[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PROTECTING GAY AND TRANS RIGHTS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Porter) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to defend freedom.
  On May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and 
Biphobia, we must reaffirm that all Americans, no matter who they love, 
where they are, or how they identify, deserve to live their lives free 
from discrimination and hate.
  Since the start of 2023, State legislatures across the country have 
proposed over 400 anti-LGBTQI+ laws, including right here in the House. 
That is a record high, and it is unacceptable.
  When extremist politicians target Americans' freedom of expression, 
the safety of transgender students, and access to healthcare, we cannot 
remain silent.
  As a member of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am working to root out 
hate and discrimination in all its forms.
  Californians know that our State's diversity is its strength. We in 
Congress owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to our communities 
to create a future in which every American, no matter their sexual 
orientation or gender identity, can live their lives to the fullest.


 Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Orange Coast College's Puente Program

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of Orange Coast College's Puente program.
  California is home to the largest Latino population in the country, 
but too many barriers keep Latino students from getting college degrees 
and the keys to their future.
  To level the playing field, the Puente program helps California's 
underserved students transfer into a 4-year college that helps unlock 
more opportunities.
  In the Puente program, students work with counselors to refine study 
skills, develop action plans, and explore career options. They also 
sharpen their writing in college-level courses and meet with mentors to 
learn about life after graduation.
  For the thousands who are the first in their families to go to 
college, the Puente program is a game changer.
  I am honored to celebrate this incredible milestone, the 30th 
anniversary, and to share the work that the Puente program does for our 
students and communities in Orange County.


                    Renewing Focus on Mental Health

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, health goes beyond physical health. It 
includes mental health, too. During Mental Health Awareness Month, I am 
renewing my push to get Americans compassionate and effective care.
  Mental illness can be far-reaching. Just as people of all ages, 
races, and genders get colds and take medicine, they can also become 
sick and need treatment for their mental health.
  I am reintroducing several bills to deliver help.
  The Mental Health Justice Act would send healthcare professionals to 
respond to mental health emergencies in lieu of police.
  The Student Mental Health Rights Act would better protect college 
students.
  The Behavioral Health Coverage Transparency Act would crack down on 
Big Insurance for failing to cover mental health adequately.
  I am proud to represent a community that understands the importance 
of mental health. I applaud innovative organizations, like Be Well OC, 
that meet people in our community, reduce barriers and stigma, and help 
people get behavioral care.
  I will continue to be a partner in their efforts during Mental Health 
Awareness Month and year-round.


            Justices Failing to Live Up to Ethical Standards

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, Americans' confidence in the Supreme Court 
is at a record low. That is no surprise when Justices hide that 
billionaires take them on luxurious yachts and private jet trips, buy 
land from them, and pay their dependents' private boarding school 
tuition.
  Our Justices are failing to live up to the ethical standards we 
expect from the highest court in our land. The problem is not that the 
Supreme Court is just conservative. The problem is that it is corrupt.
  We have 870 Federal judges across this country, and a basic code of 
ethical conduct is enforced against all of them, except nine, our 
Supreme Court Justices.
  To restore confidence in the Court, we must root out conflicts of 
interest, strengthen judicial transparency, and, finally, establish a 
code of ethics.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle: If we 
cherish our institutions, we must reform and strengthen them.

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