[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING JAKELIN CAAL MAQUIN

  (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Jakelin Caal Maquin, 
a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl, who died in December while in the custody 
of our Federal Government.
  Seven months ago, Jakelin joined her father in fleeing the extreme 
danger and poverty of her village in Guatemala. They fled from 
violence. However, Jakelin's life was cut short in December when she 
died of sepsis while under the responsibility of our Federal 
Government.
  As a physician, I know that the inhumane conditions at our Border 
Patrol facilities risk the lives of children when under CBP custody. 
That is why, this week, I am introducing the Humanitarian Standards for 
Individuals in CBP Act, legislation requiring CBP to meet the 
humanitarian needs of children and families in their custody.
  My bill will require health screenings and improved access to 
lifesaving equipment and medications, and it will set minimum standards 
to ensure access to food, water, and shelter.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to 
help prevent future deaths of children at the border and restore 
humanity to our treatment of asylum seekers and families.

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