E898 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 11, 2019 about the horrendous treatment of immigrants HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSH Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Re- at detention facilities. A community-based or- HARDY sponse Act of 2019 (the RECOVER Act), ganization in my district, Immigrant Families which would require the Office of Personnel Together (IFT), has been helping immigrant HON. ELAINE G. LURIA Management (OPM) to make permanent the families settle in the United States. They have OF VIRGINIA free identity protection coverage that Congress required OPM to provide for 10 years to indi- provided legal aid, food, shelter, clothing, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES viduals whose Social Security Numbers were household goods and other assistance. In the Thursday, July 11, 2019 potentially compromised during the OPM data course of their work, they have collected some Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to breaches. In 2015, OPM reported that the per- horrific stories from the people they have honor and recognize the late Josh Hardy, who sonally identifiable information of as many as helped. was senselessly murdered in the Virginia 25.7 million current, former and prospective The stories range from inadequate medical Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia federal employees and contractors was stolen treatment to sexual abuse to refusal to provide Beach lost Josh far too soon. in two data breaches. I appreciate that Rep- food, water and blankets. There are reports of Josh worked as an engineering technician resentative C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER is co- adults and children being denied necessary for the Department of Public Works for the leading on this bill. City of Virginia Beach for over four years. After OPM announced that it would offer medication, including a girl who suffered sei- Josh was a fun coworker, was never too identity protection coverage of limited duration zures who was put on a bus without her medi- stressed to crack a joke, and always wore a and value, Senator BEN CARDIN and I intro- cation. Women at a facility in Elloy, Arizona smile. Loved ones described Josh as a father duced the RECOVER Act in July 2015, which were reportedly given one meal a day and ten figure and as a kind-hearted man. He was would have provided affected individuals life- minutes to eat. There are also reports that dedicated to his faith and shared it with oth- time protection and at least $5 million in iden- women at this facility were denied water for 3 ers. Josh’s life of hard work and service to the tity theft insurance. Congress subsequently in- days. Women at this facility also claim that community, as well as his kind heart, will for- cluded a version of our bill in an enacted ap- their laundry was done in unsanitary condi- ever be remembered. propriations bill, but limited the duration of the tions that allowed lice to infest their clothing. Josh will be missed by all his loved ones. protection. Under current law, OPM is only re- Hampton Roads significantly benefited from quired to provide identity protection coverage One four-year-old boy was held in Immigra- his presence; he made our community a better through fiscal year 2026. Under the bill we are tion and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody place. Today we remember and honor his life. introducing today, OPM would be required to in Dallas, Texas for roughly two months during f provide coverage for the remainder of the lives the summer and fall of 2018. On his way to of affected individuals. the U.S. border he had broken a femur and RECOGNIZING MEMPHIS MATH The current coverage is inadequate, particu- dislocated a hip. Although the boy was clearly TEACHER BERNELL JONES larly considering that there is no limit to when injured and ICE took him to the hospital for the thieves (or those they have shared the examination, ICE refused to pay for his sur- HON. STEVE COHEN stolen data with) may exploit the data. There- gery. Reportedly, ICE simply gave him Tylenol OF TENNESSEE fore, there should be no limit on the duration of the coverage provided to affected individ- for two months until he was released. Fol- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES uals. This bill would give current, former and lowing his release, IFT paid for his surgery. Thursday, July 11, 2019 prospective federal employees and contractors In Texas, a mother and her one-year-old in- Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today who were affected both some peace of mind fant were held first in the ‘icebox’ for two days to commend Bernell Jones, a seventh grade and protection. OPM failed to protect these and later in the ‘Dog Pound’ for four days. The mathematics teacher at the White Station Mid- people. It follows that the government must do mother and child were given one aluminum dle School in Memphis for the last 16 years, the right thing to make up for its mistake. blanket for the two of them. When the mother who was recently nationally recognized as an I urge my colleagues to support this impor- inspiring educator. asked for a second blanket, an ICE officer tant bill. Before he became a math teacher, Mr. f screamed at her. The infant became very sick Jones was a computer specialist in the Ma- on their third day in the ‘Dog Pound,’ with rines, which explains his effectiveness in IN RECOGNITION OF THE 85TH vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. An ICE keeping discipline in his classroom. ‘‘Class- BIRTHDAY OF MR. PAUL ROJAS doctor examined the child. Rather than pre- room management from a military perspective scribing treatment, he recommended release. is fairly easy,’’ Mr. Jones told The Commercial HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER IFT believes that they were released so that Appeal newspaper. ‘‘You’re just so used to OF MISSOURI the baby’s condition would not be ICE’s re- telling people what to do. These are young IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES kids, and at school they will do the right sponsibility. The mother and child were put on Thursday, July 11, 2019 a bus for New York City, but the baby nearly thing.’’ Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I proudly died in New Jersey and was taken to an Mr. Jones earned a master’s degree in teaching at Christian Brothers University he rise today to celebrate the 85th birthday of the emergency room where he was given fluids began teaching at White Station Middle Honorable Paul Rojas and to recognize his that enabled him to survive. School. An innovator in the classroom, he said numerous contributions to Missouri’s Fifth A pregnant teenager was released from Of- he seeks to make mathematics fun with ‘‘pi’’ Congressional District. Mr. Rojas’ life has fice of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody days and a waffle festival. He has changed been dedicated to the betterment of those in California one week before giving birth. the minds of many students who didn’t initially around him and it is an honor to have the op- After she gave birth, it was discovered that like math—one became a math teacher her- portunity to recognize his service. she had a urinary tract infection that was so self. Paul Rojas was born in 1935 in the Westside Neighborhood of Kansas City, Mis- severe that she had a kidney infection. Mr. Jones is an inspiration to his students and to our whole community, and I congratu- souri. Mr. Rojas is the youngest of six boys One father related that his six-year-old late him for this recognition. and a son of immigrant parents. Growing up, daughter was sexually assaulted by a boy at f he and his family frequented Guadalupe Cen- an ORR facility in Casa Glendale, Arizona. ters and relied on their services after the She reportedly was told it was her responsi- INTRODUCTION OF THE RECOVER death of his mother. Their kindness and gen- bility to stay away from him and was told to ACT erosity showed Mr. Rojas the effect that a sign a document asserting that she under- community organization such as Guadalupe stood her obligation. A couple of weeks later, HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Centers can have on a person’s life. Commu- the same boy assaulted her again and hit her. OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA nity organizations provide not only tangible as- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sistance, but they also teach the importance of Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join helping one’s neighbor. me in condemning a system that treats immi- Thursday, July 11, 2019 After attending Guadalupe Grade School, he grants with such brutality and lack of compas- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to in- attended De La Salle High School. He worked sion. troduce the Reducing the Effects of the in the fields, as a busboy, on the railroads, in

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Hampton Roads significantly benefited Thursday, July 11, 2019 ences, a desire to serve and improve the lives from his presence; he made our community a of others was sparked within him. Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam better place. Today we remember and honor Speaker, I rise today with the Honorable his life. As a U.S. Navy veteran serving in the Ko- JARED HUFFMAN, to recognize Western Farm rean War from 1952 to 1955, Paul Rojas f Center as the recipient of the Sonoma County joined the ranks of great men and women who Farm Bureau’s Friend of the Farm Bureau CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNI- defended the United States on the frontlines. award. For 52 years Western Farm Center VERSARY OF THE JORDAN VAL- Mr. Rojas continues to exhibit the commitment has been the premier feed stores that serves LEY DISTRICT LIBRARY he showed in his service to the United States farms in the Santa Rosa area. with his membership in the Korean Veterans Western Farm Center was founded by HON. JACK BERGMAN Association, Veterans of Underage Military brothers Larry and Lou Bertolini in 1967. The OF MICHIGAN Service, and the American Legion. Within store is currently owned and operated by IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES these organizations, he advocates for those Lou’s daughter Maria Bertolini Frampton and Thursday, July 11, 2019 who have served, are currently serving, and her husband Trevor Frampton, who is the gen- who wish to serve their country in the future. eral manager of the store. Western Farm Cen- Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it’s my After serving in the Korean War, civic en- ter has been a staple in Sonoma County for honor to recognize the Jordan Valley District gagement remained a pillar of Mr. Rojas’ life. decades. The store provides essential feed, Library upon the occasion of its 100th Anniver- He served on various boards and commis- seed, and supplies to the surrounding rural sary. Through its trusted service, reliable staff, sions at the city and county level before push- community, as well as exceptional customer and community investment, the Jordan Valley ing to become the first Hispanic elected to the service. District Library has become an indispensable Missouri General Assembly. As a State Rep- For more than thirty years, Western Farm part of Northern Michigan. resentative, Paul Rojas initiated national meet- Center has worked alongside the Sonoma Opened in July 1919 as the East Jordan ings of Hispanic elected officials, leading to County Farm Bureau to bridge the rural and Public Library, a grant from the Carnegie Cor- the establishment of the National Association urban gap by bringing chicks and ducklings to poration and an incredibly determined board of of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials the Farm Bureau’s Ag Days, a celebration that directors and staff built the library into the (NALEO). Mr. Rojas also helped found the introduces city children to the wonders of the local institution it is today. Over the course of Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Wash- farm community. Western Farm Center has 100 years, the Jordan Valley District Library ington DC in order to help hundreds of His- provided straw and additional resources for forged its path to success while maintaining its panic and minority owned businesses network other events held by the Sonoma County commitment to the community it was built and gain access to resources. Farm Bureau. upon. While its building and name may be dif- Western Farm Center is known for being ferent today, the Jordan Valley District Library After his service as a Missouri State Rep- run by people who are generous and involved still promotes the same ideals of giving the cu- resentative, Paul Rojas continued his devotion in our community. They frequently provide rious a place to explore and discover. The li- to service. He is now chairmen of Guadalupe food and other supplies to Pony Express, All brary’s 100th Anniversary will be celebrated Centers Inc., the organization that supported Aboard Dog Rescue, Sonoma County Animal today, July 11th, in its original building first his family in their time of need. Guadalupe Services, and Dogwood Animal Rescue. West- constructed in 1919. Day after day, the Jordan Centers provide training programs, education, ern Farm Center played a large role in the Valley District Library continues to set a posi- after school activities, and family support pro- days and weeks following the October 2017 tive example of what can be achieved when grams. Mr. Rojas also advocates for the wel- wildfires. Along with their vendors, the store the people of a community work together for fare of seniors as a member of the Kansas provided pet food, hay, and grain for cats, the common good. City Silver Haired Council. He is also a mem- dogs, and horses that had been left homeless Madam Speaker, it’s my honor to congratu- ber of the Knights of Columbus, an organiza- by the fires. late the Jordan Valley District Library and its tion dedicated to charity. Recently, through Madam Speaker, Western Farm Center is staff for 100 years of success, service, and Guadalupe Centers Inc., Rojas championed an important business in our community and community investment. Michiganders can take the decision to repurpose a building and cre- has been aptly honored with the Sonoma great pride in knowing the First District is ate a youth recreation center that provides County Farm Bureau’s Friend of the Farm Bu- home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of students with a safe location for extracurricular reau award. It is therefore fitting and proper my constituents, I wish the Jordan Valley Dis- activities and opportunities to keep them out of that we honor the store and its owners here trict Library all the best in its future endeavors. trouble. today. f Throughout his life’s work, Paul Rojas has f INTRODUCTION OF THE CIVIL WAR served as a model of leadership and selfless- HONORING THE LIFE OF DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON NA- ness. His service in the U.S. Navy, his posi- ALEXANDER MIKHAIL GUSEV TIONAL HISTORICAL PARK ACT tion as a Missouri State Representative, his chairing of the oldest Latino serving non-profit, Guadalupe Centers Inc., and his other leader- HON. ELAINE G. LURIA HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON ship positions demonstrate his commitment to OF VIRGINIA OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA his community and his country. Mr. Rojas has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES made a unique contribution to each of these Thursday, July 11, 2019 Thursday, July 11, 2019 organizations, representing the reality of many Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I in- underrepresented communities. His counsel honor and recognize the late Alexander Mi- troduce a bill The Civil War Defenses of empowers organizations to better make deci- khail Gusev, who was senselessly murdered Washington National Historical Park Act to sions about how to benefit those they serve. in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shoot- recognize and preserve the Civil War De- He continues to create a community that is ing. Virginia Beach lost Alexander far too fenses of Washington located in the District of well equipped to handle the issues it faces. soon. Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The De- It is a privilege to stand today and recognize Alexander worked as a right-of-way agent fenses of Washington, including forts, un- the contributions and devotion of Mr. Paul for the Department of Public Works for the armed batteries and rifle trenches, created a Rojas. Madam Speaker, please join me in City of Virginia Beach for nine years. Alex- ring of protection for the nation’s capital during honoring Mr. Rojas’ remarkable service to the ander emigrated from Belarus and gained an the Civil War. This bill would redesignate the people of the Greater Kansas City area and education first from Tidewater Community Col- 22 Civil War Defenses of Washington currently beyond. lege and then through Old Dominion Univer- under National Park Service jurisdiction as a

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