Raising A Question of the Privileges of the House

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 878. While I respect the sponsor of this resolution and appreciate very much her work on behalf of her constituents in southwest Washington, I cannot support this measure.

My friend and classmate from the 116th Congress, Representative Chuy Garcia, embodies the highest ideals of the American Dream.

Born in Mexico, Representative Garcia moved to the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago in the 1960s and never left. After earning his citizenship in 1977, Representative Garcia graduated from college and began his career in public service with a community-based housing initiative.

Since his time as a member of the Chicago City Council, the Illinois State Senate, and Cook County Board of Commissioners, Congressman Chuy Garcia has served his community, the Congress, and our country with great distinction.

As it relates to the matter under consideration, in nearly every election he has been a candidate, Representative Garcia has faced opposition in both primary and general elections. Representative Garcia has proven himself unafraid to campaign. He has sought other offices and come up short.

During the filing period in Illinois, any qualified citizen and any qualified resident of the State could have filed to challenge Representative Garcia. In fact, Representative Garcia won a competitive primary just last cycle.

Throughout his career in public service, Chuy Garcia has demonstrated a broad and deep respect for his constituents. This includes his fierce advocacy for Chicago's immigrant communities, teachers, public employees, and the economically striving and struggling among us.

Representative Garcia is a dedicated public servant, and his record of accomplishment is worthy of celebration.

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I once again remind the Members that any one of the citizens of this district could have filed petitions. In fact, Mr. Garcia has faced primaries before and general elections before.

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Mr. MORELLE. Balint).
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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

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Mr. MORELLE. Kamlager-Dove).
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Mr. MORELLE. Salinas).

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Mr. MORELLE. Schakowsky).

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier in the debate, I deeply respect the sponsor of this resolution. We are fellow appropriators, and I observe firsthand the energy and commitment she brings to serving the people of southwest Washington.

This resolution is wrong. It shouldn't be before us. The House has so much work we need to do. We need to address the affordability crisis in America, save healthcare, and fight the cost of the actual corruption happening on the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. Let's get back to work.

I commend my dear friend, Representative Garcia, for his long and distinguished tenure in public life and as a devoted public servant. I wish him and his family the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this ill-conceived resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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