Joe Garcia

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, in the Judiciary Committee today, we will be considering an immigration enforcement bill that is as controversial as it is downright dangerous. While the Senate is working in good faith towards real immigration reform, some of my colleagues continue to push partisan legislation that does nothing to fix our broken immigration system or get us any closer to real reform. If my colleagues will indulge me, I'd like to say a few words in Spanish. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) In the Judiciary Committee today, we will be considering legislation that is as controversial as it is dangerous. It would give unprecedented powers to local police, essentially giving them the same authority as immigration officials. While the Senate continues to work toward a compromise, some of our colleagues continue to offer legislation that does nothing to protect our national security, does nothing to grow our economy, and does nothing to fix our immigration system. We cannot allow a handful of Members of Congress to play politics instead of taking seriously the goal of passing immigration reform. Hoy, en el comite judicial, vamos a considerar legislacion que es tanto controversial como peligrosa. Le daria poderes sin precedentes a la policia local, esencialmente dandole la misma autoridad de agentes de inmigracion. Mientras que el Senado continua trabajando hacia un compromiso, algunos de nuestros colegas siguen proponiendo legislacion que no protege nuestra seguridad nacional, no ayuda a crecer nuestra economia, y no arregla nuestro sistema de inmigracion. No podemos permitir que algunos congresistas jueguen politica en vez de tomar en serio la meta de pasar una reforma migratoria. Our Nation cannot afford to play partisan politics. Now is the time for real immigration reform.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my disappointment that the DHS Appropriations bill provides $68 million in funding for 287(g)--a redundant, controversial immigration enforcement program. I will be offering an amendment later today to cut $10 million from this unnecessary program and use those funds to increase CBP staffing at our nation's airports. I would like to express my frustration that the legislation we are considering today, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, provides $68 million for the 287(g)--a superfluous and controversial program that allows local police to act like federal agents. It does not make any sense to waste $68 million on a program that will not help us fix our immigration system nor secure our country. Because of this, today, I will be proposing an amendment that will cut $10 million from this program and use that money to increase the number of customs agents in our airports. This would reduce long lines and unacceptable delays, promoting commerce and tourism and furthering our economic recovery.

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to increase by $10 million the funding for Customs and Border Protection staffing and to decrease by $10 million the funding for the controversial 287(g) immigration enforcement program. At a time when our economy is just starting to pick up steam, this amendment is intended to promote trade, travel, tourism, and investment through our Nation's airports and ultimately support our economic recovery. As the busiest airport in the United States for international flights and the Gateway to the Americas, Miami International Airport is a vital economic engine for south Florida and our country. Unfortunately, MIA has been among the worst hit with inadequate Customs and Border Patrol staffing levels. On the worst peak travel days, we have over 3\1/2\ hours of waiting time, and sometimes up to 800 missed connections. If we want to continue being the top destination for foreign investors, for immigrants, for tourists, for visitors, and for business people, we need to ensure we have adequate CBP staffing to handle our growing number of visitors. While these personnel shortages are especially acute at MIA, these delays are prevalent at international hubs throughout the country, impeding the trade, travel, tourism, and investment that we need to fuel our economic recovery and create jobs. This amendment seeks to reduce the funding of the section 287(g) program to enable the increase of funding for CBP staffing. This immigration enforcement program has been controversial and criticized for many years and has been made increasingly redundant by the development and expansion of other questionable programs, like Secure Communities. While this appropriations bill provides $68 million in funding for 287(g), that amount exceeds the request from the Department of Homeland Security by $44 million, that is, a $44 million increase over the request. Both the Major Cities Chiefs Associations and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have expressed strong concerns about section 287(g)'s program, which undermine's public safety and diverts limited law enforcement resources, and exacerbates fear and distrust in our communities. And if that wasn't enough, other immigration enforcement programs like Secure Communities have replaced the need for 287(g), and yet we are continuing to fund a practically defunct program. I believe these funds are better spent in promoting American commerce at our Nation's airports and invigorating our economy. I urge my colleagues to support what I think is a very sensible and important amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, like most Americans, there are few things that I enjoy more than a Sunday tailgate with friends and family. Football and the NFL are an intricate part of our nation's cultural and social fabric. Football is America's favorite sport because it is exciting to watch, but that excitement--the clashing of helmets and tackles--takes a terrible toll on the bodies of our nation's athletes and on their families. A recent study from the American Academy of Neurology found that NFL players are four times more likely than the general U.S. population to die from Alzheimer's or ALS.1 This is only the latest piece in a body of evidence showing that the risks of repetitive head impacts, if not properly treated, can be severe and irreversible. The scientific research, which shows a link between concussions and long-term injury to NFL athletes--is incontrovertible. And so, I call upon the NFL to do everything in its power to protect its athletes and warn them of long-term dangers to their mental and neurological well- being. Far too many of our nation's favorite athletes have paid a terrible price for the brain trauma they sustained while playing in the NFL. After taking his own life last May, Junior Seau, a former Miami Dolphin and one of the top linebackers in NFL history, was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive and debilitating disease associated with repeated head trauma. When asked whether the game the whole family loved was worth it, Seau's oldest son Tyler tearfully replied: ``I'm not sure. But it's not worth it for me to not have a dad. So to me, it's not worth it.'' While the NFL has taken some positive steps regarding the safety of current players, we need it to take the necessary action to mitigate the risks of debilitating brain injury. Last season we saw high-profile players being sent back onto the field immediately after sustaining concussions. This is unsustainable and unfair to athletes and their families. It is also unfair to taxpayers. As a 2008 congressional research services report revealed, when our athletes cannot afford to address their injuries, the cost falls upon the taxpayers. The NFL has the power not only to give these former players and their families the care and support they deserve, but also to ensure that the game is safer for future generations. As a Member of Congress, and most importantly, as a football fan, I ask that the NFL make use of that power.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word and enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Georgia, the ranking member of the committee.

Mr. GARCIA. The President's budget request included $3.6 million for the Special Operations Boat Docks in Key West, Florida. These improvements will help ensure that the Special Forces Underwater Operations School, which trains more than 300 servicemembers and conducts support training for troops preparing for deployments, can continue to meet its critical role in our Nation's defense. The Appropriations Committee recommended no funds for the project. As I understand it, the subcommittee made that recommendation with no prejudice against the boat dock project. Having determined that the Army had sufficient military construction funds available to complete the project without additional appropriations, the committee recommended no additional funds to undertake the project. I yield to my friend from Georgia to ask if it is a fair characterization of the committee's recommendation.

Mr. GARCIA. I thank the gentleman, and I look forward to working with him. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. King of Iowa

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, there are few things Americans enjoy more than watching Sunday football with their friends and family. But the excitement of football, the clashing of helmets, the tackles, can cause long-term health damage to our Nation's athletes. Last May, Junior Seau, a former Miami Dolphin and one of the top linebackers in NFL history, sadly took his life after battling a debilitating depression associated with repeated head trauma. Last season alone, we saw high profile players sent back into the game immediately after suffering concussions. This is unfair to athletes, their families, and it is also unfair to taxpayers since they pick up the cost when these athletes can no longer afford the cost of their injuries. The NFL has the power to ensure that the American pastime--this American pastime--becomes safe.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 144. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Teacher Mr. Eugene David Zoller who is retiring this year after 47 years in public and private school classrooms as an exemplary and inspirational teacher of Social Studies. Eugene Zoller attributes his calling as a teacher to the influence of his mother Dorothea Donahue Zoller, his aunt Josephine Donahue, and his Grade 8 teacher, Sr. Joan Bernadette Davis, a sister of Notre Dame de Namur. He started his teaching career in the Massachusetts public schools and continued his teaching in 1985, until his retirement in 2013, at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami, Florida, which I am proud to proclaim as my high school alma mater. In 28 years at Belen Jesuit, Mr. Zoller has been the lead Teacher of Civics and Honors Civics, Faculty Advisor of the National Junior Honor Society, Director of the Patriot Program, Organizer of the Miami-Dade County Court and Jail tour, Chaperone of the Overseas Study Program trip to Russia, Chaperone of the Close Up program, Supervisor of the daily posting of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald in the Central Patio, and honored by Nova Southeastern University with the Cervantes Award and Univision as a Maestro Especial. Mr. Zoller immortalized the Pan con Lechon Booth at the Belen Tombola dedicated to raising money for the school's scholarship program. With honor, unwavering commitment, and love of country, Mr. Zoller has nurtured in his students a fervent patriotism for the United States of America. The Belen Jesuit community of students, parents, teachers, and alumni consider Mr. Zoller one of the pillars of our school and I eagerly add my name to the legions that admire and appreciate his service to God, Country, and Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary program that has touched the lives of thousands of young people across South Florida, and continues to shine a light on the importance of engaging our youth in programs that can help support and guide them. For almost two decades, the South Florida After-School All-Stars has provided year-round programs to at-risk youth in successful efforts to better steer and empower our young people. This organization started as a summer camp servicing less than 50 students in 1997, and has since grown into a full-service program reaching over 4,000 students a year. With programs in fields ranging from health to scholastic achievement, this organization has managed to engage young people with increasingly varied interests and continues to reach them in meaningful ways. The South Florida After-School All-Stars serves as an exemplar organization for youth engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our community's admiration, respect, and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of students and teachers that came together to make a great and lasting impact on the South Florida community, and continues to shine a light on the cause for environmentalism and the pivotal role our young people can play in promoting such. For over a decade, the Leewood K-8 Center has been a school commemorated for its successful efforts in educating and empowering young people of South Florida. This school has consistently taught students through both in and out of the classroom experiences, and has most recently been named one of five nationwide grand prize winners of the Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition by Samsung. Leewood was chosen for its inception of a sustainable garden project, and has not only engaged our youth in infinitely meaningful ways, but has done so towards the betterment of our community and beyond. Leewood K-8 Center serves as an exemplar institution for innovation towards a more sustainable future and youth activism, and has undoubtedly earned our community's admiration, respect and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gifted man whose work in the arts and the advancement of human rights and peace in Latin America, specifically in the Republic of Colombia, is truly making a difference. Jorge Celedon is an innate artist who sings music rooted in the desires and efforts of the Colombian people who seek peace in their homeland. His 20 year career as a singer has been recognized with multiple awards, including a Grammy Award in 2007 for his album titled ``Son para el Mundo.'' While achieving success as a recording artist, Jorge's music career has helped fuel his charitable work. Recently, he worked closely with United for Colombia, a non-profit organization based in Colombia and Washington D.C. to help the victims of mine explosions. Thanks to Jorge's efforts, many children in Colombia are now enjoying open spaces free from dangerous land mines. In honor of his outstanding music career and dedication to peace in one of the world's most beleaguered regions, I ask that we recognize Jorge Celedon for his commitment to making the world a better place.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary person who has touched the lives of countless young people across South Florida, and continues to shine a light on the cause of empowering our youth through better guidance and support. For almost three decades, Joel Furnari has served as the Athletic Director at South Dade Senior High School in Homestead, FL, and has continued to impact the lives of student-athletes both on the field and off. Mr. Furnari was sure to make a holistic impact on South Dade, doing everything from bringing the school to have a top Athletic Department, to helping many student-athletes enter college. As Mr. Furnari prepares to retire, he is commemorated for his dedication to our youth, and the great and lasting impact he has made on the South Florida community. Mr. Joel Furnari serves as an exemplar person for serving and enriching the lives of others, and has undoubtedly earned our community's respect and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization of extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to bettering the lives of others, and continue to shine light on the pivotal roles health care professionals play in our communities. Since its inception in 2011, the Dominican Health Care Association of Florida has served as an outstanding organization in the Dominican, Floridian, and health care communities. Comprised of health care professionals with ties to the Dominican Republic, this organization not only accentuates unique health care issues faced by both providers and patients today, but particularly issues faced by such persons of color. Focusing efforts on everything from advancing goals of Dominican health care professionals to informing health care reform in Florida and beyond, this organization has continually worked towards the betterment of the experiences and lives of increasingly diverse and eclectic members of our communities. The Dominican Health Care Association of Florida serves as an exemplar organization for health care advocacy and community engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our community's respect, admiration, and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of women who have worked tirelessly towards the advancement of human rights in Cuba, and continue to shine a light on an imperative cause for freedom right in our backyard. For the past 10 years, the Ladies in White has served as a leading pro-democracy organization of the Cuban human rights movement. Known for being white-clad in symbolization of peace, the women of this organization are all relatives of political prisoners and have remained steadfast in their fight for freedom. They are renowned for their weekly, non-violent, silent protests, and just yesterday received the Salcharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in an award ceremony delayed eight years because of oppressive travel restrictions. The women of the Ladies in White continue to fight with courage and dignity for the betterment of the lives of the millions of people who call Cuba home, and have undoubtedly earned our profound respect and admiration.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary person who has made incomparable use of poetry as a canvass for activism and exaltation, and remains a mantel of inspiration for the innumerable people who encounter his work. Known for his poetic ingenuity and having served as the inaugural poet at the 57th Presidential Inauguration, Richard Blanco joins the ranks of venerated artists and activists as Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. As the first immigrant, first Latino, and first openly gay person to serve in said role, Richard remains a beacon of hope for increasingly diverse individuals in our community and beyond. Further, as an alumnus of Christopher Columbus High School and Florida International University, Richard serves as a special source of delectation for the millions of people who call South Florida home-- many of whom I represent. Richard Blanco continues to grace the world with his unparalleled artistic vision, poetic genius, and social consciousness, and has undoubtedly earned our profound respect and admiration.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary organization that has touched the lives of innumerable people in South Florida, and continues to shine light on the economic, educational, and social issues many Latino Americans face. For over three decades, Mexican American Council, led by Maria Garza, has served as an organization dedicated to bettering the lives of Mexican American migrants otherwise facing great adversity in their communities. This organization started as a organization serving South Dade County, Florida, and now serves as a national model for serving members of the Latino community. Focusing on everything from raising Mexican American cultural awareness to providing scholastic and scholarship assistance to children of farmworkers, Maria Garza and the Mexican American Council have managed to assist community members encountering increasingly varied obstacles and continues to reach them in meaningful ways. Under the leadership of Maria Garza, the Mexican American Council serves as an exemplary organization for social service, cultural inclusion, and community engagement, and has undoubtedly earned our respect, admiration, and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary organization that has consistently worked to better the South Florida community and the lives of the countless people who call it home, and continues to shine a light on the cause for environmentalism, sustainable living, and conservation. For over a decade, the South Florida National Parks Trust has worked to support South Florida's national parks and to perpetuate the livelihood of our landscape and wildlife. This organization has directly bettered our community through its support for South Florida's four national parks, and indirectly through its promotion of community involvement and environmentalism. The work of the South Florida National Parks Trust allows members of our community to visit better- preserved parks today, and helps to ensure our children continue to have the opportunity to visit parks tomorrow. The South Florida National Parks Trust serves as an exemplary organization for conservation and environmentalism, and has undoubtedly earned our community's admiration, respect, and gratitude.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a courageous woman whose work on behalf of the advancement of human rights has inspired millions around the world and continues to shine a light on the cause of freedom just 90 miles from our shores. For over 10 years, Yoani Sanchez has documented the realities of life in Cuba through her blog, Generacion Y, and drawn worldwide attention to Cuba's civil society. Her riveting accounts detailing human rights violations and other injustices have earned her praise and recognition throughout the world. She has been named as one of Time magazine's ``100 Most Influential People in the World'' and won the prestigious El Pais 2008 Ortega y Gasset Prize for Digital Journalism. Yoani stands as a beacon of hope for Cuba's future, and her strength in the face of incredible odds has earned our community's profound admiration and respect. If my colleagues would indulge me, I would like to say a few words in Spanish. Es un gran honor reconocer la valentia de Yoani Sanchez quien es una fuente de inspiracion para los millones alrededor del mundo que buscan la libertad y los derechos humanos. Yoani estara con nosotros aqui en el Capitolio la semana que viene e invite a todos mis colegas que vengan a conocerla para aprender sobre las realidades de Cuba y rendirle un homenaje a ella y la causa de los derechos humanos.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization that has been making a difference in my community for nearly a century. Since 1916, the YMCA of Greater Miami has been bringing people together from all walks of life and serving as an agent of unity in South Florida. The YMCA of Greater Miami provides programs--child care, sports, before and afterschool care, aquatics, day camps, teen programs, adult fitness and senior programs--in 4 family centers, 3 preschools, and over 60 elementary and middle schools, and park locations throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Its mission is to enrich the lives of the communities it serves. The Greater Miami YMCA also keeps young people off the streets by providing them with opportunities to get involved in sports. I am proud of the great work that the YMCA of Greater Miami is doing in South Florida and especially pleased to learn of the opening of its new family center in South Dade. For its record of service to our community and the impact it has on the lives of young people, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the YMCA of Greater Miami.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Equal Pay Day because we are a stronger Nation when our sons and daughters get equal pay for an equal day of work. As the proud father of a teenage daughter, I know that children deserve to have a fair shot at success, regardless of their gender. When a woman in south Florida is paid 86 cents for every dollar paid to a man for the same job, it creates a yearly gap for women of almost $6,000. That's real money. It's nearly a year of groceries, 5 months of rent, 30 months of gas. And so, in this new century, with so many women serving as heads of households and women being a critical part of our economic success, it's time we close the gender pay gap once and for all and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Mr. GARCIA

Mr. GARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History Month. This celebration is so important because it provides us with an opportunity to recall the many ways in which women have shaped our Nation's history. It provides a time to reflect on their fight to achieve equality but also the work that remains to ensure that we are a society where our daughters have the same opportunities as our sons. During this month, I can't help but to be reminded of the countless women who have had an indelible impact on our Nation's history. My home state of Florida was the beneficiary of the tireless work of one such woman, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. A writer, journalist, environmentalist, and feminist, Ms. Douglas lived a life of purpose and resolve until she died at the age of one-hundred and eight. Among her many worthy endeavors, was her tireless advocacy for the Everglades. With her seminal work, The Everglades: River of Grass, Ms. Douglas transformed the public's perception of the Everglades from that of an inhabitable swamp, to a vital facet of South Florida's ecosystem and a true national treasure. Her work as an advocate for the less fortunate and for the Everglades continues to reverberate throughout Florida and the nation. It is women like Ms. Douglas who make the United States what it is today. Their commitment to their communities and to their country continues to bring our Nation closer to realizing the ideals on which it was founded. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate the women who have shaped our history, I remind my colleagues that while the month of March may come to an end, the fight for equality continues for our daughters, sisters, and mothers.