Chuy García

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the work of Reverend Jesse Jackson as he steps down as president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Reverend Jackson has fearlessly fought for the rights of marginalized communities, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions. His Presidential campaign in 1988 was a defining moment, not only for our brothers and sisters in the African-American community, but for all Americans who believed in a more inclusive society. Jesse Jackson has taught us many lessons, among them, that political empowerment is vital to improving our communities. He has encouraged countless individuals to exercise their fundamental right to vote and ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. There is no doubt that his relentless pursuit with the Rainbow Coalition played a crucial role in the election of Congressman Harold Washington as Chicago's first progressive and Black mayor. Mr. Speaker, I thank Reverend Jackson for his lifelong commitment to civil rights and his role in helping shape our country's politics to reflect its diversity.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak against the latest Republican attempt to vilify and scapegoat immigrants. A few weeks ago it was H.R. 2, the child deportation act, and now it is H. Res. 461. It is Republicans spending time and taxpayer dollars to trot out stereotypes of migrants as dangerous and dirty and who knows what else. Republicans are spewing anti-immigrant rhetoric in this resolution to demonstrate that they are standing up for students. But we know it is not true. Perhaps they are using this resolution to distract from the continued attempts to ban books, to take food assistance from needy families, and to block child tax credits which could help families across the country. Let's remember what Republicans are targeting with this language. They are targeting migrants, many of them asylum seekers, who risked their lives to come to this country and to our cities seeking safety and stability. They are targeting migrants trafficked by GOP Governors as a political stunt. This resolution is part of the same stunt, designed to sell fear and hatred, to make prime-time slot pieces on FOX News. It is dangerous for immigrants like me and the communities that I represent. I urge my colleagues to reject this resolution.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of El Valor, a multicultural non-profit organization whose mission is to support children. people with disabilities, and their young families to achieve excellence and participate fully in life throughout the Chicagoland area and Cook County, Illinois. El Valor was founded in 1973, when Guadalupe Reyes could not find quality care for her son with mental and physical disabilities. It was this need for a place that was welcoming and supportive for the most marginalized members of our community that led to the inception of El Valor. Over the past five decades, El Valor has been a home and place of belonging. From early childhood education programs in English and Spanish to adult programs for individuals of all abilities, and professional development opportunities for rising community leaders, El Valor supports people in achieving their full potential. I am honored to commemorate El Valor on their 50th Anniversary. Congratulations (!Felicidades!).

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock Institute. Woodstock Institute is a pioneering organization dedicated to promoting economic justice and racial equity within financial systems through comprehensive research and impactful advocacy efforts. Woodstock Institute was founded in 1973 by Sylvia Scheinfeld as a center of community in Woodstock, Illinois to fight against redlining in Chicago. Over the past five decades, Woodstock Institute has become a nationally-renowned, consequential organization leading the charge on fair and equitable access to credit, consumer financial protection and community economic development. Woodstock Institute has been a leader in closing the racial wealth gap for Latino and Black communities across Chicagoland and the United States. At a time when banks are failing, people face a rental crisis, and interest rates keep rising, Woodstock Institute's work is more necessary than ever. I'm glad to have partnered with Woodstock Institute at a Congressional level on issues like capping consumer loans and reining in predatory lending. Together, we have worked tirelessly to address the urgent need for stronger consumer protection measures and to create a more equitable financial system for all Americans. I am honored to commemorate Woodstock Institute on their 50th Anniversary. Here's to the next 50 years.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great organizer and community activist, a leader who fought the Chicago machine and built multiracial and intergenerational coalitions, my friend, political mentor, and compadre, Rudy Lozano. Tomorrow, June 8, marks 40 years since Rudy's life was cut short. A labor organizer, he fought for workers' rights. As a community activist, he fought for justice for immigrant families. Rudy brought together diverse communities to elect Harold Washington as Chicago's first Black mayor in 1983. Rudy knew political empowerment was vital to improving community conditions. My presence in Congress and the growing number of progressive Black, Latino, and Asian-American elected officials in Chicagoland represent the enduring impact of his legacy. Let's continue his legacy by working in coalition to ensure a more inclusive politics for all. Que viva Rudy Lozano.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Mujeres Latinas en Accion on their 50th anniversary of serving and empowering Latinas and their families in Chicago. When it was founded in 1973 to offer support to domestic violence survivors, there were no other services like this for Spanish-speaking women in Chicago. Today, Mujeres Latinas en Accion helps women find pathways to safer and healthier lives by providing wraparound, bilingual, and culturally sensitive domestic violence and sexual assault services, including a 24-hour hotline for crisis counseling and advocacy efforts. However, the support does not stop there. Their program, Empresarias del Futuro, trains women interested in starting and expanding small businesses. By obtaining financial independence, they can break the cycle of codependency from their abusers. Mujeres Latinas en Accion is a force of change. I congratulate and thank them for serving our community with compassion, care, and courage these past 50 years.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today because a couple of months ago, a freight train derailed in my district. Thankfully, the cars that derailed were not carrying any hazardous materials and no one was hurt. Earlier this month, another passenger train derailed nearby as it left the station. Madam Speaker, 25 percent of the Nation's trains pass through the Chicagoland area, and many of the country's largest freight lines pass through my district. There are children in my district who hop over mile-long trains that block their path to school. So why am I talking about rail safety when we are supposed to be talking about the default? Because in Illinois alone the Republican default on America act would take away more than a year's worth of rail safety inspection days--470 to be exact. If they get their way, Republicans will make rail more dangerous in my district and across the country, and when accidents happen, communities like mine pay the price. For that reason, and for the many reasons that my colleagues are here to bring up, we continue to reject the Republicans' default plan.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2, the child deportation act. I rise today because seeking asylum is a human right because we are a nation of immigrants. I migrated to the U.S. when I was 9, but the same pathways to citizenship that enabled me to become a citizen and become a Member of Congress no longer exist. Our immigration system has become more restrictive. Our border is more militarized. This Republican bill is the cruelest we have seen in a long time. It destroys asylum. It doubles down on detention. It puts kids in jail. It is a bill intended to rally the base by vilifying immigrants. It is straight out of the Tucker Carlson playbook. Migrants make the journey through rivers and jungles, in trucks and on trains. They make the journey out of desperation and out of fear. We need an immigration system rooted in compassion and opportunity, not like this bill.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Village of Hinsdale, Illinois. A place that has been a pillar of Cook and DuPage counties for nearly two centuries. Hinsdaleans have long played an important role in shaping the community. It was thanks to Hinsdaleans that the village undertook numerous civic improvements that were ahead of their time. In the 1890s civic projects such as a water pumping station, a sewage system, electric street lights, street paving, and sidewalks contributed to the village's appeal. I am honored to represent the Village of Hinsdale and thousands of Hinsdaleans in Congress. Happy Sesquicentennial, Hinsdale. Here's to the next 150 years.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today with fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus because we are running out of time to save the DACA program. We can save the program through congressional action in the waning days of this Congress. Since 2012, DACA has created a glimpse of hope. DACA provides temporary legal status to thousands of people who know no other country than ours in the United States. They are our teachers, our nurses, our firefighters, our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones. Let's be clear: 75 percent of the American people support DACA. We know it strengthens our economy and makes us a better country, and both Republicans and Democrats agree. Still, the program has faced multiple court challenges, and if we don't do something to save it, the program will end. We need to save the DACA program, not only because it grows our economy, but because it is simply the right thing to do. Let me tell Yesenia's story. When it became time for a driver's license in high school, Yesenia's teacher forced her to provide a Social Security card, even though he knew Yesenia was undocumented and did not plan to get a license and had no real need to bring a Social Security card to class. When Yesenia was unable to produce a Social Security card, a classmate mocked her saying, ``she can't bring it because she's illegal.'' Yesenia nearly broke down in tears. Thanks to DACA, Yesenia was afforded a stability she has never known, no longer carrying the fear of being deported or separated from her family. Or think about Elizeth. She would wake up at 3:30 a.m. every day to prepare tamales and sell them before hurrying to school. She did this through elementary and middle school. Classmates belittled Elizeth, calling her ``la tamalera.'' Like Yesenia, Elizeth applied for DACA when the program was created. Eventually, Elizeth saved enough by selling tamales to pay her way through college. This is what they do. This is who they are. Both Elizeth and Yesenia are my constituents; and to my colleagues in the Senate, DACA recipients are your constituents too. Every DACA recipient has a story of homes lost and new homes found, stories of growing up, stories of pain and perseverance that demand action. Ending DACA will shatter the lives of nearly 2 million people in our country brought here as children; and it will hurt their families as well. It will separate families and tear communities apart. The stakes could not be higher. The end of DACA would uproot the lives of 600,000 DACA recipients, in addition to the more than 1.3 million migrants eligible for the program. Aside from the fact that DACA recipients pay almost $10 billion in taxes each year; aside from the fact that more than 200,000 DACA recipients across the country stepped up for us as frontline workers during the pandemic; our obligation to save DACA, above all else, is a moral one. It is about who we are as a country. The House has done its job. We passed the American Dream and Promise Act, and now we need the Senate to act on it. It is time to step up, save DACA, and codify it through congressional action.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris, who is retiring from office at the end of this session after 16 years of dedicated service to the north side of Chicago and to our entire city and State. Simply put, Majority Leader Harris' tenure in the General Assembly has been historic. He spearheaded the effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois in 2013, championed healthcare reform, and has fought with great success to expand the access to housing in our State. Majority Leader Harris is a skilled and compassionate legislator. As the first openly gay person in Illinois legislative leadership, he has brought a lived experience to his work and has created a more equitable city and State. I am grateful for all the work Majority Leader Harris has accomplished. His work will benefit people in Illinois for generations to come. May he enjoy his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to honor Damaris Devora, a dedicated public servant, as she celebrates her 20 years of service to our communities in Chicago. For two decades, Damaris has embraced and nurtured everyone that has walked through the doors of the office of Illinois' 4th Congressional District with a sole mission- to provide quality, thoughtful and much needed assistance to anyone that seeks it out. Damaris proudly hails from Humboldt Park in my district, a community that is as culturally rich and vibrant as she is. She's a daughter of the 4th; from the district through and through. An expert on all things Humboldt Park and Chicago, she'll tell you there is nowhere else she would rather be. Outside of our office, she is a devoted mother and grandmother who fiercely defends, supports and protects her family and loved ones. Service above self is Damaris' mantra. She is passionate, humble, yet unassuming. She's the type of individual that rocks your world with a clever comment, an astute observation that makes you laugh, or an outburst of joy and energy that is simply contagious. Her coworkers, past and present, love her as much as our constituents do. The quality of her service to our constituents is truly unrivaled. She has been so effective in helping the federal government work for constituents that people ask for her by name when they need help, often choosing to face wait times rather than leave without seeing or speaking with her. She is, effectively, the embodiment of what public service means. The amount of individuals she has assisted over the years is impossible to count, but they hail from all parts of Illinois, the United States and even the world. She has fought tirelessly to keep families together and to reunite loved ones from all across the globe. Her service transcends the borders of the 4th Congressional District. There is no greater joy in Damaris's eyes than that of a favorably closed case, signaled by her signature bell ring in the office. When you hear bells in our office, you know Damaris has worked her magic. She deserves a medal for her work, yet she's only motivated by her deep desire to help her community, not by recognition. Damaris Devora reminds us that a life dedicated to public service is beautiful and rare. This is why Damaris must be celebrated and appreciated. Having good, kind hearted, and selfless people in our team will always be our greatest asset as Members of Congress, and we're lucky to have Damaris on our side. Damaris is an important member of our team, and her abilities and contributions have been crucial to our continued success. I thank Damaris for all that she does. Congratulations on 20 Years of Service.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Lieutenant Colonel William Luna. He passed away on August 8 of this year and played a significant role in Chicago's Mexican Independence Day Parade for several years. Born Guillermo Luna, he was raised in East Chicago, Indiana, by his aunt after his parents passed away. William was a patriot, an educator, and an active member of the community. He was a Green Beret and jumpmaster who served our country in the U.S. Army's 2nd Airborne 505 Infantry and later joined the Army Reserves. His passion for boxing earned him the U.S. Golden Gloves boxing championship in 1958. Bill was a fierce advocate for the recognition of the contributions of Latinos, particularly Mexican Americans, in the military. A lover of history and education, Bill earned a master's degree in English and later became an adjunct professor of Mexican history and minority studies at the Indiana University Northwest. His knowledge of Mexican-American history led Chicago's Channel 7 to invite Bill to be a cohost of the Mexican Independence Day Parade broadcast for 7 years. We will always remember him. Rest in peace, Lieutenant Colonel William ``Bill'' Luna.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to honor Fiesta Del Sol, the largest Latino festival in the Midwest, as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary this month. Fiesta Del Sol hails from my district in Pilsen--the first neighborhood my parents and siblings found a home in when we arrived from Mexico. Pilsen's been a gateway for countless immigrant families, and it proudly continues to reflect and elevate the Mexican community in Chicago. We gather during the Fiesta del Sol to celebrate the richness of our culture through music, food, and community empowerment. Born in 1973, Fiesta del Sol was in part the result of the rising political power of the Chicano and Mexican American community. That year, the Pilsen Neighborhood Community Council, a non-profit community-based organization, led a successful campaign to build a new public high school in the heart of the neighborhood, the Benito Juarez Community Academy. The organizers hosted a block party to celebrate this victory, and thus the first Fiesta del Sol was born. Today, this four-day event attracts more than one million people, spans an eightblock space down Cermak Road, and can be seen from miles around in Chicago because of its Ferris wheel and bright lights. Fiesta del Sol also raises funds to provide scholarships for young people needing assistance as they enter colleges and universities. In its more than 100 booths you will find some of the best Mexican food in town, as well as artists and artisans who come to showcase their talent. Fiesta also is an opportunity for the community to get information about health care, immigration, environmental justice and college readiness. And while it features popular talent, it has also created opportunities for up-and-coming performers. Fiesta del Sol has become such a significant event for the Latino community, that a promotional poster for the festival, created by artist Alejandro Romero, is now part of the Smithsonian American Art collection. As the Mexican community in Chicago has grown and evolved, so has Fiesta del Sol. Organizations like the Pilsen Neighborhood Community Council have expanded their reach, continuing to engage and activate people to address the community needs, training organizers, and neighbors to advocate for themselves, their families and for the benefit of the community as a whole. Fiesta del Sol reminds us of the rich history of the Mexican community and the remarkable cultural and economic contributions we have brought to Chicago and the Midwest. Let's celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I want to honor the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago (MDFC), the oldest Mexican dance institution in our city, as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary this month. Folkloric dance refers to a dance style originating in Mexico, reflecting a diverse array of regions and states, blending a variety of techniques, tempos, music, and cultures to produce an art form as vibrant as the people of Mexico. Though Mexican folkloric dance is an art form that can be traced back to the ceremonial and social dance practices of indigenous communities, it also has multicultural influences, including Spanish, French and Caribbean, as well as from music and dance styles brought by immigrants from Africa, Asia, and other regions. Folkloric dances are an expression of Mexican, Mexican American, and regional pride. It has served as a measure of counter-colonialism and. storytelling, as dances often depict symbols, events, and other elements unique to the region that they originate from. These roots of pride and expression are what inspired the creation of the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago in 1982, when two prominent community folk dance groups, Nuevo Ideal and Alma de Mexico merged after performing in the very first Ethnic Heritage Festival at the 1981 Illinois State Fair. Since 1982 the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago has remained an integral part of our community. In its 40-year history, the group has provided free. dance education to hundreds of children, youth, and young adults across the city, providing the opportunity to connect with their Mexican heritage through the art of folkloric dance. In addition to providing young people with the opportunity to connect, the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago has captivated audiences across the state, nation, and globe. They have performed for Presidents in both the U.S. and Mexico, and at major events like the World Cup, the Pan American Games, and Latin Grammys, and alongside performers like Juan Gabriel, Pepe Aguilar, and others. I commend the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago for its contributions to our city's cultural life, and for their consistent engagement of young people into the history, culture, and art of Mexico, all of which form the heart of folkloric dance. Their captivating and vibrant performances serve as a testament to the flourishing Mexican Chicago community, and to the incredible presence it has and will continue to have in the city, state, and across the Nation. Let's celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of a friend and an outstanding Chicagoan, Vincent ``Vince'' Rangel. Vince was an immigrant from Mexico who proudly chose to serve his country during the Vietnam war as a member of the U.S. Army, accumulating a long list of decorations, including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and many more. Vince later served in numerous veterans' organizations in Illinois, becoming a leading advocate for enhanced behavioral health services for veterans. His service to our community included his work in support of small business as president of the Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and as board member of the U.S.-Hispanic Chamber. Vince never forgot his roots, serving as president of the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, helping to promote Mexican history and culture. My wife, Evelyn, and I send his daughters, Veronica and Jennifer, and his beloved grandchildren, Juan Diego and Victoria, our most sincere condolences.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Jeffrey Sherwin of the city of Northlake, Illinois for 25 years of service to that city. Mayor Sherwin, a lifelong resident of Northlake and Leyden Eagle, has dedicated his life to public service. Prior to becoming mayor in 1997, he served as trustee for Northlake Public Library and Northlake Fire Protection District. As mayor, he has worked tirelessly to transform the community by putting education, housing, infrastructure, and protecting the environment at the forefront of his effort. Mayor Sherwin built senior housing, established many new green and recreational spaces, and restored wetlands. In celebration of 25 years of service, today, we thank Mayor Jeffrey Sherwin for his career of service.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Manuelita Garcia. Manuelita was a force to be reckoned with, a fierce advocate for justice, a true fighter for the community, and a longtime Little Village resident. On Mother's Day, 2001, Manuelita launched Madres de la Villita to demand the construction of a promised high school in our neighborhood. I joined her and others as they initiated a 19-day hunger strike to push the school board to fulfill their promise. Her organizing led to greater support for educational equity and the eventual opening of the Little Village Lawndale High School. Manuelita will be remembered for her devotion to the youth of La Villita. She knew that when we invest in youth, we invest in our future. Above all, she will be remembered for her commitment to fairness, justice, and equity. Manuelita, thank you for your friendship. Rest in power, my friend.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Paulino Villarreal, Sr. Paulino was a longtime city worker, community volunteer, loving father, and a longtime Pilsen resident. He saw the children of his neighborhood as an extension of his own, holding toy and school supply drives to help them. Paulino represented what the southwest side of Chicago is all about; hard work, humility, and service to family and community. Paulino left us with an important lesson: The people we help, the helping hand we extend, is the legacy we leave behind. Family and friends will remember him for his cheerful outlook on life, his love for the Cowboys, and Tejano music. Above all, Paulino will be remembered for his generosity and his love of service. I express my deepest condolences to the Villarreal family. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Spanberger for organizing this Special Order. I, like the previous speakers, rise in support of the 340B drug pricing program. This little-known program represents only about 3 percent of the total drug sales in our country, but it is one of the most far-reaching health programs, especially for folks in my district. Let me share a story of an elderly patient at Erie Family Health Centers, which is based in my district. She had no insurance and struggled to afford her diabetes medication. Sadly, this is far too common in my district. The price jumped to $200, and she could not access her pharmacy during the COVID-19 crisis. But thanks to the 340B program, this patient now pays $9 for her medication, and it is delivered for free, straight to her home. This patient is not alone. Many Erie patients would not be able to obtain their insulin without the 340B discount. Unfortunately, this program is currently under assault on several fronts. We have to stand up. And we must protect it. Community health centers are under tremendous pressure to keep their doors open while caring for the most impacted. The timing could not be worse for pharmaceutical manufacturers to undermine such a critical program. The 340B program provides lifesaving medication for nearly 1.5 million patients of Illinois community health centers as well as housing, transportation, care management, and more. We must defend this crucial program. It is literally a lifeline for communities like mine.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1872) to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their extraordinary service during World War II.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, I rise in strong support of S. 1872, the Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. This bill honors the service of the men of the U.S. Army Rangers whose courageous actions in the European, North African, and Pacific theaters during World War II were essential to ensuring victory for the Allied Powers. At the onset of World War II, there were no U.S. Army units capable of performing highly specialized raiding missions like that of their British Commandos counterparts. To resolve this, Brigadier General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr., proposed the creation of Army Ranger Battalions to General George Marshall. These small, highly specialized, and independent units drew upon existing American expertise, using light infantry units for raids and scouting. Captain William O. Darby was selected as the 1st Ranger Battalion commander due to his experience in amphibious training and operational experience in both cavalry and infantry. Darby immediately went about recruiting volunteers, 473 of whom became the 1st Ranger Battalion. Thereafter, the 2nd through 6th Ranger Battalions were formed, along with the 29th provisional Ranger Battalion, comprised of members of the Army National Guard. The 1st Ranger Battalion was given the initial mission of taking part in the British and Canadian raid in Dieppe in France, making them the first American troops to see ground combat in Europe. Following this raid, the 1st Ranger Battalion operated primarily throughout North Africa and Italy, where they and members of the 3rd Ranger Battalion played a crucial role in the operational success of the Battle of Anzio. The 29th provisional Ranger Battalion participated in several smaller raids in Norway and France and was then disbanded due to the new formation of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions, who took part in campaigns in France, Belgium, and Central Europe, including Alsace, Brest, and most famously, the invasion of Normandy on D-day. The 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions conducted missions across Italy, while the 6th Ranger Battalion engaged in combat in the Pacific theater, primarily in the Philippines and New Guinea. The 6th Ranger Battalion is best known for its part in the rescue of more than 500 prisoners of war in the raid of the prison camp at Cabanatuan, which is the largest rescue operation in American history. Following the war, all seven Ranger Infantry Battalions received the Presidential Unit Citation for their extensive contributions to the Allied war effort, and I believe their heroism ought to be recognized and rewarded further still. I urge my colleagues to support S. 1872, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time until Mr. Hill yields back.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.