Dina Titus

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, in efforts to control equine populations, the BLM is directed to humanely capture wild, free-roaming horses and burros and put them up for adoption. BLM, however, uses helicopter companies to round up these animals, leading to frightening and sometimes deadly situations. At $500 a head, since 2011, the top three helicopter contractors have raked in some $37 million in taxpayer funding. Last month, during a gathering at the Pancake Complex in central Nevada, a young colt was chased for miles by a helicopter, despite having a broken leg, and had to be put down when captured. My Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act would outlaw the use of helicopters in wild horse roundups, employ more traditional wranglers for gathering efforts, and require the GAO to employ and explore humane alternatives to protect these icons of the wild west. Mr. Speaker, put simply, save a horse, hire a cowboy.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, a recent United Nations report confirmed that climate change represents nothing less than a code red for humanity. We know the largest contributor to emissions is transportation, and that is why efforts to decarbonize this sector are so important if we are serious about fighting climate change. Modernizing our transportation sector and moving toward a clean energy future means building electric vehicle infrastructure, something that the new law does with the first-ever Federal investments in a national EV charging network. In Nevada, this will bring over $38 million to build EV stations throughout the State, helping us to have a higher percentage of electric vehicles on the road, reduce our emissions, and address climate change. People often come to Las Vegas to recharge, and now, thanks to the infrastructure law, they will be able to do it in other ways and in other places.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of football's greatest icons, John Madden. First, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Virginia, Joseph, Michael, and the entire Madden family on the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather who left such an indelible mark on our Las Vegas Raiders and the American football landscape. John Madden once said, ``If you think about it, I've never held a job in my life. I went from being an NFL player to a coach to a broadcaster. I haven't worked a day in my life.'' While he may not have felt he worked a day in his life, Mr. Madden certainly accomplished a lot and helped others do the same. As a young man, he recognized the importance of an education and utilized his football prowess to pursue his dreams. His grit and determination on both the offense and defense at Cal Poly were recognized by pro scouts and he was drafted into the National Football League (NFL). Unfortunately, his professional playing time was cut short by injuries, but this was only the first step in a stellar career. Initially hired as a defensive coach, after two years with the Raiders organization he was promoted to head coach at 32 years of age, making him the youngest NFL coach ever to lead a team. Over the next decade, his Raiders teams personified owner Al Davis's motto, ``Just win, baby.'' Under Madden's inspired leadership, the Raiders won seven Western Division titles and made eight playoff appearances in 10 years. Mr. Madden's team defeated the Minnesota Vikings led by Fran Tarkenton, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI, when he cleared the Raider bench to be sure every active player saw game action. Afterwards, Madden was memorably carried off the field on his players' shoulders and commented, ``I'll never take off the Super Bowl ring. It's something I will always cherish.'' Along with owner Davis, five of the Raider players would later be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Madden would join them in 2006. Today he still holds the highest winning percentage of any coach who has won 100 or more games. Mr. Madden's players respected his vision, elevating their play and creating a style all their own. They raised the competitive level of the game and set the standard that many teams still try to emulate today. Their loyal fans, Raider Nation, also personify defiance, struggle, and the will to win. During his tenure he also made great strides in diversifying the game, working with scouts to find minority talent where many had not searched before and providing new avenues to stardom that many had not dreamed possible. Following his retirement in 1979, Madden entered the broadcast booth. He had a way with words that synched perfectly with his longtime play- by-play partners, Pat Summerall and Al Michaels. Mr. Madden brought an astute balance to their relationships in the booth, redefining the color commentator role for all sports and painting a picture the audience could truly understand that added to their game watching experience. Coach Madden once noted he wished to live out the story of one of his favorite books, Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck. Mr. Madden's fear of flying made this dream possible, as he crisscrossed our country by bus during the season to ensure he was able to call games in person from coast to coast. Traveling around the country in the ``Madden Cruiser,'' he connected with countless football fans all over the United States. Many of the Americans he met along the way had been introduced to the game of football by his booming voice on TV or his namesake video game; and Madden was always generous with his time, sharing stories with fans of all ages. John Madden's legacy will live on in the words spoken by Raiders' owner Mark Davis as he lit the torch at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on December 28, 2021, ``The fire that burns the brightest in the Raiders Organization is the will to win.''

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan achieved its independence from the former Soviet Union and became a self-governing nation-state on December 16, 1991. Guided by its first President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan quickly renounced nuclear weapons, and worked with the United States to close the former Soviet nuclear test facility at Semipalatinsk and secure the nuclear materials stored there. These bold gestures by President Nazarbayev and his government at a time of significant instability in the region set a precedent on nuclear safety and nonproliferation efforts for Kazakhstan in the international community. After independence, Kazakhstan quickly turned away from Soviet- inspired central economic planning and built a stable market economy. As early as 1992, Kazakhstan joined international arbitration bodies and actively invited foreign investment in the country. Today Kazakhstan's economic output is one of the most robust in Central Asia, and American companies are some of the largest investors in Kazakhstan. In 2015, after twenty years of negotiations, Kazakhstan acceded to membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), further broadening its relationship with the global economic community. In 2019, the Kazakh people elected President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who has pledged more important economic and political reforms. He has called his vision of government, ``the listening state,'' and has promised to hear and respond to Kazakh citizens, to act consistently with international social, labor, and human rights standards, and to encourage participation in the political life of the country. I applaud these calls for reforms and hope that the government of Kazakhstan will implement them which will ultimately benefit the country and cement its place as a reliable friend of the United States. One of the requirements of the WTO is that members extend permanent normal trade relations to each other. Unfortunately, the U.S. has yet to grant permanent normal trade relations to Kazakhstan, citing the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974 which restricts trade relations with non-market economies that limit the right of citizens to emigrate. This measure was aimed at the Soviet Union and its then- allies in response to their punitive restrictions on Jewish emigres. Joined by my friends, Ms. Walorski, Ms. Murphy, and Mr. Chabot, I introduced H.R. 5544 in October to grant permanent normal trade relations to Kazakhstan. It is long past time for the U.S. to take this step. The Soviet Union no longer exists, and its successor, the Russian Federation, was granted permanent normal trade relations in 2012. Meanwhile, since independence, Kazakhstan has granted all of its citizens the freedom to emigrate and adopted a stable market economy. The conditions that led to enactment of Jackson-Vanik no longer exist, and the reasons for its restrictions on trade relations have long since ceased to apply to Kazakhstan. Permanent normal trade relations will benefit Kazakhstan and will also benefit the many U.S. companies investing in and doing business in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan also has been a crucial leader and partner to the U.S. on counterterrorism efforts, providing support and assistance to the U.S. during its engagement in Afghanistan. The country has an abundance of natural resources, including rare earth and other critical minerals that will play a significant role in the global shift away from fossil fuels. Kazakhstan has a young and educated workforce and actively promotes universal education, including English language skills, so its citizens can fully participate in the global economy. For these reasons, I believe Kazakhstan deserves our sustained interest, friendship, and attention as it continues to evolve. Madam Speaker, I recently assumed the role of co-chair of the U.S.- Kazakhstan Caucus because I believe our relationship with Kazakhstan is very important to the economic and national security of the United States. We clearly benefit from our friendship with this vibrant and growing nation located in such a strategic part of the world. I invite all my House colleagues to consider joining the Caucus and supporting the granting of permanent normal trade relations to Kazakhstan. Congratulations to the Kazakh people on 30 years of independence, progress, and growth.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere gratitude and best wishes to a highly valued member of my staff who after almost 9 years will be departing my office this week. After previously working in the Senate, Ben Rosenbaum, a Florida Gator, joined my team as a Senior Legislative Assistant and worked his way to Deputy Chief of Staff. Anyone who has known and had the pleasure of working with Ben during his fourteen years in public service can attest to his depth of knowledge, breadth of commitment, and unflappable positivity. No one knows transportation and nuclear waste issues like Ben. Nevada is fortunate to have had Ben protecting its interests and serving its people. He will be sorely missed by all of us who wish him the best on the next leg of his journey.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, Democrats know that genuine recovery from this pandemic means more than returning to the status quo ante. Earlier this week, we made long overdue investments in our infrastructure. Now with the Build Back Better Act, we can expand healthcare coverage and lower costs. We can provide families with access to affordable childcare and universal preschool. We can reduce housing costs. We can cut taxes for working people while making the wealthiest pay their fair share; and we can make the grandest effort in American history towards combating climate change. How we choose to invest our resources is a reflection of our values. The previous administration prioritized handing $2 trillion to billionaires and big corporations. Let us instead invest in American workers and families and pass this Build Back Better Act now.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5574) to require the TSA to develop a plan to ensure that TSA material disseminated in major airports can be better understood by more people accessing such airports, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5574, known as the TRANSLATE Act. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congressman Van Taylor of Texas, for once again joining me in introducing this legislation, which will ease TSA's security processing at our Nation's major airports. The TRANSLATE Act is bipartisan legislation building upon the Transportation Security Administration's ongoing efforts to increase access for non-English speakers, and for those with vision and hearing impairments, as they navigate the security screening process. It does this by directing TSA to analyze common languages other than English that are spoken by both our international travelers as well as those who reside in the nearby community and then develop and execute a plan to disseminate security information in those languages to ease the screening process. I represent the heart of Las Vegas Valley, including McCarran International Airport, which is one of the Nation's busiest airports, welcoming passengers from around the country and around the world who come to enjoy all that southern Nevada has to offer. Navigating our air system can be stressful enough--if you travel back and forth, you know what I mean--for even the most well-seasoned traveler. Removing potential language barriers to ease TSA processing is not only beneficial for those travelers but also for the general public rushing to catch their flights. Southern Nevada's community is rich in diversity. One of every three Clark County residents speaks a language other than English at home. Nationwide, that number is just over one out of every five residents. Yet, much of what TSA communicates to travelers and transportation workers through signs, announcements, videos, and online content is in English. Let's be clear. You shouldn't have to worry about missing a plane at an airport in the U.S. just because you don't speak English. Making travel and security information easier to understand for non-English speakers and for those with vision and hearing impairments will help create a more comfortable and efficient airport experience for residents and visitors alike. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security for their unanimous support of this legislation last month and the chairman for his assistance in getting this passed. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of the TRANSLATE Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's airports connect Americans to one another and to the rest of the world. But for travelers who do not primarily speak English or who experience hearing or vision difficulties, the TSA screening process can be challenging and result in delays for all the other travelers who are standing in line. By requiring TSA to make its signage and announcement more accessible to passengers at major airports, my bill will bring much-needed inclusivity and efficiency to the whole travel experience. I know we all appreciate seeing signs in English when we are traveling abroad. U.S. airports should be just as welcoming and reflect the diversity of our constituents and the travelers who visit our cities. So, once again, Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 5574, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, at the height of this pandemic, unemployment in my home district of Las Vegas was over 33 percent--a level not seen since the Great Depression. The fabulous Las Vegas Strip shut down, and the airport was empty. Now, thanks to Democrats, we are coming back. Vaccination rates are up, unemployment rates are down, and travelers are returning. But it is not enough to restore the country to where we were when COVID hit. We need to build back better. This crisis has highlighted systemic inequalities that must be addressed. The Build Back Better agenda offers us an opportunity to do just that by lifting working families, providing a pathway to citizenship, taking historic action on climate change, and making the wealthy contribute their fair share. This is our moment, and we must seize it.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and remember the accomplishments of Congressman James H. Bilbray. Jim was a native son of Nevada who served as a judge, a university regent, and a State legislator before being elected to the House of Representatives from Nevada's First District where he served from 1987 to 1995. Congressman Bilbray was a man ahead of his time. He was an early environmentalist before going green was considered cool. His legislation to protect Red Rock Canyon preserved a special place for future generations. His legacy will live on in the magnificent formations, Native American petroglyphs, and iconic wildlife and flora and fauna found there. Madam Speaker, I ask now that the House observe a moment of silence in his honor.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the floor and missed the vote on Tlaib Amendment No. 11 to H.R. 4350. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 271--Amdt. No. 11 to H.R. 4350 on agreeing to the Tlaib amendment.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 41, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise in support of the INVEST in America Act, which focuses on rebuilding our Nation's highways, transit systems, railroads, and water systems. These investments will spur economic development, tackle the climate crisis, and put people to work in good-paying union jobs. I am proud that the Act includes some issues that I fought for that will benefit the State of Nevada, provisions to support projects of regional impact, like the completion of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix; an expansion of the RRIF program to help with the development of high-speed passenger rail; projects to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our environmental justice communities; and resources for child passenger safety programs in our underserved communities. Finally, I am glad to see Congress reassert its authority to direct funding to priority projects in a very transparent manner. Critical infrastructure projects in southern Nevada will see $20 million in funding to support congestion relief, transit, and safety enhancements on roadways that cross and crisscross the district. The INVEST Act sends a clear and strong message about our priorities, and I congratulate our chairman for his hard work on this issue.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I first want to thank the Bureau of Land Management and Friends of Red Rock Canyon for helping facilitate today's event. I also want to thank our guests for joining me in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the designation of Red Rock National Conservation Area. Although we were not able to celebrate on the date it was signed, November 16, because of COVID, I felt it was important to honor the man who introduced legislation to preserve Red Rock Canyon for future generations, Congressman James Bilbray. Congressman Bilbray served as the Representative for Nevada's First District from 1987-1995. In that role, he led the legislative effort to permanently protect more than 83,000 acres of Red Rock Canyon. On November 16, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed Congressman Bilbray's bill, H.R. 4559, The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act. In 1994, Congressman Bilbray successfully spearheaded an effort to expand the conservation area to more than 176,000 acres to protect Joshua tree and desert tortoise habitat. H.R. 3050, The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Boundary Expansion, was signed by President Bill Clinton in November of that year. Congressman Bilbray was ahead of his time. When he introduced legislation to protect Red Rock Canyon, the environmental movement was just in its beginnings in Nevada. It wasn't as easy or as popular to pass this kind of legislation, but he had the vision to know that this area was special and should be preserved for his grandchildren and future generations to enjoy. Saving this area from development was personal for the Congressman. A lifelong Nevadan, he camped in the area as a Boy Scout and frequently visited it with his family on picnics and hikes. Red Rock Canyon also holds significant cultural resources for the native Southern Paiute Tribe. Within the canyons exist rock walls with extensive petroglyphs, as well as indications of prehistoric inhabitation, such as shelter caves and agave roasting pits. The area is home to burros, bighorns, and desert tortoises, as well as unique flora. And in contrast to nearby Las Vegas, a town emphasizing entertainment and gaming, Red Rock offers respite and recreation of a different nature. It is because of Congressman Bilbray that Nevadans and visitors from around the globe can enjoy this unique desert landscape, the natural crown jewel of Southern Nevada. In honor of Congressman Bilbray's public service, a new plaque will be installed at the entrance of the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center where over 2,000 people enter each day. We will see, know, and get to read about the incredible man who made this possible.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, the Department of Homeland Security's staff, like all our government agencies, should reflect the diversity of this country. That is why I rise to offer H.R. 367, the ``Homeland Security Acquisition Professional Career Program Act.'' Due in large part to the American Rescue Plan, the United States is well on its way to crushing the virus that has plagued us for over a year. As a result, domestic travel is increasing. Accordingly, we must ensure that airports, like McCarran International in Las Vegas, have the equipment and trained personnel they need to safely and efficiently welcome travelers. We can and should fill these frontline jobs, ranging from TSA agents to cyber security analysts, with veterans and graduates of HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions. That is exactly what my bill seeks to do. Each year, the Department spends billions of dollars acquiring the goods and services needed to carry out its many missions. In addition to COVID-19 supplies, this includes everything from Coast Guard ships to the screening technologies that the Transportation Security Administration uses to secure our nation's travel infrastructure. Unfortunately, a Government Accountability Office review found that 51 of these DHS major acquisition programs experienced workforce shortfalls. In an effort to address said shortages, DHS established the Acquisition Professional Career Program. This 3-year development program affords individuals rigorous training and on-the-job experience within DHS. It also provides rotations to other components or offices within the Department, mentorship, and additional career development opportunities. As a result, program participants graduate as certified acquisition professionals in their respective fields, such as contract specialists, cost estimators, and systems engineers. H.R. 367 will ensure this program remains in place for years to come so that DHS maintains a pipeline for qualified acquisition leaders. My bill will also require DHS to provide Congress with key information on the program for the next 5 years. H.R. 367, if enacted, would help DHS strengthen and diversify its acquisition workforce by directing recruitment efforts to historically underrepresented individuals. This will ensure that the Department, specifically including our TSA officials, is more representative and is more sensitive to the needs, cultural differences, and societal expectations of our heterogenous population, including the traveling public. With that, I urge my colleagues to vote `yes' on its passage.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I stand in favor of the PRO Act. And what a perfect acronym it is, because this bill is, indeed, proworker, procapitalism, proeconomic recovery, profamily, prowomen, just pro- American. I am proud to represent a State with a large union presence, a large organized labor presence that has over 161,000 union members, just as I am proud to vote for this bill. We have seen firsthand how unions enable workers to have better pay, better benefits, better working conditions. Unions also help address the gender wage gap and promote diversity. Indeed, they are the tide that lifts all ships; yet, across the country, the right to unionize has come under assault. In the face of these attacks, the PRO Act is the strongest upgrade to workers' collective bargaining rights in nearly a century. It will empower workers to exercise their rights and hold employers accountable when they try to stand in the way. I include in the Record a letter from UNITE HERE also in support of the PRO Act. Unitehere!, Office of the President, Las Vegas, NV, March 9, 2021. Re Support the PRO Act (H.R. 842). House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: I urge you to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, H.R. 842. Like President Biden, the workers we organize in the casino, hotel, and food service industries believe the union is the path to the middle class. The PRO Act will remove many obstacles to joining a union and achieving a union contract through collective bargaining. It will give millions of workers a real opportunity to lift up themselves and their families into the American middle class. One of the most significant provisions of the PRO Act is to introduce meaningful, enforceable penalties for breaking federal labor law. President Biden has spoken forcefully for the need to hold corporate executives personally accountable for interfering in union elections and violating other labor laws. We should hold corporate decision makers personally responsible in order to protect employees against illegal anti-union actions just as we hold executives responsible in order to protect investors against illegal financial reporting practices under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In Las Vegas, workers at the Station Casinos chain have fought for over a decade to unionize. These workers--cooks, food servers, bartenders, cocktail servers, porters, hotel housekeepers--have seen their efforts thwarted every step of the way by Station Casinos. The company and its two billionaire owners have faced little consequence for the company's long-running anti-union campaign of threats, intimidation, promises, and other interference in employees' efforts to exercise their right to join a union as well as Trumpian refusals to recognize workers' democratic decisions to unionize without costly litigation. The experience of Station Casinos workers shows exactly why it is vitally important to pass the PRO Act to provide for real penalties to corporate and executive wrongdoing when it comes to worker rights. In September 2012, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Station Casinos broke the law dozens of times in its initial response to worker organizing at its Las Vegas casinos. As a remedy, the NLRB required the company to post a notice at all its properties promising not to do so again. Given this mere slap on the wrist by the government, it is perhaps unsurprising that Station Casinos would continue to use certain of the same tactics to oppose unionization that it promised it would not engage in. Notwithstanding their employer's opposition, Station Casinos workers persevered and won NLRB-conducted representation elections at several of the companies' properties. They did so amidst Station Casinos' ongoing anti- union campaign: at Boulder Station, 67% of workers voted Yes to joining the union in September 2016; 78% voted Yes for the union at Green Valley Ranch Casino in November 2017; 83% voted Yes at Palms Casino in April 2018; 82% voted Yes at Sunset Station in June 2019; 85% voted Yes at Fiesta Rancho Casino in June 2019; and 57% voted Yes at Fiesta Henderson Casino in September 2019. But these election victories have not led to bargaining victories. Station Casinos refused to accept the results of several of these landslide results. Instead it mounted a time-consuming litigation campaign through the NLRB and, in two instances, the courts, seeking to overturn workers' democratic choices. It did so despite public statements that it would respect the results of NLRB elections. Even after Station Casinos stopped litigating election results and started to negotiate with the union, it has made massive unilateral changes in what the Union alleges is an effort to frustrate the possibility of reaching collective bargaining agreements. While the Union expects that the NLRB's Acting General Counsel's office will do everything in his power to address these alleged unfair labor practices, he still has no better remedies available to him than when Station Casinos was first cited with lawbreaking in 2012. Years of facing no real consequences culminated in a frenzied campaign by Station Casinos to stop workers at its largest property, Red Rock Resort, from voting for the union in December 2019. The company's action was so brazen and egregious that the NLRB is currently seeking a rare federal court injunction against it. But it should not have gotten to this point for there to be potentially real consequences for a company that repeatedly breaks federal labor law. Recidivism should have consequences. Station Casinos has been able to attack its employee's federal rights to organize and collectively bargain for years with impunity because the company and its decision makers-- ultimately its billionaire owners--have not had to pay, literally and figuratively, for management's breaking the law, denying workers' right to organize, and refusing to recognize the democratic decision to unionize. The PRO Act would begin to change this unfair situation by putting real teeth into the National Labor Relations Act, including permitting the NLRB to impose personal liability on corporate directors and officers who participate in violations of workers' rights or have knowledge of and fail to prevent such violations. This and other changes are necessary to change the anti-union behavior of those who are insulated from the consequences of lawbreaking by their enormous amount of legal and other resources at their disposal. Real monetary penalties and personal liability--including jail time, as President Biden has argued--are what will make corporate decision makers understand that it is the national policy of the United States, enshrined in the National Labor Relations Act, to encourage unionization and collective bargaining. With the PRO Act, we can begin to modernize our legal system to advance American workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain in accordance with that national policy. I urge you to vote Yes on the PRO Act. Sincerely, D. Taylor, President.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Equality Act. For far too long our Nation has failed to read and live up to the words that adorn the front of the United States Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law. We now have a rare opportunity to explicitly push our Nation to live up to its founding ideals and make that phrase ring true for all Americans. No matter who you are or whom you love, under the Equality Act you will be guaranteed the exact same protections as everybody else. LGBTQ individuals should not have to worry when they try to access a small business loan, seek healthcare, or buy a home. Madam Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this historic civil rights legislation, and I look forward to casting my vote in support of its passage.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today during National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20-26, 2020) to recognize the great strides we have made protecting our most vulnerable passengers: our children. We have moved from a high in the 1970's of over 6,000 deaths annually of children under 14 to fewer than 1,300 such deaths in 2018. While one death is too many, this is a monumental shift. Much of our progress is the result of child passenger safety (CPS) efforts to secure children correctly in car seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and are installed correctly in vehicles during every ride. Today, motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of childhood injuries and fatalities and there is more we can do to protect children. The more than 43,000 nationally certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) are a great resource for new parents and caregivers who need help with the proper installation and use of car seats. Their expertise in choosing and installing car seats has saved lives, and there is a new platform to help them do this important job even better. Over the past several years, the National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) was created through a partnership of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), AAA Northern California, Nevada, and Utah, the National Child Passenger Safety Board (NCPSB), Tennessee Tech University's iCube, and Westat. The NDCF, managed by the National Safety Council, is the first national electronic car seat check data collection tool that is available to all nationally certified child passenger safety technicians in the United States. In addition to streamlining the collection of national data, this information can assist state child passenger safety coordinators in considering where services may need to be expanded to meet the needs of all families, including those in rural and underserved communities. In fact, this data can help support the provisions I authored in H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, to support expansion of CPST training for underserved populations. Highway Safety Offices can tailor state marketing campaigns that address child passenger safety and include information about the highest forms of car seat misuse in their state. Further, available data will lend insight into trends and patterns regarding misuse of car seats and vehicle compatibility. This information has the potential to influence engineering and design of car seats and vehicles and subsequently increase safety for vehicle occupants. The NDCF has been in development for almost four years through an iterative process involving diverse representation from the field of child passenger safety. As of September 20, 2020, 2,743 CPSTs have created NDCF user accounts and more than 31,000 car seat check forms have been submitted to the system. Every state in the United States has registered CPSTs and has submitted data to this NDCF. The NDCF is also in use in the territories and regions covered by the Indian Health Services. The hope is to have the opportunity for the NDCF to improve the safety of our children. Data that can identify areas of need, recurring fault mechanisms, lack of understanding on installation, and other problems lead to reforms for everyone using car seats. These improvements will save children's lives. It is fitting that during Child Passenger Safety week I recognize this major step forward in improving national CPS. I encourage my colleagues to recognize the hard work of CPSTs in their communities who give their time and talent for their labor of love--keeping children safe.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, for more than 80 years, Hagia Sophia has served as a museum visited by people from all around the globe. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an architectural masterpiece, with a complex history as a place of worship for both Christians and Muslims. Changing its status is an affront to religious pluralism, and it jeopardizes its standing. This amendment encourages the State Department to denounce Turkey for taking this despicable action and to engage for the purpose of returning its status to a museum. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this amendment.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 4148) to extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I join Congressman McAdams in support of this amendment, which prohibits the Trump administration from conducting a dangerous and unnecessary explosive nuclear test. You want to see something dangerous, take a look at his foreign policy. Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, our Nation's top scientists have conducted sophisticated tests to ensure the safety and reliability of our nuclear stockpile without detonating these weapons. As recently as 3 weeks ago, the NNSA stated that they identify no technical reason to resume underground explosive nuclear testing. We should heed their words. They are the experts. Moreover, conducting an explosive nuclear test encourages our adversaries, like Russia and China, to do the same. There is no good reason to risk the restart of a global arms race, especially at a time when we have the technological advantage. An entire generation of Cold War patriots and families who worked at and lived downwind of the Nevada test site have suffered illnesses linked to radiation exposure. They know what is at risk if we allow this administration to conduct such a harmful experiment. We shouldn't do it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. The Moving Forward Act is transformative legislation that will help revive and strengthen our economy for years to come. In Las Vegas we welcome nearly 43 million visitors from all over the world every year, and it is vital that we make smart investments in our infrastructure to help travelers get there easily and then move them around safely and efficiently once they arrive. As a member of the committee, I am proud of the provisions I secured in this bill to: Prioritize the completion of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix; Promote projects related to the movement of travelers to destinations, not just the movement of freight; And to ensure that there is dedicated funding in every State for child passenger safety programs for underserved populations. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which also takes significant action to address global climate change by investing in renewable energy, resilient housing and schools, green transit, and more efficient road infrastructure. I thank the chairman for his leadership.

Ms. TITUS

Ms. TITUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember and celebrate the life of a dear friend, Sam Lieberman. First, let me say how honored I am today to speak in memory of a fine man, Sam Lieberman, and in celebration of his remarkable life. I want to thank Clifton Whitehurst, who I know was like a brother to Sam and such an amazing caregiver, Rabbi Mintz who inspires us all with her grace and wisdom, and Sam's mother Sara from whom he inherited so many admirable qualities. I first met Sam at UNLV in the mid-eighties when he took a political science class from me. He soon became more than just a student passing through. He loved to tell how I threw an eraser at him one time when he fell asleep in class and how I told him he'd have made an A if he hadn't napped through half my lectures--but that is just urban myth. Sam was really a good student, though in no hurry to graduate, a political junkie, and, I soon learned, a die-hard Democrat. Along with several other students, Sam is pictured in a political brochure from my first election to the State Senate. And he spent many a Saturday in my garage handing out walking packets and directing volunteers. Sam's diligence and hard work for lots of candidates were rewarded when the Democratic Party elected him Chair from 2008 to 2011. From that position he led the party through some rough patches and some incredible victories. And what fun we had in Tonopah at central committee meetings and especially at the Democratic Convention. Sam was always there: tending to business, helping others, and moving us all in the right direction. He did it with humor, with steadfastness, and with compassion. He brought those same traits to his position as Regent--and I think he got a chuckle out of now being my boss. He believed so strongly in the value of education and fought to extend its reach to disadvantaged communities. He never let his own disability get in the way--he was everywhere--ball games, regent meetings, public addresses. Everybody knew and loved Sam. I also saw Sam in Washington when he came to the Hill to advocate for organizations, like NVPEP (People Encouraging People) and Easterseals, that serve those living with disabilities and their families. He was a powerful voice because he spoke from experience; he never bemoaned the fact that he wasn't more mobile; and he proved how someone with conviction could accomplish anything. Sam was such a good friend--he even once gave me his famous lemon bar recipe but made me promise not to tell anyone the secret ingredients. His passing came as a shock and it is hard to imagine that I won't be seeing him--everywhere I turn--asking his advice, introducing him at some award ceremony (he received many), or sharing a funny story that happened out on the trail. Tom and my mother Betty and I will miss him so very much. His passing is a great loss to Nevada, to the Democratic Party, and to his many friends. I include in the Record the words of Dr. Marta Meana, President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in her memorial of Sam Lieberman, along with his official obituary. Dear University Community, UNLV lost one of its greatest champions on Friday with the untimely passing of alumnus and Regent Sam Lieberman. Sam was quite simply a force for good. In so many ways. His involvement as a UNLV student in the early 1980s set him on a path to pursue, and be a champion for, higher education. After graduating from UNLV with a degree in social work in 1996, Sam served as a member of the UNLV Alumni Association Board and helped start the alumni chapter for the College of Liberal Arts. He would later be named the college's alumnus of the year, and in 2014 he was elected as a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. Sam had an acute ability to discern the link between systems and the people they impact, with an endless drive to make them better. His ever-present wit and humor brought levity, even during tough conversations. Perhaps, even more, I'll miss his empathy and insight into the needs of our students, and his vast knowledge of UNLV and of higher education in Nevada. He used his voice to advocate for the vulnerable, he celebrated our wins, and he was there to support us whenever we needed him. To say Sam was active on campus would be an understatement. He was a constant presence at UNLV, from major events to small department-level functions. Sam was always there for us, as he was for so many organizations throughout Nevada. It feels impossible to quantify Sam's monumental impact. There are so many people he helped and those people, in turn, have helped others. The human connections he made and the lives he lifted up through higher education are a small part of the legacy he left behind. There are few in UNLV's history who have displayed as much passion and commitment for our students, and for the success of everyone at our university, as Sam Lieberman. He will be deeply missed. As we reflect on Sam's life and legacy, let's try to live how Sam lived--to lend a voice to those who need it, to be kind and truly listen to one another, and to lift each other up at a time when it is so desperately needed. Please take care of yourselves, and each other. Godspeed, Sam. Obituary of Samuel Lewis Lieberman Samuel Lewis Lieberman, age 58, passed away Friday April 3, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. At his core, Sam was a social being who thrived on connection to other people. Sam devoted all of his life and energy to helping others--most notably in Las Vegas where he lived for almost 40 years, and also through his lifelong relationship with the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI, a Reform Jewish summer camp) in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Sam was the oldest child of David and Sara Lieberman, and was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born with cerebral palsy, which was a significant physical disability, but he never let that get in the way of anything he wanted to do, and he never complained . . . EVER. Sam grew up on Lake Harriet, along with his siblings Jonathan, Barbara and Michael. As a teenager, he was very active in Jewish youth activities at Temple Israel Youth Group, Camp TEKO and NFTY, and he attended Southwest Junior High. During high school summers, Sam worked at OSRUI, where he ran the summer camp office. Sam graduated from Marshall-University High School in 1980 and then left Minneapolis to attend college at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). At UNLV, Sam immersed himself in all aspects of student life--so much so that it took him 16 years to complete his studies in order to graduate! Through this experience, he developed a passion for ensuring that people of all backgrounds and abilities had access to education. As an adult, Sam worked with boundless energy as an advocate for several important causes--including as a trusted aide to Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, Chairman of the Nevada Democratic Party, a Board Member of Nevada PEP (an organization devoted to parents of children with disabilities), President of Congregation P'nai Tikvah and member of the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education. He was also a kind, warm, funny and loyal friend to so many people of all ages and backgrounds. (He has 4,455 friends on Facebook, and the flood of messages on his Facebook pages is an uplifting thing to read.) Sam loved to eat too. In Minneapolis, it was prime rib at the King's Inn, egg rolls at the Nankin and corned beef sandwiches at the Lincoln Del. In Las Vegas, it was shrimp cocktail and a Coke at The Tillerman, and a ribeye steak, twice-baked potato and Caesar salad at the Golden Steer. He also adored chicken soup with kreplach made by his Baba Adele Lieberman--though she only made kreplach on special occasions. He didn't really drink alcohol, except he would order Bailey's Irish Cream and coffee--and sip it through a straw. Sam also had a deep love and fierce devotion to his family--which included not only his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, but also his devoted friend and caregiver Clifton Whitehurst and Clifton's daughter Alyssa Whitehurst. Sam is preceded in death by his father David Lieberman, and is survived by his mother Sara, siblings Jonathan, Barbara and Michael, sisters-in-law Lisa Kayne Lieberman and Jessie Washburne-Harris, brother-in-law Sam Askenazi, nieces and nephews Rebecca, Charlotte, Benjamin and Gabriella, uncle Stephen Lieberman, aunts Sheila Lieberman and Sandra Okinow and a large and loving group of cousins. The world is a better place for his having been here, and he will be greatly missed!