Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my resolution recognizing National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Caribbean Americans have enriched our nation through their contributions in the arts, sciences, education, business, sports, military, and government.

Since before our nation's founding, millions have emigrated from the Caribbean to the United States. Today, more than 8 million Americans are either born in the Caribbean or have Caribbean ancestry. Among the many influential Caribbean Americans are: Kamala Harris, the first African-American Vice President; Colin Powell, the first African- American Secretary of State; Eric Holder, the first African-American Attorney General; Karine Jean-Pierre, the first African-American White House Press Secretary; Deval Patrick, first African American Governor of Massachusetts; David Paterson, first legally blind and first African American to serve as Governor of New York State; Wes Moore, the first African American Governor of Maryland; Patrick Gaspard, labor union organizer and social justice advocate; Earl Graves, Sr, Founder of Black Enterprise; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball great and social activist; Marcus Garvey, Jamaican political activist and Pan-African leader.

Caribbean Americans have made significant contributions to all aspects of society, including fine arts, education, business, literature, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music, science, medicine, engineering, and technology. They also share their vibrant culture through festivals, carnivals, music, dance, film, food, and literature, enriching the cultural landscape of the United States.

Members of the Caribbean diaspora also have a longstanding legacy of economic contributions, both in the U.S. and in their countries of origin. Through monetary and social remittances, they play a vital role in supporting sustainable economic development in the Caribbean, with these contributions representing significant percentages of their home countries' GDP.

I would also like to recognize Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Founding President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, as the chief architect behind the movement for the official proclamation of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Dr. Nelson has convened a network of volunteer leaders through the National Caribbean American Heritage Month Commemorative Committee to ensure continued recognition and celebration of this important month.

It is essential that Congress continues to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Caribbean Americans to our nation's history and their role in shaping our future.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an extraordinary institution in American journalism and Black history as the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper celebrates its 130th anniversary.

Founded in 1895 by George P. Stewart and Will Porter as a two-page church bulletin, the Recorder has grown into one of the most enduring African American newspapers in the United States. It has served as a vital platform for truth, justice, and community empowerment, particularly for Black Hoosiers, for over thirteen decades.

From its early advocacy against lynching and for voting rights, to its courageous coverage during the Civil Rights Movement, to dedicated coverage of issues impacting the Black community and all Hoosiers, the Recorder has always championed fairness and equal representation for all. It has lifted up local Black institutions like Crispus Attucks High School and the Madam Walker Manufacturing Company, while promoting civic engagement and public health.

In recent decades, the Recorder has continued to evolve under visionary leadership. From William G. Mays' preservation of its legacy to Shannon Williams' modernization of operations, and now under Robert Shegog, the Recorder has expanded its reach through digital innovation, multimedia platforms, and award-winning journalism--earning over one hundred honors in just the past few years.

Today, with more than 120,000 weekly readers, the Recorder is not just a newspaper--it's a living institution. Through initiatives like Recorder Charities, the JAWS youth journalism program, and the Minority Business Review, it continues to invest in the future of media and enrich civic life in Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper on its 130th anniversary. May the Recorder's legacy of truth, service, and advocacy continue to inspire and inform for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce the Medical Research for Our Troops Act, a bill to amend the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, by restoring essential funding for Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs within the Department of Defense Account. I thank my colleague, Rep. Mike Levin for joining me as a co-lead of this important legislation, the 21 original cosponsors who support the bill, and the 66 organizations who endorse the bill text.

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs have been instrumental in advancing groundbreaking medical research that directly benefit our service members and veterans. Over the years, this program has supported lifesaving innovations in areas such as traumatic brain injury. PTSD, breast cancer, and other conditions that disproportionately affect our military community. Many treatments and therapies that were once experimental are now standard care, thanks to the success and dedication of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs-funded research.

Our bill restores funding to levels aligned with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, ensuring continuity of these vital research efforts. By doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to sustaining the momentum of these proven programs that save lives and improve the health outcomes of those who serve our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to ensure that medical research for our troops and veterans remains strong, innovative, and fully funded.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of James Stephen Irsay, a philanthropist and beloved member of the Indianapolis community.

Jim Irsay's remarkable 54-year affiliation with the Colts organization began in Baltimore and blossomed in Indianapolis, where he became a pillar of the community and a leader in the National Football League. As owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim oversaw 10 division titles and two AFC Championships--and, of course, a Colts' victory in the Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007, marking one of the most successful eras in franchise history.

Jim's impact extended far beyond the football field as a passionate philanthropist and

pillar in the Indianapolis community. He supported the Irsay Family YMCA, Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, the Indiana Black Expo, Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children, and Gleaners Food Bank. He was also a dedicated advocate for mental health, courageously sharing his own journey to break the stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness. Through the Irsay family's generous support of Kicking the Stigma, they invested over $31 million to improve mental health awareness, research, and treatment across Indiana and the nation.

Jim was also a cultural icon, cultivating one of the world's greatest music and historical collections, sharing it generously as a ``traveling museum'' to inspire and educate. Whether on stage with his band or quietly supporting those in need, Jim's generosity and spirit touched countless lives.

Above all, Jim cherished his family--his wife Margaret, his three daughters, and ten grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and supported unconditionally. His devotion to family, football, and community defined his life and will leave a legacy in Indianapolis and beyond.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Irsay--a man whose passion, leadership, and kindness made a profound difference in the lives of Hoosiers and NFL fans everywhere. May his memory inspire us all to serve with the same dedication and heart.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 137, which was approved unanimously by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in April.

It has been a pleasure to work with my Transportation and Infrastructure colleague, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens), to help advance this bill through our markup and to the floor today. We are both original cosponsors of this resolution from the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Donalds.

H. Res. 137 will rename the House Press Gallery for an amazing American, Frederick Douglass.

Many know Douglass as an abolitionist and orator. Formerly enslaved, he emancipated himself.

Yet many don't know Douglass as a journalist. He first worked with William Lloyd Garrison's abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator.

Then, he founded and published his own newspaper, The North Star. The title recognized the way so many former slaves found liberation--by following the North Star to freedom. After the Civil War, Douglass published other newspapers, like The New National Era, a Black weekly newspaper. Douglass and his sons covered Congress for this publication.

Frederick Douglass was the very first Black man to report on Congress and be allowed into the Capitol press gallery, where he was a member from 1871 to 1875. He covered the critical debates in Congress during reconstruction, including developments on the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution.

There is a plaque and a painting of Douglass in the Press Gallery. But it's past time for a permanent recognition of his groundbreaking and legendary work by renaming the House Press Gallery the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this Big Ugly GOP Tax Scam. It's the biggest cut in health in our history. It's the biggest wealth transfer in our history. It will hurt hard working families to pay for tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk.

I offered 4 amendments to protect my constituents from this big, ugly, dangerous Reconciliation Bill, but the Rules Committee rejected all 547 amendments offered by my Democratic colleagues.

My first amendment, No. 168, protects Medicaid by preventing implementation of provisions in this bill if they result in higher mortality rates or if Americans receive reduced access to health care services, as a result of this bill.

My second amendment, No. 428, requires a comprehensive audit by the Comptroller General of the bill's tax cuts on our federal deficit and national debt over the next 10, 20, and 30 years, plus the bill's economic impacts on employment, investment and GDP. This audit will become publicly available no later than 180 days after enactment, if this bill is actually enacted.

My third amendment, No. 369, protects funding for Amtrak's National Network by prohibiting any recission of funds that have already been authorized and appropriated by Congress. Amtrak's National Network provides services connecting local communities across 46 states, with 21,000 route miles. Unfortunately, this Administration has repeatedly defied Congress' directions.

I shouldn't have to say this, but let's be clear: Congress passes the laws, and the executive branch's job is to carry out our instructions. No administration gets to pick and choose which laws they'll follow and which laws they ignore. This administration has flagrantly ignored Congress' directions to spend our appropriated dollars and carry out programs authorized by Congress. The number of cancelled, terminated or clawed back funds this year is unprecedented, and it must end. My amendment puts the brakes on any short-sighted attempt to derail Amtrak's National Network. I am proud to represent the workers at Amtrak's largest passenger rail maintenance facility in the country--in Beech Grove, Indiana--where they repair and restore passenger rail cars, locomotives and other rolling stock that keeps America's trains running. We should be expanding our investment in Amtrak, not stripping transportation funds to pay for tax cuts for Elon Musk and his cronies.

My last amendment, No. 433, strikes Section 42109 of the underlying bill, which repeals provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which Congress passed to protect our environment and grow jobs. My amendment will restore the law we passed and maintain support for clean alternatives in the cooling manufacturing industry, resulting in lower energy costs for families across the country.

All of these amendments are designed to help protect my constituents and your constituents too from this big, ugly and dangerous bill. The worst provisions are the cuts to Medicaid; they're the most devastating to Hoosiers in my congressional district.

Just yesterday, I spoke on the House floor about three women from my district in Indianapolis, Arica, Bethany, and Carol Ann. These women expressed their fears that Congress will cut Medicaid and other essential government programs.

These are just three of the thousands of people who have reached out to me in recent weeks, folks who are scared for themselves, but also terrified for their children and their family members.

In my Indianapolis community, we care about each other. We look out for one another. It's what we do, and it's who we are. I have always been proud of my hometown, but I am even more proud hearing the groundswell of voices, especially over the last week, from constituents in Indianapolis who have overwhelmingly told me: We must help our neighbors. We must protect Medicaid.

I am here today to fight for the people of Indianapolis, who deserve a government that stands with them, not billionaires.

This past week, our country has watched Members of Congress debate, essentially, who deserves to live and who deserves to die in our country. For 14 million Americans, healthcare and Medicaid cuts aren't a political discussion. This is a matter of life and death. 14 million Americans would lose healthcare in this historically horrible bill. This includes children, newborns, seniors, and postpartum mothers. The most vulnerable among us.

Republicans deny that this bill will slash Medicaid. Even though a nonpartisan analysis found that this budget simply is not possible without cutting Medicaid and essential healthcare. And yet many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle still deny that this budget will drastically cut essential healthcare.

So I ask my colleagues: prove it. If you insist that this bill will not hurt Medicaid, if you insist this bill will not snatch healthcare out of the hands of 14 million men, women, and children, then prove it by passing my amendment to ensure none of the provisions of this bill will take effect if there is an increase in mortality rates or if Americans receive reduced access to health care services, as a result of this bill.

If Republicans truly believe this bill is not taking money away from Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires, then they should have no problem passing my amendment. We should make sure this Reconciliation package does not cause Americans to die, then they should have no problem passing my first amendment, and all of my amendments.

I would like to close by reminding you again of Arica, Bethany, and Carol Ann in Indianapolis. I implore you to remember their humanity. 14 million people who stand to lose their healthcare--including those who elected you to protect the health and well-being of all Americans, and who are relying on you to do the right thing. Protect Medicaid. Protect healthcare. Protect our children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Medicaid and nutrition assistance. I would like to tell you about Arica from Indianapolis' Eastside, a single mother of five, including one child with special needs. She says that if Medicaid is cut, she and her five children will not be able to survive.

There is Carol Ann from Indianapolis' Northside. Her Meals on Wheels have already been reduced. She told me simply: We need food to live.

Bethany from Center Township says that without Medicaid, she would be dead. If Trump cuts Medicaid, she will probably die.

These are the stakes. Every corner of my district, every corner of the great Hoosier State, and every corner of our country will be impacted by these very cruel budget cuts.

Under this budget, 14 million people will lose healthcare. Millions will lose SNAP benefits. Those aren't just numbers. These are people like Arica, Carol Ann, and Bethany.

I implore my colleagues to remember our shared humanity and vote ``no'' on this heartless bill.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Tony Lamont, a pillar of Indianapolis who has dedicated over 40 years of service to our community.

Tony is a broadcasting legend and proud Hoosier, whose remarkable career has touched the lives of countless individuals across multiple generations. His trailblazing journey began in 1980 at WTLC FM as the morning on-air personality, a role that set him on a trajectory to further success. He went on to become the longest-standing African American game show host with the Hoosier Lottery.

Today, as the host of his own gospel radio show on AM 1310, The Light-Praise Indy, Tony's message continues to resonate, bringing inspiration, hope, and encouragement to Hoosier listeners. Together with his wife, Cathy Holloway Hill, Tony produced the Living by Design TV show, which became the highest-rated program on the WHMB network. Tony was inducted into the 2024 Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions to broadcasting.

Tony's commitment to the Indianapolis community extends far beyond media. His work with the Marion County Health Department helped reduce rates of STD's and syphilis in Indianapolis. Through the Tony Lamont Youth Motivational Programs, established in 1985, Tony has helped mentor and train hundreds of thousands of young people, offering them a path from the streets to meaningful opportunities.

Tony Lamont's life is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tony Lamont for his lifelong achievements and commitment to the people of Indianapolis and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Kay Ross, a proud veteran of the Marines, a military branch known for its demand of physical and mental excellence.

I established the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award to highlight the extraordinary women whose service to our nation and communities is unparalleled. I am honored to recognize Kay for the month of April.

Kay's decision to join the military was motivated by her desire to be part of something greater than herself. Having proudly served as an Avionics Technician from 1990 to 1995, Kay not only amplified the voices of current women in the Marines, but also helped open doors for future generations of women Marines. She is a beacon of purpose, honor, and sacrifice, qualities exemplified through her military service and in her ongoing dedication to fellow veterans and active-duty personnel.

As the Sr. Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League Department of Indiana and a Veterans Service Officer, Kay has worked tirelessly to help veterans transition back to civilian life, providing essential resources to ensure their livelihood and security. As a Homeless Veteran Outreach Coordinator with the Veterans Benefit Administration, Kay provides essential housing resources to Indianapolis-area veterans, ensuring they receive the care, recognition, and resources they rightfully deserve. Kay's humility and dedication to the veteran community have and will continue to leave a lasting impact.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kay Ross for her outstanding service to our country and her unwavering dedication to her fellow veterans. I thank her for making Indianapolis a haven for her diligent service.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., a true servant leader who has embodied the spirit of advocacy and service. Dr. Benjamin's contributions have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers, and it is with great pride that we congratulate him on receiving the Living Legend Award from Christian Theological Seminary on April 23, 2025.

Dr. Benjamin served as Senior Pastor of the Light of the World Christian Church in Indianapolis for over 43 years. During his tenure, he mentored and ordained more than 50 ministers, many of whom have earned advanced theological degrees and serve in churches across the nation.

Dr. Benjamin's influence beyond the pulpit earned him the title ``City's Pastor,'' as he consistently advocated for racial justice, youth empowerment, and the well-being of all people. He also co-founded the Celebration of Hope, an interracial and interdenominational worship service, was the first pastor to chair the Mayor's Human Rights Commission, and sit on the board of directors of a local bank. Dr. Benjamin is the only pastor in Indianapolis to receive Indiana's ``Sagamore of the Wabash'' from four different governors and earn the Indianapolis Whistler Award for community service.

In retirement, Dr. Benjamin remains dedicated to inspiring and educating young ministers through the Tom Benjamin School of Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. A respected author, he has written several books focused on uplifting young Black men and emphasizing the crucial role of fathers.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dr. Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, whose legacy of service and leadership has made Indianapolis a better place for us all. May God continue to bless his future endeavors and the work he does in service to others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my fellow Hoosier, John Michael Green, for his contributions to literature, entertainment, and education, and in recognition of his latest book, Everything is Tuberculosis, which debuted on March 18, 2025.

As a globally-recognized New York Times bestselling author, John's works include Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Turtles All the Way Down, as well as contributing to vlogs, podcasts, articles, live-action shows, motion pictures, and more. Through their Indianapolis-based Crash Course YouTube channel, John and his brother Hank have reached millions of people worldwide with over 65 accessible and engaging educational video series. John has long used his platform to foster philanthropy and advocacy, including as an advocate for Indianapolis, earning him the title ``Indy's best hype man.''

Since 2019, John's focus has turned to global health and the fight to eradicate tuberculosis. Recognizing the artificial barriers to tuberculosis treatment in developing nations, John's advocacy has lowered the cost of lifesaving drugs and testing equipment and directed millions of dollars to underfunded tuberculosis health programs. Recognized as a ``TB Elimination Champion'' by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John continues to highlight the tuberculosis crisis through his newest release, Everything is Tuberculosis.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John Green for his meaningful contributions to literature, education, and global health. His work continues to inspire, educate, and make a lasting difference in Indianapolis, across the Nation, and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Schrier for her leadership, her friendship, and for being an advocate on behalf of her constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand answers on the recent funding and staff cuts to the U.S. Forest Service. Last week, I led a letter to the administration urging a reversal of these shortsighted decisions. We are still waiting for a response.

In my district, a wonderful, nonpartisan organization called Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has helped people and nature thrive. They work with local government, businesses, community groups, and schools to plant trees, clean up litter, and transform vacant lots into vibrant community green spaces.

Mr. Speaker, they work so hard. Their work makes our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected, but this administration terminated grants that made this great work possible. It appears that DOGE has flagged words like ``equity'' and ``diversity'' in grant applications even when it is biodiversity and tree equity. That is just not bureaucratic overreach, it is absurd.

Tree equity is the idea that every neighborhood deserves trees. Without them, underserved areas become heat islands--trapping heat, raising energy bills, and degrading quality of life. This is not theory. It is science.

Investing in greener, healthier neighborhoods benefits Hoosiers and Americans. These cuts undermine that very goal.

I urge the USDA to reverse its course, and I call on our colleagues to join us in demanding the restoration of these critical investments in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Asra Hussain Raza, a remarkable individual whose dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence left an enduring mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born to Indian immigrants, Asra was raised in Carmel, Indiana. She attended Orchard Park Elementary, Towne Meadow Elementary, and Creekside Middle School, graduating from Carmel High School in 2016. Her academic journey continued at Indiana University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in healthcare management and graduated with honors. Asra's pursuit of knowledge led her to Columbia University, where she completed her Master of Health Administration, further solidifying her commitment to improving healthcare systems.

Professionally, Asra was a dedicated healthcare compliance specialist. She relocated to Washington, D.C. to further her career. Her work involved traveling to Wichita, Kansas, to assist a hospital in need, exemplifying her dedication to patient care and health equity.

Beyond her professional achievements, Asra was known for her kindness, generosity, and vibrant spirit. She had a passion for hosting gatherings, delighting guests with her culinary skills, and ensuring everyone felt welcomed and valued. Her family and close friends described her as a ``kind and caring soul'' who had a gift for making others feel special.

Tragically, on January 29, 2025, Asra's life was cut short in a devastating midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, Asra's life was a testament to the power of kindness, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. Her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare, her boundless generosity, and her vibrant spirit continue to inspire all who knew her. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Asra Hussain Raza. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her impact will continue to resonate in our community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act. This month, 22 patrons were suspended in the air for two hours on a pinwheel ride at Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County, California. Incidents like the Knott's Berry Farm accident happen far too often, and it is time for the federal government to start regulating permanently affixed amusement park rides to protect the American public. This should never have happened and was preventable. I believe that we need better oversight and enforcement of existing laws, and we also need to close the gap in coverage, particularly since there is currently no federal oversight of permanently affixed amusement park ride safety. That's why I'm introducing this legislation today.

Over 300 million people visit amusement parks every year in the United States. From school groups to family vacations, amusement parks are an integral part of our culture and have a significant impact on our economy. Ensuring that every rider has a safe experience on these rides is of paramount importance.

The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act will investigate accidents, develop and enforce action plans to correct defects, help improve safety training for ride operators, and act as a national clearinghouse for accidents and defect data. These enforcement efforts would be under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and would increase their budget to ensure that experts in the commission can effectively develop safety standards for permanently affixed and no affixed amusement park rides.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation and ensuring every American can enjoy a safe experience on permanently affixed amusement park rides.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rufus Myers, Jr., a cherished Indianapolis native whose legacy as a dedicated public servant continues to resonate throughout our community. His life's work embodied the values of service, justice, and equity--values that will endure for generations to come.

Bud's unwavering commitment to housing equity, social justice, and community advocacy transformed Indianapolis, leaving a lasting imprint on our city. As the Executive Director of the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) from 2001 until his passing, he led efforts to provide affordable housing to thousands of families. Under his stewardship, IHA managed 13 public housing communities and administered nearly 7,400 Housing Choice Vouchers. His tireless dedication ensured that vulnerable families in Indianapolis had access to a place they could call home, setting a gold standard for public service.

His influence extended far beyond his work with IHA. His impactful role at the Chicago Housing Authority, where he played a pivotal part in advancing the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, brought about nationwide improvements in tenant opportunities. His legacy also includes over three decades of service in the U.S. Congress, where he served as Chief of Staff to my mentor, Andy Jacobs, and other representatives like Barbara Jordan, and Mickey Leland. Through these roles, Bud contributed to shaping policies that impacted our city and the Nation.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bud was deeply embedded in the fabric of our local community. He served on the boards of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and the Indianapolis Housing Trust Fund and was actively involved with organizations like 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Concerned Clergy. His leadership uplifted countless individuals and organizations, ensuring that the spirit of service and compassion remained at the heart of our community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Rufus ``Bud'' Myers, Jr. His commitment to social justice, public service, and the well-being of others will continue to inspire us all.