Jacky Rosen

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, I rise to address an issue that transcends politics and strikes at the very core of who we are as Americans. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it my priority to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, to look past partisanship, and to work toward passing commonsense legislation so we can help working families in Nevada and across our country. In the House, I was proud to be named one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress, and that is a title I plan to keep in the Senate. So I hope my colleagues recognize the seriousness of why I rise today. It is without partisan motivation when I say that we have a crisis on our hands. Make no mistake about it, there is a humanitarian crisis at our southern border and we are failing to address it. This administration is failing to address it. This Congress is failing to address it. With violence and political unrest increasing in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, we are experiencing a surge in the number of migrants who have come to our southern border seeking refuge from violence and persecution. More than 60 percent of migrants are families and unaccompanied children fleeing for their lives and seeking a safe place. Children and their families are coming to our country for the same reasons so many of our ancestors did--because they have no other choice. They are coming to the United States, a nation of immigrants, a nation built on a foundation of core values, and we do not turn away those fleeing persecution and certain death. It is those same values that tell us that when children--including infants and toddlers--are at our doorstep, we do not put them in cages, tear them from their mother's arms, let them go without showers, food, or medical attention, or let them sleep on cold floors. The reality is, Customs and Border Patrol officers are not trained to care for children, much less those who have experienced trauma. They are not prepared nor qualified to provide the much needed care to the families and children who are coming here. What is also true is that there are members of our Border Patrol and law enforcement who are trying to do the right thing. Those men and women signed up to protect our country from terrorism, narcotics, and foreign threats. They are not trained to take care of traumatized children. The fact remains, the state of things in these immigration facilities is untenable and indefensible. I have had the chance to see this crisis firsthand, so allow me to speak a little bit on what I have witnessed and how we got here. Children and families have been placed into overcrowded and unsanitary facilities, left without suitable living conditions or even the most basic of necessities for days or even weeks. Last year, while serving as a member of the House of Representatives, I traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border with one of my colleagues. We toured the Tornillo unaccompanied minor facility and the Paso del Norte Processing Center in Texas. What we witnessed there was heartbreaking. We saw a tent city holding unaccompanied migrant children and children separated from their parents. They have no access to legal counsel, no way to regularly talk to their families. They are without any idea of what might happen next. Throughout their camp, there was a sense of anxiety, hopelessness, and despair. I have carried the images of what I saw during that tour with me to this day. In committee testimony and in followup briefings, in conversations with the administration and its agencies, we were told conditions would improve, that plans were in place to provide the care that is so desperately needed, and that families would be reunited. We now know that was wrong. We have all seen the news and read reports detailing the abysmal state of these facilities--children still in cages, still going to sleep hungry, still going weeks without bathing or having access to clean clothes, young children being tasked by officers to care for toddlers, and, in some cases, allegations of sexual abuse by officers. To find out firsthand whether conditions are improving, just last week I joined my Senate colleagues in touring detention facilities in the McAllen, TX, area. I am sad to say these news reports are accurate. These horrific conditions have not changed, families are still being separated, children are still in cages, not knowing if they will ever see their parents again, and this administration continues to ignore basic human rights. Children should never be held in these conditions under any circumstances, for any amount of time, period. We saw children stuffed into crowded spaces. The people detained in these facilities lack access to basic necessities like toothpaste and access to sanitary supplies. There are few, if any, pediatricians, no child welfare professionals, no hope, just thousands of children and families in the care of law enforcement officers. This is not who we are. The dehumanization of migrants, including many tender-age children in our detention centers today, is unacceptable. The psychological trauma they have experienced, and that they are continuing to experience, will likely leave children with deep scars that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. Let me be clear: We are failing our law enforcement, we are failing our families, and we are failing children. We can agree that immigrants with criminal records or those who have falsified their reasons for coming should not be allowed to stay, but during my visit to McAllen last week, the acting head of Border Patrol told all of us that the vast majority of migrant families are not criminals. I refuse to stand by while this takes place on American soil. So I decided to take action by placing holds on two individuals nominated by this administration to serve in administrative and policy roles of DHS until conditions in these facilities drastically improve, until DHS meets the standards it is obligated--obligated--to uphold. This is the United States of America. All children deserve to be treated humanely and with dignity, and those of any age who come to our country claiming asylum have a legal right to present their case. We must ensure that we achieve, at the very least, minimum humanitarian standards at CBP facilities. That means all CBP facilities where children are processed or detained need to have onsite medical professionals with pediatric training and child welfare professionals. That means implementing a process for announced and unannounced site visits by NGOs so we can ensure proper oversight and accountability, as well as direct services for children. Even something as simple as a sign that communicates to migrant families explaining where they are and what to expect--something that simple could reduce anxiety and hopelessness that these individuals and children are feeling. There is so much good in the American people, and that shows in the outpouring of support from NGOs that are ready and willing to step in and respond. They do so many other humanitarian efforts. Yet our government is turning away these offers of help. Conditions at these facilities have not improved, and until they do, I will not remove my holds on this administration's nominees. Once we have taken the necessary steps to ensure migrant children are being held in safe and sanitary conditions, we must then take up the critical and long-overdue task of reforming our long-term immigration policy. We owe it to migrant children and families to reach an immediate solution. We owe it to our law enforcement to prevent this difficult situation from continuing. We must come together. We must take action now because, at the end of the day, these are human lives, and they depend on us. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, today it is with tremendous pride that I recognize a great Nevadan, State Senator David Parks. Senator Parks arrived in Nevada to serve as an airman in the U.S. Air Force. He served our country with honor from 1967-1971 and was stationed at Nevada's own Nellis Air Force Base. After receiving his master of business administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he used his business expertise to work on behalf of the southern Nevada community he loved dearly. Among his various public service positions, Parks served as chairman of the Paradise Town Advisory Board, the director of the Office of Budget and Management for the city of Las Vegas, and the assistant director of the Regional Transportation Commission of southern Nevada. David Parks first brought his extensive experience in local government to the Nevada Legislature when he was elected to the Nevada Assembly in 1997. He served the assembly with honor and integrity as the assistant majority whip and then later as the assistant majority floor leader. In 2008, Parks' community elected him to the Nevada State Senate, representing Whitney and parts of Paradise, Henderson, and Sunrise Manor. He was subsequently reelected in 2012 and again in 2016. In his 22 years of legislative experience and life of public service, Senator Parks has remained a steadfast champion for the LGBTQ community by ensuring equal rights and protections for LGBTQ individuals throughout the State and serving for many years on the Governor's Statewide AIDS Advisory Task Force. Nevada's progressive leadership on many issues that affect LGBTQ Nevadans is a direct result of the senator's advocacy and persistence. During his tenure in the legislature, he has been the State's leader on pursuing LGBTQ equality, leading efforts to institute civil unions in Nevada, ban discrimination based on gender identity or expression, and address bullying and cyber- bullying in Nevada's schools, among many other critical reforms. We honor David Parks today as he concludes his final legislative session in the Nevada State Senate and leaves behind a legacy of progressive change and a deep commitment to public service.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, today, it is with both great pride and tremendous sadness that I honor the legacy of an incredible Nevadan, Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson, who was taken from us far too soon, earlier this month. A proud native of Las Vegas, Assemblyman Thompson, a product of Nevada's public education system, graduated from Valley High School in 1985. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology from Northern Arizona University, and he earned his masters of arts degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in 2000. Thompson was first appointed to the Nevada State Legislature by the Clark County Commission on April 16, 2013 as the representative for District 17. During the 79th and 80th legislative sessions, he fought for improvements to our States' public education system as chairman of the education committee. Then, during the 80th session, Assemblyman Thompson's leadership skills were recognized by his peers in the Statehouse when he was appointed majority whip for the Nevada Assembly. In October 2017, Thompson was inducted into the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame at Northern Arizona University, his alma matter. Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson had a heart that was bigger than life. Whether it was tackling homelessness in our State, increasing access to quality education, mentoring, or fighting to expand social services, Assemblyman Thompson always followed through on his word. Our community lost a champion on May 4, 2019, but Tyrone Thompson lives on through a legacy unmatched in Nevada. He touched countless lives, inspired so many, and planted seeds of selfless acts throughout Nevada. We honor him and his family as we carry his heart, passion, selflessness, and community-minded spirit with us every day.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Madam President, I thank Senator Cortez Masto for that great introduction. I am honored and humbled to address this distinguished body as the newest Senator from the great State of Nevada and to stand alongside an exceptional group of colleagues with a shared commitment to public service. I am especially honored to hold this seat, as it once belonged to a great Nevada public servant, Senator Richard Bryan. Senator Bryan served in just about every position in government, from assemblyman to Governor. He worked tirelessly to advance civil rights, empower women in government, and defend Nevada's public lands. I am so honored to carry his values with me to move Nevada forward. As I take up this mantle in the Senate, I am prepared to continue Senator Bryan's legacy and work for Nevadans, while also building toward a legacy of our own. I stand here as Nevada's 28th Senator and, for the first time in history, as one of two women to represent our State in the Senate. I am proud to be part of such an incredible movement of strong, passionate, trailblazing women like Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, who became the first female Senator to represent the great State of Nevada and the first Latina elected to serve in the Senate. Everywhere, we are seeing women who are stepping up to lead, and I am thrilled to have the chance to empower women who are looking to break barriers along the way. By bringing more women to the decision-making table, we can open doors and make progress on issues that affect us and our hard-working families on a daily basis. When women put their minds together, there is no new ground we cannot break, and there is no glass ceiling we cannot shatter. I stand here today to share my vision for how we can work together-- on both sides of the aisle--to lay down a framework for progress because Nevadans and Americans everywhere are counting on us to go above and beyond, to overcome obstacles before us, and to find commonsense, forward-thinking solutions for the challenges of this new era--challenges like immigration reform, which protects our Dreamers and TPS recipients; challenges like a changing 21st century economy and climate change; and, of course, an issue that is so important to hard- working families everywhere, the challenge of access to affordable, quality healthcare. Before I discuss where we are going, let me tell you just a bit about where I come from--my values and the ways in which my story has helped to shape who I am and how it will shape who I will be as Nevada's newest Senator. I am the proud granddaughter of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate who worked my way through college waiting tables. Yes, I am a former member of the Culinary Workers Union, and I saved my tips in envelopes to pay for that college tuition. I am a computer programmer and a systems analyst who worked my way up in what has been long considered a male-dominated industry. I am a wife to my husband Larry, a radiologist, whom I can always count on to be by my side. I am a mother to my wonderful daughter Miranda, whom I am so proud of and who inspires me every day to build a better future for our country. I am a former president of my synagogue--the largest synagogue in Nevada--and during my tenure, I witnessed the beauty of our country's religious diversity and how community engagement strengthens America. I also learned the importance of working together to fight against anti- Semitism, which we are seeing now, once again, rear its ugly head here at home and around the globe. Remembering where I come from, my story, my roots, this is what guides me every day to make decisions to help working families. When it comes to issues like college affordability and education, equal pay for equal work, labor rights, combating hate and anti-Semitism, and standing up for Israel, I can speak from personal experience. I am reminded that my story is just one of many from Las Vegas to Reno, to Searchlight, to Lovelock, and everywhere in between because I hear from Nevadans who share some of those same stories from every part of the rich, vibrant fabric that makes up our diverse State, including Latinos, Asian Americans, African Americans, Tribal communities, and beyond. When I think of the shores of Lake Tahoe and of Lake Mead, the majestic canyons of Red Rock, the open skies across the desert, and the mountains that shine below them like jewels in the sun, I think of home. Nothing rings more true to me than saying home means Nevada to me.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. This is why Nevadans sent me here--to protect their healthcare. And that is what I am going to do; that is what I will continue to do. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, today I have the privilege of recognizing the distinguished service of Commander Charles ``Chuck'' Johnson, a highly respected Korean and Vietnam war veteran. Having enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16 before completing his high school education, Chuck served his country honorably for 21 years on the front lines of combat in both Korea and Vietnam. Chuck's commitment to serve did not waver after returning home, and he has spent much of his civilian life advocating and caring for Nevada's veterans, fighting to ensure that their service is never forgotten. Commander of the Southern Nevada chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chuck played a critical role in establishing a Korean War Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV, which stands as a testament to the more than 9,000 Korean war veterans buried there. Chuck persisted for over 24 years to see this project come to fruition, and as a community, we are beyond grateful for his dedication to this worthy cause. Known as a leader and community servant throughout southern Nevada, Chuck was most recently recognized as News 3 Las Vegas's Veteran of the Month. Throughout the month of March, we saluted Chuck for his tireless work to make our community, State, and country a better, safer, and more just place. I am grateful for Commander Johnson's sacrifice and patriotism and look forward to observing his continued work on behalf of veterans in Nevada and beyond.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, it is my distinct honor to recognize Samuel S. Lionel, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. Considered the ``Dean'' of the Nevada Bar, Sam's defense of Nevada values stands as a strong reminder of the tremendous work he has done for our State. For decades, Sam has represented one of the largest law firms in Nevada, fighting for critically important issues such as our thriving tourism industry and defending Nevada's unique western heritage. The dedication he has placed into his practice has strengthened our State's economy and helped shape the Las Vegas Valley that we know and love today. In fact, it was Sam who played a key role in the conception and development of many of the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, setting the stage for Nevada's unprecedented growth and its booming entertainment scene. Sam is known for his philanthropic heart. He remains particularly active in Jewish philanthropy, and we share a long history of working together in our synagogue, Congregation Ner Tamid. Sam has also been a central benefactor of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, endowing the namesake Samuel S. Lionel Professor of Intellectual Property Law position at the William S. Boyd School of Law in 2016. I know firsthand the wonderful leader Sam is, and his philanthropic work has distinguished him in the Jewish and legal communities not only in Nevada but also throughout the United States. Sam's name is and will always remain synonymous with his professional and philanthropic dedication to the Silver State. Happy birthday to Sam, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, servant leader, and loyal friend.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. President, on January 24, I was not present due to an injury sustained on January 21 and a resulting surgery from which I am still recovering. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall vote 8, motion for attendance, and rollcall vote 10, Schumer amendment No. 6. I would have voted nay on rollcall vote 9, Shelby amendment No. 5.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, on December 21, I was not present due to the death of my brother two days prior. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 495, 496, 499, and 500. I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call votes 485, 494, 497, and 498.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, on December 20, on roll call votes 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, and 473, I was not present due to the death of my brother the prior evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on roll call votes 446, 463, 467, 468, 469, 470, and 472. I would have voted ``yea'' on roll call votes: 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 464, 465, 466, 471, and 473.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, on December 19th, on roll call votes 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, and 445, I was not present due to the severe illness of my brother, who sadly passed away later that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on all ten roll call votes.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Emily Reese, a cherished Nevadan, a loving mother of three, and a fearless healthcare advocate who worked tirelessly to put others before herself. Emily devoted her last year of life to fighting for what she believed in: protecting access to quality, affordable healthcare for those who need it most. Her work touched many lives, including my own. Emily's compassion and determination knew no boundaries, and it is those qualities that made her a powerful voice in our community. As we pay tribute to her life, let us never forget to find strength in her words: live life, love life, and impact others.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the 58 innocent souls who were taken on October 1. No words can describe the devastation and heartbreak my community experienced that night. So many families in Las Vegas and across the Nation are still grieving from this unspeakable tragedy, and their lives will never be the same. I am forever grateful to our first responders, medical professionals, hotel and security staff, and the kindness of strangers who helped the wounded to the hospital and stood in line for hours to donate blood. We will never forget the selfless and heroic acts by men and women who risked it all and gave their lives for others that night. As we continue to heal, what we have always known about our community remains true: We are Vegas strong; we are resilient; and even in our darkest hour, we come together united.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Officer Kyle Eng, a longtime Las Vegas resident and devoted family man. Kyle was a beloved father to his three daughters and husband to Arlyn Eng. He was known for his love of sports and dedication to his family. Kyle worked as a truck driver for a Las Vegas dairy company for over 20 years. During that span, he was known as an extremely reliable manager and hard worker and was said to never have missed a day of work. At the age of 50, Kyle decided to leave his job and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. Kyle wanted to prove to his children and grandchildren that it's never too late to chase your dream. Through his perseverance and determination, Kyle successfully became a Corrections Officer for the City of Las Vegas. Kyle's cheerful spirit, his caring nature, and his persistence to live out his dreams will always be celebrated and remembered by his family and loved ones.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, on June 25th, on roll call votes 289 and 290, I was not present due to work-related travel. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on roll call vote 289 and YEA on roll call vote 290.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of Mr. Hastings of Florida, and I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chairman, my amendment No. 4, which I am offering with Congressman Hastings, would designate an additional $5 million for the training and retention of cybersecurity professionals under the defense-wide operation and maintenance account. We discuss cybersecurity frequently here in Congress because cyberspace touches everything. As a former computer programer and a member of both the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I can tell you that we rely on cyberspace for so much: our military, schools, businesses, State and local governments. We all understand the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity and the defense of cyberspace, because the challenges we are already facing will continue to grow both at home and abroad. Actors half a world away are targeting our hospitals, banks, and financial networks, not to mention military installations. Attacks are getting more sophisticated, and they are happening every single day. Last year, the GAO reported that, between fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2015, cybersecurity incidents increased from over 5,500 to over 77,000, an increase of more than 1,300 percent. The report recommended that the Federal Government enhance efforts for recruiting and retaining a qualified cybersecurity workforce and improve cybersecurity workforce planning activities. As we look to defend ourselves, we need the very best talent. I am particularly aware of the need for expanding partnerships with academia and the private sector, which will create the cybersecurity people pipeline that our government and our private sector businesses need. Programs like the National Centers of Academic Excellence, jointly sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency, for instance, serve as examples of the direction we should be headed. As U.S. Cyber Command steps up its recruiting efforts, we must ensure that the necessary resources for training the next generation of cybersecurity specialists are made available now, wherever they are needed. This amendment is just a drop in the bucket, but it demonstrates how seriously we take this issue. I want to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Alcee Hastings, for helping to lead this amendment. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, the images we are seeing of children crying alone, calling out for their mothers and fathers, is absolutely heart- wrenching. Right now, innocent children are being detained at our border, and they are going through unthinkable and life-altering trauma as a result of the Trump administration's cruel decision to separate migrant families. Let me be crystal clear: There is no law requiring border agents to separate migrant children from their parents, yet this administration has chosen to implement this horrendous policy and deliberately ignore public outcry by refusing to put an end to this madness. They are playing political games instead of doing what is right and true to our American values. This heartless and inhumane behavior should not have to require action from Congress to be changed. But with the President pledging to continue his heartless policy, we are compelled to act. That is why I am helping introduce legislation that puts an end to this despicable policy and keeps families together, which I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of our amendment, which strikes a provision in this bill that would prohibit the future closure of the Yucca Mountain project. This extreme language severely undercuts any opportunity to pursue viable alternatives for Yucca Mountain, including job-creating alternatives that OMB would be required to study under my bill, the Jobs, Not Waste Act. Even worse, this language we're seeking to strike would essentially prevent another community that consents to storing nuclear waste from being considered as the nation's nuclear repository--effectively closing the door to safer, more viable sites and forcing Nevada to become the sole dumping ground for nuclear waste we never even generated. Based on DOE's own studies, Yucca Mountain is unfit as a repository site for nuclear waste because of the impact it would have on national transportation. This bill throws evidence-based policy making out the window in a narrow-minded effort to force Nevada into being a nuclear waste dump. Instead of spending billions more in hard-earned taxpayer money on this project that's destined to fail and that will inevitably put families across the country at risk, let's leave the door open to forward-thinking alternatives for Yucca Mountain.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of our amendment, which would strike funding for the Yucca Mountain project. Like the vast majority of Nevadans, I firmly oppose any attempt to turn my State into the Nation's nuclear waste dump. Dumping nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain wouldn't only endanger the health and safety of my constituents, who live just 90 miles away in the Las Vegas Valley, it would threaten millions of Americans in 44 States. This ill-conceived plan would mean transporting tens of thousands of metric tons of radioactive waste across this country. Those shipments of hazardous material would travel on our highways and railways to Nevada through over 329 congressional districts on a weekly basis for more than 50 years. Finally, reviving Yucca Mountain would jeopardize military testing and training at our defense facilities. Our amendment would strike $190 million for the licensing for this administration's plan to turn Nevada into a dumping ground. That is the bulk of the funding for this dangerous failure of a project. We shouldn't waste another dime of taxpayer money on failed efforts to try to send nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. It is time to move on from this reckless and costly project, so I urge my colleagues to support our amendment to remove this licensing funding and, instead, work with us on alternative solutions that repurpose Yucca Mountain into something that can create jobs and keep our families safe.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of two Nevada police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in 2017: Detective Chad William Parque of the North Las Vegas Police Department, and Officer Charleston Vernon Hartfield of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Detective Parque was a 10-year veteran of the force. He was a loving husband and father, a selfless member of our community, and a dedicated investigator. His warmth and his passion left a mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Officer Hartfield was a victim of the horrific 1 October tragedy. He was a husband and a father, an Army veteran, a first sergeant in the Nevada Army National Guard, the author of a memoir, and a youth football coach. Officer Hartfield had an unwavering dedication to his community. I attended the candlelight vigil in his memory shortly after his death, and I saw firsthand how many lives he touched. Detective Parque and Officer Hartfield were taken from us far too soon. Their profound sense of duty and service will live on as an example for all of us. May their memories be a blessing.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today and stand with the overwhelming majority of Nevadans who wholeheartedly oppose our State becoming the dumping ground for the rest of the Nation's nuclear waste. Based on the Department of Energy's own studies, Yucca Mountain is unfit as a repository site for nuclear waste because of the impact it would have on national transportation. We are talking about shipping up to three loads of radioactive waste per week to Nevada by rail or truck for over 50 years. Here is a map of what the proposed routes would look like. Dangerous waste would go through 329 congressional districts across this country. To the Members representing these districts: Do you consent to high- level radioactive waste barreling down your highways and your train tracks? Are you prepared to face your constituents at home and tell them that you voted to put their safety at risk? Yucca Mountain would also jeopardize our national security and the readiness of our Air Force by compromising military activities at the Nevada Test and Training Range, the largest air and ground military training space in the contiguous United States. Instead of spending billions more in hard-earned taxpayer dollars on this ill-conceived project, let's work on converting the site into something that will keep our families safe and still create jobs. My bill, the Jobs, Not Waste Act, which I offered as an amendment to H.R. 3053, would prohibit DOE from moving forward with its plan until a number of other job-creating alternatives for Yucca Mountain are considered. It is an innovative and forward-thinking solution to repurpose this site for something useful. Mr. Chair, I urge Congress to stop wasting time and taxpayer money on Yucca Mountain and finally realize just how dangerous and costly this project will be. It is past time we identified viable alternatives for this project while finding a safe, long-term repository in a State that consents to its siting.

Ms. ROSEN

Ms. ROSEN. Mr. Speaker, if today's vote on the previous question fails, we have the opportunity to vote on my amendment, the Jobs, Not Waste amendment, a proactive and innovative proposal to turn Yucca Mountain into something useful, a project that would create jobs without threatening the health and safety of Nevadans and other Americans across this country. My amendment would prohibit the Department of Energy from moving forward with its current plan to ship nuclear waste by truck and rail through 329 congressional districts to Yucca Mountain until the Federal Government considers a number of other job-creating alternatives, including defense activities, like a command facility for unmanned aircraft systems, scientific research, the development of a secure electronic data center, or renewable energy generation. One of the arguments I regularly hear from proponents of Yucca Mountain is that it will create jobs and that we have already invested billions in building a repository at this sight. Well, I am here to say that we can still create jobs without having to take on monumental health and safety risks that come with transporting over 100,000 metric tons of hazardous and lethal nuclear waste. Congress should have the opportunity to vote on my amendment because it would give Members a chance to find a smart, strategic solution that repurposes this dangerous and costly project. This amendment gives us an opportunity to convert Yucca Mountain into a facility that could still provide economic opportunity, drive innovation, and create new, good-paying jobs. Relaunching the failed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste storing experiment will also cost the taxpayers an additional $80 billion to complete, minimum. Let me repeat that: $80 billion, minimum. Instead of spending billions more of hard-earned taxpayer dollars on the project that is destined to fail, that will inevitably put Nevada families and your families in your districts at risk, let us consider these forward-thinking opportunities. I strongly urge you to do what is smart and fiscally responsible, what is right for the health and safety of all of our constituents, by making my amendment in order. I therefore ask all Members to vote ``no'' on the previous question.