Raúl Grijalva

Mrs. GRIJALVA

Mrs. GRIJALVA. While we celebrate this moment, today our American promise is under serious threat. Basic freedoms are under attack. Healthcare premiums are skyrocketing. Babies are being ripped away from their parents by masked agents. We can and must do better. What is most concerning is not what this administration has done, but what the majority in this body has failed to do: Hold Trump accountable as the coequal branch of government that we are. It has been 50 days since the people of Arizona's Seventh Congressional District elected me to represent them; 50 days that over 800,000 Arizonans have been left without access to the basic services that every constituent deserves. This is an abuse of power. One individual should not be able to unilaterally obstruct the swearing in of a duly elected Member of Congress for political reasons. Our democracy only works when everyone has a voice. This includes the millions of people across the country who have experienced violence and exploitation, including Liz Stein and Jessica Michaels, both survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse. They are here in the gallery with us this evening. I thank them for being here. Just this morning, House Democrats released more emails showing that Trump knew more about Epstein's abuses than he previously acknowledged. It is past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for we, the American people. We need to fight for our immigrant communities and veterans. We need to stand up for our public schools, children, and educators. We need to respect Tribal sovereignty and our environment. We need to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights because that is what the American people expect us to do, fight for them. That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files, because justice cannot wait another day. ``Forward my people. Thank you very much.'' ``Adelante mi gente. Muchas gracias.''

Mrs. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend, Congressman Stanton, for that kind introduction and to the entire Democratic delegation from Arizona and the delegation that stood here with me that has supported me throughout this process. I rise today, the proud granddaughter of a bracero, a hardworking Mexican immigrant who came to this country for a better life, and I stand as the proud daughter of a U.S. Congressman, a man who spent his entire life fighting for justice, equity, and dignity for the most vulnerable. From working as a vaquero to serving in Congress in just a single generation, that is the promise of this country. That is the America I want to raise my three beautiful children in--Adelina, Raul, and Joaquin. They, along with my amazing husband, Sol, and my wonderful Mama Ramona are here with me today. ``Thank you for your support and your love.'' ``Muchas gracias por su apoyo y tu amor.'' Thank you to ``the people,'' ``la gente'' of southern Arizona for making history, electing me as the first Latina, the first Chicana from Arizona to ever go to Congress. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``This is a historic moment for our community. It is an honor to be the first Latina to represent Arizona in Congress. Let me assure you, while I am the first, I will not be the last.'' ``Este momento es historico para nuestra comunidad. Es un honor ser la primera latina en representar Arizona en el Congreso, y les aseguro que aunque soy la primera, no sere la ultima.''

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prevent this bill from creating a situation where the agency is required to decide on permits before the applicants have had a chance to go through environmental reviews. Without my amendment, this bill will force the administration to deny permits to good geothermal projects that we should be supporting. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, this amendment says that this act cannot take effect until the Secretary certifies that the Bureau of Land Management and other Federal permitting agencies have sufficient staff and funding to actually comply with the deadlines established by this act. The tight deadlines in this bill are part of what has become the classic Republican permitting playbook of complaining that agencies don't move fast enough, gut their funding, and then impose deadlines impossible to achieve. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to impose these deadlines, let's make sure the agencies can actually do the work. Mr. Chair, I might add that that is exactly what Democrats did with the IRA. Democrats secured $1 billion for the Federal permitting offices so that they can do their jobs and they can do the jobs that are required by the IRA. It is already working. The Biden-Harris administration cut 6 months off from the median time it takes for agencies to complete environmental impact statements, a 16 percent time savings compared to the Trump administration. The Department of Energy has cut environmental review timelines in half, and the Department of Transportation has cut time by more than one-third. These are real permitting improvements, not wishful thinking like we have in this bill. That is what is dangerous about this bill, the timelines are so short that many good project proposals will get permit denials unnecessarily, not because the application couldn't pass the environmental review, but because the bill forces a decision before the review is completed. Instead of letting the applicant wait a few more days to get the review completed, the bill forces the agency to move ahead and deny the permit. This is going to set geothermal back right when we should be supporting it the most. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, my amendment consists of reasonable fixes that Republicans have previously supported. If adopted, Democrats would unanimously support the final passage of this bill. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) to address this amendment.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, this amendment, which I offered a version of at the markup nearly a year ago, would have addressed all the concerns. If adopted, I would be happy to support H.R. 1449. This amendment extends the timeline for the Department to determine permit completeness, as the Department requested in its testimony, and gives flexibility to issue a final determination on a permit when environmental review is actually complete. This will ensure permitting is done in a timely manner, in accordance with Federal law, reducing the risk of litigation and promoting responsible development. There are a few things to note on this amendment. The first thing is, for the 90-day timeline for determining permit completeness, I point my colleagues to H.R. 6011 from Republican Representative Valadao. That bill directs the Secretary to notify a right-of-way applicant, which is the permit needed for a transmission line or a pipeline to cross Federal land, that their permit is complete or not within 90 days of submission. My amendment proposes that same standard for geothermal drilling permits. For my amendment piece about flexibility, I point my colleagues to the Manchin-Barrasso permitting proposal. I have plenty of concerns with that bill, but even those Senators saw the same issues with approving or denying a permit within 30 days. That is why their bill includes the same environmental review backstop language for geothermal as is included in my amendment here. These are bipartisan and Republican-endorsed ideas. My colleagues should take yes for an answer and accept that. This amendment is a reasonable solution to the issues we raised almost a year ago and have continued to raise since. If this amendment passes, it will be a bipartisan win for geothermal and a demonstration of good-faith cooperation from the other side of the aisle. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on my amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the remarkable careers of three distinguished journalists who have recently retired from KVOA, one of Tucson's premier news organizations: Lupita Murillo, Frank Velasco, and Al Mazeika. Lupita Murillo joined the KVOA team in 1978 as a general assignment reporter, specializing in crime reporting. A pioneer in her field, Lupita was the first Hispanic female in broadcasting in South Texas before moving to Tucson. Her career at KVOA spans an impressive 46 years, during which she has garnered numerous accolades, including awards from the Arizona Press Club, United Press International, and the Associated Press. She has also been honored with several Edward R. Murrow awards and has received national recognition from the American Women in Radio and Television. Lupita's commitment to community service is exemplified by her involvement with organization such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson and Santa Cruz County, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, and the University of Arizona's Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Her dedication extends beyond the newsroom, making her a cherished member of the Tucson community. Frank Velasco has been a steadfast presence at KVOA since 1965, starting with janitorial work and rising to become the station's first official news photographer in 1973. Over his extensive career, Frank has witnessed and adapted to significant technological changes in the industry. His passion for videography and production has left an indelible mark on the station, and his creative contributions have shaped many of the station's memorable broadcasts. Frank's deep-rooted connection to KVOA is evident in his long tenure and his role in helping the station evolve over decades. Al Mazeika joined KVOA in 1975, initially as a part-time booth announcer and eventually transitioning into roles such as audio technician, technical director, and commercial producer. With nearly 50 years at the station, Al's versatility and dedication have made him an integral part of the KVOA family. Known for his engaging voice and behind-the-scenes work, Al has not only contributed to commercial production but has also made occasional on-air appearances. His enduring commitment to KVOA and his personal connection to the station, including meeting his wife Cathy through KVOA, highlight the deep ties he has with the organization. Together, Lupita Murillo, Frank Velasco, and Al Mazeika have exemplified excellence in journalism and broadcasting. Their careers have enriched the Tucson community and the field of journalism through their unwavering dedication, innovative contributions, and deep connections to their work and audience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Lupita, Frank, and Al in their retirement and life after journalism. Their legacy of service and excellence will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of journalists and broadcasters.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable contributions of Mr. Efrain Casillas, the Coordinator of Music Programs for the Tolleson Elementary School District in Tolleson, Arizona. For the past 24 years, Mr. Casillas has dedicated himself to the education and enrichment of his students, serving as a public-school music teacher and imparting his passion for music to countless young minds. Mr. Casillas' own journey exemplifies what it means to break through barriers to achieve success through dedication and commitment. Mr. Casillas has beaten the odds and was named the Arizona Teacher of the Year in 2024 by the Arizona Educational Foundation, representing the state of Arizona at the national level among many more recognitions. Mr. Casillas has had a profound impact on countless students, pioneering innovative music programs, including the district's first Mariachi, Jazz, Marching, Concert, and Latin Jazz bands. As a native of Puerto Rico, Mariachi was not part of his musical heritage, but Casillas made it a priority to learn it because it is part of the culture of many of his students who are native to Mexico. Under Mr. Casillas' guidance, the Mariachi band has secured multiple awards, including the Tucson Mariachi International Conference Choice Awards for three consecutive years. Notably, his dedication led to the Mariachi band performing at the 2024 Annual White House Easter Egg Roll event and the marching band proudly participating in the Disneyland Parade. Additionally, Mr. Casillas directed the Tolleson Elementary School marching band in the Fiesta Bowl Parade for three consecutive years. Mr. Casillas' commitment and talent have garnered numerous accolades and awards, including being named the Tolleson Elementary School District Teacher of the Year in 2015 and nominated for the Life Changer of the Year Award in 2017. He has also received the Esperanza Award from Chicanos Por La Causa and Arizona's Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards in 2018, along with the 2019 Music Teacher of Excellence Foundation Award by the Country Music Association. Furthermore, he was honored with the Music Teachers of Excellence from the Country Music Foundation Award (CMF) in 2020 and featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Mr. Casillas' dedication to music education and advocacy for public education were further recognized when he received the Phoenix Arts Hero Award in 2022. Mr. Casillas' commitment to music education extends beyond the classroom, as he is an active member of many notable and impactful organizations. He has also served as a presenter for the National Symposium of Multicultural Music at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 2004 and as a clinician for the 2024 Tolleson High School Honors Mariachi Music Festival. The highest honor Mr. Casillas has received is having many of his former students return to assist in the music program as teachers or instructors. His impact is now extending to more students. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Efrain Casillas for his unwavering dedication to music education, his outstanding achievements as a teacher, and his tireless advocacy for public education. His passion, talent, and leadership have enriched the lives of countless students and inspired us all. I join my colleagues in expressing our deepest appreciation for Mr. Casillas' contributions and in wishing him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Valdez Fimbres family who have been members of the Tucson community for generations. They held a family reunion on November 23, 2023 at the KayCee Club in Tucson, Arizona to celebrate their shared heritage, strengthen family ties, recognize marriages, and births, and honor those who have passed on. The Valdez Fimbres family currently enjoys nine generations, many living across the country, but most of them reside in Tucson, Arizona. Feliciano Fimbres, born in 1895, and Aurelia Valdez, born in 1899, were both first generation U.S. Citizens. They married on May 20, 1921, in Tucson, AZ and raised their eight children, Ernesto, Gilberto, Manuel, Carlos, Rudolfo, Maria del Carmen, Federico, and Gloria in Tucson, Arizona. The Historic American Buildings Survey of the U.S. Interior Department conducted two studies in 1980 which are registered with the Library of Congress as Fimbres House No. 1 and Fimbres House No. 2. The summary states: ``The name Fimbres has been associated with this section of South Meyer Avenue since 1881, when the City Directory lists a Santos Fimbres. The builder of this house, Feliciano Fimbres, Sr., (probably related to Santos), lived here with his family until the late 1930's Fimbres, a laborer and wagon driver, lived across the street until he built this dwelling (Fimbres House No. 1), around 1905. Feliciano and Julia Fimbres had seven children. Two of them, Julia and Gabriel, lived in the apartments that Feliciano added at Meyer Avenue in Barrio Historico/Barrio Libre.'' Julia Fimbres (the daughter), married Jesus Sanchez and lived next door at Meyer Avenue, also constructed by Feliciano Fimbres, Sr. in 1926. Jesus and Julia Sanchez died in 1959 and 1974, but their daughter, Evangelina Cota, still occupies that space with her family. The property at Meyer passed out of the Fimbres family in 1939, and has been rented by a succession of short-term tenants since that time. The dwellings were converted for commercial use after 1974 by a service agency for the handicapped.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5585 because it is redundant, it is pointless, and it does nothing to move us in the direction to deal with the real issues and the real needs that we have on the U.S.-Mexico border. To me, it is purely a hollow, shrill political campaign tactic to satisfy Trump and to move fear, division, and the underpinnings of race, if not directly, then covertly, as the central tactic of the House Republicans, and Republicans in general, in the 2024 election. That cynicism is what prevents us from doing anything legitimately in a bipartisan way that is a lasting solution to the issue of the border and the issue of immigration. I believe that if we are going to talk about a humane solution, a secure solution, and a bipartisan solution, then everyone needs to be involved. We don't need more of the same. Right now, we are not going to see any action in this House by the Republican majority on the issue of real immigration reform. What we are going to see from them is to continue to feed the fear and the anger as a campaign tactic. To them, the more chaos, the less of a solution, the less of a humane and secure response to the issue at the border, the better for them. They believe it enhances their election chances in 2024. I think the American people are smarter than that, and the compassion and the dignity of the American people is strong. We will see through this ruse. If you want to deal with immigration, if you want to begin to solve this crisis in this country, then you have to do it as a country and not as a limited, ideological position on the part of one person running for President, Mr. Trump.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRIJALVA

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this amendment. This amendment draws attention to the dubious and deceptive strategy of placing migrants on buses under false pretenses and without any coordination or even a courtesy call. Both Governor Abbott and Governor DeSantis have demonstrated that they are more interested in ginning up the MAGA base on Twitter than finding meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our immigration system, the refugee crisis both nationally and particularly in their States. Migrants are people, not political pawns. We can have disagreements over immigration policy. That is fair game. However, the dehumanizing games and political stunts need to stop. Mr. Chair, I associate myself with the remarks of the gentlewoman from New York, the sponsor of the amendment.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, again, in our view, this amendment is unnecessary, but it is not actively harmful, either. I hope we can move on. I hope that everybody is satisfied, that they got their little clips done in terms of being strong, hard, anti-immigrant people and got those little sound bites done already. I think it is time that we move on. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, this amendment is, frankly, completely unnecessary. It would require preparation and submission of an annual report in perpetuity regarding the migrants housed on certain public lands. Yet, the underlying bill would essentially ban any such housing. It is a permanent requirement for reporting on nothing, paid for by the taxpayer. Over the years, I have heard plenty of skepticism from my Republican colleagues about some of the reports that Congress requires of the executive branch. Usually, though, I can at least see the argument for those other reports, but I have to say it is interesting to see my Republican colleagues in favor of this one. That said, I don't think this amendment is worth fighting over either. Having these reports would not be useful, but it would not be actively harmful either. I only hope that House Republicans would change their minds about slashing the budgets of these departments and will instead give Federal workers the funding they need to carry out their missions, which will now also include generating these annual reports. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, in closing, we are having a debate on a piece of legislation that is not really the intent of the legislation. The intent of this legislation is to begin to continue to develop the narrative anti-immigrant, xenophobic rhetoric that the Republican majority feels is going to be their pathway to electoral success in 2024. I think the American people are going to be able to see that if you want to talk about our national parks and the public use as being the priority, Democrats are prepared to work with the Republican majority to protect them and to enhance those resources. If we are going to talk about immigration and we are going to talk in an atmosphere where the dog whistles don't become barks on this issue, Democrats are prepared to do that. We are prepared to sit down and look at the aspects of legalization, security, and fighting the syndicated crime that is causing much hurt in this country and in Mexico. We are prepared to do that, but we are not prepared to deal with this issue as a ruse, as a stunt, as a political performative act leading to 2024. If they are serious about immigration reform, if we are serious about protecting our public lands and waters, we are serious about it, too. Mr. Chair, I urge all Members of the House to vote ``no'' on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

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

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