Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I would first like to thank Representative Rosa DeLauro for her hard work on H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act. This longstanding legislation which would ensure equal pay for equal work has been introduced in every single Congress since 1997.

As the chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, I am proud to support H.R. 7, meaningful legislation that would at a minimum ensure that workers are protected against gender-based pay discrimination, prevent retaliation against those who voluntarily discuss wages, eliminate loopholes which would allow institutional discrimination in pay; equalize remedies for gender-based discrimination; and prohibit salary history from dictating future pay.

Mr. Chair, my amendment is simple. While we debate the gender pay gap in the professional workplace, it is imperative that we understand how and when the pay gap begins. For women, the gender-based wage gap typically emerges in the teenage years and only increases with time. My amendment will require the Secretary of Labor and the Commissioner of Labor Statistics to submit a report to Congress that studies the teenage pay gap and provide recommendations to address it.

A 2018 study cited in The Washington Post reported that the gender- based wage gap emerges well before adulthood, leading to long-term effects on lifetime earnings and economic mobility. The economic impacts of the gender-based wage gap are even greater for women of color.

Teenagers are a substantial but often understudied part of our workforce. Many teenagers, not out of just wanting something to do, but out of necessity or because of their financial situation, work part- time while in school and sometimes enter the workforce, unfortunately, as early as 12 years old. To truly address the wage gap, we need to have a better way to identify the root of these gaps.

This report would provide the statistics necessary to uncover why this pay gap exists and the best ways to remedy the inconsistency. If women are raised in a culture where they believe they are not equal to men, the disparity that exists will never be broken. We must work to end that mindset now.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I would really feel challenged to think that my colleague is unaware that there are young girls who are teenagers who work in restaurants and in other capacities, not because their parents want them to have activities but because they are literally trying to survive and feed themselves and sometimes their brothers and sisters, and to say that it is not necessary for us to have data and not just stand at a mike as an elected official and make assumptions based on your own privilege of life.

I think it is imperative that we look at the data, and here I am saying that--before I can say and validate the status of teenage girls--I would want statistics and reports so that we can truly address the inequality that girls often get, and the mindset that a little boy who is out working, he needs the pay and often is given a larger amount of money versus a girl--and every girl is not a babysitter, but if we want to call this the babysitter amendment, I will accept it.

As we work to address the pay gap, it is important that we do not forget our new generation of leaders, and it is about breaking a cycle, about having a young girl who is working, and she understands that I have value and that I too should be paid an equal pay.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Women's History Month, where we recognize women who are living today, making a difference in America.

I want to recognize a Detroit woman, Adrienne Bennett, who was the first Black female master plumber in the United States of America. She had already broken barriers and made history, and her impact only continues to soar in her position as the CEO of her own company.

This month and every month, we must stand up and lift up women all across this country, ensuring our laws and policies empower and protect all women.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as co-chair of the Women's Caucus and join women all over this country as we step up and ensure that this country, for the girls and young women coming behind us, is one of respect, one of equality, and one of opportunities.

Madam Speaker, today I recognize the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA) on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. This organization was founded in 1919 and has been advocating for public health ever since.

For 100 years, the MPHA has worked diligently to eliminate and reduce gaps in health and health outcomes by improving the quality of life of Michiganders through advocacy, knowledge, practice and research. They perform valuable work in a field that has an immeasurable impact on the lives of all Americans.

In addition to raising the standard of care throughout Michigan, the Michigan Public Health Association works to increase access to care in all counties of Michigan and assure that no child is uninsured. MPHA advocates for good health policy through community organizing and collaboration.

On this momentous occasion, I want to congratulate the visionary founders and members of the Michigan Public Health Association, as well as MPHA's current President, Ms. Lorena Disha, and all the leaders of the MPHA for their important work. I look forward to their continued work for the health of our nation.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, this week, Congress has an opportunity to restore the American people's faith in our political system. H.R. 1 is a comprehensive set of democratic and anti-corruption reforms that work for the people, as opposed to those privileged enough to game the system.

My amendment is simple. It adds Cabinet members to the list of individuals who cannot benefit from an agreement with the United States government.

By ensuring the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members are not able to benefit from agreements with the government, individuals in a position to use their authority for their own personal gain will be prohibited from doing so.

The American people expect their government to act in their best interest, not in the best interest of their bank accounts.

When a department issues a ruling, the American people should not have to consider whether a Cabinet member will benefit from that action.

The President, the Vice President, and Cabinet members all have tremendous power and decisionmaking authority within our government. That power comes with great scrutiny and the need for oversight. This commonsense amendment will eliminate that confusion.

Aside from providing essential oversight for our government, H.R. 1 addresses serious issues that have plagued our country for decades. For years, Americans' access to the ballot box has been under attack, and millions of voters have been removed from voter rolls across the country.

Democrats are committed to ensuring that voting is free, fair, and easy for all citizens, and that every vote by an eligible voter is counted as cast.

H.R. 1, the For the People Act, codifies that oversight, and seeks to shed a

light on any corrupt actions being taken by our elected officials and Cabinet members.

Mr. Chairman, Cabinet members should be held to the same standard as the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress, and should not be able to benefit from agreements, policy, and their actions while serving the U.S. Government. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment that will help provide important oversight of our government.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on February 11, 2019, I was not able to cast my votes during the vote series due to prior obligation in my District. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted: Yes on H.R. 1065--Social Media Use in Clearance Investigations Act of 2019 (Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Lynch/Oversight and Reform Committee); and Yes on H.R. 1079--CASES Act (Sponsored by Rep. Garret Graves/Oversight and Reform Committee).

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues; and to all who are listening, my entire life, I had John Dingell's name as Congressman John Dingell in my atmosphere, growing up in Detroit, knowing about his work and his tireless defending of people.

John Dingell served in Congress with dedication and an earnest sense of duty to his constituents, to his country, and to his solemn oath of office. As a Michigander, support of the auto industry was a high priority of his. From steering the original Corporate Average Fuel Economy Act in 1975 to his efforts on the Energy and Commerce Committee, John Dingell helped to build a legacy of laws in strong support of Michigan's manufacturing workforce and the American auto industry--a champion for the auto industry, a champion for our veterans and for what our government can do when we truly work together for the people.

He was a man of many accomplishments on and off the Hill. And while many may forget the thousands of votes that he voted throughout his career, many may lose track of the legislation he promoted in support of the American people, but as we heard from so many colleagues, staff, family, and friends, people never forget an uplifting voice in a time of need or a simple act of kindness that brightens up their day.

There are many times that people forget, but they often never forget how you made them feel. John Dingell was well known for his sense of humor, friendly spirit, and how he treated everyone with dignity and respect. His is a legacy that we all can only hope to achieve.

John Dingell is and always will be a shining star for the State of Michigan, a north star of direction for us as Members of Congress, and a superstar to all his family--his wife and my colleague, Debbie Dingell--and all of his friends. His life, his legacy, an example of true patriotism, will never fade. John Dingell will never be forgotten.

John Dingell showed this country--while so many say this House doesn't work or there is not a sense of respect for our government, this is a time, as we reflect on his life, to understand that this government is important--that the things we do every day matter to people, and that if we do our job, do it together, we will be contributors to why this is such a great country.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 790, the Federal Civilian Workforce Pay Raise Fairness Act of 2019.

Our federal civilian workforce, who continued to work without pay through a record-long 35-day shutdown, deserves to be fairly compensated for their dedication to our country.

Often unnoticed, this group includes TSA agents who ensure our airports and air travel is safe, the FBI, which actively combats terrorism, and CBP agents, who diligently protect our borders. These heroic employees deserve to see their salary reflect the important and selfless work they do on behalf of the United States.

The civilian federal workforce also includes FDA personnel who ensure the food we eat is safe, National Park rangers who patrol and maintain our beautiful national parks, and IRS employees who work tirelessly to process and distribute tax refunds to Americans all over this country.

Mr. Chair, these federal workers dedicate their lives to serving the American people and this great nation--it is about time we return the favor by ensuring they are fairly compensated for their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today addressing the damaging impact of Trump's senseless shutdown in the State of Michigan and in the 14th District.

Thirty days and Trump continues to hold the American people hostage over a wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for. Over 5,000 workers in the State of Michigan continue to suffer.

My constituents are suffering the hardships because of this shutdown. A constituent from Southfield, Michigan, wrote:

I have worked for the Federal Government for over 30 years.

I have given 100 percent in my career with the IRS, and now I

am facing the possibility of not being able to pay my

mortgage because of this shutdown.

Our Federal Government is supported by a devoted workforce who are feeling like they have been taken for granted and used. This is unacceptable. Our hardworking Federal employees deserve so much better.

This shutdown is causing chaos and pain for our dedicated Federal workers in America. It must stop.

Madam Speaker, day 25. There is no reason for President Trump to keep the government shut down over his demands for an ineffective border wall.

On day one, the Democrats passed legislation to reopen our government. Today, we are taking further action, bringing forward a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 1, giving the President and the Senate GOP yet another opportunity to end the shutdown, while allowing time for us to do our work and negotiate.

President Trump should stop holding the health, the safety, and the paychecks of the American people hostage.

We need border security, and Democrats stand strong on that issue, but we will not waste taxpayers' dollars. We will not waste billions of taxpayer dollars on an ineffective wall.

Mr. President, Congress, open our government.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the President's senseless shutdown.

Over 5,000 Federal employees are affected in Michigan alone. These dedicated Michiganders are confronted with: How do I put food on my table? What bills will I pay? Which car or home payment can I afford? Which prescription do I fill?

These are real questions my constituents are now asking themselves.

Throwing a temper tantrum and threatening to keep the government shut down only reflects the President's lack of compassion for the citizens of this great country.

In Michigan, programs that provide home heating assistance or nutritional support for 1.5 million Michiganders are being held hostage by this President.

Federal support for small businesses is on the line.

One in ten workers in Michigan relies on SNAP to put food on their table.

Also, our highly esteemed veterans are waiting for us to do our job.

Every Democrat is devoted and committed to border safety. I will not vote for and I will not fund an ineffective wall. I want real border security.

I do support us doing our job. I just hope the President comes to his senses and stops hurting our country and our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the YWCA USA on the occasion of its 160th anniversary.

The YWCA is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the United States. For nearly 160 years, the YWCA has worked diligently to empower women, eliminate racism, stand up for social justice, and strengthen communities. They perform valuable work across America, with over 200 local associations. The YWCA provides over 500,000 women with safety services, including sexual assault survivor support programs and economic empowerment programs, which serve more than 260,000 women and children. This essential work creates lasting change in peoples' lives.

In addition to providing support for women and children across the nation, the YWCA works to advance racial and gender justice. I applaud the YWCA's great work to empower women and girls of color, including in my district through the YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit. Women are our country's greatest change agents, and the YWCA helps ensure that women will always have a seat at the table for years to come. On this momentous occasion, I want to congratulate the visionary founders and associates of the YWCA, and all the leaders of the YWCA for their necessary work. I look forward to their continued growth and to seeing the phenomenal work the YWCA will do for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Human Rights Council for their exemplary efforts in promoting justice and equality for all Americans.

Since the organization's founding in 2014, the American Human Rights Council (AHRC) has made its mission to protect, promote, and defend human rights, as defined by the United States Constitution and outlined in the United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The AHRC was formed to protect these rights and advocate for anyone whose rights were being violated or denied.

Initially focused on the rights of prisoners, the AHRC has expanded their efforts to restore human rights wherever they are threatened or denied. Since then, AHRC has held public educational awareness campaigns and forums pertaining to its mission while also advancing its outreach and partnerships with organizations across the metro Detroit area. I commend their efforts to report on human rights violations, engage in public outreach, and encourage governments and societies to respect international human rights laws.

Given their tremendous work and efforts towards ensuring equality and dignity for all, the AHRC was awarded United Nations-Economic and Social, or ECOSOC, Consultative Status this year. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations to member nations. I congratulate the AHRC team members for their tremendous work in achieving this status, which will allow the organization to advance their goals by actively engaging with the ECOSOC and its subsidiary bodies.

Mr. Speaker, 2018 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I commend the American Human Rights Council for working to reaffirm the importance of its enduring human rights principles and standards worldwide. I am proud to have the American Human Rights Council as an integral part of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues, Representatives Debbie Dingell, Paul Mitchell, Mike Bishop, Sander Levin, Daniel Kildee, Fred Upton, John Moolenaar, and Jack Bergman to recognize Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, on the occasion of its 150th--or sesquicentennial--celebration. Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University is ranked among our nation's best research institutions, educates over 27,000 students among 13 schools and colleges, and is the eighth-largest employer in the city of Detroit.

In addition to educating and training leaders in research, the arts, law, and medicine, Wayne State University has for over 150 years, consistently served the people of Detroit, the great state of Michigan, and our nation. Wayne State University began, and has remained, in Detroit--a city that has seen the highest heights and the deepest depths, and is now reinventing the very definition of the great American city.

Through the tireless work and effort of its first university president, Dr. Edward W. Jenks, to the current president Dr. M. Roy Wilson, Wayne State University is the embodiment of public service and access to education. Under the direction of Dr. Wilson, Wayne State University has dramatically increased its overall six-year graduation rate, with African American graduation rates double what they were just a few years ago. Today, Wayne State University attracts, and is composed of, many of the best and brightest students and researchers, with an excellent team of administration, faculty, and staff professionals. They remain firmly rooted in the community while preparing their diverse student body to impact locally and globally making the university a thriving hub of innovation and academia.

Wayne State University has also cemented its status as a leading research institution and a champion for women and children in our nation. In fact, Wayne State University is the only site outside of Bethesda, Maryland, that houses a branch of the National Institutes of Health. Thanks to the Perinatology Research Branch, over 20,000 women, children, and families have received access to world-class prenatal health care that they might not have otherwise been able to access.

Through the Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), the University is reimagining the way science approaches urban health issues. IBio was named the 2017 Renovated Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine and Laboratory Design. This 127,000-square-foot, $90 million facility is dedicated to studying and eliminating the many health disparities that plague residents of Detroit and communities across the country. IBio includes faculty with expertise in environmental sciences, bio and systems engineering, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and bio- behavioral health. Opened this fall, the Mike Ilitch School of Business, further expands the Wayne State campus into The District Detroit while adding academic programs in the business of sports and entertainment.

The mission of Wayne State University is to create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities. We congratulate and thank Wayne State University's student body, Board of Governors, President M. Roy Wilson, faculty and administrators for living out the passion and principle of their mission statement. Reaching their 150th anniversary is a milestone, and we eagerly look forward to what the University accomplishes in its next 150 years.

Wayne State University has been, is and will always be Warrior Strong.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, on the occasion of its 150th--or sesquicentennial--celebration. Located in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State University is ranked among our nation's best research institutions, educates over 27,000 students among 13 schools and colleges, and is the eighth-largest employer in the city of Detroit.

In addition to educating and training leaders in research, the arts, law, and medicine, Wayne State University has for over 150 years, consistently served the people of Detroit, the great state of Michigan and our nation. Wayne State University began, and has remained, in Detroit--a city that has seen the highest heights and the deepest depths, and is now reinventing the very definition of the great American city.

Through the tireless work and effort of its first university president, Dr. Edward W.

Jenks, to the current president Dr. M. Roy Wilson, Wayne State University is the embodiment of public service and access to education. Under the direction of Dr. Wilson, Wayne State University has dramatically increased its overall six-year graduation rate, with African American graduation rates double what they were just a few years ago. Today, Wayne State University attracts, and is composed of, many of the best and brightest students and researchers, with an excellent team of administration, faculty, and staff professionals. They remain firmly rooted in the community while preparing their diverse student body to impact locally and globally making the university a thriving hub of innovation and academia.

Wayne State University has also cemented its status as a leading research institution and a champion for women and children in our nation. In fact, Wayne State University is the only site outside of Bethesda, Maryland, that houses a branch of the National Institutes of Health. Thanks to the Perinatology Research Branch, over 20,000 women, children, and families have received access to world-class prenatal health care that they might not have otherwise been able to access.

Through the Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio), the University is reimagining the way science approaches urban health issues. IBio was named the 2017 Renovated Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine and Laboratory Design. This 127,000-square-foot, $90 million facility is dedicated to studying and eliminating the many health disparities that plague residents of Detroit and communities across the country. IBio includes faculty with expertise in environmental sciences, bio and systems engineering, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and bio- behavioral health. Opened this fall, the Mike Ilitch School of Business, further expands the Wayne State campus into The District Detroit while adding academic programs in the business of sports and entertainment.

The mission of Wayne State University is to create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities. I congratulate and thank Wayne State University's student body, Board of Governors, President M. Roy Wilson, faculty and administrators for living out the passion and principle of their mission statement. Reaching their 150th anniversary is a milestone, and I eagerly look forward to what the University accomplishes in its next 150 years.

Wayne State University has been, is and will always be Warrior Strong.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the American Public Health Association (APHA) Black Caucus of Health Workers on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. This organization, which is the first and oldest caucus of the APHA, was founded during the Association's 1968 annual meeting held in my hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

For 50 years, the APHA Black Caucus of Health Workers has worked diligently to eliminate and reduce gaps in health and health outcomes by improving the quality of life of people of African American descent through advocacy, knowledge, practice and research. They perform valuable work in a field that has an immeasurable impact on the lives of all Americans.

In addition to raising the standard of care across our nation, the Black Caucus of Health Workers works to eliminate institutional racism in their industry, to ensure that minorities in the healthcare industry are receiving equal treatment and a proper quality of life. They also support the future of our workforce by helping African American students complete their studies in public health programs. This essential work has developed a strong community of African American employees in the healthcare industry.

The Caucus continues to move our nation forward every day by improving healthcare delivery and fostering innovation. The Caucus closely monitors developments in the field and provides a crucial forum for communication among African American healthcare workers, so that they can share ideas to improve their work and their entire industry.

On this momentous occasion, I want to congratulate the visionary founders and members of the APHA Black Caucus of Health Workers, as well as APHA's current Executive Director, Dr. Georges Benjamin, and all the leaders of the APHA for their important work. I look forward to their continued work for the health of our nation.