Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today to celebrate the final day of Black History Month and to pay tribute to the contributions made by Black Americans to free enslaved Black people.

I proudly introduced a resolution to honor Mary and John Meachum, formerly enslaved Black abolitionists in St. Louis, Missouri, who dedicated their lives to the liberation of all Black people, especially those who were enslaved.

In defiance of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, the Meachums' home became a stop on the Underground Railroad, guiding countless enslaved Black people to freedom in Illinois.

Mary continued this work after her husband's death in 1854. In May of 1855, Mary Meachum was implicated in a plot to smuggle a small group of enslaved Black people across the river and was arrested by a group of law enforcement and enslavers working together.

Today, their legacy is memorialized at the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing on the St. Louis Riverfront Trail. I am dedicated to ensuring that the stories of individuals like Mary and John Meachum are told for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with the people of St. Louis, rise to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Erna Je'Neen French. Erna was a giant in the gospel community, a mother, grandmother, and sister who dedicated her life to spreading the joy and love of God through her powerful voice.

Erna professed her devotion to Jesus Christ at the early age of five, and she knew she would one day be a famous gospel singer. Inspired by her mother Lavera, gospel music was always central to Erna's life. Erna was a scholar of spiritual hymns, and she understood the weight those verses carried. Before the age of 12, Erna recorded three national gospel records with the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses under the St. Louis Gospel Choral Union, the O'Neal Twins, and the Stan Lee Gospel Music Workshop. Later in her life, Erna recorded with numerous artists and ministries nationally and internationally and was a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Sanctified POSSE, GEMCA, Dello Thedford and the Gospel Symphonic Choir, Rusty Watson, One Voice, the Psalms of David, and countless other ministries. In 2018, Erna accomplished a lifelong dream releasing her project ``Always'' with the help of Levi Too King.

A student of the University City School District, she was a proud member of the graduating class of 1985. In 1986, Erna began a career as a professional driver. She drove school buses until 1998 when she joined the Bistate Development Agency/Metro St. Louis Transit Agency, from which she retired in 2021.

Most importantly, Erna loved spending time with her family. Her daughter Alysha De'Nise French and grandson CJ were the lights of her life. Erna shared her deep passion for gospel music with her older sister, Monica. I offer my deepest condolences on behalf of Missouri's First District to Erna's entire family and all those who loved her.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to send our love and condolences to Kansas City, Missouri, in the wake of yesterday's mass shooting.

This preventable and despicable epidemic of gun violence affects us all. It

impacts my district in St. Louis. It impacts your districts. It impacts our entire country, and it does not need to be this way.

Missouri has some of the weakest gun laws in the country. Instead of addressing this epidemic, Missouri Republicans continue to eviscerate and obstruct gun safety laws.

Therefore, to the Missouri Republicans who are pointing their finger at the people of Kansas City, Missouri, and calling them thugs-- Missouri Republicans need to get a better vocabulary--this blood is on your hands.

My colleagues don't get to scapegoat the victims of this shooting when they are actively blocking gun violence prevention legislation. Their allegiance to the NRA over the needs of the people of our communities is absolutely shameful.

Missouri needs action. Join Democrats in passing meaningful, commonsense gun safety legislation so that we can put an end to this crisis and save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with the people of St. Louis, to honor the life and legacy of former First Lady of Missouri and United States Senator Jean Carnahan. Jean Carnahan was an exemplary public servant, wife, and mother who dedicated her life to the people of Missouri.

She was appointed as Missouri's first female senator in the face of great personal tragedy after the loss of her son, Roger, and husband, Governor Mel Carnahan. Jean Carnahan was a trailblazer who showed courage and fortitude by choosing to step up and serve her community. She worked to hold corporate greed accountable, and as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, she introduced and won passage of a law requiring corporations to make swift, electronic reporting of insider trading.

As First Lady of Missouri, she was an activist and advocate fighting for on-site daycare centers for working families, promoting childhood immunization, funding domestic abuse centers, and of course, the arts. She was passionate about making government accessible to the people of Missouri, starting with raising

funds to restore the Governor's mansion, so that everyone could visit and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Senator Jean Carnahan was an accomplished author of seven published books and co-wrote many of her husband's speeches. She provided guidance and inspiration to so many people throughout Missouri to serve others and be a vehicle for change. I offer my deepest condolences on behalf of Missouri's First District to the entire family and all those who loved her. May her Memory forever be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today to honor the exceptional career of Ms. Vivian Martain. Ms. Martain is retiring at age 81 after spending over five decades working to service our St. Louis community.

Ms. Martain's commitment to service is evident in each of her pursuits. Since 2018, she has served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Compliance Officer and Project Pave Administrator at Millstone Weber. In 2019, Ms. Martain became Millstone Weber's first Civil Rights Compliance Manager, where she worked to ensure that minority contractors were represented on the massive I-270 North Project. Prior to that, she served a 14-year term as Executive Director of the Construction Prep Center.

As the chief architect of Millstone Weber's Project PAVE Initiative, she strived to guide, educate, and support students in North St. Louis County high schools and encourage them to pursue careers in heavy design, engineering, and construction. Ms. Martain fondly recounts stories of every single student and how each of them excelled after being in the program.

Ms. Martain has committed her professional life to serving the people of Missouri, and her retirement signifies a well-deserved reprieve from her tireless service. The impact of Ms. Martain's work is immeasurable. We thank her for an unwavering dedication to public service and congratulate her on an outstanding career.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Tonya Latrice Finley-McCaw. Mrs. Finley-McCaw was a remarkable servant leader who touched the lives of so many people across the St. Louis community.

A passionate advocate, Mrs. Finley-McCaw fought tirelessly for the rights of families and workers, including aiding efforts across the region and state for living wages and the right to unionize. Together, alongside her inspiring son and a stalwart community leader, Rasheen, the pair were never far from a picket line, joining striking workers and allies demanding fair wages in the ``Fight for $15'' movement.

Mrs. Finley-McCaw was indefatigable. In addition to her strong support of labor rights and economic justice, she also chaired St. Louis City's Moms Demand Action chapter in an effort to tackle the crisis of gun violence in our communities and received several leadership certificates and accolades for her wide-ranging work and advocacy throughout the St. Louis region.

Born on July 7, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, to her loving parents, Samuel and Dorothy Finley. She was also blessed with an amazing sister, Teijuania Finley. Finley-McCaw attended and graduated from Parkway South High School, where she was crowned prom queen. She later pursued higher education at St. Louis College of Health Careers and obtained her certification as a phlebotomist.

Mrs. Finley-McCaw was married to the love of her life, Rick McCaw, for 27 years. She is the proud mother of three sons: Rashaad Crawford, Rasheen Aldridge, and Rasheed Finley. She is the stepmother to Rickey McCaw, Rikeyia McCaw, Malik McCaw, and Bernard Wings. When she wasn't spending time with her family or working to improve the lives of her St. Louis neighbors, Mrs. Finley-McCaw loved to cook (especially on holidays), play with her dogs, travel, and spend time with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Finley-McCaw was a great friend and mother figure to many. I have fond memories of her. I have fond memories of her helping to support me as I worked hard to represent the people of Missouri's First District. She provided unparalleled guidance and never faltered in the work of ensuring St. Louis has the representation it deserves at every level of government, I got to witness what a remarkable human she was to those around and what an incredible mother she was through my personal friendship with Rasheen. She touched so many of our hearts and she will be deeply missed. May her memory forever be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the City of Richmond Heights, located in Missouri's First District. Richmond Heights was incorporated on December 29, 1913 with just 18 families residing in the area. Since then, the population has grown to 9,286.

Richmond Heights has been home to many Missourians who brought the joys of art and music to St. Louis, such as jazz singer Mae Wheeler, rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry, artist Ernest Trova, gospel singer Doris Fiddmont Frazier, architect Henry Hampton, and filmmaker Henry Hampton Jr. Moreover, Richmond Heights is home to many impactful social justice advocates such as Dr. Thomas E. Rusan, Jr., Georgia Tallier Rusan, and Rev. James E. Fiddmont. It is also home to one of the most recognizable voices in St. Louis, the legendary sports commentator, Jack Buck.

Richmond Heights enriches Missouri's First District with community institutions such as the Esquire Theater, Tropicana Lanes, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, the Saint Louis Galleria, and the Boulevard. It includes four school districts: the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, Clayton School District, Brentwood School District and Ladue School District, as well as Little Flower, Immaculata School, and the International Schoolhouse.

As the Congresswoman for Missouri's First District, I congratulate the residents of Richmond Heights and their current leadership, including Mayor Jim Thomson and Councilmembers Lisa Eppert, Greg Vescovo, Reginald Finney, Maurice Muia, Megan Moylan, Ashley Metcalf, Danny Hebenstreit and Scott Huston on 110 fruitful years. Here's to 110 more.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to celebrate the 50th reunion of the Beaumont High School Class of 1973. May this reunion weekend be filled with loving memories, reflection, and laughter.

The Class of 1973 has lived through many historic events from snowstorms to teacher strikes. Despite all of this, more than 480 students persisted on and are a part of its graduating class.

As the Beaumont Blue Jackets Alma Mater states:

``Beaumont High we pledge our love, let our chorus ring above. Beaumont's warm and friendly walls, campus broad and ample halls. Pay we now the honor due to Beaumont's Gold and Blue; The gold of youth, the blue truth and staunch loyalty. Straight toward the North Star's guiding rays, Beaumont looks with steady gaze; Like a compass needle true, Points the course of all we do. On her guidance we rely. So march we in the van, to hold on high her winged staff of service to man.''

On behalf of Missouri's First District, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Beaumont High School Class of 1973 on their 50th year of celebration.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise today with gratitude to St. Louis Public Libraries and St. Louis County Libraries for their continued partnership in providing lifesaving resources as part of my office's Congress in Your Neighborhood program. This initiative was started in October 2021 at four public libraries in the region to help residents across Missouri's First District in navigating federal agencies, handling casework, and meeting with casework staff in their communities. Its success is largely attributed to the reliability and proximity of our beloved network of public libraries.

Our libraries continue to help build healthy communities. Not only do they provide access to free education, but they also do the essential work of providing vital services and safe spaces to gather. Constituent service is about meeting our neighbors where they are, and our libraries do that every day.

I am proud to partner with our public libraries, and I will be forever grateful to our librarians, administrators, staff members and volunteers for their dedicated service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to recognize the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Frederick Douglas Deloch, affectionately known as ``DIRT'', and to express our deepest condolences to his family on news of his passing. His passing has left a void in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.

Frederick's journey was marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to service. His pursuit of engineering, despite financial constraints, led him to enlist in the Army, where he excelled both academically and in the line of duty. Serving with honor during the Korean War, Frederick's sacrifices were justly acknowledged with the Purple Heart, a testament to his bravery and dedication to the defense of our Nation.

Beyond his military service, Frederick continued to serve within the community. His 37-year tenure with the United States Postal Service, starting as a Postal Clerk and rising to the esteemed position of Postal Inspector, is a reflection of his exemplary character and dedication to public service.

A true pillar of faith and community, Frederick was a devoted member of the Antioch Baptist Church for over 50 years. His commitment to community service extended through his active involvement in organizations such as the National Organization of Blacks in Law Enforcement (N.O.B.L.E.), exemplifying his dedication to making a positive impact beyond his immediate circles.

Frederick's contributions to the Albert Holman Lodge No. 179 of Prince Hall Masons, where he achieved the prestigious rank of a 33rd Degree Mason, and his role as Honorary Past Potentate of Medinah Temple No. 39, Prince Hall Masons, are indicative of his commitment to the principles of brotherhood, charity, and service.

In remembering Frederick, one cannot overlook his motto: ``If I can help someone along the way, then my living will not be in vain.'' His 90 years were a testament to a life well-lived, sowing seeds of goodwill and leaving an indelible mark on his community. In recognition of Frederick Douglas Deloch's extraordinary life and service to his country and community, Missouri's First District and I again extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his legacy continue to inspire others and serve as a source of strength for those whose lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to wish a happy 103rd birthday to Willie James Thomas, Sr. On behalf of Missouri's First District, we are thankful for everything he is and everything he has done to provide for his family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

103 is a remarkable milestone and worthy of great celebration. Mr. Thomas has seen and lived through segments of history that most of us can only rely on through books and education, and from being in close community

with elders like him. His trials, triumphs, and everything in between are a beautiful testament to a remarkable and full life.

Throughout his life, Mr. Thomas has had many blessings. He is the beloved father of three, a grandfather of 10, a great-grandfather of 21, and great-great-great-grandfather of six. As a World War II Army Veteran serving in England, France, and Germany, we thank him for his dedication to his family and service to our country.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his life because it is an inspiration to so many of us in St. Louis. I wish Mr. Thomas peace and continued joy tending to the best yard in University City throughout his 103rd year.

Happy birthday and bountiful blessings to Mr. Willie James Thomas, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to honor Lew Moye on his 80th birthday for his years of dedication and service to our communities in Missouri's First Congressional District. Lew Moye exemplifies civil rights leadership that prioritizes doing the most for everyone--starting with those who have the greatest need.

For more than 50 years, Mr. Moye has passionately fought to ensure that Black & brown workers are represented fairly within unions, and he has never backed down in joining others in the name of social and economic justice. As President Emeritus of the St. Louis Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Lew has ensured that the voices of marginalized workers are heard.

In the 1960s, Lew Moye was one of the founding members of Black Employees for Equity at Chrysler. Their group filed a racial and sexual discrimination complaint and took direct action forcing Chrysler to comply with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Lew's leadership opened up job opportunities in skilled trades, clerical and supervisory positions for Black and brown workers as well as women on the assembly line. In 1978, Lew Moye and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists played an integral role in defeating right-to-work in Missouri, and they have never stopped fighting, coordinating workers in North St. Louis County and across our region to get out the Black Vote.

St. Louis and I are forever grateful for his unparalleled leadership, his visionary guidance, his generous spirit, his unrelenting solidarity--and for leading with love for our entire St. Louis community in the struggle for equity and justice. On this joyous occasion, we honor Lew Moye and express our deepest gratitude to him and his family as we wish him and all those he loves more life and joy.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to honor Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St Louis for her steadfast advocacy for the people of St. Louis. As Congresswoman for Missouri's First District, I have seen firsthand how her leadership has helped to bring greater understanding and compassion throughout our district and the state of Missouri.

Rori is a passionate advocate for the Jewish community, the LGBTQIA+ community, and for social justice, and she is a trailblazer in her own right. As one of the first graduates of Yeshivat Maharat, a groundbreaking institution training Orthodox Jewish women to be spiritual leaders and halakhic authorities, she has paved the way for others to follow.

Rori also works relentlessly to advance interfaith initiatives by bringing together diverse local and national leaders. She has been a strong advocate and friend to my office as we work to do the most for every person in St. Louis--starting with those who have the greatest need, and we are grateful for her leadership. Missouri's First District is undoubtedly enriched by Rori's service. On behalf of Missouri's First, I thank her for all that she does to strengthen our community.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to congratulate the St. Louis Metro Area Chapter Coalition of Black Trade Unionists on their 50th anniversary.

For 50 years, CBTU has been the voice of Black workers within the trade union movement in St. Louis. By pushing organized labor to create more equitable conditions and meet the needs and aspirations of Black and low-income workers, CBTU has truly been a voice for the people.

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists played an integral role in defeating right-to-work in Missouri, and they never stopped fighting and coordinating workers across our region and state to vote and remain civically engaged. Through education and outreach, CBTU has been on the frontlines fighting for our workers, teachers, and most marginalized communities, and ensuring that our democracy is protected.

St. Louis and I are forever grateful for CBTU's unwavering solidarity. CBTU is continuously leading with compassion for our entire St. Louis community in the struggle for racial equity, justice, and freedom. Congratulations on 50 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to wish a happy 103rd birthday to Willie James Thomas Sr. On behalf of Missouri's First District, we are thankful for everything he is and everything he has done to provide for his family, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

One hundred and three is a remarkable milestone and worthy of great celebration. Mr. Thomas has seen and lived through segments of history that most of us can only rely on through books and education, and from being in close community with elders like him. His trials, triumphs, and everything in between are a beautiful testament to a remarkable and full life.

Throughout his life, Mr. Thomas has had many blessings. He is the beloved father of three, a grandfather of 10, a great-grandfather of 21, and great-great-great-grandfather of six. As a World War II Army Veteran serving in England, France, and Germany, we thank him for his dedication to his family and service to our country

I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his life because it is an inspiration to so many of us in St. Louis. I wish Mr. Thomas peace and continued joy tending to the best yard in University City throughout his 103rd year.

Happy birthday and bountiful blessings to Mr. Willie James Thomas Sr.