[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      UNACCOMPANIED MINOR CHILDREN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, today I rise with grave concerns over 
another border record shattered by this administration.
  We know that the border crisis has national security consequences and 
also humanitarian consequences. Just recently, the Washington Examiner 
reported that under the Biden administration, nearly half a million 
migrant children arrived in the United States without a parent.
  The administration's open-border policies are incentivizing parents 
to send their children on the dangerous journey to the United States, 
oftentimes putting them in the hands of ruthless drug cartels and human 
smugglers.
  Sadly, due to the lack of oversight and protection by the Department 
of Health and Human Services, many of these innocent children end up in 
sickening situations where they are trafficked, forced to work in 
unsafe conditions, or even worse.
  As an immigrant myself who moved to the United States as a young boy 
and now a father of six, this breaks my heart.
  We must protect these vulnerable children and treat them with the 
care they deserve. There is nothing fair, humane, or compassionate 
about this.
  These children are sent to the U.S. in search of opportunity and a 
better life but instead end up in harm's way.
  This is yet another terrible consequence of the historic crisis at 
our border. The administration's failure to enforce the laws puts 
migrant children in danger while enriching cartels and criminal 
organizations that profit from their suffering.
  This is a tragedy, and it is completely unacceptable. We have a 
responsibility to protect these vulnerable children while enforcing the 
law to stop this behavior.
  I will continue working to secure our southern border and strengthen 
protections for unaccompanied migrant children.


                      Congratulating Mandy Rhodes

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mandy 
Rhodes on a well-deserved retirement after 18 years of service to the 
students and community at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.
  During her time, Mandy taught students in fourth and eighth grade and 
served as the grammar school principal for 7 years, an outstanding 
career as an educator.

  As a teacher and principal, Mandy is known best for how she cared for 
everyone around her. Her incredible smile and positive attitude created 
a warm environment, sense of community, and a culture of excellence at 
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy.
  She empowered her students to be the leaders and innovators of 
tomorrow, and I know this firsthand because my own kids experienced it.
  She has been a force for good for our students and our community and 
our family. Mandy has truly embodied the mission of Pusch Ridge in her 
sacrificial service to others.
  I strongly believe that no profession means more to our future 
generation than our educators. Education is the pillar of the American 
Dream, and our teachers are its architects.
  I thank Principal Rhodes for all she has done and all she has given 
to the community of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. May God continue to 
bless her in her new journey.


     Congratulating the Salpointe High School Girls' Softball Team

  Mr. CISCOMANI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Salpointe High School girls' softball team for winning the 4A State 
championship.
  On Saturday, May 11, they faced off against the CDO High School 
Dorados in Hillenbrand Stadium. In an exciting game, they shut out 
their opponents with a score of 11-0 with the Lancers securing four 
home runs.
  This marks the Lancers' sixth State championship in a row since 2018. 
Their hard work and perseverance over the past six seasons has been 
truly commendable. With this State championship under their belt, the 
Lancers end the season with 31 wins and only 4 losses.
  I am proud to represent such dedicated athletes, determined coaches, 
and supportive parents. We congratulate Coach Tricia Sztan and her 
talented team for this well-deserved win and this amazing title.

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