Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 740.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincere respect that Reverend Dr. D. Edward Chaney is commended and celebrated on his installation as Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Chaney brings to this historic congregation a distinguished record of service, leadership, and commitment to faith, family, and community.

Dr. Chaney's journey of service began long before his entrance into ministry. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country for four years. Following his military service, he pursued and achieved academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Limestone College, a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. These accomplishments reflect both his intellectual rigor and his dedication to spiritual and professional growth.

Throughout his ministry, Dr. Chaney has embraced diverse roles from church musician to pastor's assistant, youth pastor, and ultimately senior pastoral leadership. Each experience molded his ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. His broad experience has equipped him with a unique pastoral vision and a profound understanding of how to nurture, develop, and expand thriving congregations.

Beyond the walls of the church, Dr. Chaney has demonstrated exemplary civic engagement. He has served on the Nevada State Board of Funeral & Cemetery Services and on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Health Center. Nationally, he has given his time and talents to the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., where he served as an Executive Board Member and Assistant Parliamentarian.

Dr. Chaney's commitment to service is further reflected in his active membership in several distinguished organizations. He is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, and an engaged member of the Las Vegas Urban League. His affiliations speak to his lifelong dedication to leadership, equity, and community empowerment. As Dr. Chaney assumes the pastorship of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, he does so with the support and partnership of his wife, Dr. Avis C. O'Bryant- Chaney, and their three children. Together, they bring to Baton Rouge a spirit of warmth, commitment, and faith that will surely enrich the congregation and the community at large.

Therefore, it is with great pride that Reverend Dr. D. Edward Chaney is honored on his installation as Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church for his outstanding record of service to his country, his community, and the ministry.

A warm and heartfelt welcome is extended to him and his family as they join the Baton Rouge community. May his leadership be marked by continued growth, inspiration, and lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, the state of Louisiana recently lost a visionary leader and titan of industry whose impact was profound, far- reaching, and enduring. James M. ``Jim'' Bernhard dedicated his life to advancing opportunity, strengthening communities, and demonstrating what determined, principled leadership can achieve. Though his accomplishments in business and public service were vast, his most meaningful legacy is found in the countless lives he improved and the deep affection he held for the people of Louisiana.

Jim Bernhard was born on April 9, 1954, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From an early age he showed the traits that would define his lifelong service to his home state: energy, intellect, and a steadfast commitment to community. A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Jim combined his entrepreneurial drive with a disciplined work ethic to build one of the most successful industrial enterprises in the Nation.

He founded The Shaw Group and guided it from a small pipe-fabrication business in Baton Rouge into a Fortune 500 global industrial services firm. Under his leadership, the company grew to employ thousands and to serve major sectors including energy, engineering, and construction. Jim's deft vision transformed The Shaw Group into a major economic engine for Louisiana, creating jobs, attracting investment, and elevating the state's prominence in national and international markets.

After the sale of The Shaw Group, Jim continued to innovate and lead. He co-founded Bernhard Capital Partners, an internationally recognized private-equity firm managing billions of dollars in assets with investments in energy services, industrial operations, and utility infrastructure. Through this transformative work, he continued to strengthen critical industries, support innovation, and expand economic opportunities across Louisiana and beyond.

Jim's extraordinary professional achievements were matched only by his deep commitment to civic life. He was a trusted mentor to many young leaders and a steadfast supporter of numerous charitable, cultural, and educational causes. His philanthropy played a defining role in the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge through his pivotal support of the Shaw Center for the Arts, a landmark institution that continues to enrich the region's cultural landscape.

He was a champion for education at every level, frequently advocating for stronger investment in both K-12 schools and higher education. Jim's generosity made significant financial support possible for schools and students throughout the Baton Rouge area, and his advocacy helped strengthen public understanding of the critical link between education, workforce development, and long-term state prosperity.

Jim's compassion reached far beyond Louisiana's borders. He provided vital assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes in North Carolina, supported a nonprofit organization in California dedicated to assisting people experiencing homelessness, and contributed to relief efforts throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and other regions across the globe. His philanthropy was often quiet and unpublicized, guided by a belief that those blessed with success have a duty to help those in need.

At the center of Jim's life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Dana, and a proud father to his five children: Benjamin Bernhard, Michael Bernhard, Patrick Bernhard, Kathryn Gerry, and Tres Bernhard. He was equally proud to be the grandfather of eight grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and inspiration.

Jim Bernhard's unwavering love for Louisiana, his commitment to public service, and his conviction that the state's potential is limitless will continue to shape the region for generations to come. His legacy is one of leadership, generosity, innovation, and hope--a legacy that will forever enrich the state he cherished and the people for whom he worked tirelessly.

Louisiana deeply mourns the loss of Jim Bernhard, honors his remarkable life, and celebrates the enduring impact he leaves behind.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of former Mayor Melvin Lee ``Kip'' Holden of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Kip was a remarkable leader who committed his career to the people of Baton Rouge, serving as their city councilman from 1984 to 1988, and then their State representative from 1988 to 2004. He then served as mayor for three terms from 2005 to 2016.

As the first African American to lead the city-parish, he broke barriers and built bridges, always putting the people first. Mayor Holden was a trailblazer, a history maker, and a dedicated public servant.

His contributions have left a lasting mark on Baton Rouge and beyond. My prayers are with his family, friends, and all those whom he touched with his leadership.

Mr. Speaker at this time, I request a moment of silence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to talk about something that happened on January 20.

On January 20, the President of the United States took the oath of office at this Capitol. Shortly thereafter, he signed several executive orders.

One executive order was Executive Order No. 14151. That executive order ended all DEI programs. The argument that DEI initiatives constitute reverse discrimination fundamentally misunderstands both the history and the purpose of these programs.

DEI initiatives emerged as thoughtful, evidence-based responses to documented inequities suffered by rural communities, minorities, women, the poor, and the disabled. These programs represent America at its best, acknowledging our Nation's shortcomings and tireless work to overcome them.

The ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868 codified equal protection as a constitutional principle. Yet, Americans soon discovered that simply declaring equal protection didn't automatically create it.

The real challenge was in translating these legal guarantees into everyday justice through their implementations. When the landmark Supreme Court decisions in 2023 and 2024 further restricted race- conscious university admissions and workplace policies, they accelerated a retreat from this understanding.

The history of DEI efforts in America is not some partisan agenda. It is part of our Nation's ongoing work to ensure that America's promise extends to every American. In 2025, as we face renewed attacks on these principles, we must renew our commitment to this work.

Let me be clear: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not about guarantees and preferences; they are about removing barriers. They are not about lowering standards; they are about ensuring that the standards we apply don't inadvertently favor some groups while disadvantaging others who are equally qualified.

When our military, for example, embraced diversity and inclusion, it didn't become weaker. It became the most formidable fighting force in human history.

When our businesses embraced diverse talents and perspectives, they didn't become less competitive. They gained access to broader markets and built the strongest economy in the world.

When our universities created more inclusive learning environments, they didn't sacrifice excellence. Instead, they became global leaders in research and education.

The world is always watching us to see what we will accomplish, but now more than ever before, they are watching us to see who we will become.

I still believe in an America where a child's potential isn't limited to his ZIP Code, the color of his skin, their gender, or other factors beyond their control.

I believe in an America where we can acknowledge our imperfect past while working together toward a more perfect future.

Most of all, I believe in the fundamental goodness and fairness of the American people.

When we move beyond slogans, when we truly see each other as fellow citizens on one shared journey, we find that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

While the temptation is great, we cannot let this moment divide us. We were never meant to be the divided States. We were created as and have thrived for over 250 years as the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), the chairman of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mr. Speaker, one of the problems I think that many people have with DEI programs--which is one of the same problems they had with affirmative action, if you recall--they viewed it as two parallel lines, where you took a person who was less qualified and you elevated him to the level of somebody who was more qualified.

That is not DEI. That was not affirmative action. Instead, people should look at it as a circle and every single person within the circle are all qualified to do the job, but there is just one single problem: There are folks in the circle, although they are qualified, they never get chosen. There are women in the circle who never get chosen simply because they are female. Hispanics, Blacks in the circle don't get chosen simply because of the color of their skin. People need to view it as: Everybody in the circle is qualified, but DEI comes in and grabs people who are not chosen only because of the color of their skin or because of their sex.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks.

What is interesting is when the President signed that executive order to do away with three words: diversity, equity, and inclusion, it sent universities in a tailspin. They didn't know what to do. In fact, the President himself ended a program--and I am glad the gentleman from Illinois serves on the Agriculture Committee. I am glad that you and others wrote letters and he restored the program that gave

young scholars scholarships to go to college, 1890 universities. He said that it was a DEI program, and then later he reversed it. It was a program where these kids had to score high scores on the ACT in order to qualify. They had to have high GPAs.

Not to mention the impact it has had on businesses. There are businesses that have ended their DEI programs simply because of that executive order.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).

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

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 57 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California, the ranking member, for fighting predatory lending over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose S.J. Res. 18 which would dismantle important protections against predatory overdraft practices.

Let me be absolutely clear: Overdraft protection is a profit center for big banks disguised as a service fee. These institutions made over $9 billion from overdraft fees last year alone.

When a constituent in my district gets a $35 charge for a $5 purchase, that is not covering bank costs, that is a 700 percent markup designed purely to boost profits.

The CFPB's rule only affects banks with assets over $10 billion, institutions that would remain highly profitable without these predatory practices. These megabanks aren't using overdraft fees to stay afloat.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the additional time.

They are using them to pad their already substantial bottom lines at the expense of working families in Louisiana and across America.

Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentlewoman from Virginia and the gentleman from South Carolina for organizing this Special Order at a very important time.

Before the 14th Amendment, I was considered three-fifths of a man. It was not until 1870, through the ratification of the 15th Amendment, that I received the right to vote. It wasn't until 1920, through the passage of the 19th Amendment, that women received the right to vote.

Despite all men and women having the full Federal right to vote by 1920, States still devised schemes to impose draconian restrictions to prevent voter registration for people of color.

These restrictions were Jim Crow laws. I never understood it, but in 1988, when I ran for office for the first time, I wanted my grandmother to vote for me. I was leading folk to the polls to register to vote, and I tried to get my grandmother to go. I said, ``Grandmother, why in the world would you not go to vote for your grandson?'' She said to me, ``Sit down, son. Let me just tell you a story.'' She went to register to vote, and they gave her a literacy test. She had to state the preamble to the Constitution, my grandmother, in Louisiana.

I finally got her to register to vote, and she voted until she passed.

They gave them tests like citizen tests, voucher tests. They had to get other people to vouch for them. In Louisiana, we had something called all-White primaries, which meant Blacks could not even vote in primary elections.

One of the first successes we have had in the battle of voting rights was

in 1944 with the Supreme Court decision of Smith v. Allwright when they outlawed White-only primaries.

Following this decision, Black voter registration went up. It moved from 1,000 in 1944 to 120,000 in 1952 and 160,000 in 1956.

Despite some legal progress, Jim Crow laws were still alive and well in Southern States. Substantial progress was made through the Voting Rights Act of 1956, 1957, and 1960, which authorized the United States Attorney General to file lawsuits on behalf of Americans who were denied the right to vote and gave them the ability to investigate threats on civil rights.

A watershed moment occurred when we passed the 1964 Voting Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which made Jim Crow practices and discrimination illegal. Thank God for subsection 5. I will take a moment of personal privilege to talk about that subsection because it really affected me.

Every law that was passed in my State of Louisiana had to be precleared by the Justice Department, and then there was a challenge to that, Shelby v. Holder.

Every progress we have made, all the sacrifices all the leaders have made, like John Lewis, Martin Luther King, Shirley Chisholm, and Jesse Jackson, they kept making these pushes because they knew it was a hard time for people.

Lastly, let me just tell you, these State laws are real. Last year, I served as a member of the Louisiana State Senate, and several attempts were made to make it more difficult on a State level for people to register to vote: S. 226 dealt with absentee ballots, and it required you to put your mother's maiden name on your voter application or your vote would be thrown out. S. 218 prohibits individuals from assisting elderly people in registering to vote.

I say to you, Mr. Speaker, Congress should advance legislation like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to increase equal access across the voting ballot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart in honor of my friend, my colleague, and my confidant, Sylvester Turner.

It is not often one gets the opportunity to serve alongside of a person like Sylvester Turner, one of the finest public servants this Nation has ever known.

Each and every day, we worked in this Chamber and sat side by side, center aisle, row five, seat one and two. I called him Mr. Mayor.

Sylvester's brilliance was in crafting policy that served the underrepresented and became an inspiration to me. After storms devastated his region, we stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting for disaster relief funds, building recovery plans that now protect millions.

As mayor, he transformed Houston's infrastructure, expanded economic opportunity, and navigated the city through unprecedented challenges with grace and determination.

In our private moments, Sylvester would say things like: Cleo, let me just tell you, we are not here for titles. We are here for the people who will never walk these Halls. That was the measure of an extraordinary man.

As I remember my friend, he was not only just an accomplished legislator and mayor, but a man whose friendship and dedication made America a better place for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the profound legacy of Mr. John Willis Menard, who in 1868 became the first African American elected to Congress.

Even after winning 64 percent of the vote, Members of this body denied him the rightful opportunity to take his seat by a vote of 57- 130. Nevertheless, Mr. Menard bravely defended his right to represent the people of Louisiana and became the first African American to speak on this floor. His fight for representation, even when denied his dignity and his seat, paved the way for people like me.

While in 1868 there was not a single African American in Congress, today there are 67 African Americans serving in the 119th Congress, a record number, largely due in part to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and heroes like John Willis Menard.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 6.