Ruben Gallego

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, today I missed a vote on final passage of H.R. 4366--Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2024, because of the birth of my child. Had I been present on the House Floor, I would have voted NO. As a combat veteran myself, I believe it is our duty and responsibility to ensure all veterans are provided the care and resources they have earned. This year, however, I would not have been able to vote for this bill in good faith. Speaker McCarthy allowed the most radical members of his party to hijack a bill meant to support our veterans. House Republicans passed amendments that do the opposite, including provisions that restrict access to medically necessary gender-affirming care, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, and eliminate efforts to combat climate change. Although there were dozens of amendments that I would have opposed, I want to highlight 5 where I would have cast the following individual votes: 1. NO on Ogles Amendment No. 2, which would transfer $3 million from NATO's Security Investment Program to the Spending Reduction Account at the end of the bill. 2. NO on Greene Amendment No. 3, which would cut the $73 million increase in funding for the NATO Security Investment Program. 3. NO on Greene Amendment No. 34, which strikes funding for the Office of Resolution Management, Diversity, and Inclusion. 4. NO on Bost Amendment No. 35, which prohibits the VA from using funds to submit a beneficiary's name to the NCIS list based on VA's appointment of a fiduciary. 5. NO on Roy Amendment No. 40, which prohibits funds in this act from being used to carry out President Biden's climate change executive order. Instead of passing bipartisan legislation that treats ALL veterans with respect and honor, House Republicans chose to discriminate against those who have sacrificed so much for our country. This is a major step backwards, and I cannot support this bill.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I missed a vote on Amendment No. 10 to the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, because of the birth of my child. Had I been present on the House Floor, I would have voted AYE. The amendment strikes Section 546, which weakens the current training requirements for people applying for airline transport certificates. The 1500 Hours of Pilot Training Time Rule is a critical piece of aviation safety for both passengers and crew. Allowing for additional simulator time in lieu of real-world, in-flight experience unnecessarily degrades air safety standards. For that reason, I oppose Section 546 and support Amendment No. 10.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, today I missed a vote on H. Con. Res. 57, Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel, due to the birth of my child. Had I been present on the House Floor, I would have voted YEA in favor of this resolution. Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East, and remains a crucial partner in combatting terrorism, countering Iran's malign influence, and promoting democracy in the region. I firmly and indisputably reject efforts to question Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and will continue to strongly advocate on behalf of a stronger U.S.-Israel relationship.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, today I missed a vote on final passage of H.R. 2670--National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 because of the birth of my child. Had I been present on the House Floor, I would have voted NO. As a combat veteran and a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, helping to develop the NDAA is one of the most important parts of my job. This year, however, I would not have been able to vote for this bill in good faith. While I voted in favor of reporting H.R. 2670 out of the House Armed Services Committee, Speaker McCarthy allowed the most radical members of his party to hijack what was a bipartisan effort to protect our Nation and support our troops. Instead, House Republicans passed amendments that do the opposite, including provisions that restrict access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, and eliminate efforts to ensure that Americans from all communities that want to serve know they will be supported and succeed. Although there were dozens of amendments that I would have opposed, I want to highlight 5 in particular where I would have cast the following individual votes: No on Jackson Amendment No. 377, which seeks to reverse the Defense Department's policy that safeguards access to abortion and other reproductive health care. No on Rosendale Amendment No. 194, which seeks to prohibit coverage of gender-affirming care through TRICABE. No on Norman Amendment No. 30, which seeks to prohibit gender- affirming care for dependents through the Exceptional Family Member Program. No on Norman Amendment No. 1464, which seeks to ban the pride flag from Defense Department facilities. No on Boebert Amendment No. 1386, which seeks to prohibit Defense Department schools from having books that espouse ``radical gender ideology.'' Instead of passing the bipartisan annual defense bill that I supported in Committee, Speaker McCarthy chose partisan politics over national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to address these harmful provisions through the Conference process.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and applaud the life and work of Mr. Roberto Reveles. Throughout his career, Mr. Reveles has served tirelessly as an advocate for Latinos and Arizonans both at home and on Capitol Hill, and I would like to express my gratitude for his service to our state. Mr. Reveles grew up in Miami, Arizona and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Following his graduation from Georgetown University, he has had a successful career, including here on Capitol Hill, as a champion for civil rights and immigration reform. Mr. Reveles was the president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, founding president of Somos America/We Are America, and co- founder of Unidos en Arizona. In 2006, he helped to lead a march of 200,000 people, the largest in state history, to the Arizona State Capitol in protest to H.R. 4437, which would have made it illegal to offer any kind of aid to an undocumented immigrant. Mr. Reveles is a compassionate and principled activist and serves as a mentor and role model for young Arizonans and Latinos to this day. He has dedicated his life to serving others and working towards improving the communities that he calls home. At 90 years old, he continues to be active and engaged in organizations and issues in Pinal County and throughout the state. I am inspired by Mr. Reveles' steadfast commitment to social justice and know that his legacy will live on in the robust advocacy organizations and movements that have flourished in Arizona, standing on the shoulders of his work.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a friend and proud Marine, Zach Benjamin Merrill. I served with Zach in Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, as part of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. We were among the survivors of a 7-month tour where our battalion suffered among the worst casualties of the conflict. During the chaos of war, Zach showed immense courage and selflessness in responding to enemy action. Unfortunately, the war followed Zach home. On March 23, 2023, at the young age of 37, he passed away after a courageous battle with Leukemia caused by the toxins we were exposed to in Iraq. Even as he fought his final battle, Zach always made everyone around him smile, regardless of the circumstances. Zach's legacy is that of service, honor, and sacrifice. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, and the hearts of every Marine he served with. I am praying for his wife, Andrea, and his children, Zachary, Julien, and Jaden. Zach was cherished by those who knew him and will be deeply and sincerely missed. May he rest in peace. Semper Fidelis, Zach Benjamin Merrill.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, on March 24, 2023, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 161 in opposition to the so-called Parents Bill of Rights Act, H.R. 5. The bill is just another example of extremist attacks on public schools. It does nothing to meaningfully support the engagement parents already have with their children's education and imposes unfunded and burdensome mandates to already underfunded schools. It sows unnecessary distrust in educators and librarians and will only lead to more teacher shortages and book banning. Further, there are specific provisions that would make already marginalized children feel less safe. It requires school staff to ``out'' trans and queer youth, even if it would put that child in great personal danger, and it prohibits school mental health professionals from doing a mental health evaluation without active parental consent, even if that means delaying lifesaving intervention or if the child is experiencing abuse in their own home. This harmful bill puts politics and extremist, right-wing talking points over parents, students, and educators. That is why I am opposed to H.R. 5.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of former Navajo Nation President Peterson Zah, who passed away on March 7, 2023. Peterson Zah served as Chairman of the Navajo Nation from 1983 to 1987 before serving as the Navajo Nation's first elected President from 1991 to 1995. Zah graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in education. He was committed throughout his life to making a difference in Navajo people's lives, particularly through creating higher education opportunities for Native Americans at ASU and other institutions. The President was recognized for his work in education with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Indian Education Association and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Servant Leadership Award. As leader of the Navajo Nation, Zah focused on government accountability and established the Navajo Nation Permanent Trust Fund. Chairman Zah's impact on the Navajo Nation will be remembered for many years to come. His humility, compassion, and commitment to bettering his community have served as an inspiration for many. I extend my deepest condolences to President Zah's family and join all those who knew him in commemorating his service and leadership. President Peterson Zah was cherished by those who knew him and will be deeply and sincerely missed. May he rest in peace.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of the Honorable Jack C. Jackson, Sr., who passed away on March 5, 2023. Jack C. Jackson, Sr. served as a member of the Arizona Legislature as well as a Navajo Nation Council delegate. Jackson was born in Leupp, Arizona on the Navajo, and went on to become an educator at Window Rock High School and Dine College. Jack strongly believed in the importance of education for Navajo children. Throughout his time in both the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate, he was a tireless supporter of tribal educational institutions and helped establish Arizona Indian Legislative Day, an opportunity for Arizona's 22 tribal governments to make their voices heard. Jack was a strong advocate for the preservation of Dine culture, language, and traditions for future generations of the Navajo Nation. Jack C. Jackson, Sr. has had a tremendous impact on the Navajo Nation and Arizona. We are all better for having experienced his leadership and wisdom. I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Jackson's family and join all those who knew him in commemorating his lasting contributions. He tirelessly fought for his community, and his legacy will live on as an inspiration to us all. Jack C. Jackson, Sr. was loved by those who knew him and will be deeply and sincerely missed by the Nation he served so honorably. May he rest in peace.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one-n-ten, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. I am incredibly excited to celebrate this wonderful organization and their outstanding work supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in my community. Since its founding, one-n-ten has been helping LGBTQ+ youth learn self-acceptance, leadership, and life skills so that they can reach their full potential and be the future community leaders Arizona needs. Thanks to one-n-ten programs, these youth have found a space to come together, support one another, and learn from each other. The organization also provides critical social services for LGBTQ+ youth in Arizona, including housing programs, wellness programming, and workforce readiness classes. I have long advocated for full and equal rights for LGBTQ+ people, and one-n-ten is an invaluable ally in this mission. I'd like to thank everyone at one-n-ten, including Executive Director Nate Rhoton, for their tireless work supporting Arizona's LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in the decades to come. Again, congratulations to one-n-ten on a remarkable 30 years and I look forward to seeing how they continue to positively change our community.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of the Honorable Mel Hannah, who passed away this week. Mel was a lifelong Arizonan, civic leader, and friend and mentor to many. He will be greatly missed. Mel was born and raised in the small town of Winslow, Arizona. After high school, he earned a scholarship to play football at what would become Northern Arizona University. While traveling through the South for football games, Mel experienced the realities of segregation--being denied a room at the hotel where his white teammates were staying. Mel's experience with segregation, as well as President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty campaign, inspired him to get involved in politics and activism. He went on to become the first African American member of the Flagstaff City Council and to serve on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. He later moved to Phoenix where he worked in the administration of Governor Fife Symington and was Director of Community Outreach and Job Development at the Greater Phoenix Urban League. More recently, he served as Chair of the Arizona Secretary of State's Advisory Council and was a charter member of the Arizona Commission of African American Affairs. Mel's life and career embodied his commitment to civic engagement which he defined as, ``what we do to make lives better.'' For him, that meant serving and empowering low-income, rural, and minority communities. I trust that current and future generations will continue to be inspired by Mr. Hannah's life to get involved in the betterment of their communities. I offer my deepest condolences to Mel's family and friends.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. First off, the bill is a win for servicemembers, providing a 4.6 percent pay raise, increased funding for basic housing allowances, and improved women's healthcare. The bill also authorizes a range of critical provisions to address strategic challenges from China and Russia. We provide $6 billion for the European Deterrence Initiative, $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, all of which is much-needed support for Ukraine and our NATO allies and partners. As chair of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, I am proud of the bipartisan work of our subcommittee members, including historic reforms to the defense intelligence enterprise, Special Operations Forces, and our approach to the issue of civilian harm. The bill authorizes up to $50 million to support NATO Special Operations Headquarters, an effort that will improve relationships among Special Operations Forces of NATO countries. It also establishes an oversight framework for information operations, ensuring that Congress is notified no later than 48 hours after DOD approves a new military information support operation, and the bill delivers on our commitment to address civilian harm.

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, it requires the establishment of a civilian protection center of excellence and provides $25 million to implement the civilian harm mitigation response plan. Finally, and more importantly, I thank my subcommittee ranking member, Trent Kelly, for his contribution to this bill and his strong bipartisan work. I also thank my subcommittee staff, Shannon Green, Craig Greene, Will Braden, and Patrick Nevins, and, of course, my MLA Michelle Shevin- Coetzee and defense fellow Charlie Juhl. Mr. Speaker, it is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Native American Connections, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1972, what once was a small grassroots organization that focused on Native American men and substance abuse has blossomed into an operation of 21 sites throughout Phoenix. What once was just a focus on substance abuse, Native American Connections expanded its reach to affordable housing, health, homelessness, Native American healing and many other projects that affect over 10,000 individuals and families each year. Native American Connections especially takes pride in their community development resources and projects that strengthen the Native American Community and helps celebrate the rich cultural history that is so essential to America today. Through the organization's core values of empowerment, integrity, stewardship, spirituality, and others, Native American Connections has been able to positively affect the lives of countless people and families for 50 years. Their mission of ``Improving the lives of individuals and families through Native American culturally appropriate health, affordable housing, and community development services,'' has not only been accomplished but continues to do so. I would like to again congratulate Native American Connections on a remarkable 50 years and look forward to seeing how you change the world next.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Neighborhood Ministries, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1982 by Kit Danley, who remains President of the organization today, Neighborhood Ministries has continuously aided the Phoenix community from the day it opened. The organization has found success in broadening its reach through four crucial programs. Those programs are Neighbors at Work, Neighborhood Family Services, Neighborhood Spiritual Development, and Education for Life. These programs focus on at-risk youth and young adults in obtaining employment, providing families with the basic needs of life, creating opportunities for people to explore their faith and spirituality, and education assistance in pursuit of providing an educational and mentoring support system. Neighborhood Ministries through their core values of Incarnational Love, Leadership Development, Work of Justice, Community, and many others has been able to effect ``whole generations of families [that] have forever been changed by being shown a way out of the cycle of poverty that grips most urban communities,'' in its 40 years of existence. I would like to again congratulate Neighborhood Ministries on 40 years of faith and service.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amigos Block Watch, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this month. Amigos Block Watch was formed by a group of community members in Phoenix who work together to minimize crime in their neighborhoods. For 25 years, Amigos Block Watch has hosted community meetings where individuals can voice their concerns or questions, helping provide resources from community action officers and keeping the Phoenix City Council informed. Amigos Block Watch also hosts events that bring the community together, building a more inclusive city. They are also active in using their social media to promote educational and work opportunities for residents, while continuing to encourage those in the area to get involved and stay updated on impactful safety issues. For so many years, Amigos Block Watch has been ensuring everybody feels safe in their community. They have lived up to their message of ``One Neighborhood, One Family''. Their community efforts continue to provide free resources and support to those in need, and they continue to advocate for the members of the community while never backing down from the fight to create neighborhoods where all feel safe. I would like to again congratulate Amigos Block Watch on their 25th anniversary. I hope Phoenix has this incredible organization for decades to come.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my and Senator Lujan's bill, the PAVA Program Inclusion Act. This bill is based on a simple principle that every American should have equal access to vote, no matter where they are from. S. 3969 makes a long-overdue fix to the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access program to improve voting access for Native and rural voters with disabilities in Arizona, the Four Corners region, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The PAVA program was first passed 20 years ago to break down barriers that Americans with disabilities face while exercising the most sacred right of all Americans, the right to vote. This program improves ADA compliance at polling locations, voting procedures for blind or deaf Americans, and training for poll workers to help Americans with disabilities cast their votes. Unfortunately, due to an oversight in the original Help America Vote Act, voters with disabilities in the Northern Mariana Islands and in the rural, largely Tribal Four Corners region of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado were not included in this critical program. That means for years, Americans with disabilities living in these regions have not received the investments they need to ensure they can access the ballot. That is especially hard in northeast Arizona, which is largely Indian Country, where voters already often travel hours to get to the polling location, sometimes to find that it is not accessible to them. That must change. This bill is a necessary step to bring resources to Native and other rural voters with disabilities who are trying to do their civic duty. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, to vote ``yes'' and reaffirm the importance of voting access to everyone in our democracy.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Phoenix Indian Center, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Founded in 1947, the Phoenix Indian Center is the oldest American Indian non-profit organization of its kind in the United States. Originally established to help Native Americans who traveled to downtown Phoenix to sell arts and crafts to support their families, the non-profit has successfully expanded its services to offer exemplary employment, education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement services for urban Native Americans. Additionally, the Phoenix Indian Center has continuously achieved its goal to ``keep families intact and help them maneuver through difficult situations they may encounter.'' By implementing their core values of integrity, accountability, adaptability, and respect, the Phoenix Indian Center has established resources such as job preparedness workshops, youth services, housing assistance, scholarships, and many others that have positive impacts throughout the Native American community. For 75 transformative years, I thank the Phoenix Indian Center, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish next for our community.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr. on 45 years of preaching at the First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Stewart's leadership, faith, and advocacy have inspired generations of Arizonans, and I want to express my gratitude for his service to our community. Dr. Stewart is the Senior Pastor at First Institutional, where he has served since 1977. Since moving to Phoenix, Dr. Stewart has tirelessly worked to help Arizona's most vulnerable populations and fought to bring justice to all in the state. He was instrumental in the passage of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Arizona and founded FIBCO Family Services, Inc. in 1986. Through the values of service, respect, integrity, empowerment, and diversity and inclusion, FIBCO Family Services works to, ``provide people with knowledge, skills and support to transform and empower their lives.'' The services they provide include food and clothing distribution, affordable housing, immigrant and refugee support, and health care. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Stewart has had numerous academic achievements, won awards and accolades, and published several books. He has served as a beacon of hope and integrity. I'd like to again congratulate Dr. Stewart on 45 years of preaching at First Institutional and thank him for over four decades of service and leadership to the Phoenix community.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Circle the City. By recognizing health care as the first step to empowerment and independence, Circle the City is an invaluable community partner in addressing homelessness in Phoenix. Founded by Sister Adele O'Sullivan, CSJ, MD, Circle the City opened the first medical respite center for people facing homelessness in Phoenix in 2012. Today, Circle the City operates two medical respite centers, two outpatient health care clinics, and four mobile medical units. The COVID-19 pandemic increased homelessness in Phoenix dramatically and made providing health care to underserved populations more important than ever. Circle the City rose to the challenge, providing vaccinations to the hardest to reach individuals. As climate change continues to worsen extreme heat in Phoenix, Circle the City has been working to help people experiencing homelessness prevent and heal from heat exhaustion and dehydration. I would like to offer my deepest thanks to Circle the City for their work providing health care to a population that is too often overlooked. I congratulate them on a decade of service and look forward to helping them achieve another 10 years.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Barrio Cafe. Since 2002, Barrio Cafe has been a Phoenix institution, serving up world-renowned Mexican food and promoting Mexican American arts and culture. Barrio Cafe was founded by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza and her business partner, Wendy Gruber. Chef Silvana grew up in the Central Valley of California, learning to cook at her grandmother's side and in her family's bakery. Since opening Barrio Cafe, she has been featured in Sunset Magazine, Esquire Magazine, and Food Network's Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, and she has been a finalist for the James Beard Award. Now, she is mentoring the next generation of chefs and small business owners. Chef Silvana is also a community leader in her own right. She has tirelessly advocated for the rights of all in Arizona and has worked to feed those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership and vision have transformed a stretch of 16th Street into `Calle 16,' a hub for local economic development, flourishing with Mexican art, murals, culture, and food. For 20 years, Chef Silvana and the Barrio Cafe have embodied `comida chingona'. I am lucky to get to call Chef Silvana and Wendy friends, and I wish them all the best on 20 more years of Barrio Cafe.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Equality Arizona on its 30th anniversary. For three decades, Equality Arizona has been fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ Arizonans to fully participate in social, economic, and civic life. They have done this by building a diverse community of support and engaging with all levels of government. In response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Equality Arizona started in 1992 to support those living with HIV and AIDS and to repeal discriminatory laws that criminalized LGBTQ+ lives. Since then, they have continued that work in the campaigns to repeal ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and pass marriage equality. Just in the past year, Equality Arizona has helped pass non-discrimination ordinances in Glendale and Tolleson, both of which are in my district, and in Mesa and Scottsdale. I cannot wait to see the great work they will do over the next 30 years. I would like to congratulate Equality Arizona on their 30th anniversary and thank them for their tireless efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community in Arizona and across the country.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Yolanda Collazos Kizer. Yolanda was a small businesswoman, community leader, mother, friend, and mentor to many. Yolanda had a passion and skill for business and together with her husband, Aaron Kizer, founded Casa Unlimited--an airport retail enterprise with stores at Phoenix Sky Harbor and airports across the country. Not just concerned with her own success, Yolanda served as Chairwoman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce where she mentored other small business owners, students, and Chamber staff. She also spearheaded programs to bring economic development to the West, support rural businesses, and support small businesses development training. As Alumni of Arizona State University, Yolanda and Aaron were founders and supporters of the Los Diablos Alumni Association which provides tuition assistance, mentorship, and professional development to ASU students. Yolanda believed strongly in the power of women, small business, and the Hispanic community. Her presence in Phoenix will be greatly missed. I offer my deepest condolences to Aaron, their children, Joya and Nicolas, and everyone who knew and loved Yolanda.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Honoring Our PACT Act--overdue, desperately needed legislation providing care for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances while serving their country. I am especially grateful for the provisions in this bill that provide healthcare to veterans harmed by burn pits. When I was in Iraq, exposure to burn pits was an everyday, constant fact of life. Too many veterans--my dear friends from Lima Company 325 and other marines--are sick from that exposure with respiratory diseases, cancer, and other chronic conditions that young men should not be having right now. Too many veterans live in fear that their next doctor's appointment will reveal an illness that--in addition to harming their health--could drive them into bankruptcy because the VA refuses to care for them. I am one of those people who does have that fear. Every day we go without fighting for those veterans is a choice to let down those who have sacrificed most for our Nation. We will not let them down today. Madam Speaker, I am proud to vote for this bill on behalf of my fellow veterans, and I urge all my colleagues to join me in doing so.