Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, again and again we hear a common refrain when a mass shooting happens, a young man, typically under the age of 21, legally purchases a semiautomatic rifle and murders innocent people. We saw this in Uvalde; we saw this in Buffalo; we saw this in Indianapolis in 2021; and we saw this in Parkland in 2019. In fact, six of the nine deadliest mass shootings since 2018 were by young men who should never have been allowed to purchase these weapons in the first place.

Right now, you must be 21 in this country to buy a handgun but only need to be 18 years old to buy a semiautomatic rifle capable of committing unspeakable tragedies. I served in the military. I trained with these weapons. I know what they can do.

These weapons of war have no place in our neighborhoods, let alone in the hands of an untrained 18-year-old boy. The answer is simple--raise the age needed to purchase these weapons to 21, in line with the age to purchase handguns. We have bipartisan support for this: Democrats, Republicans, gun safety advocates, law-abiding citizens and responsible gun owners, teachers, and veterans, because it is common sense.

Shooting after shooting, we ask ourselves what more could we have done. We debate whether one action could have saved the lives of those children, those mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and neighbors. I am done with that. It is time for action.

Raising the age to buy these weapons won't solve our Nation's gun violence epidemic overnight, but if we can make it just a little harder for someone to get their hands on these deadly weapons, if we can save just one life or one community from this carnage and grief, it will be worth it.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Raise the age to buy these deadly weapons. Enough is enough.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay final tribute to retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, who died peacefully in his sleep January 16, 2022 at his Bethesda, Maryland home at the age of 102 years old.

McGee was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 7, 1919. He was among eight remaining Tuskegee Airmen combat pilots out of the 355 that were assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group during WWII in Europe. In addition, he flew combat missions in Korea and Vietnam accumulating a total of 6,308 flying hours and 409 fighter combat missions during his 30-year active-duty military career.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army October 26, 1942, while studying engineering at the University of Illinois, and earned his pilot's wings June 30, 1943. By February 1944, he was stationed in Italy with the 302nd Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group, flying his first mission on February 14. He flew the Bell P-39Q Airacobra, Republic P- 47D Thunderbolt and the North American P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft, escorting Consolidated B-24 Liberator and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Germany. Austria, and the Balkans.

During missions, he also engaged in low level attacks over enemy airfields and rail yards. On August 24, 1944, McGee, while escorting B- 17s over Czechoslovakia, engaged a formation of Luftwaffe fighters and shot down a Focke Wulf 190. McGee flew a total of 137 combat missions. He was promoted to Captain and returned to the United States on December 1, 1944. He became an instructor pilot on the North American B-25 Mitchell bombers at Tuskegee Army Air Field that another unit of the Tuskegee Airmen was readying to deploy to the Pacific Theater. He remained there until 1946, when the base was closed.

After World War II, McGee was sent to Lockbourne Air Field, Columbus, Ohio, to become the base operation and training officer. Later in 1948, he was posted to an Aircraft Maintenance Technical Course and was assigned to an air refueling unit. When the Korean War broke out, he flew North American P-51 Mustangs, later redesignated by the Air Force as F-51s, again in the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron, completing 100 missions, and being promoted to Major. McGee continued to serve with the United States Air Force as it was reconstituted as a fighter pilot, flying the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star and the Northrop F-89 Scorpion aircraft.

During the Vietnam War, as a Lieutenant Colonel, McGee flew 172 combat missions in a McDonnell RF-4 photo reconnaissance aircraft. His plane was hit by enemy fire twice--during the Korean conflict and again years later near Laos, both times on his right wing. After a series of other assignments, both in the United States as well as in Italy and Germany, and promotion to colonel, McGee retired on January 31, 1973. He ended his military career with 6,308 flying hours.

McGee was recognized for his combat and military service with a number of awards including: Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 25 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Hellenic Republic World War II Commemorative Medal, along with related campaign and service ribbons.

After his military service, McGee held many prestigious functional and honorary positions in the field of aviation. In 1978, at the age of 58, he completed the college degree at Columbia College in Kansas City, over thirty years after his initial enrollment at the University of lllinois. Though interrupted by World War II, attaining a college degree had been a lifelong goal. McGee served as the Director of the Kansas City airport and as a member of the Aviation Advisory Commission.

For over 30 years, he was an ambassador of the Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated (TAI), a nonprofit, giving numerous public addresses. He received numerous accolades, including the National Aeronautical Association's ``Elder Statesman of Aviation.'' McGee served two terms as National President of Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated.

In 2011, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 approved the honorary promotion

of documented original Tuskegee Airman, United States Air Force Colonel (Retired) Charles E. McGee, to Brigadier General.

McGee was a torchbearer, consistently emphasizing the significance and lasting legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen on the U.S. military and American society. It was the Tuskegee Airmen he said that ``right the wrong those that believed Blacks were not able to master sophisticated equipment, that Blacks lacked courage, and that Blacks did not have the wherewithal to fight a determined enemy. It was the Tuskegee Airmen that ended up with a stellar WWII aviation war record and thereby edged the military toward integration and America away from segregation.''

Brigadier General McGee and his late wife, the former Frances E. Nelson of Champaign, Illinois, raised three children, became grandparents of ten and great grandparents of many more. He will be greatly missed; however, his legacy will live on as a source of inspiration for generations to come. I wish retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles E. McGee `high flight.'

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of The Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department and pay tribute to Leroy and Lillian Gorham's first born children; Jean, Ruth and Leroy, Jr. On Saturday August 23, 1946 these children perished in a house fire at 1302 51st Street in the Prince George's County Community of Deanwood Park. The tragic loss of these three young lives was the cause for the establishment of The Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department; Maryland's First All-African American Fire Company. Jean had just celebrated her 5th birthday and was slated to attend kindergarten in the fall, Ruth was a typical 2-year-old toddler and Leroy, Jr. was 11-months old and had taken his first unassisted steps that day. The Gorham family lived in the middle unit of a 3-unit house, where the fire engulfed all 3 units of the house. Neighbor and good friend Roy Lee Jordan attempted to save the children, but was unsuccessful.

The first fire department on the scene that day was from the District of Columbia. With the fire hydrant connections not being compatible, Engine Company 27 had to run their hoses across the busy thoroughfare of Eastern Ave. from the District of Columbia side to the Maryland side. According to those in the community, the nearby white fire stations in Maryland, which were minutes away from the Gorham's home, often responded slowly or not at all to emergencies in the surrounding African American communities.

The loss of his three children in a house fire was the motivation behind Mr. Gorham and his friend Roy Lee Jordan's personal mission to form a fire department and spare others the pain he suffered firsthand. Mobilized by this tragedy and determined not to let another person perish because of the racial discord, before the end of the year without any formal knowledge, experience or equipment; Mr. Gorham and Mr. Jordan along with members of the Deanwood Park and Chapel Oaks Communities founded the Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department.

They started out in the 5700 Block of Sheriff Road in a barn rented to them by Ms. Eleanor Dodson, where they operated a small used fire engine. By August of 1947 the next year, they had a fire engine and a fire truck on Sheriff Road. Just as they were starting to make headway, in September a fire started in their makeshift firehouse; causing major damage to the building and damaging their second fire engine that was under repair. Not to be discouraged, the men of this community worked evenings and weekends mixing mortar and laying bricks to build a cinder block building with their own hands to replace the old barn that was destroyed.

This experience showed the men of this community that delivery of emergency services was not only a need, but a calling to fulfill. It was this innate spirit that they often had to lean on for strength to overcome the challenges and roadblocks they were faced with. They had to put up with blatant racial discrimination. They were called racial slurs and spat on. And orders given by Black fire officers being ignored by white fire fighters.

Other fire companies supported Chapel Oaks privately, secretly leaving their old equipment at the firehouse when no one was around or selling their used fire engines.

Chapel Oaks also had to deal with the fact that the county fire association only accepted white males and Chapel Oaks VFD did not receive official calls. Yet they responded to alerts by their neighbors and often arrived before the officially dispatched units. It was routine for these fire fighters to respond to calls in their area without being dispatched. This level of dedication was a commendable, but it came at a cost. There were attempts to run their engines off the road while responding to a call and other fire companies taking credit for rescues made by Chapel Oaks was commonplace.

To meet the requirements to have two Class A fire service vehicles, this resilient group of men and grateful community put on bake sales, sold dinners, had carnival and held various fundraisers to raise money to buy a new fire engine. One volunteer was a businessman who put up his gas station as collateral, nine others took out second mortgages on their homes to support the effort to buy their first piece of new fire apparatus, a 1957 FWD.

Property at 5312 Sheriff Rd. was purchased for the organization by Mr. Charles Lancaster and the members once again set out to build their new firehouse. Eleven years after being formed in December 1957 Chapel Oaks VFD had a brand-new engine, to move into their newly constructed firehouse that they owned and still own to this day.

A decade and a half after being inspired to train and equip themselves, raising fund to buy their own vehicles, and building two firehouses. You would think that Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department would have done enough to have proven their commitment to the fire service and their value to the county. This was not the case as they entered the 1960's and they were still not members of the Prince Georges' County Fireman's Association. Membership in this organization was important not only because of the network of fire fighters to glean information from and the official training opportunities; but most important was the eligibility to share in the county fire tax that would pay for operating expenses. Chapel Oaks had to petition the state legislature for a share of the fire tax-receiving 7 percent to other stations 31 percent-and residents complained that their local company was not automatically dispatched.

Almost 25 years since the tragic Deanwood Park fire, in March of 1971, Chapel Oaks was fed up with the obvious discrimination and filed suit against Prince George's County. The suit alleged noncompliance with the call system and the need for a new firehouse. At the time, equipment had broken down that impaired response times to its constituents and the station sought emergency funding from the county. Willie Rodney, Fire Station 38's chief at the time, summed up the frustration with the need for the lawsuit. ``We do the same job and come to the same standards as the other companies. But all we've been getting are promises, promises, promises.''

County Executive William W. Gallett threatened to withhold the request for emergency funding because of the pending lawsuit. The county council granted the funding. By 1980 a new station was built and Chapel Oaks Prince George's County Fire Department included them in their system by designating the Engine No. 38. They also became members of the volunteer association attending annual convention, winning many parade trophies and garnering much deserved respect for their accomplishments.

Chapel Oaks has been a great asset to the community not only for delivery of emergency services, but the numerous lives that have been enhanced by their experience after serving with Chapel Oaks. Among them are Mr. Luther Cruchfeild who was the First African American to be hired by Prince George's County Fire Department and Retired Fire Inspector Lenard Lewis was hired later and became the first African American to be promoted. There also was a young teen named Johnathan Bolden who just hung around the firehouse giving him something productive to do. Now a local businessman he has served in many positions at Chapel Oaks, VFD including Chief. As one of the few African American instructors he has filled a vital role at the University of Maryland College Park Fire Rescue Institute, and is a Prince Georges' County Fire Commissioner. He credits Chapel Oaks and the fire fighters there for nurturing his interest in the fire service and setting the foundation for his work ethic. There are generations of fire fighters serving in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia fire departments that have been motivated, trained and mentored by The Chapel Oaks Fire VFD. They can always use good people and are excited about the opportunity to find new recruits, welcome them in the Chapel Oaks Family and train another generation of fire fighters.

The tragic death of Jean, Ruth and Leroy, Jr. was the driving force for their parents to create a legacy for them. They were determined that their children's death would not be in vain. Mr. Gorham held numerous offices during his 54-year career at the Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department, including Chief, President and Chairman of the Board. He was a very active life member. His wife Lillian was also a member of the Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in the early years of its formation. With this year being the 75th Anniversary of the tragic fire which took these three young lives. I would like to pay tribute to Jean Gorham, Ruth Gorham and Leroy Gorham, Jr. They have done more in their death than many get to do in their lives. I would like to acknowledge the strength of their parents Leroy and Lillian Gorham. I would also like to recognize Mr. Roy Lee Jordan for his heroism and bravery, along with his determination to assist in the legacy of the three children that he was unable to save. I would be remiss not to commend the aforementioned communities and the countless numbers of people who have helped build, grow and maintain Chapel Oaks Volunteer Fire Department. In addition, I want to thank the current leadership of Engine 38 ``The Oaks'' as they continue to provide services to Prince George's County. On this 75th Anniversary I wish all the best to future members of Engine 38 and their contributions to the fire service and Prince George's County.

Madam Speaker, today I honor a superb leader and Army liaison for her tireless commitment to the United States Army with over 14 years of service to the Nation serving in the Army Office of the Legislative Liaison, culminating as the Deputy Division Chief of the Army House Liaison Division. As Ms. Jodi Mitchell transitions to her next assignment as a Department of the Army Civilian, I believe it is fitting to recognize her dedication to fostering the relationship between the United States Army and this Chamber.

Ms. Mitchell's commitment to service and leader development enabled her to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout her time serving as a Department of the Army Civilian. Over the course of 14 years, while serving in many key legislative liaison assignments, she has continued the tradition of strengthening the relationships between Members of Congress and their staffs with the United States Army.

Ms. Mitchell's relentless commitment proved invaluable in providing support to the House of Representatives and our constituents. She has spent countless hours ensuring our Members were educated on Army combat systems, modernization programs and policy initiatives. She also managed and led multiple Congressional Delegations to various locations around the globe. Ms. Mitchell has become a trusted adviser and friend to many of us, distinguishing herself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress.

This Chamber will feel Ms. Mitchell's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Ms. Mitchell for her outstanding leadership and unwavering support. This nation is grateful for her commitment and the personal sacrifices she has made during her time in the Army Legislative Liaison Office.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America, I commend Ms. Jodi Mitchell for her tireless dedication in support of our Army, our Soldiers and this Nation. I congratulate her on an extremely successful career, dedicated to service, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, on his retirement in September 2021, we rise today to thank Mr. Calvin Ware for his over 22 years of outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives as a member of the Logistics and Support Team.

Calvin began his career in 1990 working at the Smithsonian Institution, in the housekeeping department. He left to pursue other job opportunities, until he secured a job on Capitol Hill. Calvin first began working as a temporary employee with the Logistics Department in the Labor Room for about two years. He left for a brief period to work at Home Depot, then received a phone call from George Simler, a former Manager, who implored him to apply for a full-time opening in the Logistics Department. He was immediately hired, thus began his 22-year career with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

While he started in the Labor Room, Calvin was soon asked to work in the Rayburn Penthouse, where cages were stored with excess furniture, a position which required a level of responsibility and dependability. He moved around the organization, working for the Office Supply Store, reporting to John Hodges, Manager and Tom Coyne, Director.

Calvin proved himself to be a reliable employee, and as such, was tasked to work in the Logistics equipment room for several years, providing check-out access to Audio/Visual equipment, and the use of the government fleet of vehicles. It was in this position that he had a lot of access to Members and their staff. When this function was reassigned, Calvin moved over to become a Receiving and Warehousing Specialist tasked with checking on excess furniture in the hallways of the Congressional Buildings. Ironically, he is again reporting to his former Director, Tom Coyne, now the Chief Logistics Officer for Logistics & Support (L&S). It is in this position that Calvin will retire his career.

Calvin remembers back to the first CAO, Jay Eagen, who used to meet with the Logistics staff on a variety of issues. Jay developed a program for extended schooling for staff to complete their High School level education and to receive a diploma. While Calvin had previously attended Anacostia High School, he never completed his schooling. Through this opportunity, Calvin was able to complete and receive his diploma, and even considered going on to higher education, but instead elected to go to work full-time.

Calvin remembers fondly, his favorite boss, Freddie Bowles, Manager, Logistics, who retired a few years back. He credits Freddie with mentoring him and showing him the ropes. Some other bosses who also had a great impact on him were Bobby Small, Manager, Allen King, Supervisor, and Kevin Chambers, former Supervisor. He built many fond memories with this staff and credits them with enhancing his enjoyment of his government job.

One such memory that stands out is the time Mohamad Ali was scheduled to visit Capitol Hill. The entire campus was abuzz with excitement, and word was out that he was in the Cannon Caucus Room. He missed his first opportunity to see the legend but received a phone call later that day that he would be in the Capitol. When Calvin arrived for a shot of the fighter, there were mobs of people surrounding him. While on standby, he started talking to a coworker, who arranged for him to meet in a Member's office later that day, where he was able to meet the king in person had a special picture taken with Mohammed Ali and his daughter, Layla, who also became a boxer in her own right. He later met the famous singer, Glen Campbell, and ran into countless other singers and celebrities he could rarely get close to.

In reflecting over his long career, Calvin recalls just where he was on 9/11. Since he had a late arrival to work, he was home and did not have the news on. When he finally turned on the news, he saw the President talking about the unfolding tragedy. Unsure of his next move, Calvin decided to try and make it into work, but when he drew nearer to the Capitol complex, he saw the black smoke emanating from the Pentagon, and immediately turned around and returned home. During the Anthrax scare, Calvin and his team went to the undisclosed location and were tasked with building cubicles for the Members and their staff. Each Member had to have a full PC/monitor set up and Calvin was instrumental in unpacking and delivering these items and other supplies, ensuring the Legislative work of the House could successfully continue. During the earthquake of 10 years ago, Calvin was on Capitol Hill. Once he saw the room sway, he began to evacuate the building remembers the former Chief, Jerry Bennet, standing in the hallways until everyone was evacuated.

Calvin is a well-known lover of all types of music, and possesses a fine singing voice himself, honed by singing in the church choir. As a former football player, basketball player, and boxer, most people remember him as an ardent Washington Football Team fan. Calvin often came to work wearing remnants of the Washington gear and credits his love for football to his Dad, who used to play semi-Pro football, and engaged his young son into the sport. In retirement, Calvin would like to spend more time with his family, three sisters, and many children he helped to raise.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Calvin Ware for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in retirement and in pursuit of future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, today I honor a superb leader, liaison and soldier for her tireless commitment to the United States Army which include three years of service with the Army Office of the Legislative Liaison. During 2019, Major Brittany Weightman served in the Washington office of the Fourth Congressional District of Maryland and went on to serve as an Army Legislative Liaison in the Senate. As Major Brittany Weightman prepares to go to the Defense Programs Support Activity, in Elkridge, Maryland, I believe it is fitting to recognize her dedication to fostering the relationship between the U.S. Army and Congress.

Major Weightman was essential to the office. She worked to solidify important legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act, proved invaluable in educating Members and staff on Army combat systems, modernization programs, and policy initiatives.

Major Weightman has deployed three times: twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. She is the recipient of the multiple Bronze Star Medals, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medals, and many other deserved awards.

I am thankful for her commitment to America and this Chamber will feel Major Weightman's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Major Weightman for her outstanding leadership and unwavering support.

Mr. Speaker, due to a meeting with senior Department of Defense officials, I was late to arriving to the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 247.

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thaddeus C. Sheehy, Sr., upon his retirement from 25 years of coaching Maryland's youth through club lacrosse.

Coach Sheehy served the community as a dedicated volunteer, coaching Maryland's sons by not only teaching them the game of lacrosse but also instilling in them life lessons along the way. This commitment to help build character in his players and ensure their growth as leaders also extended to his own family, as Mr. Sheehy coached his three sons, Thaddeus, Jr., Sean, and Liam.

Coach Sheehy, a 1988 graduate of Saint Mary's Parish High School located in downtown Annapolis, learned the importance of servant leadership through Saint Mary's varsity lacrosse program. Coach Sheehy took this servant leadership philosophy into the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders, with the mission to help young men get better at the sport they love while giving back to their community and those who protect it.

Francis McAndrews, who coached with Mr. Sheehy for 18 years including his last season as the Face-Off Coach of the Bay Raiders, commended his dedication and skills noting, ``Coach Sheehy placed the development of the entire player at the forefront of the team's priorities. For 18 years I worked alongside him to build leadership through the C-4: character, commitment, confidence, and courage in our young men, and I am proud to call Tad my friend. Tad had a successful style of building character through humor and was known to give each boy on the team a nickname--and very often those nicknames stuck well after their lacrosse careers!'' Coach Sheehy could often be heard asking his players--``what have you done for your academics, what have you done for your family, and what have you done for lacrosse today?''

Sheehy coached the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders to be Maryland State Champions in 2015 and helped to take four teams to Anne Arundel County Champions in 2014, 2015 and 2016. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Coaching Award by the Annapolis Lacrosse Club Bay Raiders, while at his last lacrosse tournament on June 20, 2021.

I am honored to recognize Coach Sheehy today for his 25-year commitment to help shape Maryland's young men and athletes into servant leaders, and for his leading by example through his service to the Annapolis community.

Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank Chairman DeFazio, Chairwoman Norton, and Chairman Payne for their leadership.

This bill will get our infrastructure working again; fund new, transformative projects; and create good-paying American jobs. We need 21st century infrastructure that meets the challenges facing the Nation, and that is exactly what the INVEST in America Act will do:

With investments in our communities, including more than $6.2 billion to Maryland's highway and transit systems;

With an emphasis on equity, including $3 billion to reconnect neighborhoods, particularly communities of color separated from local economic opportunities and divided by decades of bad infrastructure policy;

And with a modern approach to growth and development, including $134 million to promote Transit Oriented Development needed to create thriving and inclusive communities around our transit hubs, and promote safe multimodal transits in communities like New Carrollton in my district.

Mr. Speaker, this is a historic investment in America, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to first recognize the hard work and the leadership of Chairman Bobby Scott and the entire Education and Labor Committee on this outstanding underlying bill.

When older workers lose their jobs, they are much more likely to join the ranks of the long-term unemployed. Unfortunately, discrimination seems to be a significant factor in this.

Enforcement statistics from the EEOC show age discrimination complaints are climbing. In 2000, the EEOC received roughly 16,000 complaints of age discrimination, and 17 years later, the EEOC received 20,000 complaints that year, accounting for 23 percent of all discrimination charges filed.

As Ms. Williams mentioned, a 2018 survey conducted by the AARP found that three in five workers age 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act would restore legal protections for older Americans and hold employers accountable for age discrimination.

My amendment would require the EEOC to submit annual reports to Congress on the number of age discrimination claims brought under this act. Congress needs this information in a timely and transparent way to ensure our older workers are being properly protected and heard.

Discrimination is discrimination, whether it be age, race, gender, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and all should be treated fairly under the law.

My amendment and the underlying bill are commonsense pieces of legislation that would restore fairness for all workers. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this amendments en bloc and the underlying legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Lee for her leadership on repealing the 2002 AUMF. That was the authorization that sent me and hundreds of thousands of servicemen and -women to Iraq since the invasion in 2003. The justification for that war was fundamentally flawed.

But to be certain, the purpose of the 2002 AUMF established a broad military mission in Iraq. Yet, I have no doubt that that mission that we were given has been completed. And, sadly, the Nation has lost more than 4,400 brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who were engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

It is time for us, for Congress and the American people, to formally recognize the end of America's 2002 mission in Iraq. This is an important first step. As Congress, once again, reasserts its responsibility in the use of our military forces by authorizing frameworks that address current threats to our Nation and that we authorize the use of military force only as the last resort.

Mr. Speaker, a year ago, this pandemic changed our country; and during this year, more than 525,000 Americans have died from the virus, including 7,800 Marylanders. Too many jobs have been lost, too many families are struggling, and too many businesses have shuttered.

The American Rescue Plan provides a lifeline for our country. The average family of four in my district will receive approximately $10,000 of direct assistance. With another round of stimulus checks and the expansion of the child tax credit, we will get families back on their feet and cut child poverty in half.

The American Recuse Plan will also aid our communities during this crisis, funding that will expand vaccinations, especially in Black and Brown communities; money to help safely open schools; and assistance to keep teachers, transit workers, and other public servants on the job.

This unprecedented crisis calls on us to meet the moment with decisive action. Mr. Speaker, the American Rescue Plan is that decisive action.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the one-year anniversary of Chief Tiffany Green, Chief of Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. In November 2018, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made history as the first African American woman elected to lead a county government in Maryland. Upon Prince George's County's Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale's announced retirement, County Executive Alsobrooks appointed Chief Green who became the First African American Woman to lead a fire department in the history of the State of Maryland and only the 9th African American Woman to hold the position of fire chief in the United States of America. She inherited a department with a call volume of 152,000, a total of 638 pieces of apparatus (including command and support vehicles) with 266 specifically outfitted for fire suppression, rescue, or emergency transport.

Tiffany D. Green, a native Prince Georgian, began her career as a firefighter with the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department in March of 1999, after serving as a volunteer for the Oxon Hill Volunteer Fire Department for four years. As an almost 26-year fire services veteran, Tiffany holds dual bachelor's degrees in Public Safety and Biology and a master's degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. Climbing up the ranks, she has served in the following capacities prior to her role as a Command Staff member: Firefighter, Paramedic, Station Commander, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Public Safety, Chief of Staff for the Director of Homeland Security, Special Events Coordinator and Stadium Commander for Fed Ex field.

As Deputy Fire Chief she was responsible for Human Resources, Fiscal Affairs, Information Management, Risk Management and the Office of Service Excellence, Accreditation & Research. As Director of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Training and Leadership Academy, her primary responsibilities were training and professional development for over 900 sworn personnel and 1,200 volunteer members of the department. She also managed the High School Fire Science (Cadet) Program, a program for high school students who are interested in working in the Fire Services profession.

On January 15, 2020, Chief Green's nomination was unanimously approved following a review of her exemplary over 20 years of service, her impressive record and support from many public safety and government officials.

Chief Green made history as Prince George's County's first woman, first dual fire fighter/paramedic and youngest fire chief. County Executive Alsobrooks, in her nomination, made sure to emphasize Green's wealth of experience and high ranking on each and every promotional exam--the lieutenant's test, the captain's exam, and battalion chief's exam. According to County Executive Alsobrooks, Chief Green is far and away the most qualified person to lead the Prince George's County Fire/ EMS Department at this time.

According to Chief Green, her decision to serve her community as a volunteer fire fighter ``changed the trajectory of [her] life.'' She recognizes the women whose shoulders she is standing on today. ``Pioneers'' like Maureen Hennessy, Angela Peden and the late Carla Blue who gave Chief Green their Keys to Success. And, Chief Green has vowed to ``lead this department forward, to continue to be accountable, professional and community-centered.''

Her leadership of the 1,062 Sworn and 1,500 volunteers has already proven to be a success on a national level. The Congressional Fire Services Institute and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation selected the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department as the combination fire department recipient of the 2020 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award, named in honor of the late former Maryland Senator Paul Sarbanes. The award recognizes fire departments and organizations for leadership in advancing firefighter health and safety, who have developed important health and safety programs for their personnel that are based on the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives established at the 2004 Tampa Summit.

Congratulations to Chief Green on this momentous occasion, and much appreciation to her husband Alfred, and daughter Talore, for sharing her with Prince Georges County.

Mr. Speaker, Lloyd Austin, as we have heard, would be our country's first African-American Secretary of Defense. His confirmation is more than a symbolic milestone towards genuine integration of the Department of Defense; it is a substantive answer to many of the challenges that the military faces.

What are those challenges, Mr. Speaker? White supremacy and extremism. There is a dramatic rise in White supremacists and racist hate groups within our military. They actively recruit from our uniformed ranks. A Military Times survey found an alarming rise in White supremacist and racist ideology in the military.

What are those challenges, Mr. Speaker? The lack of diversity inclusion at our highest ranks and in our coveted career fields. Racial and ethnic groups make up more than 40 percent of the Nation's military, but there is a significant lack of diversity in civilian and military leadership at the most senior levels, due in large part to systemic racial bias in promotion and assignment boards. This hurts the military, our readiness and our effectiveness.

Who are those challenges, Mr. Speaker? The military isn't immune from the racial injustice that we see in the broader criminal justice system. Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice today, a Black servicemember is two times more likely to be court-martialed or punished.

These are real challenges that erode the effectiveness of our military. That is why we need a leader like Lloyd Austin. He understands the complexities of the military and the challenges our country faces. His lived experience and his professional record cry out for a waiver to lead the Department of Defense.

President Biden is committed to civilian control of the military, protecting our men and women in uniform, and restoring American leadership. President Biden has confidence in Lloyd Austin, and so should we. He is the right man for this moment for our military.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the waiver of soon-to-be Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Department of Defense.

Madam Speaker, a week ago, Americans and this Chamber lived through one of our darkest days. The Commander in Chief incited a mob of insurrectionists to overturn the results of a free and fair election through terror and intimidation.

They failed, but this violence took its toll. People died; our country's temple of democracy was vandalized; and our image as the world's leading democracy was shaken.

President Trump represents a real threat to our national security, our democratic institutions, and the people of this country.

We cannot let Donald Trump, who actively orchestrated sedition, lead our Nation's government for another 7 days. We cannot wait until January 20. Donald Trump must be removed.