Norma Torres

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over the cancelation of an appropriations subcommittee hearing by my Republican colleagues and the decision to replace it with a private briefing to silence Democrats. I am alarmed by the illegal impoundment of Federal funding and the attempted destruction of USAID. Americans deserve to know why this decision was made. The administration's decision to close USAID is a direct violation of our Constitution and the law. USAID is essential in stopping the flow of drugs, gangs, human trafficking, and migrants across our borders. Why are Elon Musk and the Trump administration working to dismantle the very agency that addresses the root causes of migration, violence, and drugs that are devastating our communities? USAID's work is critical to combating criminal organizations and strengthening international partnerships with the FBI, DEA, and the Department of Justice. Earlier this year, USAID's support was acknowledged as critical when top MS-13 leaders were arrested on terrorist charges. Mr. Speaker, I demand answers. If our Republican colleagues are too scared to push back, then Democrats will do our job.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible bravery and dedication of our 911 dispatchers, first responders, and firefighters across California. These men and women, many of whom work around the clock, have been on the front lines fighting tirelessly to protect our homes and communities from devastating impact of the ongoing fires. I am also deeply proud of the way our communities have come together. From local volunteers to neighbors checking on one another and organizations offering aid, California's spirit of unity and resilience shines brighter than ever. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to navigate these difficult times, I urge my colleagues to not play politics and ensure we provide the disaster relief aid that California deserves and needs now more than ever.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mayor Dennis R. Yates and his 24 years of public service and commitment to the City of Chino. He was also an honorable Vietnam War veteran, serving in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for his valiant service. Dennis Yates was elected to the Chino City Council in 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, Mayor Yates was instrumental in shaping Chino's growth and development. His leadership saw the establishment of the Chaffey College Community Campus and Information Technology Center, the renovation of Downtown Chino, the construction of low-cost senior housing, and the construction of the Carolyn Owens Community Center. Additionally, Mayor Yates was dedicated to advocating for youth programs. He was integral in the creation of the Chino Youth Museum, a lasting tribute to his belief in fostering educational opportunities for children. He also spent decades as a volunteer and mentor with Chino Pop Warner football, where the Yates Field at Ayala Park stands in his honor, named after him in recognition of his 28 years of service to the program. Mayor Yates' unwavering dedication to his community was honored with Chino's highest accolade, the prestigious Spirit of Achievement Award in 2019. Sadly, our community is now in mourning. This September, Mayor Yates passed away at the age of 79. I offer my deepest condolences to his family. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Mayor Dennis R. Yates. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Chino are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Baackes and his nine years of steadfast service as the L.A. Care Health Plan Chief Executive Officer, the nation's largest publicly operated health plan serving over two million members in Los Angeles County. John Baackes joined L.A. Care in 2015. Throughout his extensive tenure, Baackes helped spearhead and sustain a number of significant initiatives, including expanding from 4 to 14 community resource centers throughout Los Angeles County; launching a scholarship program for medical school students committed to practicing in underserved communities; and developing a school loan repayment program for physicians who establish their medical practice within disadvantaged communities. He also works with L.A. Care's Board of Governors to set the strategic vision while overseeing the day-to-day operations. Additionally, Baackes currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Charles Drew University and sits on the boards of America's Health Insurance Plans, California Association of Health Plans, Local Health Plans of California, and Urban Voices Project. At the end of this year, John Baackes is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family. We are grateful for his service to our community. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize John Baackes. His years of civic service and commitment to the betterment of Los Angeles County is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christian Hsu and his 30 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona. The calling to be a police officer is an incredibly selfless and important vocation of public service. Those who risk their lives for the good of the community are worthy of the highest respect and appreciation. Deputy Chief Hsu joined the Pomona Police Department in 1994 after graduating from the University of California, Irvine, where he worked several years at its campus police department. He also interned at the Laguna Beach Police Department. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Hsu served as Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was appointed as Deputy Chief in May of 2020. In that role, he assisted the Chief of Police in the day-to-day operation of the department. Additionally, Chief Hsu holds Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory and Management POST certificates. He has also attended many distinguished trainings including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, LAPD Leadership Program, California Police Chiefs' Executive Leadership Institute, POST Command College, and POST Executive Development. This November, Chief Hsu is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family. We are grateful for his service to our community. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Chief of Police Christian Hsu. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Pomona are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Luberta Lee. Luberta was born in Coushatta, Louisiana in 1924. She and her late husband, Sigmund Lee, have 7 children and 17 grandchildren together. They were married for 46 years until he passed. As a couple, the Lee's made the cross country move from Louisiana to California. They settled in San Bernardino, where she dedicated 20 years of service to her community at Community Hospital before her retirement. She has now lived in San Bernardino for 75 years. On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Luberta on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent courageous people like her. I hope that she enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Myles OConner Mauldin and his service in ensuring the safety of his fellow Americans as a Transportation System Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Together we mourn the loss of a community member, gone too soon. Myles worked with the FAA at the Ontario Airport in my district for 13 months, where he was responsible for maintaining a wide range of radar equipment for the National Air Space System. This entailed modifying and certifying radar, automation, and voice switches. As a safe-keeper of the systems that ensure air travel is safe, Myles helped support the backbone of our national airspace system. Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On June 24, 2024, Myles passed away in a tragic accident while on his way to FAA training in Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife and their son. I offer my deepest condolences on their loss. For his outstanding accomplishment, it is my honor to recognize Airway Transportation System Specialist Myles OConner Mauldin. His commitment to civic service and to the safety of the American people are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Dr. Schrier, and also Assistant Leader Joe Neguse for holding this wildfire Special Order tonight. I rise to speak on the devastating impact that wildfires have in my district, in the Inland Empire, southern California. Right now, there are two devastating wildfires surrounding my entire district: the Bridge fire that has burned over 4,000 acres so far, and the Line fire that has burned over 27,000 acres to date. My heart goes out to the families and all the communities affected. I thank our firefighters and first responders for their selfless sacrifice, putting themselves in harm's way to save lives. I also thank the city of Fontana and all of their employees helping to evacuate as they host families at the Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center. As our region continues to experience record-breaking heat waves, extremely dry conditions, and other unprecedented weather, it is so important to ensure the public has the resources necessary to prepare for these disasters. In 2005, I lost my own home to a fire. I had to live in a hotel in temporary housing for 14 months with my husband, my three sons, and my pets, all while running to be the mayor of my home city of Pomona. I know all too well the great financial, physical, and emotional impacts of losing your home in a fire. It is my goal that by raising awareness and providing the appropriate tools and resources to prepare for and recover from fires, we can help people adequately prepare and avoid similar devastation. That is why I have introduced multiple wildfire and mudslide bills, including my annual Wildfire Preparedness Week resolution to protect and evacuate our communities and to educate our communities on the impacts of wildfires. Our Federal firefighters do increasingly dangerous work to save lives and protect property, and many of them sleep in cars, tents, and man- made holes when they are responding to wildfires. These shelters fail to adequately protect them or provide the necessary rest and nourishment needed when responding to wildfires. We need to do more to support these local heroes, and I urge my colleagues to provide more resources to support these Americans. Since January, there have been over 6,000 wildfires in California with our firefighters on the front lines. We cannot over-prepare or be overly cautious when it comes to wildfires.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Aurelia Gonzalez Lopez. Aurelia was born July 25, 1924, in Buenavista, Mexico. She migrated to the United States in 1990, establishing a new life in the City of Pomona for the last 34 years. Raising her family is one of her proudest accomplishments. She had 12 children with her husband, and now her family has expanded to 43 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Aurelia on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent people like her who bring so much to family and neighbors. I am grateful for her 34 years of residency in my district I hope that she enjoys much happiness in the coming year.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Castleman and his 39 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona with the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, Plasterers' Local 200. Tom joined the union in 1985 and became a business agent for the union in 2003. In 2010, he was appointed as a business manager for the Plasterers' Local 200. Throughout his time with the union, he also served on the Apprenticeship Committee mentoring the next generation of plasterers entering the field. Tom is officially retiring this year. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his wife, Patti, and family. We are grateful for his service to our community. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize union leader Tom Castleman. His years of civic service are worthy of commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor David Casey and his 29 years of public service and dedication to the City of Pomona with the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association, Plasterers' Local 200. David joined the union in 1995 and became a business agent for the union in 2012. In 2022, he was appointed as a business manager for the Plasterers' Local 200. Throughout his time with the union, he also served on the Apprenticeship Committee mentoring the next generation of plasterers entering the field. In 2001, David was instrumental in leading a ``Labor to Neighbor'' program in the City of Pomona. This program was designed to help seniors improve their homes while beautifying the neighborhood. Through the Plasterers' Union Apprenticeship Program, led by David, local apprentices would work to re-plaster homes of pre-approved low-income seniors. David officially retired on March 24, 2024. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his wife, Cyndee, and children, Jason, Kerry, and Stewart. We are grateful for his service to our community. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize union leader David Casey. His years of civic service are worthy of commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Joseph Avila for his years of dedication as a community leader in the City of Pomona. John Avila was a first generation Mexican-American, who understood the importance of representation, which fueled his pursuit of service, education, and public office. After graduation from high school, John served in the Marine Corps for 8 years. Upon his return home, John pursued a degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Greenly. In 1961, John and his wife, Dona, relocated to Pomona, California, where they began working for the Pomona Unified School District. As a middle school teacher, John's passion for expanding quality education for underserved communities was ignited. He organized with the Association of Mexican American Educators and successfully lobbied for funding to spread Pre-K through 12th grade bilingual education. John created curriculum to recruit, train and coordinate educators to meet the needs of their Spanish-speaking students and families. Over the course of his life, John was a member of many organizations including the Catholic Newman Community, the Optimist Club, the United Farm Workers, La Raza Unida Party and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Using his experience as a middle school teacher and membership of these organizations, John ran for the Mayor of Pomona in 1995. He lost to the incumbent but continued to seek opportunities to provide leadership in public service. Upon his official retirement as a teacher, John was elected as the School Board President for the Pomona Unified School District and served for over a decade. Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, John peacefully passed away, surrounded by love and care from his family. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize John Joseph Avila. His years of service and commitment to the people of Pomona are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Dev A. GnanaDev for his decades of service as a healthcare provider in the Inland Empire and to celebrate the naming of the Dr. Dev A. GnanaDev Trauma Center at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Dr. GnanaDev started his over 40-year career serving the Inland Empire as a member of the medical staff at the San Bernardino County Medical Center, which eventually was renamed the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. At Arrowhead Regional, he played a key role in the development of the trauma center as the Founding Director of Trauma Services until being appointed as the Medical Director of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in June 2000. Under his 12-year leadership, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center took critical steps to expand its patient services and physician training programs. Today, Dr. GnanaDev serves as the Associate Director of Medicine and the Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, a position he has held since 1989. Dr GnanaDev has dedicated a lifetime to improving access to and the quality of health care in the Inland Empire. As the Founding President of the California University of Science and Medicine and as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences and the California University of Science and Medicine, Dr. GnanaDev has taken tremendous steps in addressing the physician shortage impacting our communities. This week, our community is coming together to celebrate Dr. GnanaDev's commitment to a healthy Inland Empire. On Thursday, May 23rd, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center will officially be named the Dr. Dev A GnanaDev Trauma Center. This honor will ensure that Dr. GnanaDev's profound impact on our community's health and wellbeing will be remembered for generations to come. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Dev A. GnanaDev, M.D., M.B.A, F.A.C.S. His years of service and commitment to the people of the Inland Empire are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week as the first 911 dispatcher in Congress. During America's darkest moments, 911 dispatchers are the first responders, from talking people out of committing suicide to handling active-shooter situations. Every single day, 911 dispatchers talk to people during the most difficult times in their lives. Despite their hard work, 911 dispatchers are classified as clerical workers, making them first on the chopping block for budget cuts, leading to staffing shortages for an already stressful job. For this reason, I urge Congress to pass my 911 SAVES Act to honor 911 dispatchers with a well-deserved reclassification.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to demand the immediate release and safe return of the remaining hostages in Gaza who have now spent half a year in captivity. The words of a mother: ``I love you. Stay strong. Survive.'' This is the mental message Rachel Goldberg-Polin sends her son Hersh every single day. He is an American who is among the 130 hostages still held captive by terrorist Hamas for 186 days. The 130 hostages are not mere numbers, they are people with stories and families who love them and desperately want to see them home. Three of these hostages are American citizens. Hersh Goldberg is a vibrant 23-year-old California native who loves soccer, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He fought for unity and equality in Israel as a leader of an initiative to bring Israeli and Palestinian children together through soccer. I spoke with his mother, his parents, who are with us tonight, in Israel last month. They are in a constant state of profound trauma not knowing whether their son is dead or alive, not knowing if their son will ever come home. All they know about their child came from survivor accounts and from watching terrorist Hamas' GoPro footage of the October 7 massacre. Hersh was last seen on October 7 with his left arm blown off by terrorist Hamas' grenades, and his body was loaded into a truck heading into Gaza at gunpoint. His last messages to his parents read: ``I love you. I am sorry.'' Despite the horrifying images, Hersh's mother, Rachel, says that hope is mandatory. Mr. Speaker, here in Congress, hope is not enough. I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas terrorists and I urge the administration to continue to do everything in its power to help free the hostages like Hersh and ensure their safe return. I will not allow the hostages to be forgotten. They are not a terrorist group's political pawn, and I stand with their families in calling for an immediate return.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Ophelia Martinez Silva. Ophelia was born March 8, 1924, in Los Angeles, California. She lived and worked throughout Southern California for her entire life. She married Henry Albarran Silva on August 8, 1947 at St. Joseph's Church in the City of Fontana. They were married for 63 years. They moved from Los Angeles to El Monte in the 1950s, where she worked at the city's Sears for 25 years. In her personal time, she volunteered at Epiphany Catholic School and the local adult school. On behalf of the 35th Congressional District, I congratulate Ophelia on this incredible milestone. It is my honor to represent incredible people like her. I hope that she and her family enjoy an incredible celebration in April. I wish her much happiness in the coming year.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Egan. He courageously served our country in the U.S. Navy; then he came home to serve our community as a dedicated volunteer. Larry was born in 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma as the youngest of seven children. After moving to California, Larry enlisted with the U.S. Navy where he served a term as a hospital corpsman. Upon returning from service, Larry began his career in the sales industry. He held sales and leadership positions at Gallo Winery, Remy Martin, and other companies in the beverage industry. In the 1990s, Larry pivoted into business ventures, opening his own concession business, S&S Concessions. In 2007, Larry began serving as the executive director of the Downtown Pomona Owner's Association. Throughout his 13-year tenure, Larry oversaw critical revitalization efforts for the City of Pomona, which include the return of the Pomona Christmas Parade and the Downtown Trolley. He retired in 2020, known as the ``Downtown Pops'' for all his revitalization efforts. Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Larry passed away at home, in the company of his two daughters. He is survived by his two older sisters, his two daughters, his two sons-in-law, and his four grandchildren. I offer my deepest condolences on their loss. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Lawrence Dennis Egan. His years of military service and commitment to the city and the people of Pomona are worthy of the highest commendation. He will be missed.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Larson for bringing us together. Extremist Republicans are once again pushing to end Social Security as we know it, a critical program that supports 67 million people nationwide, 93,000 of them in my district. Make no mistake, cutting Social Security will not help the average American, but instead, it will line the pockets of wealthy corporations while seniors and children suffer. Americans work and pay their entire lives to access Social Security. It is their lifeline. Every single day, Mr. Speaker, I hear from Inland Empire residents asking to protect and expand Social Security. Just in 2022, when we gave an 8.7 percent COLA increase--which was, by the way, the largest increase since the Reagan era--my constituents were delighted to have this increase. This is what we must focus on, increasing benefits for the poor citizens that have paid into this program. They are not asking for a handout. They are asking for a program to be reaffirmed, and that is why I support the Social Security 2100 Act.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Florida for bringing us together to bring awareness and to never forget the folks who still need to be returned home. Mr. Speaker, I rise to demand the immediate release and safe return of the remaining hostages in Gaza held by Hamas terrorists. I am grateful for President Biden's leadership that has led to the release of hostages. However, many remain captive, including 22-year- old Omer Neutra. Omer was born in the United States and is the son of Ronen and Orna and now has spent over 50 days in captivity. He grew up in Long Island, where he was the regional president of the United Synagogue Youth and captain of many sports teams. His friends and family describe Omer as a natural-born leader known for his compassion, seeing the best in people, and bringing communities together, a peaceful soul. His kindness and sense of duty led him to defer his future at Binghamton University to defend his grandparents' land with the hope of bringing communities together. Putting his future on hold to serve others, that is Omer. His drive to lead and to serve now puts him last in line to be released from captivity. His family, who are with us here this evening, have been in agony for the past 7 weeks with no word if Omer is even alive. We will continue to pray for him. As the mother of an Air Force veteran, I can only imagine their agony. This is something that no parent, no mother, no father, no grandparent could ever imagine would happen to their loved one. I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, and I urge the administration to continue to do everything in their power to help free hostages like Omer and ensure their safe return home.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Brian E. Kennedy and Mrs. Hilda Kennedy for their 25 years of service and leadership with Mt. Zion Church of Ontario, California. Dr. Kennedy serves as the Senior Pastor, and Mrs. Kennedy serves as the First Lady of Mt. Zion Church. Founded in 1922. Mt. Zion is a historic anchor in Ontario, known as the first African American-led church in the city. The Kennedys joined the church in 1988 and have faithfully served their community, church, and family for the last 25 years. Under their leadership, Mt. Zion has significantly grown in membership and service to the community. Today. the church is a diverse, multi-generational congregation and serves more than 1,700 members across several counties. The Kennedys lead Mt. Zion in various community outreach efforts including the annual Harvest Festival (a free, safe family- friendly event connecting with more than 1,000 residents). Go Sunday (an in-person program that evangelizes and provides food to unhoused individuals). Helping Hands (a ministry providing food and clothing each week to neighbors in need), and Resurrection Sunday in the Park (a public celebration held at Ontario City Town Square focusing on Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection). For their outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Brian E. Kennedy and Mrs. Hilda Kennedy. Their years of service and commitment to the city and the people of Ontario are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, we are less than 34 hours from a Republican government shutdown. This is not the time for political theater or political grievances. We are spiraling toward a shutdown that would devastate thousands of working families that I represent throughout California's Inland Empire. If extremist Republicans are allowed to continue their theatrics, over 4,000 Federal employees in my district--mothers, fathers, caretakers among them--could miss their next paycheck. TSA agents at Ontario International Airport will have to work without pay. Over 25,000 women and children who rely on Federal food assistance could miss their next meal. It is beyond hypocritical that Republicans want to cut benefits for hardworking families while making it easier for billionaires to cheat on their taxes. My Republican colleagues need to get serious about governing or get out of the way.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wes Simmons and his 28 years of public service and dedication to the City of Chino. The calling to be a police officer is an incredibly difficult and important vocation of public service. Those who risk their lives for the good of the community are worthy of the highest respect and appreciation of our district, State, and nation. Chief Simmons joined the Chino Police Department in 1995 after graduating from the California State University at Fullerton. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Simmons served as Police Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Operator, Corporal, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He was appointed as the Chief of Police in July 2019. Additionally, Chief Simmons graduated with the 255th Session of the FBI National Academy and Class 60 of California's POST Command College. He has a master's degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and completed the Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. This July, Chief Simmons is officially retiring. I hope that he gets to rest and enjoy time with his family. We are grateful for his service to our community. For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize Chief of Police Wes Simmons. His years of civic service and commitment to the city and the people of Chino are worthy of the highest commendation.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, due to the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee on Appropriations Markup, I missed the vote on the Motion to Recommit to H.R. 3564. Roll Call No. 288. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 288.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand the release and safe return of Jamshid Sharmahd. Mr. Sharmahd, a U.S. national and the father of one of my constituents, was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned in Iran 3 years ago in retaliation for simply doing his job as an independent journalist. Following a sham trial that was condemned by international human rights groups, Mr. Sharmahd was sentenced to death. Mr. Sharmahd was convicted in an Iranian court of ``corruption on Earth,'' a nonsense charge designed only to imprison and execute political dissidents. He deserves to be reunited with his daughter in Ontario, California. Mr. Speaker, I call on the State Department and the White House to do everything in their power to free Mr. Sharmahd and ensure his safe return.

Mrs. TORRES of California

Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to demand justice for a family still in search of answers. Over 3 years after his murder, Army Specialist Enrique Roman- Martinez' mother, Maria, and sister, Griselda, still don't know what happened to their beloved son and brother. Before he was even old enough to vote, Enrique felt called to serve a purpose much greater than himself. His dedication to our Nation compelled him to enlist in the Army when he was only 17 years old. While stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Specialist Roman- Martinez went camping in the Outer Banks with seven of his fellow soldiers. On May 22, 2020, he disappeared. Seven soldiers camping with him failed to report him missing. They failed to provide information that could lead to solving his murder. Instead, they claimed that he was suicidal. However, a week later, when his head surfaced, Specialist Roman- Martinez was found washed ashore--only his head. He was only 21 years old, just old enough to order a beer for himself. He had the rest of his life ahead of him, a life he chose to begin by selflessly serving his country. His family deserves the truth. As the mother of an Air Force veteran, I will never forget that awful feeling of waking up every day and not knowing whether my son will ever come home. Our military makes a sacred commitment to never leave a servicemember behind, and it is their moral obligation to inform families if their loved one is killed. It is an impossible, unthinkable conversation, a conversation that I feared every single day during my son's deployment, but it is essential closure for the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It has been over 3 years, and the murder of Enrique Roman-Martinez remains unsolved. The Army's failure to provide his family with the answers they deserve is unacceptable. Last year, I introduced The Enrique Roman-Martinez Military Cold Case Justice Act to reform how the military handles cold cases and ensure that a tragedy of uncertainty like this never happens again. I am pleased that my legislation was included in our annual government funding law and that I recently had the opportunity to visit the new Army cold case unit to monitor the Army's improvements to their cold case review process. However, the harsh truth remains: Enrique's family is still waiting for answers they may never find. They are also still waiting for the remains they may never find. I call on anyone with information on Enrique Roman-Martinez's murder to come forward and shed light on what happened. As the Roman-Martinez family's voice in Congress, I will continue doing all I can to deliver justice for them. Enrique was one of the Inland Empire's best and brightest, and we feel the pain of his loss every single day. Maria and Griselda's lives will never be the same after the murder of their son and brother, and the very least that we can do is grant them closure.