Raul Ruiz

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we learned of two Facebook groups in which CBP agents made hateful comments about the women, children, and asylum-seekers under their custody and, therefore, their responsibility. This kind of racism, xenophobia, and violent misogyny is unacceptable. CBP must be held accountable to end these shameful comments and the cruel, inhumane treatment of children in their custody. We can't simply fund supplies and expect a behavior change. That is why I am grateful to Homeland Security Committee Chairman Thompson and to Chairman Nadler and Chair Lofgren of the Committee on the Judiciary for holding a markup of my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CPB Custody Act, to ensure our treatment of children, women, and families is consistent with the principles of basic human dignity. My bill sets the basic standards we need to create a comprehensive public health approach to the humanitarian challenges at our border. Together, we are moving this bill forward to prevent children from dying and restore humanity to our treatment of children under the custody and responsibility of the Federal Government.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendments to protect our servicemembers from toxic smoke exposure and move us closer to ending the use of burn pits. Burn pits are large fields where the military burns waste, including batteries, jet fuels, and medical waste, causing our men and women in uniform to inhale toxic chemicals, carcinogens, and particulate matter. These hazardous materials have been linked to life-threatening cancers, lung diseases, and rare illnesses. Exposure to burn pits took the life of Jennifer Kepner, a veteran and mother of two from Cathedral City in my district, who lost her life to pancreatic cancer that her doctor believed was most probably caused by her exposure to burn pits. Jennifer's story has become all too common. As a physician and a public health expert, I know that, when there is a high enough suspicion of harm that causes a severe enough illness, we must act. As the co-chairman of the bipartisan Burn Pits Caucus, I am working to end the use of burn pits, educate doctors and veterans about their health effects, get exposed veterans the healthcare and benefits that they have earned and need and deserve, and do more research on the health effects of burn pit exposure. Madam Chair, my amendments will require the Department of Defense to conduct an implementation plan to end the use of nine active burn pits continuing to threaten the health of our servicemembers stationed overseas. In addition, my amendments will require DOD to provide a list of all locations where open-air burn pits have been used and report to Congress on its research assessing their health effects. Finally, my amendments require the Department of Defense to train doctors on the potential health effects of burn pits, helping them catch the early warning signs of serious life-threatening illnesses before it is too late. I would like to thank Congressman Peter Welch for his support and commitment to protecting the health of our servicemembers and veterans, and I urge my fellow Representatives on both sides of the aisle to support these critical amendments. As Jennifer Kepner said to me before she died: Burn pits are the Agent Orange of our generation. We must take action before more veterans and servicemembers lose their lives.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of my bill, the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act, legislation to protect patients from unfair and expensive surprise medical bills. By working together as a bipartisan team of 30 original cosponsors--and growing--we are gaining momentum because we agree that patients must come first. For too many middle-class families, receiving an unexpected and very expensive bill from an out-of-network provider is devastating and can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and financial ruin. Our bill creates the most fair and transparent system to end surprise bills without picking winners or losers. This bill is the best solution to protect middle-class families from receiving an unexpected and very expensive bill from an out-of-network provider. As an emergency room physician, I know patients come first and must be protected. That is why this bill includes the strongest patient protections of any surprise billing legislation proposed in this House or Senate. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Dr. Roe and the 30 Members who agree that the Protecting People from Surprise Medical Bills Act is the most effective legislation in Congress to end surprise billing once and for all.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on legislation to provide our immigration agencies the humanitarian resources they need for children, women, and families. However, that is not enough when this administration has argued in court that children in CBP custody do not need soap, toothbrushes, or blankets as basic necessities for hygiene. This bill funds items and resources for a dysfunctional system that treats children and families inhumanely. It does not create humanitarian standards that will change behavior, and it will not meet the humanitarian needs of children and families. We need to pass my legislation, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, a comprehensive, public health approach to address the basic humanitarian needs of children and families under CBP's custody and responsibility. Why? Why are these humanitarian standards needed? Because, when I visited the border, I saw open toilets and crowded cells without privacy. I saw one latrine for 200 individuals. I saw babies who were dirty and didn't have diapers and didn't have free access to water and formula. Because six children have now died while in the custody and responsibility of CBP, under their supposed TEDS standards. Why? Because my bill will define what a health screening is. It will say that a health screening is an interview, a questionnaire, and it will have vital signs, an actual physical examination, and consultation with an emergency care provider. The appropriations bill doesn't. My bill will say that high-priority individuals, upon detention, within 3 hours, must have a health screening. The appropriations bill doesn't. My bill says that there needs to be emergency care backup for every individual who has a healthcare screening. The appropriations bill doesn't. In terms of water, my bill will say that every adult will, at least, have free access to 1 gallon of water. The appropriations bill doesn't give those metrics. It says that there should be one closed, private, functioning toilet per 12 men or 8 women. The appropriations bill doesn't. It says that individuals should have the ability to bathe once a day. The appropriations bill does not. In terms of shelter, an individual should have 2 meters squared of space. Right now, they are piled on top of each other. The appropriations bill will not change that practice. It says that temperatures should be kept within a humane range. Currently, they are keeping them in very, very cold rooms, interrupting their sleep, which decreases their immune system and makes them prone to more illnesses and mental health disorders. The appropriations bill does not require them to allow the children to sleep 8 hours. The appropriations bill does not say that they need to keep temperatures in a humane range. In terms of food, my bill says that an adult should have, at least, a minimum of 2,000 calories a day. The appropriations bill doesn't. We are just funding a lot of food, and we already know that children are given frozen burritos. My bill will say that a pregnant woman or a child under 12 years old or the elderly should have age-appropriate food and age-appropriate calories per day. This appropriations bill does not enforce those behavioral changes. So, today's vote is a desperate bill for a desperate situation. But, don't be fooled that this bill is going to meet the humanitarian needs of women and children at the border. Don't be fooled into thinking that we should pat ourselves on the back and walk away thinking that this problem is over or that children and families will be treated humanely--not when an administration is arguing that toothbrushes and soap are not needed for basic hygiene for children. Mr. Speaker, I urge a vote on my bill, and I urge my fellow Representatives to support my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Custody Act, to bring humanity back to our treatment of women, children, and families seeking asylum and prevent the needless loss of life.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge a vote on my bill, the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act, an all-American, value-based, comprehensive public health approach to help CBP address the basic humanitarian needs of children and families under their custody and responsibility. When I visited our southern border, I saw overworked agents and the meltdown of a system that is understaffed, under-equipped, under- resourced, under-trained, and under-skilled to meet the humanitarian needs of children and families. That is why my bill identifies humanitarian standards on water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, and shelter missing from the administration's emergency supplemental budget request. My bill requires a clearly defined medical screening for all individuals in CBP custody, and identifies priority groups, like children and seniors, who should receive their screenings within 3 hours of being detained by CBP. It identifies how many calories a pregnant woman or a child should be given each day, for example, and it requires that CBP provide toothbrushes and diapers, the chance to bathe at least once a day, and meets everyone's basic daily need to drink enough water. Madam Speaker, I urge my fellow representatives to support these straightforward reforms to prevent the deaths of children, and ensure our treatment of women, children, and families seeking asylum is consistent with the basic principles of human dignity.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Chair, I rise today to express my support for this block of amendments to H.R. 2740. Included is my amendment to provide $2 million in critical funding for Bureau of Reclamation projects with a public health benefit, such as the Salton Sea in southern California. The Salton Sea is a danger to Californian residents. Dust from the exposed lake bed contains harmful particulate matter that blows into communities and is inhaled by residents as far away as Los Angeles. If we do not take decisive action now, the Salton Sea's decline will accelerate, exacerbating this public health crisis and leading more children and seniors to develop respiratory illnesses like asthma. After Congress passed this amendment last year, the Bureau devoted $2.5 million to mitigation projects at the Salton Sea. My amendment would continue this essential funding to invest in the health of families who live near the Salton Sea and beyond. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for my amendment to support the public health of children, seniors, and families across southern California, and I thank Chair Kaptur for her support and interest in helping us with the Salton Sea.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Jakelin Caal Maquin, a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl, who died in December while in the custody of our Federal Government. Seven months ago, Jakelin joined her father in fleeing the extreme danger and poverty of her village in Guatemala. They fled from violence. However, Jakelin's life was cut short in December when she died of sepsis while under the responsibility of our Federal Government. As a physician, I know that the inhumane conditions at our Border Patrol facilities risk the lives of children when under CBP custody. That is why, this week, I am introducing the Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in CBP Act, legislation requiring CBP to meet the humanitarian needs of children and families in their custody. My bill will require health screenings and improved access to lifesaving equipment and medications, and it will set minimum standards to ensure access to food, water, and shelter. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to help prevent future deaths of children at the border and restore humanity to our treatment of asylum seekers and families.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in the wake of National Police Week to memorialize our officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Nearly 3 years ago, on October 8, 2016, Officers Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega from the Palm Springs Police Department were shot and killed in the line of duty responding to what appeared to be a routine domestic disturbance. Through this tragedy, our community came together, not only to remember Officers Zerebny and Vega, but to do more for their families and the entire law enforcement community. Together, we found that families of fallen first responders, those who gave their all to protect us all, are being shortchanged. That is why I introduced the Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responder Survivor Support Act, to honor those who have passed by serving the living. My bill will increase the Public Safety Officer Benefit from $350,000 to $500,000 in order to pay off the calculated national average debt most families have; it will increase the monthly education benefit from $1,024 per month to $2,000 per month to ensure they can afford the actual rising costs of an education; and it will fix a bureaucratic loophole that, due to unnecessary red tape and delays in receiving benefits, can cost families up to tens of thousands of dollars through no fault of their own. I urge all Members of Congress to do the right thing: to follow words with action, to follow praise with pragmatic solutions that will improve the lives of fallen first responders' families. I hope that all Members will cosponsor and support my bipartisan Heroes Lesley Zerebny and Gil Vega First Responder Survivors Support Act. I urge the Speaker to bring it up for a vote immediately. Let's support this bill and stand up for the families of fallen officers who have sacrificed so much for us.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Seymour Kaplan, known as Sy, a local hero and World War II veteran who passed away on April 19 at the age of 95. Sy was born on February 28, 1924, to Morris and Fannie Kaplan. At just 17 years old, Sy enlisted in the U.S. Army--17--and, boy, was his father mad. But from a young age, Sy didn't let anything get in the way of serving others. During World War II, Sy served this country bravely in the 2nd Army 2nd Corps Division under General George S. Patton. Sy fought for 3 years, advancing through Italy, France, and Germany. Sy was severely wounded while building a bridge to cross the Rhine River into Germany. For his heroism, Sy earned three Battle Stars and two Purple Hearts. But Sy's service to our Nation did not end with his military service. Sy was a lifelong advocate for our local veterans. For 25 years, Sy served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78 in the Coachella Valley. His leadership helped countless veterans find healing, community, and a sense of purpose. Over the years, Sy also helped many homeless veterans find homes and jobs. Sy would show up to every townhall, every event, and every community forum, always ready to make his voice heard. Shortly after I became a Member of Congress, I remember Sy knocking on my door and asking: ``Who is this young guy? What does he know about veterans?'' I sat down with Sy, and I immediately recognized his expertise and, more importantly, his heart. That is why I asked Sy to serve on my veterans advisory board and help my office connect veterans with the healthcare and benefits they have earned and deserve. Sy said: ``Hell, yeah. Let's do this.'' When Sy came to our meetings, he would often bring along a veteran in need, and before we started the day's agenda, Sy would give that veteran the space to tell their story. That was Sy Kaplan: a devoted advocate who recognized that good leaders also have to be good listeners. Sy became one of the visionaries behind Veterans University, my annual event to connect veterans with local and Federal resources. Among his many accomplishments, Sy was instrumental in bringing the Palm Desert VA Clinic to the Coachella Valley. Sy would often visit the clinic to, in his own words: ``Make darn sure all of my vets from the Coachella Valley are getting good care.'' Last year, it was my honor to present Sy with the Shirley Powell award in recognition of his service to local veterans in our communities. I looked to Sy as a trusted adviser and a dear, dear friend. Sy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris, and his daughter Ellen. He is survived by his daughter Ilona and a loving community grateful for his leadership and compassion. I will always remember Sy's blue Disabled Veterans of America shirt, his baseball cap, his energy, and his infectious smile. In Sy's honor, let's make ``darn sure,'' as he would say, that we carry his memory in our hearts.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication of the California LGBTQ Veterans Memorial. The memorial honors LGBTQ veterans across the nation who bravely defended our country and the freedoms we hold dear. California is the first state in the nation to have a state memorial for LGBTQ veterans, which enshrines the sacrifices of our LGBTQ service members and reaffirms our commitment to the LGBTQ community. The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Cathedral City, California. Organized by AMVETS, an organization that enhances and safeguards our nation's support for veterans, this event included a wreath-laying service to remember our deceased veterans. The ceremony also honored 26 individuals with a dove release. Honorees included Jon Castro, an Army soldier from Corona, California, who was killed in the bombing of a mess hall in Iraq. The Rancho Mirage Chapter of Veterans for Peace, a veterans group dedicated to building a culture of peace in our communities, was named in his honor. All of our veterans regardless of gender, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity deserve our respect for courageously putting their lives on the line to protect our nation. And with this memorial, we will recognize our LGBTQ soldiers who fight every day to defend our country and protect liberty. It is our solemn duty to honor and respect their service. I am grateful to AMVETS, Veterans for Peace, and all of the other wonderful organizations and people who made this memorial possible. On behalf of the residents of California's thirty-sixth congressional district, I thank the thousands of LGBTQ Americans who have fought and continue to fight to defend our nation. We will never forget their service.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to help working Americans access quality, affordable healthcare. Last month, I introduced the bipartisan Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act, which has already unanimously passed the House and Senate. With the President's signature, this bill will help parents coordinate care for a sick child and protect seniors from going bankrupt to pay for their loved one's in-home care. My bill will also address skyrocketing prescription drug costs by preventing pharmaceutical companies from cheating State Medicaid programs. As an emergency physician, I know that timely access to care is critical to helping every family live a full, healthy, and productive life. We must put patients first. Mr. Speaker, I urge the President to sign this important bill into law immediately.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Father Andrew Green on his retirement after 30 years of leading the St. Paul in the Desert Episcopal Church. Father Green joined St. Paul in the Desert in December 1988. From his earliest days in our Valley, Father Green has been a generous and compassionate leader. Father Green was a trailblazer who advocated for the Coachella Valley's LGBTQI community at a time when few religious leaders would. He was one of the first religious leaders to bury AIDS sufferers and many same-sex couples. Through his words and actions, he lives a gospel that recognizes the equality of all people and the fundamental dignity of humanity. Outside of his parish, Father Green brought his leadership to the Desert AIDS Project's board of directors, where he served as a member of the board for 18 years. He also helped empower young people with a quality education through his work with the Palm Springs Unified School District. A generation of tomorrow's leaders owe him their gratitude. From feeding the hungry to advocating for the LGBTQI community, Father Green's commitment to serving others knew no bounds. By doing good, he brings out the best in others. His life demonstrates that love always wins. Father Green has touched the lives of so many people, spreading love to every corner of our Desert. I have no doubt that his legacy of faith and grace will continue to uplift our Valley for years to come. I wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement. RECOGNIZING THE 2018-2019 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DIVISION ON OBTAINING CERTIFICATION OR RECERTIFICATION BY THE NATIONAL BOARD FOR

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address concerns about the Colorado River drought contingency plan and to sound the alarm and avoid a public health crisis at the Salton Sea in southern California. To be clear, I support the goals of the DCP, which outlines voluntary water use cuts across seven Western States in the event of a worsening drought. However, I am concerned that the current proposal to implement the DCP provides an expansive waiver to the Bureau of Reclamation that could result in the reduction of water to the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is the largest inland body of water in all of California, and its very existence is already at risk. Ensuring the Salton Sea is protected as part of this agreement is critically important because, if the Salton Sea decline accelerates, thousands of lake beds will become exposed, subjecting residents of southern California to harmful dust that penetrates the lungs and can cause severe respiratory illness. I look forward to working with the Natural Resources Committee to find a solution that prevents a broad waiver of Federal laws and that preserves water rights and critical environmental protections for its surrounding residents. Madam Speaker, I support the goals of the DCP. However, I cannot in good conscience support implementation in a way that harms the Salton Sea or threatens the health of the people I serve.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1839) to amend title XIX to extend protection for Medicaid recipients of home and community-based services against spousal impoverishment, establish a State Medicaid option to provide coordinated care to children with complex medical conditions through health homes, prevent the misclassification of drugs for purposes of the Medicaid drug rebate program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1839.

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise in support of H.R. 1839, the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act, a bill that will strengthen our healthcare system by putting patients first. I am an emergency physician, and as a doctor I have treated patients who, because they couldn't afford the care they needed, slipped through the cracks, worsening their quality of life, harming themselves and their families, and sometimes ending up in the emergency department for lifesaving care. This bill makes five essential reforms to Medicaid that put patients first, helping children and individuals with mental health issues access the care that they need. The bill's first reform reflects the hard work and tireless efforts of my friend, Representative Dingell, who has led the fight to extend Medicaid spousal impoverishment protections. Thanks to Representative Dingell's advocacy, patients will be able to afford treatment and services without bankrupting their spouses. Without this important protection, families would face a terrible choice between either unnecessary institutionalization or impoverishing themselves to ensure that their loved one receives the care that they need. I would also like to thank Congressman Upton for championing this important policy. Second, my bill would provide additional funds to the successful Money Follows the Person demonstration. This funding will help more individuals transition from institutions to the communities they call home. I wanted to thank Representatives Dingell and Guthrie for their advocacy on behalf of the patients and families who continue to benefit from this successful program. Third, this bill includes the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act, bipartisan legislation that gives States the flexibility to coordinate the most effective care for children with medically complex needs. The ACE Kids Act would not be possible without the sustained advocacy and hard work of Congresswoman Castor. Representative Castor is an incredible advocate for some of our most vulnerable children and their families and has spent years championing this bill. I also want to thank my friend, Representative Bilirakis, for continuing to fight to ensure that our sickest kids have access to health homes. Fourth, this bill contains important program integrity improvements to Medicaid, fixes that will save money and make Medicaid run more efficiently and effectively without sacrificing quality of care for patients. That includes legislation championed by Representatives Schrader and Welch to crack down on drug companies cheating the Medicaid program by not paying proper rebates on their drugs. The bill also gives the Department of Health and Human Services the tools it needs to hold ill- intentioned pharmaceutical companies accountable, while ensuring that patients who depend on these drugs continue to have access to them. Fifth, and finally, this bill extends funding for the Excellence in Mental Health Act, so that people who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders can continue receiving the treatment they need. The extension will help Congress find a longer-term solution so that this program can continue providing care to the people who need it. I would like to thank Representative Matsui for her continued hard work to support this demonstration. In brief, this bipartisan bill strengthens Medicaid by putting patients first. It was the approach I took as a doctor in the emergency department, and one I am continuing to take in Congress. I know this bill will make our healthcare system stronger and more equitable, and I am proud to lead this critical effort. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1839, the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill, H.R. 1839. I really thank all the Members who put their heart and soul into their pieces of legislation. I thank the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee, both Democratic and Republican, who have come together to work to plug a hole, to fill in the cracks, and to make sure that services continue, that value is given, and that healthcare puts our patients first, our kids first, so that we can give them the appropriate care that they deserve, no matter where they are from or whether or not they can afford it. This is why I am so humbled to carry the water on this bill. On behalf of myself, my staff, and my office, I thank everybody involved in this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bipartisan bill, H.R. 1839, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano and his staff for all their work on this. They have done a great job. I thank them for fighting for this bill and for their tireless work in support of our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I also thank the ranking member, Dr. Phil Roe, for his support of veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, and a special shout-out to my good friend Congressman Dr. Brad Wenstrup, who is the colead on this bill. We have worked together on this and numerous bills, and we are also leading the efforts in the bipartisan Burn Pits Caucus to really give answers to our veterans who have been exposed. My bill, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, will help our government better understand the health effects of toxic burn pits on our men and women in uniform. As a nation, we have a responsibility to provide our veterans with the benefits that they have earned and deserve and to keep them safe to the best of our ability when they are in the field. We bear that responsibility even more heavily when the actions of our own government--in this case, its use of toxic burn pits--are causing veterans to develop severe pulmonary illnesses, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and chronic conditions that are making young, otherwise very healthy veterans, extremely ill, permanently oxygen-dependent, and totally disabled--and, in some cases, leading to their death. This is what happened to Jennifer Kepner, a constituent of mine, a mother of two young children, and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Despite being only 39 years of age, living an active lifestyle, very healthy, not having any other risk factors, Jennifer developed a very aggressive pancreatic cancer that ultimately took her life. Jennifer's oncologist conducted an extensive genetic and environmental risk assessment and found that the only probable and most probable cause of her cancer was her exposure to burn pits. These are acres, sometimes 10 acres big, of open burn pits where they burn everything and anything, like that garbage open burn pit with jet fuel, that exposes our servicemembers to hundreds of toxic chemicals and carcinogens, with huge clouds of black smoke that traverse long distances. So while Jennifer was fighting bravely against her cancer, she also had to fight tooth and nail to get the healthcare and benefits that she had earned. Even then, the VA did not recognize her cancer's connection to burn pit exposures. I was there in her final days, and she wanted us to do something. She called it our generation's Agent Orange. She wanted us to do something to prevent this and to help other veterans. There is a principle I use as a doctor and a public health expert, and that is, when there is a high enough suspicion of an agent that can cause a severe enough health consequence, then we have to act on that suspicion. In this case, we do have enough suspicion, given the information that is out there, that burn pits are essentially toxic and causing health problems and even death, so it is definitely severe enough. We need to do something. There are four prongs that we need to pursue, four pillars of a framework. One is stop the use of burn pits. Two is outreach to veterans and providers to educate them about their risks. Three is to make sure that we take care of our veterans by providing healthcare and some of the benefits that they have earned. Also, do more research so that we can fully understand the full health effects of being exposed to these burn pits. This bill and the burn pit registry will help with two of those prongs. One is that it is a vehicle for the VA, DOD, and our government to communicate with veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, and their family members, about any recent health topics, research, or policy change that they may be interested in. It also helps them grab samples of veterans for future research so that we can better understand with more robust scientific research the full effects of burn pits in their lives, which could lead to a better understanding, better healthcare, better outreach, and more benefits for our permanently disabled veterans. It is very important that veterans who have been exposed to burn pits register in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and build this communication vehicle with the VA, our government, and those of us who are strong advocates for our veterans. My bill will allow an entry with the cause of death in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry after a veteran passes away. For example, right now, if a veteran passes away, there is no way to update this burn pit registry with their cause of death. This allows a spouse or a designee to enter that cause of death.

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, those causes of death could be brain cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, autoimmune diseases, lymphomas, leukemias, constricted bronchiolitis, COPD, and others. Mr. Speaker, I urge each Member of this Chamber to support this bipartisan bill, which will help our Nation uphold its commitment to serving our veterans. Together, we are taking a crucial first step toward honoring Jennifer Kepner and improving and saving the lives of countless veterans. I thank the chairman for his support.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, two names have been lost in months of government shutdowns and threats of national emergencies: Jakelin Caal Maquin and Felipe Gomez Alonzo. Those were the children who died in December while in the custody of our Federal Government. Let me tell you a bit about Jakelin's story and how, in the next 48 hours, we will take a historic first step to forever change how our Nation treats children fleeing violence. Jakelin Caal Maquin was 7 years old. She joined her father in fleeing the extreme danger and poverty of her village, San Antonio Secortez in Guatemala. Together, they dreamed of new opportunities, of new safety, of a home free from violence and discrimination where they could build a life and support their loved ones at home. Jakelin and her father chose the same destination that asylum seekers, immigrants, and refugees have sought for centuries: the United States of America. But the conditions I saw at the Border Patrol facilities where Jakelin and her father were held were not worthy of our American ideals. The conditions did not demonstrate respect for the human dignity of the individuals in our Federal Government's care. Look, I am a doctor. I know what a functioning emergency medical response protocol looks like and how it should operate, and this was not it. I saw women, infants, toddlers, and the elderly packed and even piled on top of each other, open toilets in crowded cells without any privacy, visibly sick people, children coughing on one another, and I immediately saw that the Border Patrol agents did not have the resources to respond to a life-threatening medical emergency. Mr. Speaker, let me put this into perspective. I traveled to Haiti days after the devastating 2010 earthquake, where I served as the medical director of the country's largest camp of internally displaced people. The conditions I saw at the New Mexico Border Patrol facilities were worse than those I saw in Haiti, the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere, after their most challenging and devastating disaster. Here we are, the greatest nation on our planet, and we are putting children in cages and denying them free access to food, water, and a private toilet. Then and there, I committed myself to creating humanitarian standards that are worthy of human dignity: real solutions, not empty promises, that will save the lives of children at the border. I introduced legislation that makes it clear Congress expects CBP to implement three crucial reforms as soon as possible: First, provide meaningful medical examinations of individuals entering our borders. A basic physical exam would have shown warning signs of Jakelin's septic shock and most probably saved her life. A child who dies from septic shock does not look normal 8 hours beforehand. Second, invest in essential medical equipment and trained medical personnel available to respond to life-threatening emergencies. When medical care is far away, agents need the resources, equipment, and knowledge to care for each other and the individuals in their custody. Third, provide basic humane living conditions that are safe and hygienic, where individuals can access adequate food, water, and showers. These are straightforward reforms. They move us closer to a system that is safe, humane, and aligns with our fundamental ideals as Americans. Our work is not done, but we have reached an important milestone. We are beginning to address the humanitarian crisis at our border, not with rhetoric and political showboating or grandstanding, but with real, life-saving solutions. This week, we will not just pass a bill that averts a government shutdown; we will pass a bill that provides funding for, and holds CBP accountable to, implementing the humanitarian standards included in my legislation, H. Con. Res. 17. These reforms will save lives and help restore our legacy as a nation that recognizes the dignity and fundamental rights of every human being. So, Mr. Speaker, I will speak the names of those two children again: Felipe Gomez Alonzo and Jakelin Caal Maquin. We must have the courage to recognize their humanity.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the late Norman Pollom, a constituent of mine who led a full and inspiring life defined by his compassion for others. As a young man, Mr. Pollom served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning to civilian life, he brought his leadership to the football field, where he had a long and successful career. Mr. Pollom was a member of the University of Washington Huskies' Rose Bowl-winning team in 1960. He went on to have a decorated career as a college coach and NFL scout, helping to build a Los Angeles Rams team that won seven straight Western Division Championships. He later moved to the Buffalo Bills, helping to draft Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, and Andre Reed. Mr. Pollom is widely regarded as one of the best NFL scouts of all time. While Mr. Pollom's professional accomplishments were impressive, his conduct off the field deserves the highest praise. After his son passed away from cancer, Mr. Pollom established the Mike Pollom Scholarship Foundation in his memory. His foundation helped students from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds go to college and pursue their dreams. Many students' lives have been forever changed by his kindness and generosity. While I did not know Mr. Pollom personally, those who did remember a man who always saw the best in people and encouraged others to follow their dreams. His charm and contagious laughter helped brighten every room he was in. As a veteran, a coach, and a good Samaritan, Mr. Pollom exemplified the spirit of service and empathy that make our nation great. Mr. Pollom died as he lived: eating a burger, drinking scotch, and watching the Alabama-Clemson National Championship. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bonnie, and their three daughters, two stepsons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in their hearts, and in the memories of the many friends and neighbors whose lives he touched.

Mr. RUIZ

Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mayor Greg Pettis, a leader and devoted advocate for our desert communities in California's 36th Congressional District, who unexpectedly passed away recently on January 15. I had the privilege of working with Mayor Pettis to fight for equality and social justice for the people of the Coachella Valley. Mayor Pettis set an example as a public servant committed to protecting the rights of all his constituents. During his decades of service to our communities, Mayor Pettis never wavered in his advocacy for civil rights, improved transportation, and access to healthcare. As Cathedral City's first openly gay public servant and longest serving council member, Mayor Pettis was a trailblazer and a role model. Every day, Mayor Pettis brought his passion for helping others to the call to public service. He helped our valley build a public library, combat drug addiction, and expand affordable housing. Through his leadership and kindness, Mayor Pettis will live on in the memory of his brothers, Stephen and David Pettis, and the friends, neighbors, and families whose lives he touched. Recognizing Supervisor Marion Ashley