[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10275-H10276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THANKING NEVADA'S FOURTH DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Kihuen) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand before the House to thank the 
people of Nevada's Fourth Congressional District. It has been the honor 
of my life to serve as a Member of Congress and represent my 
constituents in the 115th Congress. I have worked tirelessly on their 
behalf every single day to make Nevada a great place to live and raise 
a family.
  As many of my colleagues know, I was not born in this country. I 
don't come from a wealthy or politically connected family. My family 
emigrated from Mexico when I was 8 years old. My parents, a housekeeper 
and a former farm worker, came to America because they knew that, if 
they worked hard and sacrificed, in America, they could achieve the 
American Dream.
  Less than 30 years later, thanks to the wonderful opportunities that 
only this country has to offer, their son is standing before you as a 
Representative of the United States of America. That is the American 
Dream.
  There are still so many people who have hopes and aspirations of 
achieving that American Dream. Unfortunately, under this 
administration, immigrants have been denigrated. Before even being 
given a chance, they are labeled as criminals and murderers.
  But America is a Nation of immigrants and the land of opportunity. As 
the first Dreamer and one of the first two former undocumented 
immigrants to serve in Congress in our Nation's history, I have used my 
personal experience to fight for other Dreamers so that DACA recipients 
are able to remain in America and thrive.
  I have fought to ensure that our asylum process is upheld and that 
young, innocent children are not separated from their families at the 
border. I have advocated for comprehensive immigration reform.
  My Democratic colleagues and I have also fought relentlessly to 
protect people's healthcare and the Affordable Care Act, especially as 
Republicans have tried time and time again to get rid of preexisting 
conditions.
  I was proud to announce my support for the Medicare for All Act 
because healthcare is a human right, and all Americans deserve quality 
and affordable healthcare.
  I joined my union brothers and sisters in championing workers' 
rights, fighting for a $15 minimum wage, the right to join a union, and 
equal pay for women.
  I fought against the unconstitutional travel ban, fiercely defended 
funding for Planned Parenthood, and stood side by side with our LGBTQ 
community in the fight for full equality.
  As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I have fought to 
keep people in their homes and advocated for affordable housing and the 
immediate need to address homelessness in America.
  I was proud to join the Nevada delegation in standing strong to fight 
against efforts to bring nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain. Yucca 
Mountain is not safe and should remain closed forever.
  I introduced the STEP for Veterans Act, which would provide grants to 
community colleges to train veterans with the job skills that employers 
need in their communities. Although we can never do enough to thank our 
veterans for their sacrifices, I am proud of the work that I did to 
help them get the resources they need and deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, one of the worst days of my life and in many of my 
constituents' lives was last year on October 1, 2017, when Las Vegas 
became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American 
history. In total, 58 innocent lives were lost.
  While they are gone, I wanted to make sure that their memories were 
not lost. That is why I told each of their 58 stories here on the House 
floor, so that their precious and vibrant lives would be remembered and 
never forgotten.
  I am optimistic that the House will finally pass meaningful 
legislation next year to prevent more tragedies from happening.

                              {time}  1230

  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I thank my team who worked tirelessly day in and

[[Page H10276]]

day out to deliver services to hundreds of Nevadans. I relied on them 
every day to do my job, and I couldn't have done it without them. I am 
profoundly grateful and forever grateful to each and every one of them.
  Thank you to my colleagues for making my time as a Member of Congress 
unforgettable. I made so many friends here, friendships that will last 
a lifetime.
  Thank you to all the staff in the House of Representatives, including 
the floor staff, the cleaning crew, the kitchen staff, all of you whom 
I enjoyed many great conversations with.
  Thank you to my family and friends for all of your unconditional 
support.
  Thank you, once again, to my constituents for putting your faith and 
trust in me. I am blessed and honored to serve you and grateful for the 
opportunity to give back to the State and country that has given me and 
my family so much.
  (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)

       Thank you to the people of Nevada for your support and the 
     opportunity to serve you in the U.S. Congress. I will always 
     fight for you.

       Muchas gracias a toda la gente de Nevada por su apoyo y por 
     la oportunidad de servirles en el Congreso de los Estados 
     Unidos. Simpre luchare por ustedes
  Mr. Speaker, may God bless Nevada and may God bless the United States 
of America.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Marshall). The gentleman from Nevada 
will provide the Clerk a translation of his remarks.

                          ____________________