Protecting Gay and Trans Rights

Floor Speech

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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

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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

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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

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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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