[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THREE CRITICAL PIECES OF LEGISLATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Vicente Gonzalez) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support 
of three critical pieces of legislation that are in the House this 
week. I proudly endorsed and cosponsored all three of them to keep our 
promise to essential workers and support communities across the 
country. It is time for Congress to start delivering the results that 
we have promised to the American people.
  First, I will begin by praising the passage of H.R. 2499, the Federal 
Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022. There are over 15,000 firefighters 
employed by the Federal Government. Each of them is at greater risk of 
developing illnesses due to their job. These hazards include diesel 
emissions, carbon monoxide, and other cancer-causing chemicals released 
by fires that they combat on a regular basis.
  Madam Speaker, 48 States have compensation laws that provide 
firefighters with a presumption that certain diseases were contracted 
on the job. However, no such rule applies so far to Federal 
firefighters, and it is time we correct this wrong and stand behind the 
brave men and women who protect us.
  I also urge the passage of H.R. 903, the Rights for the 
Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act. 365 days a year, 
TSA agents across the country ensure safe travel to all of us. Despite 
working through the COVID-19 pandemic and government shutdowns, agents 
face stagnant pay.
  These brave men and women deserve better, which is why I am a proud 
cosponsor of H.R. 903. This legislation will put TSA agents on a level 
playing field with other Federal employees, and we need to do this 
today.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 5129, the 
Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act of 2022. This bill 
reauthorizes the community services block grants for the next 10 years 
that improve the lives of Americans across the country and have done so 
much in my district. Just this year, over $3 million of these grants 
helped improve the lives of communities in south Texas in my district.
  This is a product of the War on Poverty. These grants support poverty 
reduction, increase in health access, and many other benefits. I urge 
my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation and continue the 
program for south Texans and Americans across this country.
  I urge the House to pass these bipartisan pieces of legislation so we 
can get them to the President's desk.

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