Rubén Hinojosa

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice support for President Obama's Executive Actions on immigration. These initiatives-- namely, the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and an expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)--could provide as many as 5 million immigrants with temporary relief from deportation. President Obama has courageously led in the face of a Republican Congress that is derelict in its duty. A legislative solution is the only long term fix to our broken immigration system. Yet, despite the support of the American people, a bipartisan majority in Congress, business groups and the faith community--the Republican leadership has fallen prey to xenophobia and the politics of fear. Now it appears the Fifth Circuit--in denying the Federal Government's appeal of the preliminary injunction that blocked implementation of President Obama's initiative--is playing politics instead of performing its constitutionally mandated role of interpreting the law. The Constitution is clear on the powers of the Executive Branch. Prosecutorial Discretion is a well-established principle. I applaud the Administration's decision to appeal this decision and vigorously defend its executive action on immigration before the Supreme Court. My hope is that the Court takes this important case, and I expect that it would rule in favor of justice and the President's action.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as Veterans Day approaches, I rise in honor of our nation's servicemen and women for their tremendous courage and sacrifice in defense of our liberties. Regrettably, selfless acts of valor and service by Americans in uniform are often taken for granted. They are not always reciprocated, and their vulnerabilities are often preyed upon by the despicable and unscrupulous. In those cases, it is our duty to come to their defense. We are all too aware of cases when abusive and predatory payday lenders target and entrap veterans, misleading and forcing them into downward spirals of high cost debt. While the Defense Department recently finalized rules to protect active duty military service members from triple-digit interest rates on payday loans, the job is not done. Veterans are not protected under the law and remain vulnerable. Therefore, I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting stronger consumer protections and to rein in abuses involving high-cost lending to veterans while they struggle to make ends meet. Mr. Speaker, much more work remains to be done to raise the quality of life of our nation's veterans. Let us resolve this Veterans Day to meet those challenges head-on as we thank and honor them for their courage, sacrifices and service.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of allowing the majority of the Congress to work its will and reauthorize the Export- Import Bank. The Bank has supported more than 1.3 million private sector American jobs since 2009, with nearly 90 percent of its transactions directly supporting small businesses. The Bank is an unbridled, market-driven success story that I am proud to support. Three months have passed since a small group of Tea Party Caucus members threw common sense out the window and surrendered to an ideological drive to shut down the Bank despite warnings from across the private sector of the devastating consequences for our economy, American small-business exporters, and their employees. Today, I stand side by side with my colleagues from across the aisle to fight for them, including Ventech Engineers International, based in my area of south Texas. Ventech manufactures small, pre-built oil refineries for export supplying fuel to remote and impoverished areas. Ventech cannot create more jobs or assist in our national security objectives without financing provided by the Bank. We cannot allow a small minority of the minority Chamber to block job creation and weaken our international priorities.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I was unable to be present in the House chamber for certain roll call votes. Had I been present on October 7th and 8th, I would have voted `nay' on roll calls 536, 537, 538, and 544. I would have voted `yea' on roll calls 539, 540, and 543.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. According to the Government Accountability Office, removing export restrictions will create employment opportunities, expand trade, and lower gasoline prices. The economic and political landscape has evolved since the ban's inception in the 1970s. I am confident that now is the time to repeal the ban on the export of crude oil to increase our economic and energy competitiveness. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 702.

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support and as a cosponsor of H.R. 702, which lifts the ban on crude oil exports. Modern advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have allowed the United States access to large deposits of crude oil and natural gas. Last year our country produced over 350 million barrels of crude oil, and that number is steadily increasing. The crude oil in our deposits is lighter and sweeter than the traditional heavy crude oil our refineries process. The export ban hinders our access to international markets that need the sweeter type of crude and that have the refinement infrastructure for it. I am convinced that lifting the outdated crude oil export ban will create jobs and economic opportunities for our communities as we strive for greater energy independence. In the great State of Texas, lifting the export ban is estimated to increase the annual GDP by over $7.1 billion and create over 40,000 new supply chain jobs.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to strongly oppose this rule and support the motion to defeat the previous question. Instead of bringing a bill to the floor that will go nowhere, we should, instead, be letting the House work its will; and we should be voting to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. Reauthorizing the Export- Import Bank is an economic imperative. While some of my colleagues celebrate their misguided, ideologically driven agenda, hardworking Americans are losing their jobs, and American businesses and exporters are being outgunned by larger export credit agencies which are more than willing to provide financing to America's foreign competitors. The Bank is an unbridled, market-driven success story which has broad bipartisan support in both Houses of this Congress as well as support from the majority of Americans. The Bank supports hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in this country. If we fail to act now, we are shutting off a lifeline for many of our small businesses and exporters. In my congressional district alone, the Bank has supported thousands of small business and manufacturing jobs. These are good jobs in a very high-need area in Texas that would not have been possible without the Bank. These jobs are now in danger. Mr. Speaker, I urge my GOP colleagues to let common sense regain a foothold in this House. We have the votes. Let Congress work its will and allow a vote on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of extending the Perkins Loan Program for one year so that students can complete their education and join our workforce. Perkins Loans provide critical support to students with economic need, offering low-cost loans with flexible repayment terms and generous forgiveness options that are public-service oriented. In 2013- 2014, close to 500,000 students with need were awarded nearly $1 billion in Perkins Loans. And throughout its 57-year history, more than 30 million students with need have benefited from this program. It is also the only loan program used to support graduate and professional schools students. According to the Congressional Budget office it has estimated that the Federal Government will reclaim nearly $5 billion over the next ten years. This is $5 billion that should be used to help keep college affordable for students in need of help. Without Perkins, schools would lose the necessary flexibility to help students cover gaps left after Federal grants and Stafford Loans are applied or unforeseen circumstances jeopardize a student's ability to pay for college. Ultimately, if Perkins is allowed to expire billions of dollars in student aid would be eliminated from schools' revolving funds. Perkins Loans themselves don't usually amount to more than several thousand dollars per student, but they can spell the difference between whether or not our students can attend college. In Texas, that means approximately over 12,000 students a year having an opportunity to finish their degree without unnecessary financial interruptions. This is not a time to abandon our students who are working hard to complete their education and have the same opportunities as so many other college graduates. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to extend the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, which would extend the Perkins Loan program for one year, so that students who have demonstrated exceptional financial need can complete their undergraduate or graduate education in order to become academically qualified to join our workforce. Historically, Perkins loans have served our students well by offering low-cost loans with flexible repayment terms and generous forgiveness options. They are often the difference between whether or not our students can afford to attend college, including 12,000 students in Texas. For the academic year 2013-2014, nearly 500,000 students who needed financial assistance were awarded nearly $1 billion in Perkins loans. And throughout its 57-year history, more than 30 million students with need have benefited from this program. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the federal government will reclaim nearly $5 billion in revenue from Perkins loans over the next ten years. That is $5 billion that should be returned to students to help keep college affordable for the most financially challenged students. And that is $5 billion that would have been lost if the program is not extended. Without Perkins loans, schools would lose the necessary flexibility to help students cover their expenses after federal grants and Stafford loans are applied or unforeseen circumstances jeopardize a student's ability to pay for college. If we want the United States of America to remain a global leader with the competitive edge necessary to sustain economic growth and job creation, we need the best, most highly trained workforce to sustain our advantages. The Perkins Loan program is a major part of helping our students develop, reach for and join that workforce. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to extend the federal Perkins Loan program.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 64, which disapproves of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated by the P5+1. I reviewed the agreement thoroughly, participated in classified briefings, and listened to the many details and intricacies present by the nuclear and security experts on all sides. This agreement may not be perfect, but it is the most viable option we have in reducing Iran's capability of acquiring a nuclear weapon. The JCPOA prolongs Iran's nuclear weapon breakout time, reduces their number of operating centrifuges, and decreases Iran's current stockpile of low enriched uranium. More importantly, the agreement allows the International Atomic Energy Agency the ability to access and inspect Iran to verify and ensure compliance. Should Iran cheat, the international community will come together and once again reimpose the sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table. In every situation that involves the possibility of using military force to overcome a threat, I will always side with exploring and exhausting every possible avenue towards a diplomatic resolution first. I support the JCPOA because it provides a reasonable, balanced, and diplomatic solution rather than a worst-case scenario. In closing, with the support of 36 retired generals and admirals and 29 of the Nation's top scientists, I am confident we are on the right track with this plan. All of these highly distinguished and experienced leaders agree that this agreement is the most effective means currently available to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this rule and support the gentleman's motion to defeat the previous question--in order to allow for a vote on the Export-Import Bank reauthorization. Re-authorizing the Export-Import Bank is an economic imperative and letting it lapse before Congress goes on Recess is completely irresponsible and inexcusable. The bank is an unbridled, market-driven success story which has broad bipartisan support in both Houses of this Congress as well as support from the majority of Americans. The bank supports hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs in this country. If we fail to act, we will shut off a lifeline for many of our small businesses and exporters. In my District alone, the Bank has supported thousands of small business and manufacturing jobs. These are good jobs in a very high- need area that would not have been possible without the Bank, and which now are in danger. Mr. Speaker, we should let the will of the people work its way and allow a vote on the Reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise to recognize my longtime chief of staff, Connie Jean Humphrey, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career on Capitol Hill. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Connie's many years of service and achievements. She has proven herself as a talented and dedicated public servant, who has made innumerable contributions in the service of my constituents residing in Texas' 15th Congressional District along the Rio Grande Valley. Connie has compiled a long list of accomplishments throughout her career and as a senior member of my staff, and she has earned an impeccable reputation on Capitol Hill among her peers and my colleagues in the Texas congressional delegation with whom she has worked very closely in support of our mutual objectives for our great State of Texas. Connie brought an array of talents and experience as my chief of staff. She has a thorough understanding of Federal policy, particularly in the areas of health care, education, transportation, the environment, and on women's issues. She is fluent in many other policy areas important to my constituents in the valley, and she has been an invaluable source of guidance and counsel during my appointments on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, as well as on the Financial Services Committee. Connie approaches her position as the leader of my office with the training and detail-oriented scrutiny of an attorney, who graduated from the University of Maryland, and with the policy expertise of a congressional aide who served in staff leadership positions for nearly three decades. She was instrumental in helping me lead the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2010, which is aiding organizations like Workforce Solutions, based in McAllen, Texas, and is committed to the success of the employers and workforce of the Rio Grande Valley by matching them with skilled, productive employees and upgrading the skills of their current workforce. Connie has been particularly effective in helping me address urgent needs in deep south Texas. Latino students aspiring to attain the dream of a college education are that much closer to realizing their hopes, thanks to Connie's involvement, resulting in passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act and the student loan and healthcare reconciliation bill of 2010, among the largest investments in higher education since the GI bill, particularly for Latino- and minority- serving higher education institutions in our country. This crucial legislation also created an unprecedented healthcare system that complements the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 that Connie also played a major role in helping shepherd through the Education and the Workforce Committee, and that is now providing millions of Americans with affordable health care who previously had no coverage. Mr. Speaker, it is with much more than coincidence that the high school graduation rate in my congressional district has accelerated-- from 55 percent to 85 percent--during Connie's tenure as my chief of staff. This sharp increase has lifted up a generation of young Latinos, who are making significant contributions to our communities and regional economy; and it is a direct result of Connie's advocacy and leadership contributing to the passage of each of these four aforementioned bills. These public laws constitute my collection of framed legislation in my congressional office that I was very proud to pass as either chairman or ranking member of the Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee with Connie at the helm of my office. I am also indebted to Connie for her tireless efforts in helping me facilitate two new international land bridges designed to stimulate commercial activity, economic growth, and stability to the Rio Grande Valley. Her intimate knowledge of transportation policy was a key element in the process culminating in the approval of Presidential permits that paved the way to open the Donna-Rio Bravo and the Anzalduas International Bridges. Similarly, Connie was influential in securing $300 million in Federal investments for floodway levee improvements along the Hidalgo County, Texas, and Mexican borders. We still remember the impact of Hurricane Dolly in 2008 that brought between a foot and 15 inches of rain to the Valley. Hurricane Ike followed shortly thereafter, with storm surges as high as 20 feet and caused almost $20 billion in damages. My district would have been more highly susceptible to damage and our residents even more imperiled if the levees were breached by a hurricane or heavy rains without this assistance. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of property were spared during the landfall of Hurricane Alex in 2010, when the Rio Grande River crested to a record of 59 feet. In the wake of economic crisis, Connie led my team in preparing our communities to apply for assistance that ultimately received over half a billion dollars for Hidalgo County alone under the ARRA. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to lose Connie as a trusted and beloved member of my staff, but I am happy for her as she embarks upon a new endeavor as the senior vice president of public and community relations and special counsel of the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, where she will continue to serve my constituents and be uniquely positioned to help the hospital deliver and expand the reach of health care to underserved communities and economically disadvantaged families. I wish to, again, thank Connie Humphrey for all of her hard work, steadfast commitment to the people of south Texas, and for her skillful management of my staff and congressional offices. On behalf of the 15th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Connie for her excellent service and for a job very well done.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 453, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Connolly

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5, a misguided bill which denies America's children access to high-quality education. Today, greater numbers of economically disadvantaged children are entering our public schools. For example, in my State of Texas, of the 5 million students enrolled in public schools in 2014 statewide, more than 3 million would be adversely impacted if we vote to pass H.R. 5. This Republican bill abandons the Federal Government's historic commitment to educating disadvantaged populations. H.R. 5 block grants vital Federal programs, such as title I of the education code targeted for English language learners, migrant children, neglected and delinquent youth, and Native American education. The bill allows States and districts to siphon away these Federal funds and use them for other purposes because of the proposed changes in the intent of the many education programs passed many years ago--50 years ago to be exact--under the leadership of President Lyndon Baines Johnson. H.R. 5 would provide inadequate funding and move backward on equity and accountability, harming the education of our Nation's children. I respectfully urge Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no'' on final passage today.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as of today, we have only 3 more legislative days to act in order to re-authorize the Export-Import Bank. Re-authorizing the bank is common sense. Sadly, however, the opponents of the bank are operating out of ideological fervor, not facts. We should be here dealing with and solving real problems, not endangering American jobs with fantastical ideology. Contrary to the many assertions made against the Bank, the bank is an unbridled, market-driven success story which has long enjoyed bipartisan support and support from both unions and business alike. The truth of the matter is that the bank is a vital free market economic engine for our manufacturers, exporters and job creators. This March alone, the Bank financed over $1.1 million dollars in exports in my South Texas District. Additionally, the Bank has supported thousands of jobs in my district over the past five years. These are good jobs in a very high-need area that would not have been possible without the Bank. In my home State of Texas, the Bank has financed $4 billion worth of exports last year supporting thousands of hard working Americans. We cannot and should not let the bank expire. Let us put an end to this nonsense. Mr. Speaker, let's have a vote.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Claudio Kogan from Temple Emanuel in McAllen, Texas, for his service today as guest chaplain. A native of Argentina, Rabbi Kogan and his wife, Anna, immigrated to the United States where he continued his studies, receiving several master's degrees. Rabbi Kogan has served congregations all over the United States. He has worked to develop a strong interfaith connection with his Christian and Muslim counterparts. He has received numerous awards for his essays on religion and ethics. In addition to his rabbinical duties, Rabbi Kogan is also a medical doctor. He has been a high school teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has combined his religious and medical training by serving as a hospital chaplain at a variety of institutions. Rabbi Kogan is joined here today by his lovely wife, Anna, and his two beautiful children, Milena and Ezekiel. I want to thank him for his prayer and for his service to my community.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as of today, we have only 11 more legislative days to act in order to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. Reauthorizing the Bank is common sense. Sadly, however, the opponents of the Bank are operating out of ideological fervor, not on facts. We should be here dealing with and solving real problems, not endangering American jobs with fantastical ideology. The truth of the matter is that the Bank is a vital free market economic engine for our manufacturers, for exporters, and job creators. Last year alone, the Bank financed $4 billion worth of exports in my home State of Texas, supporting thousands of hard-working Americans. We cannot and should not let the Bank expire. Let's put an end to this nonsense. Mr. Speaker, I want to vote in our House of Representatives on this issue.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 278, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment Offered by Mr. Foster

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 148, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. I want to thank Congressman Mike Capuano for yielding time to me on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1259, the Helping Expand Lending Practices in Rural Communities Act. This commonsense legislation would provide much-needed relief to rural Americans not just in my district, but in districts all over the country. I especially would like to thank my esteemed colleague from Kentucky, Representative Andy Barr, for introducing this very important piece of legislation once again. I fully agree with Congressman Barr's examples which he gave affecting his district and all of the State of Kentucky because in the great State of Texas, we have examples that will mirror those that you gave us. All across my district--and I represent approximately 80 communities in my congressional district that expands 250 miles geographically-- many rural communities are having trouble getting access to credit, while credit unions and small banks are also finding it difficult to service their members and clients. The designation of a county as rural has many implications for lenders in those areas, especially with regard to the credit products that they can offer. For example, under the new qualified mortgage rules, balloon mortgage payments, which are a common credit product offered in rural communities, would expose small creditors to increased legal liability. Because of this, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau established a safe harbor to allow for small creditors in counties as I have described designated as rural to continue offering this financial product which serves so many of the people in those areas; but if not designated as rural, many of those communities I have mentioned will not qualify for the safe harbor exemption. That is why we are here today, trying to fix something that needs to be fixed in terms of home mortgage lending. This bill gives those who do business in rural communities all over the country the ability to petition the CFPB to reverse an improper designation of nonrural for a county that is clearly rural. It will give lenders in many areas throughout my district the flexibility they need to offer the credit products that their members depend on, while still keeping in place the very important consumer protections established under the new QM rules. I would like to once again thank Representative Barr for his outstanding work on this bill and in our committee. It has been wonderful collaborating with him to bring the concerns of rural communities to the forefront. I respectfully request that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle vote ``yes'' on passage of H.R. 1259.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 523, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 494, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Thank you, Congressman Conyers. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise today to strongly oppose H.R. 5272, an extreme and highly partisan bill that would prevent the continuation or expansion of President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA. Simply put, this misguided bill limits President Obama's prosecutorial discretion and seeks to dismantle the DACA program. I am very concerned that the majority has brought this anti-Hispanic amended bill to the floor in order to prevent President Obama from building upon the successes of the DACA program and to appease the most extreme wing of the Republican Conference. The underlying bill punishes hardworking DREAMers and immigrants who are eager to contribute to America's prosperity and have waited long enough for comprehensive immigration reform. Since its inception in 2012, the DACA program has protected DREAMers who meet certain requirements from deportation, allowing hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to remain and work in the United States. In my view, closing the door on undocumented youth is un-American. We in the Congress of the United States have a moral responsibility to protect the welfare and rights of vulnerable children and youth, including children and youth who are undocumented or are fleeing from violence and despair in their countries of origin. Mr. Speaker, I close by urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in strong opposition to H.R. 5272, extreme and highly partisan legislation that does nothing to fix our Nation's broken immigration system.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise again in opposition to this rule and against the martial law bill which has not been given to us to read, and I believe that that is the wrong thing to do to solve this problem. Instead of working with Democrats to come up with a viable and bipartisan solution to deal with the vulnerable Central American children who are fleeing from violence and death, my Republican colleagues are apparently drafting a bill that is even worse than the one they proposed yesterday, on Thursday. This new bill presumably continues the failed policy of enforcement only and will send thousands of these children back to certain death. If the funding levels remain the same as yesterday, the bill will not provide adequate funding to care for them while they are here. We should instead be spending our time debating and voting on the bipartisan Senate comprehensive immigration bill that the Speaker has refused to bring up for over a year. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule and the martial law.

Mr. HINOJOSA

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5230 and the underlying rule. I represent McAllen, Texas, which has been the epicenter for this humanitarian crisis. For years, my Republican colleagues have been ignoring the problems caused by their inaction on immigration reform. They have cut funding for immigration judges, so that people wait years to have their cases heard. They have cut funding to help the countries of Central America deal with the internal problems causing their children to flee. The Republican solution has always been more walls and fences and more soldiers to militarize the border. I live on that border of Texas and Mexico, and I know that their enforcement-only approach is not working because it doesn't address the root cause of immigration. It has been economically devastating to border communities who vainly try to persuade companies to move their plants and factories to our region to create jobs and bring us out of poverty that is the highest in the Nation. Our veterans suffer because the VA can't get doctors to move to the border. All these companies and doctors hear is that the border is a war zone flooded with dangerous immigrants. That is not the border I know. My border home is a vibrant, educated, fast-growing, culturally diverse, welcoming region. I am proud of how we have embraced these children and families. We are now voting once again to militarize our border, deny children legal representation and due process, and providing little help to Central America. We are not fixing the problem, and I urge my colleagues to oppose the rule and this bill.