Grace Meng

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, my amendment would ensure that community colleges are included in the U.S. Export Finance Agency's efforts to diversify its workforce. We must ensure community colleges are not left out of the broader target of colleges and universities in the agency's recruitment efforts. Approximately 6 million students are enrolled in public 2-year colleges. These institutions offer nontraditional students, like those experiencing financial obstacles, working parents, or students who are embarking on new career paths, the opportunity to earn a degree. I am proud to have a community college, Queensborough Community College, in my district in Queens, New York. I know that community colleges provide an affordable career pathway for many students of underserved communities. That is why I offer this amendment to ensure that the U.S. Export Finance Agency engages with community colleges across the country in its workforce outreach efforts. I urge support for the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for his words, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, my amendment adds two advisory positions to the U.S. Export Finance Agency's Advisory Committee, one who represents 4- year colleges and one who represents community colleges. The Advisory Committee, which currently is comprised of 17 members, provides recommendations on agency financing programs to strengthen American exports. The committee has representatives of environment, production, commerce, finance, agriculture, labor, services, State government, and textile industries, and the small business and labor communities. Adding two members from the education community would enhance the committee's ability to inform and advise the Export Finance Agency's work. Those who work in our education system and with students who study international trade and finance or go on to run businesses are uniquely positioned to provide suggestions on improving these agency programs. Adding these instructions would ensure U.S. economic competitiveness. I urge support for the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for his words, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Total Recall Act of 2019, which would require businesses to strengthen and streamline notifications for product recalls to consumers. Every year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls at least 400 products, but due to poor notification practices by manufacturers and producers, the average response rate of consumers for most recalls is only between 4 and 18 percent. Consumers are purchasing or failing to stop using products because they are unaware of recall notifications. As a mom myself, I know that parents cannot be expected to check the CPSC website every time they purchase a product for their families. If a company sells a dangerous item, that company should be expected to market the recall as aggressively as they marketed the sale of the product. That is why I am introducing the Total Recall Act, legislation which will implement much needed reforms to increase the effectiveness of products recalled by the CPSC. This bill will increase requirements for companies to post recall notices on their websites and social media, and require or encourage companies to use parts of the original marketing budgets of the product in question on notifying consumers of the recall. The numbers don't lie; if consumers are not participating in recalls, then companies need to work harder to let their consumers know about any dangers that they face from continued use of these products. Companies know how to market products, it is time for them to apply those same skills to marketing recalls.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, the United States is the nation that it is today, because of immigrant contributions. In fact, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country--Queens, New York; it is a place where immigrant communities thrive. I also know our nation can only get stronger if we assist new Americans in their efforts to contribute to the growth of our economy and be civically engaged. Madam Speaker, I am a daughter of immigrants. I saw firsthand the difficulties my parents and grandparents encountered when they immigrated to the United States for a better life for their children. This is not an uncommon story. While the levels of hardships of new immigrants vary, there are common challenges--from language barriers to finding work. That is why, I am so proud to introduce the ``New Deal for New Americans Act,'' legislation which would ensure a more inclusive and welcoming system for all those who arrive on our shores. Specifically, the ``New Deal for New Americans Act'' would: Establish a National Office of New Americans in the Executive Office of the White House to promote and support immigrant and refugee integration and inclusion and coordinate efforts of federal, state, and local governments to support social, economic, and civic integration of immigrants and refugees. Establish a Federal Initiative on New Americans to coordinate federal response to address issues that affect the lives of new immigrants and refugees and communities with growing immigrant and refugee populations. Create a Legal Services and Immigration Assistance Grant Program to support organizations that provide direct immigration assistance to those in need of immigration screening; know-your-rights education; assistance in applying for citizenship, lawful permanent resident status or other immigration status; or seeking relief from a removal order. Create an English as a Gateway to Integration Program for organizations that teach English or help individuals prepare for naturalization or earn a GED. Create a Workforce Development Grant Program to ensure that immigrant and refugee adults have equitable access to education and workforce programs that help equip them with occupational skills needed to secure or advance in employment. Reduce barriers for individuals to naturalize by establishing a flat application fee for naturalization, amending the English and civics exam requirements for older individuals, and exempting eligible U.S. high school graduates from taking the naturalization exams. Limit USCIS's ability to raise fees without Congress' approval, plus require authorization of appropriations to cover USCIS' need to operate and adjudicate cases. Promote civic engagement through automatic voter registration of newly naturalized individuals. Expand family integration by reducing the age of citizens who are able to petition eligible family members from 21 years old to 18 years old. Increase Refugee Admissions level to 110,000 per fiscal year. Provide social, economic, and civic support to refugees and rebuild the capacity and infrastructure of local communities to welcome refugees. Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to no longer allow deportation of an individual deemed to have become a public charge. Madam Speaker, the United States is a nation of immigrants. The rich tapestry of our nation that is comprised of diverse cultures, languages, and lives experiences have always been America's strength. Immigrants and refugees have always been America's strength--which is why improving our system to welcome new Americans will ensure our nation continues to thrive. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in moving our diverse nation forward by helping immigrants and refugees.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the need to have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form available in multiple foreign languages. Currently, FAFSA forms are available only in English and Spanish. That is why I am introducing the FAFSA Translation Act, which would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 by requiring the Secretary of Education to translate FAFSA into no fewer than 11 foreign languages and make them available in paper and electronic formats. Madam Speaker, the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket, and all students and families in the United States--regardless of how proficient they are in English--are entitled to seek the same financial aid they need to help pay for college. Those who face significant language barriers should not be forced to rely on for-profit companies that charge hundreds of dollars to translate this free application. Translating FAFSA into various languages will help make the financial aid process less complicated for many families across the country. Ultimately, this would allow more students to access higher education-- which is critical for the economic health of the nation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the critical need to support women-owned businesses. Women-owned businesses are driving economic growth in our nation. Since 1972, the number of women-owned businesses increased nearly 3,000 percent. Between 2018 and 2019, U.S. women of all backgrounds started an average of 1,817 new businesses per day, representing 42 percent of all businesses. These businesses generate $1.9 trillion and employs 9.4 million workers. As of 2019, women of color account for 50 percent of all women-owned businesses, and these businesses in particular are growing at a significantly faster rate than women in general and all businesses. The social and economic benefits of encouraging and supporting women entrepreneurs are undeniable and enormous. Despite the incredible ingenuity of women entrepreneurs, women still face significant barriers to business ownership due to unmanageable expectations for work-life balance, implicit biases against women in STEM, and limited access to capital. That is why I am introducing the Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise Act of 2019--a bill to reauthorize a federal agency (of the same name) that would help coordinate federal resources and grow women-owned businesses. Better coordination is critical to making sure women business owners and entrepreneurs receive the assistance they need to help start, grow, and sustain their business enterprises. The Interagency Committee's responsibility will be to look at the behavior of the federal agencies in how they support, expand, and strengthen resources and programs for women-owned businesses-- ultimately making sure our federal government is doing all that it must to support women entrepreneurs. First established in 1979, the ICWBE led several federal agencies in the development of policies to assist women business owners. While the Interagency Committee was initially maintained through both Democratic and Republican administrations, it has been inactive since 2000 with no chairperson at the helm. My bill would amend Title IV of the Women's Business Ownership Act to reauthorize the Interagency Committee by making sure a Chairperson is at the helm. Getting the Interagency Committee back to functioning status would help increase the ability of the federal government to provide targeted assistance to women entrepreneurs so they can achieve their business goals, while ensuring this entity carries out its mission to support and reinvigorate women- owned businesses. Madam Speaker, women entrepreneurs are the key to engineering new and better innovations in today's global economy--and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the goals and ideals of the International Day of Non-Violence by introducing legislation in the same name. This resolution calls on Congress to officially recognize October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence in the United States and encourages Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. Mohandas ``Mahatma'' Gandhi once said, ``I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.'' This pioneer of non-violence political protest fought for India's independence from colonial rule through education, tolerance, and other means. He believed that one must use peace, respect, and community activism in order to create social change. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophies inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. and led the United Nations General Assembly to choose his birthday, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-Violence. I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating Gandhi's birthday by celebrating and redoubling our efforts to strive for non-violent solutions to address the world's injustices.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, gun violence continues to plague our streets and our communities. Even more frightening and dangerous is a gunman who is protected by enhanced body armor. Madam Speaker, every second a shooter is on their feet, more lives are threatened. Gun violence researchers and the law enforcement community agree that the armored gunman is threatening the safety of our community. Enhanced body armor, which is designed for military use, is increasingly being used in the commission of violence crimes in our streets, and to overcome law enforcement response. We have seen shootings by gunmen wearing body armor in Riverside, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Pittsburgh, PA, Cleveland, OH, Binghamton, NY, and many other communities. In 2012, the gunman in the Aurora, CO movie theatre shooting wore a ballistic helmet, ballistic leggings, a throat protector, a groin protector, and tactical gloves. It has also been reported the gunman in Dayton was wearing body armor. Body armor was also found in the home of the Gilroy Garlic Festival's gunman, and the Pulse night club shooter in Orlando, FL, attempted to buy body armor to protect himself during the massacre. One can deduce that had the Gilroy and Orlando shooters been wearing military-grade body armor, the number of casualties would have been far greater. Shockingly, there are no federal restrictions on civilians' access to this type of military body armor. That is why I am introducing the Responsible Body Armor Possession Act which would keep military body armor out of the hands of mass shooters by prohibiting the sale, transfer, or possession of enhanced body armor by civilians. The bill includes exemptions for law enforcement, active duty military, and other public servants whose job responsibilities require them to possess body armor. Ultimately, my legislation will ensure a comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety. Madam Speaker, there is nothing more dangerous than a well-armored, unstoppable active shooter. Armor designed for warfare has no place in our communities and on our streets. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the need to right a wrong caused by Congress in 1972 when Congress amended the Social Security Act to adjust the benefits formula to include automatic cost-of-living adjustments. Unfortunately, this new formula was flawed; it resulted in unexpected windfalls for beneficiaries born before 1917. In 1977, Congress corrected the formula, but beneficiaries born between 1917 and 1926 received significantly less than those born before and after them. Those born during these nine years are referred to as ``Notch Babies,'' and Congress has been attempting to offset this disparity since 1999. That is why I am introducing the Notch Fairness Act, which would compensate Notch Babies by providing them with either a one-time benefit of $5,000 payable over a period of four years, or monthly benefits in accordance with a new formula. Madam Speaker, fixing this disparity in benefits would not only make a real difference to our seniors who rely on this money as their main source of income, but it is the fair thing to do for seniors who were shortchanged by Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and hold up for distinction the tireless work of Mr. Bruce Flaherty, a Vietnam veteran and my constituent from Flushing, Queens. Since 2004, Mr. Flaherty has dedicated himself to see that a flag is flown over the Capitol for each of the men in his infantry who were killed in Vietnam. At the completion of this mission this year, he flew a total of 289 American flags to honor the service and sacrifice of his fellow servicemen. Mr. Flaherty located and identified 103 families of those killed in the Vietnam War and has presented each of them with our nation's flag and official certificate. His commitment over the decades is heartfelt, exemplary, and admirable. Born and raised in Queens, Mr. Flaherty served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 in the 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard). He was honorably discharged from the Army and received the Purple Heart Award. After returning to the United States, Mr. Flaherty worked at the New York Telephone Company for 32 years. He worked on veterans issues with the Americal Division Veterans Association, helping veterans and their families locate information in the National Archive to assist in their claims for awards and benefits. Mr. Flaherty also volunteered on a variety of task forces, including Hurricane Gloria in 1985 and Ground Zero in 2001. Mr. Flaherty has dedicated countless hours to help us remember those who lost their lives when fighting for our country. His work has also reassured families that the sacrifices their loved ones made for our country are remembered and that their memories live on. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Flaherty for all he has done, and continues to do, to honor those who valiantly fought and died for our freedom. His work is greatly appreciated, and I am honored to have him as my constituent. Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the selfless work and remarkable achievements of Mr. Bruce Flaherty. His dedication to honoring his fellow soldiers is truly commendable.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the need to weave the narrative of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities into the greater American story. There is no doubt that Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the United States, and our community is becoming an increasingly powerful and visible force in all aspects of American life. From entertainment to medicine; from academia to entrepreneurship; from social justice to innovation--our community has made immeasurable contributions to every facet of our nation. But, too often, our community is excluded or forgotten in history. That is why today, I am introducing the ``Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act''. With the rise of recent exclusionary rhetoric and policies, it is crucial to remember our collective past now more than ever. The past shapes who we are, and it also strengthens how we move forward. From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the Japanese American internment camps; from the racially motivated murder of Vincent Chin to the first wave of Southeast Asian refugees on our shores--these historical events have affected the way we deal with policies today. Nevertheless, these stories are often left out of history books. A commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American history is the first step in elevating the AAPI profile and ensuring that Americans of all ethnicities and generations can learn about the impact our community has had in our nation's values, traditions, culture, and history. Madam Speaker, I firmly believe the story of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders is sorely misunderstood and creating a national museum would ensure that our experiences--both good and bad--are recognized by all Americans. Museums are gateways for Americans and the world to see the United States' rich history, challenges it overcame, and potential for greatness. Establishing this commission is the first step toward the creation of a national AAPI museum. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Safe from the Start Act of 2019. This bill will reduce incidences of gender-based violence (GBV); ensure quality services for survivors from the very onset of emergencies through timely and effective humanitarian action; and promote standards for prevention, mitigation and response to such crises. The largest flow of refugees in recorded history are being forced from their home countries and their time spent displaced has increased from years to generations. Climate change continues to spur temporary and permanent displacement, as floods and fires destroy homes and livelihoods. During times of crisis, GBV increases as chaos and tensions within households and communities grow. An estimated I in 5 women in conflict settings have experienced sexual violence, although numbers are likely higher given the barriers associated with disclosure. GBV is often used by armed actors as an intimidation tactic to exert power and control over the opposing side. Gaps in services and humanitarian protection frameworks have made it difficult to adequately prevent GBV in humanitarian contexts and mitigate its impact. Humanitarian agencies are often underequipped to address GBV specifically or close gaps between services and accountability that have led directly to GBV, such as the exploitation of women in exchange for supplies by aid workers. To address this, the humanitarian donor community has begun investing in the building standards, guidelines, and capacities of humanitarian actors to better respond to the needs of women and girls in emergencies. The Safe from the Start Act would support the State Department and USAID's ongoing work to protect and prevent violence against women and girls in humanitarian emergencies by codifying it, and providing Congressional oversight over its implementation. I want to thank my colleagues, Representatives Chris Stewart, Lois Frankel, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Chrissy Houlahan for leading this bill with me. I urge the rest of my colleagues to support this bill and look forward to its enactment.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a call to action regarding the right to clean drinking water. Every person has a right to drink water without fear of being poisoned. That is why, today, I am introducing the Safe Drinking Water in Playgrounds and Parks Act. This bill would ensure states, municipalities, and schools have the financial resources to replace drinking water fountains. While we can test water fountains for lead poisoning, some municipalities and schools lack the resources to replace its water fountains; this is simply wrong. My bill will ensure such entities have the necessary financial resources. Children who play at playgrounds may be exposed to lead if they drink from the water fountain. This is deeply worrisome and no parent should have to worry that their child may be exposed to this deadly contaminant. Exposure to lead--even low levels--can have serious health and development consequences for infants, children under six, and pregnant women. For those exposed to this dangerous element, signs of poisoning may include cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, and other health related problems. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ``there is no safe amount of lead exposure in children . . . ,'' which is why it is critical that we advance efforts that prevents lead poisoning. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Safe Drinking Water in Playgrounds and Parks Act. It is undeniable that the fate of our children and future generations rests on the decisions we make today about fighting lead water pipes.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to emphasize the urgent need to assist migrant children at our Southern land border. The Trump Administration's treatment of asylum-seeking families at the border is un-American and inhumane. There have been over 2,500 children separated from their families at our border. Of the 2,500, 1,033 were under the age of ten when they were detained, including 103 that were under five. Last year, I traveled to Texas to see the conditions first-hand. At the McAllen CBP Central Processing Center, I saw children being kept in large cages, most separated from their parents. At the Port Isabel ICE Detention Center, I cried with mothers who had their children taken away from them. A year later and there are still serious overcrowding and prolonged detention of unaccompanied migrant children. At Rio Grande Valley, 826 of the 2,669 children detained had been held longer than the 72 hours generally permitted under the current CBP standards and the Flores Agreement. Furthermore, children had no access to showers and had not been provided hot meals. Madam Speaker, no child should have to endure the conditions of the Trump administration's anti-immigrant rhetoric, regardless of their immigration status. UNHCR's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, herself said she was ``deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities, without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions.'' Detention is never in the best interest of any child--and it is heartbreaking to know that these children may have serious damage to their health and development as a result of this Administration's shameful practice. This is why I am introducing the ``Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act''. This the bill would: End family separations except in situations where the child is a trafficking victim, not the child of the accompanying adult, or in danger of abuse or neglect. Set minimum health and safety standards for children and families in Border Patrol Stations; require access to toothbrushes, diapers, soap and showers and other hygiene products; require regular nutritious meals; and ensure a prompt medical assessment by trained medical providers. End for-profit contractors from operating new Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) standard shelters or influx facilities. Such shelters or facilities must be state-licensed, meet Flores Settlement Agreement standards, and not used to house children indefinitely. Expand alternatives to detention and the successful Family Case Management Program (FCMP), which was a program that was designed to increase compliance with immigration obligations through a comprehensive case management strategy supported by community organizations. Remove roadblocks to placing unaccompanied children with sponsors by lowering the total number of cases a manager may take, mandating lower staffing ratios, and ending the information sharing agreement between ORR and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ensure unaccompanied children have access to legal counsel and continue to be placed in a safe setting for their initial asylum case review. Provide resources to non-profit centers that are helping provide humanitarian assistance. Permit Members of Congress, accompanying staff, and credentialed press (without cameras) to visit any facility with 24-hour notice. We need to ensure that our government funds must not be used to traumatize or harm asylum seekers. The Trump administration's lack of empathy and compassion for migrant families and children at the U.S.- Mexico border is heartbreaking and demands action by Congress. Those who come to our nation should be treated with dignity and respect and that is something the administration has failed to provide when treating migrant families. We have a crisis at the southern border, and we need to ensure our officials have the resources they need while respecting the dignity of those in the U.S. government's care. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in the fight to protect children's human rights.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Equal Deferment Opportunity Act and to impress upon my colleagues the importance of all servicewomen having equal protections after childbirth. Current law permits a 12-month deferment from deployment after an active duty servicemember gives birth--thereby ensuring that, before putting their lives on the line to defend America, servicewomen are physically recovered during postpartum. These same protections, however, do not apply to servicewomen in the Reserves or National Guard; my bill would fix this by expanding the 12- month postpartum deployment deferment to all servicewomen. Across all branches of the military, women serve with honor and distinction. Their service ensures our nation is safe from hostile actors that seek to do harm to us. Retaining talent is a critical issue and Congress must ensure the Defense Department is permitting all members of the military have equal access to benefits that allow for critical healthcare needs. As such, this fix is desperately needed. I also applaud Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Thornberry, and my House colleagues on the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. This bill represents a clear vision of a national security strategy that keeps our nation safe, and advances programs and policies that prioritize the wellbeing of our servicemembers and their families. I was especially pleased to see the adoption of my three amendments that include: Permanent Authorization of the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program: The Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program provides members of the Reserves and National Guard and their families with training in suicide prevention, resilience, and community healing. Equal Deferment After Childbirth: This provision extends existing allowances for active duty servicewomen to defer deployment after childbirth to all members of the armed services, including the Reserves and National Guard. Lead Service Lines Report: This requires the DOD to submit a report on the number of military installations that may have water lines made out of lead, and whether DOD has established an awareness campaign to inform servicemembers and their families about them. I look forward to seeing these amendments enacted into law. Above all else, we must ensure our servicemembers and their families are fully valued.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring attention the growing mail theft crime in the United States that is known as mail fishing. Mail fishing is the process in which thieves ``fish'' mail out of blue collection boxes. Specifically, criminals use a contraption as simple as a string connected to a sticky substance to ``fish'' out envelopes from these mailboxes, then open the letters to steal people's personal information such as bank, credit card, and Social Security numbers. Tragically, this has resulted in many incidents of identity theft and bank fraud. In the last year alone, there were 3,000 incidents of mail fishing in New York City. These criminals also engage in check washing to rewrite the name of the payee and/or the amount. Many of my constituents became victims of bank fraud, some losing thousands of dollars, as a result of having their mail fished. That is why, in 2017, I made the push to have the United States Postal Service retrofit all standard mail collection boxes in Queens, NY. Currently, 77 percent of these mailboxes in Queens have been retrofitted. As a result, mail fishing crimes have significantly decreased in Queens. However, as only some mail collection boxes are retrofitted, mail fishing crime shifts to regions without this security feature. Madam Speaker, it is unacceptable that our constituents cannot safely leave their mail in the United States Postal Service mail collection boxes. This is why I am introducing the ``Keep Mail Safe Act''. This bill would require the Postmaster General to conduct a study on retrofitting all standard mail collection boxes in the United States with narrow mail slots. Retrofitting all mail boxes would deter and prevent incidents of mail fishing, ensure the security of our constituents' mail, and restore their trust in utilizing the United States Postal Service. As mail fishing incidents are on the rise, our diligence in protecting our constituent's mail is more important than ever. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in the fight against mail fishing.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, community colleges play a critical role in American higher education. There are over 1,000 community colleges across the United States. Nearly 40 percent of undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges. Of these students a large portion are first-generation, low-income college students, and half are students of color. Community colleges indeed play a crucial role in closing our nation's skills gap through education and workforce training. Unfortunately, many of these institutions are often under-resourced. This leaves students without the necessary support to complete their degrees. Access to college means little without degree completion. Studies show that only 20 percent of full-time community college students graduate after three years and just 35 percent graduate after five years. Research is also clear that students who do not complete a degree are at greater risk of defaulting on their loans. That is why, today, I am introducing the Community College Student Success Act of 2019, a bill that will help community colleges around the country by giving under-resourced colleges with high percentages of low-income and minority students the necessary funding to develop and implement comprehensive student support services. First, the Community College Student Success Act would provide academic advising, wherein, advisors will provide ongoing, academic, and personal advising to students including helping to clearly lay out a three-year graduation plan and creating strong transfer pathways for students interested in continuing their education. Second, this bill would provide academic and career support, wherein, students on academic probation or who have been referred to developmental courses will be required to meet weekly with a tutor. These students will also meet with an on-campus career counselor or participate in career services events at least once a semester to promote career planning and success. Third, this bill would provide financial support, wherein, students will receive a tuition waiver to cover the gap between the tuition and fees and financial aid. Additionally, students satisfying all the meeting requirements will receive a financial incentive, such as a transportation pass or gas card, at least once per month. Additionally, the goal of this legislation is to replicate the remarkable and proven success of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)--a program that was created and instituted by the City University of New York (CUNY) in 2007. This program has been found to consistently double the graduation rates of participating students. Madam Speaker, the Community College Student Success Act of 2019 ultimately seeks to help achieve student success through holistic and student-centered services. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in helping community college students across the nation by providing pathways to upward economic mobility and more opportunities. If Congress truly values the importance of educating our next generation, we must increase our investment in these institutions and the students they serve. Each person deserves a quality education--no matter their background--because education is a civil right.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Month. Since 2017, National Gun Violence Awareness month has been celebrated annually in June. For too long and too often we, as a nation, have mourned with yet another community that was tragically impacted by gun violence. This is one community too many. Deaths from mass shootings in the U.S. are increasing at an alarming rate. After Sandy Hook, over 2,086 mass shootings have taken lives of Americans. From the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh to the gurdwara in Oak Creek; from Sandy Hook Elementary to Stoneman Douglas High School; from the Pulse Night Club in Florida to the music festival shooting in Las Vegas--these places and events have sadly become memorialized. And there are countless more victims of gun violence who never made it to our news cycle. Gun violence is indeed an epidemic. In addition to the lives lost, every bullet--every gunshot--rips apart the fabric of a community. For all those who were faced with gun violence--there is no going back. One such tragedy is one too many. Victims of domestic abuse are especially susceptible to gun violence. That is why we must do all that we can to protect survivors of dating violence and stalking. Currently, nearly one million women alive today have been shot or shot at by an intimate partner. Studies have also shown that women experiencing situations where domestic abusers have access to a gun are five times as likely to be fatally shot. Women of color suffer from an even higher risk of death in similar situations. We cannot become desensitized to the number of deaths in the news. We must act now. That is why I was proud to help pass on the floor of the House of Representatives H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act to ensure universal background checks and close the Charleston loophole that enabled the hate crime at Mother Emanuel Church. In the 100 days of Senate's inaction and refusal to allow these bills a vote on the Senate floor, 233 New Yorkers were killed by gun violence. This--and every incident of gun violence--is a travesty. No one should live their lives in constant fear. No parent should have to fear for their children as their kids go to school. No one should fear if their presence in a place of worship or a theatre makes them vulnerable. Madam Speaker, as we mark National Gun Violence Awareness Month, we must be even more emboldened to demand change now. We need to remind the nation--including our policymakers--of the lives that have been taken by gun violence and the urgent need for commonsense gun violence prevention. I call on my colleagues in the Senate to pass H.R. 8 today. While National Gun Violence Awareness Month occurs in June, we must fight every single day of the year to prevent the countless deaths caused by the lack of gun restrictions. Thoughts and prayers are meaningless without critical action. Enough is enough.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, we stand at a critical juncture where the decisions we make today about combating climate change will have lasting consequences for generations to come. Each year, millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted into the atmosphere. These emissions are causing the planet to warm and creating more sudden, severe weather-related storms. On top of that, significant amounts of CO2 already reside in the atmosphere. While it is critical that all nations transition to a low-carbon future, we must also explore technologies that remove and sequester carbon pollution to keep global average temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees. That is why, today, I am introducing the Carbon Capture Prize Act, which would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a prize competition to incentivize research, development, and commercialization of direct air capture technology to remove and permanently sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. Technologies, like direct air capture, can provide nations the tools needed to reduce carbon pollution in the atmosphere. The benefit of this technology is that it can be located anywhere, making its potential scale of deployment enormous. A major challenge facing direct air capture technology, however, is cost, which can range between $800 and $250 per metric ton of CO2 removal from the atmosphere. My legislation would address this issue by establishing a prize competition for direct air capture technology that reduces CO2 in the atmosphere. This bill authorizes an aggregate prize amount of $30,000,000, and DOE may run the competition individually or with other agencies. Prize competitions have long been an effective tool to find cost-effective solutions for expensive problems. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Carbon Capture Prize Act. It is undeniable that the fate of our children and future generations rests on the decisions we make today about fighting climate change.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate alongside the hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and TPS holders on the historic passage of the American Dream and Promise Act. I was proud to join my House colleagues this week in passing H.R. 6--and thereby marking a critical milestone in the long fight to protect those who have known only this country as their home. For too long, DACA recipients have been left wondering and waiting, not knowing what will happen with their immigration status. It is time we end that. TPS recipients remain living year-by-year--wondering if their TPS status will be extended. It is time we end that. Dreamers and TPS recipients are our neighbors and friends; they contribute to our communities, pay taxes, fight for our country and our freedoms, and live and work toward the American dream. The Trump Administration's approach to immigration has been cruel, unjust, and vicious. Its decision to dismantle the DACA program and terminate TPS designations for several countries is inhumane and an abandonment of American values and principles. Instead of working toward a future that creates hope and opportunity for Dreamers, and TPS and DED recipients, the Administration has relentlessly sought to further drive them into the shadows and close the door on their dreams and aspirations. DACA has enabled 800,000 Dreamers who came to the United States as children, through no decision of their own, to get an education, to get jobs, and to meaningfully contribute to the economy of the only country they have ever called home. They have shown incredible potential and achievement. For instance, Jin Park, one of my constituents from Queens, NY, is the first DACA recipient to be awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, and he will begin his studies this fall at the University of Oxford in England. Instead of having the usual worries of living and studying abroad, Jin fears he may not be allowed to return to the United States. We need the American Dream and Promise Act for Jin. Furthermore, with respect to TPS, I think about my constituents, the Nepali community of Queens, who were deeply impacted by the April 2015 massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Nepal and destroyed over half a million homes. Today, we have 400,000 foreign nationals living in the U.S. with TPS, some of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades. And I am proud to have fought in Congress for Nepal's TPS designation and extension. TPS is not a decision that is made lightly, but it is a decision that is made compassionately. We need the American Dream and Promise Act for the Nepali community, and all the other TPS recipients. Madam Speaker, it is long overdue for Congress to protect these individuals who, for too long, have lived in limbo and in the shadows. I am proud to have voted in for the American Dream and Promise Act which would provide vital and humane protections for Dreamers, TPS, and DED recipients. After all, they are integral members of our community, they each have an American story, and they are deeply woven into the fabric of this nation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate today as Menstrual Hygiene Day. Since 2013, Menstrual Hygiene Day has been annually celebrated on May 28th to raise awareness and catalyze political action around the challenges menstruating women and girls face around the world. To support the goals and ideals of Menstrual Hygiene Day, last week, I introduced H. Res. 406. This legislation highlights that: 500 million women and girls around the world lack adequate facilities for menstrual health and hygiene management; 1 in 3 girls around the world don't have access to adequate toilets; and many others face social and cultural restrictions during their periods. Additionally, displaced women and adolescent girls--whether by conflict, climate, or natural disaster-- face significant barriers to managing monthly menstruation in a safe, private, and dignified manner. Here in the U.S., 25 million women live at or below the poverty line, often without consistent access to menstrual hygiene products. A recent survey of low-income women in a large U.S. city found that nearly two- thirds of these women couldn't afford menstrual hygiene products during the previous year. It is estimated that a woman may spend over $1,700 in her lifetime on tampons, a figure that is multiplied for women who also support children who are menstruating. Additionally, incarcerated women have illustrated that their dignity has been compromised when they seek to access menstrual hygiene products. I have also heard heartbreaking stories from girls whose schools fail to provide a supportive environment for menstruating students, often resulting in negative consequences. Madam Speaker, no one should have to choose between their period or their dignity. No girl should be forced to miss school because of her period. We must break the silence, raise awareness, and change negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene here in the U.S. and around the world. While Menstrual Hygiene Day is commemorated today, we must fight to ensure menstrual equity for all--each and every day. That is why this resolution recognizes the barriers vulnerable populations face in accessing menstrual hygiene products, while encouraging greater research, as well as integration of menstrual hygiene services in global humanitarian and development activities abroad. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and join me in commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day. I also urge support of H.R. 1882-- the Menstrual Equity For All Act, a bill which would comprehensively address the challenges menstruating women and girls face. Madam Speaker, access to safe, affordable menstrual hygiene products is not just a basic health care right; it is a human right. Period.