Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to recognize and celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Kansas City Hispanic News, a weekly bilingual newspaper published and owned by Jose ``Joe'' Arce, that has continuously served the Greater Kansas City community in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Since its creation, the Kansas City Hispanic News has helped bridge the gap with the Latino community by offering representation on a mainstream paper. Wholly devoted to establishing top quality media coverage via in-depth stories in both Spanish and English, Arce and his publication have made a monumental impact on the Latino community.

The Kansas City Hispanic News opened its door in 1996 along Southwest Boulevard, located in Kansas City's Westside neighborhood, a community heavily influenced by Latino and Mexican American roots. Through investigative reporting and providing community members with stories in two languages, the weekly newspaper has increased its coverage to extend beyond the state line into Kansas, showing the impact on Latino households. With this newspaper, Arce has provided a platform for Latinos to be represented, informed, and engaged as local businessowners through advertising opportunities, giving the Latino community a place to flourish and thrive.

Born and raised in Kansas City's West Side, Arce always felt in touch with his Mexican roots and Latino background. Before he started the bilingual newspaper, he worked as a photojournalist and reporter for WDAF-TV Fox 4 News, dedicating himself to serving the people in his community through journalism. After years of experience, Arce realized the lack of representation and reporting catered to the Latino population and took it upon himself to start a paper that could inform and celebrate the accomplishments of the Latino community. As an involved civic leader, Arce used the bilingual paper as a vehicle of information on important topics that affected Latinos such as elections, workers' rights, local businesses, and celebrations. His efforts allowed people to feel connected to not only their roots but to their local community and offered access to information for those who were only Spanish speakers.

While the Kansas City Hispanic News is one of his most influential additions to the Fifth District, Arce's contributions extend beyond journalism. As an active civic leader, Arce has served on boards for numerous organizations such as the Guadalupe Centers and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City. Additionally, Arce was one of the key figures in the distinguished victory of renaming 23rd Street in the Westside Neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri to Avenida Cesar Chavez after activist Cesar Chavez in 1993. To increase representation and local celebrations related to Latino and Mexican American traditions, Arce helped expand Fiesta Hispana KC, an annual festival held in Kansas City to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day as well as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Through this festival, community members have been able to partake in the celebration that brings music, food, dance, and local businesses, further connecting the Latino community as well as providing others to learn more about Latino culture. Arce is known to be a friend, mentor, and a loyal supporter of youth journalists. To help Latino students pursuing journalism, Arce founded the Hispanic Media Association, which provides scholarships. Furthermore, Arce served as the chair of the Cesar E. Chavez committee at the University of Central Missouri for 15 years where he focused on finding ways to attract Latino students to the campus. Arce's unwavering devotion and tireless commitment to serve and better the Latino community is a testament of his compassionate and caring nature.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing and thanking Joe Arce and the Kansas City's Hispanic News for all they have done for Kansas City and Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in the last twenty- five years. I am honored to have someone like Arce, a champion of public service and civic leader, in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District which I represent. His immense impact on the Latino community and Kansas City will continue to be felt for years to come. Let us celebrate Joe Arce's job well done and wish him many more years of success.

Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I rise today to memorialize the significant contributions of Mrs. Viviana Medellin, an individual who went above and beyond to serve our KC Latino community. She poured her heart and soul into the empowerment of Latino voices, leveraging her Chicana roots and producing so many far-reaching programs that will carry her legacy forward while sharing her culture with many within the Greater Kansas City region.

Before her public service, Mrs. Medellin followed her dream of working with renowned cardiologists Dr. G. Hartzler and Dr. Barry Rutherford in the Cardiovascular lab at St. Luke's Hospital. Prior to working in the Cardiovascular lab, she started at St. Luke's as a nursing assistant and eventually retired after nearly 48 years of service and dedication to public health. It was during that 48 years that she met her amazing and loving husband, Richard Medellin, and together raised their children: Monica Holman, Robert A. Frias, Sophia Byers, and Ricardo Medellin.

Viviana not only was committed to public health in Kansas City, but she was also a devout Catholic, as a long-time parishioner of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Having graduated from Redemptorist Catholic High School in 1965, Viviana was charged at an early age to give back. She also served the Altar and Rosary Society and as a member of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle.

It is because of her pursuits to advance the celebration of her Mexican American culture that Viviana served as the President of Azteca de Greater KC and as Vice-President of The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Heritage, advancing several amazing programs over the years. Of those programs, Viviana was a significant contributor to the Fiesta Hispanic celebration that started in 1984 and has been a beacon of Hispanic celebration and acknowledgement for decades. In addition, Viviana has been a host on Kansas City Community Radio station, KKFI 90.1 FM's Taste of Tejano, where she combined her love of Tejano music and that of sharing her culture through the airwaves. She was certainly an amazing person, sharing her passion for her community with all of Kansas City, and for that she deserves great recognition.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mrs. Viviana Medellin for the tremendous accomplishments throughout her career and her tireless efforts in providing Kansas City with celebration of the rich Mexican American culture, thriving within our amazing City. Her contributions to our community have made a significant impact on Missouri's Fifth District and I speak on the behalf of the entire district when I say thank you to Viviana.

Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I rise today to honor the significant contributions of Mr. Richard Morado, an individual that went above and beyond to serve our Latino and greater Kansas City community. Richard has not only served our greater Kansas City community but has served our country, honorably and proudly, when he joined the Navy in 1972, on an aircraft carrier. It was in the Navy and through his parent's dedication to the community that Richard found his own passion for community service.

After the Navy, Richard returned home and utilized his G.I. Bill benefits and received an associates degree from Penn Valley College, and later would graduate from Rockhurst College with a business degree. Richard has carried on the tradition of service his parents taught him at a very young age. His father Mike Morado was very active during the civil rights movements in Kansas City, as a local leader in the Hispanic community to fight for equity and justice. This vein was seared into Richard where he picks up from his father's service.

Richard joined several community organizations, serving in various capacities in several groups including: IMAGE, LULAC, the American G.I. Forum, MANA, and the COHOL Civil Rights committee. In addition, Richard has been a longtime volunteer for the local environmental nonprofit Bridging the Gap. His service has been so significant that the Greater KC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce bestowed the Carlos Cortez Humanitarian of the Year Award to him in 2006, for his contributions to Kansas City.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mr. Richard Morado for the tremendous accomplishments throughout his career and his tireless efforts in providing Kansas City with celebration of the rich Mexican American culture, thriving within our amazing City. Richard's contributions to our community have made a significant impact on the Missouri's Fifth District and I speak on the behalf of the entire district when I say thank you to Richard.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the extraordinary actions and efforts of an individual that improved Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, Aly Hernandez. Ms. Hernandez has been an integral part of the Kansas City community and it is with a bittersweet feeling that we say goodbye to her as she ventures into a new opportunity in Washington D.C.

Expressing the magnitude of Ms. Hernandez's contributions to Kansas City, in such a short time since she completed her bachelor's degree at the University of Missouri--Kansas City, is an impossible task. From the time that Aly began working in my office as an intern, it was evident that she was someone who was determined and passionate about creating positive change in our city, particularly within our underrepresented communities. Ms. Hernandez rose through the ranks in my office starting as an intern, to fellow, and finally becoming a community affairs liaison-full time staff member. Not only has she left an impact on a federal level, but she also continued her journey in public service by serving the local municipality as the External Affairs Manager for Mayor Quinton Lucas for more than two years. Through these positions, she sought to leverage the voice of others and aided in increasing resources to the Latino community within the Fifth Congressional District.

As a strong advocate for Latinos, Ms. Hernandez took it upon herself to be one of the founders of a local organization Voz KC (or Voice KC), a new organization focused on advocating and advancing the role the Latino community in politics. Her own experience and journey as an immigrant from Mexico, searching for the American Dream, along with her family, made her see the challenges of being undocumented, underrepresented, making her search for opportunities where she could have an impact. With her advocacy, she has worked to make civic engagement accessible for everyone.

With Aly's work in government in the 5th District of Missouri, we see a noticeable change in civic engagement and participation in our local communities. She is a perfect example of what an exceptional American is and truly captures the fulfillment of the ``American Dream''. Everyone should hope to aspire to achieve the same qualities that this young woman has. I undoubtedly know that she will continue to do amazing things not only in Washington D.C., but for the rest of our country. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Aly Hernandez's impact on the people of Kansas City, and congratulating her on a new career opportunity in Washington D.C.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the achievements of Teresa `Terry' Rynard, the Director of Kansas City's Parks and Recreation Department, a woman who has dedicated her life to decades of service to the parks and people in Kansas City. Mrs. Rynard is retiring after accomplishing a milestone achievement in becoming the first woman to serve as Kansas City's Parks and Recreation Director in the department's 129- year history. Her legacy of determination and selfless leadership will continue to inspire the lives of many beyond her term.

Since the start of her career at the Parks and Recreation Department, Mrs. Rynard began paving the way for women to work in the field when at the young age of 16, she trimmed weeds and mowed fields of Kansas City's parks despite protests from her male coworkers. With perseverance, she climbed the ranks of the Department while she furthered her educational journey, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Education in 1986. In her 33 years with the Kansas City's Parks and Recreation Department, Mrs. Rynard has served as equipment operator, area superintendent, assistant park superintendent, deputy director, and finally Director of Parks and Recreation. Mrs. Rynard's career stands as a shining example of grit and being an outstanding community leader.

Her contributions to the city can be seen everyday as one walks through its streets and parks. Not only did she succeed in efforts to make Kansas City safer, cleaner, and beautiful, but she helped cultivate an equitable environment for all to enjoy. Mrs. Rynard focused on areas that had been neglected for years and created the Quality of Life Investment District, overseeing numerous park projects across the underserved parts of the city. She also oversaw the installation of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard signs after years of debate, and the transition of Kansas City Museum management to the Kansas City Museum Foundation. In addition, Mrs. Rynard was elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, an immensely prestigious honor earned through her selflessness and leadership. These and countless other successes testify of what an invaluable member of our community she has been.

Mrs. Rynard's work for our city extends beyond the workplace and into her family. Her children have recounted times where, as a family, they would help their mother by picking up trash to clean shelters at parks when the Department was shorthanded. This proves her devotion to better the community and serve those around her, promising continued contributions for our city even after her retirement.

Terry will leave a legacy of kindness and diligence that will continue to live on in Kansas City and its Parks and Recreation Department forever. Her service has touched the lives of all who live in Kansas City and benefit from her works daily. The leadership she's provided the Department has created a foundation to which to build upon as we continue our efforts in promoting equity, inclusion while developing our community. Terry's deep care and love for our City will continue to be felt in every park, avenue, and public space in Kansas City.

Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I rise today to celebrate Dr. Rex Archer, an individual that went above and beyond to serve our community. His work in public health began more than two decades ago, where he has served as the Kansas City Health Director. His commitment and contributions to better the region are unparalleled, shaping Kansas City's Health Department into a department that we can all be proud to have in Missouri's Fifth District.

Before serving Kansas Citians, Mr. Archer studied at the University of Kansas where he completed his medical degree then his master's in public health at the University of Michigan. His experience allowed him to hold local and state health positions in Maryland and was even a primary advocate for protection policies for nonsmokers from tobacco smoke. The skills and knowledge he earned, prepared and made him a more than qualified to lead the Health Department in Kansas City.

Under Dr. Archer's guidance, Kansas City, Missouri's Health Department became one of the first in the country to be nationally accredited, demonstrating its continuous efforts to fulfill its mission of providing quality health care options and resources to Kansas Citians. The department was recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and received the ``Local Health Department of the Year Award in Health Equity,'' in addition to the ``Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health'' prize.

Dr. Archer dedication to improve public health can be traced to the agency's emergency response to HIV in response to the havoc it had on our local minority communities, the swine flu epidemic, and most recently, his leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the fight in combating the spread of COVID-19 with compassion and expertise, even delaying his retirement for eight months to continue to support the city and protect its members through an unprecedented tragedy. A champion of inclusivity and equity, Dr. Archer continuously advocated to bring more resources to the region when Kansas City, Missouri, was not receiving sufficient COVID-19 vaccines. Once received, he pushed vaccination efforts to reach our underserved communities. His leadership and dedication serve as an example of how to unify different sectors of the community such as elected officials, experts, and media for the greater good of the people we serve.

Looking beyond his extraordinary work in emergency health crises, Dr. Archer and his team have prioritized delivering equitable healthcare services and resources on, expanding the range of services at the Kansas City Health Department. Along those new initiatives are the Healthy Homes program that provides sanitary homes for all, efforts to ensure families have access to healthy and quality meals and establishing mental health services to help combat violent crime.

As a result of his successful career in Kansas City, he has held the position of president for the National Association of County and City Health Officials and served on the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) of Directors, amongst other national public health committees. While he may often be behind the scenes, his work in public health can be felt and seen widely throughout many lives within our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Dr. Rex Archer for the tremendous accomplishments throughout his career and his tireless efforts in providing Kansas City with equitable healthcare for all. His contributions to our community have made him a valued member of Missouri's Fifth District and I speak on the behalf of the entire district when I say thank you Dr. Rex Archer. While he embraces this next chapter, I wish Dr. Archer many rewarding years in retirement and honor his dedication to public health.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the exceptional, lifelong public service career of Mr. Jewell Colbert. As an agent of the Social Security Administration, his service to our community, our country, and the federal government is invaluable. A dedicated public servant such as himself is more than deserving of praise.

Mr. Colbert began his career in 1986 with the Social Security Administration, working as a Claims Representative in St. Joseph, Missouri. He would then ascend the agency's ranks, becoming Operations Supervisor, District Manager, Project Manager, and most recently, Regional Communications Director. Mr. Colbert remained committed to educating and empowering the community around him through social security programs and undoubtedly impacted countless individuals. The last decade of his career as Regional Communications Director was especially significant. He continued his dedicated loyalty as a civil servant to the public and organization he served, demonstrating steadfast leadership throughout his senior positions. His devotion to people, public service, and inspiring leadership were hallmarks of his career.

During Mr. Colbert's time at the Social Security Administration, the agency played a significant role in improving the lives of thousands. In the 1990s, the SSA was established as an independent agency and immediately began working on behalf of the American people. During this time, the SSA defined itself by expanding Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs and aiding the public in personal financial planning. In the 2000s, the SSA created the ``Final Rule'' doctrine, which set a standard for quick determination of benefits for disabled individuals. It also established certain rights these individuals would have, such as a federal review of state ruling. These advances were incredibly beneficial, especially to those who could not work and rely on Social Security benefits to pay for necessities. The progress made by the Social Security Administration during Mr. Colbert's career had a lasting impact still in place today.

The selfless spirit of service displayed by Mr. Colbert throughout his career is a shining example of the lessons taught to us in scripture. Acts 20:35 reads, ``Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.' '' Mr. Colbert exemplified this statement through his hard work and dedication to his community. His leadership and service provided aid to those who most needed it and was integral in making Social Security programs inclusive and accessible to the public.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Jewell Colbert's lifetime of public service. His immense impact will continue through the multitude of lives he improved. On behalf of Missouri's Fifth District, I wish Mr. Colbert great joy and relaxation in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed one vote on Thursday, July 22, 2021. On roll call vote No. 218, H.R. 3985, the Allies Act, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 218.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to commemorate the

life of Ms. Rafaela Garcia and to pay tribute to her monumental legacy in Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Garcia, known as ``Lali'' to her family, friends, and neighbors, lived a life of service, selflessness, and passionate advocacy. She was ambitious and tenacious, with the goal of improving life for the Latino community guiding her work every step of the way. As I stand here today, I can confidently say that we all owe Lali an enormous debt of gratitude for the progress she fostered towards racial equality, advancing the cause of a historically marginalized population by championing equal opportunity and political representation. Lali's dedication to serving the Latino community as an activist, community member, and office holder defined her 93 years spent on this earth and improved the lives of thousands. Lali uplifted the voices of those in need and left a profound impact on every person who crossed her path.

Born in 1927, Lali observed and experienced discrimination against the Latino community along with the severe lack of political representation for non-white citizens. During her youth, Lali used the discrimination she faced in everyday life as a source of motivation to fight for change. Years later, Lali shared stories from this time in her life to remind us of our history and the progress we have made. Lali remembered movie theaters with segregated seating, jails without due process for people of color, restaurants that barred admission for Latinos, and inferior educational opportunities for Latino students. Lali's passion for social advocacy started young, at the age of 13, when she first visited the Guadalupe Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The Center, at that time, was dedicated to administering a school and clinic for underprivileged immigrants who settled in the midwestern city. Even at this young age, Lali saw the potential for the Center to become a vibrant community gathering place, a structure to fight against the social inequities she witnessed, and a pillar of the Latino community. As Lali served for forty-six years on the Center's Board of Directors, this vision came to fruition, with three terms as the Board President. She oversaw a massive expansion of the services provided by the Center, advancing opportunities, services, and protection for the Latino community. Today, largely in part to Lali's commitment, the Center has grown to provide healthcare, education, financial assistance, childcare, workforce development, and more. We are forever indebted to Lali's work to transform this organization as it continues to provide opportunities, support, and stability for newly arrived immigrants and Kansas City natives alike. Her legacy challenges each of us to continue making Kansas City a welcoming place for immigrants to find a home, celebrate their culture, and become part of the community. As we follow in her footsteps, we must strive to ensure that all those who make the journey to the United States feel valued, cherished, and loved--the same way Lali made all of us feel.

Beyond her immeasurable work at the Center, Lali was a fierce advocate for political equality and representation for the Latino community. Lali understood the importance of responsive leaders who use their positions in the halls of government to protect and uplift all members of the community, regardless of race or ethnicity. She also recognized the need for leaders who would advocate for the fair and equal treatment of the Latino community. In 1989, Lali founded La Raza Political Club. Under her leadership, La Raza elected many of the first Latinos to public office in Kansas City, finally creating a seat at the table for her community. During her time with La Raza, Lali registered new voters, fought back against discrimination at the polls, and proved the importance of perceptive leadership. By registering hundreds of Latino voters, Lali amplified their voices and worked to create a more just, equitable, and accepting nation. We are called to pick up this duty where Lali left off and to emphasize the importance of political engagement in all communities.

A short recognition cannot adequately describe the breadth of Lali's tireless work building community resources, political representation, and cultural acceptance. At the end of her life, amidst a global pandemic, her work never ceased. Lali served as a member of the Guadalupe Centers Board of Directors; the Jackson County Ethics, Human Relations, & Citizen Complaints Commission; and the Civil Rights Consortium. She was also a member of the Union Cultural Mexicana Ladies Auxiliary and a full-time volunteer at the Casa Felix Senior Center. Lali was also appointed to the Guadalajara Sister City Commission and the Port Authority Board of Commissioners and has served on the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Committee since 1987. Intentional acts of humble service filled each minute of her life. Lali's commitment to those around her teaches us what it means to be an outspoken and selfless advocate and to meaningfully participate in the community.

Lali's life reminds us that a single individual relentlessly fighting for what is right can, in fact, change the world around us. Change requires a person with the courage to acknowledge the unjust, the persistence to carry on through hardship, the will to protest loudly, and the spirit to fight until all are seen as equal. For Lali, this all came naturally, and her leadership has left a legacy that will continue to change lives for generations to come. Madam Speaker, let us rise each day and ask ourselves, as Lali Garcia did, how we can positively impact our community. Today, and every day, let us be fervent in service, gentle in heart, and motivated by love--just like Lali before us.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1711) to amend the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to direct the Office of Community Affairs to identify causes leading to, and solutions for, under-banked, un-banked, and underserved consumers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and insert extraneous materials thereon.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Scott for his leadership on this legislation, the Financial Inclusion in Banking Act.

This bill would direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Office of Community Affairs to identify causes leading to, and solutions for, underbanked, unbanked, and underserved consumers.

The office would be required to share its findings in a report to Congress every 2 years and coordinate with other Federal agencies to increase financial education. Through these new requirements, this bill would provide important information about unbanked and underbanked consumers and ultimately help drive solutions that can decrease the reliance on predatory financing products, like payday loans.

According to FDIC's latest survey from 2019, more than 7 million American households, or roughly 5.4 percent, are unbanked. However, the survey was taken before the pandemic, and the agency noted it would likely result in an increase in the unbanked rate.

Even some individuals and families that may have a bank account still end up utilizing other forms of credit, like a pawn shop or payday loan, which are typically more expensive than bank credit. Nearly 5 percent of all households utilize these products, but again, these are prepandemic numbers, and we know millions have lost their jobs and may turn to these other forms of credit.

Moreover, access to traditional banking accounts is one way to expeditiously deliver government stimulus deposits to individuals and families that need help quickly.

Access to banking is a racial justice issue, as well. According to the FDIC's prepandemic data, 13.8 percent of Black households and 12.2 percent of Latinx households are unbanked, compared to just 2.5 percent of White households.

Everyone deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable banking options in order to grow their savings, build credit, and conduct financial transactions in a secure way. This bill would be an important step in achieving that goal.

For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the great gentleman from Georgia (Mr. David Scott), who is the sponsor of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I thank the Hill-Scott combination for this legislation. It also is, I think, a testament to what we can do if we work together.

The Financial Inclusion in Banking Act, led by Representative Scott, would provide essential information on unbanked and underserved customers, as well as identify potential solutions to the reliance on unconventional financial products, which often lead to predatory lending and cycles of being trapped in debt.

Communities of color have been excluded from the traditional economic system due to historical discrimination. All consumers deserve access to less expensive and more secure mainstream financial products.

The House passed identical legislation unanimously by voice vote in October 2019, and I urge Republican and Democratic Members to join me in supporting this bill again.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 707) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company, in recognition of their unique and highly distinguished service as a ``Ghost Army'' that conducted deception operations in Europe during World War II, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 707, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act.

I thank the gentlewoman from New Hampshire for her work on this bill which honors the creativity and ingenuity of the men of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Company in conducting deception operations in Europe during World War II.

The Ghost Army was a 1,100-man unit comprised mostly of individuals recruited from art schools. They were from advertising agencies, communications companies, and other creative fields. They were tasked with using their creative talents to mislead, deceive, and confuse the German Army and lure them away from Allied combat units.

Following the D-day landing in France, the Ghost Army undertook a ``traveling road show'' utilizing fake radio transmissions, inflatable tanks, and theatrical sounds and atmospheric effects to conduct elaborate ruses to deflect German units away from the actual Allied unit location and towards imaginary ones.

The artists, architects, engineers of the Ghost Army were so effective that a later Army analysis of the performance found that, ``Rarely, if ever, has there been a group of such a few men which had so great an influence on the outcome of a major military campaign.''

The bravery, ingenuity, and patriotic actions displayed by these citizen-soldiers remained highly classified for more than 40 years after World War II and were never formally recognized.

This bill honors their unique contributions to the war effort by directing the Mint to strike a gold medal in honor of the Ghost Army. The gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for display and serve as recognition of this incredible service of the Ghost Army during World War II.

Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Kuster for her work on this bill, and I urge Members to vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), the sponsor of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is one of the most amazing things that I have had the opportunity to support since I have been in Congress. And this bill is simply amazing. It ensures official recognition of creativity and innovation displayed by members of the Ghost Army in saving lives, contributing to the defeat of the axis powers during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Kuster for her work in ensuring recognition of this brave and talented group of citizen-soldiers and their unique contributions to the war effort.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3146) to amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of certain medical materials essential to national defense, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3146, the Securing America's Vaccines for Emergencies Act of 2021, introduced by my colleague, Mr. French Hill.

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly demonstrated that ensuring the availability of the essential medical supplies, articles, and equipment to fight disease is essential to our national defense. This bill would better equip us to respond to the current pandemic, as well as future public health emergencies, by amending the Defense Production Act of 1950, to ensure that the definition of national defense includes the availability of medical articles.

H.R. 3146 strengthens our ability to respond to public health emergencies through measures designed to secure the drug supply chain. Specifically, the bill requires the development of a strategy on securing supply chains for medical articles. This includes reporting to Congress on an analysis of existing supply chain vulnerabilities for medical articles and recommendations to address these vulnerabilities, including measures to diversify supply chains and other efforts to mitigate risk, while promoting American competitiveness, scientific leadership, and industrial innovation in this area.

This bill will also provide for investment in supply chain security for eligible entities if the President certifies to Congress that such an investment is important to meet the national defense needs of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Hill for his work in ensuring that we, as a country, learn the lessons from this COVID-19 pandemic and are better prepared to respond to the next public health emergency because of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this time last year we watched as our brave healthcare workers struggled all over this country to respond to the mounting COVID-19 crisis, often with inadequate personal protective equipment and limited medical supplies.

This bill ensures that we can direct our significant scientific innovation and industrial capacity towards ensuring essential medical supplies are readily available, and that our supply chains are resilient in the face of threats to our collective health and well- being.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Hill for his work on this important issue, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3125) to enhance authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, to provide additional oversight of such authorities, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3125, the COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2021, introduced by my colleague and friend, Mr. Vargas.

The Defense Production Act of 1950 provides the President with a wide range of authorities to enhance the domestic industrial base to shift towards the production of goods and materials essential to the defense of our country.

At the time this law was written, they did not anticipate that personal protection equipment, vaccines, and other medical supplies could be essential to the defense of our country. This pandemic has made abundantly clear that medical materials to ensure our public health are absolutely essential to the defense of this country.

This bill would ensure that our Nation has access to medical materials necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing certain medical materials to qualify for purchase and increased production under the DPA's authority. It would also amend the DPA to ensure that the DPA's authorities could be used to address preparation for the next public health emergency to help get the United States ahead of deadly future pandemics.

Additionally, in order to respond to the evolving needs of local authorities to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill would provide the Federal Government with the authority to allow State, local, and Tribal governments' orders for qualifying goods and materials to be prioritized ahead of the Federal Government.

Finally, to streamline engagement with the private sector on supply chain support for production of essential materials to counter COVID- 19, this bill provides a framework that includes a dedicated outreach representative and reporting to Congress on purchases made and contracts entered into under DPA authority.

I would like to thank Mr. Vargas for his hard work in ensuring that the President has the necessary tools at his or her disposal when they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time, which will be very short like this bathing suit.

Mr. Speaker, this bill takes the lessons we have learned over the past 14 months and builds on the DPA's purpose of harnessing our domestic industrial base in the interest of national defense to ensure that we have the medical materials necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and to future pandemics.

I thank Mr. Vargas for his vision and hard work in ensuring that our Nation can bring together its leadership and scientific innovation and our impressive domestic industrial base to support our collective public health and well-being through access to necessary medical materials.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3008) to amend the National Housing Act to authorize State- licensed appraisers to conduct appraisals in connection with mortgages insured by the FHA and to require compliance with the existing appraiser education requirement, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and insert extraneous materials thereon.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3008, the Homebuyer Assistance Act of 2021, which would make a commonsense update to the Federal Housing Administration's requirements governing appraisals to allow licensed appraisers to conduct home valuations for FHA-backed mortgages.

The current requirement to utilize a certified appraiser for all FHA loans is simply outdated as it was put into place at a time when there were no minimum Federal standards for State licensure of appraisers, leaving concerns about consistency in competency across States.

Now that we do have minimum standards for licensure, FHA's certification requirement is not only out of date and out of alignment with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is also creating marketwide pressures for lenders to require certified appraisers for all loans, even if they are not FHA loans, just in case the mortgage switches to an FHA loan midway through the process.

This, in turn, makes it harder for licensed appraisers to obtain work at a time when certain areas are experiencing appraiser shortages, and we are already struggling to effectively recruit new and diverse appraisers. Licensed appraisers who are perfectly qualified to conduct appraisals for GSE loans should be just as qualified to conduct appraisals for FHA loans.

I would like to thank Mr. Sherman for introducing this legislation; and the Republican cosponsor, Mr. Van Taylor, for supporting this all- important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman), who is a sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) for bringing this legislation forward and for the support of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Taylor).

This bill removes unnecessary barriers to the home-buying process, which will help millions of FHA borrowers over time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.