Guy Reschenthaler

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, in closing, once again, I would like to urge my colleagues to support S. 3312, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, while I support this legislation, I strongly believe in ensuring justice for all victims and their families. I want to be absolutely clear that the continued crisis at our border requires more from Congress. S. 2174 provides resources to law enforcement and related entities tasked with processing the remains of those who tragically died while making the dangerous journey to enter this country illegally. But Congress should be doing more to secure our borders and to prevent these tragic deaths in the first place. I am concerned about the burdens this bill places on our already strained U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Under this bill, CBP is charged with documenting information about individuals who died at the border, reporting on the causes of their deaths, and mapping their final locations. I truly fear that these reports may be used by open-border advocates to malign the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol when those advocates inevitably decide to play politics and start to argue that CBP is not doing enough to mitigate migrant deaths. In reality, to prevent future deaths at the border, we need to make it absolutely clear that no one should embark on this dangerous journey because illegal entry is simply not an option. We must fix our broken immigration system, which incentivizes people to cross our border illegally. Strong border security and interior enforcement is the best way to stop loss of life. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the House on December 9 and 10, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 240; ``yea on rollcall No. 241; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 242; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 243. personal explanation

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House on December 7 and 8, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 236; YEA on Roll Call No. 237; YEA on Roll Call No. 238; and YEA on Roll Call No. 239.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House on December 4, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 233; YEA on Roll Call No. 234; and Nay on Roll Call No. 235

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House on December 3, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted nay on Roll Call No. 230, nay on Roll Call No. 231, and yea on Roll Call No. 232.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 228.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2330, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020. In 2016, we were shaken by the revelations of abuse that permeated USA Gymnastics and the Olympic community. While the blame for this abuse falls squarely at the feet of the predator, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee also failed the victims. In 2017, the U.S. Olympic Committee created the U.S. Center for SafeSport. SafeSport is an independent organization entrusted with responding to reports of abuse and misconduct within the Olympic Committee. S. 2330 supports the work that SafeSport is doing and helps address the shortcomings in the committee that allowed the abuse to occur. One of the most important reforms in this bill is a requirement that athletes serve on the governing bodies that oversee their sports, ensuring that athletes finally get a seat at the table. I thank Senator Moran and the other Senators who investigated these issues and developed these important reforms. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I am prepared to close. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have concerns that H.R. 8225 will only further complicate the immigration system and hurt rather than help the very people it is meant to protect. So with immigrants in mind, I have concerns with this bill as written. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8225, the Fight Notario Fraud Act of 2020, addresses a problem that already has a remedy in current law. The U.S. Department of Justice and State and local officials fight against fraud every day, including fraud related to immigration laws. In addition, the Executive Office for Immigration Review maintains a Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program as a centralized place for anyone to make complaints about issues of fraud, immigration scams, and the unauthorized practice of immigration law. These existing efforts to fight immigration fraud are working. For example, in San Antonio, Texas, the DOJ charged Eric Jon Alva and his wife, Jessica Rivas Alva, in a scheme to defraud undocumented immigrants by falsely claiming to work on behalf of two San Antonio attorneys. Although they pled guilty and were sentenced to 6 months in Federal prison, they could have been sentenced up to 5 years, and that is 5 years under current law. By contrast, the bill before us today would impose only a 1-year sentence for similar crimes. In rare circumstances, the defendant may receive a 3-year sentence. So the Democrats' response to a problem in the immigrant community is apparently to go soft on crime and reduce the penalties for immigration fraud. That doesn't make sense. We also should not be in the business of complicating the immigration system, but this bill does just that. This bill prohibits the unauthorized practice of law specific to immigration, but the unauthorized practice of law, no matter the type, is already illegal. Additionally, by dedicating prosecutors specifically to notario fraud and creating burdensome requirements for prosecuting this fraud, H.R. 8225 could leave other types of immigration crimes understaffed and unaddressed. Mr. Speaker, I truly appreciate the sentiment behind this bill, I truly do, but if we are going to create a new category of immigration fraud, we should make it as strong as existing law and work to simplify, not to complicate, the current system. Immigrants following the legal system deserve as much. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8124, the Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020. This bill strengthens existing laws about transportation and subsistence for indigent criminal defendants. It does this when they are brought to court proceedings. H.R. 8124 allows a magistrate judge to decide post-judgment motions in a misdemeanor case where the magistrate judge was the judge who handled the underlying misdemeanor case. This bill will also improve the efficiency of our court systems by allowing our courts to manage caseloads in a more efficient and economic manner. I thank the bipartisan effort of my colleagues, the sponsors of this legislation, Representatives Jeffries and Roby. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that, once again, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8124, the Criminal Judicial Administration Act of 2020, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just wanted to again reiterate what an honor it was to work with my friend and colleague, Representative Ted Deutch, on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6813, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am glad that today the House is considering the Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, which I introduced with fellow Judiciary Committee member Representative Ted Deutch. Elder abuse, which includes financial fraud, physical abuse, and neglect affects at least 10 percent of senior citizens each year. Seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are especially vulnerable to elder abuse. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of these individuals fall prey to fraud, exploitation, and other harm. Often seniors suffering from these conditions have a harder time communicating with first responders and other professionals, which, in turn, makes it harder to provide help. H.R. 6813 will help Americans struggling with Alzheimer's and dementia by equipping first responders and caregivers with essential tools to prevent and respond to incidents of elder abuse. Specifically, this legislation directs the Department of Justice to develop best practices for assisting professionals, including law enforcement, emergency personnel, and medical professionals who encounter and support people living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. I continue to hear from seniors in southwestern Pennsylvania about the strain COVID-19 has placed on their lives and the prevalence of virus-related scams. I hope this bill will alleviate some of those burdens. Again, I thank my colleague, Representative Ted Deutch, for working with me to help stop elder abuse and to protect our Nation's seniors. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act will improve care and outcomes for pregnant women in prison as well as for their children. I was proud to introduce this important legislation with Representatives Bass, Lesko, and Clark. I just want to say that Chairwoman Bass was incredible to work with. In particular, we did one virtual meeting, which consisted of tear-jerking stories that really addressed the need for change in this area. Mr. Speaker, women are the fastest growing population in Federal prisons, yet the system was designed with just men in mind. In 2018, Congress and President Trump took action to address these inequities with the FIRST STEP Act. H.R. 7718 will build upon that critical work by addressing the unique healthcare needs of incarcerated women who are pregnant, as well as those of their babies, which will ensure positive outcomes for their families. H.R. 7718 establishes minimum standards of care for pregnant women, unborn children, and newborns in Federal custody. Further, the bill limits the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women and postpartum prisoners. By providing incarcerated women with access to pregnancy-related healthcare and services, we can ensure better outcomes for mothers and babies. Again, I want to thank Chairwoman Bass, Representative Lesko, and Representative Clark for working with me on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to support this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 7718, the Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act. Again, I reiterate that it was an absolute honor to work with Chairwoman Bass on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Genre Vincent Pecora who sadly passed away in his North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania home on August 30, 2020. I knew Vince personally and can attest that his devotion to family, community, and country was evident to everyone who met him. Vince was the proud owner of Pecora Flooring Inc., a southwestern Pennsylvania company specializing in institutional and industrial installation for over fifty years. Throughout that time, Vince earned the respect and trust of his community through his tenacity, workmanship, and approachability. Outside of work, Vince was committed to helping kids with cancer after his grandson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After watching one of their own go through treatment and ultimately achieve remission, the Pecora family started Genre's Kids with Cancer Fund to support others in similar situations. From entertainment systems to go-bags packed with essentials, Genre's Kids with Cancer Fund anticipates the needs of families confronted with the horror of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Vince is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Day Pecora; children, Daunette Baker and her husband, John, Vincent Pecora and his wife, Brenda, Dante Pecora and his wife, Carla, and Todd Hook and his wife, Julie; sister, Antoinette Capo; grandchildren, Kaitlynn (Ricky) Boyer, James Baker, Genre Baker, Vincent Pecora, Gianna Baker, Avery Pecora and Ava Pecora; and great-grandchildren, Gideon Boyer, Eden Boyer, Lacey Hook and Cameron Hook. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I recognize the loss of Genre Vincent Pecora. Vince will be remembered as a friend to many and his legacy will live on in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 196; YEA on Roll Call No. 197; and YEA on Roll Call No. 198.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, quarantining in accordance with the Attending Physician's guidance after extensive interactions with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 176, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 177, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 178. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 965, 116th congress Clay (Davids (KS)) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) DeSaulnier (Matsui) Frankel (Clark (MA)) Garamendi (Sherman) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hastings (Wasserman Schultz) Horsford (Kildee) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Khanna (Sherman) Kirkpatrick (Gallego) Kuster (NH) (Brownley (CA)) Langevin (Lynch) Lawrence (Beatty) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Lipinski (Cooper) Lofgren (Jeffries) Lowenthal (Beyer) McEachin (Wexton) Moore (Beyer) Mucarsel-Powell (Wasserman Schultz) Nadler (Jeffries) Napolitano (Correa) Pascrell (Sires) Payne (Wasserman Schultz) Peters (Rice (NY)) Pingree (Clark (MA)) Pocan (Raskin) Porter (Wexton) Rush (Underwood) Serrano (Jeffries) Speier (Scanlon) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Welch (McGovern) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, quarantining in accordance with the Attending Physician's guidance after extensive interactions with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 173; YEA on Roll Call No: 174; and NAY on Roll Call No. 175.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I have no speakers at this time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 2746, the Law Enforcement Suicide Data Collection Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I am disappointed that we are not taking up the bipartisan Senate-passed POS bill that had a clean fix to this issue. So I do want to say, I am disappointed that we are not running the Senate bill, which again, was bipartisan. But I do want to say, I support our Nation's first responders, and I truly believe it is vital that they receive the benefits they have earned. So I urge my colleagues to support our Nation's public service officers. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.