Their collected work on the Funds of Knowledge available to families in Latinx communities is one of the most impressive research efforts in the anthropology of education ever. They are a constant source of findings and insights that address questions not just about what is missing from poor and immigrant children in school, but also what resources they have and what resources they bring to the classroom. The concept of Funds of Knowledge continues to be one of the most significant theoretical developments in the fields of anthropology, education, and psychology. As a result of a lifetime of outstanding mentorship, his work continues to be utilized and expanded by new generations of educators and researchers throughout the globe. Dr. Moll's scholarship has evolved and traveled across sectors--early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary contexts--and many regions of the world, including Spain, the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, South America, and Mexico, as well as all over the United States. Dr. Moll's publications are often used in research focusing on education, language acquisition, literacy, the production and value of knowledge, and transnationalism to name a few. Most importantly, Dr. Moll's academic endeavors have always been centered on social and educational justice for minority families, children, and youth and as such it has been used to generate policy and educational strategies that prioritize the well-being and best practices for said populations. Simply put, his legacy to the fields of education, psychology and language studies in general is remarkable. He has served on the editorial board of several journals, including the American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Literacy Research, and Mind, Culture, and Activity. Among his honors, he was elected to membership in the National Academy of Education (1998), named a Kappa Delta Pi Laureate (2013), and to the Reading Hall of Fame (2014). He was also named Fellow (2009), received the Presidential Citation Award (2010) and the Palmer O. Johnson Award (2011), all from the American Educational Research Association (AERA). He also presented the 2009 AERA Brown Lecture. He became an academic counselor, friend, and family to most people he interacted with. Thanks to Dr. Moll many of his students, around the world, are continuing his legacy as educators, professors, and researchers. Dr. Moll currently lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Ana. He has two children, Carlos and Eric.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the budget resolution and reality that is before us today. This resolution provides relief to the American people that has been needed and required for over a year. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi, leader Hoyer, whip Clyburn and, of course, Chairman Yarmuth for the fine work he and his committee did in preparing this resolution to respond to the urgency before the American people. As we have seen in the Natural Resources Committee, the effects of the pandemic, COVID-19, have been devastating to many populations across this country. It has particularly and severely impacted indigenous people and Tribes across this country disproportionately, four times higher than the national average in people that have been infected, and the mortality rate is reflected in the same way. This resolution provides $20 billion for Tribal Governments, $5.8 billion for Indian Health Service, $900 million to assist Tribal Governments to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate programs for their communities, and provides adequate and necessary funding to Indian Health Service and providing a level of equity to the question of relief that has to be central in everything we do. In addition, at the recommendation of the House Natural Resources Committee, to ensure that we can deal with a pandemic in the making, the package contains funding for tools to limit dangerous wildlife trade and monitor wildlife-borne diseases at home and abroad. I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I thank the chairman for the time and his hard work.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, this exercise in futility that Congress is undertaking is at the behest of Republican Members of Congress. The effort to overturn the Presidential election and grant Donald Trump 4 more years is the motivation behind it. And to continue a baseless conspiracy-fueled threat to our democracy makes no sense because there is no viable constitutional or legal path to overturn the election that will make Vice President Biden and Senator Harris President and Vice President of the United States after January 20. One certain outcome of this whole process is the weakening of our democracy and the threatening of our democracy. Beginning with Arizona, Congress is being asked to chase down a rabbit hole baseless, discredited, and judicially discarded fringe conspiracy theories. Madam Speaker, for the record, let's talk a little bit about Arizona. Arizona and State and local officials did an unbelievable job to ensure that the 2020 elections ran smoothly. Mr. Hickman, the Republican chairman of the Maricopa County board, the largest county in the State of Arizona, said: ``No matter how you voted, this election was administered with integrity, transparency, and in accordance with State laws.'' Arizonans showed up to the polls in record numbers. More than 3.4 million people voted, with increases in every county, and 65 percent of all eligible voters in Arizona voted in the 2020 election. Arizonans cast their ballots up and down for Republicans and Democrats, and 11 electoral votes were granted to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris based on their victory in Arizona. That is the story. Arizonans voted in hundreds of races this year. In addition to the Presidency, these races include nine members of the State's congressional delegation that are with you--four of them, my Republican colleagues. These Members have already been seated in the 117th Congress. They do not question the accuracy of Arizona's 2020 elections to select the congressional delegation, yet my four Republican colleagues question the Presidential election. Our colleagues may say they are only asking questions and seeking to reassure voters, but let us be clear: These questions have been answered by the voters and by the courts. Rather than accepting the answers and the results of the election, they are fanning the flames of unfounded suspicion and once again creating a threat, a very real and dangerous threat to our democracy. Again, our friends do not question the outcomes of their own elections. That is because they have no reason to, just as they have no legitimate reason to question the results of the Presidential election in Arizona. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to reject this objection, to respect the will of the voters in the State of Arizona and throughout this country, and to fundamentally add some preservation to our democracy from any future damage, that this effort that we are undertaking in this House and in the Senate today does not further damage our democracy.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Colorado for yielding time. I will be very brief, Madam Speaker. There is really nothing left to say. This challenge brought by Members of this House, Republican Members from this House from Arizona and a Senator from Texas, the whole discussion today, this challenge to the 11 electoral votes that are designated for President Biden and Vice President Harris, the discussion today proves there is no merit to denying those electoral votes. There is no legal standing. The courts have proven that in Arizona time and time again. There is no precedent. There was no constitutional violation. But we are here today, Madam Speaker, because of one man and those who are desperate to please him. So what do we have to show for this process today? Fear, a lockdown, violence, and, regrettably and sadly, death, arrests, present and real danger, threats, an assault on our institution, this House, this Congress, and the very democracy that we practice here. And to what end? What did we accomplish? The reality is that the challenges will be defeated. Come January 20, President Biden and Vice President Harris will be the President and Vice President of the United States. So what have we accomplished? To further divide this Nation? To continue to fan the same rhetoric of division and us versus them? To paralyze and dismantle our democracy? Is that what we attempted to accomplish today? The mob that attacked this institution, I hold no Member specifically responsible for that madness that was around us, but we do share a responsibility, my friends, to end it. It is past time to accept reality, to reaffirm our democracy and move on. I would urge my colleagues from Arizona who filed this challenge to withdraw their challenge to this, to Arizona and to the electors that have been chosen to give their 11 votes to the winners in that election. But if that doesn't happen, then I would urge my colleagues to reject this challenge and defend all voters, defend the voters of Arizona and that democracy that we practice daily in the representation of our constituents. That is what is at stake today.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the objection.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Santa Cruz County Sheriff Marco Antonio Estrada, Sr. for his decades of public service to Nogales, AZ. The only Hispanic and longest serving Sheriff in the State of Arizona is retiring after a combined career of over 50 years in law enforcement. A native to Ambos Nogales, Sheriff Estrada was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. In December of 1944, his family immigrated to the United States and made their home in Nogales, Arizona. Sheriff Estrada grew up from humble beginnings, and his family often struggled to put food on the table. With a tremendous work ethic, drive, and self- education through avid reading, he overcame poverty. Sheriff Estrada's law enforcement career began in 1966 when he first joined the Nogales Police Department as a radio dispatcher. He continued to move up the ranks with promotions to Desk Sergeant, then serving as Captain from 1978 up to his retirement in 1991. In 1992, he decided to continue his public service career and ran for The Office of Santa Cruz County Sheriff. He was elected and sworn in on January 1, 1993. Since then, Sheriff Estrada has been re-elected for seven consecutive terms and is finishing his ``last rodeo'', as he so famously called it, with a distinguished legacy of service to Santa Cruz County. A proud immigrant himself, he always promoted the welfare of immigrants and is an advocate for the border town. One of his most notable accomplishments was the construction of a new sheriff's department and county jail named after him: ``Tony Estrada Law Enforcement Center.'' His long exemplary career in law enforcement counts mainly accolades; however, as our country currently faces tensions between communities and local law enforcement, his greatest accomplishment could arguably be the longstanding positive relationship maintained between the local law enforcement agency and its community under his leadership. As a Sheriff who made it a point, not only to enforce the law with strength, but to also enforce the law with compassion, empathy, integrity, dedication, commitment and passion; it's understandable why residents identify Marco Antonio Estrada, Sr. as a Sheriff who truly reflects the values of their small border town. Sheriff Estrada publicly defended those values and the people of Santa Cruz County against those who would demean the community. Sheriff Estrada also understood the importance of serving and giving back to his community after hours. He actively volunteers his time to many community-based organizations that include: United Way of Santa Cruz County (serving as a spokesperson for over three decades), the Boys and Girls Club, the Nogales Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, Way of the Heart Promotora Institute, Nogales Elks Lodge, is a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has always supported charitable organizations. Congratulations on a job well done and time well served, my friend. You are a hero to your family and community and an example of good policing. There will never be another Sheriff Estrada (Sr.), but the bar has been set high for The Office of Santa Cruz County Sheriff.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Santa Cruz County Sheriff Marco Antonio Estrada, Sr., for his decades of public service to Nogales, AZ. The only Hispanic and longest serving Sheriff in the State of Arizona is retiring after a combined career of over 50 years in law enforcement. A native to Ambos Nogales, Sheriff Estrada was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. In December of 1944, his family immigrated to the United States and made their home in Nogales, Arizona. Sheriff Estrada grew up from humble beginnings, and his family often struggled to put food on the table. With a tremendous work ethic, drive, and self- education through avid reading, he overcame poverty. Sheriff Estrada's law enforcement career began in 1966, when he first joined the Nogales Police Department as a radio dispatcher. He continued to move up the ranks with promotions to Desk Sergeant, then serving as Captain from 1978 up to his retirement in 1991. In 1992, he decided to continue his public service career and ran for The Office of Santa Cruz County Sheriff. He was elected and sworn in on January I, 1993. Since then, Sheriff Estrada has been re-elected for seven consecutive terms and is finishing his ``last rodeo'', as he so famously called it, with a distinguished legacy of service to Santa Cruz County. A proud immigrant himself, he always promoted the welfare of immigrants and is an advocate for the border town. One of his most notable accomplishments was the construction of a new sheriff's department and county jail named after him: ``Tony Estrada Law Enforcement Center.'' His long exemplary career in law enforcement counts mainly accolades; however, as our country currently faces tensions between communities and local law enforcement, his greatest accomplishment could arguably be the longstanding positive relationship maintained between the local law enforcement agency and its community under his leadership. As a Sheriff who made it a point not only to enforce the law with strength, but to also enforce the law with compassion, empathy, integrity, dedication, commitment and passion, it's understandable why residents identify Marco Antonio Estrada, Sr., as a Sheriff who truly reflects the values of their small border town. Sheriff Estrada publicly defended those values and the people of Santa Cruz County against those who would demean the community. Sheriff Estrada also understood the importance of serving and giving back to his community after hours. He actively volunteers his time to many community-based organizations that include: United Way of Santa Cruz County (serving as a spokesperson for over three decades), the Boys and Girls Club, the Nogales Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, Way of the Heart Promotora Institute, Nogales Elks Lodge, is a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has always supported charitable organizations. Congratulations on a job well done and time well served. He is a hero to his family and community and an example of good policing. There will never be another Sheriff Estrada, Sr., but the bar has been set high for The Office of Santa Cruz County Sheriff.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Association of Brazil's Indigenous Peoples (APIB) and their internationally respected leader, Secretary General Sonia Guajajara, for receiving the prestigious Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award from the Institute for Policy Studies on October 15, 2020. I would like to add my heartfelt congratulations for their important work in defense of the rights of Indigenous Peoples from across Brazil and protection of the many natural ecosystems that are part of Brazil's ancestral territories. APIB and Brazil's National Indigenous Movement have raised the profile of Indigenous rights issues through impressive grassroots mobilizations, such as the annual Free Land Camp, the implementation of the Indigenous Emergency Plan to Combat COVID-19, precedent-setting legal victories before the Brazilian Supreme Court, and international advocacy among influential spaces like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations. I share my special admiration for the powerful leadership roles played by many Indigenous women at both national and local levels, even with the iminent threats coming from the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro. Unfortunately, under President Bolsonaro's administration, there has been an increase of violent actions against Indigenous peoples, like the invasions into Indigenous lands, illegal exploitation of natural resources and other incidents, rising from 109 cases in 2018 to 256 last year. This also includes the threats against and killings of Indigenous leaders and Forest Guardians, like Emyra Wajapi, Paulo Paulino Guajajara, and Ari Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, among countless others. While those situations are condemnable, I applaud the work performed by APIB during these difficult times, and as they continue to create a movement of solidarity. Since 2005, APIB's presence has been essential to strengthening and unifying Indigenous peoples' demands, politics, and rights. By building and strengthening alliances with the international Indigenous movement and other social movements, APIB is contributing to protect natural resources and promoting sustainable management of lands. To conclude, I'd like to mention APIB Secretary General Sonia Guajajara's words: ``Our lives are inextricable from the natural world. The creatures of the rainforest protect us, and in turn we protect them. We are the only buffers protecting our thinning forests. Our battle is not just for the future. It's for the present.'' Thank you, APIB, for your extraordinary and essential work for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Earth.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to give me an opportunity to speak on behalf of H.R. 2420, legislation introduced by our esteemed friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano), a pioneer and a powerful advocate for Latino people in his time in this Congress. And the whole Nation, all Americans have benefited from his work, and we are all grateful for what he has done for many people in this country. I have a brief story. You will hear a lot about the statistical importance and the history that needs to be told, but I have a brief story. You know, I am a first-generation American citizen. My parents migrated and immigrated into this country with the distinct goal of giving their kids a chance. And to that end, they did. But, see, my story is not unique, nor is it, for that matter, extraordinary. It is the story that binds all the diversity of Latinos together, a shared experience and a shared demand for respect, fairness, and to be treated as equals. The Latino Museum, this vote, comes at a time of forced divisions in this country, attempts to demonize and marginalize Latinos by the highest voice in this land. Our American history and identity are also Latino history and identity and, through this history, the United States exists. Latino history, like American history, is ongoing, it is evolving, but to tell the full stories, the scars, the current wounds, the changes, the unsung leaders in all arenas, with that story also comes hope. And today and tomorrow, as we honor our great friend and leader and beacon, John Lewis, here at the Capitol, for being the person that he was, and a great American--you know, my proudest moment and privilege was to be arrested with him in a civil disobedience protest on behalf of immigrants, DACA recipients, and their families. So today, we are voting for 2420, and we are saying ``yes'' to the Latino Museum, but I think, more importantly, this ``yes'' vote by Congress is also a vote that extends respect, provides acknowledgment, provides equity, and begins to tell the story of all Americans in this country. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, my amendment will direct $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility for the maintenance of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI). This is in addition to, and separate from, the funding that currently exists for the long overdue repairs to the IOI. The International Outfall Interceptor is the infrastructure that transports wastewater from Sonora, Mexico and Arizona to the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant. The IOI pipeline covers approximately 8.5 miles. Under a 1944 water utilization treaty, Mexico can treat water in the United States. The International Border and Water Commission is tasked with managing international infrastructure negotiations and operates the Nogales International Sanitation Project. On average, 92 percent of the water treated daily at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant is from Mexico and 8 percent from the surrounding community. Unfortunately, due to damage and aging infrastructure, the International Outfall Interceptor needs costly and urgent repairs. Wastewater constantly emerges from the IOI and pollutes surrounding rivers and streams. Rains carry the polluted stormwater into Nogales, Arizona and exposes downstream populations to extraordinary public health risk. In 2017, I called on the Governor of Arizona to commence the Disaster Declaration process for the State of Arizona to secure immediate federal assistance to remedy and prevent raw sewage exposure to Arizona residents. Every year during the monsoon season the health of residents along the Arizona southern border are put at risk, due to this ongoing issue. While Arizona residents are very familiar with this issue, other communities along the United States-Mexico border experience similar health risks due to similar issues. The IBWC has finalized engineering plans and already identified an existing $34.2 million to begin the urgent repairs to the IOI. My amendment further directs $4,000,000 within the International Border and Water Commission to clarify the responsibility to sustain the maintenance and operation of the International Outfall Interceptor (IOI). This has been an ongoing international issue that impacts the safety and well-being of communities across Southern Arizona. In the past, Senators and Member of Congress on both sides of the aisle of the Arizona delegation have collaborated to remedy the situation. I would like to thank Senator McSally for championing this issue in the Senate. I would like to thank the Chairwoman and the committee for their work on this bill. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this amendment, and I would urge all my colleagues to support this amendment. We must finally find a solution to protect the health of residents along the United States-Mexico border.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Costa), the senior member of the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox), a member of the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland), who is vice chair of the full Committee of Natural Resources and chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished leader.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the process of this legislation reaching this point on the floor to be voted upon has, to those of us involved, been difficult. It has been frustrating. Yet, the possibility of it being done was always there, and that was the goal. I think the overwhelming support in the Senate for a clean bill to come to the House was bipartisan. I think today would have been--I didn't feel it was necessary to engage in the same arguments that we have been engaging about with the Land and Water Conservation Fund in particular and the backlog. This legislation is not about robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is not about taking money from the East to give to the West. It is not about denying coastal States their share. If we do transition, as we transition, which we need to urgently, to clean energy in the future, future Congresses, I think, will have the foresight to look at this legislation and deal with how we move forward with it and continue to fund it. When I went to visit Land and Water Conservation Fund sites, I went to a park in south Phoenix, the only green space and recreation area for close to 8,000 families who live in that general area, Land and Water Conservation Fund; and when I went to other locations in urban areas across this country, Land and Water Conservation Fund. That continues to be a priority for reasons of public health, equity, and access. Mr. Speaker, in a strange procedural trick of the House, we have spent this afternoon debating the Great American Outdoors Act, but the bill we refer to as H.R. 1957 began as something else. H.R. 1957 was originally a bill to protect taxpayers by ensuring fair treatment under the law. It was introduced back in March 2019 by our late friend and colleague, Representative John Lewis. Now, I can't personally speak to Representative Lewis' thoughts on conservation spending. But I do believe our late friend would be happy with the work that we have done here today and the vote that we are about to take. Representative Lewis truly believed in a government by and for the people, all the people. He challenged us to leave petty partisanship at the door and to consider the essential pursuit of justice and equity that we have long sought and failed to meet in this country. I am proud to have called Representative Lewis my friend. I am proud that we can honor his legacy with the passage of this bill. There is much work left to be done to ensure real equity and justice in the United States, and I look forward to working with all my colleagues across the aisle in continuing that work in the future. But when we come together as we have today, as the people's representatives working toward the common goal of protecting future generations, then perhaps there is hope we might see Representative Lewis' vision realized. I thank all of my colleagues who spoke on behalf of this legislation. I thank leadership for bringing it to the floor and all the members of the committee and Members not on the committee who worked very hard to bring this legislation forward. It is historic. It is important. It is necessary. And it is an essential step. I urge us to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1957. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Levin), a valued member of the Natural Resources Committee

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 1957.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), a member of the Natural Resources Committee.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Richmond).