Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise because we are tired of extreme Republican antics that seek to put politics over the needs of people.

Under Republican leadership, the House has successfully passed just 14 bills. Some of these were bills to punt an impending government shutdown, which we all know was only avoided thanks to the Democrats.

Let us not forget that their complete and utter inability to govern resulted in an entire Chamber of Congress being unable to perform its basic duties for 17 days, 17 failed Speaker votes, and multiple failed Speaker candidates. Their House is not in order.

Republicans haven't delivered on any top public priorities like strengthening Social Security, delivering environmental protections, or boosting our economy. Politically motivated censures like this one that target Black and Brown Members of Congress like this one are not only a waste of time, they are a distraction.

The people aren't falling for it. Republicans should actually legislate rather than play useless political games like this attempt to censure Representative Jamaal Bowman.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present during today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 676 and Present on rollcall No. 677.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to celebrate the joyous occasion of Diwali on November 12, 2023 and share our heartfelt appreciation for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Diwali. The Festival of Lights stands as a beacon of hope, faith, and the triumph of good over evil, sharing its enlightening messages of positivity and communal unity.

The significance of Diwali extends far beyond its luminous festivities; it represents a time for communities to come together, reflect on the values of compassion and righteousness, and spread the light of joy and goodwill. The Mandir's steadfast commitment to upholding the traditions and values of Diwali serves as an exemplary beacon of spiritual enlightenment and community service.

As we embrace the festivities of this occasion, let us cherish the timeless wisdom embedded in Diwali's celebration, and let its radiant light guide us toward a path of unity, compassion, and prosperity.

We are eager to join hands with the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in welcoming our community to celebrate Diwali, to revel in its rich cultural heritage, and to partake in the collective spirit of joy and harmony that this festival embodies.

May the divine blessings of Diwali illuminate our hearts and homes, and may the ensuing year be filled with prosperity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment for all.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise with great honor to recognize Better Family Life on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. Endurance, faith, and unwavering commitment to service have been the cornerstones of their remarkable journey, shaping the lives of countless individuals and families across the St. Louis region.

Better Family Life's workforce development programs have provided community members with vital job skills while fostering economic empowerment and stability. Their unwavering commitment to youth, family, and clinical services has created a nurturing environment for the growth and well-being of young people.

While Better Family Life's journey began in the basement of their founders' home, it has since grown into a formidable organization, marked by significant milestones and achievements. The Better Family Life Cultural Education Center enriches our understanding of the African Diaspora through Afrikan Dance, artistic traditions classes, and the largest area Kwanzaa expo. The Business Center and Melanated Marketplace stands as a testament to the organization's dedication and impact, serving as a hub for Black education, small business empowerment, and community engagement.

As Congresswoman for Missouri's First District, I am proud of the various ways my office has been able to support Better Family Life's mission, including by securing $3 million in congressionally directed federal funding for the Lifehouse Phase 1 initiative to help revitalize North City and support residents in securing homes. This funding is vital to sustaining the economic vibrancy of North City, and it was an honor to partner with Better Family Life to deliver meaningful federal resources for initiatives that will benefit residents across the district for years to come.

As Better Family Life celebrates this momentous milestone, I extend my deepest appreciation for their unwavering dedication and congratulate them on the tremendous impact they have had on our St. Louis community over the past four decades.

St. Louis and I rise today in opposition to this censure resolution and also in opposition to the reckless manner that people in this House speak when they don't realize or don't care that they put targets on the backs of actual people, most of whom are Black and Brown, because of a lack of care and the lack of understanding and a lack of seeing the humanity of folks who look like Rashida Tlaib.

It is outrageous that my colleagues are blatantly, blatantly attempting to silence the only Palestinian-American Representative right here.

It is outrageous, but it is not surprising. Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, it is not surprising because this place is where 1,700 Members of Congress, this elected body, enslaved Black people. It is not surprising, because they thought it was right.

It is not surprising because this is a place where Members continue to claim that the insurrection on the Capitol just appeared to look like a normal tourist visit.

It is not surprising because this is the place where our Black and Brown staff members repeatedly speak of experiencing racism, sexism, Islamophobia, get pushed off of elevators, xenophobia and more right here in this workplace. This is the place.

Let me say this: She mourns for the 1,400 Israelis who lost their lives.

She mourns for the 10,000, and she will not stop.

No more lies. Cease-fire now. She takes the death threats that you all send her, Mr. Speaker--The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Missouri is no longer recognized.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to celebrate and honor Ms. Evelyn Rice-Peebles for her career in public service to Missouri's First District over the last 30 years. Throughout her career, she has been an inspiration to many. Evelyn was the first Black woman appointed as a Commissioner in the City of St. Louis. She has served under several Mayors, most recently as the Commissioner of Recreation for the City of St. Louis, ensuring that all St. Louisans have an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities such as swimming, aerobics, basketball and more.

Her charitable contributions have ranged from providing science and conservation education at the Saint Louis Science Center and Missouri Department of Conservation, to promoting learning opportunities with the National Society of Black Engineers. She has further dedicated her time with BJC HealthCare's School Outreach and Youth Development, St. Louis Transitional Hope House, and the Women's Society of Washington University.

She is a proud mother who is passionate about her faith and is committed to making St. Louis a better place for all, especially our youth. Ms. Evelyn Rice-Peebles has received multiple awards including the Harambee Institute Youth Service Award, the Jodie Bailey and Friends Recreational and Sports Social Inc. Role Model Award, the Hope House Creative Support Award, and the Young Women Christian Association's 2016 Leader of Distinction Award. She is also an inductee of the St. Louis Boxing Hall of Fame and a recipient of a Resolution for Excellence in Office and Service by the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen.

On behalf of Missouri's First District and the St. Louis community, we thank Ms. Evelyn Rice-Peebles for everything she has done for our region. I personally wish her a joyous retirement filled with family, creative writing, spoken word, and the final publication of her collection of short stories.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to congratulate the Wesley House Association for 120 years of dedicated community service.

Wesley House is a professional, highly-motivated, and socially conscious organization with a passion for improving the overall quality of life for communities in need. They value creative problem-solving and ambitious fundraising efforts in order to support their far- reaching programs and services. Their afterschool programs encourage civic engagement among young people, and their senior outreach programs help ensure that our seniors are respected, secure, and active participants in their communities.

Organizations like Wesley House are incredibly valued and beloved. Their efforts are truly the personification of what it means to be servant leaders who embody selflessness and unyielding altruism. St. Louis honors their service, and may we all commit to paying their efforts forward.

Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to celebrate the 45th anniversary of St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (``SLACO''). For over four decades, SLACO has been an instrumental force in Missouri's First District by fostering unity and strength across our community.

Founded in 1978 by the visionary Father Gerry Kleba. SLACO has evolved into a dynamic coalition of neighborhood associations and community organizations and embodies a spirit of collective action and resilience. SLACO-s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in St. Louis through diverse initiatives such as affordable housing production, violence prevention, after-school programming, environmental education, and community organizing has left an indelible mark on our community.

Under the current leadership of Executive Director Kevin McKinney. SLACO has demonstrated its forward-thinking approach to promoting public safety, advancing racial equity, and fostering meaningful change. As a connecting force for neighborhoods across the region, the organization has emerged as a vital catalyst in shaping dialogue and driving impactful societal shifts.

As the Congresswoman for Missouri's First District and on behalf of the entire St. Louis community. it is an honor to celebrate SLACO's 45 years of resilience, unity, and collaboration. May this anniversary serve as a catalyst for further innovation, growth. and meaningful endeavors in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, St. Louis and I rise to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Lite of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church in Missouri's First District.

The Lite of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church has been a spiritual beacon in the St. Louis community. Under the leadership of Reverend Reginald D. Rogers, Sr., the church has provided meals for those in need and organized health fairs for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The church has also been an avid supporter of Annie Malone Children and Family Services. I am thankful for their work and commitment to community service, including partnering with Beyond Me Outreach, which sits under the North City Community Development Corporation.

I wish the Lite of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church success in their future endeavors, including their goal of constructing an educational facility to promote literacy among youth in the First District.

St. Louis honors the Lite of Jericho Missionary Baptist Church on a blessed 90 years of service and worship.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, St. Louis and I rise to commemorate Transfiguration Lutheran Church on 120 years of faith, community, and service.

Transfiguration Lutheran Church was organized on November 8, 1903, and became the first African American Lutheran Congregation west of the Mississippi River. They have committed themselves to improving the lives and wellbeing of their community by providing meals, athletics, dance, music, art classes, and field trips at their TLC Summer Day Camp, established in 2016. Their women's ministry emphasizes the strength and contributions of biblical women, women in history, and the women who currently make up their congregation.

Many lives have been forever changed due to the efforts of Transfiguration Lutheran Church, and a thank you will never feel quite adequate to reflect our immense gratitude as a region for their work. St. Louis honors their dedication and may we all commit to paying their efforts forward.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present during today's votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 516, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 517, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 518, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 519.

Mr. Speaker, 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. 456, NAY on Roll Call No. 457, NAY on Roll Call No. 458, NAY on Roll Call No. 459, NAY on Roll Call No. 460, YEA on Roll Call No. 461, NAY on Roll Call No. 462, NAY on Roll Call No. 463, NAY on Roll Call No. 464, NAY on Roll Call No. 465, NAY on Roll Call No. 466, NAY on Roll Call No. 467, NAY on Roll Call No. 468, NAY on Roll Call No. 469, NAY on Roll Call No. 470, NAY on Roll Call No. 471, NAY on Roll Call No. 472, NAY on Roll Call No. 473, NAY on Roll Call No. 474, NAY on Roll Call No. 475, NAY on Roll Call No. 476, NAY on Roll Call No. 477, NAY on Roll Call No. 478, NAY on Roll Call No. 479, NAY on Roll Call No. 480, NAY on Roll Call No. 481, NAY on Roll Call No. 482, NAY on Roll Call No. 483, NAY on Roll Call No. 484, NAY on Roll Call No. 485, NAY on Roll Call No. 486, NAY on Roll Call No. 487, NAY on Roll Call No. 488, NAY on Roll Call No. 489, NAY on Roll Call No. 490, NAY on Roll Call No. 491, NAY on Roll Call No. 492, NAY on Roll Call No. 493, NAY on Roll Call No. 494, NAY on Roll Call No. 495, NAY on Roll Call No. 496, YEA on Roll Call No. 497, NAY on Roll Call No. 498, YEA on Roll Call No. 499, NAY on Roll Call No. 500, YEA on Roll Call No. 501, NAY on Roll Call No. 502, YEA on Roll Call No. 503, YEA on Roll Call No. 504, NAY on Roll Call No. 505, YEA on Roll Call No. 506, and NAY on Roll Call No. 507.

Madam Chair, I was not present during today's first or second vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 417, NAY on Roll Call No. 418, NAY on Roll Call No. 419, NAY on Roll Call No. 420, NAY on Roll Call No. 421, NAY on Roll Call No. 422, NAY on Roll Call No. 423, NAY on Roll Call No. 424, NAY on Roll Call No. 425, NAY on Roll Call No. 426, NAY on Roll Call No. 427, NAY on Roll Call No. 428, NAY on Roll Call No. 429, NAY on Roll Call No. 430, NAY on Roll Call No. 431, NAY on Roll Call No. 432, NAY on Roll Call No. 433, NAY on Roll Call No. 434, NAY on Roll Call No. 435, NAY on Roll Call No. 436, YEA on Roll Call No. 437, NAY on Roll Call No. 438, YEA on Roll Call No. 439, YEA on Roll Call No. 440, NAY on Roll Call No. 441, NAY on Roll Call No. 442, YEA on Roll Call No. 443, YEA on Roll Call No. 444, NAY on Roll Call No. 445, NAY on Roll Call No. 446, NAY on Roll Call No. 447, NAY on Roll Call No. 448, NAY on Roll Call No. 449, NAY on Roll Call No. 450, NAY on Roll Call No. 451, NAY on Roll Call No. 452. NAY on Roll Call No. 453, YEA on Roll Call No. 454 and NAY on Roll Call No. 455.

Amendment No. 66 Offered by Mr. Norman

Mr. Chair, I was not able to be present during today's full first vote series or the second series. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on rollcall No. 404, NAY on rollcall No. 405, YEA on rollcall No. 407, NAY on rollcall No. 408, NAY on rollcall No. 409, NAY on rollcall No. 410, NAY on rollcall No. 411, NAY on rollcall No. 412, NAY on rollcall No. 413, NAY on rollcall No. 414, NAY on rollcall No. 415, and NAY on rollcall No. 416.

Madam Speaker, St. Louis and I rise in support of our unions, including the 150,000 United Auto Workers nationwide and our Local 2250 in Missouri's First District.

Autoworkers have built a quarter of a trillion dollars in profits for the Big Three--for Ford, for GM, for Stellantis--in the past decade, including $21 billion in the first 6 months of 2023. Yet, workers are currently making 10 percent less in wages, real wages, than they made last year.

Our workers deserve fair wages. Our workers deserve better benefits and safe working conditions. They deserve to be rewarded for the sacrifices that they made and the profits that they have built.

To UAW Local 2250, know that I have your back. I am proud to have delivered $1.5 million in community project funding for the creation of a premier automotive repair training center in St. Louis, and I am proud to keep up the fight right here in Congress to pass and to finally enact the PRO Act. Our work continues.