Ruben Kihuen

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of Erick Silva. Erick was a security guard at the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. As soon as gunshots went off, he immediately began selflessly helping people and was, unfortunately, shot in the process. Erick's life goal was to help others by becoming a police officer. He would buy burgers for homeless people, treat relatives to dinner, and help his mom pay her bills by working long shifts and holding yard sales in his free time. Erick was humble, pure, and real. He was known for being funny and always cracking jokes. He would go above and beyond what was asked of him and would put others first. He is remembered as being the epitome of integrity, service, and excellence. I would like to extend my condolences to Erick Silva's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Laura Shipp. Laura attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Laura was a single mother to her son, Corey, who is a Marine Corps reservist. Laura and her son had a strong relationship, and she had even moved from California to Las Vegas so she could be closer to him. Laura loved the Los Angeles Dodgers and country music. She was protective of those that she loved and had a big heart. Laura is remembered as being a smart woman who would always make sure to buy her son and nephew a toy or a snack, even when she didn't have a lot of money. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to Laura Shipp's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of Bailey Schweitzer. Bailey was a kid at heart who loved playing around at her father's speedway racetrack in Bakersfield, California. Bailey was at the Route 91 Harvest festival on October 1 in Las Vegas, attending the concert with her mother and other friends. She had a smile that could light up the room and was capable of making everyone laugh. Bailey was a natural born leader and an amazing aunt to her brother Dakota's two kids. Bailey is remembered as being a master at being friends to everyday people and to everyone she met. Mr. Speaker, I extend my condolences to Bailey Schweitzer's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) for organizing this hour to discuss a humanitarian issue that we are confronted with right now here in the United States of America. I thank him for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I just came back from the border this morning, and I am heartbroken. I am emotionally drained, and I am saddened for this country, the United States of America. Who would have ever thought, in the greatest, most powerful, richest country in the world, that we would be tearing kids apart from their mother and their father and putting them in cages? That is not the America that I know. I came to this country when I was 8 years old. I crossed that same border that I visited. My parents came here in pursuit of the American Dream. They came here because they knew if they worked hard and sacrificed that they would have a shot at the American Dream. That is all these kids and these families want, and just being there at the border and looking at those mothers straight in the eyes and them looking back at you with watery eyes, asking for help, this is not a Republican or Democrat issue. This is a humanitarian issue. This is about the future of America. This is about humanity. This is about kids. And it hurts me to see that in the United States of America we are putting these same kids in cages. We made a call to the President to rescind this zero tolerance policy because we want to keep these families together. These are not criminals. These are innocent families who are leaving persecution, who are trying to achieve a better life for their kids. Any family, any parent in the country or anywhere else seeking a better life for their kids would do everything and anything to pursue a better life for their kids. So I am disappointed in our President. I am disappointed in my colleagues who refuse to speak up when we are seeing these images on TV of children in cages being treated like animals. That is not the America that I know. That is not the America that gave me and my family an opportunity to succeed. So, Mr. Speaker, I got emotional yesterday being there at the border and remembering very vividly those moments when my family crossed the border. I remember it as if it was just yesterday. And I couldn't help but think that if somebody were to take me away from my father and mother at that precise moment, what would I do? Who would I trust? Where would I go? I couldn't even speak a word of English. I was 8 years old. I needed that love and those hugs from my mother and my father. So today I came back and I made a promise that I would fight for these families, that I would fight for these kids, that I would fight for the future of America; the principles and the values that make this country strong. That is the reason why I ran for office in the first place. That is the reason why we are serving in office in the first place. So I am here to call on the President to rescind the zero tolerance policy that is cruel, inhumane, and un-American.

Mr. KIHUEN. I will.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Brett Schwanbeck. Brett attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Brett was a retired truck driver who was engaged to be married to his fiancee, Anna. Brett was a father of three and a grandfather of five. He was a kind and loving man who treasured the time he spent with his family. Brett loved lake trips, family gatherings, hunting, and camping. His favorite thing to do was go out into the middle of the woods and purposely get lost. Brett would do anything for anyone who needed help. His family remembers Brett as being funny, generous, and full of joy. I would like to extend my condolences to Brett's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Christopher Roybal. He was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who had survived two shootouts while serving in Afghanistan. He attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Christopher served in the Navy for 7 years before he left on a medical discharge after he had become mostly deaf in his left ear from all the explosions that happened near him. After leaving the Navy, he began working with Crunch Fitness gyms, where he managed new facilities as they opened around the country. Christopher went to the Route 91 festival with friends and family to celebrate his upcoming 29th birthday. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a man who could always put a smile on everyone's face. His favorite thing to do was serenading his friends with Spanish ballads and going out to sing karaoke. I would like to extend my condolences to Christopher Roybal's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Lisa Romero-Muniz. Not only was Lisa the mother to her son, Anthony, but she was also known as a second mother to all the children she worked with. Lisa attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Lisa was a discipline secretary at Miyamura High School in Gallup, New Mexico. The students she worked with remember her as a woman who looked out for children dealing with personal issues and for never turning her back on a kid who needed help. Lisa would give anyone the last dime she had with no questions asked and would treat everyone like they were family. Lisa loved purses, Jason Aldean, and Las Vegas. She was always smiling, outgoing, kind, and considerate. Lisa is remembered as being incredibly generous and always wearing her heart on her sleeve. I would like to extend my condolences to Lisa Romero-Muniz' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieves with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Vegas Golden Knights for their monumental accomplishments this past season. Mr. Speaker, who knew there would ever be a winning hockey team in the desert? Never underestimate the people of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada. The story of the Vegas Golden Knights is truly inspiring and symbolic of the strength and perseverance and unity in the Las Vegas community. Following the October 1 shooting, a unique bond was created between Nevadans and the Golden Knights that helped mend a city that was torn apart by a devastating massacre. The community rallied around a hockey team made up of players from teams around the country. They called them the ``Golden Misfits.'' These players fostered relationships that led to a magical season that will never ever be forgotten. The Golden Knights set an NHL record for an expansion team with 51 wins, along with a trip to the Stanley Cup finals. I would like to congratulate and thank the owners, the players, the coaches, and the fans, as well as the Washington Capitals on their first Stanley Cup championship. Mr. Speaker, Las Vegas and the Golden Knights will always be Vegas born, Vegas strong. Go Knights go.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor to discuss the State of Nevada's fierce opposition to using Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste dump. While I appreciate having the opportunity to speak to you today, I am extremely frustrated with the recent actions Congress has taken to revive this project. Mr. Chairman, Yucca Mountain lies in my congressional district. In the 30 years since Congress passed the ``Screw Nevada'' bill, Congress has wasted $3.7 billion of taxpayers' money on a project that Nevada has repeatedly said will not happen. And now, this Congress wants to continue to egregiously spend money on this failed project in fiscal year 2019 appropriations. So once again, I am here to fight to prevent nuclear waste from ever coming to my home State of Nevada. That is why I have introduced an amendment to H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2019. My amendment, Mr. Chairman, would strike $190 million for the licensing of the nuclear waste depository at Yucca Mountain. I routinely hear from my Republican colleagues on the need to reduce our deficit and debt. I fully agree with the sentiment. Congress should not waste another $190 million of taxpayer money on a project that will not come to fruition. But you should support my amendment not just on the fiscal basis. Mr. Chairman, my home State of Nevada, which has no nuclear energy- producing facilities, should not be the dumping ground for the rest of the country's nuclear waste. And this is not just an issue facing Nevadans. It is an issue that impacts constituents from 329 congressional districts in 44 States and Washington, D.C. Putting a nuclear repository in Nevada's backyard means that this high level nuclear waste must travel through your backyards first as well. Your constituents will see high level nuclear waste transported through their communities on rail and by truck. A simple car crash or train derailment will leave your constituents at risk and cost our taxpayers more money to clean up the mess. It is clear that reopening Yucca Mountain is fiscally unsound, presents threats to people across the country, and is unwanted by the people of Nevada. That is why I encourage you to support my amendment to prevent nuclear waste from ever coming to Nevada. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Rosen), my colleague.

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment to H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2019. This amendment, Mr. Chairman, is very simple. It would strike language that would prohibit the closure of Yucca Mountain. This site sits in my congressional district, less than 100 miles away from Las Vegas, a city that sees 42 million visitors each year, with many of these visitors coming from your districts. Nevada depends on these visitors. Nevada's economy depends on these visitors. Putting a nuclear repository this close to millions of Americans is simply irresponsible. And I have grave concerns with the transportation of nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain should this project move forward against the will of Nevadans. Mr. Chairman, Nevada has no nuclear-energy-producing facilities, and it should not be the dumping ground for the rest of the country's nuclear waste. The bottom line is this: If your State generates nuclear waste, then you should keep it in your backyard. Or if any of my colleagues are okay with sending nuclear waste to my State, then maybe they should consider keeping it in their own State. I will be more than happy to work with them on an amendment. So, again, Mr. Chairman, the people in Nevada do not want this nuclear waste stored in their backyard. Yucca Mountain needs to close, and that is why I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), my colleague from the First Congressional District.

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Tara Roe Smith. Tara attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. She lived in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, where she was a wonderful mother to her two kids, Lennon and Louis, and was a loving wife to her husband Zach. Tara was a hard worker who modeled with Sophia Models International, worked as an educational assistant with children with autism, and was about to be promoted to be a manager at a restaurant where she was a waitress. Tara was very active and loved dancing, swimming, and being at her favorite summer spot, Clear Lake. Going to the Route 91 festival was an annual tradition for Tara and her husband. They would be there every year to celebrate their anniversary. Tara was dedicated to her community, and if she had survived, her husband has no doubt that she would have done everything she could to help those who were victims of the Las Vegas shooting. She was a very caring spirit who greeted everyone with a friendly face. I would like to extend my condolences to Tara Roe Smith's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Rocio Guillen Rocha. Rocio attended the Route 91 festival on October 1 in Las Vegas. Rocio would say that her greatest accomplishment was being a mom to her four kids--Marcus, Christopher, Sofia, and Austin--and being engaged to her fiance, Chris Jaksha. Rocio had lived through many major life events. She had given birth to her youngest child, Austin, just 6 weeks prior to her death, and she was paralyzed after giving birth to her second child, Christopher. Rocio was a fighter who worked hard to walk again after being paralyzed. After a lot of work and training, she eventually was able to walk again. Rocio was known as being a supermom who loved supporting her kids while they played baseball. She was an amazing mom who worked long hours as an assistant manager at California Pizza Kitchen so she could take care of her kids. Rocio had a great sense of humor, and she was always laughing, even through the tough times. She is remembered for being patient and loving by all those who knew her. I would like to extend my condolences to Rocio Guillen Rocha's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of Cameron Robinson. He attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Cameron found his perfect balance in his boyfriend, Bobby Eardley. They loved each other immensely, and Cameron loved Bobby's children as if they were his own. Bobby describes Cameron as a man who never did anything halfway. Whether it was cooking fancy meals or working in the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office, he put his all in everything he did. Cameron loved people without judgment and without condition. He is a man who is remembered as being full of spontaneous fun. I would like to extend my condolences to Cameron Robinson's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Quinton Robbins. Quinton attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. He was a student at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, UNLV. He looked forward to going to dental school after receiving his bachelor's degree. When he wasn't in school, he spent his time either working as a recreational assistant at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex or playing on a softball team. Quinton had a passion for softball, and would occasionally coach youth t-ball teams. Quinton was loved by everyone he met. All those who knew him remember him for being a kind and loving soul. Quinton was a leader who welcomed everyone with a smile that could light up a room. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to Quinton Robbins' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chair, during rollcall Vote No. 202 on H.R. 2, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes''. Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Banks of Indiana

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Jordyn Rivera, who attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Jordyn was looking forward to graduating from California State University with her bachelor's degree in healthcare management. She was set to graduate in the spring of 2018. Jordyn was incredibly smart and was even a member of her school's National Health Education Honor Society. Her parents were always very proud of Jordyn and loved the close bond they had with her. She had a love for Jesus, her family, and country music. She had a gift that allowed her to reach out to others and bring people together. Jordyn's parents remember her as being personable and adventurous. She was warm, optimistic, and had an infectious energy. I would like to extend my condolences to Jordyn Rivera's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Melissa Ramirez. Melissa attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Melissa loved her family more than anything in the world. She always made sure to take trips home over the weekends while she was studying at California State University to get her bachelor's degree in business administration. After she graduated from college in 2014, Melissa began working as a member specialist for an auto insurer, where she continued to work until her life tragically ended at the Route 91 festival. Melissa loved country music, but loved the Philadelphia Eagles more. She enjoyed watching sporting events and supporting each of her favorite teams. Melissa was known for being a hard worker, deeply loving her family, and making sure to always enjoy life. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to Melissa Ramirez' family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Chair, today I rise to speak in opposition to H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. Mr. Chair, I find it offensive. I sit here and listen to all my colleagues, and they all want to send nuclear waste to the State of Nevada. They are all generating this nuclear waste, and they want to send it to my backyard right in the Fourth Congressional District. Bottom line is this, Mr. Chair: If you generate nuclear waste, you should keep it in your own backyard. Don't be sending it to our backyard. I have met with various people out at Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base and the Hawthorne Army Depot. These are very important military installations in the Fourth Congressional District for our entire country. They don't want this nuclear waste passing through their own backyard. It is offensive. It is offensive that we have a State that depends on tourism, that depends on people coming into the State, and we want to bring all this nuclear waste to my backyard. We want to send it to Yucca Mountain, a place that hasn't even been deemed safe. It is disappointing, Mr. Chair, that we have all this nuclear waste and we can't pick any other place in the country. It has to be somewhere where we have military bases. It has to be somewhere where it hasn't been deemed safe, where there is seismic activity. Just a few weeks ago, there was an earthquake there. Mr. Chair, I am seriously concerned for Nevadans. I am seriously concerned for our military bases. I am concerned about our tourists who are going to be coming from all over the country. I am concerned about every single one of the congressional districts and its constituents where this nuclear waste is going to be traveling through. These are some serious concerns that have been brought up that none of us, none of my colleagues have been able to address. Mr. Chair, I am here to oppose this project. I am here to speak on behalf of 80 percent of Nevadans who oppose bringing nuclear waste to our backyard, and I am here to send a message that we are going to continue fighting this tooth and nail right here in Congress, in the Senate, here in the House, and, also, if need be, we are going to continue fighting this in the legal courts. Mr. Chair, I am here to speak in opposition and to speak on behalf of all Nevadans.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of John Phippen. John attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. John was the father of six and grandfather to one. His life revolved around his friends, children, and grandkids. John showed his true character the night of the Route 91 festival when he died while shielding a stranger with his body from the gunfire. John was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed the simple things in life. His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family and friends in the sand dunes at Lake Havasu or camping at the beach. Everyone who knew John remembers him for being a wonderful, selfless, and sweet man. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to John Phippen's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.