Xochitl Torres Small

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2382, the USPS Fairness Act, which passed today with large bipartisan and union support. I was proud to lead this bill with my friends and colleagues, Chairman Peter DeFazio and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Reed. The USPS Fairness Act will repeal the mandate for the United States Postal Service to prefund future retiree health benefits. No other government agency or private business is plagued with a mandate like this. Since 2006, the prefunding mandate has wreaked havoc on USPS's finances, costing the agency $5.4 billion each year. I represent one of the most rural districts in the Nation, and in southern New Mexico, post offices and postal workers are an integral part of our communities, connecting businesses to customers, pharmacies to patients, and families to friends spread across our vast country. Congress created this prefunding crisis, so I am pleased the House of Representatives took the first step to solve it. I ask that the Senate take the next step with us.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I thank President Trump, congressional leadership, Chairman Neal, Ranking Member Brady, and members of the USMCA working group for fighting to make significant improvements to the out-of-date NAFTA agreement. This is a win for New Mexico's workers, small businesses, agricultural producers, and our economy as a whole. In my conversations with constituents from across southern New Mexico, I have seen just why NAFTA is out of date and why USMCA will be a better deal. Dairy producers in Belen and Roswell have talked with me about how, even when New Mexican dairies aren't selling directly to Canada, increased market access and new pricing will raise commodity prices across the country. USMCA makes significant progress in protecting American workers by evening the playing field with meaningful enforcement mechanisms that will protect hard-won improvements. Other New Mexicans, like our world-famous New Mexico chili and pecan growers, now have the certainty of a trade deal. New Mexico stands to gain real benefits after we pass USMCA today. Like any deal, it isn't perfect. Environment and enforcement standards can always be improved. But the USMCA is entirely necessary for New Mexico's producers, workers, and consumers. This deal will deliver for New Mexico. It shows that compromise can be made, that we can put politics aside. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of USMCA.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding and for his tireless work fighting for improved healthcare in rural communities. Congressman O'Halleran's amendment, which I am proud to cosponsor, is vital in rural areas like those in New Mexico's Second Congressional District. Hospitals often run on small margins and do not have the necessary resources to establish new residency training programs. This is especially problematic given the shortage of up to more than 100,000 physicians by 2030 in the United States. Rural communities, in particular, already struggle to attract and keep medical professionals. Therefore, it is only fitting that the Federal Government invests a portion of the savings earned by H.R. 3 into rural areas to improve healthcare accessibility, and this amendment would do just that. As we continue debating healthcare legislation, I urge my colleagues to support initiatives that provide rural residents greater access to basic healthcare. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment and the underlying bill.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, this November, I am proud to join my colleague, Congresswoman Deb Haaland in recognizing Native American Heritage Month. This House Resolution draws attention to our country's complex history and celebrates the many contributions Native Americans have made to our nation. Importantly, it affirms the need to strengthen our government-to-government relationship with nations, tribes and pueblos and highlights challenges Congress must address. With this responsibility, I recognize that Congress must respect and value the sovereign governments that have long called New Mexico home before I was privileged to represent it. Indian Country plays a critical role in our country's history, and too often these stories are not told. By designating November as Native American Heritage Month, we can collectively reflect on our nation's past and pay tribute. We owe it to those who came before us--and those to come--to tell the full truth about our nation's history and uplift voices that have been systematically suppressed: Most recently, I joined members of the Acoma Pueblo in celebrating a long overdue return of a sacred, ceremonial shield. After nearly four years of public appeals, a sacred piece that disappeared in the 1970s was rightfully returned to the Acoma Pueblo. Sadly, this is not an isolated event. The illegal acquisition and sale of sensitive Native American items is widespread, and I am committed to working with tribes to end the export of unlawfully removed items and return them home. In addition to fighting to preserve the culture and traditions of the pueblos and tribes in southern New Mexico, we must recognize our responsibility to ensure Native communities are provided with the proper support to build a better future. It's why this year I supported advanced appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to grant stability to Tribal programs and ensuring that Tribal Governments are not negatively affected by impasses in the federal appropriations process. I was also proud to support the passage of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and the additional protections added this year for Native women. Lastly, I worked with my Republican colleague Rep. Dusty Johnson to fight for full funding for the New Beginnings for Tribal Students Program, which provides competitive grant funding for Land Grant institutions that are actively seeking to increase recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for Native American students. As a Representative for southern New Mexico, I have the privilege of representing many tribes and pueblo communities. I know firsthand that our state's past, present, and future is tied to the vibrancy of its Native American communities. Native American Heritage Month is an important step towards fulfilling the trust and responsibility owed to our Native American sovereign governments. I am proud to join my colleagues, Reps. Deb Haaland (NM-01), Tom Cole (OK-4), Sharice Davids (KS-3), Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-3), Betty McCollum (MN-4), and Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) in recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer amendment No. 21 to H.R. 4863, the United States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019. Today's world shows an alarming trend: Human trafficking is on the rise. A report published earlier this year by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found the global trend has increased steadily since 2010. This is an issue found worldwide, in the United States, and in my home State of New Mexico. Women and girls are especially targeted. We know that these victims are sexually exploited and forced into labor, slavery, or forms of servitude by perpetrators who manipulate them using coercion, fraud, deception, and abduction. That is why New Mexico has launched a number of interagency initiatives and collaborations with nonprofits and the Federal Government to prevent, prosecute, and protect sex trafficking survivors. That is why the Ex-Im reauthorization bill we are voting on today includes forcefully stated and required exclusions to prohibit the Bank's board of directors from approving transactions with end users, obligors, and lenders involved in sanctionable activities and other violations of law. But to reinforce the point about this particularly menacing crime, I am offering this amendment to make it clear that these prohibitions against entities and individuals sanctioned for global human rights abuses include those who recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, receive, or facilitate the trafficking of men, women, and children. Sanctions alone are rarely, if ever, the entire solution to human rights or corruption crises, but they play an enormously important role to stop money from going to bad actors who seek to do bad things around the world. Every time we use these tools to disrupt that flow of money, we keep our country safer. This applies to individuals, but also to the transnational criminal organizations which, among other bad acts, manage the networks that exploit and facilitate the abuse of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. and abroad. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to join together to support this amendment and the underlying bill to offer a united, bipartisan front against human trafficking. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I yield the gentlewoman from California an additional 1 minute.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairwoman Waters and the advocates fighting for the Bank's reauthorization. Again, we must ensure that bad actors who seek to do bad things around the world don't profit from their crimes. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and final passage of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, today, October 18, 2019 marks the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Office of Artesia Operation's 30-year anniversary. On September 22, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the Treasury, Postal Service and General Government Appropriations Act, House Resolution 4775, to grant the purchase, renovation, and adaptation of a former college campus in Artesia, New Mexico, as a facility of FLETC. The following year, FLETC- Artesia was officially established as a Training Delivery Point. Today, Artesia, New Mexico, is the second largest FLETC site in terms of workload, and largest in square miles housing up to 1,800 students at any time. FLETC-Artesia's role in keeping the country safe cannot be understated. For the last three decades, it has remained committed to preparing the federal law enforcement community through strategic partnerships in accordance with a mission to safeguard the American people, our country, and our values. FLETC-Artesia has played a critical role in the initial training of law enforcement officers on the front line--including those joining United States Border Patrol, the Federal Air Marshals and Federal Flight Deck Officers. The Artesia campus is also home to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Police Academy, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty. Since Congress authorized FLETC to purchase, rehabilitate, and expand the site in 1989, over one million officers and agents have been trained. More recently, in fiscal year 2018, FLETC Artesia trained just under 4,000 students. As a witness to the work that FLETC's Artesia location executes, I am honored to recognize the full extent of FLETC's work, including the diversity and extensiveness of the trainings and the collaboration required for both local and global impact. The commitment to delivering the quality training agents and officers need to successfully do their jobs, protect our communities, and protect themselves is clear. Law enforcement from across the country and the world travel to Artesia, New Mexico to learn from FLETC's expertise. I am grateful for FLETC's work to serve New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District and our country. FLETC is a cornerstone of our community, and we celebrate its work and impact on FLETC-Artestia's 30-year anniversary.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 23 pueblos and Tribes in New Mexico. This week, New Mexicans observed our first Indigenous People's Day, celebrating the lengthy history and ongoing contributions of Native American communities in New Mexico. New Mexico's past, present, and future is tied to the vibrancy of its Native American sovereign governments. One of the most serious threats facing these communities is the crisis of murdered and missing women. The murder rate for Native American women is 10 times higher than the national average, and we have trouble even counting these tragedies. Due to outdated databases and insufficient coordination between law enforcement agencies, we can't count the number of Native American women who go missing each and every year. This crisis demands a response. I am proud and honored to join my colleagues--Congresswoman Norma Torres, Congressman Dan Newhouse, and Congresswoman Deb Haaland--in cosponsoring H.R. 2733, Savanna's Act. Savanna's Act improves Tribal access to Federal databases, creates new guidelines for responding to these cases, and creates grant programs for law enforcement agencies to improve their practices.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Alvin Francis Jones, a lifelong New Mexican judge, lawyer, and community leader. Born in New Mexico in 1944, Alvin earned a bachelor's degree from New Mexico Tech and a juris doctor from the University of New Mexico. He began his career in private practice and was later appointed to New Mexico's Fifth Judicial District in Roswell, where he served for 19 years, many as chief judge. During his time on the bench, he founded the local chapters of CASA to help vulnerable children navigate the State legal system, and Character Counts, teaching children the value of good character. After retiring from the bench in 2004, Alvin joined a private practice, where he specialized in water law. For me, he was a personal example of character. He had a dogged work ethic, and he also dedicated time and resources to mentor New Mexicans. A pillar of the community who was loved by his family and friends alike, Alvin leaves behind a legacy of selfless service to New Mexico. We are grateful and will miss him dearly.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as Americans to address this issue and to recognize National Police Week, to support the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities every day, and to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The work you do is extraordinary, and it makes me proud to be the granddaughter of a former Las Cruces police sergeant, Angel Torres. He didn't talk much about his work on the beat, but throughout my life, I have been stopped by people who have told me the difference he made in their life because he showed he cared by holding people accountable. He was the true embodiment of what it means to be a selfless public servant, just like so many in New Mexico and across the country. It means something, something I will never fully understand, to know that every day you risk your life because of what you do. It means something, something I will never understand, to know that every day and every time you enforce the law, you could lose your life because you signed up to serve. As you risk your life to treat people with humanity, dignity, and respect, that is superhuman. That is why, during National Police Week and every day, we support our law enforcement officers and work to ensure they have the resources they need to protect and serve our communities.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1594) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a process to review applications for certain grants to purchase equipment or systems that do not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standards, and for other purposes.

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

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1594, the First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act. Our Nation's first responders put their lives on the line to ensure all of us are safe. These brave women and men should have access to the equipment they need to protect lives and property around the country. One of the Department of Homeland Security's most important missions is to help ensure the effectiveness of our Nation's emergency services sector. Key avenues for such support are the Department's counterterrorism grant programs: the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program. Unfortunately, the grant guidance for these grant programs sometimes hinders first responders' ability to acquire innovative counterterrorism equipment. Today, each piece of equipment must meet or exceed national voluntary consensus standards. Although FEMA will review requests to purchase equipment that does not meet consensus standards, the Committee on Homeland Security has learned from stakeholders that the process lacks uniformity, predictability, and transparency. The process for developing voluntary consensus standards for first responder equipment has not kept pace with the evolution of technology or the demands of first responders. H.R. 1594 would direct FEMA to implement a standard process for reviewing applications to purchase equipment that do not meet consensus standards or for equipment not included on FEMA's authorized equipment list. H.R. 1594 seeks to ensure that the safety of our first responders remains a top priority. As today's threats faced by first responders are constantly evolving, it is important that our technology evolve, too. Enactment of H.R. 1594 will help ensure first responders can do their job more safely and effectively. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, by passing this bill today, we can ensure first responders have a reliable and uniform process for acquiring technologies and equipment that will keep them and our communities safe. The House unanimously passed previous versions of this bill in the prior two Congresses. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support me in passing this legislation today. As the gentleman from Pennsylvania said, they have our backs, we should have their backs. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1313) to amend the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to clarify certain allowable uses of funds for public transportation security assistance grants and establish periods of performance for such grants, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1313, the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act. Securing our Nation's transit systems is critical to keeping our country safe. Transportation systems are vital to the economic and social lives of everyday people all around the country. The emergence of so-called ``lone wolf'' domestic terrorists pose a threat to these critical systems and the people that use them. In response to this and other threats to our surface transportation systems, Congress established the Transportation Security Grant Program to help State and local authorities enhance the security of their systems. By all accounts, the Transportation Security Grant Program is making a difference. However, increasingly, we have heard that some of the aspects of this program need refinement for it to live up to its full potential. Specifically, the Committee on Homeland Security has received testimony from grant recipients that the period of performance is too short, especially when they are trying to undertake long-term security projects. H.R. 1313 addresses these concerns and makes the program more flexible by lengthening the period of performance for these grants. With flexibility in mind, the bill also allows for the funding in this program to be used for backfilling officers to allow for security training. Finally, it mandates a report by the Government Accountability Office on the Transportation Security Grant Program, including recommendations to improve the grant program. These commonsense fixes will increase the efficacy of the Transportation Security Grant Program to help bolster preparedness and response within our transportation systems. Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from Pennsylvania closes. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today, the Transportation Security Grant Program is a meaningful tool to help communities improve the safety of our surface infrastructure, but, as discussed, there are areas where it could be improved. H.R. 1313 seeks to do just that. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman King for his bipartisan work on this legislation. Before I yield back, I would like to note that this legislation is identical to a measure that the House approved last Congress by a voice vote on January 31, 2017. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1313, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1437) to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Under Secretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security to achieve security of sensitive assets among the components of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

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

Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1437, the Securing DHS Firearms Act of 2019. Mr. Speaker, this bill, authored by Mr. Correa of California, would require the Department of Homeland Security to take action to safeguard sensitive assets, such as firearms, badges, and immigration stamps. According to the DHS Office of Inspector General, during a 3-year period between fiscal years 2014 and 2016, the Department lost track of more than 2,000 highly sensitive assets. Failing to safeguard these assets puts the public at risk. This legislation, if enacted, would require the DHS under secretary for management to issue a department-wide directive for securing firearms, immigration stamps, badges, and other sensitive assets with reporting requirements for any assets that are lost or stolen. It is a commonsense measure the House passed by voice vote a little over 1 year ago. Mr. Speaker, I encourage this Chamber to again support this legislation and help safeguard the Department's most sensitive assets. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.