[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 22, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1304-H1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IGNITING CULTURE WARS AT THE EXPENSE OF TRANS LIVES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr.  Robert Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in both 
sadness and anger.
  I know how painful life can be as an openly gay person. Like so many 
in our community, I have also experienced harassment because of who I 
am, but these challenges pale in comparison to the onslaught of attacks 
against the trans community in this country today.
  House Republicans attack trans people as threats to kids, religious 
liberty, and our local schools, but that just isn't true. The true 
threats are the discriminatory proposals against trans Americans that 
are being made in chambers and statehouses across the country.
  Sports bans, bathroom bills, and healthcare restrictions demonize and 
dehumanize trans people. With higher rates of depression, anxiety, and 
suicide, these bills literally mean the difference between life and 
death for so many in this community, but many in this Chamber don't 
seem to care.
  It is part of a plan to ignite culture wars at the expense of trans 
lives. As an immigrant embraced by this country, I believe that being a 
true patriot means advocating for all of our people across the country. 
That is why I will do everything in my power to ensure and safeguard 
the rights of all Americans, and that includes our transgender 
community.
  The trans community has been at the front lines of the struggle for 
justice and equality. Please know that we will be there right beside 
you, fighting against these cruel and un-American attacks.
  Trans rights are human rights. We will continue to fight until we 
win.


         Recognizing Cal State Long Beach's 50th Annual Powwow

  Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Cal State Long Beach's 50th annual powwow. Specifically, I 
recognize the First Nations and first stewards of the land where this 
event is held every single year.
  The Cal State Long Beach powwow is the longest running and largest 
social celebration west of the Mississippi River honoring Native and 
indigenous peoples.
  I had the pleasure of attending this event just recently and was 
incredibly impressed by the skill and love shared with this community 
event. This year's celebration was especially important. It was the 
first time it was held since the pandemic.
  Established by American Indian students in 1969, the powwow includes 
Native dancers from across the State, the Pacific Northwest, and even 
parts of Canada.
  Events like this are important to highlight our Native American 
culture and presence within our country. It also serves to educate and 
develop the next generation of Native American leaders while bringing 
Tribes together to highlight art and unity.
  In commemoration of the 50 years of the powwow, we congratulate and 
thank Cal State Long Beach.


              Honoring Influential Artist Dave Van Patten

  Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support 
art in all its mediums. From paint to dance to music to story writing, 
our lives are enriched with the appreciation of the arts.
  Today, I rise to recognize someone who has been an amazing and 
influential artist in the city of Long Beach, and that is Dave Van 
Patten.
  Just last month, Dave topped his tremendous career by winning a 
Grammy for his work as artistic director of the box set album of 
Grateful Dead concerts titled: ``In and Out of the Garden.''

[[Page H1305]]

  Dave Van Patten's work is iconic. You can see it all across the city 
of Long Beach, the city of Bellflower, and across the State and beyond. 
His ability to blend surrealism with comic book designs makes him a 
unique artist with a distinctive style across southern California. I am 
honored to know Dave. He is a constituent. He is a friend, and amazing 
artist transforming people's lives.

  Dave, congratulations.

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