Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Let me thank Representative Veasey for hosting this important discussion on President-elect Trump's disturbing nomination and for the gentleman's commitment to defend civil and human rights for all Americans. Now, more than ever, the voices of the CBC's are so important in this fight. I would also like to recognize our new chair, Cedric Richmond, as he takes the helm of the CBC during these very challenging times; but I know that, under his leadership, our caucus will continue to fight in a very strong and aggressive way for equality and justice. The President-elect, Mr. Speaker, ran one of the most divisive and racially tinged campaigns we have witnessed in modern history. Since winning the Presidency, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated individuals to serve in his Cabinet, proving that he will govern just as he campaigned. There is no greater example of this disturbing reality than in Senator Jeff Sessions' nomination to serve as our country's Attorney General. The Justice Department is our best tool in protecting civil and human rights and voting rights. By appointing Senator Sessions to lead this department, President-elect Donald Trump is making it clear that he will abandon these fundamental values. Senator Sessions has a long history of opposing civil rights and equality. He has called the Voting Rights Act a piece of intrusive legislation. He said that the Supreme Court's disastrous decision to gut voting rights was good news for the South. In the 1980s, he was rejected from serving as a Federal judge due to his blatantly racist comments. Any one of these statements should be disqualifying. In the proposed, bigoted Trump administration, frankly, I am not surprised; but I am appalled that the President-elect would choose such an extreme and divisive figure to serve as Attorney General. Clearly, someone who has publicly displayed prejudice and intolerance is not qualified to serve as our chief law enforcement officer for our civil rights laws. By that standard alone, one thing is clear: Senator Sessions is wholly unfit to serve as Attorney General. Senator Sessions has forcefully degraded the LGBT community, has voted against the Violence Against Women Act, and has undermined the cornerstone of the civil rights movement and the Voting Rights Act. His nomination really is a chilling indication of how a Trump administration intends to govern. This country has made tremendous progress in the fight to protect, preserve, and expand civil rights for all Americans. We will not allow a Trump administration to drag us back into the past. As the conscience of the Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus is a voice for the marginalized. Our message to the Trump administration and to President-elect Donald Trump is simple: A vote to confirm Senator Jeff Sessions is a vote against justice. We will fight to protect any rollback on civil or human rights. We will not be silent. I call on all of my colleagues to oppose Senator Sessions' nomination as the United States Attorney General because his history disqualifies him for this important position.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. President, I object on behalf of the million of Americans, including members of the intelligence community.

Ms. LEE. Mr. President, despite grave concerns of the intelligence--

Ms. LEE. Mr. President, I object because people are horrified by the overwhelming evidence of Russian interference in our elections.

Ms. LEE. Mr. President, even with the malfunction of 87 voting machines at predominantly African--

Ms. LEE. I have grave concerns--

Ms. LEE. Unfortunately, it is not yet signed by a Senator.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding and for his steadfast commitment to ensuring global peace and security. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and H. Res. 11, which is a flawed and misguided effort as currently written. Let me be clear: H. Res. 11 would undermine longstanding and bipartisan U.S. policy on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This resolution is deeply flawed because it does not accurately portray U.S. policy on Israeli settlements. What is worse, this resolution completely mischaracterizes the United Nations Security Council resolution and the United States' abstention vote. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Rules Committee shamefully rejected an alternative introduced by Congressman Price, Congressman Connolly, and Congressman Engel, which reflects current U.S. policy that would have reaffirmed our commitment to a negotiated and peaceful two-state solution. This is the only pathway to peace and security. It is appalling--but really, it is not surprising--that Republicans pushed through a closed rule and hurried this to the floor.

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the lack of a debate is a disgrace. But you know what? There are some of us here who are not going to be gagged. There are some of here who are going to speak our mind, and there are some of us here who are going to put forth our views. That is our constitutional responsibility. We have the right to debate, whether you agree or disagree. It is really, really a very sad day for our democracy when bills like this come to the floor with rules like this which don't allow debate. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the lifesaving impact of the Affordable Care Act. This week, I have heard from dozens of constituents who have been calling my office and reaching out on social media to tell me their ACA stories. I heard from one constituent whose mother had two devastating lung diseases. While she had good insurance, unfair lifetime spending caps priced her out of receiving the lifesaving treatment she needed. When the Affordable Care Act passed, we ended the cruel practice of lifetime spending caps. With these new protections, she was able to resume her treatment and stay healthy to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter. Mr. Speaker, the ACA works. It reduces healthcare costs, enables young people to stay on their parents' insurance, and ensures low- income and struggling families that they can access the care they need. If Republicans repeal this law without a viable replacement, there will be real consequences to real people. Let me be clear: by repealing the ACA, Republicans would end healthcare coverage for millions of families, put the insurance companies back in charge, and, yes, make America sick again. I urge my colleagues to consider what is at stake here--real costs, real lives, not just a political football. Let's do the right thing and protect families' health care.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant opposition to S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), a bill which reauthorizes water infrastructure projects and includes authorizing language regarding Flint aid. First, let me acknowledge Congressman Dan Kildee, who has worked tirelessly to bring justice to the Flint families. His work and the work of the Michigan delegation, is essential to ensuring the people of Flint have the resources that they need to recover. Mr. Speaker, while I strongly support that this bill included $170 million for Flint and other communities impacted by lead to replace water infrastructure and provide needed health care, I am deeply concerned about the poison pill California drought rider. This shameful rider would gut environmental protections in California's Bay-Delta, threatening thousands of fishing jobs, water quality, and endangered species. This harmful rider also fails to adequately address critical elements of California's complex water challenges and will only worsen the effects of the drought. Mr. Speaker, it is completely unacceptable to hold Flint funding hostage to this anti-environmental rider. Since the beginning of this crisis, I have long supported providing robust funding for the families in Flint. And let me also say that I was part of a Congressional Delegation that traveled to Flint, Michigan to listen to the residents regarding the horrendous impact of these government decisions that led to the poisoning of those on children and families. However, while this bill does include funding for Flint, Republicans played partisan politics by inserting a poison pill drought rider, and sadly I cannot support it.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of my constituent, Travon Godfrey, who was tragically killed by gun violence on November 28th, 2016. In this tragedy, Oakland lost a community leader, a voice of truth, and a hopeful soul. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Travon at my town hall on gun violence, where he shared the painful impact that gun violence had in his life. He stated: ``It shouldn't even be like that-- especially when our kids can't grow up to see the age of 21. We can't even see what it feels like to be grown.'' Travon was right. In 2016 alone, more than 13,000 lives have been lost to senseless gun violence. That is 13,000 lives too many. Mr. Speaker, Travon was just 19 years young. His life was senselessly cut short by the very violence he was working to prevent. I do, however, take solace in the fact that he did not let his age prevent him from speaking out against injustice. He did not sit idly by or allow the weight of his pain at losing 9 friends to gun violence to consume him. Instead, he got involved. Travon was a tireless advocate for his community, his friends and public safety. He reminded us that senseless gun violence can be stopped--if elected officials find the political will to enact common sense gun reforms. It breaks my heart to stand here today and share his story--a story that he worked so hard to prevent. Mr. Speaker, we must live in the light of Travon and prevent gun violence from stealing more young people in our community and every community across the nation. Thank you, Travon, for being an example of what courage and strength looks like. You spoke truth to power in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Travon during this very difficult time and in the years ahead as we continue to mourn this devastating loss. I will continue your fight, Travon. I will continue to demand Congress pass common sense gun reform

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague, Representative Jim McDermott, from Washington's 7th District. I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside Representative McDermott for the past 17 years. As co-chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, Congressman McDermott has led the charge to wipe out HIV/AIDS around the world. Congressman McDermott and I also sat on the Budget Committee together where he was a continual guiding voice for our committee. From health care to education, he ensured that our budget reflected our moral values as a nation. During his time representing the people of Washington's 7th District, Congressman McDermott has dedicated his efforts towards finding solutions to our nation's most pressing issues, as well as remaining deeply connected to his district. He has helped lead the fight on this very floor to guarantee all Americans comprehensive and affordable health care coverage and has supported me in pushing for peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world. Congressman McDermott has never stopped working to ensure that the American Dream is in reach for all. I want to thank Representative McDermott for his dedication to serving the people of Washington and our nation. I am so honored and thankful to have had his friendship and his support throughout the years. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and I wish him the very best and continued success.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor a truly dedicated public servant and friend, Congressman Sam Farr. I have had the honor of working alongside Congressman Farr for 17 wonderful years. Throughout these many years, I have personally seen his passionate advocacy for the beautiful central coast, the great state of California, and our nation. As many of us know, Congressman Farr joined the Peace Corps in 1964 and brought his passion for social and economic justice and world peace with him to Congress. Since then, he has never shied away from fighting for what is right and what is just. As our Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Farr is a fierce and strong advocate for programs serving low-income populations, rural infrastructure and development, and food safety and nutrition. As longtime advocates to normalize relations with Cuba, we had the pleasure of witnessing history together as President Obama met with President Raul Castro and became the first president to visit Cuba in the last 81 years. Representative Farr has supported me--and so many of our colleagues-- in this very chamber and outside of our offices. He has been a true friend and I will miss him dearly. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Farr has encouraged all Americans to reach higher, dream bigger, and to never give up. His commitment to our country and California's 20th district has been a joy to witness and I look forward to watching as those he has inspired continue his work. Thank you, Congressman Farr, for all that you've done for your district and for our nation. I look forward to continuing our friendship and preserving your work in the upcoming years.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor a truly dedicated public servant and friend, Congressman Mike Honda. As a passionate and tireless leader, Congressman Honda has spent the last 15 years as an active representative for California's 17th district. Raised in an internment camp, Congressman Honda has witnessed firsthand the dangers of hate, fear, and injustice. Through these experiences, he has dedicated his life to protecting those who are underrepresented and advocating for global peace and security. Before coming to Congress, Congressman Honda served in the Peace Corps and was a dedicated teacher and principal to all students. Congressman Honda has never shied away from what is right and what is just. As a longtime champion for LGBT rights, he has fought to ensure equal rights for all. His courage reminds us all of what it means to truly represent the people of America, no matter where they come from or who they love. I know that Congressman Honda will be missed in his district, in the California Delegation, and throughout the halls of Congress. He has served his district with heart and pride each and every day. I hope that as we begin our next Congress, we work to protect the progress that Congressman Honda has made and provide patience, kindness, and care as he did. Thank you, Representative Honda, for your work to advance our shared progressive values and for your friendship. I look forward to preserving and continuing your work in the upcoming years.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 601 to H.R. 5015. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 602 to H.R. 6427. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 603 to House Amendment to S. 1635. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 604 to H.R. 6394. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 605 to H. Res. 939. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 606 to H.R. 6416. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 607 to H. Res. 828 motion to table. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 607 to H. Res. 828 motion to refer. If I were present, I would have voted NO on roll call number 609 to H. Res. 944 ordering the previous question. If I were present, I would have voted NO on roll call number 610 to H. Res. 944. If I were present, I would have voted NO on roll call number 613 to H.R. 5143. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 614 to H.R. 6076. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 616 to H.R. 5790. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 615 to House Amendment to S. 2971. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 611 to H.R. 1219. If I were present, I would have voted YES on roll call number 612 to S. 3028.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a very heavy heart. Last weekend, my home city of Oakland, California, suffered a horrific tragedy. Constituents from Congressman Swalwell's district and Congressman DeSaulnier's district suffered a tremendous tragedy and were killed. A devastating fire at an artist collective warehouse in the Fruitvale neighborhood in Oakland killed 36 young, talented individuals. I want to first thank my colleagues, all of you, for your condolences and offers of assistance. These were young men and women who had their whole futures ahead of them. Their lives were tragically cut short. We want to extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims' families and their loved ones during this anguishing time. We are in mourning for these young people. But know that Oakland residents are resilient, compassionate, and caring. We will continue to support all of our residents during this very difficult time with any recovery efforts. I ask the House to observe a moment of silence.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, a bill which aims to authorize and promote biomedical research, mental health, opioid abuse assistance, and advance medical future research, but falls woefully short. Unfortunately, this bill is a missed opportunity for Congress to take meaningful action to address skyrocketing drug prices. It also falls far short of the funding that is needed to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and to address the growing opioid abuse epidemic. I also believe that this bill puts the goals of pharmaceutical and medical device companies ahead of the needs of individuals. As a Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee and as an ardent supporter of biomedical research and public health funding, I was disappointed in the inadequate funding levels in this bill. Last year, this bill included $10 billion in mandatory funding for the NIH. Unfortunately, the revised version that passed the House Floor last week included only $3.8 billion for the NIH, and it is not mandatory spending. And to make matters worse, this bill strips $3.5 billion from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which provides critical investments to improve health outcomes through prevention activities like screenings and public health workforce training. We should be increasing support for public health programs, not robbing Peter to pay Paul. Additionally, I am concerned that this legislation loosens Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for approving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. While we do need to ensure that new, lifesaving treatments are available to consumers, we cannot do so at the expense of safety and efficacy. We need to make the FDA's standards stronger-- not weaker. Lastly, despite outcry from constituents and despite months of hearings and press conferences on the issue of rising prescription drug prices, H.R. 34 did not include any provisions to make drugs more affordable. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we have a shared obligation to ensure that ALL Americans have access to equitable, high-quality and affordable healthcare. While this bill does include a few good provisions, like positive steps to address mental health reform, it ultimately puts industry and profits over patients, and I therefore cannot support it.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable life and career of Mr. John Sutter, and to congratulate him on his retirement from the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District. As an outdoor enthusiast and lifelong resident of Oakland, California, John's life has been dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment of California's Bay Area. Throughout his sixty years in public service, he has been involved in the conservation of over 35,000 acres of land. John's career in public service began in 1954 when he became an Alameda County deputy district attorney. He stayed in this position until 1965, when he was appointed to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) by Governor Pat Brown. John also served as a member of Oakland's City Council for over a decade from 1971-1982, twice holding the position of vice mayor. In 1982, John was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court. He remained a judge for 14 years until his election in 1996 to the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors. Over John's illustrious career, he has been directly involved in a variety of community projects and organizations with special emphasis on preserving the natural environment of the Bay Area. In the 1950s he was prominently involved in the protection of the San Pablo Reservoir and the foundation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline. In 1961, John was the leader in the campaign that preserved Oakland's Snow Park. In addition to his elected and appointed positions, John was a founding board member of the Greenbelt Alliance; and he has served as a board member for the Alameda County Solid Waste Management Authority, Oakland Charter Revision Committee, Oakland Cultural Affairs Commission, Chabot Space and Science Center, Save the Bay, Alameda County Bar Association, California Democratic Council, Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal, and the Metropolitan YMCA. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I wish to congratulate Mr. John Sutter on a well-deserved retirement, and thank him for his many years of service to our community.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Refuge UCC upon its 25th anniversary for its legacy of promoting community building, inclusion, and faith in the Bay Area. First established in San Francisco, the City of Refuge was founded in 1991 by a group of primarily gay and lesbian Christians with the goal of establishing a church that did not adhere to the exclusion of people based on gender or sexual orientation. Three years later in 1994, the City of Refuge joined the United Church of Christ (UCC) and became incorporated with over 5,000 churches worldwide working to uphold the denomination's commitment to social justice. Founder and Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Yvette A. Flunder has been nationally recognized for her work to promote the inclusion of gay and lesbian parishioners and to minister to their specific needs. In response to the AIDS epidemic, Rev. Dr. Flunder established the Ark of Refuge, a non-profit organization that provided direct services to homeless and low-income individuals, and also created the Hazard-Ashley House and Walker House in Oakland as a means to provide housing services, education, and training for people affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2000, she created the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a network of more than 100 primarily African American churches around the world that work to promote ``radical inclusivity'', whereby the ministry is open to all without prejudice or discrimination. In 2013 the City of Refuge UCC relocated to Oakland. Through the hard work and dedication of the ministry, staff, and congregation, community members and in particular women, immigrants, and those who identify as LGBTQ, have found a safe space for self-expression, belonging, and religious participation. Through the Church's various ministries, this community provides support for those needing help addressing substance abuse, homelessness, HIV/AIDS treatment, and environmental justice. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the City of Refuge UCC on this important milestone, and thank the community for the many valuable services that they provide to those in need. I wish the congregation continued success in upholding its commitment to social justice and expanding the radical inclusivity that has come to be the City of Refuge's hallmark.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the invaluable service to our community from the leadership of Mr. Doug Siden, and to congratulate him on his retirement from the East Bay Park District Board of Directors. Mr. Siden has served for the past 24 years on the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board. During his tenure, Mr. Siden recognized the importance that the East Bay Parks play in the lives of so many local residents, and has worked tirelessly to provide access and an enjoyable experience for visitors to all of the District's 66 locations. As an EBRPD Board member, he worked diligently to help EBRPD pass Measures CC and WW to support and expand the system. At $500 million, Measure WW was the largest bond measure ever awarded to a local district to acquire and develop new parks, and it helped the Park District meet the increasing demand to preserve open space for recreation and wildlife habitat. Mr. Siden served for many years on the East Bay Economic Development Alliance's Executive Board, was a founding member and served as a chairperson of the Martin Luther King Freedom Center in Oakland, and led the fight to establish the Alameda County Creek and Watershed Symposium. Additionally, during his career he has served on the advisory committees of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Mr. Siden is also a longtime Rotarian and has served as a Baptist minister for over six decades. He directed a youth camp for Baptist Churches of the West for 20 years, and led the effort to establish year-round camps in Santa Cruz and near Lake Tahoe. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the American Baptist Seminary of the West for his leadership. On a personal note, Doug has been a long-time friend and partner in the East Bay, and I greatly appreciate his leadership and counsel. I wish him well on this new chapter of his life. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Doug Siden on a well-deserved retirement. We honor his tireless support of open space, parks, and healthy recreation, and also for his vision of a more ideal world in which all can enjoy and benefit from these natural treasures.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our ranking member for yielding and for his tremendous leadership on so many of these very critical issues. Mr. Speaker, I rise, though, in strong opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize another $618 billion in spending to our already out-of-control defense budget. It would also expand funding for wars that Congress has never debated. Once again, my Republican colleagues have used an off-the-books spending gimmick to further expand the already-bloated Pentagon budget. Enough is enough. Instead of writing blank checks to the Pentagon, Congress needs to live up to its constitutional obligation to debate matters of war and peace. We need to rip up the 2001 blank check for endless war. We need to stop funding wars without end, with no debate on the costs and consequences to our troops or to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I do have to say that I am pleased that my amendment, which I coauthored with my good friend Congressman Burgess, to report on the audit-readiness of the Pentagon, that amendment passed, but much work remains. So I call on our Speaker to act to bring some accountability to Pentagon spending and to bring forth an authorization to use force to support or oppose these new wars. We need to do our job. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill and reject this wasteful spending.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate World AIDS Day. The theme this year is ``Leadership, Commitment, Impact.'' First, I would like to thank Leader Pelosi for her steadfast commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS, and for guaranteeing strong United States leadership in this area. Also, to the Congressional Black Caucus for its leadership in the establishment of PEPFAR, which was a bipartisan effort that President Bush signed into law. As the cofounder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/ AIDS Caucus, with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Congressman McDermott, we have seen significant progress that we have made in the global fight against AIDS. From PEPFAR and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria, to the Ryan White Care Act and the Minority AIDS Initiative led by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, year after year we have committed critical resources to end this disease. Partly due to our efforts, 18.2 million people around the world are now living on antiretroviral drugs, and 37 million lives have been saved. But much work remains, which must continue to be bipartisan. Still, stigma and discrimination prevents too many people from seeking testing and treatment. Around the world, countries criminalize LGBT people and prevent them from accessing critical HIV care. Here in the United States, we preserve stigma through outdated, unscientific laws that criminalize HIV in over 30 States. We must end these laws and repeal the discrimination laws against people.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Schakowsky for yielding and for her tremendous leadership on this issue and so many issues that affect women. I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 933, which is nothing more than a politically motivated resolution. It would shamefully-- shamefully--provide an additional $800,000 to the select investigative panel to so-called investigate Planned Parenthood and attack women's health. Republicans are asking for more money to continue their baseless attacks to undermine medical and scientific research and intimidate and harass providers. How outrageous. Let's be clear. This is yet another attempt to deny women, especially low-income women, access to health care. There have been multiple hearings and there have been committee investigations, none of which have resulted in any evidence of wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood, doctors, or researchers. Madam Speaker, this resolution and the absurd select panel investigation amounts to nothing more than a witch hunt. Instead of wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on this smear campaign, we should be fully investing in women's health and childcare. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this dangerous resolution and, instead, call for an end of the select panel to attack women's health.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. I thank the gentleman very much. First of all, I thank Congressman O'Rourke for lifting up my mother, who was a phenomenal woman, who passed away last year, and who broke many glass ceilings. I want to thank the gentleman for recognizing what a true shero she was; so I just had to tell you. I want to thank the gentleman also for his tireless advocacy on behalf of my hometown and the place of my birth, El Paso, Texas, on so many fronts but especially on behalf of immigrants. I grew up in an immigrant community. I can tell you my mother, my grandfather, my sisters, and my brothers-in-law--everybody from El Paso--consider the gentleman our Representative, so I thank him very much. We are very proud of him. Mr. Speaker, I attended St. Joseph's Elementary School on Waco Avenue, and we were taught that we must value the dignity of all human beings. I was taught by the Sisters of Loretto in El Paso. So now, in representing the beautiful East Bay of northern California, my values and what I learned from my mother and my grandfather and my parents in El Paso really drive me to continue our fight on behalf of our young people, on behalf of our DREAMers. Four years ago, President Obama made history by announcing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, DACA. This critical program provides--and this is just commonsense--humane protections for undocumented Americans, mind you, who were brought to our Nation as young children. Since the executive action, about 744,000 young people have benefited from this important program. I am proud to say, though, that now one in three DREAMers in the United States is from my State of California. These are brilliant young people who deserve the chance to live the American Dream. DACA empowers young people and keeps families together even in the face of Republican inaction on comprehensive immigration reform. This is an issue that is dear to my heart. As I said, I grew up in El Paso in an immigrant community; so I know no option. I mean, we have to protect our young people and keep families together. More than a quarter of the residents now in my congressional district were born outside of the United States. Tens of thousands of young people have benefited from the DACA program. We sponsored a town meeting several weeks ago. Actually, it was sponsored by Oakland Community Organizations, which is an affiliate of PICO. It was an amazing town meeting. Everyone participated. It was multiracial. It was held in the Catholic cathedral. There are several stories I would like to share, just very quickly, that we heard that night. One DREAMer and DACA recipient--let's call her Amy--was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the United States as a child. DACA opened doors for Amy. She received her bachelor's degree at UCLA and then went on to obtain her law degree. This is really impressive. Through her hard work, Amy became the first DACA recipient to be admitted to the California bar. I am so proud of Amy. She has taken her skills and experiences to give back to our community. Today, she works at a nonprofit in the East Bay where she is an advocate for immigration reform and helps other young people benefit from the DACA program; but while she spends her days helping her community, she still lives in fear--in fear for her family, in fear for her friends, in fear of being deported at any moment. I have another constituent--let's call him Gabriel--whom I met recently at the same event. Gabriel was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States 10 years ago. Since then, he has used his voice to empower his community and advocate for immigrants. In high school, he started a local DREAMers club that advocates for the inclusion and advancement of undocumented students. He went on to attend UC Berkeley and was able to receive funds to cover most of his studies. Through DACA and State policies, he was able to afford the high cost of living in the Bay Area and receive a world-class education. He and Amy show the incredible potential of our Nation's young people. Their determination to live the American Dream, to receive a quality education, and to help their communities was really unlocked through DACA. It is terrible to think of the dreams that would be destroyed by rolling back DACA now. Time and time again, I hear stories like Gabriel's and Amy's--stories of families who are kept together because of DACA and of young people who are able to attend college and pursue these dreams. Now these young people are afraid. They fear that their families will be torn apart, that their parents may be deported, and that their American Dreams are truly in jeopardy. We have always been a nation of immigrants. This is a history that we should be proud of; but, right now, we know that immigrants in my district, in El Paso, and all across our Nation are scared to death about what this next administration will bring. There are families who wake up in fear that, come January 21, their work or their school will be raided. There are DREAMers who dread being forced to leave the country--the only country that they have ever known. This is morally wrong. The nuns who taught me at St. Joseph's would be shocked if they knew what was taking place now. We are better than this. These young people deserve better from our country, and they deserve better from this Congress. Again, I am calling on my Republican colleagues to let us vote on bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform--legislation that will reunify families, that will grow our economy, and that will provide a clear pathway to citizenship. I know the gentleman and all of our colleagues are going to continue to fight for and to pass immigration reform and the DREAM Act; but, minimally, we have to protect our Nation's DREAMers, our immigrants, and all families. I thank the gentleman again for his leadership. I thank him for inviting me to be with him tonight. Again, my family is very proud of him, our Congressman.