Beto O’Rourke

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for the support and help of my colleagues to preserve a very special place in my community known as Castner Range. Castner Range is 7,000 acres in the Chihuahuan Desert wilderness, where you have unique flora and fauna and human history dating back to 10,000 years before our time. These 7,000 acres are a jewel to our binational region of 3 million people and a treasure to the United States. For that reason, I ask Congress to join my community in its grassroots efforts to preserve Castner Range as a national monument so that this generation and those that follow can enjoy this national treasure in perpetuity.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Willie Barraza Post 9173 in my district of El Paso, Texas. The Post was founded in 1949 and is named after Mr. Willie Barraza, an Army Sergeant from an area in El Paso known as Smeltertown who went Missing in Action during World War II. Smeltertown is tied to El Paso as a historical location where workers of the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) resided and from where many of these workers decided to serve our country during WWII. The Willie Barraza Post is an important veteran service organization that has a longstanding tradition of aiding veterans, their families and the El Paso community. The Willie Barraza Post is a leader among El Paso's veteran service organization community, with 300 members dedicated to serving Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and their families as well as others in my district. The Post has helped fund and organize the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest in the El Paso region, providing scholarships for students and a chance for these students to compete and showcase their writing talents at the state and national levels. The Willie Barraza Post also works to ensure that Service Members at Fort Bliss are supported. Recently, the Post adopted a regiment from Fort Bliss and corresponded with these Soldiers while they were stationed in Afghanistan. Members also honor Active Duty Service Members with welcome back and farewell picnics. I am proud to know that great veteran service organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars Willie Barraza Post 9173 are present in my district. The Post strives year-after-year to honor veterans, care for America's Service Members and their families at Fort Bliss and support our community, and for that I thank them.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Gabriel ``Gabe'' Camarillo, as he transitions to a new role as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. In his new role, Mr. Camarillo will be responsible for a four-division department that develops policy and provides oversight of manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs, and readiness support for the Department of the Air Force. Mr. Camarillo has served in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) since 2010, as a Special Assistant to the Honorable Heidi Shyu, and later as her Principal Deputy. In this role, he has been responsible for assisting the Assistant Secretary in overseeing the Army's 5,000-person acquisition workforce, managing over 600 Army programs, and overseeing contracts in excess of $125 billion. In addition to working for Assistant Secretary Shyu, Mr. Camarillo is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute where his classes focus on political participation. Mr. Camarillo is a proud native of El Paso, Texas' Vista Hills neighborhood on El Paso's East side. He attended J.M. Hanks High School, where he was a debate champion. As Mr. Camarillo transitions to his new role with the Department of the Air Force, I know that he will provide our nation's Airmen with the same quality support that he has provided to our Soldiers for the last six years. I am thankful for the service of this effective and capable leader and wish him the best of luck during his upcoming transition and in all future endeavors.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the El Paso County Veterans Assistance Office for their efforts in supporting veterans and their dependents and survivors in my district of El Paso, Texas. The Veterans Assistance Office works with veterans and their families to overcome obstacles that may be preventing them from getting the benefits they need and have earned. The El Paso County Veterans Assistance Office is certified through the Texas Veterans Commission and provides information to our Veterans regarding their eligibility for state and federal benefits. The office assists the veteran and their family through every step of the paperwork process--from researching eligibility requirements to verifying that the claims are filed correctly. The knowledgeable staff led by Mr. Michael Flores works diligently to stay informed on the latest legislation and newest policy in order to best advise veterans and their families. The Veterans Assistance Office is involved with many local veteran service organizations and is a recognized voice in our area, regularly seen advocating for veterans and raising awareness for veteran issues at different meetings and events in El Paso. The El Paso County Veterans Assistance Office is deserving of recognition for their continuous support of our veterans. The office takes the time to explain and walk veterans through the process from start to finish, ensuring that they are not forgotten. I am proud of the work that the El Paso County Veterans Assistance Office does to help veterans.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition of the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program, presided over by the Honorable Angie Juarez Barill and operating out of the 346th District Court of El Paso, Texas. I am pleased to recognize the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program as an initiative that works hard to ``leave no veteran behind and honor their service.'' As the second program of its kind in the state of Texas, the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program has provided resources to numerous Veterans in the criminal justice system. Since 2009, the initiative has aided eligible Veterans and active duty Service Members who are charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses; in 2012 the program was expanded to include felony criminal offenses. The participants are diverted from the traditional criminal justice system and are assessed for substance abuse and mental health issues. Upon meeting program entrance requirements, participants receive an individualized treatment plan and attend frequent review hearings before the program judge. In addition to providing comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment, the five phase program also includes officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine the Veteran participants' eligibility for further aid. The Veterans Benefits Administration assesses the Veteran for disability compensation, education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation qualifications. The Veterans Health Administration also assesses the Veteran to determine eligibility for housing and medical services. The program operates on a personal level as well, in order to address employment opportunities and individual needs. The El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court Program provides an alternative route for Veterans and active duty Service Members in the criminal justice system. The initiative practices a holistic approach, providing resources, addressing treatment concerns and engaging in judicial monitoring. These necessary tools help participants engage in society as law-abiding citizens. The initiative has been widely successful in El Paso and recently received the prestigious Texas Veterans Commission Patriot Award in recognition of their diligence. I am proud that programs such as the El Paso Veterans' Treatment Court exist in my district and are available to help those who served our country.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the Jewish War Veterans, Maurice Kubby Post 749, as a distinguished Veteran Service Organization in El Paso, Texas. The Post has been active in our community since April 1965 and was named in honor of fellow El Pasoan, Maurice Kubby. Kubby was an Army veteran and founding member of Post 749, and served several times as the organization's Commander. As one of six posts in Texas, Post 749 serves El Paso and Las Cruces area veterans of the Jewish faith. One of the most important efforts undertaken by the Jewish War Veterans is their dedication to combatting anti-Semitism and bigotry. The organization works diligently to eradicate these negative sentiments and foster a stronger American- Israeli relationship through sponsored trips to Israel each year. The organization is well recognized in our community for supporting veteran, civilian and Jewish religious activities. Jewish War Veterans Post 749 works to provide assistance to all veterans and their families in our area. The Post volunteers with local organizations such as the Fisher House to help veterans and their families and participates annually in Fort Bliss's Veterans Week, which aims to raise awareness for Veteran Service Organizations throughout the country. Post 749 also offers scholarships to students and is actively involved in youth outreach through the Boy Scouts. Jewish War Veterans, Maurice Kubby Post 749 is an asset to our community and I thank them for their commitment to honoring our veterans and promoting tolerance as one of their core values within our El Paso community.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand today in recognition of the Texas Veterans Commission offices located in El Paso, Texas. Created in 1927, the Texas Veterans Commission has a longstanding tradition of honoring Texas Veterans. Working as a state appointed advocate, the Texas Veterans Commission represents Texas and its veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The commission operates in four areas: claims representation and counseling services for veteran's benefits; educational benefits; employment assistance; and grant services for veteran service organizations, charities, and government agencies. The El Paso offices have extended these important services to veterans in my district and have been helpful in getting these individuals the benefits they deserve. The local offices are well known for their work in the community. Specifically, the Commission has dedicated itself to combatting veteran unemployment with fairs such as ``Hiring Red, White and You!'' Since the first job fair in 2012, the Commission has been able to connect over 1,500 job seeking veterans with potential employers and information on opportunities in the El Paso community. The El Paso Texas Veterans Commission offices have improved the quality of life for our community's veterans and their families. I am grateful for the work of Bruce S. Biegel, Karen L. Rooks, Frances Holden and the entire staff for their unyielding advocacy and assistance to our veterans.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chapter 574 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) for their service to our country and support of Vietnam War Veterans, including those in El Paso. The Lucio G. Moreno Chapter has worked to assure that these veterans and their families are not forgotten in my district. Named in honor of lifelong El Pasoan and United States Marine Corps Veteran Lucio G. Moreno, Chapter 574 expanded under Mr. Moreno's fifteen years of leadership as President. The chapter is now the second largest in Texas and has advocated for improved healthcare access for our service members and veterans. Chapter 574 is an active force in our local community and the State of Texas. The Lucio G. Moreno Chapter held the Texas State Council convention for 37 VVA state chapters earlier this year, providing a space for Veterans to gather and discuss current issues facing veterans today such as reform efforts within the VA and access to benefits. The organization regularly performs color guard duty at my Town Hall meetings and volunteers their time to support local high school ROTC programs throughout El Paso. The chapter has also worked to create a more welcoming environment for service members returning home. These Vietnam Veterans felt that their own homecoming and readjustment was difficult; they strive to ensure that ``never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.'' I am honored to recognize the Lucio G. Moreno Chapter 574 of Vietnam Veterans of America and their work to diligently serve our community and our veterans.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, Veterans Day is a time to honor the selfless service that members of our Armed Forces displayed while keeping our nation safe. Today, I am privileged to recognize five of my constituents who continue to serve long after their time in uniform has ended: Mr. Jose Andow, Mr. Roy Aldridge, Mr. Ron Holmes, Mr. David Garcia and Mrs. Melinda Russell. Although each is from a different generation, these veterans embody a continued dedication to their fellow veterans and the El Paso community. Jose Andow understands the price our service members pay in the name of freedom from his experience fighting in WWII. As one of five siblings to serve in WWII, Mr. Andow was part of 10 combat missions during the war flying in both Italy and Germany. As a way to continue serving his country even decades after his formal military service ended, Mr. Andow has volunteered regularly at the El Paso VA Health Care System since November of 2010, and has logged over 1,600 hours of volunteer service. At age 94, Mr. Andow still volunteers every Monday and Wednesday at the VA, where he greets local veterans as they come in to receive care. Throughout the country over 140,000 volunteers donate millions of hours volunteering at local VA hospitals and clinics annually. Their service enhances the veteran healthcare experience and supplements VA's ability to provide quality care to our veterans. Due to his significant contribution to the El Paso VA and his fellow veterans, I am proud to recognize Mr. Andow for a lifetime of selfless service to our country. Roy Aldridge is a combat veteran of the Korean War and a prominent member of the El Paso veteran community. After enlisting in the National Guard in 1949 at the age of 16 and then being wounded in Korea, Mr. Aldridge was discharged from the military for being underage. He completed high school, reenlisted, and returned to Korea in 1953. After being shot down and spending five months as a prisoner of war in North Korea, Mr. Aldridge returned to the U.S. where he completed a distinguished military career. Following retirement, Mr. Aldridge has continued to advocate for his fellow veterans. He has served as a Vice President for the Korean War Veterans Association and is currently the organization's National Director. Additionally Mr. Aldridge is a member of the VA Volunteer Service and the Texas Veterans Commission. Mr. Aldridge also serves on my office's Veterans Citizen Advisory Panel where he regularly advocates for policies to improve veteran's benefits and healthcare services. Ron Holmes is a Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving four years, attaining the rank of Sergeant and deploying to Okinawa, Mr. Holmes left the Marines in 1974 to begin a construction business in El Paso. After observing neglect of his fellow veterans at the VA in 1997, Mr. Holmes decided to volunteer his time and advocate for his fellow veterans in El Paso while simultaneously running his business. From a small office at a Northeast El Paso American Legion Post, Mr. Holmes has since assisted over 3,500 El Paso veterans attempting to obtain benefits from the VA and has received favorable decisions in most of these cases. David Garcia enlisted in the United States Army in 1975, later deploying to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Following 20 years of honorable military service, Mr. Garcia retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. Since leaving active duty, Mr. Garcia has dedicated himself to fulfilling the promise to care for the men and women who have served our great nation. Mr. Garcia subsequently became a member of Disabled American Veterans in 1999 and since has served in multiple leadership roles for the organization, including District 1 commander, Northeast El Paso Chapter 187 Senior Vice- Commander and Combat Related Special Compensation ambassador. Mr. Garcia has assisted numerous El Paso veterans, family members and widows in obtaining earned benefits from the VA. He continues to advocate for important veteran issues including toxic exposure and quality orthotic and prosthetic services within VA. Melinda Russell served as a Chaplain in Iraq and was medically retired from the Army in 2010 at the rank of Captain. After leaving the military, Mrs. Russell dedicated herself to improving veteran healthcare by offering alternative therapies and being a persistent, dedicated advocate for her fallen veterans. Retiring in El Paso, Mrs. Russell founded Hope and Healing Horse Therapy Ranch to help those veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Additionally, at a time when 22 veterans take their own lives daily, her moving and personal writings serve as a stark reminder that we have a responsibility to care for our service members and veterans both physically and mentally. Mr. Speaker, as Veterans Day approaches, it is important that we remember the legacy of service of this country's veterans. Our country can learn from and be inspired by the examples set by Mr. Andow, Mr. Aldridge, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Garcia and Mrs. Russell. It is my honor to recognize these veterans who continue to serve in advance of Veterans Day 2015.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring the perspective of my community, the community I have the honor of representing in Congress, El Paso, Texas, to bear in this discussion. El Paso is the safest community with an over 500,000 population in the United States today, and it has been for the last 4 years in a row. That is, some people think, despite the fact that it is connected to Ciudad Juarez at the U.S.-Mexico border and despite the fact that it has a large number of immigrants in the community. I say, and the people who live in that community agree with me, that it is, in large part, because of immigrants who come to participate and contribute to the American Dream. On issues and matters of law enforcement, I tend to defer to the experts. Big city police chiefs and county sheriffs, like the sheriff in El Paso, Texas, say for them to prevent crime and solve crimes, it is necessary to be able to work with everyone in the community without fear that they are going to be enforcing Federal law enforcement mandates to the exclusion of the public safety of the people that I have the honor of representing. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this proposal, a solution in search of a problem.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the tireless work and service to El Paso of Angel Gomez. Angel Gomez is a lifelong El Pasoan, graduate of Bowie High School, and a Veteran of the United States Navy. After serving our nation in uniform, Angel continued his life of service by making a difference in the lives of El Pasoans. Angel Gomez founded Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure) with long-time friend Ron Standing in November of 2009. With the continuous loving support of his wife, Patricia, and their daughter, Rubi, Angel has been able to bring a smile to the faces of thousands of families in need within the El Paso community. Whether it is school supplies, clothing, blankets, toiletries, toys, food, or funeral services, Angel Gomez and Operation H.O.P.E. have consistently provided assistance and charitable work every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and throughout the year. His commitment to helping others is truly inspiring and is an example for all Americans. I thank Angel Gomez and Operation H.O.P.E. for their passion for service and for helping so many in our community.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, during the roll call votes on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, I recorded an incorrect vote on an amendment that was offered to the Student Success Act. On roll call number 410 to the Student Success Act, I intended to vote YES.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, this is the best way I can think of of supporting our servicemembers and their families in this time of war, because I can think of no greater way to support them, to ensure that we have a strategy with defined, achievable goals when we are going to put their lives on the line. Today, I don't know that we have that. Do we have a partner in Iraq that has the will to fight? Do we have the resources necessary across two different battlefields in Iraq and Syria to achieve the President's goal of degrading, defeating, and destroying ISIS? Do we have a strategy that is worthy of the loss of even one American servicemember's life? I think all of those questions are worthy of discussion and debate, a debate that would hopefully lead to an intelligent use of military force with that defined strategy. This, Mr. Speaker, I believe, is our way of supporting soldiers and their families. It is also a way that the American people can hold us accountable by making the most important, awesome decision that a Member of Congress can, which is to put an American servicemember in harm's way. I want to make sure that we can source the judgment and wisdom of the people that we represent. I, for one, if we have that debate and have that vote, will go back to my community. I will talk to veterans who have served in our wars. I will talk to the parents of future servicemembers whose children's lives will be put on the line, some which will be lost, some which will be changed forever. I think that is the minimum responsibility that we must meet. I wish that an AUMF were brought to the floor in some other way, but today this is the only way to get there. For that reason, I will support this.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize the American Legion Post 58 located in Northeast El Paso on Vulcan Avenue, also known as the El Paso Del Norte Post. I am pleased to recognize them as a distinguished Veteran Services Organization in my district. As one of the largest VSOs in Texas, the Paso Del Norte Post's engagement with our veteran community is exemplary. Several of the officers at this post serve or have served on national committees and commissions of the American Legion. In the fall of 2014, a team from the American Legion national organization visited El Paso and worked with the El Paso VA to provide medical care to veterans in need. The visiting group of the American Legion, led by Verna Jones, Director of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division in Washington, D.C., also hosted a town hall at the El Paso Del Norte headquarters where over 400 veterans attended. Post 58 further provided accommodations to their national counterparts for four additional days to assist veterans through their ``Veteran Crisis Command Center'' where a team known as a ``triage team'' was available to help veterans get access to the medical care they deserve. The American Legion Post 58's commitment to our community's veterans is remarkable and their team is comprised of dedicated veterans who volunteer their time to serve fellow veterans. The American Legion in my district is currently led by Richard Britton. I thank him for his leadership. The American Legion Paso Del Norte Post 58 is an asset to our veteran community and El Paso. I thank Post 58 for their commitment to honoring our veterans and for helping strengthen the bonds in the El Paso community.

Mr. O'ROURKE

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendments.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Everything that the proponents of this amendment have highlighted, the Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security already have access to and already received from the Department of Defense. As I said earlier, this amendment is redundant because that authority and that ability already exists. What it does do is create further anxiety and fear about the border at a time that is not warranted because of the record levels that we are spending on homeland security and the record levels of security that we have, the record low apprehensions that we see, and the relevant safety of the U.S. side of the U.S.-Mexico border relative to the rest of the country. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to Mr. Delaney from Maryland.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Takai).

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished minority whip.

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. O'ROURKE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).