Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am proud, as the longest serving Muslim in Congress, to introduce legislation to recognize January as ``Muslim- American Heritage Month'' and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States. I thank the endorsing organizations that joined this important resolution: American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Relief USA, Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Project Islamic Hope.

I am honored to partner with my Senate colleague, Senator Booker, to introduce this important resolution to recognize the many contributions of Muslims in the U.S. and worldwide. I am also honored to have Reps. Omar, Tlaib, and Simon join me as coleads. The value of this bill to Muslim Americans is great because their contributions to the establishment of the United States is an inspiration that others can look to as an example of what a diverse community of people can accomplish. Unfortunately, these contributions have historically been overlooked. Diversity is a corner stone of American democracy and success; our American Muslim community is a vital contributor to our nation's strength, as well as to the talents, perspectives, and achievements this diversity brings. This bill illuminates the economic and cultural contributions of Muslims to America, and it helps combat harmful stereotypes.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing January as ``Muslim-American Heritage Month'' and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States by supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to re-introduce the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. Financial literacy is critical to ensuring future financial responsibility. According to the Council for Economic Education's 2024 Survey of the States, 35 states now require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate, an increase of 12 states since 2022.

Congress has an opportunity and a responsibility to address the pressing needs of individuals faced with losing their financial stability and the challenges of economic uncertainty. This should include financial literacy education reform and long-term solutions to prevent future personal financial disasters. Research-based financial literacy education programs are needed to reach individuals at all ages and socioeconomic levels, particularly those facing unique and challenging financial situations, such as high school graduates entering the workforce, soon-to-be and recent college graduates, young families, and to address the unique needs of military personnel and their families. High school and college students exposed to cumulative financial education show an increase in financial knowledge, which drives increasingly responsible behavior as they become young adults.

According to the Government Accountability Office, giving Americans the information they need to make effective financial decisions can be critical to their well-being and the country's economic health. The global financial crisis, when many borrowers failed to understand the risks associated with certain financial products fully and currently, the economic hardships presented by the sudden disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, underscore the need to improve individuals' financial literacy and empower all Americans to make informed financial decisions. This is especially true for young people as they earn their first paychecks, secure student aid, and establish financial independence. Therefore, focusing on economic education, financial literacy efforts, and best practices for young people between the ages of 8 and 24 is of utmost importance.

America should lead the world with the best-educated students who will drive our economic innovation and success, so please join me in cosponsoring the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act. This act:

Establishes a grant program in the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to develop and implement financial literacy programs for young people ages 8 to 24;

Incentivizes the development of partnerships between institutions of higher education, local educational agencies, non-profit organizations, and financial institutions to develop programs aimed at young Americans in different phases of their life;

Ensures the development of evidence-based instructional material that is geared towards targeted groups and addresses unique life situations, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, student loans, credit card misuse; and

Conducts ongoing assessment and accountability of the program over the short- and long-term to ensure that grant money achieves the most significant impact.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the Young Americans Financial Literacy Act.

Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing the Food Deserts Act of 2025 to help fight hunger and food insecurity in communities across the country.

I want to share just one example. In June of 2017, Marsh Supermarkets grocery stores announced the closure of many stores throughout the Midwest. Many of these stores were in my district. Many families lacked a car or reliable public transportation to the nearest grocery alternative, often over a mile away. Today, thousands of my constituents are still struggling to find the food they need, with many forced to rely on fast-food restaurants and convenience stores.

These options are neither healthy nor affordable.

Sadly, this situation is not unique. Over 29 million people, almost 10 percent of the U.S. population, live without ready access to affordable, nutritious food, and over 2 million people have no transportation to get to their nearest store. Many have seen their local stores close during the pandemic. Others lost access years ago and now face the severe long-term impacts of obesity, diabetes, malnutrition, and other diet-related ailments.

Unfortunately, residents in these low-income areas tend to spend less on groceries, leaving little financial incentive for traditional grocery chains to make costly investments for new locations.

In the world's wealthiest country, nutritious food should be an expectation, not a luxury. That is why I am reintroducing the Food Deserts Act, which creates new avenues to fund stores in underserved communities. This bill will create USDA-funded, state-operated revolving funds that will issue low-interest loans for the operation of grocery stores in food deserts. The bill ensures that recipients of these loans, including for-profit, non-profit, and municipal entities, can provide affordable, healthy food, including fresh produce and staples like milk, bread, and meat. It will also ensure that USDA professionals are available to provide technical assistance to recipients who need it.

Access to healthy food is something that most of us take for granted. But despite our own experiences, we must remember that millions of our constituents struggle daily to feed their families. With this market- driven approach, I aim to complement existing federal programs and efforts nationwide by ensuring a stable lending stream for struggling grocery stores and sustainable access to food for communities in need.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to support this vital bill.

Mr. Speaker, as we kick off the first session of the new Congress, I am proud to reintroduce legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his numerous contributions to our great Nation. I believe it is long past time to recognize an American civil rights activist, humanitarian and sporting legend with Congress' highest honor. Unfortunately, Congress failed to act before The Champ's death in 2016, at the age 74, so I ask my colleagues to join me now in honoring an American hero, on the eve of what would have been his 83rd birthday. Over the course of his illustrious career, Muhammad Ali produced some of our Nation's most lasting sports memories. From winning a Gold Medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics, to lighting the Olympic torch at the 1996 Summer Olympics, his influence as an athlete and a humanitarian spanned over fifty years.

Despite having been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the 1980s, Ali devoted his life to charitable organizations. Ali, and his wife Lonnie, were founding directors of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorders Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona and helped raise over $50 million for Parkinson's research. In addition to helping families cope with illness, Ali led efforts to provide meals for the hungry and helped countless organizations such as the Make-A-Wish-Foundation and the Special Olympics.

Muhammad Ali's humanitarian efforts went beyond his charitable activities in the United States. In 1990 Muhammad Ali travelled to the Middle East to seek the release of American and British hostages that were being held as human shields in the first Gulf War. After his intervention, 15 hostages were freed. Thanks to his devotion to diplomatic causes and racial harmony, Ali was the recipient of many accolades, including being chosen as a ``U.N. Messenger of Peace'' in 1998 and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President Bush.

Through his unyielding dedication to his sport and to struggling populations around the world, Muhammad Ali still serves an example of service and self-sacrifice for generations of Americans. The Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting commemoration of his life and work, for which he is deservingly known as ``the Greatest.''

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in recognizing one of our Nation's most lasting and influential figures by signing on to this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to include in the Record a recent op-ed published in the American Bar Association Human Rights Magazine.

[From the American Bar Association Human Rights Magazine, Nov. 25,

2024]

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Cleopatria Pryor, in celebration of her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Pryor, known as Opatria to her friends, has been an unwavering advocate for justice, equality, and civil rights, dedicating herself to ensuring a brighter future for generations of African Americans in her community. As we commemorate a century of life, we recognize her invaluable contributions to the civil rights movement and her lifelong commitment to service.

Born on December 29, 1924, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, Mrs. Pryor grew up witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of systemic racism, which sparked her determination to fight for change. As a young mother of 11, she acted to secure bus service for Black children in Marshall County, strengthening equal access to education. Her advocacy didn't stop there. In 1966, she played a pivotal role in integrating Holly High School, where her children became two of the first Black students to attend.

Mrs. Pryor also led efforts to increase voter registration in Marshall County, traveling door-to-door to ensure African Americans could exercise their right to vote. Her work was instrumental in the elections of Osborne Bell and Lawrence Autry who served as the first African American sheriff and school superintendent in the county.

Mrs. Pryor was a lifelong homemaker known for her gardening and cooking just as well as for instilling in her children the values of justice and service she held dear. Her legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy continues to inspire generations, especially through her encouragement for others to engage in their communities and exercise their rights.

Today, we celebrate Mrs. Opatria Pryor not only for the profound impact she has made in her community but also for the countless lives she has touched with her compassion, leadership, and dedication to justice. She is a true pioneer, and her contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mrs. Opatria Pryor as she celebrates her 100th birthday. We are grateful for her tireless commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Vivica A. Fox, a Hoosier trailblazer whose six decades in the arts has helped shape American culture.

Celebrated for her memorable roles in ``Independence Day'' and ``Set It Off,'' Vivica solidified her career as a prominent figure in Hollywood from a young age. Her journey to success began with the ``Days of Our Lives'' soap opera and later the NBC-TV series ``The Young and the Restless.'' Her continued dedication to her craft as a lead actor has filled a much-needed gap in the entertainment industry for representation of Native American and Black communities. Vivica has inspired and uplifted her heritage throughout her career. This week, she is in Indianapolis for the Red Carpet Screening & Talkback for the film The Lost Holliday, a new project she proudly joined to explore and the challenging dynamics of grief, family and overcoming obstacles. She shines in this new endeavor, where she continues to inspire the next generation of artists and audiences.

Known as, ``the diva who's done it all,'' Vivica has recently prioritized philanthropic and literary initiatives. Her partnership with The Fractal Group has nurtured the aspirations of the next generation of actors and provided crucial funding to the arts. In her motivational memoir, ``Every Day I'm Hustling,'' Vivica expands on her message of positivity and drive in hopes of inspiring people to never give up--a message that will continue to resonate with new generations of young artists and leaders.

Vivica's professional trajectory has forged a legacy of leadership, compassion, and inspiration. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Vivica A. Fox.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Jennifer Lynn Norton, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime champion for survivors of human trafficking.

For over 34 years, Jennifer Lynn Norton has dedicated her life to serving others through military and civilian service. As a member of the U.S. Air Force for the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, she was an invaluable asset during Operation Desert Storm, leading to innovation and positive change whilst providing logistics support to her team.

Joining her active-duty experiences with her passion in counseling, Jennifer rose to become the first female veteran to serve as an executive assistant for The American Legion National Headquarters. With community engagement at the heart of her vision of service, she stays active in her community through work with the Indy Hope Center and the Veterans Day Council of Indianapolis. The commitment she has continuously demonstrated to her fellow veterans, Hoosiers, and Americans has left in its wake a legacy of hard work and compassion that continuously inspires her community.

Her efforts across the years have rendered her various accolades, such as the Airman Quarter Honors and the Outstanding Leadership Award. It is an honor to be able to recognize Jennifer for her exemplary work once more today with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award. Having started with its namesake, Sheila Corcoran, this award was fashioned to uplift exemplary Hoosier Veteran women whose service to their community and Nation is unparalleled, women who are inspirational and guided by a deep love for their fellow Americans.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jennifer Lynn Norton's legacy, accomplishments, and continued endeavors with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award for the month of November 2024.

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 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 recognize the National Collegiate Athletic Association, also known as the NCAA, and the last 25 years it has spent headquartered, thriving and growing in the Circle City, which I'm honored to represent.

I am proud to recognize the NCAA, which has been an iconic part of Indianapolis for the last 25 years and has inspired individuals across the globe. The NCAA has worked to protect and improve the lives of Hoosier athletes and athletes around the country since its inception in 1906. They started off sharing office space with the Big Ten Conference in a downtown Chicago hotel, then moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1952. The NCAA spent the next 40 years in the Kansas City area and, after exploring future locations, decided the city of Indianapolis would be their new home.

In 1999, when they officially made the move to their new state-of- the-art location on Indy's downtown Canal, the NCAA solidified Indianapolis's status as the ``amateur sports capital of the world.'' This has helped our city host countless NCAA conventions, conferences, championships, and other major sporting events, like the College Football Playoffs, Big Ten Championships, and Horizon League Championships. In the next couple of years, Indy will host the 2026 Division I, II, and III Men's Basketball Championships and all three championships for Women's Basketball in 2028.

Hoosiers love sports, especially basketball, so the NCAA's 25th anniversary in Indianapolis is a special time to uplift the power of sports and the impact sports can have on more than just one athlete, but on an entire community. The NCAA presented a generous 25th anniversary donation to the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation to fund self-development opportunities for more than 1,000 student- athletes at seven area middle schools: Arlington, Broad Ripple, William Penn, Harshman, Longfellow, Howe, and Northwest. This investment in our community will help foster a lifelong love of sports, giving young people a chance to build self-confidence, and self-efficacy and improve retention in school and athletic programs.

On this wonderful milestone, we thank the NCAA for being a strong community partner and look forward to working together and continue making our city the best it can be.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a resolution recognizing Medical Research Week from September 16 through September 20, 2024.

This bipartisan resolution recognizes the breakthroughs of medical research improving health outcomes, securing global competitiveness, boosting job creation, educating the next generation of scientists, and strengthening our economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Indiana's Seventh District which has become a healthcare and innovation hub in America. In my district alone, the NIH has contributed $264 million in grants to 9 different research sites in 2023. In Indiana the NIH has supported 5,300 jobs for Hoosiers and over $1.1 billion of economic activity.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am both pleased and saddened to introduce a bill that helps relieve the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine. I thank my colleagues Representatives Jayapal and Schakowsky for joining me as co-leads, with 65 original cosponsors and over 100 national organization endorsements. This important bill will: (1) Repeal the funding prohibitions on UNRWA included in the FY24 Appropriations bill and the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024; (2) Express a Sense of Congress that it supports appropriating critical funds to UNRWA for FY25; (3) Urge the Secretary of State, as soon as practicable, to rescind the temporary pause in funding for UNRWA and resume funding to UNRWA under current authorities of the Department of State; and (4) Require the Secretary of State to report to Congress on a quarterly basis on the steps UNRWA is taking to implement the recommendations contained in the independent outside review of the Agency's neutrality mechanisms and procedures.

House-passed bills prohibiting UNRWA funding significantly erodes the United States' ability to provide life-saving assistance and basic services to Gaza's 2.2 million people. To date, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and about 100,000 more have been seriously injured without access to functioning hospitals. Among the victims of this catastrophe are women and children. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), over 150,000 pregnant women and new mothers are struggling to survive and access basic health care. Women in Gaza today are birthing children and having cesarean sections with no anesthesia. In addition, an estimated 700,000 women and girls in Gaza who require menstrual hygiene supplies are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in dignity, with some reports of contraceptive pills being taken to avoid the unhygienic menstrual conditions. Today, the fear of polio in children spreads across Gaza through fecal matter, limited clean drinking water, and destroyed infrastructure. Additionally, since October 7, thousands of Palestinian children have had one or both arms or legs amputated--without anesthesia. I want to reiterate--without anesthesia.

We must prioritize addressing the humanitarian crisis and catastrophe in Gaza. UNRWA serves nearly six million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon and is the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza. The U.S. has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA but paused funding following allegations by the Government of Israel that 12 Agency employees had direct involvement in the October 7 terrorist attack.

Following these allegations, the United Nations (UN) and UNRWA acted swiftly and decisively, immediately terminating the employees allegedly involved, ordering an independent outside review of the Agency's neutrality practices, and directing a review of the allegations by the UN's highest investigative body, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

The outside review of UNRWA neutrality, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, concluded UNRWA has robust, well-developed internal mechanisms and that it possesses a more developed approach to neutrality than other similar UN or NGO entities. The review also identified steps the Agency can take to further ensure its commitment to neutrality. UNRWA welcomed the report and stated it is ``fully committed'' to implementing its recommendations. An American, UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Antonia De Meo, is leading the implementation effort.

Just last month a donor review of UNRWA operations, funded in part by the U.S., concluded, ``The Agency's ability to deliver education, health, and social services at scale to one of the world's most vulnerable populations is unparalleled.''

Following the UN's investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, nearly all countries have resumed UNRWA funding including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Only the U.S. has failed to restore this essential funding.

International humanitarian NGOs and the major United Nations humanitarian organizations have made it clear that given UNRWA's role as the backbone of the humanitarian response, it is imperative that funding be restored and maintained to the Agency. These statements are especially relevant considering several of these humanitarian organizations would be required to drastically scale up their efforts at an impossible speed and scope to attempt to fill the humanitarian void that would be created should UNRWA cease to operate.

Additionally, the U.S. joined 118 UN Member States in signing the Joint Commitments Initiative to Support UNRWA which stated that ``UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza and recognizing that no organization can replace or substitute UNRWA's capacity.''

If we fail to act now, this escalating humanitarian crisis will only grow worse in Gaza, and further exacerbate tensions across the Middle East. It is in the strategic interest of both the U.S. and our allies, including Israel and Jordan, to resume and maintain full funding to UNRWA to stabilize the region and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe that no other organization or agency will be able to effectively address.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill to save lives and provide desperately needed humanitarian aid.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a resolution recognizing ``Medical Research Week'' from September 16 through September 20, 2024. This important resolution recognizes the important breakthroughs of medical research improving health outcomes for patients and communities, securing global competitiveness in science, boosting job creation, educating the next generation of scientists, and strengthening economic growth.

Medical research through the support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), continues to serve a vital role advancing health and medicine. This research can lead cutting edge preventative strategies for treatments and additional cures for longstanding medical challenges such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, sickle cell, and obesity. I have met with Hoosier families that are struggling with these rare diseases, and I have been moved by the impact that medical research has on their lives. These insights have inspired me and my colleagues about the necessity of medical research to provide more treatment options and better diagnoses for all Americans.

NIH research funding generates nearly $93 billion in economic activity and continues to support more than 400,000 jobs across the United States. Medical research is not only focused on improving the health of all Americans, but it is also as an economic driver for growth and job opportunities. NIH work ripples far beyond its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, into every state. It drives demand for medical supplies and research equipment, boosts local and regional economics to benefit manufactures and suppliers across the country, and into many United States territories.

I'm proud to represent Indiana's 7th Congressional District which has become a healthcare and innovation hub in America. In my home state of Indiana the NIH awarded $414 million dollars in grants and contracts during FY23 that directly supports 5,359 jobs for Hoosiers and over 1.1 billion dollars of economic activity. In my district alone the NIH has contributed $264 million dollars in grants to 9 different research sites in 2023; including Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler University, Marian University, the Regenstreif Institute, and others.

NIH supported medical research plays a primary role in several sectors. The NIH supports noncommercial and clinical research with private sector innovation, allowing for major achievements in rare diseases such as ALS, substance use disorders, stroke, and Parkinson's.

During my service in Congress, I have consistently advocated for more resources to expand medical research that promotes better screening tools for underserved and under-studied populations, and that is more inclusive of diverse participants in clinical trials. Congressional action has helped improve medical research through the NIH, CDC and DOD's pancreatic cancer research program, supported in part by the bipartisan appropriations letters I lead each year to increase overall funding and increasing funding for the Veterans Medical and Prosthetic Research Program. I urge all my colleagues to join me in these appropriations requests and oppose the short-sighted budget cuts some have proposed. Imagine what we could accomplish with more robust investments in medical research in our nation, from making strides to combatting antimicrobial resistance, to harnessing the power of personalized medicine to treat disease, and more. These critical breakthroughs in medical research are our nation's best hope in finding cures, prevention measures, and treatments for diseases affecting millions of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution to recognize the importance of medical research in America I urge the House to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate a Hoosier who has not only faced the adversity that afflicts the lives of soldiers after service but has been able to overcome those obstacles. The culmination of Kris Bertrand-Glomski's experiences and perseverance has guided her efforts to enact the change our military women and men deserve to see in our community.

Kris first answered the call to serve her country in 1989 and served in the Navy until 1993. With a Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana University, a Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation, and a certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Butler University, she has since put her expertise into providing steadfast support to the Indianapolis veteran community.

Working at the federal and state levels, Kris has impacted the day- to-day lives of others as a member of multiple organizations, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and most recently Indiana's Veteran Service Office. Seeking to bridge this important work across Indiana, she established the Hoosier Women Veterans Program and was instrumental in the passing of the Women Veterans Program bill.

Kris is a shining example of lifelong advocacy. Her efforts to provide resources for women veterans have garnered numerous accolades, such as the Torchbearer Award and, more recently, the HUMANA scholarship to continue learning how to best assist her fellow veterans.

Often, women veterans tend to be underrecognized for their efforts and impact. Beginning with its namesake, the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero Award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community and Nation is unparalleled. Therefore, it is with great pleasure to commend and uplift our Hoosier women veterans who proudly, continuously serve our people, community, and Nation.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kris Bertrand-Glomski. I thank her for her service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in gratefulness, praise, and thanks to honor the unique leadership, loyalty, and legacy of Kimberly S. Clifton Rudolph, who recently retired from the House as my Chief of Staff.

A proud Hoosier, Kim also has strong ties to Tennessee and Michigan. Thanks to hard work, dedication, and the influence of her aunt-- Olympian and trailblazer Wilma Rudolph--Kim became a talented track athlete in high school. Despite receiving athletic scholarships, Kim's mother, Charlene, insisted on her children utilizing their intellectual capacity. As a result, Kim chose to attend DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Graduating with honors with a degree in communications was not enough for Kim, however. She was selected, and attended, the University of Caen in France where she expanded her education in international business. Returning to her second home of Nashville, Tennessee, Kim completed a master's in business education from Belmont University before becoming a successful bank executive and managing her aunt's philanthropic Olympic non-profit organization.

Despite her success in the non-profit and private arenas, Kim, like many Hill staffers, chose the moment over the money. She started out as a communications director and served as legislative director before rising to chief of staff to my friend and mentor, former U.S. Representative Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI). Under Kim's leadership, Congresswoman Kilpatrick was able to steer over $2 billion to the State of Michigan and helped Representative Kilpatrick become the first, and so far only, Black woman to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense. Kim accepted the opportunity to lead my office when Congresswoman Kilpatrick retired.

Leadership is Kim's strongest quality. Kim is a woman of deep faith, and the equanimity she manifested daily in Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis was essential throughout many challenging moments and accomplishments: the turmoil of the fight for healthcare reform, my selection as the first Muslim on the House Intelligence Committee; and the upheaval of our Nation during and after January 6, 2021. Kim remains one of the most respected, honored, and decorated chiefs of staff in Congress. Kim is also one of the elite staffers who completed the bicameral and bipartisan fellowship in the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service while simultaneously serving as chief of staff.

Kim helped me bring millions of dollars in Appropriations to the people of Indianapolis and guided a steady, capable staff in Washington, D.C., and in the district office with very little turnover. The dozens of Members of Congress, Hill staff, and others who Kim mentored directly will continue carrying on Kim's legacy. And now, Kim will continue giving back her years of wisdom and experience to serve future leaders as an executive coach.

Kim brought selfless service and moral courage to Capitol Hill for decades, and I thank her for her leadership, loyalty, and legacy of public service. On behalf of the grateful people of the city of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana, I thank Kim and wish her nothing but the best as she continues to make her mark on the world.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to present Laura McKee, Assistant Chief Inflight Refueler and member of the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron, with the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Hero Award for this month of June. Inspired by its namesake, this award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose service to their community, country, and nation is unparalleled.

Called to be a freedom fighter, Laura McKee worked to proudly serve her country by acquiring a bachelor's certificate from Indiana University and two associates degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

Equipped with the skills she garnered from her Aviation Operation Aircraft Technology and Systems Maintenance Technology degrees, Laura McKee provided vital assistance to the Iraqi and Enduring Freedom Operations. Her service in combating authoritative beliefs, insurgency, and securing a free world is admirable.

The experiences she collected while deployed not only fueled her aspirations to support a free, just world, but broadened her scope of how she can best support the peers that came before and after her as military personnel. Today, she is among Indiana's champions for women veterans, and she strives to increase veteran education and access to federal and state benefits and resources. Having recently been named Indiana's first Women's Veteran's Coordinator for Indiana Veterans Affairs, I am confident her recent appointment will continue to create a positive impact for all veteran women.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Laura McKee as we celebrate her legacy of outstanding accomplishments and advocacy.