Sylvia Garcia

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Texas is home to many gun owners. Growing up, my family owned guns for hunting. It was part of how we fed our family. Thus, I don't want to infringe on Second Amendment rights of Americans. I do, however, want to stop the killing of innocent lives because someone was at risk to themselves or others who bought or accessed a firearm. Too many loopholes allow people to purchase, procure, or access a firearm. Too many Texans have already died in mass shootings--so this is very personal to me--most recently, of course, in west Texas. The House has already passed two bills that would prevent mass shootings. Last night, three more bills were marked up and will be ready for a floor vote. Senate Republicans must allow a vote on gun control legislation. I am tired of people being killed because they won't act. I end by asking them, Mr. Speaker: What will you do to save lives? What are you afraid of?

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3239, a bill introduced by my friend and colleague from California, Congressman Raul Ruiz, and which I proudly cosponsor. The humanitarian crisis at the southern border is greatly worsened by understaffed, unprepared, and under-equipped CBP facilities. I know this. I have seen them firsthand in visits that I have made to some of these facilities not only in Texas, but also in New Mexico. This bill will alleviate these problems by requiring CBP facilities to maintain the personnel and equipment necessary to screen all individuals in custody and provide emergency care as needed. Our American values, moral conscience, and the Constitution require that we treat all individuals on American soil humanely and respectfully. For this purpose, border agents must have the equipment, resources, and training necessary to carry out this mission and save lives. Congress must continue working to solve the immigration issue and finally end the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3239.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 created a minimum wage for all workers to ensure a livable wage. However, it has been over a decade since the last increase of the Federal minimum wage, the longest period without any raise since the minimum wage was established. Sadly today, $7.25 an hour forces many Americans to work two, many times three, jobs to make ends meet. Someone living in my district making minimum wage must work 112 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment for their family. That is 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. That is two shifts with no day off. 181,000 workers in my district would receive a pay raise by increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Raising the minimum wage would help many hardworking Americans rise out of poverty and reach financial stability that, right now, is simply out of reach. We must increase the minimum wage. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of us to vote for the minimum wage bill tomorrow.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, today, with this resolution, the House continues the fight for equality and dignity for every person. It's not important to us where you came from. It only matters that you're here now. Sin embargo vamos a luchar por la igualidad y la dignidad de cada persona. No es importante para nosotros de donde vienes. Solo nos importa que estes aqui ahora. When I was Harris County Commissioner, I was told, ``Go back to Mexico and crawl back under the rock you came from.'' When we were debating the anti-immigrant racial profiling bill SB 4 in the Texas Senate, I received a call. ``I've got guns. Lots of guns,'' the man said. But this credible death threat didn't stop us. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us as Americans. Un ataque contra uno es un ataque contra todos como Americanos.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I will just close. I think I probably have about 30 to 45 seconds. I just want to repeat something I have said. I think it is important that we emphasize that we are talking about children, young children. And, again, there is no national security reason to detain children. Kids aren't prisoners of war. They do not belong in military bases. They do not belong in tents. They do not belong in cages. They belong in the arms of their mothers or with their families or with a capable sponsor. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), my colleague from Houston.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chair, this amendment is simple and straightforward. It is 15 words. It prohibits defense facilities from being used to house or detain unaccompanied migrant children. I understand the bill already provides some safeguards, so detention at DOD facilities would follow certain guidelines, but this amendment makes clear that the policy to detain children is out of line with American principles. Detention is not the answer to an influx of migrants. There are communities across the country, including in my own district, ready to welcome the children seeking refuge. Asylum seekers are not criminals; they are human beings fleeing violence in search of a dignified life. Children fleeing violence should not be met with cruelty. Preventing migrants from joining society is not only preventing the American economy from growing, but it also is costing taxpayers much more than it should. Instead of encouraging placement of children with capable sponsors, the entire system appears to be weighted against moving children out of detention, all for the so-called deterrent effect. There is no national security reason to detain children. Kids are not prisoners of war. They do not belong at military bases. They do not belong in tents. They do not belong in cages. They belong in the arms of their mothers and with their families. It is our broken immigration system that keeps children locked up. It is inhumane; it is cruel; and it is unconscionable. The administration's policies resemble those of a military style, and the distress it creates in the system is generating a costly humanitarian crisis. We should move away from this injustice and support my amendment. We must close all baby jails, and Congress must stop perpetuating the expensive and cruel patchwork the immigration system has become. We must learn from the lessons that history teaches us and not turn military bases into internment camps. This amendment would ensure that we don't repeat past mistakes. This amendment would also prohibit the administration from detaining immigrant children at Fort Sill, a military base once used as an internment camp for Japanese Americans. Moreover, this administration is considering detaining migrants in Guantanamo Bay. This amendment would prevent children from being shipped and detained there. The military should not be dragged into this detention crisis that this administration has created. Mission readiness should always be the top priority for our armed services. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Representative Chuy Garcia from Illinois, Juan Vargas from California, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York, Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, and Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts for their cosponsorship of this amendment. I urge all of my colleagues to support this simple amendment, 15 words that protect our children and helps put them in the arms of their families. Madam Chairwoman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the health and safety of millions are at risk. Today, the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments aimed at repealing the Affordable Care Act. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants to end healthcare coverage for people with preexisting conditions, young adults, and pregnant women. Texas already has the highest number of uninsured people anywhere in the United States, and that number would increase by 1.7 million if these protections ended, including many in my district. We know that America suffers when people go uninsured. We can't afford to let our families, our neighbors, our fellow Texans lose these protections. Premiums and out-of-pocket costs for doctors' appointments and hospital visits will increase significantly. House Democrats will continue to fight to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare and to lower prescription drug prices.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss an issue that is rooted in my deeply held religious belief that we are all God's children. This June, in honor of Pride month, I rise not only to recognize the many contributions of the LGBTQ community, but also to remind my colleagues of the discrimination faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people. House Democrats worked together last month to make history by passing the Equality Act and passed the Defense Appropriations bill with a provision to block this Administration's attempts to discriminate against the transgender community and will continue the fight until there is true equality. I know this House will continue to fight and stand up for equality. This Pride Month, I also want to pay special tribute to LGBTQ people living in fear of deportation. This Administration's policies of fear and cruelty especially impact already vulnerable populations. Rest assured, you have someone in Congress working to make our immigration system fair for all, including LGBTQ New Americans. Happy Pride Month.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Chair, during Roll Call Vote number No. 386 on Mullin Amendment 148, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.'' Amendment No. 158 Offered by Mr. Graves of Louisiana

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the inhumane treatment of immigrants at detention centers around the country. Recently exposed documents paint a gruesome picture of ICE custodians abusing the practice of solitary confinement on immigration detainees. Often these detainees have not violated rules or shown dangerous behavior, but, in some instances, are being held in isolation because they are disabled or because they identify as gay. Even under ICE's own guidelines, solitary confinement is a serious step that requires careful consideration of all alternatives. Yet, ICE is using this practice as a tool of first resort, not last resort. One detainee noted that the strain of the isolation made him lose his mind. These reported cases reveal what we already feared: that this administration is committed to widespread abuse of human beings simply because of who they are and where they come from. Mr. Speaker, I learned at an early age that we are all God's children. This is not the way to treat God's children.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remind everyone that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to address the epidemic of senseless gun violence that is plaguing our nation. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month and we must use this opportunity to come together to not only raise awareness of gun violence but also take action. We're reminded again after the recent Virginia Beach Shooting that too many of our loved ones are lost to senseless gun violence that could be prevented by keeping firearms out of dangerous hands. That is why I was proud to vote for H.R. 8 and urge my Senate colleagues to do the same. This common-sense bill will prevent private firearm sales to prohibited purchasers, and close online and gun show loopholes. Thus, we will move towards ensuring firearms are obtained responsibly. While this bill does not cover everything, it is a step in the right direction that will make the United States safer for our families and communities.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank our chair, our leadership, and, particularly, Nancy Pelosi for making sure that this bill was a priority bill. For me, I have dedicated a great part of my life in public service to helping immigrants who come to the United States in search of a prosperous and dignified life. Today, I am honored to participate in this historic day in the House of Representatives. Since 2001, when the DREAM Act was first conceived, Dreamers have waited. In 2012, DACA enabled eligible young adults to work lawfully, attend school, and contribute to society without the constant fear of deportation. DACA, however, does not provide a path to citizenship, and it leaves out a huge number of deserving Dreamers. Now, in 2019, they are still waiting. They are Americans in waiting. Right now, Dreamers live in fear of being deported to countries they may never have known, don't remember, or don't know at all, countries with which they have little or no personal connection. And, because of their status, most Dreamers have never left the United States, never having had the opportunity to know their places of origin and never knowing any other place to call home other than the American communities in which they grew up. Some don't even know another language other than English. Opponents of this bill fail to realize that it is not just about the Dreamers. It is also their families that would be harmed by mass deportations. It is their employers who would lose key members of their workforce. It is their communities who would lose vital members of their community. It bears repeating: Dreamers are American in every way except on paper. In their hearts, in their minds, and in their souls, they are Americans. They are Americans in waiting. Many have been in this country for decades, becoming business owners, employers, and homeowners.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to vigorously condemn the administration's threats to impose damaging tariffs on imports from Mexico. The proposal underlines a serious misunderstanding of how our economy benefits from trade with Mexico. Here are the facts. Mexico is the United States' largest trading partner in the world. In Texas alone, Laredo and El Paso saw $55.8 billion and $18.6 billion in trade passing through their borders last year. Every product from Mexico will be taxed higher by the White House, forcing us to pay more for household goods we buy every day. It is not just the avocados we use for guacamole or the tequilas we use for margaritas, not that I drink any of them. It will be everything, autos, computers, and machine goods. Some estimate that even a 5 percent general tariff could eliminate more than 400,000 U.S. jobs. This would be catastrophic to my State and other States on the border. The White House clearly does not understand the special economic relationship between Texas and Mexico and has shown that it is willing to throw away our economy for bravado and bullying.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. We have made much progress in recent years, but the reality is that many still face discrimination because of who they are and whom they love. As has been well-documented during the legislative record for H.R. 5, there are currently no Federal protections for LGBTQ people in the United States. So let's refocus on what this bill is really about. In 30 States, LGBTQ people can be fired, refused housing, or denied services simply because of who they are. The Equality Act would greatly extend civil rights for this community, providing protections across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, and jury duty. In Texas, that means having explicit protections for LGBTQ people for the first time in our history. Updating Federal law will tear down barriers to prosperity and lead to better outcomes for our families, neighbors, and loved ones.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will benefit nearly 1 million LGBTQ Texans and countless other Americans. Finally, in Texas, when we say y'all, we will mean all. Mr. Speaker, I want to add that as a woman and as a Catholic, I know I am not forfeiting any of my rights, not my women's rights or my religious rights. We need to go back and make sure that we pass this bill because for once, when we say justice for all at the end of our pledge, it should mean justice for all.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, today we remember the life of Josue Flores. At the young age of eleven years old, Josue was murdered while he walked home from school in Houston's Northside. Three years have passed since that day and every day that passes our community still feels sadness and mourns his loss. As family, friends and neighbors gather tonight at Holy Name Catholic Church to remember our little angel, we also remember what we are all striving for. We want safety. We want security. We want justice. All of us have a role to play in making our community safer. The concerned parents and neighbors of Safe Walk Home go above and beyond. Together, they form a powerful force of protection for our school children. When I served in the Texas Senate, we worked hard to secure funding for organizations that help provide safe passage for children going to and from school in high crime or violent areas. Now, here in Congress, I continue to believe that we must do more to make the trip to and from school safe for every child in Houston, in Texas, and across the United States. Josue continues to touch our lives and watch over our work. Let us rededicate ourselves to keeping our children safe from harm.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the action being taken by this body to protect and expand affordable health care and lower prescription drug costs. Because of soaring prescription drug costs, Texans and Americans are struggling to meet their health needs. These costs are especially burdensome for the 65,000 senior citizens in my district, where the average senior takes 4\1/2\ medications each month. Last year, nearly 20 percent skipped doses due to the high costs alone. This is absolutely unacceptable. This moment calls for action to protect the health and well-being of Americans. And action is exactly what House Democrats are doing. The bills passed this week will tackle out-of-control drug prices head-on and fight the Trump administration's efforts to destabilize Medicare and our health care markets.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong and steadfast support of the Equality Act. We've made a lot of progress in recent years, but the reality is that many still face discrimination because of who they are and the people they love. In Texas, the discrimination and inequality faced by the LGBTQ community is heartbreaking and entirely un-American, but with the Equality Act we can do something about it. The Equality Act will greatly extend civil rights for the LGBTQ community, providing consistent and explicit protections from discrimination for LGBTQ people across key areas of life including employment, housing, credit, and education. In Texas, that means having explicit protections for LGBTQ people for the first time in our history. Updating federal law will tear down barriers to prosperity and lead to better outcomes for our family members, neighbors, and loved-ones. This is long overdue for nearly 1 million LGBTQ Texans and is why I urge all of my colleagues to make the Equality Act the law of the land.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the serious threat that soaring costs of prescription drugs pose to the health and well-being of families. Americans spend more money on prescription drug prices per person than any other country in the world. The problem has grown so much that now Americans are paying more for out-of-pocket drugs every year than for hospital care. These inflated prices are sapping the strength of our economy and the health of our families. However, this is a challenge, Mr. Speaker, we can begin to tackle in this Congress this year. We can begin to fight this battle now by targeting abusive barriers to entry for cheaper generic drugs and taking steps to simplify pricing in our overly complicated system. That is why, last week, my colleagues and I on the Judiciary Committee voted to refer four bills for consideration that will give generic drug manufacturers greater access to our markets, increase competition, and save lives in the process. I call on all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan measure.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the Trump administration's new attacks on the Affordable Care Act. Over 4.5 million non-elderly Texans have preexisting conditions that could keep them from getting insurance if the administration gets its wishes in Federal court. This is truly outrageous. No family should have to choose between lifesaving care and going bankrupt. And we cannot forget how important this is for Latinos, there are many in my district, who already have the highest uninsured rate of any group in the United States. Regardless of the language you speak, or the color of your skin, healthcare is a right, and we will defend it for everyone. The well-being of our families and their health is the top priority of House Democrats, and I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, we will do everything in our power to make sure this administration does not strip away the access to healthcare for our loved ones. Yes, we can, and we will.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Ms. GARCIA of Texas

Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the first 100 days of the 116th Congress. In this short amount of time, Madam Speaker, a lot has surely happened. At our swearing in, the Congress became the most diverse on record, including 42 freshman women. And with one in five Members of Congress being people of color, we have come a long way, baby. As our Representatives in Congress begin to look more like the communities we represent, our legislative priorities also more closely reflect the will of the people. Our citizens have sent a message loud and clear that Congress should be giving a voice to our families on Main Street and not to the rich and the wealthy on Wall Street. As a result, we have been focused on passing groundbreaking legislation that protects our democracy, expands our civil liberties, provides for a stronger national security, and boosts our economy, all while staying true to our values. Passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, is the largest, most sweeping election reform and campaign finance reform bill to pass the House in our Nation's history. It also significantly protects access to the ballot box for every American; it will shed light on the corrupting influence of dark money in our campaign finance system; and, finally, it will return the voices of working-class Americans to our democracy. And the best part: election day would be a holiday. We are upholding the promise of equal protection under the law for our citizens. With the Equality Act, we are finally providing explicit protections to the LGBTQ community, finally making them equal under the eyes of the law. We are keeping our promise to women as well. With the introduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act, we are finally taking steps to close the wage gap, where women in Texas still make only 79 cents for every dollar a man makes, and 44 cents if you are Hispanic. With the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, we are upholding our sacred duty to protect the millions of Texas women who experience violence and domestic abuse every year. Perhaps most importantly for my district, we have finally introduced the Dream and Promise Act, which will provide protections for immigrants who, in their hearts, are often as American as myself and anyone else on this House floor. These young men and women--about 113,100 in my district--whom we call family, friends, and colleagues, will be able to continue working hard in their communities and contributing to our economy--nearly $50 billion a year, by the way--without fear of being separated from their families. Unfortunately, during our 100 days, the Trump administration's top priority has proven not to be for the people. The administration's recent budget proposal included deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and the SNAP assistance program, all of this to pay for the radical GOP tax cuts which they have made on the backs of working people, veterans, and seniors. After the eventual passage of the bipartisan budget without funding for a border wall, this administration decided to create a completely avoidable but devastating government shutdown. The 26-day shutdown cost families real money and opportunity, maybe more than 800,000 workers without a paycheck during that time. Since then, we have seen an illegal national emergency declaration that seeks to take funding from vital national security needs to build the President's border wall. We are also now hearing threats of another shutdown, this time shutting down the border completely. This is wrong and downright reckless. Trade through our southern border accounts for $1.7 billion per day and would hurt our Texas economy. And, finally, the Trump administration is trying once again to take our healthcare system, this time through the courts. This move could leave up to 53 million non-elderly Americans with preexisting conditions without access to healthcare--320,000 in my district. This is cruel; it is immoral; and it is just plain wrong. It should be clear that our work is not done. I am proud to be a Member of the majority that will fight for the people, defend our democracy, protect access to quality, affordable healthcare, and do so with justice and decency. Madam Speaker, we have accomplished so much in these first 100 days, but we must make sure that the American people know that we are resoundingly focused on real solutions that will actually keep our border safe, help our businesses, and uphold our American values.