Norma Torres

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Goodlatte just clarified that his bill has been in print for 6 months. I thank the gentleman for clarifying. The American people should know that your real intention was to allocate $100 million for the Trump wall, and it wasn't until we shined the light on that, that in the middle of the night the Republican caucus scrambled to reduce that amount to $25 million. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Democratic leader.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings), a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Rules.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes. This rule makes in order H.R. 4760, the so-called Securing America's Future Act, and two amendments in the legislation. Before I speak on the legislation, let us consider why we are here today. President Trump has created immigration crisis after immigration crisis. President Trump is the reason Dreamers are at risk of deportation. President Trump is the reason families are being separated at our Nation's borders. This is a Trump-manufactured crisis, plain and simple. President Trump's executive order, signed yesterday, does nothing to fix this. His order does nothing to reunite the thousands of children separated from their parents. In fact, his order directs his deportation force to now jail families at the border, which is in direct violation of current court orders. It will lead to more family separation, and the only difference now is that families will wait 20 days before being separated. I want every Member of this body and everyone watching at home to imagine what it must be like. Imagine traveling thousands of miles to flee some of the most dangerous countries in the world, countries with the highest murder rates, and then, when you finally think you are safe, having your child ripped away from you. In 1946 to 1948, during the Truman administration, human experiments were conducted in Guatemala. American doctors infected mostly uneducated and indigenous people with syphilis. Today, in the Trump administration, we are forcing drugs in pill form and injection on the indigenous children seeking asylum. So this brings us to why we are here today. Mr. Speaker, everyone watching this debate should be crystal clear on what this bill does. This bill fails to solve the separation of families on our Nation's border. It reduces legal immigration. It fails to offer DACA recipients a path to citizenship. It adds $25 billion to our growing wall of debt on top of the $2 trillion that we already added when Republicans voted for their tax scam. This bill makes it harder for those seeking asylum to receive protection, and it fails to protect the 2,000 children who have already been separated from their parents. Many will call this legislation the more conservative option that the House will consider today. But let us be clear, this bill is not conservative at all. After adding trillions to our Nation's debt through the tax scam, Republicans now are putting us in another $25 billion debt. Where are we going to borrow this money from? Remember, colleagues, President Trump has declared a trade war with China. What will happen if China decides to cash in on that debt? In addition, President Trump's family jails will cost the American taxpayer 10 times more than the alternative policy he ended for family migration. Conservative? Absolutely not. Cruel? Inhumane? Absolutely, yes. Mr. Speaker, last night, during consideration of this bill in the Rules Committee, my colleagues and I offered many fixes, which were all blocked by this rule. My amendment to replace the bill with the Keep Families Together Act, which would have reunited families, was blocked. Representative Roybal-Allard and Representative Polis joined me in offering the Dream Act as an alternative, but that was blocked also. Another Rules Committee Member, Representative Hastings, and his amendment to fix TPS, blocked. But not all amendments were blocked. Just like President Trump's executive order contained misspellings, this bill contained a giant typo to give President Trump an additional $100 billion for his wall. So which is it? $25 billion? $100 billion? Are Mexicans going to pay for it? What is it? The committee has said that they are making this correction, and they did so in the middle of the night. But I doubt President Trump would be happy to hear that, so we will wait and see. If this truly is a mistake, these kinds of corrections could have been caught if Democrats had been allowed to participate in this process, if we would have had a committee hearing. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and this cruel legislation now, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in 1970, a Guatemalan couple decided to send their daughter to the U.S. That young girl was I. I was welcomed here in a loving home. I was not put in a freezing cell. My parents felt they had no choice. My mother died a couple of years later. These parents are making a choice that, frankly, I could not make today for my children. A few months ago, I was away from home for so long--4 weeks--that my grandson, a 3-year-old, felt he had to reintroduce himself to me because he had not seen me for 4 weeks. He didn't think that I would remember him. Imagine an infant when that infant is returned to their parent; they will be introduced to a total stranger. Pope Francis just tweeted: Pray together, walk together, work together. This is the way that leads to Christian unity. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and this cruel legislation. Let's help those who can't help themselves in these very corrupt countries of the Northern Triangle. They are not s---holes as the President has referred to them. Let's give them an opportunity to live another day. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from California an additional 15 seconds.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta).

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Frank E. Verdugo on the occasion of his retirement from 20 years of outstanding commitment through military service to this country. He is the son of Lydia Wibert, former City Councilwoman in Fontana. Staff Sergeant Verdugo has had a remarkable career with our armed forces. He began his military career with the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1994-1998. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve from 1998-2002, where he was based in San Antonio. He transitioned to full time service when he entered the Army on August 1st of 2002 for his second time on active duty. Like many brave and selfless individuals, he did so as a result of the events that transpired on September 11, 2001. Throughout his career, Staff Sergeant Verdugo has been assigned to a full range of important roles and has been stationed in many locations around the country including Fort Lewis, Fort Knox, Fort Bliss, and Fort Benning. Shortly after joining the Army, he was deployed twice to Iraq, from 2003-2004 and 2006-2007. While Staff Sergeant Verdugo has immeasurable achievements and awards that speak to his character, perhaps the most significant contribution and legacy he has made is by helping train the next generation of leaders. He was part of the Army's first Stryker Brigade at Fort Lewis and was assigned as a Stryker instructor at Fort Knox. Because of Staff Sergeant Verdugo's experience, he served in several critical leadership roles while at Fort Bliss, where he tested new equipment and networks for the Army, and at Fort Benning, where he was a fire range trainer. Staff Sergeant Verdugo has selflessly given of himself to this country while raising a family. He is married to Maria E. Verdugo and is the father of four children. As Staff Sergeant Verdugo's long and honorable military career comes to a close, he is beginning a new chapter in his life. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from Vincennes University, further illustrating that while he may not be in the military anymore, his commitment to working hard on issues like national security is enduring. For his many years of selfless service to our nation, I would like to recognize and thank Staff Sergeant Frank E. Verdugo.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the grand opening ceremony for the new compound of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) this week. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for decades, and I am confident that our partnership will only grow stronger with this new facility. Our two countries' partnership has flourished because of our shared commitment to democratic values and constitutional governments. Taiwan serves as a strong example of democracy not only for the region, but also the world. We must never take democracy for granted; we must remain vigilant in protecting and strengthening it. Our nations are also bound together by immigration, travel, and trade. More than 350,000 Taiwanese live in the United States, and an estimated 4,000 Americans live in Taiwan. Nearly 3,000 of my constituents were born in Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwan is the United States' 11th largest trading partner, and in 2017, Taiwanese businesses invested $34 billion in the United States. Travel, especially air travel, helps to further strengthen the bonds between the United States and Taiwan. In that sense, I am very pleased that the Ontario International Airport, located in California's 35th district, now offers direct flights to Taiwan. This is a relationship I am proud to support, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to find additional areas where our two countries can partner to our mutual benefit. This week's opening ceremony is an important step, and I am confident that it will contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of the 35th District, Mrs. Elvira Ortiz of Chino, California in celebration of her 100th birthday. Elvira was born July 9, 1918 in Chino, California, and has resided there for most of her life. Having lived in her same home for sixty years, she has made precious memories with her loved ones in Chino. As Elvira celebrates her 100th birthday, she has much to be proud of. Elvira's husband, the late Jesus Pacheco Ortiz, was her hero. Jesus was in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He participated in air combat as a tail gunner as well as other positions on his aircraft. At one point, Jesus's aircraft was shot down over Europe and survived only because of the graciousness of a group of farmers who hid him and his crew. Elvira is devoted to her family and is loved and cherished by them in return. She and Jesus had four wonderful children, Lucille (deceased), Olivia, Michael, and George. She's held many titles over her long life, but the one she is most proud of is grandmother and great-grandmother. Mrs. Ortiz has been a valuable member of her community. She is a practicing Catholic and has always devoted her extra time to her local church, Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Chino, California. Having lived in Chino for almost all her life, Elvira has seen many, many positive changes take place in the area, including the tremendous growth and improvement of the Ontario International Airport. Her one hundred years is a testament to the ``greatest generation'' that ever lived in these United States of America. I am happy to wish Mrs. Elvira Ortiz a happy 100th birthday.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer my amendment No. 20 to division C of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. This amendment is meant to address an issue we have in Ontario, California. However, I expect many of the Members of this body have experienced it in their own districts at some point. In the Rules Committee hearing last night, I referred to this amendment as giving the Secretary of Defense the ability to finish the job, and that is precisely what we should expect from our service branches when they close military bases in our districts during BRAC rounds. Ontario International Airport was the Ontario Air National Guard Station, which was established in 1949. This facility remained in operation for decades, assisting training and support for the Korean, Vietnam, and countless other wars and conflicts. In 1997, the facility was closed as part of the latest Base Realignment and Closure process. This meant our Armed Services moved out. But instead of the airport being able to use the newly vacant land, the old site has sat largely unchanged for 20 years due to the environmental hazards of demolition. When military bases are closed, it can be devastating to our local communities. At the very least, we should expect our service branches to leave our communities in as good or better shape than they found them. In Ontario, California, old Air Force facilities have been left standing at the Ontario International Airport. These abandoned buildings have been overtaken by nature and look like the remains of a lost civilization, with trees and animals roaming free at the remaining site. This valuable but currently unusable space is hindering the growth of the Ontario Airport, and communities around Ontario depend on the airport. My amendment would simply direct the Secretary to make available funds from the existing BRAC funding made available in this legislation to remove these old facilities. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Chairman, the underlying bill has funding for BRAC closures. Before we proceed with any new closures, let's finish the job on the old closures. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, perhaps the reason the Speaker can't answer is that the law simply doesn't exist. However, this is the United States Congress. We make the laws. But unfortunately, this isn't what we are doing here. No. Instead, we are taking up a bill to put more guns on public lands and cut funding for energy efficiency research. For this reason and many other concerns I have with the number of amendments which were not made in order, I must oppose this rule. This Congress is now the most closed Congress in history. It is forcing its Members to vote on bills which haven't been given a real debate. It is clear the majority is attempting to rewrite history. Mr. Speaker, Canada did not burn the White House. The American people know better. None of the work we do today will undo their deficit- busting bill, nor will it reunite the families the administration has destroyed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and the rule, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, what is the law requiring the separation of parents and children at the border?

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have no doubt of the importance of the legislation this rule makes in order. However, I struggle to believe that this is the most important work we could be doing today. Instead, perhaps we can fix the broken immigration laws that President Trump has cited as his reason for separating families and children on our Nation's border. Fear and intimidation are no way to make policy. The Trump administration has picked the cruelest way to punish those who are fleeing violence. The result is broken families and lost children. Since October, more than 700 children have been inhumanely separated from their parents. More than 100 of these children are less than 4 years old. Using family separation as a scare tactic to prevent families from coming to this country will never work, and it is in the same cruel mindset as using rape as a weapon of war. These families come here looking for one thing: shelter. Punishing a mother by separating her from her child is not only immoral; it is inhumane. It goes against the fundamental human right of the family unit. Separating them from their parents is simply anti-American. However, for some reason, President Trump has repeatedly said that he is bound by the law to rip these families apart. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record, along with extraneous material, immediately prior to the vote on the previous question.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree).