Norma Torres

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lowenthal). (Mr. LOWENTHAL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R. 3878, the Strengthening Cybersecurity Information Sharing and Coordination in Our Ports Act, to ensure the Department of Homeland Security takes a more proactive approach to address cybersecurity risks at our Nation's ports and to improve cybersecurity information sharing and coordination between public and private partners at maritime facilities. The United States has approximately 360 commercial sea and river ports which use cyber technology to move over $1 trillion worth of cargo each year. The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and other ports in California account for almost 40 percent of the cargo entering this country, and nearly 30 percent of the country's exports leave through California ports. The Port of Los Angeles is the number one port by container volume and cargo value in the United States, seeing around $1.2 billion worth of cargo each day. Each year, the Port of Long Beach handles more than 6.8 million 20-foot container units in cargo value at $180 billion and is the second busiest port in the U.S. With so much economic activity happening at our Nation's ports, protecting the cyber networks they rely on is critical to our local and national economy. This past October, the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security on which I serve held a hearing focused on the threat of cyber attacks at a port and how the Coast Guard is working with private and public partners to protect maritime critical infrastructure against such attacks. This is of particular interest to me because many of the goods that enter through the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles come directly to my district where the goods are redistributed throughout the Nation. The hearing was called in response to a June 2014 GAO report recommending the Department of Homeland Security take action to strengthen cybersecurity at our Nation's ports. Mr. Speaker, the report found that maritime Sector Coordinating Councils are no longer active. These councils include port owners, operators, and related private industry associations. This means that today there is no one entity that coordinates information sharing between the ports, the private sector, and government stakeholders. At the October subcommittee hearing, we received testimony that information sharing on cyber risks at ports should be stronger and that some ports lack the resources to prevent, identify, and respond to cyber attacks. To address these challenges, I introduced H.R. 3878, which will require the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard to take several steps to enhance cybersecurity at our ports. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish guidelines for reporting cybersecurity risks, to develop and implement a maritime cybersecurity risk model, and to make recommendations on enhancing the sharing of cyber information. It also requires the Coast Guard to direct Area Maritime Security Committees to address cybersecurity risks. These measures will create an environment where DHS, the Coast Guard, ports, and stakeholders work together to enhance cybersecurity at our Nation's ports. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman McCaul and Subcommittee Chairwoman Miller for their cooperation and the bipartisan nature of the staff discussions on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3878. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3878 will enhance our understanding of cyber risks at our ports and the countermeasures needed to mitigate them. With the increased levels of technology at maritime facilities, all public and private port stakeholders must share information and coordinate efforts to make sure that our Nation's ports are protected from cyber attacks. Again, I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3878. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief William ``Tony'' Farrar of the Rialto Police Department for his outstanding service to the community. For 34 years, Chief Farrar has actively served in various capacities to lead officers in the Rialto Police Department. His work has been described as exemplary by colleagues on account of his extreme professionalism and compassionate nature. Among Chief Farrar's many accomplishments include his induction into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame for his scientific evaluation of policing practices. Throughout his tenure, he has received widespread commendation for his leadership and extensive knowledge of tactical operations. As Chief of Police, Chief Farrar has been a major proponent of integrating new technologies into everyday police activities. In doing so, he is an advocate for ``evidence-based policing,'' which consists of implementing tactics that have demonstrated proven effectiveness. He understands the complexities of modern-day policing, and insists on officers continuing their education throughout their careers in order to gain a continual understanding of the field. Chief Farrar's outlook has been essential for maintaining an active police force that provides public safety to people in the region. Most recently, Chief Farrar has been involved in researching Body Worn Video devices that are being implemented in police departments throughout the United States His work is contributing to the growing field of literature on the subject and is developing future police tactics. Last year, the Journal of Quantitative Criminology published an article written by him analyzing the effects of these devices on the use of force and citizens' complaints against police. His knowledge in this field is bolstered by the master's degree that he received from the University of Cambridge in 2013 along with the many fellowships that he has participated in throughout the years. Chief Farrar is retiring from the Rialto Police Department, and on December 21, many members of the community will be participating in a walk of honor to celebrate his legacy. This momentous event will be a demonstration of the lasting impact that he has made on residents in the area. While he will surely be missed, I am excited to see how he will continue to be a part of the community. For his heroic contributions to the Rialto Police Department, and for his many other achievements, I would like to recognize Chief Tony Farrar.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, despite the increasing frequency with which mass shootings seem to happen in this country, we never expect it to happen in our community. But a week ago today, that is exactly what happened when tragedy hit home. I knew the Inland Regional Center well, represented the city of San Bernardino during my time in the State senate; and on this tragic day, five individuals who lived in cities that I represent were murdered. Far too many communities have felt the pain that the San Bernardino and Inland Empire community is facing right now. Far too many Americans have lost loved ones in similar acts of violence. Mr. Speaker, the loophole that allows suspects on terrorist watch lists to purchase a gun, to walk into a gun store and purchase a high caliber weapon, must be fixed. This is an urgent, commonsense, widely supported reform that we can make to reduce gun violence, but we haven't. We haven't been able to have a serious conversation about any of these issues. Those who want to support changes to our gun laws need to make their voices heard and say, enough is enough; check in, or check out. Before we gather for yet another moment of silence, I remind my colleagues that this House floor is for action, not inaction. Doing nothing is inexcusable. It is an insult to the lives lost on that tragic day.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3842 is bipartisan at its core. It was introduced by my colleague on the committee, Representative Buddy Carter, and me and would ensure that the authorities for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers are updated and that the centers' ability to train people who play critical roles in the Nation's homeland security is enhanced. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the tragic shooting in San Bernardino last week and to recognize and honor the victims who lost their lives. Despite the increasing frequency with which these kinds of events seem to occur, we never expect them to happen in our community. But this December 2nd, that is exactly what happened and tragedy hit home. I knew the Inland Regional Center well and represented the city of San Bernardino during my time in the State Senate. And on this tragic day, five individuals who lived in cities I represent were taken from this world. Isaac Amanios was a Fontana resident who came to this country from Eritrea looking for a better life for his children. He was described as an amazing father, brother, an amazing everything. Sierra Clayborn, a UC Riverside graduate, previously lived in Ontario. Those who knew her say she was energetic, thoughtful, and always smiling, and she loved what she called her blooming career in public and environmental health. Larry Daniel Kaufman, a resident of Rialto, considered himself a free spirit, loved horror movies, and talked to everyone he met. Yvette Velasco was 27 and a Fontana resident who was full of life and loved by all who knew her. Those close to her say she embodied intelligence and ambition. And Benetta Bettadal of Rialto was a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, also in my district. She came to the United States fleeing Islamic extremism and the persecution of Christians following the Iranian revolution. In a horrible twist of fate, she lost her life at the hands of the same kind of extremism that brought her to this country. Isaac, Sierra, Larry, Yvette, Benetta. These were our neighbors. They could have been our children, our loved ones, or our friends. As our community begins to heal, we owe it to them and to the other nine victims to ask ourselves how to best honor the vibrant lives that were taken from us much too soon. Mr. Speaker, far too many communities have felt the pain that the San Bernardino and Inland Empire community is facing right now. Far too many Americans have lost loved ones in similar acts of violence. It is now up to us in Congress to use this tragedy as a catalyst for a serious, productive, and respectful dialogue on the actions we can and must take to prevent this kind of tragedy from ever happening again. Inaction is inexcusable and an affront to the lives lost on that tragic day.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3842, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act of 2015. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3842 amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide specific authorities for the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, or FLETC. I am proud to join Mr. Carter in introducing this very important legislation. FLETC, established in 1975 and transitioned from the Treasury Department to the Department of Homeland Security in 2002, provides Federal and other law enforcement agencies with high-quality, cost- effective training. Training is carried out by a group of experienced instructors who use modern facilities and standardized course content at locations in Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, and South Carolina. FLETC also has a unique relationship with the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center at the Port of Los Angeles, where together they have developed comprehensive maritime security training for State and local agencies. Together, this partnership between FLETC and the Port of Los Angeles helps ensure our local law enforcement get the training they need to protect America's critical ports and waterways, particularly important at a port that accounts for more than 40 percent of the goods that enter the United States. H.R. 3842 was reported favorably from the Homeland Security Committee with bipartisan approval last month. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that, during the committee's November 4 markup of H.R. 3842, members unanimously adopted three Democratic amendments to the bill. The first amendment underscores FLETC's responsibility to conduct acquisition activities in accordance with existing law and regulation, which include both a requirement that FLETC's Director evaluate contractors' integrity and business ethics in performance of previous contracts and vests FLETC's Director with the responsibility of ensuring that a fair proportion of contracting dollars are awarded to small businesses. The second amendment authorizes strategic partnerships between FLETC and local law enforcement agencies, including the existing partnership between FLETC and the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center operated by the Port of Los Angeles. This amendment also authorizes FLETC to work with the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate to make training available to security professionals in the private sector, particularly those involved with protecting critical infrastructure. The final amendment authorizes FLETC's Director to detail employees to various components in the Department to assist in the development of critical Departmental programs and initiatives. The urgency to pass this bill has only grown in the last week. Last Wednesday a shooting just outside of my district, in an area I represented as a State senator, in California, San Bernardino County, affirmed that our local law enforcement are our first line of defense in the fight against terror. We must ensure that they have the most up- to-date training as possible. I know firsthand how important this kind of coordination is between all levels of enforcement. As a 911 dispatcher for nearly 20 years, I can't tell you how important it is to ensure that our first responders have the tools and resources they need to keep us safe. Earlier this year I held a roundtable meeting with local law enforcement, the FBI, Homeland Security, and other Federal officials to discuss emergency coordination and emerging threats to our communities. As a part of this discussion, our local police stressed the need for additional resources and better information sharing and training to combat these threats. During last week's attack, we saw San Bernardino law enforcement respond effectively to protect our community, but there is so much more we can do. If our Nation is to address the threat of future attacks, we must ensure that law enforcement personnel throughout the Nation not only have the tools they need to do so, but also the training, to effectively address the diverse terrorism landscape. With this in mind, Mr. Speaker, I would commend this bill to the House for consideration. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important, but often unnoticed, epidemic in our country and to voice my support for the fight to end it. Malnutrition negatively impacts the lives of millions of Americans who do not have adequate access to nutritious food. While the symptoms can vary from hunger to obesity, one thing has become incredibly clear--malnutrition disproportionately affects senior citizens and people of color. All throughout the United States, the problem negatively impacts the livelihood of families and takes a toll on the nation's healthcare costs. One of the contributing factors to malnutrition in the United States is poverty and lack of access to healthy foods. According to the 2014 Census, there are 46.7 million people living in poverty in our country. The lack of financial resources means that families often have to rely on cheaper foods with artificial ingredients. These foods are frequently high in caloric intake and do not possess the necessary nutritious properties to make up a healthy diet. Many health side effects, such as obesity, come as a result of this. Just as troubling is the existence of food deserts in the nation, which are defined as an area of land where residences have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, at least one food desert exists in every state in the nation. Millions of Americans often go hungry or rely on unhealthy food simply because they do not have the means to get to a grocery store near their home. This is an unacceptable problem, particularly considering that food deserts are most prevalent in poor, urban localities that are home to many minorities. In order to address the growing malnutrition epidemic in our country, we must encourage investments in our neighborhoods to make sure that everyone has easy access to nutritious foods. Additionally, malnutrition impacts the healthcare systems in so many of our communities. Recent studies have shown that one in three patients arrive at hospitals malnourished. Patients with malnutrition have been known to be more likely to suffer longer hospital stays, have slower healing, and be at greater risk for re-hospitalizations and complications. Another study found that the economic burden of disease- associated malnutrition in the U.S. to be an estimated $156.7 billion per year--and for those aged 65 and older, it is estimated to be $51.3 billion per year. These numbers make clear that nutritional status deserves more attention. A critical ingredient often lacking in malnutrition care today is engagement by the broader healthcare establishment. While healthcare providers are beginning to utilize standardized malnutrition screening, assessment, and appropriate interventions for older adults, more development in these areas are vital to leading healthier lives and saving on healthcare costs. We cannot afford to ignore such low-cost solutions. Focus on malnutrition care will help yield transformative policies for patient-centered medical care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's older adults. September 28 to October 2 has been designated as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Let us use this time as a call to action to increase awareness and find solutions that better support the healthy aging of all citizens across our communities.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter L. Fischl of Ontario, California for his life-long work dedicated to remembering the Holocaust. Having survived the heinous acts of violence and persecution brought about by Nazi Germany, Mr. Fischl turned the hardships he witnessed as a child into poetry that helps encapsulate the experience and honor the lives of the many who perished during this harrowing time. Mr. Fischl was a young boy during the onset of World War II. The German invasion of Hungary in 1944 forced him to separate from his family and take refuge inside of a Budapest Catholic school. While in hiding, Mr. Fischl's father, a successful businessman prior to the war, was discovered by the Gestapo and disappeared. Mr. Fischl survived the Holocaust along with his mother and sister, and later relocated to the United States in 1957. Years later, Mr. Fischl wrote a poem upon finding a picture in Life magazine of a young Polish child interned in the Warsaw concentration camp. ``To the Little Polish Boy Standing with His Arms Up'' is a poignant recollection of the horrors faced by many within the Jewish community during the Holocaust. It showcases the terror that many helpless civilians endured while also expressing a sense of frustration at the lack of intervention by the international community. Mr. Fischl's work forces us to confront the history of state-sponsored mass killings in hopes of encouraging us to work together to prevent future atrocities. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that later this month, Mr. Fischl will be a special guest attending the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Upon his arrival, a quilt square bearing his poem will be entered into the museum's collection. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Fischl for his honors and thank him for his contributions to remembering this important period of history.

Ms. TORRES

Ms. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 387, which directs the Secretary of the Interior to take certain land into trust for the benefit of Morongo Band of Mission Indians. This legislation is a commonsense approach that will benefit the tribe, the city of Banning, and the larger local economy. Taking land into trust on behalf of tribes is one of the visible and impactful actions our government can undertake to uphold our trust obligations to the 567 sovereign tribal nations around the country. Indian lands are critical for the exercise of tribal self-governance and self-determination and often represent great spiritual and cultural significance to tribal nations. This bill represents an opportunity for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to consolidate their land base and provide for their people while also resolving longstanding disputes that will clear the way for increased private economic development opportunities for the region. This legislation is a win-win for the tribe, the city, and private enterprise.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, in just 6 legislative days, the charter of the Export-Import Bank will expire. The Ex-Im Bank has proven an important tool in expanding U.S. exports and creating American jobs. It has done that with bipartisan support at zero cost to the taxpayers. I would like to mention two companies in particular that have received support from the Ex-Im Bank: Able Industrial Products in Ontario and Desiccare in Pomona. These aren't giant, faceless corporations. They are very small businesses that provide jobs for the Inland Empire residents. The world economy is getting more competitive, and the Ex-Im Bank is helping to level the playing field for American companies. If my colleagues truly want to protect U.S. jobs and U.S. workers, we can't afford to let the Ex-Im Bank expire. It is time to allow a vote.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arcelle Danese Thomas, who passed away peacefully on April 7, 2015, at the age of 99. Arcelle moved to Los Angeles in 1937, and remained a resident of the county for the rest of her life. After graduating from California State University Los Angeles, she worked as a teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District and spent 30 years teaching children general education at South Park Elementary School. Outside of the classroom, Arcelle worked to improve childhood education by serving as the President of the American Childhood Education Institute. An active member of the community, Arcelle became a lifetime member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Even in her later years, she led her senior citizen's center community group, which further demonstrates her initiative and commendable leadership qualities. Arcelle was one of ten brothers and sisters. While she was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she spent the majority of her life in Southern California where she raised a family with her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her sister, daughter, and loving grandchildren. For her contributions to the community and for her many other achievements, I would like to honor Arcelle Danese Thomas and her family.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement for the Record that the House should focus on the real priorities of Americans instead of another attack on women's health.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald H. Porter of Pomona, California, who passed away peacefully on April 18, 2015, at the age of 82. Ron served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He graduated from Claremont Men's College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, and was a successful businessman with real estate offices in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Pomona. An active member of St. Joseph's Church in Pomona, he served as the President of the Legion of Mary. As a devout Catholic, Ron could always be depended upon to help those in need and assist the Church in its efforts to serve the community. A former lifeguard, long distance cyclist, and golfer, Ron would regularly visit nursing homes to take residents out for lunch in Pomona. He could often be spotted at the deli spending time with those in need of companionship and a friend. Ron had a great sense of humor, and was always positive. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Barbara, daughter Marie Royce and son-in-law Edward, son David Porter and daughter-in-law Samantha, daughter Sheila Taylor and son-in-law Daniel, and son Sean Porter. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Laurel, Charlie, and Sean.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. After working 18 years as a 911 dispatcher, I know firsthand the challenges our public safety dispatchers face, the stress that they are put under, and the critical importance of their work. This is why, last week, I was proud to introduce a resolution commemorating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. I remember working the graveyard shift four floors below ground and taking calls from people from all walks of life, often during their most vulnerable moments. 911 dispatchers hear it all. They are the first point of contact for public safety, and no matter the crisis, losing control is simply not an option. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week also provides us with the opportunity to remind our constituents of the importance of keeping emergency lines open for just that--emergencies. 911 isn't an information line, and local governments have limited resources. They can't afford to have 911 lines tied up with non-life-threatening emergencies. Simply put, there is no excuse for 911 abuse. I encourage people to familiarize themselves with their local police and fire departments' nonemergency phone numbers, have them readily available or refer to 311 or their local info line where available. Keeping 911 lines clear is crucial to ensuring dispatchers are readily available during an emergency. Every day public safety dispatchers help save lives. They provide comfort and reassurance, and they are an integral part of our law enforcement teams. Yet, too often, their work goes unrecognized. When you need a calming voice to guide you through a crisis, when law enforcement, fire safety, and rescue personnel are in need of seamless coordination at a moment's notice, when every second counts, 911 dispatchers are on the other end of the line. They are the unsung heroes of the first responder community. This National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, let's recognize and honor the hundreds of thousands of public safety telecommunicators working round the clock to keep our communities safe.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor San Bernardino Police Officer Gabriel Garcia for his outstanding service to the community and for his dedication to the San Bernardino Police Department. Officer Garcia joined the police force in March 2008 and has since served as a Patrol Officer. His work throughout the years has been described as exemplary by colleagues on account of his extreme professionalism and compassionate nature. Among Officer Garcia's many accomplishments include his highly commended involvement in the San Bernardino Graffiti Task Force. Throughout his tenure, he has received widespread commendation for his assistance with various crimes such as armed robberies and car theft. At about 2 a.m. on August 22, 2014, Officer Garcia was shot in the head and critically injured while showing his young officer trainee how to conduct a pedestrian check in San Bernardino. Officer Garcia's injuries were so severe that he spent several months hospitalized in critical condition. Due to his life-threatening brain injuries, Officer Garcia was put in a medically induced coma, which he later emerged from in September. Now, after a triumphant recovery, Officer Garcia is back at the side of his loving family. His recovery is currently being aided by his father, retired San Bernardino Police Captain Ron Garcia, and his mother, Lydia Garcia. They provide full care and support for their son as he takes part in a day therapy program. Officer Garcia is a testament to the sacrifices that our public safety officials make in order to protect and serve our communities. He is a reminder to all of us that every day, men and women in law enforcement put themselves in harm's way to maintain order throughout the United States. His perseverance through this traumatic event is inspirational, and I wish him a continued recovery. For his heroic contributions to the community, and for his many other achievements, I would like to honor Officer Garcia and his family.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 861, the clean Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would keep the Department open so that it can carry out its mission of keeping the American people safe.

Mrs. TORRES

Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible to hold homeland security funds hostage simply because some of my colleagues don't like the President's action on immigration. There is a time and place to have this debate--and this isn't it. I spent my career working in public safety and emergency preparedness with the LAPD. Security is in my blood. I know how important it is to be able to plan, prepare, and maintain the morale of those on the front lines. If we let the Department of Homeland Security funding expire, it isn't nameless bureaucrats who will be suffering. We will shutter the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, halt R&D work to counter security threats, and end FEMA training activities with our local law enforcement. That says nothing of the 147,000 Border Patrol, ICE, and TSA officers, Active Duty Coast Guard, and Secret Service agents who will be forced to work without pay. These men and women have our backs. We should have theirs.