Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concern about the effort in North Carolina to overturn the will of the voters of our State.

In November, Justice Allison Riggs won the election to retain her seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Her victory was confirmed by two separate recounts, but her opponent refuses to concede. Instead, he is seeking to overturn the results of the election with the help of our Republican majority on the court. He is arguing that 60,000 valid votes should be thrown out.

Four years after January 6, we are once again reminded about how fragile our democracy truly is. A judicial candidate does not accept the results of an election, so he is trying to silence voters in the pursuit of power. This is an attack on North Carolina voters, the integrity of our elections, and our system of justice.

I thank the Chair, and it is good to see the Chair in the chair. It is a pleasure, my friend.

I also want to congratulate Representative Bice on her exceptional leadership to the House Administration Subcommittee on Modernization.

It is my pleasure to report on FMC's Congressional Study Groups on Germany, Japan, Europe, and Korea. In keeping with our mission to support the Congress, FMC has established itself as a premier convener of bipartisan, non-advocacy, and candid discussion on timely issues at home and abroad.

By connecting Congress at the Member and staff levels with their international counterparts, the diplomatic community, academia, and the business community, we foster the mutual understanding, personal relationships, and continued presence that is essential for the productive functioning of this body for the American people.

All this important activity is accomplished through international Member and staff delegations overseas and roundtable programs here in Washington as well as in regional settings.

Together, the study groups are proud to count almost 200 current Representatives and Senators as members. Each study group is led by a bipartisan, bicameral group of four co-chairs. These dedicated co- chairs embody the study groups' commitment to meaningful and dynamic engagement and take the mission to heart by donating their valuable time and energy to support FMC's programming.

Beyond their contributions at official study group events, they actively collaborate with embassies and external organizations, participate in panels, attend roundtables, and meet with numerous visiting delegations to advance the objectives of their respective study groups and strengthen the international relationships they foster.

This year, we welcome my friend, Representative Andy Barr of Kentucky, who has become co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan, and look forward to continuing to work with his predecessor, Larry Bucshon of Indiana, who will remain active in FMC as part of our board of directors following his retirement from elected office.

The work of the study groups would not be possible without the generous support of committed individuals, organizations, and Business Advisory Council members. In particular, I would like to recognize Dr. Satohiro Akimoto of Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, Thomas Byrne of The Korea Society, Sung Won Bae of the Korea Foundation USA, as well as the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission.

I include in the Record a list of the FMC's Business Advisory Council members.

It is my pleasure to showcase just a few statistics about our program this year that highlight the diversity of the Congressional Study Groups' programming.

In the past year, the study groups have led five study tours for Members of Congress and their senior staff. They have engaged over 500 unique attendees across all study group events. They have held over 30 study group events on issues ranging from global security to trade relations. They have elevated this programming with new undertakings, including a series of roundtables with Members of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and a retreat for the chiefs of staff and leading experts on the Indo-Pacific in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the University of Virginia.

FMC study tours have provided the opportunity for Members and staff to hear directly from our friends in Berlin, Tokyo, and Seoul about the challenges faced by everyday citizens and our closest allied nations. These visits go beyond brief exchanges with policy experts, with each study tour thoughtfully designed to incorporate disparate voices and travel outside the capital city of each respective designation.

In addition to Berlin, Tokyo, and Seoul, 2024 saw visits to Busan, Okinawa, Kobe, Mainz, and Dusseldorf. By reaching beyond political and financial hubs, the tours engage in a diverse range of voices and underscore the breadth of our bilateral relationships.

Delegations have met with student groups, media representatives, and cultural and historical experts, which offer a comprehensive and representative perspective on the connections between these Nations and the United States.

In the spirit of furthering this dialogue among our friends and allies, FMC is proud to count 29 United States Ambassadors stationed in Washington as members of our Diplomatic Advisory Council. Each Ambassador is an active and engaged participant in our programming. The Ambassadors from Belgium, Singapore, the Philippines, Sweden, the European Union, the Republic of Korea, and Japan have hosted over 30 individual Members of Congress for our series of programs this year.

Our work would not be possible without the support of our many, many partners. For example, FMC's Business Advisory Council list is impressive and long. I will not take the time to go through it, but I will take the liberty of submitting their names for the record.

I now invite the gentlewoman from Illinois, Cheri Bustos, for her remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary service of

Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson, who recently announced that she will retire next year.

Since Chief Patterson joined the Raleigh Police Department in 2021, I have been proud to have worked with her on many issues. She has led the charge to lower crime rates, address gun violence, recognize mental health issues, and more. Chief Patterson offered vital input on my legislation, the Supporting Women COPS, which would incentivize more women to join law enforcement.

She has continued to prioritize a police force that represents the community it serves. Chief Patterson also led our community through one of its darkest times, the Hedingham shooting that stole five precious lives.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Patterson for all she has done for our community. I wish her good luck in her retirement and her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to speak in support of my bill naming the United States Postal Service facility at 2777 Brentwood Road in Raleigh after Staff Sergeant Millie Dunn Veasey.

This legislation pays tribute to the life and legacy of Millie Dunn Veasey, a remarkable woman whose contributions profoundly shaped not only our local community but our Nation.

Ms. Dunn Veasey's legacy began when the U.S. Army assigned her to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion as a typist. The 6888th was the only African-American unit in the Women's Army Corps to operate overseas during the war. This group of pioneering women sorted and delivered mail to soldiers, ensuring that they received vital letters from home. The unit adopted the phrase: ``No mail, low morale.''

These courageous women knew the power that these letters held for the soldiers who received them. The women worked tirelessly to develop a new mailing system and began successfully processing up to 195,000 pieces of mail each day.

Ms. Dunn Veasey's courage and determination during this time was instrumental in the success of this mission and the story of her service is one of trailblazing leadership in the face of adversity.

After the war, Ms. Dunn Veasey returned to Raleigh and took advantage of the GI Bill, enrolling in Saint Augustine's University. She became active in the civil rights movement, working as an organizer in Raleigh to push for integrated public spaces.

After serving our country honorably overseas, she came home and recommitted herself to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

In 2018, Millie Dunn Veasey passed away at the age of 100 in her hometown of Raleigh and was buried with distinct honor at the VA Raleigh National Cemetery.

Today, we can ensure that her legacy to the Postal Service lives on and celebrate her place in history as a figure who changed our community and country for the better.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lead H.R. 7339, which updates title 51 of the U.S. Code with new legislation enacted into law after 2010.

This title is known as the National and Commercial Space Programs, and so much of that new legislation came through the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

The bill fixes cross-references and headings, removes obsolete language, and clarifies some phrases. Notably, as you have heard, this bill does not make any substantive change to the law, which is why it passed out of the Judiciary Committee with unanimous support.

Updating the U.S. Code periodically to make these technical and conforming changes helps ensure that the law is accessible to everyday Americans. The American people deserve a code that is comprehensible without specialized knowledge, and making the updates in this bill will help make that goal a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the urgent need to pass disaster aid for our friends and neighbors in western North Carolina.

In September, Hurricane Helene devastated towns and businesses in my home State, and we are only just beginning the long journey to full recovery. Thanks to President Biden, Federal support has surged into North Carolina, and Governor Cooper has overseen an unprecedented State response.

However, our road to fully rebuild is far from over. Congress must pass comprehensive disaster aid immediately. Western North Carolina is counting on us. We need to rush assistance to families, to small businesses, to rebuild our roads and water systems, and to rebuild communities changed forever.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to set politics aside and work together to pass a disaster aid supplemental package as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Violence Against Women Act.

Over the past 30 years, we have made major strides to reduce the rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, but there is much more to be done.

In 2022, Congress and President Biden continued to build on this landmark legislation with the most recent bipartisan reauthorization of

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional North Carolinian and American hero, Mr. James Lyle Bullock, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Bullock served our Nation with honor during World War II in the Pacific theater. As both a cook and a gunner, he played a crucial role in defending the freedoms we cherish.

Last weekend, I had the privilege to attend Mr. Bullock's 100th birthday celebration and present him with a flag flown over the Capitol in his honor.

While there is nothing we can do to adequately thank Mr. Bullock for his years of service, this is a small token of gratitude for his bravery and sacrifice, and it was so much fun meeting his entire family.

As we celebrate his remarkable life, let's recommit ourselves to ensuring that every veteran has access to the exceptional resources and care they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Mr. Bullock a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Pro Codes Act, which I am proud to lead alongside Representative Issa.

The Pro Codes Act is a commonsense solution that balances providing free, public access to codes and standards that have been incorporated into law with ensuring that important code development work can continue.

The industry codes and standards that keep us healthy and safe every day are created by standards development organizations, SDOs, which regularly convene experts to write and modify standards to ensure electrical codes, building codes, crisis management codes, and more are up to date.

Importantly, the standards the SDOs put out are approved by consensus and adopted by industries voluntarily. However, Congress and Federal agencies have recognized repeatedly that government should rely on these standards whenever possible, which has led to their incorporation into law.

I firmly believe that codes that have been incorporated into law should be available to the public at no cost, and this bill recognizes that. It is why it requires these codes to be available online. That said, code development costs money, and SDOs cannot operate without funding, and they earn that funding by maintaining copyrights to their codes, which allows them to sell print copies and access to their work. These sales fund code development at no cost to the taxpayer. Ultimately, this bill strikes a critical balance between having good, safe codes and having public access.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic PACT Act. Thanks to this critical legislation, we are closer today than ever to ensuring every single veteran has access to the exceptional care and benefits they deserve.

In less than 2 years, I am happy to report, as my colleagues have also reported, 1 million PACT Act claims have been granted to more than 800,000 veterans and survivors across the country.

As the proud daughter of an Air Force veteran and a doctor, it is especially meaningful to recognize this milestone today.

We make a sacred promise to all of our Nation's veterans that after bravely serving our country in uniform, we will care for them when they return home. That is why we can and must do more to ensure that no veteran faces financial or logistical barriers to accessing the medical treatment and benefits they are owed.

Crucially, the PACT Act included the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, our bipartisan bill to enable servicemembers from Camp Lejeune who were exposed to toxic chemicals to pursue long-overdue justice in court.

This legislation, unfortunately, did not go quite far enough, and too many veterans continue to face unacceptable barriers to accessing the remedies.

I recently introduced, with Congressman Greg Murphy, who is also a doctor, the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act to make additional reforms, including capping attorney's fees, expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the large backlog of cases our courts are facing, and clarifying the right to a jury trial.

Today and every day, let's continue the fight to support our courageous veterans, servicemembers, and their families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss yesterday's Supreme Court decision that temporarily allows women in Idaho to access emergency abortion services, upholding Federal law.

Make no mistake, this decision is a momentary reprieve, not a win. The Court's refusal to address the key legal questions underpinning this case leaves the door open to future attacks on emergency abortion care.

It is unfathomable that a woman in dire need of abortion care could be turned away from an emergency room or forced to flee her home State to receive desperately needed care.

Federal law has long protected women's rights to emergency care, including abortion, but this decision means emergency reproductive healthcare will remain at risk in States with restrictive abortion laws across the country.

Madam Speaker, I won't stop fighting back against these extreme attacks on women's fundamental freedoms.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the stark reality that more than one in five adults in America live with a mental illness.

Adults aren't the only ones who struggle with their mental health. Children, teens, and young adults face unprecedented mental health challenges every day but are far less likely to get the support that they need. While mental health is important all year long, during May, we raise awareness, educate others, and remind those struggling: You are not alone.

I was proud to secure $6 million in Federal funding for WakeMed's new Mental Health & Well-Being Hospital to improve access to mental healthcare in my community. Let's continue to fight for a future where every American has access to the resources that they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional life of North Carolina's Peggy Stamey who recently passed.

A trailblazer for women, Peggy shattered glass ceilings as the first woman who was elected chairperson of the Wake County Democratic Party.

Elected to the North Carolina House in 1982, Peggy sponsored a number of bills that helped make North Carolina a better place for all people.

Peggy's unparalleled commitment to progress and equality went far beyond her legislative accomplishments. During her final chapter of service to our State, Peggy was appointed to the parole commission where her service reflected her strong belief in second chances.

Madam Speaker, today we mourn the loss of Peggy Stamey and celebrate the indelible mark she left on our State.

Peggy's enduring legacy lives on through the barriers she broke and through the many lives she transformed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable life and extraordinary legacy of Dr. Assad Meymandi, who sadly passed away last week.

Born in Iran, Dr. Meymandi moved to the United States in 1955 and quickly fell in love with this country. He moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, after receiving his medical degree from George Washington University. He dedicated much of his career to improving mental health care in our State at a time when mental health was much less understood.

His place in the community is also marked by his dedication to the arts. He believed in the power of the arts so much that we can thank him for the creation of the Meymandi Concert Hall, home to North Carolina's Symphony, where thousands of people go every year to hear the breathtaking music and to experience the concert hall's renowned acoustics.

Dr. Meymandi always said that he was an American by choice, not by birth, and that he loved his country so much that he celebrated his naturalization date as his true birthday. His love for America and for our Raleigh community should serve as a guiding light to all of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Teacher

Appreciation Week. In particular, I recognize Ryan Berglund who was just named Wake County's Teacher of the Year last night.

A Sustainable Agriculture Academy teacher at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, Ryan didn't always plan to be a teacher.

He was a professional welder and equipment fabricator. Today, 64 of his students have become welders, leaving high school with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Madam Speaker, 1 week isn't enough to properly thank all of our country's outstanding educators for what they do every day.

Let's keep fighting for better pay for teachers in North Carolina and across the country. Ryan wisely says: I always will put as much as possible as I can into it, but I need them to put in more than I am, and when they are doing that, you will see true success.