Francis Scott Key Bridge

Floor Speech

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Ms. BARRAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Baltimore for today's special hour.

On March 26 in the early hours of the morning, I remember watching in horror as a cargo ship ran into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

As we all assess what happened, how we will rebuild and what the impact of its collapse will have on trade and ports like mine in Los Angeles, let us stop and take a moment to recognize the lives lost that night.

As we watched in horror, we did not know that 185 feet above the river on that bridge in the dark of night that there was a construction crew bravely working to fix potholes so the 30,000 motorists who crossed the bridge each day could do so safely.

Six members of the construction crew died or are presumed dead.

We have come to learn something that is of no surprise to me, they were immigrants who came to America for a better life, for an opportunity to provide for their family--much like my own parents.

Today we stand in solemn remembrance of them. In their honor, we not only mourn their loss but celebrate the invaluable contributions that immigrants like them make to the American economy and society.

Let us first remember, Maynor Suaza Sandoval, a father of two from Honduras. He came to the U.S. when he was 18 years old. He was an entrepreneur who came to the United States and worked three jobs to provide a better life for his family. He was described by family as ``a joyful person'' and ``a generous man'' who sent money to his hometown soccer team in Honduras. He also contributed to his community by working with the nonprofit immigrant organization, CASA. He is survived by his wife, and two children, ages 5 and 18.

Jose Mynor Lopez, also left behind his homeland in Guatemala to seek a better life in America. He worked hard to provide for his family and was a wonderful husband to his wife, Isabel, and a caring father and stepfather to his four children.

Miguel Luna, from El Salvador, was a proud immigrant and father of six, who worked in his spare time with CASA to help other immigrants from Central America create a better life for their families in the United States.

Dorlian Castillo Cabrera moved here from Guatemala to support his mother, Marlon. He loved his job and worked hard to give his mom a comfortable life in America.

Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, a father of four from Mexico, was working to help his sister join his family here in the United States.

And finally, we remember Carlos Hernandez, a 24-year-old construction worker from Mexico, who is the nephew of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes. He died with his uncle on that bridge.

Minutes before the bridge collapse, Carlos left a voicemail for his girlfriend, Jasmine saying, ``yes, my love, we just poured the cement and we're just waiting for it to dry.'' His shift was almost over, and he was looking forward to heading home to see her. They had planned to get married in a few months and start a family.

These men came to this country in pursuit of a better life and to support their families.

They made a critical contribution to maintain our Nation's infrastructure.

Their loss underscores the risky jobs Latinos and immigrants endure to build and maintain our infrastructure, produce food, and keep our country running.

Latinos and immigrants are often demonized for political purposes. It is wrong.

As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, we will continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and rights of all immigrants, regardless of their status.

As we reflect on the lives of Jose, Miguel, Maynor, Dorlian, Alejandro, and Carlos, let us also recognize the countless other immigrants who, like them, contribute immeasurably to the fabric of our Nation. From the fields to the factories, from the construction sites to the corner stores, immigrants are the backbone of the American economy.

Let us honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the bridge collapse by committing ourselves to building a nation where all people, regardless of their background, can pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.

We say to those lost: ``May you Rest in Peace.'' ``Decansen en Paz.''

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