HONORING LINDA RONSTADT

On 2024-09-18, Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LINDA RONSTADT" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered trade policy.

HONORING LINDA RONSTADT

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 18, 2024)] [House] [Page H5326] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1030 HONORING LINDA RONSTADT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Robert Garcia) for 5 minutes. Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, this Hispanic Heritage Month, I pay tribute to a legendary Latina singer who crossed genres and generations, Linda Ronstadt. Utilizing her distinctive voice, she brought delight to fans of pop, country music, folk, light opera, and, of course, Latin music. She was incredibly proud of her Mexican heritage. When she told record executives that she wanted to record an album all in Spanish, they told her it would ruin her career. She went ahead anyway, releasing ``Canciones De Mi Padre,'' which stands as a best-selling non-English language album in American history. Selling over 100 million albums, Linda has 12 Grammys, an Emmy, and, in 2014, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A passionate advocate for the arts, in 2013, she was honored for her work by President Barack Obama with the National Medal of Arts. She announced her retirement in 2011. She revealed having a neurodegenerative diagnosis that left her unable to sing aloud. She is a personal favorite of mine. My favorite song of hers is ``Blue Bayou,'' and I will always honor her love of music and people. This Hispanic Heritage Month, Linda is someone I will uplift and support. Her musical achievements will be remembered for a long, long time. A Warning to the American People Mr. ROBERT GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to warn the American people about one of the greatest threats we face as a country. A shadowy network led by a billionaire businessman is working to threaten some of our most important values. This businessman attacks immigrants from far places and mild-mannered journalists here in our country. The shadowy network seeks power at all costs. No, I am not talking about Lex Luthor and his legion of doom, but Donald Trump and his authoritarian and dictator friends who threaten our very democracy and world peace. I am here to raise the alarm about the massive foreign interference of our politics at the highest levels. We know that, recently, The Washington Post reported allegations that the Egyptian President, seen right here, may have tried to transfer $10 million to the Donald Trump campaign for President in 2016. We also know that other foreign governments have also tried to buy influence from the Trumps and the Kushner family. We know that Jared Kushner colluded to collect $2 billion from the Saudi royal family for his investment fund just 2 months after leaving the White House job. We also know the Trump Organization has collected, at a minimum, $7.8 million in foreign payments from multiple countries during his Presidency, funneled through The Trump Organization and his hotel properties. Madam Speaker, we cannot delay more accountability or an investigation. Donald Trump has made dangerous allegiances with enemies of the United States of America and our allies. They do not stand for truth, justice, and the American way. I have raised this alarm over and over again, and we should not stop. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would remind Members to refrain from engaging in personalities toward nominees for the Office of President. ____________________