Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the United States of America is home to hundreds and thousands of people of Ghanaian heritage including those who were born on this soil to those whose family emigrated here for education, job, or economic opportunities-- for the American dream.

Ghanaian Americans are an important fabric in the tapestry of America from the cab driver to the medical doctor. You will find them in all parts of the country from Chicago to New York to suburban Ohio and Massachusetts. The culture is hard to ignore with rich food, the iconic Kente cloth, storytelling, inventions, architecture, and music.

Today more than ever Ghanaians living in the United States worry about racial injustice, home ownership, access to education, access to small business and immigration support.

Like many Americans, the Ghanaian community in America is not exempt from the COVID-19 crisis. Ghanaian Americans are essential workers and are very active in the health care industry, especially as nurses, personal care aides, and nursing assistants. Ghanaians are included in the 27.5 percent of all Black immigrant workers in the U.S.--more than 750,000--who work in the healthcare sector. Additionally, essential workers include frontline workers in other key industries like food and service & hospitality and leisure.

And Ghanaian Americans have been contributing to the success and business continuity of important industries during these dire times. Ghanaian Americans are included in 23 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in the food and service industry, as well as 20 percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in hospitality and leisure.

We recognize March 6, 2021 as the 64th anniversary of Ghana's independence, its thriving heritage and the rich contributions of its people who are important members of our community.

Madam Speaker, to be of service to humanity is one of the greatest attributes one can have. Such was the life and character traits of Davies Johnson. Born and raised in rural Arkansas on the border of Louisiana, in the little town of Wilmot, Arkansas, Davies married his childhood sweetheart Mabel Parker in 1953 and migrated to Chicago, Illinois where they made their home and their lives. Davies was employed by the Burlington Railroad where he began as a Porter and became a Crane Operator and retired as a Supervisor after thirty-three years. Mr. Johnson was always kind and considerate. He was Christian-orientated and joined the Lord's Way Missionary Baptist Church in 1973. At Lord's Way, Mr. Johnson served on the Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Deacon Board and as anything else the church needed him to do. Deacon Johnson was a stalwart in his family and the community where he lived. He was a man of high standards and was well regarded by all who knew him. The world became a better place because Davies Johnson lived, and my life was enriched by knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise with respect to honor the life of Mr. Edward William Hill.

Edward was born to the union of Johnnie Edward and Mary Frances Hill on November 12, 1957 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL.

His friends and family knew him as ``Sputnik'', a nickname given to him by his father as he was born after the launch of the world's first space satellite.

Edward accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Vernon Baptist Church. He later became a member of Lilydale First Baptist Church, where he was a member for over 40 years.

The Hill family built their first home in the Chatham area of Chicago, where Edward and his sisters attended John Marshall Harlan High School. During his time at Harlan, Edward was heavily involved in sports and community activities, and in his senior year he was Prom King for the Harlan class of 1976.

Edward matriculated to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration in 1980. After graduating college, he attended Roosevelt University Chicago, where he received his Master of Public Administration in 1982 with a concentration in Health Administration.

He became a professional healthcare administrator at various facilities throughout the City of Chicago, including, Executive Director of Provident Hospital, Manager of the Eye Care Physician & Surgeons of Illinois Ltd, Administrator of the Harvey Medical Family Medical Center, Executive Director of the Dorothy Rivers Family Women Shelter and the Claude W.B. Holman Komed Health Facility. He also served as an adjunct-lecturer at Chicago State University and Malcolm X City College where he taught courses in Business Management.

Edward was a true sportsman and enjoyed playing baseball as an outfielder with the Tuley Park Little League Association. He played basketball with the Avalon YMCA, and was an avid league bowler at each of his parent businesses, Halsted Bowl and Skyway Bowl. Edward was also a great tennis player.

Known for his jokes and comical character, he was always the life of every party. He was a proud father, and one of his greatest joys was the birth of his son, Edward, Jr.

Edward had a big heart and was a joy to his family and friends. He made his transition on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at 11:31 p.m. Edward was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Edward, and his older brother, Johnnie, Jr. He is survived by his beloved mother, Mary Frances; son, Edward, Jr.; mother of his son, Jessie Maroy; sisters, Brunetta Ann Hill Corley (Rico) and Marilyn Frances Booker; aunts, Joan Hill of Chicago, IL and Viola Daniel of Valley Grande, AL, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To the Hill family, my deepest condolences, and thoughts during this transition period. I am always reminded of these words in time of grief, ``May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a good man. Mr. Benny M. Montgomery. Benny was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago, graduated from Farragut High School with honors and attended Roosevelt University where he received a bachelor's degree in Public Administration. Benny was always interested in Public Affairs and started work with Congresswoman Cardiss Collins where he remained for 16 years until she retired. In 1997, Benny began work for and with Congressman Danny K. Davis when he became a legend among social activists, health activist, and especially HIV-AIDS activists. Benny was as solid as a rock, had a very creative mind and used his talents to the utmost. He was a key organizer of the Westside Aids Task Force, worked with other HIV groups such as Howard Brown, the Ruth Rothstein Core Center, did training and Sunday afternoon forums at churches. Ben became the voice and face, the black leader of the fight against AIDS and HIV in the 7th District and citywide. Benny Montgomery, Mark Loveless, and Michael O'Conner became known as the 3 musketeers in the fight against AIDS. Ben came up with the Red Ribbon Lottery Ticket as a way of raising money for HIV-AIDS awareness organizations whose budgets were 100,000 dollars or less. The first year it generated 1.4 million and the second year 2.4 million. Ben helped create and led the 7th CD Task Force on Fathers and Families. Today it is a full fledged 501 C3 Tax Exempt Organization under the leadership of Rev. Walter Jones. After 31 years of working for the U.S. House of Representatives, Ben retired at the age of 48, but kept working until the Lord ordered his steps to cease on December 13, 2020 at the age of 58, may he rest in peace.

The Bible says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation.

Whereas, the Almighty God has called to her eternal rest Mrs. Mary Ella Harris, a pioneer civic, community, social, religious and political activist in the North Lawndale Community of Chicago and its environs; and

Whereas, Mary Harris and her family were some of the very first blacks to move into and reside in what was then an all white community; and

Whereas, as the community changed and as Blacks poured in, many from the rural south, Mary's leadership shined like the bright light that she was; and

Whereas, Mary was not necessarily the loudest and most militant sounding person in the meetings she was always there and when she spoke, people listened and took action based upon what she said. For many years Carey Tercentenary AME Church was blessed to have four of its members known as leading activist and leaders in the Lawndale Community: Mrs. Nola Bright, Mrs. Jacqueline Ford, Mr. Theodis Leonard and Mrs. Mary Ella Harris.

Now, therefore be it Resolved that we cherish the life, work, contributions and legacy of Mrs. Mary Ella Harris and extend condolences to her family and friends, son, Reverend Walter Harris, daughters, Ms. Jeanetta Lee, Ms. Pamela Ella and son, James Leo Jr., grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives.

She served us well and now may she rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, law enforcement can be one of the toughest careers, one of the most rewarding jobs and one of the areas from which one can derive a very high level of satisfaction.

Such has been the experiences of Detective Tyrone Jackson who grew up in Chicago, went to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, returned home and joined the Chicago Police Department, and is now ready to enter a new phase of life.

During his 30-year tenure with the Chicago Police Department, Detective Jackson worked with several units, from Patrolman to Organized Crime, to the SAM Unit (Stop Alcohol to Minors), Prostitution, and FBI Operations in finding missing youth in Human Trafficking.

In addition to his police work, Detective Jackson is actively involved in his community. He has been an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity since 1977, a member of the Evergreen Park Alumni Chapter and a officiate with the Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago.

Congratulations Detective Jackson on an outstanding career.

He still has much more service to perform, and I am certain that he will do it well.

Madam Speaker, Barbara Beatrice Walker was the true essence of love, hope and charity. She had and constantly demonstrated a warm, caring and giving spirit. Born and raised in Mississippi, Barbara always spoke fondly of her childhood and had a real sense of affection for the Piney Wood Boarding School which she attended and gave a great deal of credit for helping her to become the person that I and countless others came to know and love. She moved to Chicago, had a very successful career working for Cook County Health Services, married her husband Edgar and to their union, Michele was born. Barbara was totally devoted to Michele and to her son Herschel and ultimately Herschel Jr., her grandson and great grandson. Barbara was an active member of the 7th Congressional District Peoples Assembly where she often brought Southern style cooked food to feed the Congressman and I shall never forget it. Condolences to her family and we thank her for her service to humanity.

``Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, if I have not charity then I am nothing.''

Madam Speaker, I first met and got to know Gladys and Vernon or Vernon and Gladys in the late 1960's and have interacted with them since that time. Of course, Vernon has preceded Gladys in transition. Gladys was born in Alberta, Alabama, came to Chicago with her Christian parents who were seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Gladys did what many children of solid families do, went to school, joined church, went to college, got involved in activities, met Vernon, fell in love, got married and the rest became history. Forty-eight years of marriage, successful careers, a productive business, charitable giving, helping others, giving advice, mentoring, providing work opportunities for others and being an integral part of life in a community. The question now is what can we do? We can thank God for the life and legacy of our blessed friend and sister who gave so much to all of us, her charitable giving, being a mentor, providing jobs, wise counsel, for being a rock for family and friends, for leaving a thriving business, a committed life, for leaving proof of her commitment. Gladys held every office and did everything at church that one could do except be the Pastor and I suspect that she was some of that. She was a member of every committee and headed up every auxiliary. She retired from the postal service after working there for thirty years. She was always a partner in the family business, active in the Mortuary Science Industry and of course ran the business after her husband passed. She was a true professional and left a legacy of service, a legacy of giving and a legacy of love.

God bless Gladys Edwards Wallace, and may she rest in peace

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Alexis Grace (Hauck) Paulsen, the daughter of Toby Hauck, President of the Air Traffic Controllers Local ZAU and an Illinois resident.

Alexis Grace (Hauck) Paulsen was born September 14, 1992, at Scott AFB, Illinois and died Monday, January 18, 2021, in Clare, Illinois, at the age of 28.

Alexis graduated from Hiawatha High School in 2011 in Kirkland, IL. Throughout high school Alexis participated in volleyball, basketball, softball and FFA. She was a member of the County Progressors 4-H Club and showed livestock at the Boone County Fair. After graduation, she took classes at Kishwaukee College. Alexis was a member of Hillcrest Covenant Church in DeKalb.

Alexis enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved meeting new people. She married Matthew on May 23, 2015. They spent their married life in Clare where she thrived in maintaining a loving home for her husband and sons. Her favorite thing in life was being a stay at home mom to her two boys.

Alexis is survived by her husband, Matthew; sons, Fredrick and Franklin; parents, Lori Jackson and Derrick Lander, Toby and Darla Hauck; parents-in-law, Jeff and Lauri Paulsen; brother, Dylan (Jasmine) Hauck; brothers-in-law, Tim (Cassie) Paulsen and Chris (Katie) Paulsen; nieces, Makayla Hauck, Olivia, Nola, and Brielle Paulsen; grandparents, Ann Carrel, Roger and Marilyn Jackson, Fred and Barb Hauck, Leanna Kacmarek, Betty Paulsen, Carol and Terry Dyer, and David and Eena Lundberg; and 16 aunts and uncles. Alexis is preceded in death by her grandfathers, Mort Carrel and Adolph Paulsen.

My deepest condolences to the Paulsen and Hauck families. This is indeed a tragic time, but also a time of reflection and hope. I am often reminded, ``the pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth and healing.'' May the Lord give you that strength during this time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

I heard a few minutes ago that there had been no hearings. Well, I have heard from the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. They have told me what to do. They have said: Impeach this President. Impeach this President, and do it now.

I will follow their instructions and vote ``yes'' to impeach this President.

Mr. Speaker, after listening to all that I have heard this evening, I still have the faith and belief that we can come together as a unit.

I was reading my Bible the other day and saw that it said: Come and let us reason together. Otherwise, we shall all be destroyed by the edge of the sword.

I say to my colleagues: Let's reason together. You cannot erase truth with a lie. You cannot pretend that what has happened did not happen. Yes, we ought to have a President, but it is time for this one to go.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution and agree wholeheartedly.

Madam Speaker, I rise to promote awareness of a skin condition for which we have not found a medical cure. Eczema.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy and inflamed skin and has profound medical, psychological, and economic impact on patients, families, and their communities. The prevalence of Eczema in the United States is 10.1 percent and Eczema impacts over 31.6 million children and adults in the United States alone. Patients afflicted with Eczema experience dry cracked and scaly skin, incessant itch, chronic pain and sleep deprivation. 41.5 percent of adult Eczema patients report having a concurring diagnosis of depression and 47.1 percent report having a concurring diagnosis of asthma. Adults and children with Eczema frequently also experience comorbidities like asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, ADHD, bacterial and viral infections and hypertension. Eczema disease burdens also includes anxiety, stress on social and intimate relationships, increased suicidal ideation delayed developmental achievement, reduced self-esteem, restrictions on diet and exercise, extensive caregiver burdens, challenges with medical adherence and missed school days. Eczema sufferers miss days at work, disability, unemployment and under-employment and other opportunity costs.

The direct medical cost of the three most common types of Eczema exceed $2.17 billion and the indirect medical cost exceed $927 million and two thirds of Eczema patients report experiencing significant barriers including high out-of-pocket costs and insurance requirements that delay patients access to medications.

There is no cure for Eczema, but emerging technologies and medications promise a much brighter future for Eczema patients. Eczema is a serious health problem and we can't stop until we find a cure.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the achievements of Mr. Kenneth Hilton (K.H.) Hickman, a proud native and star athlete of Freeport, Illinois; Hickman served in the United States Navy as a Fire Control Technician Third Class (FT3) aboard the USS Bristol 857 Naval Destroyer. The USS Bristol was first commissioned in 1945 and served valiantly during World War II from 1944 to 1946, including involvement at Pearl Harbor on June 9, 1945. From the time of Hickman's enlistment in 1954 to 1958, the USS Bristol was involved in various post-war activities: participation in operation SPRINGBOARD, refresher trainings in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Anti- Submarine Duty with the Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (ComAntiSubLant), a four month tour with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, involvement in the NATO exercise NEW BROOM V and various HUK operations, and a midshipman to Valpariso via the Panama Canal to engage in even more NATO exercises. Hickman's opportunity to have a well-rounded naval experience while serving his country was extensive and evident aboard the USS Bristol.

On the morning of Thursday, July 31, 1958, just two years after graduating from Freeport High School in 1954 and enlisting to serve the U.S. Military, Hickman was lost at sea while serving. During time of his death, the ship had set sail for Bergen, Norway, Balboa, Spain and Hamburg, Germany for a six-week Midshipman cruise and Fleet Exercise. After 61 long years, we celebrate the life and service of Mr. Hickman. The state of Illinois is grateful for his sacrifice and blessed to honor such a public servant who dedicated his young years for a noble cause.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the achievements of Commander Zeita Merchant, a proud native of Chicago, Illinois; Commander Merchant has served this great nation as an officer of the United States Coast Guard for over 22 years;

Commander Merchant served as the Commanding Officer of U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago, where she was responsible for executing the Coast Guard's Port Safety and Security, Marine Environmental Protection, and Commercial Vessel Safety missions under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security on the Southern Lake Michigan shorelines of Illinois and Indiana, as well as the Chicago Area Waterway System and the Illinois River System; and;

Commander Merchant made history, in position, as the unit's first female Commanding Officer of her unit and the first African American female to command a Marine Safety Unit in Coast Guard history;

Commander Merchant's visionary leadership and operational expertise ensured the safety and security of the Nation's third largest metropolitan area through maximizing federal, state and local partnerships with her galvanizing initiatives and influence, and overseeing prevention and marine environmental responses, which sustained commerce in the busiest port complex in the Great Lakes Region.

In addition, Commander Merchant showed notable commitment to making an impact in the Austin Community in which she was raised as a board member for BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development) Chicago, while also serving as a member of the Executive Committee for the Chicago Federal Executive Board, and Community Partner with Chicago State University.

Finally, Commander Merchant served as an instrumental champion for the Midwest Boys and Girls Club, Chicago and Northern Illinois American Red Cross, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program, and many other non- profit organizations where the lives of more than 4000 youth, veterans, and community volunteers were positively impacted.

Commander Merchant and her life experiences are a testament to what young African American women from Chicago can achieve. The Chicagoland community has been truly blessed to have such a brilliant mind and committed public servant and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

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

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

First of all, I want to thank Representative Burgess and Representative G.K. Butterfield, both of whom have been very helpful in putting this amendment together.

The Davis-Burgess-Butterfield bipartisan amendment would increase the funding to the account of the National Center on Birth Defects, Development Disabilities, and Disabilities by $2 million and decrease the administration account in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services by $2 million.

Currently, under this account, there is no money allocated for the Public Health Approach to Blood Disorders Program for Sickle Cell Disease. Increasing funding would support the CDC's sickle cell disease surveillance program to better identify affected individuals, to understand their health outcomes, and to evaluate strategies to prevent complications and risk factors that affect individuals living with this devastating disease.

The $2 million funding for the Davis-Burgess-Butterfield amendment would assist in establishing a grant program for States representing a majority of the sickle cell disease patient population. The current surveillance conducted by the CDC is limited to the States of California and Georgia.

The data accumulated under this grant program, authorized by Public Law 115-327, would cover associated health outcomes, would identify health disparities, and would evaluate the impact of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and other risk factors that may impact health.

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

Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record this letter of support from the American Society of Hematology and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

American Society of Hematology and the Sickle Cell

Disease Association of America, Inc.

June 12, 2019.

Hon. Danny Davis,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Michael Burgess,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Hon. G.K. Butterfield,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representatives Davis, Burgess, and Butterfield: The

American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the Sickle Cell

Disease Association of America (SCDAA) strongly support your

amendment to provide $2 million in funding for the sickle

cell disease (SCD) data collection program authorized by the

Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and

Treatment Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-327). Your amendment

will enable the CDC to expand its efforts to improve SCD

surveillance in the United States.

The Davis/Burgess/Butterfield amendment will add $2 M in

funding to the National Center for Birth Defects and

Developmental Disabilities, Public Health Approach to Blood

Disorders account. This program currently oversees SCD public

health surveillance in the states of California and Georgia

and has recently released a grant announcement for additional

states to take the necessary steps to engage in SCD data

collection. The amendment will enable additional high

incidence states to undertake SCD surveillance.

The CDC estimates that SCD affects nearly 100,000

Americans; however, absent a nationwide surveillance program,

we are not confident of this estimate, nor do we know where

individuals with SCD live, how they receive care or if they

have access to healthcare providers with expertise in SCD.

Surveillance is necessary to improve understanding of the

health outcomes and health care system utilization patterns

of people with SCD, increase evidence for public health

programs, and establish cost effective practices to improve

and extend the lives of people with SCD.

SCD is an inherited, lifelong disorder that causes a

person's red blood cells to become deformed and get stuck in

veins, blocking oxygen flow throughout the body. This

devastating disease can cause complications including severe

pain, stroke, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, and in some

cases premature death. The many complications of SCD can make

every stage of life extremely challenging for individuals

with the disease. This is compounded by the fact that many

people living with SCD are unable to access quality care and

are limited by a lack of effective treatment options.

ASH represents more than 17,000 physicians, researchers,

and medical trainees committed to the study and treatment of

blood and blood-related diseases and disorders, including

SCD. SCDAA's mission is to advocate for people affected by

sickle cell conditions and empower community-based

organizations to maximize quality of life and raise public

consciousness while advancing the search for a universal

cure.

Thank you again for your leadership to improve ``the lives

of individuals living with SCD. Expansion of CDC's work in

SCD will significantly help improve our understanding of the

disorder and in turn, improve healthcare outcomes for

individuals with SCD.

Sincerely,

Roy L. Silverstein, MD,

ASH President.

Beverly Francis-Gibson, M.A,

SCDAA President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Chair, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. Chairman, I simply want to commend and thank, again, Dr. Burgess for not only his passion, but the tremendous work and effort that he has put forth over the years to help make sure that this population group gets the service and attention that they deserve.

Mr. Chair, I thank Representative DeLauro for her comments, especially the fact that many researchers believe that they are very close to finding a cure for sickle cell anemia, and this just moves us one step further.

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