Floor Statements

Mr Speaker, I rise along with the people of St. Louis today to solemnly pay homage to the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis and its visionary founder and president, Aine Howard-Boerner, MSN.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis has emerged as a beacon of compassion dedicated to honoring nurses nearing or entering eternal rest, offering solace to grieving families across Missouri and Illinois.

Inspired by the tradition of military honor guards that honor fallen servicemen and women, police officers, and firefighters, the Nurse Honor Guard wears traditional white nursing uniforms, complete with a red and blue cape and traditional nursing caps. They attend the funerals of their fellow nurses, paying homage and extending comfort to families in their time of mourning.

The organization has conducted 124 memorial tributes, four living tributes, and one memorial table for departed colleagues. Comprised of 30 retired and active nurses, these tributes honor the departed and serve as a source of renewal for the members of the Nurse Honor Guard amidst the formidable challenges and demands of their profession, particularly underscored by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses and their communities are reminded of their steadfast courage and unwavering commitment through these services.

As we reflect on the profound impact of the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis, we follow our pledge to honor the memory of our fallen nurses, support grieving families, and uphold the pride and dignity of the nursing profession with enduring gratitude. As a nurse and Congresswoman, I am honored to join our St. Louis community to commend the Nurse Honor Guard of Saint Louis and its members for their exemplary service.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise in recognition and remembrance of the 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys killed and the thousands of women and girls raped, assaulted, and forcibly displayed during the Srebrenica genocide.

On this day 29 years ago, the Serbian Army and paramilitary forces began massacring civilians in the besieged town of Srebrenica, a U.N.- declared safe area, in an attempt to ethnically cleanse the area of Bosniaks.

Today, we remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide and honor them and their families as we continue to stand in fierce opposition to genocide across the globe.

As a St. Louis Congresswoman proudly representing the largest Bosnian population outside of Bosnia, and as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia, I will continue to recognize and uplift the rich contributions of the Bosnian community and ensure that everyone, no matter their race, faith, or nationality, can continue to live free from violence and persecution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of St. Louis to celebrate the 80th birthday of Mrs. Martha Ann Sanders.

Eighty years is a remarkable milestone and worthy of great celebration. Mrs. Sanders has seen and lived through segments of history that most of us can only learn about through being in close community with our elders. Her trials, triumphs, and everything in between, are a beautiful testament to a remarkable life.

As we honor and celebrate her birthday, I would like to recognize Mrs. Sanders' family and friends who are celebrating this milestone occasion. Mrs. Sanders' unwavering strength and profound love for her family is evident and today serves as a reminder of the impact she has had on her family and broader community.

On behalf of Missouri's First Congressional District, I wish Mrs. Martha Ann Sanders peace, blessings, and a joyous start to her 80th year.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present during today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted:

NO on Roll Call No. 327, NO on Roll Call No. 328, AYE on Roll Call No. 329, YEA on Roll Call No. 330, NAY on Roll Call No. 331, YEA on Roll Call No. 332, NAY on Roll Call No. 333, YEA on Roll Call No. 334, and NAY on Roll Call No. 335.

Mr. Chair, I was not present during today's first or second vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted:

NO on Roll Call No. 297,

NO on Roll Call No. 298,

NO on Roll Call No. 299,

NO on Roll Call No. 300,

NO on Roll Call No. 301,

NO on Roll Call No. 302,

NO on Roll Call No. 303,

NO on Roll Call No. 304,

NO on Roll Call No. 305,

NO on Roll Call No. 306,

NO on Roll Call No. 307,

NO on Roll Call No. 308,

NO on Roll Call No. 309,

NO on Roll Call No. 310,

NO on Roll Call No. 311,

NO on Roll Call No. 312,

NO on Roll Call No. 313,

NO on Roll Call No. 314,

NO on Roll Call No. 315,

NO on Roll Call No. 316,

NO on Roll Call No. 317,

NO on Roll Call No. 318,

NO on Roll Call No. 319,

NO on Roll Call No. 320,

NO on Roll Call No. 321,

NO on Roll Call No. 322,

NO on Roll Call No. 323,

NO on Roll Call No. 324,

AYE on Roll Call No. 325 and

NO on Roll Call No. 326.

Madam Chair, I was not present during today's first or second vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 283, NAY on Roll Call No. 284, NAY on Roll Call No. 285, NAY on Roll Call No. 286, NAY on Roll Call No. 287, NAY on Roll Call No. 288, NAY on Roll Call No. 289, NAY on Roll Call No. 290, NAY on Roll Call No. 291, NAY on Roll Call No. 292, NAY on Roll Call No. 293, NAY on Roll Call No. 294, NAY on Roll Call No. 295, and NAY on Roll Call No. 296.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present during today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 280, YEA on Roll Call No. 281, and NAY on Roll Call No. 282.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with the people of St. Louis, to pay tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Apostle Dr. Lee F. Rice, a dedicated servant of God whose impact extends far beyond the walls of Victory Christian Outreach Church. Dr. Rice's commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving his community leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Rice was more than a pastor; he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving family, including his adult children: Rhoda Rice, Sardius Rice, Pastor Daphne Rice-Bruce (spouse-Alex

Bruce), Minister Romney Rice-Dunn (spouse-Minister Fred Dunn), and Minister Bryttani Rice. His legacy also lives on through his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless other cherished family members and friends.

The educational background of Dr. Rice and his beloved wife, the late Apostle Dr. Doris V. Rice, speaks volumes about their commitment to ministry and service. Both graduated from Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma and received Family Counseling Degrees from National Lewis College. Their dedication to theological education culminated in the attainment of Biblical Studies Doctorate Degrees from Pillsbury Bible College.

For over 40 years, they served as shepherds of the house of Victory Christian Outreach Church, nurturing a membership that at one time exceeded 500 members. Their leadership extended to the broader community, where they organized years of outreach events serving families, children, and youth with food, clothing, childcare, family counseling, and utility assistance. In times of crises, their church provided a safe refuge for families in need.

As Senior Pastors, Church Administrators, and Community Leaders, Dr. Lee F. Rice and Dr. Doris V. Rice dedicated themselves to partnering with local churches to share the Gospel and provide a safe place for worship. Their church became a cornerstone of the community, hosting annual events such as Octoberfest, Be A Blessing, and the Easter Egg Hunt. Their contributions were recognized by the University City School District, which lauded Victory Christian Outreach Church as an outstanding community contributor.

Pastor Lee and Pastor Doris have also had a profound impact on my life. They were my personal pastors for many years as well as my employers, and their daughter Daphne, who now serves as the current pastor, has been my very close friend since we were teens. Their other daughters, Romney and Bryttani, are like sisters. I am proud to have had the privilege of working at their preschool for a decade, and where I grew to love the important and lifesaving role that childcare providers have in our community.

In honoring the life of Apostle Dr. Lee Rice, we celebrate a man of faith, integrity, and compassion. His legacy of service and devotion to God will continue to inspire generations to come. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him and may his spirit of love and generosity continue to shine brightly in our community.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to express our grave disappointment that neither the extension nor the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act is included in this spending bill.

Decades ago, our government dumped radioactive waste in communities all across the country, including in my district. To this day, many of my constituents are sick and dying because of their exposure. World War II is still killing people in my district.

We were wronged by the Federal Government. Rather than taking responsibility to make it right, Congress couldn't spare a dime on this bipartisan issue, this bipartisan effort, to compensate the victims. Why is it that we always have money for endless war but never enough to repair the harm war has caused?

It is past time that this body gets its priorities straight, takes full responsibility, cleans up this waste, and compensates those who have been harmed. The majority has 78 days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with the people of St. Louis to honor the outstanding tenure of Reverend Dr. Anthony L. Riley. Rev. Riley has served as Senior Pastor at Central Baptist Church for five years.

As a historically Black church in the St. Louis community, Central Baptist Church has a rich 178-year-old history. Rev. Riley has made his mark as the church's fourteenth senior pastor. He formerly served as Executive Pastor for the Luke Church in Texas, where he provided leadership to staff, associate ministers, and diaconate.

As a devoted father and dedicated pastor to the congregants of Central Baptist Church, Rev. Riley has consistently answered the call of public service. In 2022, Rev Riley earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree in Leadership and Preaching at Virginia Union University's School of Theology. Within his education and ministry, Rev. Riley has strived to establish holistic practices for the next generation of ministers. His goal of teaching and unifying our communities of faith distinguishes him as a leader for all people.

Rev. Riley truly embodies the principles of love, dignity, service, and humility that define the characteristics of a successful leader in ministry. On behalf of Missouri's First District, I congratulate Rev. Riley on his five-year anniversary and thank him for his continued commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with the people of St. Louis to honor the outstanding tenure of Reverend Dr. Anthony L. Riley. Rev. Riley has served as Senior Pastor at Central Baptist Church for five years.

As a historically Black church in the St. Louis community, Central Baptist Church has a rich 178-year-old history. Rev. Riley has made his mark as the church's fourteenth senior pastor. He formerly served as Executive Pastor for the Luke Church in Texas, where he provided leadership to staff, associate ministers, and diaconate.

As a loving husband, devoted father, and dedicated pastor to the congregants of Central Baptist Church, Rev. Riley has consistently answered the call of public service. In 2022, Rev. Riley earned his Doctorate of Ministry degree in Leadership and Preaching at Virginia Union University's School of Theology. Within his education and ministry, Rev. Riley

has strived to establish holistic practices for the next generation of ministers. His goal of teaching and unifying our communities of faith distinguishes him as a leader for all people.

Rev. Riley truly embodies the principles of love, dignity, service, and humility that define the characteristics of a successful leader in ministry. On behalf of Missouri's First District, I congratulate Rev. Riley on his five-year anniversary and thank him for his continued commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise in celebration of 314 Day, founded by Young DIP, celebrated across St. Louis on March 14-- 314, which is our area code.

On 314 Day, we celebrate our amazing sports teams and passionate fans, from the St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, CITY Soccer Club, Battlehawks, Surge, as well as our college and high school teams.

On 314 Day, we indulge in toasted raviolis, Imo's Pizza, Red Hot Riplets, and our Chinese food and Vess soda.

On 314 Day, we enjoy artists and creators rooted in St. Louis, like Nelly, the St. Lunatics, Tina Turner, Scott Joplin, Michael McDonald, Maya Angelou, and Cbabi Bayoc.

Most importantly, on 314 Day, St. Louis is gathered together to bask in the love and the pride that we have for our community. To be from St. Louis is to love St. Louis. Every day it is among one of my life's greatest honors to be your Congresswoman.

I love St. Louis. Happy 314 Day.

Madam Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today in solidarity with the Puerto Rican people.

Puerto Rico has long been harmed by its status as a U.S. territory. One example of this is what is known as Act 22. This policy allows people who move to Puerto Rico to not pay local taxes on their dividends, capital gains, and certain investments. Unsurprisingly, the wealthy have benefited from this policy while the Puerto Rican people are left to deal with the harms.

Because of Act 22, Puerto Rico stands to lose an estimated $4.5 billion in tax revenues between 2020 and 2026, and we are already seeing skyrocketing rents and increased displacement. This must end.

Congress must close the Act 22 tax loophole, end the injustice of colonialism, and enact self-determination legislation for the Puerto Rican people.

I stand with the Puerto Rican community in St. Louis, in Puerto Rico, and around the country.

Madam Speaker, St. Louis and I rise in honor of the life and legacy of Bridgeton, Missouri, mayor, Terry Briggs.

Mayor Briggs was a loving husband, father, and dedicated public servant. As a three-term mayor of Bridgeton in St. Louis County, he cared deeply about his community and those in it.

One issue we worked together on was the cleanup of Manhattan Project waste dumped in Westlake Landfill and surrounding areas. Together, we fought not only for the cleanup of this waste but also for compensation for those impacted.

Mayor Briggs was also a champion for the rights of those living with disabilities. He worked to ensure that everyone was treated with dignity and given the resources to thrive through his service on the Productive Living Board, Special Olympics Board, Special School District Board of Education, and the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis.

Mayor Briggs was deeply loved, and his legacy will live on through the lives he has touched. My heart goes out to Mayor Briggs' family and friends and all of Bridgeton. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with the people of St. Louis, rise today to honor the exceptional career of Colonel Elvert L. Gardner. This March, Col. Gardner will retire with over 30 years of active duty military service.

Col. Gardner is a St. Louis native who graduated from Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School in 1988. He was commissioned in May 1993 through the Reserved Officer Training Corps at the distinguished Detachment 015, Tuskegee University, home of the Tuskegee Airmen. Upon receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant in 1993, Col. Gardner spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force before transferring to the U.S. Space Force. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, further signifying his excellent leadership and resolve.

As the Director of Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans at U.S. Space Force headquarters and the Pentagon, Col. Gardner consistently dedicated himself to supporting national security objectives. Other examples of his commitment to supporting our Nation include his roles

as Space Force Service Chair, National Security Studies Department Chair, and Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. In each of these positions, Col. Gardner has distinguished himself as an individual who leads with full intention to serve the community at large.

Col. Gardner has demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, perseverance, and hope throughout his career. His retirement is a well- earned milestone over the course of his professional life. We thank Col. Gardner for his remarkable service to our country, and I know his beloved niece, our dear sister and friend, Cora Faith Walker, would be incredibly proud of her uncle and his outstanding career. On behalf of Missouri's First District, I send my heartfelt congratulations to Col. Gardner on his retirement after 30 years of service in the U.S. military.