    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Page H861]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                            FIRED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP

      (Ms. RIVAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
    minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
      Ms. RIVAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share the story of a Federal
    scientist from California who, in their words, was fired by President
    Trump and Elon Musk.
      They wrote:

           I was a Pathways student intern at the EPA. I was assisting
         and training under the ecotoxicology group studying the
         effects and bioaccumulation of PFAS. I am completely
         devastated and heartbroken.

      The EPA Pathways Program creates a pathway to a career in the Federal
    Government for students and recent graduates. In this case, this is a
    student working on complex scientific issues involving PFAS, toxic
    chemicals that are all around us.
      As the only Latino Member with a STEM background in Congress, I know
    how important it is to encourage our students and young professionals
    to pursue careers in STEM.
      Firing our future STEM workforce just as they are getting started in
    their careers is shortsighted and irresponsible. These firings will
    decimate the future Federal STEM workforce that will keep American
    innovation competitive.

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