Robert Garcia

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a question of the privileges of the House and offer a resolution previously noticed.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I rise to give notice of my intent to raise a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: House Resolution 114. Resolved, That, pursuant to article I, section 5, clause 2 of the Constitution of the United States, Representative George Santos, be, and he hereby is, expelled from the House of Representatives.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces an affordable housing and climate crisis. That is why I have introduced the People Over Parking Act to eliminate parking minimum requirements near high-quality public transit. Parking minimum mandates create a certain number of spaces, regardless of the needs of people who live there. This could add tens of thousands of dollars per space to construction costs. Additionally, many spaces go unused, even as financial costs are passed on to renters regardless of whether or not they own a car. In one study, parking mandates increase rent costs by 20 percent. Our legislation doesn't prevent property owners from providing parking spots. It simply lets owners respond to local demand rather than mandates. Eliminating parking minimums would also help reduce harmful emissions and reduce the heat island effect in cities. By encouraging more people to live close to high-quality transit, we can afford more housing, increase transit ridership, protect our climate, and reduce transit congestion. Mr. Speaker, it is both good housing and climate policy.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this un-American and cruel bill. Now, I immigrated to this country as a small child, and I love our country for all it has provided me and my family. Immigrants love this country. They dedicate their lives to working, and they make a community stronger. This bill does not uphold our values as a nation. A bill that was true to those values would uplift and celebrate the contributions of immigrants. Real patriots know that love of country is actually about helping people. Let's be crystal clear. We all want a safe and secure border, and the best way to achieve that is through comprehensive immigration reform and creating legal pathways for people who want to come here to work. Sadly, this bill does not do that. Instead, it doubles down on a failed anti-immigrant agenda. This bill guts the fundamental right to seek asylum. It strips protections for unaccompanied children, and it wastes more money on Donald Trump's pointless border wall, a monument to hate which does nothing to protect us. Now, in the Homeland Security Committee, I helped lead the fight against harmful provisions of this bill that target nonprofits who partner with our border agencies to care for our asylum seekers, but House Republicans are moving ahead with these disastrous policies that would require charities to check the immigration status of those who need care even in a crisis. By defunding nonprofits, this cold-hearted bill would ignore what the Gospel teaches us. It ignores our brothers and sisters who are tired, poor, hungry, and sick; those who are most in need of help. If this bill ever becomes law, it would cause chaos and suffering. We need real immigration reform, and America is ready for that debate. Let's rise to the occasion and create an America that reflects kindness and centers on helping people. Being anti-immigrant is being anti-American.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Green New Deal, which I am proud to cosponsor with Senator Markey and Representative Ocasio-Cortez. We are in a climate emergency, and we must work together to fight back and build an economy for everyone, an economy that just doesn't meet the threats of climate change but also directly invests in our communities. Everyone deserves safe water to drink, clean air to breathe, and a healthy place to live. Right now, we are not just failing the next generation; we are failing Americans today. This impacts all of us, from low-income communities that have been victims of environmental injustice to the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. We must be prepared to lead and understand the link between housing and climate justice. Our cities need active and green public transit and walkable neighborhoods. We can build a sustainable future and create good union jobs. Our country needs a Green New Deal, and I pledge to keep fighting for those values every single day.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Chair, I rise today in anger and strong opposition to this bill. Now, I know how painful life can be as an openly gay person, but that pales in comparison to what transgender Americans face every day. Our voters send us here to address our country's biggest challenges, but instead of taking that responsibility seriously, House Republicans are choosing to bully and belittle trans children. This is about attacking a small group of children, and it is shameful. These people don't give a damn about women or girls. If they did, we would be talking about the very real problems of paid equity and ensuring sports are safe from sexual harassment and abuse, but instead, they are peddling open bigotry and its disgusting BS culture war right here from the House floor. Why are Republicans so obsessed with attacking trans youth and children? We need answers. To the trans and nonbinary youth that are watching this, I am so sorry your government is failing you today. We will never stop fighting to defend your dignity and your humanity. We love you.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the International Human Rights Defense Act, which I am honored to have joined with Senator Markey and Representative Jacobs in introducing just this week. Now, this is the first bill I have introduced as a Member of Congress and it is an issue that is very personal to me. As the first LGBTQ+ immigrant to serve in this body, I know how important it is for the U.S. to stand for human rights around the world. Right now, there are nearly 70 countries around the world where LGBTQ+ people are criminalized just for being themselves. In 11 countries, you can be executed for loving your partner, and we know that discrimination exists all across the country and the globe. Here in the U.S., even our freedoms are being rolled back as we see what happened just this last week in this very Chamber attacking trans people. Our bill ensures that regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, our foreign policy should always reflect a strong commitment to human rights. This bill permanently creates an LGBTQ+ global envoy office at ambassador-rank level and codifies numerous goals and initiatives within the State Department. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in both sadness and anger. I know how painful life can be as an openly gay person. Like so many in our community, I have also experienced harassment because of who I am, but these challenges pale in comparison to the onslaught of attacks against the trans community in this country today. House Republicans attack trans people as threats to kids, religious liberty, and our local schools, but that just isn't true. The true threats are the discriminatory proposals against trans Americans that are being made in chambers and statehouses across the country. Sports bans, bathroom bills, and healthcare restrictions demonize and dehumanize trans people. With higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, these bills literally mean the difference between life and death for so many in this community, but many in this Chamber don't seem to care. It is part of a plan to ignite culture wars at the expense of trans lives. As an immigrant embraced by this country, I believe that being a true patriot means advocating for all of our people across the country. That is why I will do everything in my power to ensure and safeguard the rights of all Americans, and that includes our transgender community. The trans community has been at the front lines of the struggle for justice and equality. Please know that we will be there right beside you, fighting against these cruel and un-American attacks. Trans rights are human rights. We will continue to fight until we win. Recognizing Cal State Long Beach's 50th Annual Powwow

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cal State Long Beach's 50th annual powwow. Specifically, I recognize the First Nations and first stewards of the land where this event is held every single year. The Cal State Long Beach powwow is the longest running and largest social celebration west of the Mississippi River honoring Native and indigenous peoples. I had the pleasure of attending this event just recently and was incredibly impressed by the skill and love shared with this community event. This year's celebration was especially important. It was the first time it was held since the pandemic. Established by American Indian students in 1969, the powwow includes Native dancers from across the State, the Pacific Northwest, and even parts of Canada. Events like this are important to highlight our Native American culture and presence within our country. It also serves to educate and develop the next generation of Native American leaders while bringing Tribes together to highlight art and unity. In commemoration of the 50 years of the powwow, we congratulate and thank Cal State Long Beach. Honoring Influential Artist Dave Van Patten

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support art in all its mediums. From paint to dance to music to story writing, our lives are enriched with the appreciation of the arts. Today, I rise to recognize someone who has been an amazing and influential artist in the city of Long Beach, and that is Dave Van Patten. Just last month, Dave topped his tremendous career by winning a Grammy for his work as artistic director of the box set album of Grateful Dead concerts titled: ``In and Out of the Garden.'' Dave Van Patten's work is iconic. You can see it all across the city of Long Beach, the city of Bellflower, and across the State and beyond. His ability to blend surrealism with comic book designs makes him a unique artist with a distinctive style across southern California. I am honored to know Dave. He is a constituent. He is a friend, and amazing artist transforming people's lives. Dave, congratulations.

Mr. GARCIA of California

Mr. GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, the issue at hand is actually a simple one: it is whether or not to declassify data pertaining to the investigations into the origins of COVID. This is a simple vote. The simplicity of this vote is in stark contrast to the magnitude of the ramifications of this declassification process. By declassifying, we will be able to seek clarity, give transparency, and gain security, which is what the American people deserve. By declassifying, we have a chance to ensure that the 7 million people who died of COVID are honored correctly. This is a chance to hold China accountable for COVID and seek justice and a reckoning. Perhaps most importantly, it is a chance to prevent another man-made pandemic such as this from wreaking havoc on the planet again. I think it is shameful that some have politicized this issue. This isn't political at all. Declassifying this information is simply the right thing to do. I have personally been cleared to handle classified information since I was 18 years old, and the point of classifying information is to protect American lives, whether it is civilians and/or military personnel. Information that is classified is material that would cause damage, serious damage or exceptionally grave damage to national security if made publicly available. Now, the irony of this debate, however, is that the release of this data will actually save lives and help prevent the loss of life in the future. It will enhance our security, not degrade it. The continued overclassification of this data at the highest level actually poses the greatest threat to our Nation's security. This is an easy and simple ``yes'' vote. The implications of this will determine whether or not we are able to prevent such another catastrophic pandemic from paralyzing us and taking so many lives. I encourage all Members from both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' and enable us to get to the bottom of this, hold China accountable, and defend us against any future CCP threats.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today as an educator who spent 10 years as a college instructor and administrator to support the President's student debt relief plan, which is now currently under threat by the Supreme Court. When I was in the classroom, I saw my students taking out loans to pay for basic needs like rent or food. We tell young people to get an education, to go to college, to work toward your chance at the American Dream, but for so many, that means taking out tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. Student loan debt also disproportionately impacts low-income students, and millions of students may not have access to financial training or advice. To this day, I am also paying off my student loans, and I have former students who continue to struggle with student debt years after they have graduated. Yes, we need to do more to address college affordability and access, but we must address student debt. If the Supreme Court takes the dangerous, irresponsible step of ending relief to student borrowers, then Congress has a duty to codify the President's debt relief plan and protect these 40 million Americans.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women's History Month by honoring an individual who represents both so well. She is an icon, she is a legend, and she is now--and forever--the moment. I want to celebrate none other than who I believe is the undisputed queen of pop and R&B, Beyonce Knowles Carter. A few weeks ago, this Brown skin girl out of H-Town won her 32nd Grammy, giving her the most Grammy wins of all time. But Beyonce is so much more than a performer and a singer. She is a creator and an artist. When the radio said to speed it up, she went slower. I will never forget the time I saw Destiny's Child perform for the very first time. It was life changing for me and for the way I experience music. I became an instant fan then and have been a huge fan ever since. Beyonce is also a role model for millions across the country. She stood up for voting rights, for feminism, for women and girls, and for my community--the LGBTQ+ community. For my generation and so many others, she simply is the greatest of all time. Her story is history. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mrs. Carter on her achievements and for winning the most Grammys ever in the history of our country. You are irreplaceable.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass the TRUST Act to ban individual stock trading by Members of Congress and their spouses. Now, Representatives are elected to serve their communities back home, and this bill builds trust and makes important reforms. While the American people are working hard to keep their small businesses afloat and keep food on the table, the last thing Members of Congress should be doing is trading stocks with any inside information. As we work to restore Americans' trust in government, this is a commonsense step in ensuring that Americans throughout the country have no doubt about the work that we were sent here to do. This bill ensures more transparency in our government and is another step forward as we make our Congress more accountable to the people. Mr. Speaker, I am honored that this is my first cosponsored bill in the House.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding his time and for his leadership in this legislative body. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the so-called Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. This legislation is an attack on public health and will endanger the lives of medical personnel and patients. Why should we remove vaccine protections for nurses and medical workers in our hospital and clinical settings? This bill is not supported by our public health officials and certainly not supported by our nurses on the ground. Why would we endanger vulnerable populations? This is cruel and irrational. Over 1 million people have died in this country due to the pandemic, many of them nurses and healthcare workers. One of them was my mother, Gaby Elena O'Donnell. My mom was my rock. She was a kind, loving, and strong immigrant woman who dedicated her life to serving her country and community. She served our country as a frontline healthcare worker. My mom also taught me what real patriotism is, it is serving your neighbors through service and giving back to your country. She was on the front lines of this pandemic helping as many people as possible. In the summer of 2020, my mom lost her life to COVID-19. This vaccine could have saved my mom's life, but it was not yet available. I made a promise to my mom and to my community to fight for legislation that would protect them and keep them from the pandemic and keep them healthy. No other family should have to go through what mine did and millions of others had to go through in this country. We know, due to science, that the vaccine saves lives, and our medical workers should be able to go to work knowing that their lives won't be endangered due to the service they are giving to our country. Vaccinating hospital and healthcare workers is a basic form of protection that they all deserve. Mr. Speaker, for this reason, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Huffman Amendment No. 15, Roll Call 46, on January 26. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 46.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for my first floor speech to stand with women across the country to commemorate what should have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade this past weekend. This decision had guaranteed every woman and girl in our country the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. Yet, 7 months ago, our radical Supreme Court ripped that freedom away. In today's America, there are millions of women who won't be able to have a say in their own futures. This came as a direct result of extremist Republicans and their decades-long war on reproductive healthcare. Instead of focusing and delivering for Americans, Republicans have proposed and prioritized a national abortion ban. Let's be clear: Abortion is healthcare, and abortion should be accessible to every woman in our country. For this reason, I rise today strongly in support of the Women's Health Protection Act to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Chair, releasing our Strategic Petroleum Reserves helps us respond to emergencies, supply chain disruptions, and disasters, and have been utilized by Presidents of both parties, including the former administration. Today, thanks to President Biden's use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, gas prices are down, saving the average family $170 a month. While consumers are just now recovering from record costs and getting back on their feet, oil and gas companies are sitting on billions of dollars and thousands of unused but approved permits that they could be using to boost production right now. The last thing these oil companies need is more Federal land while they sit back and watch the American people suffer. This bill will not make energy cheaper, but it will harm our planet. If we want our children to have a future, we must fight for climate justice. To my Republican colleagues from California, this bill could result in leasing Federal land on the Outer Continental Shelf, including our very own coasts here in California. Will you vote to endanger our beautiful coastline back home? Will you vote to jeopardize the jobs that our coastal economy provides? This Republican bill puts polluters ahead of the American people. Our planet is in distress. Storms are getting stronger, faster, and more powerful, while wildfires take lives and destroy homes, and floods devastate crops and communities throughout our Nation. While Republicans in Congress sit back and do nothing to address the climate crisis, Democrats know that we must act. That is why I am introducing an amendment, which blocks implementation of this bill until the Secretary of Energy certifies to Congress that leasing will not increase harmful greenhouse gas pollution. My amendment would stop this Republican giveaway to big polluters in its tracks. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for the planet, ``yes'' for our children's future, and ``yes'' for this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.