Ruben Gallego

Mr. GALLEGO

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

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7105. This important package includes a bill I authored, H.R. 4908, the Native American Veteran PACT Act. Native people have fought in every American war since the American Revolution, more than a century before they were even granted citizenship. When I served in Iraq, I fought alongside Navajo marines, some of the best marines you will ever meet. I have witnessed, firsthand, Native communities' tradition of service to America, which is why I introduced the PACT Act, to make sure America keeps its promises to these heroes. The PACT Act would prohibit the VA from charging copays to Native American veterans. The United States Government has a treaty obligation to provide healthcare to Native Americans free of charge. Despite this, the VA has long charged Native veterans unconstitutional copayments for their care. That should end today. Now more than ever, in the midst of a health crisis that has been disproportionately affecting Native people, we need to make sure that Native veterans have access to the healthcare they are due, both as veterans and as members of Tribal nations. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important provision to uphold our trust responsibility and to vote ``yes'' on the underlying package.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I missed two votes on September 29, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 207, and YEA on Roll Call No. 208.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Humberto ``Junior'' Trujillo, who passed away July 15, 2020. Mr. Trujillo was the Phoenix postmaster for the United States Postal Service (USPS), the first Latino to hold that position. Mr. Trujillo's tenure as postmaster in Phoenix was the culmination of a career based in hard work and service. He worked for USPS for 31 years, beginning as a mail handler on the night shift and rising steadily through the ranks, as he demonstrated a commitment to excellence and passion for his work. He was sworn in as postmaster in January of 2015. It is also notable that prior to his USPS career, Mr. Trujillo worked as a mason foreman and helped construct the main post office facility near Van Buren and 48th streets that he would later go on to lead. In addition to his leadership and professional achievements, Mr. Trujillo was known throughout the community as a man of positivity, humor, and faith. His family and coworkers have spoken about his widespread impact on the lives of those around him and his dedication to coaching, community engagement and volunteering. Mr. Trujillo's story was one of success and determination, ascending through the USPS to become one of its leaders. He is a reminder of the power of hard work and confidence, and the profound impact they can have when combined with compassion and kindness. On behalf of myself, the U.S. Postal Service, and the state of Arizona, I wish to express my gratitude for the achievements of this great man.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Engel, for his comments, and I thank him for his effort to make this amendment better. This amendment includes all the Foreign Affairs Committee's edits, and it is through his leadership they were able to be tailored to the right targets. Sanctions are a tough thing to do and to get right. For sanctions to work, they need to bite. These do, but in a tailored, discrete way, thanks to the cooperation of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Financial Services Committee, and the minority. Additionally, I would like to point out something else. This amendment expands the list of activities that can be sanctioned, from pipe laying to pipeline activities. A wider set of sanctions are needed for Moscow to finish its power grab. These include site prep, trenching, surveying, placing rocks, stringing, bending, et cetera. I was actually surprised when I first heard how many activities were still allowed under the sanctions we passed in December. Lastly, I also want to thank the chairman for his tireless work to push back on the Russians in defense of our allies and to also thank him for his lifelong work and dedication to this Congress. This is critical work, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in that effort. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment that closes some loopholes on sanctions that we in the House put on Nord Stream 2 in December. It is a simple amendment. It extends sanctions to activities that are needed to finish the pipeline and companies that choose to insure the Russian ships that will likely do that work. These sanctions are necessary to ensure that the Russian Government isn't able to coerce our European friends by controlling their energy supply. We need to close these loopholes as soon as possible. Mr. Speaker, we know how Vladimir Putin operates like a two-bit gangster. He only knows corrupt power politics. And Nord Stream 2 is an attempt to increase leverage over Europe, a Europe that is and must remain whole and free. In addition to Putin's tendencies, we also know that Russia is a petrostate that really only has one industry, oil and gas. We know how Russia uses gas shipments as a power tactic. How could we forget that they coerced Ukraine with gas cutoffs just a few years ago? They have only gotten worse since then. Mr. Speaker, I know that some of our European friends oppose sanctions. They are trying to get cheaper energy for their people. I get that. But when Russians come bearing gifts, we should know better than to accept them at face value, not after Crimea, not after Georgia, not after assassinating people all across Europe, sponsoring coups, and attacking our elections. Now is not the time to be letting the Russians off the hook. Vote ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kinzinger).

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 1154.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 95th birthday of George Washington Biggs, and recognize his service as a veteran of Army Air Corps and Air Force. As a Tuskegee Airman and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he is an exemplary American and Arizonan to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. A native of Nogales, Arizona, Mr. Biggs joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and trained at the Tuskegee Institute, the all-black flight training school in Alabama. He was one of two Arizonans to graduate from the program. After training during World War II, Mr. Biggs re- enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a non-commissioned officer and subsequently received direct commission as an officer in the newly formed United States Air Force. He went on to achieve the rank of major and flew B-47 and B-52 bombers in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Throughout his service, Mr. Biggs earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 7 Air Medals, and multiple bronze stars for a total of over thirty military citations and commendations. Since retiring from the military, Mr. Biggs has lived and worked in Nogales for the U.S. Customs Service. He has raised a family and since retired. In 2007, Mr. Biggs and other Tuskegee airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian recognition awarded by Congress, for the group's ``unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.'' I believe that Mr. Biggs' character and actions truly embody what it means to serve one's country. Not only did he fly in multiple wars, he rose above expectation and obligation as a Navigator and an officer. In addition to his time in the Army Air Corps and Air Force, his integrity, modesty, and principled character are values that we can all learn from and should strive to emulate. I would like to express my personal appreciation for the service of George Washington Biggs, and my hopes that he has a happy 95th birthday.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 95th birthday of George Washington Biggs, and recognize his service as a veteran of Army Air Corps and Air Force. As a Tuskegee Airman and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he is an exemplary American and Arizonan to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude. A native of Nogales, Arizona, Mr. Biggs joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and trained at the Tuskegee Institute, the all-black flight training school in Alabama. He was one of two Arizonans to graduate from the program. After training during World War II, Mr. Biggs re- enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a non-commissioned officer and subsequently received direct commission as an officer in the newly formed United States Air Force. He went on to achieve the rank of major and flew B-47 and B-52 bombers in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Since retiring from the military, Mr. Biggs has lived and worked in Nogales for the U.S. Customs Service. He has raised a family and since retired. In 2007, Mr. Biggs and other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian recognition awarded by Congress, for the group's ``unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.'' I believe that Mr. Biggs' character and actions truly embody what it means to serve one's country. Not only did he fly in multiple wars, he rose above expectation and obligation as a pilot and an officer. In addition to his time in the Army Air Corps and Air Force, his integrity, modesty, and principled character are values that we can all learn from and should strive to emulate. I would like to express my personal appreciation for the service of George Washington Biggs, and my hopes that he has a happy 95th birthday.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus recognizing this important fact: tribal governments and Native American citizens are disproportionately impacted by this virus. And the reason they are so vulnerable is the historic failure of this country to live up to its trust and treaty obligations. Obligations like providing strong healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Mr. Speaker, the tribal set-aside within the Coronavirus Relief Fund is not nearly adequate to right these historic wrongs, but it will help make sure that tribal governments do not fall even further behind as a result of the pandemic. The Coronavirus Relief Fund is a lifeline for tribal governments. The Navajo Nation is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks in the entire Country, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives everywhere are more vulnerable to this disease due to chronic lack of health care and higher rates of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, tribal governments without large outbreaks are suffering disproportionate economic harm due to COVID-19 because they lack a tax base to replace lost revenue from shuttered businesses. When tribal governments made the decision to close their doors at tribal enterprises for the sake of public health, they also made the decision to shut off the revenue that supported vital government functions. That is why the $8 billion we passed in the CARES Act and the $20 billion included in the Heroes Act for a Coronavirus Relief Fund for tribal governments are so essential, and why we must ensure that all Tribes receive the help they need. I am proud that this legislation fixes a number of known challenges with the implementation of the Fund. First, it clarifies that only federally recognized tribal governments listed in the Federal Register are eligible for this fund. That was always the intent of Congress--a conclusion that has been upheld in a court of law--but it also is common sense. Second, the bill clarifies that all of the funding allocated to tribal nations must stay with tribal nations. If some Tribes are unable to use their allocated money under the CRF by December 30, 2020, this bill requires Treasury to reallocate those unused funds to Tribal governments whose need was not met. Experience has shown us that the impact of the virus is not even across the nation, and this provision recognizes that fact. Additionally, it is worth noting that the bill also directs Treasury to reallocate any funding that the Inspector General recoups as a result of an audit and clarifies that any funding a tribe returns to Treasury is not subject to interest. Finally, this bill asks Treasury, the Department of the Interior, and Tribal Governments to once again consult on the allocation of this funding. As Chairman of the Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee, I have heard from dozens of tribal leaders that the allocation process thus far has been flawed. The Administration's decision to strictly adhere to the Indian Housing Block Grant population formula has resulted in dramatically inaccurate counts for many Tribes. To the extent that Treasury feels the need to use population as a factor at all in further allocating this fund, the Heroes Act requires the Department to use population data provided by Tribal governments rather than IHBG. Further, the fact that the only funds that have been released so far have been based solely on population data has resulted in extreme inequality amongst Tribal Nations, with many of the tribal governments that have endured the most significant economic hardship receiving the least economic support. To rectify this problem, the Department should allocate further funding primarily based on economic factors, as well as ensure that all Tribes receive a stronger baseline of relief than the $100,000 previously announced by Treasury. I am proud to support this bill and hope that it can be the first step towards keeping our trust responsibilities to Tribes during this crisis and well into the future.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the bill that we are voting on today, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (``CARES Act''). This bill is incredibly important to all of our citizens and communities. Our country is going through a war with this new virus, and we need to get every resource possible out into our communities to help fight this pandemic. We also need to protect our workers and keep them paid so they can purchase the food and supplies they need to get their families through this crisis safely. That is what I want to speak to. One of the last provisions added to this bill was Title VI, which establishes a Coronavirus Relief Fund that provides $150 billion for the Secretary of Treasury to disseminate to States, Tribal Governments, and units of local government in fiscal year 2020. These funds are to alleviate severe financial pressure these governments are under during this public health emergency. Specifically, the funds are intended to cover expenditures that were not accounted for in the budgets of these governments prior to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. For most of these governments, their budgets are based on the revenues they accounted for over the course of the fiscal year, including from revenues anticipated to be generated from business enterprises. These anticipated revenues are what these governments use to pay the wages of their employees. I want to memorialize that it is the intent of this Chamber that the funds in the Coronavirus Relief Fund are intended to help cover the loss of revenues that would have otherwise been collected and generated by these governments to cover the wages of their employees. We need to make sure these employees continue to be paid and that every effort is made to prevent them from losing their jobs during this pandemic.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GPGLCC). As one of the longest-standing LGBT agencies in our state, GPGLCC has promoted an inclusive business environment by empowering and supporting LGBT and LGBT-allied businesses in Phoenix. The GPGLCC is the oldest non-profit LGBT chamber of commerce in the United States and has been recognized as one of the strongest and fastest growing in the nation. By expanding opportunities for its over 2,000 members and supporting Phoenix charitable organizations, the chamber has fostered economic justice within the LGBT community and a spirit of giving in the city's private sector. In addition to monthly professional development and networking events, the GPGLCC encourages community engagement through events like ``LGBT Night Out at the Ballet'' and their Small Business Saturday Block Party. They have cultivated a well-rounded outlook in which businesses are not only economically beneficial to their community; they contribute to the culture and environment of their area as well. As the organization celebrates its fortieth anniversary, I wish to congratulate the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce on all of its achievements and thank them for their service to our city.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Phoenix Pride. As one of the longest-standing LGBTQ+ organizations in our state, their work has taken the values of diversity, inclusivity, and equality to every corner of the state of Arizona. Phoenix Pride is a groundbreaking pillar of advocacy for the city's LGBTQ+ community. In addition to producing the two largest annual LGBTQ+ events in Arizona, they work extensively to reach out to marginalized communities, preserve the unique culture and history of LGBTQ+ Arizonans, and provide scholarship funding for LGBTQ+ students. In fact, the organization awarded over $47,000 in scholarships in 2019 and has helped dozens of students reach their academic goals since 2008. Thanks in part to the hard work of Phoenix Pride, Phoenix ranks among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the state, with protections against discrimination and a strong, involved LGBTQ+ community. Our city certainly would not be the same without their tireless work for equality and justice. They have served as a beacon of hope and growth in the fight for equality for decades. The changes experienced and catalyzed by Phoenix Pride over the last forty years have been tremendous, and I join them in working to ensure that the next forty bring even more progress. As they celebrate their fortieth anniversary, I wish to congratulate Phoenix Pride on all of their achievements and thank them for their service to our city.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sandra Ferniza's service to the community of Phoenix. After 5 years of working in my District Office as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations and Director of Constituent Services, Sandra is retiring. I am grateful for her many years of dedication to our state. Constituent casework provides Congressional offices with a unique and vital opportunity to engage with individuals in the moments that they need us most. From passport applications to grant proposals, Sandra has connected with constituents and guided them through problem-solving processes, many of which involve federal agencies. She has used her own wealth of experience and connections in all sectors of the Phoenix community to help our office and go above and beyond in helping our constituents, organizations and local government entities. In addition to her work in our office, Sandra has an illustrious legacy of breaking barriers for the Latino community. She has helped Latinos win groundbreaking elections at many levels of government, provided visibility as a Latina leader within the banking and investment world, and served as the CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her long and varied career, two consistencies that stand out are service and leadership. Her professional commitment has been matched only by her dedication to her family and friends. She has selflessly cared for multiple ailing family members and serves as a model of a value-driven life for her extensive network of younger family and friends. I am grateful to have worked alongside Sandra for the entirety of my time in Congress. While I wish her only the best in her retirement, she will also be missed. She has been an asset and an advocate that I have been grateful to have on my team. Her selflessness, attention to detail, and determination are remarkable traits that have allowed her to advance good in Arizona over the entirety of her career. On behalf of myself, the countless constituents of Arizona's seventh district that she has helped, and the entire State of Arizona, I want to express my gratitude for the service of Sandra Ferniza. I have no doubt that she will continue to be a leader within the Phoenix community. We will thank her by continuing to dedicate ourselves to constituent services and the improvement of as many lives as possible.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I missed one vote on January 16, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 22.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bravery and heroism of Kyshaune Lindsay, a fifteen-year-old from Phoenix who recently saved the life of a man in a burning building. Kyshaune was playing basketball outside when he saw his neighbor fleeing her home. His neighbor, Cindy Nunez, told him that her house was on fire and that her brother, who is paralyzed and bedridden, was trapped inside without access to his wheelchair. Upon hearing that Cindy could not physically pick up her brother to bring him out of the house, Kyshaune did not hesitate to make his way inside and help the man, lifting him into his chair to get him to safety. Marcos Marquez, the man that Kyshaune rescued, described him as a ``true hero.'' His selflessness and courage in the face of real danger are remarkable, as is his humility in the aftermath of the event. I wish to express my admiration for the bravery that Kyshaune Lindsay displayed through his actions--an admiration that is shared not only by Marcos Marquez and his family but by the entire Phoenix community. I am confident that Kyshaune will continue to do great things in the future. He is truly a role model for people of all ages.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, Christina-Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl; Dorothy ``Dot'' Morris; Federal Chief Judge John Roll; Phyllis Schneck; Dorwan Stoddard; Gabriel ``Gabe'' Zimmerman, Gabby's outreach director. Also wounded: Bill Badger; Ron Barber, former district director and former Congressman; Ken Dorushka; James Fuller; Randy Gardner; Congresswoman Gabby Giffords; Suzi Hileman; George Morris; Mary Reed; Pam Simon, Gabby's outreach coordinator; Mavy Stoddard; Jim Tucker; and Kenneth Veeder.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on rollcall No. 694.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, today I will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Those still defending the President's actions are desperately grasping at straws while living in an alternate universe where facts do not exist. To those still unwilling to search their souls, ask yourselves: Would you support a Democratic President using taxpayer dollars to pressure a foreign government to investigate a Republican political opponent based on false Russian conspiracy theories? Of course not. That is absurd. Any President who does that has abused the power of the Presidency for personal gain and undermined our most sacred tradition: our elections. In a few hours, every Member will make a choice. Will you fall into the age-old political trap of thinking blind partisanship is all that matters? Will you vote to defend the Constitution and our democracy so that President Trump and every future President will know that they are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions? I have made my choice. I hope every Member puts the defense of our Nation first and joins me.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act. Ancient civilizations called the area around Chaco Canyon home thousands of years before the earliest settlers of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. In fact, Native American people have occupied this region continuously since 10,000 BC, creating massive public and ceremonial buildings, a complex system of roads for trade, and beautiful crafts and artwork. Today, there are more than 4,000 archeological sites, millions of artifacts, and countless sacred cultural resources that provide modern- day Native people a direct link to their ancestors who lived in the area thousands of years ago. Reckless oil and gas development could destroy the fragile archeological and cultural resources in the area, including ones that have not yet been discovered or cataloged. In fact, there has never been a comprehensive Native-led study of the cultural resources in the Chaco region. It is fitting that we are talking about protecting Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and the Grand Canyon in Arizona on the same day. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and both are national treasures needlessly threatened by industry to pad their bottom line. That is why I strongly support the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act debated earlier and why I urge my colleagues to support this bill and the 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Canyon's archeological resources and the present-day communities that it creates. This is sacred ground that we have an obligation to protect for future generations to enjoy and learn about. We must pass this bill to preserve this place to teach our children and our children's children about the rich history and culture of the Native people who lived in the American Southwest. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I missed two votes on October 15, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 556, and YEA on Roll Call No. 557.

Mr. GALLEGO

Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.