Jimmy Gomez

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. I am opposed in its current form.

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill would immediately proceed to final passage as amended. Mr. Speaker, President Trump claims his trade policy is meant to level the playing field for the United States, but workers and businesses in other parts of the economy will suffer unintended consequences. Despite his claims to pursue a trade agenda that will put American workers first, this administration's trade policy shows a lack of strategy and planning that risks putting working families last and threatens our economy. Any trade agenda must fix the problems with existing policy rather than making matters worse. Escalating tariffs and alienating our closest trading partners does nothing to advance a trade agenda that puts working families first. Our trade policy should prioritize strong environmental protections, penalize cheaters, enforce labor protections for workers, and strengthen rules of origin so we can advance a trade agenda that is fair to every American worker instead of picking winners and losers. But President Trump isn't known for his discretion or his deep knowledge of policy. He doesn't realize or doesn't care that his America First trade agenda puts America last by undermining our competitiveness and innovation. The idea of unintended consequences didn't even cross his mind when announcing these unilateral tariffs. But as Members of Congress representing constituents from around the country, we know that there are very real consequences for these actions. That is why I am offering this motion to recommit, which would allow a Governor or elected official or appointed official to request that the Secretary of Commerce declare a fishery disaster if fishermen suffer negative impacts from these tariffs. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act restored dozens of fishery stocks to healthy levels, and we cannot allow the ill-conceived or half-baked ideas of the President to hurt the workers or the progress we have actually made. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, it is obvious that the administration doesn't care about the welfare of immigrant children being separated from their parents, but they should at least care about what kind of long-term impact they will have on all children, those currently living in the United States, documented or not, U.S. citizens or not. We act like kids, all kids, don't know what is going on, but they do. They might not watch CNN, MSNBC, or FOX, but they talk to their classmates, siblings, teachers, and caregivers. They are hearing that kids are being torn away from their parents. We have to ask ourselves: What are they thinking? What goes through their minds? Are the young ones thinking that they can be next? I am not exaggerating because shortly after the election of Donald Trump, my nephew cried because he thought if my sister left the country--because she is a resident and not a U.S. citizen--that she would not be able to return. So we know that these kids are paying attention. Yes, we might not know for certain what they are all thinking, but what we do know is that this policy must end now. This must stop for the immigrant children and for all our children so that they feel secure and safe where it is natural, where they feel loved, and that is with their parents.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 50 years of priesthood for Father John Moretta from Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights. Father John has worked tirelessly to empower his community through the activism he leads from Resurrection Church. From paving the way forward on environmental justice issues, to keeping crime away from marginalized families through its Neighborhood Watch Group, and working with grassroots advocates like the Mothers of East L.A. to fight for DREAMers, Father John has served as the lynchpin of the Boyle Heights community for 50 years. As we mark his Golden Jubilee, I'd like to thank Monsignor John Moretta for his service to Boyle Heights. It is my honor to work with him to serve California's 34th Congressional District.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about something that gives me hope in the wake of the senseless tragedies and attacks on our communities: the power of students to change the course of history. Fifty years ago this week, 15,000 students in East Los Angeles rose up in solidarity to demand culturally relevant education, better facilities, and diverse teachers. I rise in honor of those students from Wilson, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Belmont High Schools, who started a movement that would be known as the East Los Angeles walkouts. I also rise in honor of current student activists everywhere. Student activism has always been a powerful response to social injustice, that when those in power fail to listen or to act in the interests of all people, it is time for a new generation of Americans to speak up, walk out, and organize. Whether you were in East Los Angeles in 1968 or in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, you will be heard, you will be remembered, and you will become the change that we all seek.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, a budget reflects one's values. President Trump's budget shows he values polluters and profits over people. With the ink barely dry on the Republican tax scam, Trump's budget proposes we pay for their corporate giveaway by gutting public health and environmental programs. One of the budget's largest targets is the EPA, which will suffer a 25 percent cut. This means cuts to grants that help States like California implement the Clean Air and Clean Water Act. That means cuts to Superfund programs that clean up sites where toxic chemicals from factories and landfills were dumped for decades, polluting the surrounding soil, water, and air. We simply cannot afford a dirty budget that prioritizes polluters and profits over people.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues about the American Dream and why their families came to our great country. Was it to build a better future for their children so they could live and attend school in the greatest country in the history of the world? Was it so they could work and live in a safe place without fear of violence? Was it because they knew that, if they came here, no matter where they are from, no matter what God they worship, if they work hard, contribute to our country, and believe in the ideals of America that all men and women are created equal, then you deserve a place here in the United States of America? The answer to these questions is ``yes.'' Our ancestors and parents came to the United States for all these reasons and more. That answer holds true for hundreds of thousands of DREAMers and their parents who live and work and attend school here in the United States without fear of deportation thanks to DACA. Yet, on September 5, the Trump administration destroyed the American Dream for 800,000 young people and their families by recklessly terminating DACA. One of those 800,000 DREAMers is Itayu Torres, a proud DACA recipient from my district, the 34th Congressional District of California. She was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and arrived in my district before she turned 1. The United States is the only place she has ever known as her country, and she is as American as you and I, but she was forced to live with the burden of her legal status. At the age of 14, she found out she didn't have legal status when she tried to travel out of State to play in a soccer tournament. That fear of being deported if she left her State of California prevented her from leaving. But her life changed when she became a DACA recipient. Thanks to DACA, she enrolled in a liberal arts college in Maryland. She no longer had to live in crippling fear as she goes about her day-to-day life. DREAMers like Itayu deserve the chance to succeed and contribute to our great country. That is why I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question, so we can bring up the Dream Act to give 800,000 DREAMers a shot at the American Dream.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate Korean American Day, which celebrates the arrival of the first 102 Korean immigrants to the United States on January 13, 1903. The first Korean immigrants came in pursuit of the American Dream and initially served as farmworkers, wage laborers, and section hands. Through resilience, effort, and sacrifice, they established the foundation for their children and future generations. Today, nearly 2 million Korean Americans have honored their ancestors' legacy and achieved the American Dream by transforming all aspects of American life: from Roy Choi, who joined Latino and Korean culture to create new cuisines that have won the stomachs of all Americans; to the first Korean American elected to Congress, Jay Kim; and to the countless Korean Americans who run successful small businesses. I am honored to represent the largest Korean population in the country and to reintroduce this resolution on the 115th anniversary of the first Korean immigrant arrivals. I call upon my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the Korean Americans who helped strengthen and shape our country.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Trump administration's decision to end temporary protected status, TPS, for more than 200,000 Salvadorans. TPS holders are thoroughly vetted legal residents who have contributed to our economy and to our communities for almost two decades. Most TPS recipients now call the United States home. Many are parents to children who are American citizens, and tearing these families apart is a heartless and cruel act. In their decision, this administration claims they reviewed the disaster-related conditions on which the original determination was made; however, they failed to consider the current realities that make El Salvador one of the most dangerous countries in the world. This irresponsible decision will drop hundreds of thousands of people into violence and disaster. Sending 200,000 Salvadorans, many from my district, to a dangerous foreign country is inhumane. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to immediately pass the American Promise Act so that we can correct this despicable action.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, from California to New York and everywhere in between, the Republican tax scam steals from working class families to give the top 1 percent and large corporations a massive tax break. The Republican plan eliminates deductions like State and local taxes, mortgage interest rates, medical expenses, and student loan interest that working families rely on. This bill will only increase income inequality in our country, where the rich get richer and those in the middle class and those struggling to get into the middle class are left further and further behind. I can't believe anyone would vote for such a bill. Either you know what is in it and you don't care about the consequences of your vote, or you don't and you will still vote for it anyway. I don't know which one is worse. To the Republicans who care about the deficit only when Democrats are in power, you have lost all credibility when it comes to this issue. I hope the American people will remember who voted for this bill.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Espaillat for leading this important Special Order. It is no secret that many cities in our country face an affordable housing crisis. That crisis is particularly acute in California, as everyone in my State, from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to the Inland Empire, will tell you. California is a desired destination for people from all over the world, many of them skilled, tech-savvy young people who moved to California for our climate, culture, or commerce. This is especially true for my home city of Los Angeles, which boasts cultures and cuisines from all over the globe, allowing anybody to feel at home. Unfortunately, the growth of affordable housing has not kept pace with the population growth. This disconnect has created a housing affordability crisis that is exacerbating economic inequality and forcing lifelong Angelinos out of neighborhoods they grew up in. The lack of housing raises rents on working families, which, in turn, threatens the vibrant hubs of Latino, Black, and Asian culture throughout my district, potentially stripping these neighborhoods of their character that made them so unique and desirable to live in in the first place. Our affordable housing crisis has left more than 400,000 households in the city of Los Angeles and 900,00 in L.A. County in what they call a precarious housing situation. A precarious housing situation means that the dwelling is substandard, families are doubled up, or they spend more than half their income on housing. That is 1.3 million people in precarious housing situations, teetering on the edge of homelessness, one bad day away from losing the roof over their head. That is on top of 58,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles County. Simply put, the affordability crisis in California threatens our State's great legacy to provide economic opportunity for all. In Los Angeles, we have seen that, when we target our resources to help specific populations, we get results and we save lives. In 2015, L.A. City housed more than 15,000 people, including 2,600 veterans and 2,800 chronically homeless people, more than any other city in the country. Despite the historic housing shortage and a staggering mental health crisis, my city has proven that policymakers can tackle this problem if we have a coordinated effort at the State, local, and Federal levels. L.A. is stepping up. So is the State of California. L.A. passed measure HHH, which is $1.2 billion to help individuals who are homeless. The California State Legislature passed 15 housing bills and a $4 billion bond to be on the ballot in 2018. But we can't do it on our own, and we don't need the Federal Government to undermine our efforts by undermining their role and responsibility at the Federal level. Unfortunately, our Republican-led Federal Government doesn't believe in being a good partner and doesn't believe in combating unaffordable housing and homelessness. They have chosen to starve vital agencies like Housing and Urban Development and zero out funding for agencies such as the Interagency Council on Homelessness. Cities like L.A. and States like California need responsible Federal partners to tackle issues like homelessness so they can make tough choices and make sure we have a housing situation that serves all people. That starts with actual Federal investment in projects and programs that help people, not just the rich. That is why the Republican tax cut plan is such a sham and deserves to go back to whatever dark corner of Republican dogma it came from. As it stands right now, the Republican tax plan would cut the production of affordable housing in half by eliminating multifamily, tax-exempt housing bonds. It would also repeal the 4 percent tax credit and provisions authorizing the use of tax-exempt private activity bonds. Taken together, these provisions account for 50 percent of all affordable housing production and would make our affordable housing crisis even worse. Republicans in Congress only claim to care about giving States the power to pursue their own policies. It would be great if their actions matched their words and they actually worked with our great cities and States to address important problems instead of making them worse. I ask for all of you to consider that any tax plan not exacerbate the housing crisis in our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Espaillat for leading this important Special Order.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Houston: Houston strong, and Houston proud.

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and the Houston Astros for winning the 2017 Major League Baseball World Series. The Astros finally earned history this season by winning their first World Series title. But they weren't the only ones to earn something by beating my Los Angeles Dodgers. Congresswoman Jackson Lee also earned some of LA's iconic Philippe's French dip sandwiches as part of our friendly wager. We may be on opposing teams when it comes to baseball, but we both play for the blue team here in Congress, and I look forward to working with her to fight for working men and women across the United States. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, I accept the gentlewoman's wager and the barbecue that I will get to enjoy next week. The Houston Astros are an amazing team, with 101 wins, but the Dodgers are better, with 104. I know that the Astros stumbled across that finish line to make it to the World Series. I know it is going to be a hell of a game between the two teams. If we lose, I will bring some French dip sandwiches from the Louisiana institution, Philippe's, in downtown Los Angeles. Let the best team win. Play ball.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 1858, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Post Office located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office. Born in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, in 1979, Mr. Ostrom graduated from high school and then joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard while beginning his studies at Mansfield University. A sports lover, Ryan could frequently be found playing and coaching basketball in his free time. In 2002, Ryan joined his father, Scott Ostrom, on a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, and he later deployed to Iraq with the 109th Infantry Regiment. Staff Sergeant Ryan Ostrom tragically made the ultimate sacrifice in August of 2005, when he sustained fatal wounds from enemy small-arms fire in Iraq. He was, as mentioned, awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge from the Department of the Army, as well as the Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Medal from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to recognize the bravery and selflessness of the honorable service of Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 1858, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 452, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Post Office located at 324 West Saint Louis Street in Pacific, Missouri, as the Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office. A native of Missouri, Jeffrey White, Jr. graduated from Pacific High School in 2008, and joined the United States Army. After graduating from basic and advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Specialist White was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, and tragically lost his life in April of 2012, after insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Specialist White was just 21 years old. Specialist White is remembered for his love of the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as his distinguished service, for which he received many awards, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. As an avid Dodgers fan, I think Specialist White would get a kick out of the fact that I am here and that the St. Louis Cardinals are still beating the Dodgers. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to commemorate the life of Specialist Jeffrey White, Jr., who selflessly sacrificed his life in defense of his country. I urge the passage of H.R. 452, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 2254, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Post Service located at 2635 Napa Street in Vallejo, California, as the Janet Capello Post Office Building. H.R. 2254 was introduced this year by my colleague and friend from California, Mr. Thompson. Unfortunately, Mr. Thompson is unable to be here today, as he has remained in his district in California this evening to assist in wildfire relief and recovery efforts. I am, along with the entire House of Representatives, praying for Mr. Thompson and our fellow Americans in this time of need. A lifelong resident of Vallejo, California, and granddaughter of Italian immigrants, Janet Capello took great pride in her heritage. Her deepest passion was the Sons of Italy, an organization where she served as a dedicated member of Lodge Number 1626 for over 63 years. She held two of the organization's most prestigious posts--vice president of the Grand Lodge of California, and Secretary of the United Lodges--and led efforts to bring the group's scholarship program to Vallejo. In doing so, she helped hundreds of young men and women attend college. Ms. Capello oversaw a number of charity efforts, and helped raise thousands of dollars each year for Alzheimer's research in conjunction with the University of California-Davis. Ms. Capello's dedication to these causes earned her the Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award, the highest honor granted by the Sons of Italy. In addition to these accomplishments, Janet Capello was an active participant in local Vallejo politics, serving on the city's Planning Commission, the Civil Service Commission, and the Charter Review Committee, and others, and was an active member of the St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church until her passing in 2012, at the age of 77. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to commemorate the life of Janet Capello, and recognize the lasting contributions she has made to the Vallejo community. I urge the passage of H.R. 2254, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 294, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Post Office located at 2700 Cullen Boulevard in Pearland, Texas, as the Endy Nddiobong Ekpanya Post Office. Endy Ekpanya reflected the best of America. Born in Nigeria in 1985, Endy immigrated to the United States in 1996. Here, he obtained U.S. citizenship, a college education, and two master's degrees. Endy's deep love of family and community inspired him to join the police force so he could help those in need. He hoped that his hard work in the classroom and the field would help him be a role model for his young son, Julian. As a rookie member of the Pearland Police Department, Officer Ekpanya took his duty to protect his community seriously but always found a way to brighten his fellow officers' days. Tragically, on June 1, 2016, Officer Ekpanya was killed when a drunk driver struck his police cruiser as he was responding to a call. Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to honor Officer Endy Ekpanya's dedication to his education, family, and community, and to remember the sacrifices he made while working to protect those he loved. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 294, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of one of my constituents, Michelle Vo, who lost her life in Sunday's mass shooting in Las Vegas. Michelle was described by her friends and family as an ambitious, hard worker, known for her charisma and fierce independence. She embodied the American Dream in every single way. Her middle name, My, means ``America'' in Vietnamese. Her mother emigrated from Vietnam and raised Michelle and her sisters near San Jose. Michelle would go on to graduate from UC Davis before moving to Eagle Rock, in my district, to work as an insurance agent in nearby Pasadena. My heart goes out to Michelle Vo, her family and friends, and the other victims of the Las Vegas shooting. I am heartbroken and angry about the events in Las Vegas. These incidents are far too common in our country, and it is my sincere hope that Congress takes action to lessen these types of tragic events.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I can't believe Congress has closed legislative business for the week without addressing a critical deadline that will impact the health of our country. On September 30, authorization for the Community Health Centers and the Children's Health Insurance Program--CHIP--will expire. Well, it is September 28, and we just closed legislative business. That means funding for this critical program will lapse and the health of millions of Americans will be in jeopardy. Our Nation's Community Health Centers have served low-income, rural, and underserved communities for more than 50 years. In that time, they have increased the number of patients they serve and the services they offer so that they are now the primary healthcare option for millions of people. CHIP is another program that Congress will allow to lapse. No matter how big the differences between Republicans and Democrats, when it comes to healthcare, we have always come together to ensure our Nation's children do not go without the care they need, yet here we are leaving D.C. and abandoning the 9 million children on CHIP and the millions more at the Community Health Centers. I ask that we come back into session and that we extend these critical programs.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 800,000 DREAMers abandoned by this administration. Any doubt about the administration's senseless cruelty was put to rest on September 5, when they chose to end DACA. Immigrant youth and their families fuel our economy and help create a more dynamic society. Terminating DACA is a heartless and vile act that will upend lives, ruin families, and disrupt local economies. DREAMers are the embodiment of America's promise, the idea that no matter where you are from, the color of your skin, or the God you worship, if you come here, believe in our values, work hard, and contribute to our country, then you deserve a place here in the United States of America. That is what we are fighting for: to keep the promise of this great country. To my Republican colleagues: you can't profess to support the DREAMers yet fail to support the Dream Act. It is time to put up or shut up. I call on my colleagues to sign the discharge petition and support a clean Dream Act.

Mr. GOMEZ

Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 392