Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America
Floor Speech
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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, at a time when Americans are struggling to afford groceries, housing, and gas, Congress should be focused on lowering the cost of living that Americans care most about and not renaming bodies of water.
As Sergeant Friday used to say on the show ``Dragnet": Just the facts, ma'am.
The facts during the first 100 days of Mr. Trump's administration are the following: The economy has shrunk; The stock market has taken a hit; 401(k)'s that are critical for a majority of Americans' retirement have declined; there has been a launch of a trade war that could cost the average family in America over $4,900 a year this year alone with no trade agreements in sight, threatening a recession.
Rather than offering solutions, my Republican friends are at this time wasting this valuable effort on the floor by renaming the Gulf of Mexico. I think the Gulf of America Act is an absurd bill. It is political theater. The Gulf of Mexico has held that name for over 500 years. Spanish explorers from Spain chartered these waters hundreds of years before the United States ever existed. Let's call this bill for what it is. It is a vanity project.
My constituents in California's San Joaquin Valley aren't asking me about the Gulf of Mexico. They are asking me about their healthcare, reducing inflation, and investing in our communities. That is what they care most about.
Congress must focus on what really matters: passing a budget, getting a farm bill done, and delivering on the priorities the American people sent us here to do.
If this is the best my Republican friends and the majority can do, it is no wonder that the American people are fed up with Congress and our numbers are so low.
Mr. Speaker, enough with political stunts. The American people deserve better. We must work together in a bipartisan effort. Celebrating All Mothers on Mother's Day
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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, we will celebrate Mother's Day. Throughout our country, families and friends will gather together to recognize and pay tribute to this important day. I think for all of us the reality is every day should be Mother's Day.
On Sunday, let us say thank you in the most meaningful way we know how, and that is with love and affection. We should do what is appropriate, and that is to thank those moms who throughout our lives have made a difference.
Mr. Speaker, every day, therefore, should be Mother's Day. Let us celebrate this day on Sunday and never forget those who brought us here today.
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