Chuy García

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Dafne Henriquez is a great example of what happens when we invest and encourage young women to pursue STEM careers. Dafne was born in Mexico and is a proud graduate of Triton College and the University of Illinois Chicago, where she received a bachelor of science in civil engineering. While at Triton College, Dafne demonstrated strong leadership as president of the Triton College Student Association and was elected student trustee, serving alongside the Triton Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2018. Dafne was interested in merging her passions for public service and infrastructure. After a decade of serving in State and local government, she now serves as the assistant village engineer for the village of Franklin Park. As a civil engineer, Dafne's work ensures that the roadways and other infrastructure projects built in Franklin Park keep communities safe and connected. Dafne is committed to giving back to her community by leveraging her engineering expertise to develop infrastructure that enhances safety, efficiency, and quality of life. Beyond her professional career, she has also managed to mentor and build a strong coalition of young women in the northwest suburbs committed to improving their communities. Mr. Speaker, we thank Dafne for the work that she does for our district and for her partnership. Recognizing Ioana Fernandez

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we close Women's History Month, I rise to honor a few great women in my district, women like Shannon Goodrich, a leader of the Elmhurst chapter of Moms Demand Action. Shannon joined the group after attending a fireside chat about school safety in her community. Like all parents, she was concerned about what local leaders were doing to keep children safe from the tragic epidemic of school shootings. Shannon saw that she could play an important role as a mom and as a member of her community. Over the past 6 years, Shannon has written thousands of postcards, knocked on thousands of doors, made thousands of phone calls, and sent thousands of texts all in the name of gun violence prevention. Shannon's passion for this work has only grown as she has met and become friends with local survivors of gun violence. Shannon works in their name and hopes to inspire many others to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I thank Shannon for her dedication and commitment to keeping all children safe. Honoring Dafne Henriquez

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Espaillat for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to a giant who represented the State of Arizona and all the people of his district but who also helped advance the well-being of our Nation. Arizona has lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend. Raul Grijalva and I both started our careers as community advocates and organizers. We shared a passion for justice and equality in our communities. We both came from working-class families, proud of our Mexican roots, and we both enjoyed a good laugh and a good mariachi. So it was just natural that we would become friends since I arrived in the House over 6 years ago. As chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, he fought for strong environmental protections and authored the Environmental Justice For All Act to empower people to protect their communities. He wanted a cleaner, safer, and more just future for all our children. He was also a staunch defender of Tribal sovereignty and workers' rights. When he was chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, he asked me to serve for one term as his vice chair. It was during that time that Illinois helped facilitate an act in the State of Illinois that required Federal cooperation in that regard as we helped facilitate the recognition of Illinois' first Prairie Band of Potawatomi peoples in the State of Illinois which just last week resulted in the transfer of over 1,500 acres to those Native Americans, the original inhabitants of the land in Illinois. I was honored to work with him to help the people of Puerto Rico receive the long-promised assistance they needed after Hurricane Maria. Raul believed that our country's strength is rooted in our immigrant heritage and worked tirelessly to protect immigrant families and refugees. Whether trying to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, treating immigrants with dignity or stopping the construction of an ineffective and environmentally damaging border wall, Raul never gave up. One of Raul's favorite songs was ``El Rey.'' It means the king, and in particular the line that says: ``It is not only about getting there first, but about how you get there,'' ``No hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar.'' And what you do along the way, if I may add. I think this phrase perfectly describes the tenacity of everything that Raul Grijalva did and stood for. Raul was a loving father, husband, and a loyal friend. His kindness and dedication will be sorely missed in the Halls of Congress. Tonight we pay a tribute, and we say: Thank you for everything that you contributed to advancing the well-being of people across our land.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, for Women's History Month, I rise to honor the parent leaders from The Resurrection Project known as Las Mamas de Back of the Yards, or the Back of the Yards Moms, a powerhouse of immigrant women who are the heart and soul of their community on Chicago's South Side. Mothers like Consuelo, Lorena, Alma, Maria, Ofelia, Martha, Zuleyman, Victoria, Gabriela, and Sylvia show us what real leadership looks like. They educate neighbors on their rights, organize rapid responses when raids threaten families, distribute food when the fridge is empty, and keep our youth safe and supported. From city hall to Washington, and right inside our schools, these women ensure that their voices and their community voices are heard. They are respected, admired, and deeply rooted in the Back of the Yards, and, yes, they keep people like me on our toes, always causing good trouble. In honoring them, we honor the power of immigrant women everywhere, their courage and commitment, and the fight for a better future for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I thank them, I stand with them, and I celebrate them.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago on their 50th anniversary and to recognize the enduring legacy of Gale Cincotta, a fearless leader for housing justice. Gale understood that owning a home was not just about having a place to live, it was about stability, opportunity, and the chance to build a future, a better future. She took on fighting the banks against redlining and was a champion of the Community Reinvestment Act and never backed down in her pursuit of fairness for working families. During the early 1980s, I had the privilege of working at NHS to see how access to affordable housing could change lives. I saw struggling families become thriving homeowners. I saw struggling neighborhoods revitalized into thriving communities. NHS has shaped many lives. It certainly played a pivotal role early in my own formation. Our work is far from over. Families are still being priced out. Displacement and gentrification are still impacting families, and the access to these programs is under attack. Today we celebrate NHS for 50 incredible years but also recommit to the fight for housing justice.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, I rise to recognize Joann Williams, a dedicated leader in Illinois' Fourth Congressional District and a pillar of the LeClaire- Hearst community on Chicago's southwest side. Joann is a U.S. Army disabled veteran who has dedicated her life to service both in uniform and in her neighborhood. She has spent decades being a driving force of opportunity, making sure to uplift her community and ensure that other veterans receive the respect that they deserve. As the founder of the Hearst Community Organization, she has fought for jobs and public spaces and to secure critical resources to help people lead better lives. Her dedication reflects the resilience we honor this month. Mr. Speaker, Joann's unwavering service has left a lasting impact and touched countless families. I thank her for her sacrifice to our country and her service to community.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month, I rise today to honor Ronelle Mustin, a fearless champion for justice whose activism has shaped movements and transformed communities. Ronelle was a founding force behind the first organization to demand sanctions against South Africa's apartheid regime. In 1979, as co-chair of the Chicago Peace Council, he fought to curb excessive U.S. military spending and redirect resources to those in need. Ronelle's impact runs deep in Chicago. As a key architect of the 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization, Ronelle helped pave the way for Harold Washington's historic election as the city's first Black mayor in 1983. For decades, he has been a relentless advocate for equity, justice, and true representation. His work has empowered countless voices and strengthened our democracy. Mr. Speaker, Ronelle's legacy is one of courage and conviction. I thank him for his unwavering dedication to justice and for his friendship.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because a billionaire with unchecked power is calling the shots in our government. I am outraged that President Trump is enabling this unelected billionaire donor Musk to wreak havoc on our Federal workers, dismantle critical Federal agencies, and even gain access to the personal data of millions of Americans without any vetting, security clearance, or congressional approval. The richest man in the world should not have access to our payment systems for him to decide whether you should or should not receive payments such as Social Security benefits or Medicaid. For the past few weeks, my office has been flooded with messages from concerned constituents wondering about the impact that Trump and Musk's actions will have on their lives. While Republicans and Trump look with a blind eye, Musk exploits the system for his own benefit. I refuse to stay silent. Billionaires like him may think they can buy our democracy, but, we, the people, will fight back.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which I introduced with my colleague, Representative Espaillat of New York, last week. No one, no child in the classroom, no mother in a hospital, no family at a place of worship, should live in fear that an immigration raid should shatter their lives in the very spaces meant to protect them. Under the prior established norms, we understood that schools and hospitals and places of worship were off limits to Federal agencies. Now, in my district and across the country, patients are skipping their appointments, fearful that they could be detained by ICE and separated from their families. Churches are turning to virtual worship services so that they will not put their parishioners at risk, and teachers have been training to stop ICE from entering their schools, to protect children. We cannot become a government that normalizes cruelty. This bill will ensure that the promise of safety in those places is enshrined in law. In America, we do not weaponize fear. We protect our communities, and we do what is right.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Linda Sarate, who passed away on Monday, February 3. From a young age, Linda displayed incredible strength and courage, being diagnosed with polio at just 1 year old. Despite this, her determination allowed her to walk by her preteen years and, in addition, became a camp counselor. This was an experience where she served as a role model for young people, offering them a supportive environment in which to grow. It is that same determination that guided Linda throughout her life. Linda went on to join the AmeriCorps program and earned a certification in bilingual medical terminology. She dedicated herself to her community by serving on the local school council and becoming a board member for two organizations. One of Linda's proudest achievements was her activism on behalf of Little Village High School, where she was one of the parents and grandparents who staged a 19-day hunger strike demanding the construction of the school that had been promised to the community, but not funded or constructed. Linda embodied the power of courage and resilience. Her life is a testament to what can be achieved when one is driven by strength and conviction. May she rest in peace.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Juan Soliz who passed away in December of 2024. Juan was a public servant, educator, attorney, and an advocate for immigrants and indigenous peoples. He served our community with passion and dedication. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, Juan's hard work took him to college and later law school in Washington State. He moved to Chicago in 1978 to join the Legal Assistance Foundation and never stopped working for the rights of immigrants and for immigration reform. My friend, Juan, was the first Mexican American elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1984. In 1987, he became the first Mexican American to represent Chicago's 25th Ward as alderman. He uplifted voter rights and brought Latino representation to Chicago's southwest side, and for that he will be remembered.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the village of Riverside, Illinois, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Originally called Aux Plains, this charming village is known for its peaceful riverbanks and scenic forested areas. On August 8, 1875, Riverside elected its first village president and trustees. Over the decades, it has become a thriving community, earning the title of: ``Village in the Forest.'' With its expansive green parkways, iconic gaslit street lanterns, and curvilinear streets, the village's charm is matched by its distinction as a national historic landmark, a title that it has proudly held since 1970 in part thanks to the numerous home designs by famous architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Olmsted & Vaux, Jenney, Sullivan, and Drummond. We congratulate Riverside on this incredible milestone and look forward to celebrating all year long. Honoring the Life of Juan Soliz

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a fighter for human rights, Jose ``Cha Cha'' Jimenez who passed away on January 10 after a life dedicated to social justice. Cha Cha, as he was fondly called, was the founder of the Young Lords, an organization created by Puerto Rican teens with the original purpose of providing a safe space in a changing Chicago. Inspired by the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Puerto Rican leader Pedro Albizu Campos, Cha Cha transformed the Young Lords from a street organization into a social justice group to fight for equality and freedom beyond Chicago. The movement was rooted in the self-determination of Puerto Ricans on the island and the mainland. They organized actions against gentrification and displacement of Puerto Ricans in Lincoln Park, Chicago. They fought against police brutality and brought much needed basic services like education, childcare, and health services to our neighborhoods. Cha Cha understood that the Latino and Black communities were facing similar struggles and forged an alliance with the Black Panthers to help underserved, low-income communities. Soon after, they partnered with a group of White, low-income residents called the Young Patriots, establishing Chicago's Rainbow Coalition. Cha Cha's leadership united people of all backgrounds to fight collectively for a better future, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. May he rest in power. Honoring the Village of Riverside, Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today, I celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pace, the public transportation agency that provides bus and paratransit services in the Chicago metro area. For many in the suburbs, it is the only mode of transportation. For four decades, Pace has been a vital part of our public transportation network in the region, offering safe and efficient services that connect communities, reduce traffic, and promote environmental sustainability. As ridership surges to its highest levels since the pandemic, reaching more than 2 million riders in October, Pace is expanding service hours and frequency in Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cofounder of the Future of Transportation Caucus, I believe that riders have the right to affordable and environmentally responsible transit options like Pace to get to their jobs, schools, and homes. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to Pace's future innovations, improvements, and expansion of services, and I congratulate them on their 40th anniversary.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a great friend and community activist, Fred Lee Adams, who passed away on November 24. Fred was born in segregated Mississippi in 1934 and later moved to Chicago. Having experienced the worst of Jim Crow growing up, Fred became an organizer looking to improve the conditions of his community in Chicago. He became part of the Corkery Elementary School's Men's Club, a group of mentors who organized sports teams in the school in my neighborhood of Little Village in North Lawndale. In 1982, Fred joined my friend and community leader Rudy Lozano and me as a member of the 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization, and he remained one of its core members. The following year, together, we worked to elect the first Black mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. Fred continued working to help elect Presidents, mayors, Governors, State senators, aldermen, and Congressmen until his death. I believe some of the strongest brotherhoods are forged in the heat of fighting for our communities and in the struggle for social justice. Fred L. Adams was my brother, and he will live in my memory forever. Honoring Pace's 40th Anniversary

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I lost a friend, mentor, and man who cared about making Chicago and Chicagoland a better, more livable location, Dr. David C. Perry. David was an urban planner who spent the last 12 years of his life leading the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois- Chicago and bridging the gap across academia, community, and practice. When I enrolled in the master's in urban planning program at UIC, Professor Perry was one of my favorites. His belief in involving and informing communities to help address the problems they faced had an important impact on my professional development, and it is a concept I have consistently practiced as an elected official. Professor Perry was a prolific writer who addressed topics such as economic development, race, politics, urban violence, and public infrastructure in American cities. Professor Perry will be sorely missed. My wife and I are thinking about his wife, Judy, his children, and his grandchildren during this difficult time. Honoring the Life of Fred Lee Adams

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the president of the Village of Hinsdale, Illinois, Thomas Cauley, Jr., who will be retiring at the end of this year. President Cauley is currently serving his fourth term, and he previously served on the Village of Hinsdale's board for 2 years. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois' College of Law. As a lawyer, he has had a successful career representing numerous entities and is now head of his own law firm. As president of Hinsdale, he has played an essential role in ensuring its residents have a local government connected to the community and responsive to resident needs. Mr. Speaker, I thank President Cauley for the critical work he has done to transform lives and honorably represent the Village of Hinsdale. Honoring the Life of David C. Perry

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, 2024 has been a year of celebration for the people of Clarendon Hills in my district as they commemorate their centennial. Known as the volunteer village, the founders of Clarendon Hills were some of the most independent, hardworking individuals. From its very beginning, the Clarendon Hills community recognized the importance of local governance, coming together to elect their first board of trustees and establish their first neighborhood, businesses, churches, and schools. Although a lot has changed over the past 100 years, the spirit of independence and hard work that first defined the people of Clarendon Hills still lives today. It is a village that I am proud to represent. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Clarendon Hills on their 100 years.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Metra on its 40th anniversary. Since it first began operations 40 years ago, Metra has been essential--a bedrock transportation service for the Chicago metropolitan area, connecting commuters to their homes, jobs, and other critical destinations throughout the region. Without Metra's commuter rail network, our communities would be more isolated, our economy less innovative, and our region a less vibrant place to start a business and raise a family. I am honored to represent the communities of Illinois' 4th Congressional District, a district served by no fewer than three Metra lines: the BNSF line, the Union Pacific West line, and the Heritage Corridor. Metra's future looks bright. However, sustaining Metra as a vital resource for our communities is an undertaking that is only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many Metra employees. To this end, we must commit to increasing federal investment in our commuter rail networks as a critical component to securing Metra's future and that of public transportation in the Chicago region. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other landmark legislation enacted under the Biden Administration have supported the beginning of a new chapter for Metra, and I look forward to continuing to partner closely with Metra as its vital work continues in the years to come. I am proud to champion Metra's efforts to improve and strengthen its infrastructure and its service to its customers by continuing to focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and innovation. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, I say thank you, Metra.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and community leader, Sylvia Puente, who has served for nearly 18 years as president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum and will step down at the end of this year. Sylvia is a public policy expert whose activism began at the age of 13, walking the picket line with her mom in support of farmworkers. She has spent her career advocating for justice, equity, and economic prosperity. Sylvia's last name, Puente, means ``bridge'' in Spanish and translates into her own personal mission statement, which is to build bridges of understanding and opportunity within and between the Latino community and the larger society. Mr. Speaker, we wish her Godspeed in her new endeavors as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we often talk about our cultural and economic contributions, but we cannot forget that Latinos have served our country in every war since the Revolutionary War. Today, I rise to honor the contributions and patriotism of one of those heroes: Benito Morales. Benito was born in a small town in Texas during the Great Depression. He attended segregated schools, where he and his brother constantly faced discrimination. Benito had to start working after finishing the fourth grade. Later, his family moved to Chicago looking for better opportunities. By the time he was 19 years old, Benito was called to service at the height of World War II. He served our country, fighting across France and into Germany. During the crossing of the Ludendorff Bridge across the Rhine River on March 8, 1945, an enemy artillery shell burst directly in front of the vehicle in which Private Morales was riding. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he assisted in the evacuation of 11 American soldiers to the nearest station. His heroism earned him the Bronze Star Medal, but it took 75 years and the advocacy of his fellow veterans for the Army to add V for valor to his medal. In 2016, Benito was awarded the French Government's Legion of Honor Medal by the French Consul General, for which I had the honor to be present. Benito is currently a member of The American Legion Manuel Perez, Jr., Post 1017 in Chicago. He is now 101 years old, and his life is a perfect example of the contributions that the Latino community has made to the United States. Mr. Speaker, I thank Benito for his bravery and continued service to our country and community. Honoring Sylvia Puente

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this Hispanic Heritage Month, I rise to celebrate the iconic landmark in my district, the ``Little Village Arch,'' ``el Arco de La Villita.'' Since 1990, the arch has become the gateway to the largest Mexican community in the Midwest. It is a symbol of economic, cultural, and social contributions of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the city and the region. It is a reminder to younger generations to be proud of their roots. The arch is located on West 26th Street, a commercial corridor which is also the second highest revenue generator in Chicago, with businesses predominantly owned by Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants. As an alderman in 1987, I had the vision of a marker that would celebrate the growing Mexican population in the city and foster community pride. I wanted a monument modeled after Mexican architecture, something that would make 26th Street stand out. I got to work and secured the funds with the support of numerous community members, small business owners, and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, and together we began the process to make this dream come true. The design was commissioned to architect Adrian Lozano, also an immigrant from Mexico, and the contractors who helped build it were Ron Baltierra and Dave Ramirez, both Vietnam veterans. All of them poured their hearts and souls into the design and construction of the arch. The Little Village Arch has become the heart of the Mexican community in the Midwest. People come from all over the U.S. to visit it. The annual Mexican Independence Day Parade that just celebrated its 53rd year kicks off from the arch. Two years ago the city council officially approved the landmark status for the arch, thus beginning the much-needed restoration process. I am proud to say that the clock that hangs on the arch, a gift from the Mexican Government, was successfully restored by the original makers, Relojes Centenario, the oldest clockmakers in Mexico. It is an honor and pride to be part of the origin story of the arch. Mr. Speaker, when you come to my neighborhood, I will take you to the arch and say: ``Welcome to the Little Village,'' ``Bienvenidos a La Villita.'' Honoring Benito Morales

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sones de Mexico Ensemble, a nonprofit organization founded in the community of Pilsen. They are focused on promoting a greater appreciation of Mexican folk and traditional music and culture. Sones de Mexico Ensemble has been nominated twice for a Grammy award because of their world-class performances and their contributions to the recording industry. The group has also collaborated with Irish, blues, classical, jazz, country and western, and rock artists, helping expand the reach and understanding of Mexican music. In 2014, with the objective of giving back to the community, Sones de Mexico Ensemble opened a Mexican Music School with an impressive Spanish language curriculum for children and adults that has now expanded to serve over 150 sites all over Chicagoland. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have such talented artists in my district, and I cannot wait to hear and see where they go next.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Chair, today, I rise to express my profound concerns about the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act and its potential ramifications for cities like Chicago, which I proudly represent. As the Nation's first sanctuary city, Chicago is a shining example of what it means to be a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. We are committed to the principles of inclusion, safety, and justice for all its residents, regardless of immigration status. As a welcoming city and State, our policies are designed to build trust between our immigrant communities and local law enforcement, ensuring that everyone feels safe to report crimes and seek assistance without fear of deportation. The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act threatens to undermine these efforts by withholding essential Federal funds from cities that uphold such priorities. The bill proposes to penalize cities like Chicago, counties like Cook County, and States like Illinois by cutting off essential resources that support public safety, community service, education, and transportation. Let me be clear: This legislation not only affects the bureaucratic operations of our city and State government, it would also deeply impact the daily lives of our own families and neighbors. Federal grants play a vital role in equipping emergency response services and our law enforcement with the resources that they need to keep our communities safe. This bill would cut these funds, compromising our ability to effectively protect our communities and maintain our public safety. Similarly, many of our community programs, which provide critical support to our most vulnerable populations, are also funded by Federal grants. Losing this funding will mean significantly reduced support for after-school programs, fewer resources for schools and healthcare services, and less assistance for families facing economic hardship. It would decimate the Federal dollars used to maintain and improve our city's transportation infrastructure, from roads to public transportation to clean water access. The Federal dollars threatened by this bill are essential for our economic growth and for the quality of life of all residents. The message of this bill is clear: If a city chooses to embrace the immigrant communities and prioritize their safety and well-being, it will be punished. This is not only unjust but counterproductive. Our Nation's strength lies in its diversity, and our cities' efforts to protect and support all residents should be applauded, not penalized. Let us reaffirm our commitment to values that unite us rather than divide us. Let us support policies that uplift all of our communities and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this week we find ourselves confronted with a series of bills brought by our Republican colleagues that are not only misguided but also villainize immigrant communities. These proposals attempt to further criminalize those who are seeking a better life and threaten to withhold essential Federal funds from cities like Chicago that have policies designed to support the inclusion, safety, and justice of all regardless of immigration status. Victims of domestic violence will be even more fearful of coming forward if they fear being reported to immigration authorities. Let me be clear: Our immigration system is broken, and simply doubling down on punitive measures will not solve the problem. We need comprehensive solutions that recognize the humanity of those seeking refuge and opportunity in this great Nation. Instead of fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, these bills promote fear and division. That brings me to a crucial piece of legislation that deserves our immediate attention, the Dream and Promise Act. This bill is a beacon of hope for Dreamers and those with temporary protective status, providing them with a pathway to citizenship. These young people, many of whom have known no other country but ours, are an integral part of our communities and our economy. They are students, teachers, healthcare workers, and leaders who contribute to our Nation's prosperity. It is time that we acknowledge their contributions and ensure that they can live without fear of deportation. By prioritizing the Dream and Promise Act, we can send a clear message that we value the lives and aspirations of those who call America home. I urge my colleagues to reject harmful immigration bills on the floor this week and instead join me in championing the Dream and Promise Act.