Sylvia Garcia

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to echo the words of my Texas friend and colleague, Mr. Weber, to support the reintroduction of H.R. 768, the ``Keeping America's Energy Resources Moving Act''. This is vital legislation needed to support a vital industry, the U.S. lightering industry. In turn, this legislation will support our domestic refining industry and its workers and help support U.S. energy security and independence. It is a small technical fix to the law that will allow seafarers aboard lightering vessels to continue to do the vital work they do--import and export crude oil and natural gas to and from our refineries in Texas and the Gulf Coast, Delaware and Southern California. We have bipartisan support for the legislation and the approval of the agencies who will administer and implement this legislation when it becomes law. As my colleague Mr. Weber has said, we simply ran out of time to move the bill--but we will continue our efforts and press forward in the next Congress. I thank my colleagues for their support of this legislation and look forward to enacting this important technical fix in the next Congress.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Lee and the caucuses involved for putting this Special Order together. Today in America, there is not one State that has the pandemic under control. My own State of Texas became the first State to surpass 1 million cases. Let me repeat that: 1 million cases. These cases represent many of our neighbors, our friends, and our own family. I personally have self-quarantined once and have already been tested four times for different times I have been exposed to someone with the virus. Thank God all tests have come back positive--I am sorry, negative. I meant to say, ``not come back positive.'' Little misspeaking there. Mr. Speaker, this pandemic is affecting everyone, but it is not affecting everyone in the same way. Black and Latino communities are bearing the weight of this pandemic. While Black and Latino people are being hospitalized and dying at higher rates than White people, they are also the ones most likely to be working jobs that put them more at risk. They have always been essential workers. Now more than ever, this is sadly more true. They are meatpacking workers, farmworkers, sanitation workers, custodians, restaurant workers, grocery clerks, postal workers, police officers, firefighters, longshoremen. These aren't jobs you can do from home. If you don't show up, you just don't get paid. Black and Latino families have had to go into work even when it meant they may get sick. And many of them have gotten sick. Even worse, many infected a loved one with the virus. America depends on these workers to put food on our tables and keep us safe. Because our leaders didn't take any steps to prepare us for this pandemic, we can't even offer the protective gear needed to keep essential frontline workers safe. So while we are asking these communities to go to work every day without the proper protections, we also know that Latino and Black Americans are more likely to have health conditions, like asthma and diabetes, that make the virus even more dangerous. Nationwide, Latinos make up 55 percent of the COVID cases and 24 percent of the overall deaths. Yet, we are only 18.5 percent of the total U.S. population. In Texas, Latinos are about 40 percent of the population, but we are nearly 55 percent of the deaths--more than half, Mr. Speaker. In Houston, sadly, Latinos account for 54 percent of the deaths caused by this virus--again, more than half. My district, which is nearly 80 percent Latino, was one of the hardest hit areas in the Houston region. But despite these numbers, many of my constituents are still scared of getting tested or even seeing the doctor. Many don't have health insurance. Others don't trust our healthcare system. Many more are undocumented and fear deportation. Mr. Speaker, now, I am optimistic about the future, given some of the news about vaccine trials. However, we must make sure, once we have a safe and effective vaccine, that it is distributed fairly and equitably and that no one is left behind. We do not need to repeat the disparate mistakes of the past. As elected officials, we must work together to keep all of our constituents safe. Right now, with the virus rapidly spreading, we are losing precious time if we don't act. People will get sick, and even more people will die, if we wait any longer. Legislation like the Heroes Act provides protections that working families and frontline workers need now. It would provide rent relief for families who are afraid of losing their homes. It would help our schools keep kids healthy and safe for in-person learning. It would give local and State governments much-needed relief to retain frontline workers on payroll. It would give hardworking families another stimulus check. It would also reinstate the supplemental weekly $600 in unemployment benefits, a lifeline that helped many families stay afloat. Lastly, we need to earn the trust of these communities and let them know that, yes, they are a part of us. People of color know and must know that we are working for them. We cannot save the economy if we don't save people first. Saving many lives must be our top priority. It will take all of us to crush this virus, but I know that we will get together to make sure that we are all working together to get past this pandemic, and if we do, it will be for all of us. Todos juntos. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for this Special Order.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include these transcriptions of letters I received from my visit to the Irwin ICE Detention Center for the Record. The first letter was signed by 24 detained women. The second one is from another detainee. I am also including text from a drawing I received during the visit that is asking for compassion and mercy. Letter No. 1 Signed by 24 Women from Irwin County Detention Center-- Spanish Transcript fHola! rComo estan? Nosotros estamos mal. Si estamos mal, porque nadie en estas condiciones puede decir que esta bien. Yo queria decirles un bonito discurso. Pero le voy a hablar con la verdad y con el corazon. rPor que habeis tardado tanto en venir? Si desde hace tiempo pediamos a gritos ``AUXILIO''. Ustedes no saben todo lo que hemos sufrido. Alguien debe de pararlo. Alguien debe de responder por esto. Si nos tienen encerradas, nos han separado de nuestras familias, los jueces nos han negado todo. rPor que nos castigan mas? Mandandonos con un ``loco'', despiadado que mutila cuerpos. Y nos deportan para que nadie diga NADA y no se portan para que nadie denuncie NADA. Alguien debe de parar esto. Alguien deberia de responder por esto. Y que no venga ICE y quiera limpiarse las manos si son ellos quienes lo ``autorizan''. Ustedes no saben el trauma psicologico y la indignacion que sentimos al ver tantas mujeres ``operadas''. Las hemos visto llorar del dolor porque su estomago esta inflamado, porque la cirugia se les infecto. No les dieron tratamiento, ni medicamento despues de la cirugia. En ocasiones nos ha tocado servir de enfermeras y auxiliarnos unas a otras. La mayoria de las que se le practico esa cirugia no entienden que esta pasando con su cuerpo, ni que hicieron en su cuerpo. Le vamos a hacer un estudio le ``dijeron'' y las habeis enganado. Porque una sala de cirugias no debe ser una escuela. La escuela la habeis pasado antes. Me han referido 5 ocasiones donde el doctor Mahendra G. Amin de pies, cintura y manos nos llevaban encadenadas. Y conmigo tambien iban 2,3,4 mujeres mas en las mismas y peores condiciones porque ellos ya estaban operadas. Yo no he visto ni una cirugia que no se haya infectado. Que nosotros seamos inmigrantes no le da el derecho para que practican y mutilen nuestro NO cuerpo. Nosotras tambien tenemos derecho a decir NO. Si la salud es un derecho universal que todo ser humano tiene. Mira tambien a estas otras mujeres que estan en la misma situacion, no entendemos que le han hecho a nuestro cuerpo y estamos aqui ahora. [Redacted] y otras que decidieron permanecer anonimas, por miedo a represarias. ffPor el amor a Dios!! y por humanidad. Esto debe de parar ya. Esto debe de parar Ahora. Que no nos enganen, porque la casa se ve ``limpia''. Que nos las enganen porque huele a pintura fresca. El piso esta limpio. Pero cuando ustedes se vayan. La casa asi seguir seria sucia. Porque siempre ha estado sucia. rY quien va a limpiar las heridas del alma! rY quien nos va a ayudar a sanar las heridas de nuestro cuerpo cuando ustedes se vayan se vayan? Vengan a ci y miren estas mujeres como estan. Miren estas mujeres como estan. Miren en lo que les han hecho! Que no los enganen porque cuando ustedes se vayan las maltratos y castigos van a seguir. Pero alguien debe de correr el riesgo y debe decirlo [Redacted] Esto debe, pero de parar ``ya.'' Esto debe parar ``Ahora.'' Este centro de MUTILACION debe ser cerrado. y pedimos ``LIBERTAD''. Necesitamos un adecuado y confiable tratamiento medico. No nos dan la medicina que necesitamos. No estan atendiendo correctamente nuestras enfermedades. Habemos mujeres con enfermedad de GRAVES y otras que tambien se estan enfermando. Por Humanidad Liberennos.'' Firmada por 24 mujeres. Haaaa, y pensaron que ya habia terminado pues no aparte de los terribles procedimientos ginecologicos, pedimos por la persona con condiciones de salud grave y por las que ahorita se estan enfermando porque aqui usted viene con una enfermedad y se le desarrolla diez. pero todo lo que usted le dice a la enfermera dice ella que es mentira, estas mintiendo, usted no tiene nada. ``Las enfermedades no esperan. Cada dia abundan mas y mas y mas aqui que casi nunca hay medicina, pero cuando viene visitas, El ogro se convierte en princesa, y todo parece un cuento de hadas, pero cuando las visitas se van comienzan para ``nosotras las pesadillas'' porque todo vuelve a dar a la realidad que estamos viviendo aqui en Irwin. ``una pesadilla'' ``Libertad para todas.'' ``Por Humanidad Liberennos.'' Letter No. 1 Signed by 24 Women from Irwin County Detention Center-- English Transcript Hi! How is everybody? We are not well. Yes, we are not well, because no one in these conditions can say that it is okay. I want to give you a nice speech. But I will say truths and from the heart. Why did it take you so long to come? Since it has been a while since we cried for HELP. You do not know everything we have suffered. Someone should stop it. Someone should answer for this. If they have us locked up, they have separated us from our families, the judges have denied us everything. Why do they punish us more? Sending us to a ``crazy man'', ruthless who mutilates bodies. And they deport us because no one is saying ANYTHING. And they deport us because no one is denouncing ANYTHING. Someone should stop this. Someone should answer for this. Do not let ICE come and wash their hands if they are the ones who ``authorize'' it. You all do not know the psychological trauma and the outrage we feel when we see so many women that have been ``operated'' on. We have seen them cry from the pain because their stomachs are inflamed, because the surgery infected them. They did not given them treatment nor medicine afterward the surgery. Sometimes we have had to be nurses and help one another. The majority of the women who have received that surgery do not understand what is happening to their body, nor what they did to their body. They ``told'' them they were going to perform a study and they had deceived them. Because a surgery room should not be a school. We have already attended school. I have been referred 5 times to Doctor Mahendra G. Amin. We were taken with our feet, waist, and hands chained. And with me came along 2, 3, 4, more women in the same or worse conditions because they had already been operated on. I have not seen one surgery that has not been infected. Just because we are immigrants does not give them the right to practice and mutilate our bodies. We also have the right to say NO. If the right to health is universal that all humans have, look at these other women that are in the same situation, we do not understand what they have done to our bodies and we are here now. [Redacted] And the others decided to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. For the love of God!! And for humanity. This should stop now. This should stop now. They should not deceive us, because the house looks ``clean''. They should not deceive us, because it smells like fresh paint. The floor is clean. But when you all leave, the house will continue to be dirty, because it was always dirty. And who will clean the wounds of the soul?! And who will help us heal the wounds on our body when you all leave?! Come and look at how the women are. Look at what they have done to us! Do not let them deceive you because when you all leave the mistreatment and punishments will continue. But someone should run the risk and should say it [Redacted] This should stop ``now''. This should stop ``now''. This MUTILATION center should be closed, and we ask for ``FREEDOM''. We need adequate and reliable medical treatment. They do not give us the medicine we need. They are not correctly looking after our ailments. We have women with serious illnesses and other that are also sick. For Humanity, Free Us. Signed by 24 women. Haaaa, and you all thought that this had ended but, no. Besides the terrible gynecological procedures, we ask for the people with serious health conditions and for the ones that are beginning to get sick because if you come with an illness and it will spread tenfold. But everything you tell the nurse, she says it is a lie, that you are lying, that you have nothing. ``Sicknesses do not wait. Every day they become more and more and more numerous here that there is hardly any medicine but when visitors come, the ogre changes into a princess and everything looks like a fairytale. But when the visitors leave. ``nightmares begin for us'' because everything goes back to reality for us living here in Irwin. ``A nightmare''. ``Liberty for all''. ``For Humanity, Free Us''. Letter No. 2 from One of the Detained Women--Spanish Transcript Yo [Redacted] quiero espresarme [expresarme] por ese medio ya ke [que] en 8 meses de estar en este sentro [centro] de detension [detencion] no ecido es cuchada [no he sido escuchada] por nadie y lla [ya] que tenemos la oportunida[d] de que alguien nos escuche [.] yo pido que por fabor [favor] sean enbestigado [investigando] todo lo dicho de este sentro [centro] lla [ya] que en este lugar [h]emos pasado tanta atrosidades [atrocidades.] asido [ha sido] muy cruel lo que [h]emos sufrido dentro de esta detencion de irwin [Irwin.] este lugar paresiera [pareciera] un lugar de tortura solo por ser personas indocumentadas [.] nomeresemos [no merecemos] ser maltratados de esta manera porque como serer [ser] humanos meresemos [merecemos] un trato dindo [digno] de ser respetados como persona [.] pero alpareser [aparecer] y por lo que e [ha] pasado aki [aqui] no tienen corazon de una persona [.] No [h]ay como comparar estar persona que los [h]an [h]echo tanto dano barbar[o] y sicologico [psicologico] y en ocasiones fisico porque solo que teyeben [te lleven] con esas cadenas atada de pies manos y sintura [cintura] al medico astar [estar] tres o cuatro [h]oras de aki [aqui] por que [porque] lo evivido [he vivido.] lo ostoy [estoy] espresando [expresando] el dia q [que] de el mes de junio por fin me yebaron [me llevaron] al doctor [.] me yebaron [me llevaron] ese dia a las 3 de la manana [.] yo niciquiera [ni siquiera] era savia [sabia] porque despues del mes de abril que avia [habia] mandado juecues [h]asta ese dia me yamaron [llamaron.] yo me sorprendi pero como siempre aqui no te permiten preguntar nada porque si pregunta[s] es peor el castigo y el maltrato de los ofiliole [oficiales]. pues me yeberoron [llevaron.] yege [llegue] al lugar [.] mi sorpresa fue que aporte de estar desde las 3 de la manana enserada en un cuarto aki [aqui] de la detencion todo el dia sin comer [.] luego llego a ese luga[r] por cierto te esperas [h]asta que te avisan si ya pueden entra[r] mientra[s] te asen peror [hacen peor] [h]asta [h]ora y medi[a] dentro de la combi y en la parte de atras de la clinica [.] no se porque pero desde ese momento yo me pregunte que es esto [.] [h]asta parese [parece] un lugar clandestino [.] luego te avisan a los oficieles qu[e] ya pueden entra[r.] ni siquiera te quitan los [las] esposa[s,] ni te [esplican] explican que ban [van hacer,] al menos yo avia pedio [habia pedido una] pastilla para el dolor de mi vientre y no me dijeron nada mas que yevarme [llevarme] ase [a ese] lugar don[de] te asen [hacen] firmar unos papeles [.] luego ye dicen ocucrto te en esa camia [.] ni siquiera te disen [dicen] [scribbles] Barroser ginecologo [.] o yo soy el jinicologo [ginecologo] noda te acuestan y luego te introdosen al adentro de nuestro vientre en menos de 5 minutos [.] el me dijo [``]tienes quiste entros [adentro de semanas,] te yegan [llegan] los resultado[s]y si no te ban atraer [van a traer] de nuevo [.] yo me sorprendi por yerara [ya era] 5 anos en el pais y des[de] el 2014 me chequeo en el sentro [centro] de solo de mi condado y nunca yo [tuve] un tratamiento sicolojico [psicologico] porque los an [han] maltratado tanto que nuestro[s] cuerpo[s] esta[n] todo el tiempo nervioso[s] de los gritos de como tiran los [las] puerta[s] casi en tu cara [.] dia y noche los oficiales te maltratan de una manera que tenemos que umiyarnos [humillarnos] para que no los [nos] griten [.] pedimos ropa interior y los [nos] traen usada de otras persona[s]. eso no es corecto [correcto,] ponerse ropa interior usa[da] pero exo [eso] te la tiran si lo quieres [,] bueno [,] y si no [,] se yeva [las llevan] nde nuevo todo lo que les pides [.] ellos os ofensa [nos ofendan.] les pedimos cosas para aser [hacer] la limpiesa [limpieza] y los disen [nos dicen] que no [h]ay [,] que ICE no tiene [.] pedimos mas cories y tanvien disen [tambien dicen] que pongamos decoes y [h]asta 5 decues [h]emos puesto y no los In no dan poro eyos [ellos.] nosotro[s] somos como unas cucaracha[s] de la puerta [.] te grita[n] [``]chao chao[''.] que es la comida [,] eso es el nombre de una comida de per[r]o [.] tanvien [tambien] si no te pones en la fila [,] te dejan sin comer o si estas en la degadera ellos [ellos] no les importa[n] nada [.] luego si les per[des] tu comida [y] les pregunta y les dise que estaba[s] en el chower [ducha,] nos disen [dicen] que ICE no tiene comida para estar dando [.] no los [nos] dan nada ni para banarte [.] este lugar es terible [terrible] y los persenos que trabajan aqui desde el mes grande [h]asta el mes pekeno [pequeno.] durante un peso el corone[l] Bidos [.] esto asido [ha sido] peor porque siantes [visitantes] venian achekear [a checquear] [scribble] semas abril ya no entran aqui a porque disen [dicen] que les podemos contagiar eyos [ellos] gritan cuando [the rest is cut off because photocopy] Sali con quisti [quiste] en mis obarios asido [ovarios. ha sido] ter[r]ible [.] que emos [hemos] pasado aqui todas las mujeres [.] al menos cada mes yebon [llevan] 6 a 7 mujeres al ginecologo y la mayoria son operadas porque tienen quitis dise [quistes, dice] el ginecologo [.] aparte de eso, te opera[n] y ni siquiera te dan una benda [Band-aid] o una postilla [.] yo he tenido que cuidar a mis companeras que fueron operadas en ese lugar y con ese jinecologo [ginecologo.] el maltrato comiensa [comienza] desde que te saca porol el medico [.] cuando regresan de alla de la clinica no puedan ni dar los pasos [.] vienen con su vientre [h]erido y inflamado a [y] los buelvan [vuelven] a meter aqui como un per[r]o sin bolvellas [volverlas a chequear.] a los tres dias de [scribble] satres que joros te dan una taylenol [Tylenol] 250 [.] eso el [es] una burlo [burla] porque asto yorande [hasta llorando] el fuerte dolor de las sirujias [cirugias,] nosotros las companeras les ayudamos a banarlas y de las pastias [pastillas] que compramos en la comisaria [,] de esa tomamos [.] por fabor [favor] ya no mas [.] [scribble] tan[ta] cruelda[d] con nosotros que sentimos un gran dolor porque ya no sabemos como bamos [vamos] a regresar con nuestras familia[a] despues de todo estos [esto] que [h]emos vivido en este ter[r]ible luga[r] gde. Bamos [Vamos] a nesesitar [necesitar]estas ansido [han sido] mis companeros que yo evisto [he visto] subir estas situaciones de sirujias [cirugias] y que [h]an salido con quistes en los ovarios segun el medico todos salimos con kistis [quistes] y si no [,] otros enfermedes [enfermedades] en nuestro vientre [.] como es pocible [posible] que todas salgamos enfermos de de nuestro vientre [.] eso no puede estar pasando [.] [Redacted] Estas persona[s] son los que a mi me costa a verlas visto en este sentro [centro] de detencio [detencion] subril [sutil] sirujias [cirugias] y con quistes en su vientre claro y por supuesto yo algunos vafucto deportados a su paises asi en esa condicion [.] an cido [Han sido] troutas los casos que [h]emos [hemos] vivo en este lugar [.] necesitamos ser liverados [liberados] de este lugar [.] Nesecitamos [Necesitamos] ser liverados [liberados] de esta tortura [.] Somos madre[s] con nuestro[s] hijos aya [alla] afuera yorando [llorando] pregunter no moma [.] Por fabor [favor] tenemos nuestro corason [corazon] des trosado [destrozado] sin nuestro[s] hijos tanto tiempo y sin saver [saber] asta [hasta] cuando [.] Por fabor [favor] nuestro[s] hijo[s] son de esta pais [,] este es su nacion [,] no los pueden separar de nuestros hijos [.] Por fabor [favor] yo soy madre de 5 hijos que me necesitan [.] Para mi es duro escuchar su bos [voz] soyosa [solloza] disiendo [diciendo] mama cuando yegas [llegas] y so sin poder darles una repuesta positiva [.] Por fabor [favor] escuchenos necesitamos estar con nuestro[s] hijos [.] Por fabor [favor] no tengo mas que pedir ke [que] nos liberen de esta luga [lugar] tan terrible. Letter No. 2 from one of the detained women--English Transcript I, [Redacted], want to express myself through this medium since it has been 8 months that I am in this detention center [.] I have not been heard by anyone and now we have the opportunity for someone to listen to us [.] I beg that please they get investigated for everything that happens in this center since that in this place we have experienced many atrocities [.] This has been very cruel what we have suffered inside this detention in Irwin [.] This place seems to be a place of torture only for undocumented people [.] We do not deserve to be mistreated in this way since we are humans we deserve decent treatment to be respected like a person [.] but it appears and for everything that has happened here that they do not have the heart of a person [.] There is no way to compare the person who has done such barbaric and psychologic harm and on occasions physical because they would take you with chained feet [,] hands [,] and waist to the doctor for three or four hour from here because I have lived it [.] I am voicing the day in June when they finally took me to the doctor [.] They took me that day at 3am [.] I didn't even know because after the month of April they had sent me until that day they called me [.] I was shocked but like always here they do not allow you to ask anything because if you ask the punishment and mistreatment is worse from the officials. Well they took me [.] I arrived at the place [.] my surprise was where I was since 3am inside that room here in the detention all day without eating [.] later after arriving at that place for sure you wait until they tell you if they can enter while they make you worse until half an hour inside of the bus and in the back of the clinic [.] I don't know why but from that moment I asked myself what is this [.] it even appears to be a secret place [.] later they notify you to the officials that you can enter [.] they do not even take off your handcuffs nor do they explain what will they do at least I had asked for a pill for the pain in my stomach and they did not say anything except take me to that place where they make you sign papers [.] later they tell you lay on that bed [.] they do not even tell you you're going to see the gynecologist [.] or I am the gynecologist. Nothing. they lay you down and enter the inside of our stomach in less than 5 minutes [.] he told me that you have cyst inside for weeks the results will arrive and if not they will bring you here again [.] I was surprised because it has been 5 years in this country and since 2014 I have checked at the center in my country and I never had a psychological treatment because they have mistreated us so much that our bodies are always nervous from the yelling from how they throw the doors almost in our face [.] day and night the officials mistreat you in a manner that we have to humiliate ourselves for them not to yell at us [.] we ask for underwear and they give us used ones from other people [.] that is not correct to put used underwear but that is what they throw at us if you want it good and if not they take it again . . . new is all we ask [.] they offend us [.] we ask for things to clean ourselves with and they tell us that there is nothing that ICE does not have it [.] we ask for more [cories?] and they also say that we should wear twelve and up to 5 times we have put on[...] we are like cockroaches at the door [.] they yell bye bye what is the food that is the name of the dog food [.] also if you do not get in line they let you go without eating if you were in the shower [.] they do not care at all [.] later if you lose out on food and ask and say that you were in shower they say that ICE does not have food to be giving out [.] they do not give us anything to shower with [.] this place is terrible and the people who work here from the biggest person to the smallest person [.] during a weighing the colonel Bidos [.] this was worse than the visits that would come to check . . . since the weeks in April now you do find them here because they say we can contaminate them they yell [the rest is cut off because photocopy] I got a cyst on my ovaries [.] it has been terrible what has happened to all the women here [.] at least every month they take 6 to 7 women to the gynecologist and the majority are operated on because they have cysts says the gynecologist [.] apart from that, they operate on you and do not even give you a Band-aid or a pill [.] I have had to take care of my fellow mates that have been operated on in this place and with that gynecologist[.] the mistreatment begins when they take you to the doctor [.] when they return from there from the clinic they cannot even walk [.] they come with their stomach lacerated and inflamed and they return them here like dogs without checking on them [.] by three days of . . . they give you a Tylenol 250 [.] that is the a joke because even while crying the strong pain of the surgeries us the mates help each other to shower or with pills that we buy from the police station we take those [.] please no more [.] so much cruelty for us to feel such great pain because we do not know how we will return to our families after everything we have lived through in this terrible place. . . We will need this has been my mates that I have seen enter in those surgery situations and have left with cysts on their ovaries according to the doctor we all come out with cysts and yes other sicknesses in our stomachs [.] how is this possible that we all get sick in in our stomachs [.] this cannot be happening [.] [Redacted] These people are those that are tough to see in this detention center [.] subtle surgeries and cysts in their stomach sure and of course some in those conditions are deported to their countries in that condition [.] it has been so many the cases that we have lived in this place [.] we need to be freed from this place [.] We need to be free from this place [.] We are mothers with our children outside crying asking for their mom [.] Please we have our hearts shattered without our children so much time and without knowing until when [.] Please our children are from this country this is their nation you cannot separate us from our children [.] Please I am the mother of 5 children who need me [.] It is tough for me to hear their sobbing voice saying mama when do you come back and I cannot give them a positive answer [.] Please listen to us we need to be with our children [.] Please I have nothing else to ask except to free us from this terrible place. Drawing--Spanish and English Translation Clemencia y misericordia Compassion and mercy

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) for yielding me the time. This weekend, several of my colleagues and I visited the Irwin County ICE Detention Center, and what we saw and heard was outrageous and heartbreaking. We heard stories directly from women who were subjected to unnecessary and unwanted medical procedures without their consent. And yet yesterday, some of our friends across the aisle suggested that some of this may be made up, that this is not real. Well, here I have some statements I received directly from the detainees this past weekend, and I am going to read from these, written in their own hands, for the Record. They are in Spanish, but they will be translated into English. This letter was signed by 24 detainees. The women said: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) They do not understand what is happening to their body, nor what they did to their body. ``No entienden que esta pasando con su cuerpo, ni que hicieron con su cuerpo''. Mr. Speaker, imagine if you were put under in surgery and were not told what was being done to your body, and you went through the surgery. This is what is happening to some of these women. They went on to say: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``They `told' them they were going to perform a study and they deceived them. Because a surgery room should not be a school.'' ``Le vamos a hacer un estudio les `dijeron' y las habeis enganado. Porque una sala de cirugias no debe ser una escuela''. Now, that is alarming if it is true. They were performing a study, and they deceived them. Because the surgery room should not be a school. Mr. Speaker, imagine if you were told they were doing a study on your body and not being told what for or what any side effects may be. Nothing, nada, is what these women were told. They also said: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``Why are we being punished? You send us to a `crazy' person that mutilates bodies. And they deport us so that we don't say anything.'' ``rPor que nos castigan mas? Nos mandan con un `loco', despiadado que mutila cuerpos. Y nos deportan para que nadie diga nada. . .'', imagine if you were told they were doing a study on your body and not being told what for or what any side effects may be. Nothing, nada, is what these women were told. Well, Mr. Speaker, again, imagine having your body mutilated and then being deported to have you silenced. This is what is happening to some of these women. When I asked three of the detainees I spoke to if they ever got an explanation of any of this in their own language, if they had the procedure and their options explained to them, and if they understood the chilling effect of these surgeries, all three of them laughed almost in unison at me, and they responded: (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) ``Of course not.'' ``Claro que no.''

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, many women have been violated in the most horrific way imaginable. One relayed having a doctor, without explanation, putting his hands in her vagina without gloves. That is an assault in my book, and we need to recognize it as such. Many remain confused about what was done to their bodies. Some had life-altering surgeries performed on them without consenting or truly understanding the long-term repercussions on their reproductive health. These actions recall a time in our history when Black and Brown women were subjected to forced sterilizations and medical experiments. This cannot be allowed to happen in America today. We can never let it happen ever again. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, in my mind, is just a first step in getting justice for these women. We need to shut down the Irwin ICE Detention Center pending all investigations. The detainees should be released to their families or sponsors so they can get a complete medical review. We must get to the bottom of this and make sure that it is stopped. And the FBI must investigate LaSalle Corrections and its contractors, especially the medical staff and the doctor, for any conflict of interest, any self-dealing, and any possible fraudulent billing. Mr. Speaker, this is the most horrific example of human rights violations I have ever seen, and sadly, it is happening here in our very own country, and it must be stopped.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8124) to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for transportation and subsistence for criminal justice defendants, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8124, the Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020 is a bipartisan piece of legislation that makes two very modest but important amendments to current law, promoting the efficient, effective, and fair administration of justice. The first part of this bill concerns out-of-custody criminal defendants, particularly those who are released pending trial to live in communities that are located far from the courthouse where their cases are being heard. The majority of Federal criminal defendants are detained pending trial, and the United States Marshals Service is responsible for housing and transporting them to court hearings, including trial. In addition, under current law, the court may order the U.S. marshals to provide funds for a criminal defendant who is released pending trial but cannot afford the cost of travel to cover the defendant's travel to the location of the courthouse for hearings or trial. However, the defendant must fund their own way back home, and a defendant in this position would not be able to receive financial support from the U.S. marshals for subsistence, such as lodging and meals. For an indigent defendant, these costs are sometimes insurmountable. For instance, a defendant from Hawaii who must attend their 2-week trial in the Southern District of New York, would have to figure out how to pay for 2 weeks of lodging in New York City, or a defendant released to live at home on the Navajo Reservation, who has a pretrial hearing at the Federal courthouse in Phoenix, Arizona, may not be able to afford gas for the 6-hour ride back home. For years, our Federal courts have struggled with how to assist indigent defendants when they find themselves in these difficult situations. But unfortunately, the courts' efforts have come up against the text of the statute. This bill would authorize courts in the interest of justice to order the U.S. marshals to cover roundtrip travel and subsistence for defendants who must attend court hearings but cannot afford to pay this on their own. The Judicial Conference of the United States has urged us to correct this grave unfairness. I am pleased to see that we are finally doing that with this bill. The second part of this bill concerning Federal magistrate judges is also supported by the Judicial Conference. Magistrate judges have trial jurisdiction over certain misdemeanors, except for class A misdemeanors, for which the maximum sentence is up to 1 year in custody. With a defendant's consent, however, a magistrate judge may exercise trial jurisdiction over a case involving a class A misdemeanor. Magistrate judges frequently do so and often hear class A misdemeanor cases all the way through judgment and sentencing. Under current law, a magistrate's jurisdiction ends after judgment is entered in a misdemeanor case and post-judgment jurisdiction reverts to the district court. Indeed, magistrate judges are not authorized to hear post-judgment motions, such as motions to vacate a sentence, even though they are the ones that handled the entire matter at the trial level and are best equipped to hear such post-judgment motions. Among other things, this bill would authorize a magistrate judge to hear post-judgment motions in misdemeanor cases in which she or he exercised trial jurisdiction. This amendment clearly improves judicial economy. It makes perfect sense. This is a straightforward and bipartisan measure that will help our criminal justice system in a more effective and fair manner. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries).

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020 is a modest but important bill. I commend our colleagues, Representatives Jeffries and Roby, for their leadership in bringing these important issues to our attention. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the House floor to express my strong and unwavering support for the Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2020. This bill would hold public notaries accountable that abuse their power to take advantage of vulnerable communities with language barriers or who cannot read or who cannot fully understand the legal system. Many Spanish-speaking immigrants, for example, turn to notaries because in their home countries a notario publico refers to a lawyer. H.R. 8225 criminalizes notario fraud schemes to ensure that no one can take advantage of the literal-sounding translation of notario publico. Significantly, some grifters have fraudulently used the notary public title to hold themselves out as authorized to provide advice and services. When I was a legal aid lawyer, I remember seeing firsthand many deceitful practices at the expense of poor people due to the language barrier, due to the immigration status, or due to the fact that people could not read the papers that they brought to the notario publicos. That was wrong then, and it is still wrong today. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to protect the well- being and livelihoods of the most vulnerable among us, including American families across the country. Certainly, courts have recognized the widespread prevalence of notario fraud, and the negative impact on immigrants and their families is clear. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my comadre and good friend, Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of south Florida, for exemplary leadership on this issue and for sponsoring this bill. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this very important legislation. Let's put an end to these fraudulent schemes.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, for far too long, pregnant workers in our country have lacked reasonable accommodations at their workplaces. They need to keep their jobs to ensure economic security for themselves and their families. Yet, without reasonable accommodations they could risk their health and safety. I am proud to cosponsor the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which would right this wrong. This bill would require employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers who need them. Without this legislation, some may continue to work in unsafe conditions. Currently, pregnant workers might be let go or forced into unpaid leave, just for asking for reasonable accommodations. Some may quit their job to avoid risking the health of their pregnancy. This is unacceptable. Pregnant workers deserve better. They deserve these commonsense protections. That is why I am proud to cosponsor and vote for this bill today.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I stand here today because the United States Postal Service is under attack by the current administration. This is an assault on our democracy and our economy, and it is hurting Americans across the country. It is hurting the veteran in my district from Pasadena, Texas, who receives his medications from the VA through the mail and who is now worried about what will happen to him if his medications get delayed. It is hurting my neighbor from Lindale Park who cares for her elderly mother and didn't receive her Social Security check in the mail on time, further stressing her financial situation and leaving her unable to pay her mother's utilities. And it is hurting the small businesses in my neighborhood in the Houston region, already crippled by this pandemic, that depend on the Postal Service to mail out payments and products. Madam Speaker, we cannot stand by as people are hurting. The Postal Service delivers money, medicines, merchandise, and, yes, mail-in ballots. Madam Speaker, we must keep the Postal Service running. People are hurting.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Specialist (Spc.) Vanessa Guillen--a daughter, a sister, and a beloved member of the Southeast Houston community. She was a beautiful, talented, and intelligent 20-year old Latina soldier who tragically went missing on April 22, 2020 after she was brutally murdered by another soldier at Fort Hood. Spc. Vanessa Guillen was born on September 30, 1999 to her loving parents Rogelio and Gloria Guillen, and was one of six brothers and sisters. Her father Rogelio likes to recount the story of how Vanessa dreamed of joining the U.S. Army since she was 12 years old. She would often tell him, ``Papa yo me quiero inscribir en el Army. I want to enlist in the Army.'' She felt a deep sense of love for America and the Army represented an opportunity for a better life--her shot at achieving the American Dream. She worked really hard towards this goal and in 2018 she graduated in the top 15 percent of her class from Cesar E. Chavez High School where she loved playing soccer. Shortly after her graduation, Vanessa fulfilled her dream to serve our country by enlisting in the Army where she was trained as a 91F, small arms/ artillery repairer. Unfortunately, her dream turned into a true nightmare. Before her murder and disappearance, Vanessa confided in her family that she felt unsafe at Fort Hood due to experiences with sexual harassment. She did not file a report out of fear of retaliation. The Army failed her and the Guillen family, and all those responsible for this failure must be held responsible. Vanessa did not deserve to die the way she did, and her story has hit so many of us in our hearts, especially in the Latino community of Houston. We mourn with the Guillen family because Vanessa was one of us. So many of us have sisters, daughters, nieces, cousins, and friends who could have easily been Vanessa because so many Latinas have answered the call to serve our country. Unfortunately, Vanessa's story is not unique. In response to this case, current and former Latina servicemembers have demonstrated incredible bravery in sharing their experiences with sexual harassment and assault in the military. Their stories reinforce the troubling reality that too often female servicemembers do not report their sexual trauma because they fear how their chain of command will respond. This is not only wrong, but Vanessa's story has galvanized efforts across the country to put an end to a culture that perpetuates sexual assault and harassment in the military. We must seize this opportunity to ensure this never happens again to another soldier or their family. Madam Speaker, the Guillen family, current and former female servicemembers, and everyone in the Houston region, myself included, ask that we make sure that what happened to Vanessa Guillen never happens again, so not one more family has to suffer like the Guillens have. We want justice for Vanessa Guillen. Nosotros queremos justicia para Vanessa Guillen.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar), and all those founding mothers and fathers who, many years ago, thought about this museum and how important it would be to add to the fabric of our country in our own backyard, an American Latino museum. I stand here today, proudly, because I still remember in 2014 hosting a reception for the museum to try to raise money, to try to raise awareness, to make sure that people understood why it was so needed. So, I stand proudly today to support this bill, because, as Latinos, 60 million strong and growing, we have a place to be, and that is in the museum. Latinos contribute billions to our economy and are starting more small businesses than any group, and during this pandemic, we have worked essential jobs that have kept our country moving forward. It is time for Latinos to see our contributions, our culture, and our history reflected in all institutions, including the Smithsonian museums. More importantly, it is time for our children to come to a museum and see the stories of their own heritage, their own culture, and their own language. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to support this very important bill. (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) Latino history is American history. Nuestra historia es historia Americana.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand on the House floor today to demand justice for my constituent, Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who was brutally murdered at Fort Hood. I am here for her family and the Houston community who mourn her tragic loss. And I am here for every women and man in uniform who has shared their stories of sexual assault and harassment in the military. We must put an end to this culture of sexual assault and harassment in the military. This is why I urge my colleagues to support this bloc of amendments. It includes Amendment 293, which will establish a confidential reporting option for sexual harassment complaints made by military servicemembers. And, it also includes Amendment 282, which will require the GAO to study the procedures for investigating missing persons by the Armed Forces. As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to our women and men in uniform. We must honor Vanessa's memory by ensuring this never again happens to another soldier or her family.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It is past time for Congress to make systemic changes on issues of racism, police brutality, and racial profiling. We must put an end to unjustified use of force by the police that has resulted in the death of one too many Black and Brown Americans. As a person of faith, I believe the responsibility falls on each and every one of us to ensure that everyone is treated as a child of God. However, the reality is George Floyd was not treated as the child of God that he is. He wasn't treated that way when he said his last words, ``I can't breathe.'' Justice demands that we must put an end to police brutality, racial profiling, white supremacy, and the vicious racism in America. Justice demands that long-suffering Americans be made whole for being denied their rights as Americans. If there is anything that history has taught us, it is that our laws must be equal to all, and we must boldly affirm that Black lives matter.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to mark the passing of a former constituent, William P. (``Bill'') Bowes, Sr., who dedicated much of his life to bettering his community and future generations in the North Shore/North Channel area of Houston, TX. Bill resided in his later years in Mont Belvieu, TX--but his contributions to the North Shore/North Channel area, where he spent much of his life, were truly inspiring. I want to take a moment to remember his extraordinary record of community service, even as we mourn his passing on March 28. Bill was a proud graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. He may have been born in Des Moines, IA--but, as we say in Texas--he became a Texan as quickly as possible. Along with his beloved wife, Barbara, Bill moved to Houston in the late 1960s to work for a cargo surveying business, which grew with the growth of the Port of Houston. He raised a family and dedicated what extra time he had to serving his community. Bill's obituary, which follows, explains the impact he had on his community--my constituency. That impact was, in a word, extraordinary. Few people have had a more positive effect on the North Shore/North Channel area than Bill Bowes. His work with the North Shore Rotary Club, of which he served as president at the age of 81 years young, benefited a multitude of local, national and international charitable organizations. For decades, working with two Members of Congress, Bill helped select the most deserving young men and women in the Houston area for nomination to the nation's service academies, including his beloved U.S. Merchant Marine Academy--helping them obtain an outstanding education while serving and protecting our country. In his later years, after moving to Mont Belvieu, he served on that town's Planning and Zoning Commission. All of that is encapsulated in the obituary that follows. One characteristic of Bill's that his obituary doesn't fully convey is his modesty. If you met Bill once, you were an instant friend--and you were a friend forever. But, if you met him just once, you'd never know the depth of his compassion; you'd never know how much time he devoted to his community; and you'd never know just how much he loved his family. That was because of his modesty and humility. But ask anyone else, anyone who knew him, and they would tell you how much he'd done for others and how enormously proud he was of his family. Not all lions feel the need to roar. Madam Speaker, today, we ask ourselves how, and if, our nation will overcome the daunting challenges we face. We have no doubt, most of us, that we will persevere and overcome--building a better life for future generations. But we ask who will give us the leadership and inspiration going forward. I suggest that the example of Bill Bowes shows us that each one of us--and all of us, together--can work to overcome the challenges that confront us. Bill's example shows us that one individual, with an unwavering commitment to helping others, can improve a community and make life better today and for generations to come. To Bill's family, most especially his loving children, Bill Jr., Suzie and Tom, and their spouses and their children--to Bill's many friends throughout the Houston area--to those who benefited from his charitable activities and community service wherever they may be--let me offer my heartfelt sympathy on your loss. While we mourn his passing, we know that what he did when he was with us made a difference for the better in the lives of countless others. And that provides us with some measure of comfort. With that, Madam Speaker, I include in the Record this moving and eloquent profile of William P. Bowes, Sr. [From the Houston Chronicle, April 12, 2020] William P. (``Bill'') Bowes, Sr. passed away on March 28th at the age of 82 years after an unexpected, but heroic, hospital-bound, 3-week fight for his life. From the beginning of his life in Des Moines, Iowa to his premature end, Bill was known for his work ethic, integrity, ability to make friends, ability to lead and undying commitment to the mottos of his life--``service over self' and Acta Non Verba (``actions, not words''). An ``army brat'' son of one of General MacArthur's commanders, Bill moved frequently in his youth. Despite these moves, he was always able to make fast friends with his new classmates, as evidenced by his election as high school Class President in the final of 3 high schools he attended. After high school, Bill earned a Congressional appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point), where he spent his junior year touring the world by sea and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, a U.S. Coast Guard license as Third Mate, and a Naval Reserve commission as Ensign. A chance weekend invitation for a home-cooked meal from one of Bill's classmates resulted in Bill meeting that classmate's sister and Bill's future wife, Barbara, who became the love of his life. Bill liked to joke that he ended up paying for that ``free meal'' from his future in-laws the rest of his life. Bill and Barbara were married in the chapel at Kings Point. His hard work, financial support and charitable efforts on behalf of Kings Point earned Bill many accolades and awards, including the Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award, Outstanding Personal Achievement Award and the Daniel E. Meehan Humanitarian Service Award, as well as having a classroom named in his and a classmate friend's honor. Soon after his arrival in Houston in the late '60s, Bill left an indelible mark on the North Shore community through his leadership of and fundraising for the North Shore YMCA, his role as President of the North Shore Civic Association, his involvement with the North Channel Chamber of Commerce & Elks Club and, most notably, his involvement with the North Shore Rotary Club, whose members he viewed as his brothers and sisters. Bill put his Kings Point experience and education to work as a ship and cargo surveyor--first in Manhattan and ultimately in Houston. In normal fashion, Bill earned the trust and admiration of the owner of the company that brought Bill to Texas and who eventually sold the company to Bill, Capt. Ira S. Derrick. Bill grew the company to have satellite offices in Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans and Chicago. Hundreds of millions of dollars of ship and rail borne cargo was inspected by Bill's company. Bill's professional reputation earned him many unique opportunities, including overseeing the packing for transport of a multi-million-dollar suit of ancient armor that was on display at Neiman Marcus, but the most cherished part of Bill's career was being mentor and a second father and friend to many of his employees over the years. Bill had a more active charitable and social calendar than most people half his age. Literally until the day he was hospitalized, he remained active in his community, including with the North Shore Rotary Club, serving as the club's President last year at 81, a marshal at Eagle Pointe Golf Course, a board member on North Channel Water District, a member of the Scottish Rite (32 deg. Master Mason), a board member on Mont Belvieu's Planning and Zoning Commission and a board member of the Kings Point Alumni Association. Bill's almost 42 years of Rotarian work earned him many honors, including that of ``Major Donor'' with Rotary International. He frequently traveled to Mexico to work with his sister Rotary Club there. He also loved to host that Club's members at his home when they came to Texas. Bill was most proud of his efforts to help grow a faith-based clergy certification program in prisons, which resulted in a material decrease in prison violence and recidivism rates. Bill was also an inactive Lieutenant in the Navy Reserves. Bill's greatest joy was family and friends. Bill's strongest advocate and most sarcastic life partner was his wife of over 43 years, Barbara. Bill was Barbara's biggest supporter as she pursued her law enforcement license, real estate license and an almost 20-year career working for Houston area Congressmen (Jack Fields and Gene Green). Bill participated in that Congressional relationship by serving many years as Chair of Congressman Field's Service Academy Nomination Board, responsible for recommending young men and women for limited appointments to the various U.S. military and maritime academies, including Kings Point. After a 5-year battle against Stage 4 melanoma--a diagnosis that had given her just 2 months to live--Bill said goodbye to the love of his life. His life was never the same after Barbara's death, but he never let the depth of his despair impact his continued contributions to his community or their family. After Barbara's death, Bill--aka Papa and Dad--continued to be a mainstay at family functions, whether holidays, birthdays, family trips to his ranch or spontaneous family dinners, and he rarely missed his grandkids' many activities. He also loved to travel the world to see family and friends. In the last few years, one of Bill's favorite family activities was spending time at his ranch in Central Texas, where he was irremovable from his mower and tractor when he wasn't deer, hog and turkey watching or playing card games, dominoes and corn-hole with his family and friends. In addition to Barbara, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Judge John G. and Margaret Bowes; his brothers, Jimmy, John and Harry; his niece Anne Bowes; his nephew Doug Williamsen; and numerous other beloved family members and friends. Bill is survived by a lifetime of friends too numerous to recount; citizens of the east Harris County and Chambers County communities who have benefited from his love, devotion and charity for over 50 years; dear family friends and travelling companions, Bryan Wirwicz and Diane Tom; his thoughtful, loving neighbors; and, most cherished of all, his family: Children: William P. (``Bill'') Bowes, Jr. and daughter in law Trisha; Suzie Wilburn and son in law Mark (``Bo''); Tom Bowes and daughter in law Monica; and daughter in law Debra Bowes. His beloved grandkids: Kelsey; Will; Haley; Bryan; Caitlyn; Ross; Mackenzie; and Kathleen. Brothers and Sisters in Law: Barbara Bishop and husband Ed; Charles (``Chuck'') and Paula Williamsen; Dana Bowes; and Carolyn Van Doren. Nieces and Nephews: Dennis Harper and wife Shelly; John and wife Gina; Lisa Young and husband Steve; Bob and wife Debbie; Jim and wife Karen; Kristy Rigot and husband Jeff; Margaret and husband Richard; and each of their children. Cousins: Marti; and Bob and wife Linda and their children. Bill is gone, but he will live on in the hearts and memories of those he touched during a life well lived. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date. Friends of Bill wishing to make a memorial contribution in Bill's name are asked to consider either: USMMA Alumni Assoc. & Foundation (Class of 1962 Fund for Midshipman Professional & Leadership Development), 300 Steamboat Road, Kings Point, NY 11024 or North Shore Rotary Club, PO Box 9635, Houston, TX 77213 (In Memory of Bill Bowes).

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be supporting the Heroes Act. This bill will provide $1 trillion to state and local governments on the frontlines of this pandemic to retain essential workers on payroll. It will give much needed relief to renters and homeowners at risk of losing their homes. It will finally give direct payments to all taxpayers, including workers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers and eligible individuals from mixed-status families. It will help families continue putting food on the table. And I am particularly proud that it includes my bill, which would set aside 10 percent of Paycheck Protection Program funds for minority and community lenders that lend to the smallest businesses. The American people need help now. We cannot wait to act. I urge all my colleagues to vote for this bill, which will help local and state governments, essential workers, families, and small businesses across America.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I will be supporting this bipartisan relief bill. It will give small businesses access to additional funds that will help them keep their doors open. And, it will also assist hospitals overwhelmed by this virus, get health care workers the protective gear they need, and help expand rapid testing nationwide. While this bill will do a lot of good, it still does not go far enough for my state of Texas and people across America. Texas is 49th out of 50 states for testing per capita, and in large cities like Houston nearly 60 percent of COVID-19 related deaths were of African Americans and nearly 20 percent Latino. We need to do more to help community health clinics helping poor people, expand mobile testing sites in hard hit communities, and deploy rapid testing nationwide now. And we also need to ensure that we are getting more direct aid into the hands of folks across America. This is critical as we work to responsibly open our country. We must put working families first and I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in getting this done in the next package.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we have never faced a public health threat of this magnitude. Hardworking people have lost their jobs and are on the edge of making rent or putting food on the table. That is why our rescue efforts have been focused on people. This bill offers additional unemployment benefits, injects billions into our healthcare system, provides billions to small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll, and gives every eligible adult a $1,200 check and $500 for every eligible child. However, this bill isn't perfect. It leaves out immigrants who contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are also on the front lines of this pandemic. This virus does not discriminate based on immigration status or race, and our response shouldn't either. However, despite this shortcoming, I do plan to vote for this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Hardworking families are at risk. They need help now. Many lives are at stake.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Bill Balleza, a KPRC 2 anchor, who, for nearly 50 years, has been a reliable source of daily news for our community. Bill has been seen on TV screens across our city for years, where he reported on thousands of stories, did a weekly child segment from 1985 to 1995, and earned an Emmy Award for his reporting. Not only has he served our community as a distinguished journalist and anchor, but he is also a proud Vietnam veteran. He is a common sight at the Veteran's Day celebration and parade every year. We thank Bill for his service. In the days of fake news and attacks on the media, he has always been above the fray and a trusted source. We will miss seeing him on the TV screen when we tune into KPRC 2 for the daily news. For now, he should enjoy his retirement. He has earned it. And God bless.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to oppose the Healthy Texas Women Medicaid waiver program, which is nothing more than a reckless attack on reproductive rights. The ironically titled Healthy Texas Women program blocks Medicaid beneficiaries from getting care at providers that offer abortion services, like Planned Parenthood. This does nothing to expand access to family planning care. It will harm low-income women who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. When Texas excluded Planned Parenthood from State funding 7 years ago, 45,000 fewer women accessed care. We cannot stand for that. This waiver program will hurt women of color the most, who already experience health disparities and barriers to access. Mr. Speaker, I will not stop fighting to protect a woman's right to make her own decisions about her healthcare, and I urge the Congress to do the same.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, Esmeralda Longoria Garcia will be a centenarian on February 24, 2020 and her family will celebrate this milestone on Saturday February 22, 2020 at her home. She was born on February 24, 1920 in Alice, Texas to her parents Leonardo Longoria and Luisa Lopez Longoria and raised in Sarita, Texas. She attended first grade in Sarita, and her father took her to school on horseback. From second to twelfth grade she went to school in the Alice Independent School District. She spent 9 months with her uncle Julian Gomez to attend school and spent her summers with her parents in Sarita. She attended Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, now known as Texas A&M University Kingsville. She taught elementary school at Kingsville ISD her first year from 1946 to 1947. She taught in three different elementary grades in three different schools--Nayer, Saenz, and Mary R. Garcia--in the Alice Independent School District from 1947 to 1981. She retired with 35 years of dedicated service as a teacher. She married Alberto Arambula Garcia from Palito Blanco, and they lived in Alice, Texas. They had one son, Alberto Garcia Jr., two grandchildren, Victoria and Bryan Garcia, and two great grandchildren, Mila Jo and Rowen. She has been a member of the Beta Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for 57 years and a member of Tri-County Retired Teachers Association since 1981. Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia proclaims, ``Tia Mere, you have a heart of gold, a century of experiences and wisdom, and you are by far the most extraordinary person I have ever known.''

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Nadler for yielding. In Texas, many years ago, I marched in support of the equal rights amendment. Today, I join my colleagues to reaffirm that support. Women are behind some of this Nation's greatest achievements. We fought for civil rights, set athletic records, sent men to space, and then went there ourselves. We have forged our paths in history, yet we are still not equal to men under the eyes of the law. We must remove this stain from our Constitution. Today, we are voting to remove an arbitrary deadline so we can finally prohibit gender discrimination under the Constitution. Madam Speaker, I will proudly vote in favor of the resolution, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. As many in my district would say, ``It is time to approve the ERA.'' ``Ya es hora de aprobar el ERA.''