The committee on immigration citizenship is in order. We are here today to explore an aspect of our immigration system that generally uses far less attention than community read. Migration flow from central america. Mistreatment of families at the border. Is a very serious issue. They will continue to examine them. The Current Situation must not be overlooked. Record high case backlogs and policy changes make it harder to obtain benefits. They deserve careful attention. These are profound problems that have a direct impact on countless individuals. Other entities such as hospitals. Im sure others will agree that we hear about these issues on almost a daily basis. Although they have struggle with backlogs since its creation, the Agency Reports that the current backlog in 2019 more than 2. 4 million cases. This represents the incredible 344 percent increase for the backlog of cases in 2014. It is the largest backlog since 2003 when they came to a halt in the aftermath of the 9 11 terrori
Earths environment. You can find all of the results atluding the attitudes cspan. Org. Talks chief historian, to to us about tomorrow. Marks the 50th anniversary of the apollo 11 moon landing. Tell us what the 50 year mark means to you. Old whenwas 11 years that happened. I was part down in front of our blackandwhite tv in massachusetts. I thought i was in the middle of enjoying the greatest adventure that ever happened. And i was. 50 years later, i am enjoying the greatest adventure ever happened replayed, and doing it as nasas chief historian. What a ride. Host how did you get to this position . What do you do . Guest the quick answers do not do what i did if you want to be chief historian. I did eight when he to career in air force and did a lot of graduate work on the history of the soviet space program. When i retired from the air force, the then chief historian said why not apply for a job here at nasa . Applied, got the job, and ended up being the chief historian. It was right p
Were going to the moon, then to mars. That i more importantly, think all of you know, from the standpoint of defense, we will be doing the space of force, i assume you are all in favor of the spaceports. I would be surprised if you work. We are very close to getting that operating. It will be very exciting. Lots of things are happening. We have buzz aldrin with us. He has been an incredible gentleman. We have been friends for a long time. A fantastic man. Apollo collins, he flew 11 overhead. Aldrin and armstrong walked on the moon. Thats for sure. You have armstrongs son mark. These are incredible space families. Incredible men. Gotten to knowe some of the women in the family. Men andmen and great great jeans. Tomorrow is a big day. Tomorrow is a day where, 50 years, and we also have jim and he is the head of nasa. Is a different thing. He is somebody that everybody wanted that job. There is a love for space that is unparalleled. Mike pence and myself felt strongly about jim. We gave h
And i am extremely proud of that. And the second is that i get to congratulate participants in the annual art competition. And im extremely proud of that. And the third is that i get toed attend naturalization ceremonies. And it is a thrill that i wish all americans could participate in and understand exactly the life changing event that occurs for all those who are joining us as american citizens. And i think we heard from three nonpolitical civil servants, career individuals who spent their lives trying to efficiently and effectively implement a program. Theyve identified a number of challenges. And i am i am hopeful that we can as a congress as a legislative body support their efforts to make sure that we are allowing the right people to become u. S. Citizens and as many of the right people as possible to become u. S. Citizens. Because its something that i i lock at my grandparents who came here from norway. And i think all of us can identify relatives who immigrated to this country
Congress. I want to express my appreciation to the witnesses who have come to share testimony today. Its a rare occasion that we can get to hear from the hard working folks who make up our state and local governments. Former mayor of springfield i can tell you my experience as to how important the work all of you do is. It is from that lens that i view the issue of state and local Tax Deductions as s. A. L. T. I view it from the Vantage Point of someone whose Life Experience has been a testament to the impact and investments made and Services Provided by local governments and what those investments can mean in terms of the lives of our citizenry. Over xi be that choeinsuring maintaining roads, bridges and tunnels, so people can get to where they need to be is part of our challenge. Responding emergencies, providing services for low income family, elderly and the others rely on the safety net is our obligation. That is precisely what local government does. Mr. Thompson, thats why the wo