Linda Sánchez

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the one hundredth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and to honor Armenia for the enormous strides they have made since that unspeakable tragedy. On April 24, 1915, approximately 1.5 million Armenians suffered the first deliberate act of systematic mass murder by the Ottoman Empire and the unspeakable crime of genocide was born. I believe we are all morally obligated to never forget this dark episode in history and call for an honest acknowledgement of the facts from all parties. I would also like to point out that this is also an opportunity to celebrate the resiliency of the Armenian people. Armenia has been a great champion of freedom and democracy. I expect our two nations will continue to build on our close ties and support peace and stability in the region. Mr. Speaker, I would again like to express my sympathy to the survivors and descendants of the Armenian Genocide. I hope we can all take time to reflect on this solemn day of remembrance and take this occasion to reinforce our bond and renew our commitment to end tyranny and protect democracy.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the El Monte Union High School District of El Monte, California for receiving the 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School and District Sustainability Award. El Monte Union High School District was one of just 14 school districts across the country chosen to receive such an award and I am honored to represent them. The Green Ribbon award recognizes schools and districts that shine in three areas of environmental sustainability. These three areas are: reducing utility cost and environmental impact, improving the environmental health on campus including fitness and nutrition, and offering effective sustainability educational programs. Schools and districts must excel in all three areas in order to receive the award. We have a moral obligation to protect our environment. Every one of us should be chipping in to help preserve our planet. I am immensely proud to represent a school district that has taken this to a new level. The students, parents, and faculty members should be proud of themselves for their hard work. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the El Monte Union High School District, and the other schools and districts across the country who've received this year's Green Ribbon School Award. Thank you all for doing your part to preserve our planet.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 50th Anniversary of the landmark legislation: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. When this bill was signed into law 50 years ago, President Johnson understood that ``full educational opportunity'' should be our nation's primary goal. This momentous legislation affirmed that every child has an equal right to a quality education regardless of zip code. Our public education system has come a long way since 1965, and though we have made great strides in closing achievement gaps and increasing the graduation rate, the law is not perfect. There is still much, much work to be done. As Congress looks to rewrite this law, we must remember the core tenants of Elementary and Secondary Education Act. We must seek to ensure that our public education system offers equal opportunity for all, and that the needs of our nation's most vulnerable children are being met. Education is our nation's great equalizer. For 50 years, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been our nation's driving force for educational equity. Education is critical to lift children out of poverty and afford opportunities that once seemed unachievable. We should expand support for elementary and secondary education--not limit it--so that all Americans can receive the education they deserve.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Woman's Club of Artesia-Cerritos and their 100 years of service. It is an honor to represent a distinguished organization that embodies leadership, service, and commitment to the community. I am proud to represent an organization such as the Woman's Club of Artesia- Cerritos whose dedication and accomplishments over the past 100 years have had a profound impact on the community. Founded in 1915 as the Westside Reading Club, the Woman's Club of Artesia-Cerritos is one of the oldest community service organizations in both cities. Their community service has supported local programs and charities, including the Community Family Guidance Center, Friends of Cerritos Library and Artesia Library, and the Long Beach Veteran's Hospital. Each year the Woman's Club hosts a number of events and educational programs, and organizes volunteer services to support local community programs and charities. Their hard work and dedication illustrate the positive influence that women have in our community. The positive impact the Woman's Club has had, not only in the community they represent, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods is worthy of recognition. I wish them continued success and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Woman's Club of Artesia- Cerritos as they celebrate their 100 Year Anniversary.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize ABC Unified School District (ABCUSD) on their 50th Anniversary. I am proud to represent the students, teachers, and parents of ABC Unified. Their educational excellence is a source of pride for the 38th Congressional District. In 1965 the school districts of Artesia, Bloomfield, and Carmenita combined to form ABCUSD. The school district serves Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, as well as portions of Lakewood, Long Beach, and Norwalk. The district's motto ``Student Achievement--Our Main Thing,'' exemplifies the district's leadership and dedication to strong counseling, staff development, and alternative education programs. ABCUSD has received numerous awards and recognitions for its educational excellence. In recent years, it was the recipient of National Blue Ribbon, California Distinguished Schools, and Schools to Watch awards. ABCUSD is a prime example of how educators and community groups can work together for the benefit of our students. In 1999, ABCUSD and the ABC Federation of Teachers formed the ABC Labor Management Partnership. This collaboration is focused on student achievement and has inspired many districts and unions to form similar partnerships. The district also has a strong history of working with local colleges and local businesses to build vibrant educational programs for its students. This year, ABCUSD will be celebrating 50 years of excellence. On this special occasion, I would like to congratulate the ABC Unified School District, the teachers, faculty, students, and parents, past and present, who make the ABCUSD community so exceptional.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I know that this legislation has been in the works by Representatives Tiberi and my good friend Mr. Larson from the State of Connecticut. Unfortunately, he could not be here to speak on his own bill due to unforeseen circumstances, so I am but a poor fill-in for Mr. Larson. The bill is a commonsense bill that will save a lot of money. The durable medical equipment Competitive Bidding Program has reduced well- documented overpayments to DME providers. It is estimated that it would result in $42 billion in savings over a 10-year period, with $26 billion in savings for the Federal Government and more than $17 billion in out-of-pocket savings for beneficiaries themselves. This legislation, as I mentioned, was introduced in the Ways and Means Committee by Representatives Tiberi and Larson. What they are essentially trying to get at is the issue of low-ball bidders, and what this legislation would do is require bonds for companies who wish to participate in the program. The Ways and Means Committee did pass this bill out of the committee on a unanimous voice vote, and I, as well, support its passage. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 284 as a commonsense solution that will save money in the long run. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am heartened that my Republican colleagues are acting on legislation to improve the Affordable Care Act, rather than to simply repeal it. Technical corrections have long been part of the legislative process for such fundamental pieces of legislation, and this bill does the same. Volunteer first responders are absolutely critical to the safety and security of communities across the country. Seventy percent of all firefighters across the country are volunteers. For the communities aided by volunteer first responders, the services donated annually by these volunteers are estimated to be worth more than $140 billion. This legislation allows communities to continue to benefit for the time and commitment of our firefighters and other first responders. Treasury has responded to the concerns that Mr. Barletta and many other Members raised through their final regulations. But this legislation makes permanent the reasonable solution that the administration put forward. Mr. Speaker, I will insert into the Record a letter from the Department of the Treasury specifically outlining the regulations that address those concerns. This bill is bipartisan, and it is noncontroversial. It, as I said, codifies a regulation that has already been issued by the administration. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC, January 10, 2014. Hon. Steve Israel, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Israel: I am writing regarding your interest in how the employer shared responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act will apply to volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel. In particular, you have urged the Treasury Department to consider not requiring the volunteer hours of these personnel to be counted in determining an employer's full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees for purposes of the employer shared responsibility rules. We appreciate your efforts and leadership on behalf of the volunteer emergency responder community, and want to assure you that we share your concern that emergency volunteer service be accorded appropriate treatment. Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations providing guidance on the employer shared responsibility provisions under section 4980H of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) in December 2012 and invited public comments. Numerous comments were received from individuals and local fire and EMS departments that rely on volunteers, from the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and from Members of Congress. The comments generally suggested that the final employer responsibility rules not count volunteer hours of nominally compensated volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in determining an employer's full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees. Treasury and the IRS carefully reviewed those comments and spoke with IAFC representatives to gain a better understanding of the specific issues presented by volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency personnel under the employer responsibility provisions. Treasury and the IRS also reviewed pertinent rules that apply to such volunteer personnel under other laws. These include the statutory provisions applicable to bona fide volunteers for different purposes under Code section 457(e)(11) (relating to deferred compensation plans of state and local governments and tax- exempt organizations) and rules governing the treatment of volunteers for purposes of the wage and hour laws. As a result of that review and further analysis concerning the appropriate treatment of volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency personnel under section 4980H, the forthcoming final regulations generally will pot require volunteer hours of bona fide volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical personnel at governmental entities or tax-exempt organizations to be counted when determining an employer's full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees. The forthcoming final regulations, which we expect to be issued very shortly, should provide timely guidance for the volunteer emergency responder community. Under the transition relief announced by Treasury in July of 2013, no employer shared responsibility payments will be assessed for 2014; such payments will be assessed only for 2015 and subsequent years (see IRS Notice 2013-45). I hope this information is helpful. And thank you for the important insights you have provided with this issue. If you have any questions, please contact me, or ask a member of your staff to contact Sandra Salstrom at 202-622-1900. Sincerely, Alastair M. Fitzpayne, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out my Republican colleagues for abandoning their duty to govern and protect our national security. We are just hours away from asking 200,000 DHS employees who protect our country to go without pay because Republicans can't get their act together. A DHS shutdown doesn't protect us from national security threats, and it certainly doesn't solve our disagreements over immigration policy. This is nothing more than a tantrum, but even my 5- year-old son knows that tantrums are a waste of time. It is time to grow up and govern. Will you listen to the extremists in your party who are focused on obstruction of progress, or will you listen to the majority of Americans who want us to fund DHS, want us to act on comprehensive immigration reform, and want us to govern like adults? I urge my colleagues to pass a clean DHS funding bill.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition of H.R. 5, the ill-named Student Success Act. H.R. 5 would undermine significant gains made by No Child Left Behind, and eviscerate the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by dismantling its foundation of equity and accountability. Under this bill, school districts with the highest concentrations of Hispanic students would lose more than $1.9 billion in federal funding. Los Angeles Unified School District which is more than 74 percent Hispanic faces the largest cut in Title I funds, over $80 million, which amounts to nearly 25 percent of their budget. School districts with a high concentration of students living in poverty could lose $700 million in funding and high-poverty districts could see cuts as large as 74 percent. The portability of Title I funds would divert and dilute limited funds from schools with high needs and high concentrations of poverty. This undermines the fundamental purpose of Title I: to assist high needs and high poverty schools. With 35 percent of Latino children under the age of five living in poverty, this is the time to increase, not decrease funding. Education is our nation's great equalizer. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the quality public education I received. For over 50 years, ESEA has been our nation's driving force for educational equity. Unfortunately, this Republican bill would dismantle the foundation of equality and accountability that ESEA has built over the last half-century. If we want our nation to remain a leader in the world, we must improve equal access to quality education for the next generation. Our students are the future of tomorrow, and we simply cannot let them down.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about H.R. 644, the America Gives More Act. The bill before us today contains provisions that I strongly support, but it is with much frustration that I will vote against today's bill. Rather than tackling comprehensive tax reform, House Republicans are once again doing just the opposite. It seems like Congress has given up on comprehensive tax reform only six weeks into the year. The American people deserve better. I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record on this, but we need a tax code that is simple, fair, and provides certainty to all taxpayers. Watching the Republicans cherry pick a few bills while leaving countless other deserving, historically bipartisan bills in the dust is not how to run this committee or this country. I have been proud to support local food banks in Los Angeles for many years. The work that they do is truly invaluable. Countless families in my district, and across Los Angeles County, are able to put food on the table and send their kids to school on a full stomach because of our local food banks. Yet year after year we let our local charities down by kicking the can down the road, sometimes kicking the can backwards, when can only muster retroactive policy. Our federal tax code is like a spider web. If we tinker with one provision, others provisions are affected. That is why we must tackle comprehensive tax reform to provide true certainty to both tax payers and charities. I strongly support the individual charitable provisions before us today, but this is not how to run a country.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the conclusion of National School Counseling Week to honor a deserving school counselor in my district. Vanessa Iaquinta joined Norwalk High School in 1998, and is the heart and soul of the school's counseling team. She has made a tremendous impact on the lives of Norwalk students because she believes that every one of them should be given the tools necessary to succeed in both college and life. Ms. Iaquinta works with parents to make sure they feel included and informed about their child's education. Vanessa and her team have developed a personalized and comprehensive approach that meets the academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary needs of each and every Norwalk High School student. She goes above and beyond, even using social media to stay connected with graduates, reminding them of application deadlines for student aid and scholarships. Vanessa is also the counselor for AVID, a program that helps students who have shown the potential to succeed but need a little extra help. She meets with students, and coordinates with teachers to make sure their individual needs are being met. This year, Vanessa agreed to be the counselor for the newly established Project Lead the Way which exposes students to the field of biomedicine. In the few short months since Vanessa has undertaken this role, the program has expanded, interest has increased, and students are thriving. Norwalk High School is a special place because of dedicated professionals like Vanessa. In honor of National School Counselors Week, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking all the school counselors who are making a positive impact in the lives of our students.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Deborah Mayer for her service to the Committee on Ethics as its Director of Investigations. Since 2011, Ms. Mayer has lent her experience as a skilled lawyer and manager to the Committee's important work of enforcing the House ethics rules. She managed a team of attorneys and investigators that successfully handled a busy docket of investigations. During that time, she provided wise counsel to the Committee Members, guiding us through complicated issues and difficult choices. She instilled in her team a strong sense of the value of public service and a dedication to finding the truth, with fairness and impartiality. Deb's entire career has been dedicated to public service--as a paramedic, in uniform, and as an attorney. Although she is leaving the House, she will continue her impressive record of public service as staff director for the Senate Ethics Committee. As she begins her new role, we pause to note that we will miss her leadership and her talents, but we know she will remain our friend. Congratulations, Deb, and good luck.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak against H.R. 240, the venomous and dangerous Republican appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. This bill and its amendments pander to those in the Republican Party who are unhappy with President Obama's executive action on immigration. It is malicious and foolishly puts our country at risk. Republicans brought this legislation under the guise of defending the Constitution, but the President's actions are constitutional. The obstruction and political games that Republicans are playing are the true behaviors that need to be condemned. Republicans aren't interested in offering solutions or working to tackle the most pressing issues facing our country. How do I know? Because instead of offering a long-term solution to fix our broken immigration system, Republicans have opted to hold hostage funding for one of the most critical agencies in our government. As they peddle their malice about immigrants to pander to their base, they put our national security at risk. We should be doing everything we can to provide our security agencies with the support and the resources they need to prevent attacks like the one that occurred in France last week. Instead, Republicans are willing to withhold funding our national security in order to send a message to the President. And as if that weren't juvenile enough, this bill also attacks the most vulnerable in our society. Republican amendments seek to revictimize those who have suffered domestic violence, picking on one of the groups least able to defend themselves. When I was a kid, we just called that bullying. Republicans are consciously targeting millions of families who work hard, who contribute to their communities and are just trying to give their children a chance at the American Dream. You know, that same dream that many of our parents and grandparents had when they came to this country. Mr. Chairman, with this bill, Republicans are not just abandoning basic humanity, they are also turning their backs on the economic benefits that come with bringing these people out of the shadows. We could grow our economy anywhere from $90 billion to $210 billion over the next 10 years if we allow workers a chance to participate in the formal economy. This is a new Congress and a new opportunity to work together. As a country, we are better than this. Shame on you.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Howard Welinsky on the occasion of his 65th birthday on December 14, 2014. Through his involvement in various public service organizations, Mr. Welinsky has proved to be a tireless advocate for his state and community. As a fellow UCLA Bruin, Mr. Welinsky is active within the UCLA Alumni Association and serves on the Board of Governors for the UCLA Foundation. His involvement with the University is representative of his advocacy on behalf of higher education in California. He served on the California Postsecondary Education Commission for over a decade and later went on to co-found the California Coalition for Public Higher Education, an organization dedicated to prioritizing higher education in the state by fighting rising tuition costs, larger class sizes, and budget cuts. Earlier this month, he was recognized by the California League of Conservation Voters for his support of environmental policies and pro- environment candidates in Los Angeles and California. Mr. Welinsky is also involved with the Jewish community on a local, state, and national level. He has served as Chair of Democrats for Israel, Los Angeles since 1992 and used his position to advocate for Israel within the Democratic Party. His advocacy has led him to be a key participant in other organizations like the Los Angeles Jewish Federation and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. He finds time to be civically involved, despite his demanding job as Senior Vice President for Warner Brothers. For his commitment to public service and giving back to causes near and dear to him, I congratulate Mr. Howard Welinsky on his 65th birthday. We look forward to many more years of his tireless advocacy.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise against the poorly conceived anti-immigration bill that is being considered in the House today. The Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act would paralyze the executive order announced by the President, halting the deportation of families. Families who are working hard and playing by the rules should not be treated like felons. I urge my colleagues to bring comprehensive immigration reform to the floor with the same expediency that they were able to bring this poorly conceived legislation to the floor today. Our economy, our national security, and our families cannot afford inaction. Rather than keeping hardworking families together, Republicans are punishing communities by pushing irresponsible legislation like the bill that we are considering in the House today. Like Republican Presidents before him, President Obama's actions were within the law. If they weren't, Republicans wouldn't need this slapdash bill to roll back the President's authority. This is a soap opera, frankly, that we have seen too many times. Can we please finally change the channel and pass comprehensive immigration reform? The time is long overdue for a more family-friendly congressional show.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and career of Jim Adams. Mr. Adams serves as the Orange County Council Representative for the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. A longtime resident of Anaheim, Mr. Adams has worked tirelessly to increase work opportunities for local union members. He has represented the Council in negotiations with corporate entities, local governments, schools and college boards, and politicians to ensure workers and their families have a shot at achieving the American dream. Originally from Cameron, Oklahoma, Mr. Adams came to Los Angeles on a Greyhound bus in 1959 and entered the floor covering trade. He joined Local 1247 in 1962 and was initiated in 1963. Since then, Mr. Adams has worked hard to help the Trades turn jobs and keep a prevailing wage. After 50 years as a loyal union member, Mr. Adams is set to retire at the end of this year. His retirement is a great loss to the community and the California Trades. I thank him for his service to my constituents and my union colleagues and wish him and his family the best as he enters this new chapter in his life.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is a disease that now afflicts more than five million people in our nation and one of them is my father, Ignacio. It is a heart-breaking disease that affects every member of the family, community, and country. As someone whose father suffers from this debilitating illness, I am acutely aware of the pain and hardship that Alzheimer's inflicts not just on my family but on society as well. In 2014, the direct costs of caring for those with Alzheimer's will total $214 billion, including $150 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Unfortunately, this situation is only going to get worse. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is projected to grow to sixteen million and the costs of caring for these people will grow to $1.2 trillion by 2050. This November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, a time to be mindful of the struggles that families face in caring for loved ones with this disease. It is also a time to raise awareness, support, and outreach for those confronted with Alzheimer's disease and for their families. These efforts will help increase community awareness and understanding to better equip us as a nation to face this disease. This Thanksgiving break I will visit my father, whose hands never lost their memory, and I will give thanks that those hands helped shape my life. This is why I am committed to finding a cure and calling for increased funding for Alzheimer's research at the National Institute of Health. It is my hope that a commitment to research and improving treatments will one day rid us Alzheimer's disease entirely.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the expansion of resources for the Child Care Development Block Grant program. As a mother of a 5-year old, I understand the need for affordable, quality, and accessible child care. The Child Care Development Block Grant of 2014 extends the program's original intent of supporting low- income working families by ensuring that children are in a setting that will keep them safe and encourage healthy development. This reauthorization is a solid step to help families meet the expense of child care as it includes ambitious new changes that are important for a high quality child care system. However, the sweeping new requirements called for under this Act are not adequately funded. As states implement the new requirements envisioned in this legislation without additional resources, I fear the result will be that eligible children and families may lose access to child care assistance. To successfully implement the much-needed improvements included in this legislation, we must re-double our efforts to increase mandatory and discretionary funding in order to meet the new standards set out under this program. As the federal government continues to increase expectations for child care providers and programs without new funding, I am concerned that already high turnover may be exacerbated and poverty wages for child care providers will remain the norm. Families in poverty are spending 30% or more of their income on child care. Child care costs are simply unaffordable for many workers in low- wage jobs. With stagnant wages, this leaves many low-income working families struggling to find a safe place to care for their children. The average annual cost of full-time care for one child can be nearly $4,000 to over $16,000, especially in areas with high costs of living, like Los Angeles County. A new National Women's Law Center analysis of state and national data shows that more than half of mothers who have very young children and work in low-wage jobs are raising children on their own; half are working full time; and over one-third are poor. They are disproportionately African-American or Hispanic. I urge the Administration, in its implementation of this Act, to balance the requirements placed on states, child care providers, and an already under-resourced and stressed child care system with a realistic assessment of the new resources made available for implementation. Expanding access to affordable quality child care is about the safety, economic development, and services that working families everywhere in the U.S. deserve.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, as we all know, this Republican-led House has recently been in the habit of passing extraordinarily expensive corporate and business tax provisions, making each permanent. However, we are here today to follow a completely different track. Today, we will leave countless single mothers and fathers, struggling to support a family, without the certainty we rushed to provide corporations. Honestly, I'm dumbfounded by this. I'm dumbfounded and frustrated by a Majority that can find it in their hearts to make corporate provisions like R&D--which I support--permanent, but can't find that same heart for hardworking Americans. It is truly disgraceful. While there are a few good provisions in the bill before us, we are leaving the most vulnerable taxpayers out in the cold. Literally. Parents will have to choose between heating their home in the dead of winter and putting food on the table for their kids when we take roughly $1,700 out of their pockets. Kids are not cheap and this bill doesn't come close to addressing the price of raising healthy, successful children. As a working mom, I understand the struggle to raise a family. And I'm one of the lucky ones. Many of my constituents--and constituents of each one of us here today--aren't so lucky. These aren't lazy people, expecting a government handout, but hardworking parents. I cannot support a bill to increase poverty across the country. On top of all this, at the eleventh hour, the Majority tossed in a devastating amendment to this bill. An amendment that denies millions of children a tax benefit their parents deserve and have paid for. Parents who have worked long hours and paid their fair share of federal taxes will no longer be able to claim the refundable child tax credit. Seriously? You are going to pull the rug out from under struggling families? You have got to be kidding me. If we can pass permanent tax law for corporations, we can certainly tackle permanent policy for people straining to make ends meet.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Richard Joseph Dominguez on the celebration of his 90th birthday on June 27, 2014. Richard has served his country and community faithfully as a veteran and lifelong resident of Los Angeles County, and I am proud to honor him today. Richard Joseph Dominguez was born on June 27th, 1924 in Los Angeles, CA. The third son of Mexican immigrants, Jose and Panchita, he was raised in Boyle Heights attending Talpa Elementary School and Roosevelt High School. Richard's youth was centered around a family of eight boys, faith, and community. Growing up, he was active in sports, the church, and spent some time as an extra in motion pictures. A World War II and Korean War veteran, Richard enlisted into the United States Army in 1943 following his two older brothers, Eugene and Joe into the service. Richard served in the field artillery, armored infantry, the 11th Airborne Division, and in June 1945 he was shipped out to the Philippines. Richard continued to serve in the U.S. Army until returning to the United States, receiving an honorable discharge in 1948. After relocating to Whittier, California, Richard joined the Los Angeles Police Department and worked in various divisions; Juvenile, Community Relations and the Hollenbeck Division. While with the Department, Richard was one of the founding members of LA LEY, the LAPD Latin American Law Enforcement Association, an organization that dedicates itself to enhancing the effectiveness of all LAPD employees and improving the Department's relationship with the community. Following his years with the LAPD, Richard continued to remain an active public servant and worked for the L.A. City Attorney's office as a hearings officer, culminating over 35 years of public service. Richard's involvement in public service reaches far beyond the confines of the LAPD. He has continuously demonstrated his dedication to his community with his involvement in many local organizations including; La Purisima Social Club, Saint Mary's of the Assumption Church and School, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, Whittier Senior Center, Saint Paul High School, and docent at Pio Pico State Historical Park. Today, Richard still lives in the same Whittier home where he and his family settled in 1953. Richard was married to his wife Norma for fifty-one years before she passed away in 2000. They raised eight children through hard work, instilling values of faith, family, and tradition that they continue to exemplify to this day. Mr. Speaker, Richard Joseph Dominguez is a man who has selflessly given his time and efforts to the Los Angeles Community. Richard exemplifies the true meaning of service to one's country and service to others, and for that his community is grateful. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Richard a very happy 90th birthday.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and recognition of the sixty-sixth anniversary of Israel's independence and to honor a country that has made huge strides since its independence in 1948. As the only true democracy in the Middle East, America and Israel share so much. We both celebrate democracy and freedom. We feel an obligation to make the world a better place for all people. The United States has considered the existence of Israel a profound moral and spiritual imperative and was the first Nation to recognize the State of Israel. Israel's security is of paramount importance, and our support for that security is unbreakable. We should take this occasion to reinforce our bond and renew our commitment to end tyranny and protect democracy. On the anniversary of its independence, the United States commends the nation of Israel as it pursues peace and security for its people.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Levin for yielding and for his leadership on that committee. I rise to join Mr. Levin today in lending a voice to the 2.8 million American workers who are waiting for Congress to act and renew unemployment insurance benefits. These people have been waiting 17 weeks for Congress to reinstate the benefits that help them stay afloat as they search for a job. Imagine having to decide between putting food on the table and having a roof over your head, but these are the decisions that millions of workers, including more than 514,000 in California alone, continue to face. It is a hardship they have to face because my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to extend unemployment insurance benefits. Over the last several weeks, my office has heard from dozens of constituents who are struggling because of congressional inaction. In fact, I have had the opportunity to talk with some of them and hear their stories personally. They come from all walks of life, from working class backgrounds to even educated professionals who hold master's and doctorate degrees, and they all share one thing in common, they want to work. If I may, I would like to share one of their stories with you. One of my constituents wrote to me: Linda, in the past, I benefited from unemployment insurance when I was between jobs. Part of my responsibility every time I went to pick up a check was to certify that I was actively searching for a job. This motivated me to continue searching for a job because I knew that the small income from unemployment benefits allowed me to pay for my needs, such as copies of my resume, gasoline to travel to prospective work sites and interviews, and the phone calls I made to potential employers who were looking for employees. Nowadays, it seems that the unemployed are being punished for being jobless through no fault of their own. That is just one of the many letters my office has received, but all of them share the same message: they want my colleagues on other side of the aisle to know they are not lazy or unmotivated; they want to work. As they continue to navigate the tough labor market, they need unemployment benefits to provide for their families and pay for the gas and phone bills that help them look for work and connect with potential employers. Mr. Speaker, unemployment insurance is not a handout. Workers earned those benefits. They paid into the unemployment insurance program, so they would have a safety net when times got tough. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don't seem to agree, so perhaps an economic argument might sway them. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that an extension of unemployment insurance benefits would grow our GDP by 0.2 percent and add 200,000 jobs to our economy in this year alone. That is because recipients are more likely to take the money they receive and spend it on essential goods and services. As a result, employers would hire more people to meet consumer demand for those goods and services. It is simple economics, Mr. Speaker. My Republican colleagues say they care about creating jobs and growing our economy, but when an opportunity comes around to do exactly that, they refuse to act. It has been 17 weeks since millions lost their unemployment insurance benefits, so what are they waiting for? Each week that we delay, 72,000 new unemployed Americans lose their benefits. That is one more household, one more family that will have to decide whether they keep a roof over their head or food on their table. Mr. Speaker, a lot of these Americans are part of the group of long- term unemployed. These are people who, despite their best attempts, have not been able to find work in over six months. The reality that these Americans face is abysmal. Research by Princeton University shows that, in any given month, the long-term unemployed have only a one in 10 chance of finding work, and a big reason for this is because employers are more likely to discriminate against long-term unemployed, even if they have the same skills and experience as other applicants. Mr. Speaker, these people are waiting for Congress to act. I will share one more note from Ron in Pasadena, California, who says: I just hope that our representatives are able to see beyond political polarities to the faces of those families to whom this issue does not merely exist as a statistic or a theory, but more genuinely as a question of survival. Next week, the Senate is set to vote and pass an extension of unemployment insurance benefits. The measure would reinstate Federal unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed and allow for retroactive payments to go out to more than 2 million Americans who lost their benefits in late December. I hope that my colleagues here in the House summon the courage to act and follow the Senate's lead. It is time to stop disrespecting people who are working hard to try to find work. Mr. Speaker, don't leave millions of millions behind. Give unemployment insurance the vote that it deserves.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the St. John Bosco High School varsity football team on their numerous accomplishments during their 2013-2014 football season. The St. John Bosco Braves are an outstanding football team from Bellflower, CA. The Braves were named the 2013 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Pac5 Division Champions, CIF Southern Regional Champions, CIF State Champions, and National Champions by Max Preps. The historic season for the St. John Bosco Braves began with the school's second ever CIF Finals appearance against their longtime rival, Mater Dei High School. After an uncharacteristically slow first half, the Braves came out firing in the second half and ended up beating the Mater Dei Monarchs 34-7, thus crowning the Braves CIF Pac-5 champions, the first football title in the school's seventy-three (73) year history. A week later, St. John Bosco routed the Corona Centennial Huskies 70-49, thus giving the Braves yet another award to add to the season, CIF Southern Regional Champions. The next and last game on the schedule had the entire Bosco community on edge as it was not only the State Championship game, but that it was against the De La Salle High School Spartans who headed into the State Championship game with a 40 game winning streak. After four grueling quarters of football, the Braves came out on top 20-14, ending the Spartans' winning streak and crowning the Braves 2013 CIF State Champions; the first in school history. The St. John Bosco Braves finished their season 16-0, which propelled them to the top of the national football rankings along with Allen High School from Allen, Texas and Washington High School out of Miami, Florida. On January 27th, the ninth annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions arrived in Bellflower, CA to award the Braves with the National Championship trophy. This award came with the nation's number one ranking out of 15,000 schools and is a feat never accomplished by any sport in the school's history. Due to such a successful season, Head Coach Jason Negro was awarded various accolades, including the MaxPreps High School National Coach of the Year award, the Press-Telegram Dream Team Coach of the Year, the American Football Monthly Magazine National Coach of the Year, and CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Coach of the Year. In addition, earlier in the year Coach Negro was selected to coach the West Team at the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Game and was awarded the Xenith/Bill Yoast National Coach of the Year presented by the Army All-American Bowl. As a result of the hard work and dedication displayed by the Braves in the 2013-2014 football season, made evident by their list of accomplishments, it was no surprise that several varsity football players received full rides to study and compete at the college level. On February 5th, 2014, the following players committed and signed their National Letters of Intent to their respective universities: Brett Baldwin (Air Force Academy), Malik Dorton (University of Southern California), Shay Fields (University of Colorado), Naijiel Hale (University of Washington), Chandler Hawkins (Naval Academy), Chandler Leniu (University of California, Berkeley), Damien Mama (University of Southern California), Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (University of California, Los Angeles), and Jaleel Wadood (University of California, Los Angeles). I once again would like to recognize and congratulate the St. John Bosco Braves and Coach Negro on their historic season and numerous accomplishments. I wish all of the players continued success as they pursue their goals in athletics, academics, and their careers.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Lakewood, CA and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating its residents on the city's 60th Anniversary of Incorporation. I am proud to represent this prospering city--aptly characterized by its motto, ``Times Change, Values Don't''--as part of the 38th Congressional District of California. The City of Lakewood incorporated in 1954, and was the largest planned community in America in the early 1950s. Lakewood was designed to be a livable residential community, with parkways along major roadways to protect children from traffic, a regional shopping center in the middle of the town, and convenient neighborhood shopping places at major intersections. The City of Lakewood has been known for its careful fiscal management and prudent budgeting. In 1954, the City began to utilize innovative partnerships in contracting for city services. Lakewood's ``contract plan'' for local government was soon copied in a wave of incorporation movements in Los Angeles County, and later throughout the state. Today, Lakewood is known as a ``contract city'' and currently contracts for a broad range of services from the County, other agencies, and private firms; including law enforcement, street repairs, fire protections, library services, trash collection and others. This allows the city to provide more efficient and cost-effective services to its residents. Prioritizing the best interests of its residents, in 2013 Lakewood was able to complete a 12-year street repaving program in which 100% of the city's 143 miles of residential streets were resurfaced with long- lasting rubberized asphalt. The 100 percent completed program--almost unheard of among cities--earned a ``Project of the Year'' award from the American Public Works Association. The City of Lakewood thrives on customer service and strives to ensure all resident requests are responded to in a timely manner. In addition, Lakewood takes pride in the fact that city staff has deep roots in the community; many employees were raised here and continue to live in the city. The average employee has worked for the city for many years, maintaining a valuable level of experience and loyalty to the residents of Lakewood. A top quality recreation service for residents of all ages is a core Lakewood value. In the 1950s, to deal with the surge of young children needing play opportunities after school, the city developed the Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program staffed by an army of volunteer coaches. LYS and its volunteer coaches provided the supervised play activities that the new families of Lakewood needed. LYS continues to be a key way that Lakewood residents work with their city government to give their children great recreational opportunities. In 2013, for the fourth year in a row, Lakewood was named ``Playful City USA'' by the national recreation advocacy group KaBoom! in recognition of the city's top quality parks, playgrounds, and programs to encourage youth and family play. The City of Lakewood was recently considered one of the safest communities in the region, and has seen many innovations and notable achievements in public safety over the years. In the 1980s, Lakewood developed one of the largest Neighborhood Watch programs in California. The city continues to have a prospering program with currently over 400 block captains. Lakewood residents have a tradition of volunteering to help their community and their neighbors in need. Lakewood is the home of many charitable efforts that support a caring community and enhance the quality of life. Prominent efforts include Project Shepherd, Volunteer Day, Meals on Wheels, Pathways Volunteer Hospice, Friends of the Lakewood Libraries, Lakewood Education Foundation and many more. The city will be celebrating their 60th anniversary of Incorporation with an open house that will include galleries of historic photos from city archives, portraits of original 1954 homeowners, and other photographs submitted by residents. As the city celebrates this occasion, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the city and residents of Lakewood as they celebrate the past and focus on a prosperous future.

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California

Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak against the misguided, anti-immigration bills being considered in the House today. The ENFORCE Act would challenge the executive order that halts the deportation of young people who are studying and working to become contributing members of our society. This is another attack on immigrant communities by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. It is proof that their actions don't match their rhetoric. They want the Latino community's support, but they refuse to allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform. Instead of working to keep hardworking families together, they are punishing communities by pushing misguided legislation. To my Republican colleagues: you can't have it both ways. The facts are simple. Passing comprehensive immigration reform would grow our economy by $1.4 trillion and reduce our deficit by $850 billion. You can't just say you support Latinos, Asians, and other immigration communities. You have to do something about it. You have to walk the walk. Here is some free advice: if you don't want an empty conference room when you are attempting minority outreach, then pass comprehensive immigration reform.