Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. It is hard to process that.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Adams. First, I have to thank the gentlewoman for her tremendous leadership on so many issues. Our young people at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities really owe her a debt of gratitude. I thank her and Congresswoman Underwood for forming the Black Maternal Health Caucus, and also Congresswoman Robin Kelly, who has been such a tremendous leader in healthcare. Her MOMMA's Act, which I am proud to cosponsor, is really, truly, making a huge difference already. The horror of health disparities for African American women in many ways is very personal to me. Let me just share a quick story about my birth. When my mother, Congresswoman Adams, went into labor--this was in El Paso, Texas--she went to the hospital, and she needed a cesarean section. They refused her admission, and she nearly died as a result. By the time the very racist--it was a hospital that did not allow African Americans into the hospital. By the time they allowed her in, though, after my grandmother had to fight to get her in--as she told me the story over and over again as a child--they put her on a gurney in the hall. They just left her there. Again, she needed a C-section. She became delirious, became unconscious. Somebody finally saw her. By then, it was too late to do a C-section. They pulled her in, and the doctors really didn't know quite what to do. They finally decided to deliver me using forceps. My mother almost died. I almost didn't get here. And I bore those scars on my eye, the forceps scars, for many years. They went away just a few years ago, actually. I share that story because here we are now, in 2019, and we are talking about many of the same issues that my mother had to face, maternal death, infant mortality with African American women now here in this country. We have gone backwards. The United Nations did a report indicating that we have gone back 25 years in this country. This is unacceptable. It is totally unacceptable. As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, though, we are working every day to address the crisis swiftly and with a firm resolve to turn the tide on these unacceptable disparities in health plaguing the African American community and African American women. It is utterly unacceptable that Black women are four times more likely to die--again, I have to think about my mother tonight--four times more likely to die from preventable pregnancy complications than White women. We do have a Black maternal health crisis in America. So as we celebrate Mother's Day, and as we honor our grandmothers and our aunts and our mothers for giving us life, let us recommit ourselves, on their behalf, to improving Black maternal outcomes. But also, as Congresswoman Adams continues to remind us, we must address the structural racism, structural racism which is really at the core of this deadly issue. And it is a deadly issue. So let me just remind us tonight that Black lives do matter.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding, for his tremendous leadership on this and so many issues. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act. This piece of legislation is an extremely important first step in protecting our environment--major first step--and we have to move forward and do even more. H.R. 9 ensures that the United States remains in the Paris Agreement and prohibits Federal funding to exit the agreement. It is critical that the United States takes the lead on addressing climate change on the world's stage. Let me be clear. The Trump Administration is plugging their ears and pretending that climate change doesn't exist. America was once a global leader in fighting climate change. It was our leadership that led so many nations to commit to climate action. Yet this administration has abandoned plans to address climate change and, instead, has weakened our leadership in the world. It is really shameful, and this needs to stop. Climate change is an urgent matter. It creates more flooding and superstorms, threatening the safety of millions of Americans and people around the world. People around our country and throughout the world are breathing in polluted and unhealthy air. Here in our own country, communities of color and low-income communities also, disproportionately, are impacted by the effects of climate change and have a lack of access to adequate healthcare services on top of that. We owe it to our children and future generations to do more for the environment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 9 and ``yes'' on fighting climate change.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1664, the Save the Internet Act, which just passed the House this morning. This important bill would restore net neutrality by reinstating FCC regulations that were repealed under the Trump administration. Now, let me be clear. Net neutrality protects America's access to open, free, and fair internet. It also prevents internet companies from blocking websites or slowing down their load time simply because they disagree with what the website says. Your ZIP Code, income, or geography should not determine the quality of access to the internet that every American should have. That is why this legislation is so important. It empowers the FCC to stop abusive corporate practices online, promotes competition and innovation, and supports broadband access and adoption for low-income communities. Mr. Speaker, we need net neutrality because consumers, not service providers, should control what you can access online. So it is time to give power back to the people once and for all. I am pleased that the House passed H.R. 1644 today, and I hope that the Senate will take up this bill immediately.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, first of all, let me thank Chairman Engel for yielding and also for his leadership. Also, I want to just mention Congressmen Khanna, Pocan, and McGovern. I want to also thank them in addition to Chairman Engel for bringing this critical measure to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 7, which, of course, is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen. This critical resolution, which we are taking now for the second time this Congress, would end America's unconstitutional participation in the war in Yemen. Since 2015, the United States has participated in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen without authorization from Congress. We have helped create and worsen the world's greatest and largest humanitarian crisis. Madam Speaker, 22.2 million Yemenis--that is 75 percent of the population--needs humanitarian assistance. At least 85,000 children under the age of 5--85,000--have died from war-related hunger and disease. Our involvement in this war is shameful. That is why this bipartisan and bicameral measure to end the United States' unconstitutional role in this war is so important. Yes, Madam Speaker, I voted against that 2001 resolution, because I knew it was open-ended and would set the stage for endless wars. It was a blank check. We see this once again today in Yemen. We must repeal this 2001 blank check for endless wars. Over the past 18 years, we have seen the executive branch use this AUMF time and time again. It is a blank check to wage war without congressional oversight. It is past time for Congress to reassert our Constitutional duty to debate on matters of war and peace, and it is past time to end this illegal, horrific war in Yemen. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and to support this bipartisan bill to end the United States' role in Yemen.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and also for her tremendous leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. This critical bill will expand crucial protections for all Americans making very important enhancements to VAWA. When I was in the California legislature, Mr. Speaker, I authored the Violence Against Women Act for the State of California, and, yes, it was signed by a Republican Governor. In addition to the protections this bill has provided for 26 years, it will now expand protections for Native American women and will protect the transgender community. Every woman has the right to live free from abuse. Although my Republican colleagues argued differently in committee, sexual orientation or gender identity should not put victims in a second-class status. This bill will now make sure that every victim of sexual violence has access to support. VAWA is critical for the 1.3 million individuals who benefit from this program. We must continue to improve these services for victims and survivors by passing this bill here today. Mr. Speaker, I know from personal experiences, yes, the life-and- death implications of this very important bill. So I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to ensure that all women are protected from sexual and domestic violence.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership and for yielding time. I also want to recognize Congressman Kennedy for his tremendous leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 124, rejecting the President's discriminatory ban on openly transgender servicemembers in the military. Transgender servicemembers have served with honor and distinction in the defense of our country for decades, yet President Trump announced on Twitter that transgender servicemembers would no longer be allowed to serve, despite the fact that many military leaders concluded that being transgender does not impact our readiness. President Trump's own Chief of Staff said he hadn't received any reports of problems with unit cohesion or morale regarding transgender servicemembers. The President's cowardly ban makes it clear that prejudice, not patriotism, guides his decisions. As the daughter of a career military officer who served in a segregated military, I know what it is like for our country to betray our American values. As a person of faith, I was taught to treat everyone equally. As an African American woman, I will fight discrimination wherever it surfaces. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Victor McElhaney, the son of my friend, Oakland City Councilwoman Lynette McElhaney, and his father, Clarence, and to offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the 13th Congressional District. Victor was tragically slain in a senseless act of gun violence early Sunday morning in Los Angeles. He was killed in a robbery attempt while heading home from a friend's house. Victor was just 21 years old and a senior at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, where he was pursuing his lifelong love of music. He was a talented drummer and was often playing at jam sessions, displaying his musical genius. Victor was a son of Oakland, and his passing is a loss for Oakland and the entire East Bay community. My heart is heavy for Lynette and her family and all those who loved and cared for Victor. Victor was killed in Los Angeles, but his murder reflects the epidemic of gun violence in my district and all around the country, especially communities of color. Even before Victor's tragic passing, combating gun violence in Oakland was a priority for his mother as a city council member. May God comfort Victor's family as we mourn his loss. May his spirit lead and guide us in the work that we must do to end gun violence in his memory. May Victor's legacy live, and may he rest in peace.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, first, I would like to thank Congressman McGovern and Congressman Tonko for leading this effort in memory of our beloved friend and colleague Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. Madam Speaker, it's almost hard to believe it's been a year since the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Louise. Her death was a monumental loss for Congress, our country, and the world. But I know we can all find solace in the amazing legacy she left for all of us. Louise stayed true to the communities that believed in her. She loved the people of Rochester fiercely and fought for them with every breath. Right after I was elected, Louise invited me to come with her to attend the Seneca Falls 150th anniversary in her district. She didn't even know me that well, but she said ``Honey, I want to be your friend and I want you to see my district.'' I knew right then that Louise was something special. A trailblazer in every respect, she made history by becoming the first woman to chair the powerful House Rules Committee. She would work late into the night, staying engaged and energized no matter how late the Committee worked. She never stopped fighting for everyday families, children, women, and communities of color. What I miss the most about Louise was her humor. She was just hilarious. Ask any Member of Congress--Republican or Democrat--and they'll have a story about her cracking a joke. Louise's legacy will live on in the millions of lives that she has touched and enriched. And she will live on in the halls of Congress, where none of us will ever forget her passion, her grace, or her infectious sense of humor. We all miss Louise so much.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairwoman Lofgren for yielding, but also for her tireless leadership on so many issues that confront our country today. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019. It is a historic bill to restore the promise of our Nation's democracy and repair our democratic institutions. H.R. 1 represents a coordinated effort to protect and promote the voting rights of all Americans. H.R. 1 would also end the culture of corruption in Washington; reduce the role of big money in politics; and make it easier, not harder, to vote. Mr. Chairman, let me be clear. The right to vote is a sacred civil right in our Nation, but we know that there are those who want to turn the clock back on voting rights and suppress minority voters. There are those who want to undercut the power and representation of communities of color and, really, lock us out of the political process. With this historic bill before us we say, ``Enough is enough.'' Instead, H.R. 1 will ensure that every eligible voter has the chance to participate in our democracy. This bill also includes important provisions to ensure clean and fair elections. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill and vote ``yes'' to restoring our democracy once and for all.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding and, also, for her tremendous leadership on the House Rules Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and Congressman Castro's resolution to stop President Trump's fake, so- called national emergency at the border. Let me be clear: This emergency declaration is a blatant attempt to subvert the Constitution and get around Congress' sole power of the purse. Let me remind you also, that this is a democracy, not a dictatorship. We have three branches of government, not one, and Congress has the power of the purse strings. Also, let's make one thing clear: There is no emergency at the border. The only crisis at the border is the humanitarian crisis that the President created himself through his hateful family separation policies. And instead of protecting our national security, this President is doing just the opposite: He is stealing money from military construction projects to try to build an unauthorized wall. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I can tell you that we will not allow this President to circumvent our authority at any cost. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution to put a strong check on this President and terminate his ability to declare this fake national emergency. I call on my Republican colleagues and the Senate to vote ``yes'' on this rule and ``yes'' on this resolution. It is past time to stand up for the Constitution and to stand up for our immigrant communities and to stand up for our three branches of government.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Raskin for yielding and for his tireless leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and H.R. 8, Congressman Thompson's bipartisan bill that makes gun sale background checks universal. This bill is an important step to ensure that individuals who should not be allowed to purchase a gun are no longer able to purchase a gun. Since 2014, nearly 400 of my constituents have died by gun violence. Our community feels their loss every single day. Here are just a few of their names and tragic stories. Davon Ellis: Davon was a star football player and an excellent student at Oakland Tech High School. He was shot and killed while walking home from school. My nephew was walking with him when he was gunned down. Travon Godfrey: Travon was killed in 2016 while sitting in a car with his friends in front of his home. Every time I think about Travon, my heart breaks. Travon came to a town meeting that I held on gun violence in January of 2016. Sadly, these heartbreaking stories are all too familiar in communities across the country. More than 30,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence each year. Shootings now kill as many Americans as car accidents, and that is why this bill is so important.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding me additional time. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a good first step to ensure that our background checks are strengthened, that we keep guns out of the wrong hands, and that we close these loopholes. Mr. Speaker, we must end this epidemic of gun violence in our country. This is a national emergency. This bill will save lives, so I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule and ``yes'' on the bill.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me thank Chairwoman Lowey for yielding. Also, I must thank her for her tireless work, day and night, on behalf of the American people. Also, let me thank our Homeland Security chairwoman, Lucille Roybal- Allard, for her brilliance and her hard work. She pushed hard for a bill that reflects our American values, and I appreciate her leadership. The phenomenal work of Chairwoman Lowey, Chairwoman Roybal-Allard, all the members of the conference committee, and all the Appropriations chairs and ranking members has just been amazing. I really do salute them for that. This has been a very, very difficult negotiation, but they all did it. This legislation, of course, Mr. Speaker, is not perfect. It is not the bill that I would have written or chosen. And, yes, I have serious concerns with several of the provisions, which I will discuss. But let me tell you, this bill will keep the government open. It will prevent another shutdown, which caused so much misery for Federal workers and their families. And it provides funding for humanitarian assistance, which is desperately needed at the border. Once more, the package of bills includes funding increases for six other spending bills, including housing for people living with AIDS, transportation grants for low-income communities, increased funding for homelessness, and Section 8 vouchers. As a member of the Department of Homeland Security Conference Committee, I was proud to fight for many of our priorities in this bill, which really reflect our American values. Being born and raised in the beautiful border town, as I have said before, of El Paso, Texas, I understand what it means to live in a border community and why these issues are so important. They speak to our sense of morality and who we are as a country and, yes, as well as our security.

Ms. LEE of California. With this bill, Democrats held the line, Mr. Speaker, in denying the President $5.7 billion in funding for an unnecessary concrete wall. Instead, it includes $1.3 billion in border fencing only. And it includes strong language to protect sensitive locations. Last year, I traveled to Brownsville and McAllen, Texas, where I saw the horrors of the Trump administration's family detention jails. I saw children sleeping on concrete floors. It was cruel and inhumane. Not only did we secure $415 million in this bill for humanitarian relief, including for enhanced medical support, transportation, and food at our border, but we got many, many programs and funding for alternatives to detention.

Ms. LEE of California. Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me just say it is the first step. It is far from perfect, but it does lay the groundwork that really addresses many of the issues that myself and my colleagues on the conference committee have fought so hard for. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I ask for an ``aye'' vote.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Also, I thank Representative Khanna, Representative Pocan, and Chairman McGovern for their work in bringing this very critical measure to the floor. Of course, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 37. Today, I am remembering our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Walter Jones, who was an original cosponsor. I miss him tremendously. I know he would be down here speaking on behalf of this resolution. Since 2015, the United States has participated in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen without authorization from Congress. We have helped create and worsen the world's largest humanitarian crisis. 22.2 million Yemenis, 75 percent of the population, need humanitarian assistance. At least 85,000 children under the age of 5 have died from war-related hunger and disease. Our involvement in this war, quite frankly, is shameful. That is why this bipartisan measure to end the United States' unconstitutional role in this war is so important. I have long pushed efforts to repeal the overly broad 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 37 and to support this bipartisan bill to end the United States' role in the war on Yemen.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my condolences and prayers to my dear friend, Congressman Walter Jones, and also to the people of North Carolina, who lost a tireless champion. Throughout his time in service, Congressman Jones never lost sight of those he served: the families in North Carolina, people across the country, and, of course, our brave servicemembers around the globe. Congressman Jones will be remembered for his limitless compassion and his willingness to reach across the aisle and to find common ground. I worked with him on many issues over the years, but our greatest collaboration was on our shared effort to draw down our endless wars and bring our brave troops home. He was a colead on several of my bills, including the one to repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force to finally end our limitless wars abroad. It fills me with unspeakable sadness, Mr. Speaker, that Congressman Jones did not live to see the end of these wars, but his memory will live on. We will fight harder in his memory to ensure that Congress does its job on matters of war and peace. I was honored to call Congressman Jones my colleague and my friend. His spirit will be greatly missed in the Halls of Congress, and tonight I again offer my condolences to his family, his friends; and also, I celebrate his life, because it was truly a life well lived.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 79, a resolution expressing the sense of the House that shutdowns are detrimental to the Nation and should not occur. And as a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I know firsthand how terrible this shutdown has been. This past weekend I met with Coast Guard families impacted by the 35-day government shutdown. Families told me they were skipping medications and couldn't afford to put gas in the car because of the shutdown. Mr. Speaker, these families did nothing wrong. In fact, they have gone Above and Beyond the call of duty by signing up to serve in the Coast Guard. And how did President Trump reward their sacrifices? By inflicting a needless, 35-day government shutdown on these families. By using these families as political pawns. Let me be clear: these Coast Guard families deserve far better than this. And so do all our federal workers--who bore the brunt of this shutdown through no fault of their own. The CBO estimates that this shutdown cost our economy 11 billion dollars--including 3 billion dollars that will never be recovered. It also caused immeasurable fear and anxiety for families. So, while we can never fully repair the damage that was caused by this dangerous, irresponsible shutdown, I hope that President Trump and Congressional Republicans will take these stories to heart and learn from the damage they caused. Simply put, families can't afford another shutdown. So, let's pass this resolution and get back to work for the American people. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to echo the pain and suffering experienced by Federal workers and their families in my district during this reckless McConnell-Trump shutdown and also the important work that they do as public employees. One is a constituent who is a proud African American TSA agent out of the Oakland airport, who has been working without pay for more than a month. He must pay to get to work, though, buy his own lunch and gas, but has no paycheck coming in. He can't borrow from his family because eight of his relatives also work for the Federal Government. His story resonates with so many African Americans who work for the Federal Government. But now with this shutdown, the Black community has been deeply affected, like everyone else. While African Americans account for 12 percent of the population, 18 percent of the Federal workforce is African American. This is, of course, due to discrimination against African Americans in the private sector. The Federal Government has provided good-paying jobs and a path into the middle class. My grandfather worked for the Postal Service. He was a letter carrier. My mother worked for Social Security. Another constituent has been furloughed from the Food and Drug Administration. He told me that he and his husband both rely on their incomes to afford rent on their one-bedroom apartment. I urge President Trump and Senator McConnell to stop playing games with people's lives. Let's reopen the government and get workers the paychecks that they deserve.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, yesterday was the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed the constitutional right to an abortion. This decision allowed millions of women to come out of the shadows and access lifesaving reproductive care, yet antiabortion laws and sustained attacks on women's access to the full range of reproductive healthcare continues to push abortion coverage out of the reach for too many people. Since 2011, State lawmakers have passed more than 400 laws that restrict abortion, and policies like the Hyde amendment have pushed coverage out of reach for millions of women, especially low-income women and women of color. That is why I have been proud to be the lead cosponsor of the EACH Woman Act, along with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Congresswoman Diana DeGette. This legislation will end the harmful Hyde amendment and make sure that all people, regardless of where they live or how much they make, have access to a full range of reproductive healthcare. Madam Speaker, I remember the days of back-alley abortions, and we cannot allow this administration to turn back the clock on women's access to abortion. It is time to be bold and end Hyde and lift all the bans that deny a full range of reproductive healthcare to all women.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the FY 2019 Financial Services Appropriations Bill, which provides more than $23 billion to partially re-open the government. This important bill would reopen the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-- ensuring hardworking families receive their tax returns on time. It would also help to restart the taxpayer assistance centers, which serve approximately 2.5 million citizens monthly. This shutdown is affecting real lives, Madam Speaker; real people. According to the Washington Post, IRS furloughed employee Krystle Kirkpatrick, said she and her family of four can scrape along on her partner's machinist salary for a while, but she's already thinking about signing up to be a plasma donor to earn extra cash--that's only an extra $200. Let me reiterate. A federal employee is considering becoming a plasma donor--because her paycheck, from her federal government job, won't be coming in the mail. This is no way to run a country. Madam Speaker, the Trump shutdown is hurting real families and it's hurting our economy. Let's pass this bill. Let's get the government back open and get workers their paychecks. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the Financial Services Bill

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 430, the TANF Extension Act of 2019. This bill would provide a much-needed short-term TANF extension through June 30, 2019. TANF, unfortunately, expired in December and many states, including my home state of California, are unable to pick up the lack of federal funding for this program. So, this bill is not only necessary, it's incredibly timely. Madam Speaker, more than 3.4 million struggling working moms and dads are on TANF, providing critical income, childcare, and employment support. But, sadly TANF does not reach enough families, especially families of color. For every 100 families living in poverty, only 23 receive direct financial assistance from TANF--down from 68 families in 1996. Let me be clear--funding for the TANF program has not kept pace with the growing need in our country. As a result, 4 out of 5 children living in poverty are not being reached. And for those families with 50 percent below the poverty line their situation is even worse. In 2015, TANF only lifted 349,000 children out of deep poverty. Because of this, many families are forced to choose between paying their rent, putting food on the table, or paying their medical bills. This is outrageous. This program literally does not fulfill its mission--which is to reduce child poverty. Madam Speaker, I was in the California legislature on the conference committee that negotiated California's TANF program--and let me tell you--I voted against my own conference committee's report because as a former welfare recipient myself, I didn't want to see more welfare recipients being penalized with onerous work requirements with no real incentive or job supports to actually help women--and men--obtain good- paying jobs. And while I am pleased to support this vital short-term TANF extension, I hope that we can get to work with changing TANF to ensure that it is reaching more poor families and helping them meet their basic needs. With that, I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this bill and let's ensure that we strengthen and improve TANF moving forward.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the FY 2019 Transportation and Housing Appropriations Bill, which provides more than $71 billion to partially re-open the government. Families living in housing supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deserve to know they will have a roof over their heads. This bill will ensure that struggling families are not evicted from their homes because of the Trump Administration's incompetence and cruelty. There was a report this week that thousands of families could be evicted because HUD officials forgot about Section 8 contracts that expired last month. Let me reiterate: families could become homeless--in the depths of winter--because these Trump officials couldn't keep track of this program. Madam Speaker, this is just downright unacceptable. And it's hurting people across the country. In my home district, renovations on an affordable housing project has been put on hold because of this shutdown. There is an affordable housing crisis in this country, Madam Speaker. A delay in projects like this will mean fewer people have a place to rest their heads at night. These families deserve better. Madam Speaker, the Trump shutdown is hurting real families and it's hurting our economy. Let's pass this bill to reopen the government, and make sure families can stay in their homes. I urge my colleagues to vote yes

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, once again, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her tremendous leadership on so many issues. I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 28, this continuing resolution bill to reopen the government through February 28. This legislation would end the Trump shutdown and ensure that our Federal employees get their paychecks, like, now. This bill also sends a clear message that we will not let President Trump hold this government hostage for his irresponsible, mean-spirited wall. Mr. Speaker, this is the longest government shutdown in history. The government has been closed now for 27 days--27 days, mind you. All the President has to do is say: Yes, I will open up the government. Meanwhile, we Democrats continue to do our job and demand that the President do his. We have passed seven pieces of legislation to end the Trump shutdown--seven. But we can't reopen this government alone. Senator McConnell should do his job to end this crisis. Now, let me be clear: By continuing this reckless shutdown, President Trump is leaving 800,000 Federal workers and 200,000 low-wage Federal contractors in the lurch. Not only is this an insult to their hard work, but it is a slap in the face for the families who have no other way to pay their bills. I have spoken to many people in my district who can't afford to buy gas to get to their jobs, jobs that they are working at day in and day out without pay. That is no way to run a country, and House Democrats won't stand for it. Let's pass this bill to reopen the government now. Let's get the American people the paychecks that they deserve for the important work they do to protect the public, our food, our parks, and our families who are suffering so much as a result of them being used as hostages and political pawns by this President.