Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Judge Patricia Delaney for her service on the 5th District Court of Appeals, and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated her partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

Her drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that she has bettered countless lives as a result of her steadfast service. Throughout her time in office, she proved to be a true public servant and leader. She led by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication to her role in the community.

As she goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank her for her commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Judge Jim James for his service on the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

His drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that he has bettered countless lives as a result of his steadfast service. Throughout his time in office, he proved to be a true public servant and leader. He led by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As he goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank him for his commitment to the people of Stark County and Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and mourn the loss of Ohio State Senator Kirk Schuring, a true advocate and champion for the people of Stark County, Ohio.

Senator Schuring was a dedicated public servant who took great pride in serving Stark County for over three decades in the Ohio General Assembly as both a member of the house of representatives and the senate.

Senator Schuring held multiple leadership positions during his time in the general assembly, including as senate president speaker pro tempore, and acting as speaker of the house.

Among his advocacy was his tireless work to provide the freedom for communities to create their own joint economic development districts and the creation of the Akron-Canton Metroplex to generate additional job opportunities and economic growth in the region.

I had the honor of working alongside Senator Schuring in the Ohio House of Representatives, where I witnessed firsthand his commitment to the people of northeast Ohio. Serving with Senator Schuring was a pleasure, and he was known as a reliable leader who found a way to work across the aisle and in support of his constituents every day.

As a first-term legislator, Kirk took me under his wing, a Democrat, because he was so deeply concerned about the work and did not allow partisan politics to get in the way of protecting our communities.

Notably, Senator Schuring was monumental in helping me pass House Bill 1, a bill to protect victims of dating violence. Surely, without his leadership, this bill would not have become law.

Without a doubt, Senator Schuring left a mark on Stark County and the State of Ohio. For his outstanding devotion to our community, he earned the respect and esteem of many. In the wake of his passing, his numerous contributions will not be forgotten.

Though his presence will be truly missed, his memory will live on through those he advocated for and his family, including his wife, Darlene; their son, J. Derrick; daughter-in-law, Allison; daughter, Kristen; and their six grandchildren, Preston, Parker, Quinn, Owen, Everett, and Lucy, whom he loved deeply. Thus, with deepest sympathy, I pay tribute to a truly phenomenal individual, Senator Kirk Schuring.

Congratulating Senator Vernon Sykes on His Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a truly dedicated and true public servant, Ohio State Senator Vernon Sykes, the ultimate statesman, who is retiring from the Ohio General Assembly.

As the Member of Congress representing Ohio's 13th Congressional District, but most importantly as his daughter, it is my privilege to congratulate Senator Sykes on a distinguished career and extend my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Akron and the State of Ohio for his nearly 50 years in public service.

Senator Sykes' career as a legislator began in 1980 when he was appointed as the Ward 3 Councilmember in the city of Akron. In 1983, he was then appointed to the Ohio State House, becoming the first Black person to represent Summit County in the Ohio General Assembly. He would eventually serve as the chair of the Ohio House Finance & Appropriations Committee, in the Ohio State Senate as the co-chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, and as a professor emeritus of political science and former director of the Columbus Program in State Issues at Kent State University.

Go Flashes.

In the legislature, he became a champion for early education, criminal justice reform, economic development, and so much more. Notably, Senator Sykes passed the toughest fair housing law in the country, the State of Ohio's first legislation to compensate the wrongfully imprisoned, and was the lead sponsor of two constitutional amendments to end the scourge of gerrymandering in Ohio that were approved by over 70 percent of the voters.

During his time in public office, Senator Sykes championed the people of our community, and he is the example of true selfless public service. He has always put the people of our community first, and his deep desire to serve his community is an inspiration to all who have had the opportunity to experience his passion for people and for public service.

For his advocacy, Senator Sykes has earned numerous awards and accolades, including the Public Elected Official of the Year Award; the Champion for Working Families from Ohio AFL-CIO; alumni awards from his alma maters, the University of Akron, as well as Ohio University.

My father is one of the main reasons I am standing here on the House floor today. He and my mother, who is also a public servant, taught me the value of hard work from a young age and equipped me with constant support and encouragement.

Mr. Speaker, today Senator Sykes is giving his farewell speech in the Ohio Senate, and I can't be there because of scheduled votes today, so I am doing the next best thing and giving him his flowers on the floor of the United States House of Representatives as a symbol of his legacy to the city of Akron, Summit and Portage Counties, the State of Ohio, the United States of America, and the entire global community.

It is not often elected leaders can brag about such impactful and prominent careers. Senator Sykes can, but he won't because he is simply too humble to do so. Thus, I am doing it for him.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate and thank Senator Vernon Sykes, my dad, on a storied career as a legislator at the State and local level and for over 40 years of outstanding service and devotion to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 9322 to designate the United States Post Office located at 675 Wolf Ledges Parkway in Akron, Ohio, as the Judge James R. Williams Post Office Building.

This bill has earned unanimous bipartisan support from every member of the Ohio delegation, and I thank my colleagues from the Ohio delegation for lending their names to this bill.

Judge James R. Williams lived an impressive and meaningful life that continues to impact Ohio's 13th Congressional District through his life's work as a civil rights leader, city councilman, civic leader, judge, scholar, and veteran.

Born in Columbus, Mississippi, Judge Williams moved to Ohio following Active-Duty service in the United States Army. He attended the University of Akron and was one of the first Black students to graduate from the university's school of law, blazing a trail for a more inclusive and diverse legal field.

After law school, Mr. Williams went into private practice until 1978, when he was appointed as the United States attorney for the Northern District of Ohio by President Jimmy Carter. Six years later, he was appointed as judge for the Akron Municipal Court and elected to that court in 1985 and 1987.

Judge Williams became the first Black judge to serve on the Summit County Court of Common Pleas when he was appointed to the bench in 1989. He was elected three more times, serving the people of Summit County, including presiding over several high-profile cases of national importance.

Mr. Speaker, if I may, I had the opportunity to work with Judge Williams when I was a summer law clerk at the Akron Municipal Court, and he was a tough but fair jurist. He reminded me that coming to the court, you will see people who are experiencing perhaps the worst day of their life, and you have to remember that your job is to provide justice and kindness to those before you.

Judge Williams' distinguished service continued in his private life as a civil rights activist and leader for many civic organizations, including as secretary of the Akron NAACP and vice-president of the Ohio NAACP.

Mr. Speaker, on a special note, Judge Williams was elected as the 25th general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the oldest intercollegiate fraternity for Black men, where he was the principal founder of the Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Incorporated, a visionary nonprofit responsible for building 1,600 housing units in northeast Ohio, including low-income and senior housing units in 10 northeast Ohio communities.

Today is Alpha Phi Alpha's 118th celebration. I can't think of a more fitting way to recognize the fraternity and its 25th general president than with the naming of this post office.

Judge Williams was a legal luminary whose unwavering dedication to justice paved the way for future generations of leaders in Akron and across the country. I am proud to lead the effort to rename the Wolf Ledges Post Office in Akron to honor his memory and to serve as a reminder of the ongoing impact of his legacy on our community.

Sadly, Judge Williams passed away in 2020. Upon his passing, his wife, Jewell, offered these words from an old hymn that summed up his character which said: May the work I have done speak for me. May the service I give speak for me.

Mr. Speaker, I hope you and all of my colleagues will join me in honoring Judge James Williams' lifetime of accomplishments and legacy of service by voting in favor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable achievements of the Archbishop Hoban Knights varsity golf team and, in particular, the outstanding senior member, Chris Pollack, as the Ohio 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

At the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championships held at the NCR Golf Course in Kettering, Ohio, the Knights secured their second Division I State title in school history, a true testament to their hard work.

The team triumphed with an impressive 17-stroke victory, finishing with a total score of 595. Their closest competitor led on the first day, but ultimately, the Knights prevailed to win their second championship. This victory is especially commendable given the challenging conditions on the second day, where rain and cold temperatures significantly impacted the field.

Senior Chris Pollack captured the individual State championship with a remarkable score of 142. He edged out his competitor by just two strokes, maintaining his composure to shoot a consistent 71 for both days of the competition, ultimately finishing as the tournament medalist.

Chris will continue his impressive golf career at Florida Southern College, an NCAA Division I institution in the State of Florida. This senior certainly has a bright future ahead of him.

Again, I congratulate the Archbishop Hoban Knights varsity golf team, Coach Quinn Parker, senior Chris Pollack, and the entire Archbishop Hoban High School for their remarkable State championship in the Division I golf finals. They are truly what skill and dedication mean and what makes Ohio's 13th Congressional District the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment from Green as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Hurricane Helene caused serious flooding and damage across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia, which left roads underwater, basements flooded, wires down, people trapped in their cars in flooded areas, and people stranded in their homes.

Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment answered the call to assist. These brave men and women navigated through flooded North Carolina streets to assist people stranded in their homes and cars.

Ohio's 13th Congressional District is made up of champions who work hard and don't hesitate to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. The unwavering and selfless work of these service members in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a shining example of why our district is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

I thank the members of the Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment for their collaboration, bravery, and service in the aftermath of this hurricane, and for dedicating their lives each and every day to protect our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to recognize the students, staff, and teachers of Tuslaw Middle School as Ohio's

13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.

Tuslaw Middle School in Massillon was recently named as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, the only school in Stark County to receive this distinction.

Tuslaw Middle School is also one of just 356 schools across the country recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

It's clear the success of our young people depends on dedicated leaders who recognize their potential and support their educational journey, and Tuslaw is a stellar example of this.

But this was not an achievement that could be accomplished alone--the students, staff, and teachers of Tuslaw Middle School all played a role in earning this national recognition.

So congratulations again to everyone at Tuslaw Middle School on this incredible national honor, and I look forward to seeing how they continue this success in the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the longtime North Canton Hoover High School softball coach, Jerry Goodpasture.

After a long and successful tenure at the helm of the Hoover Vikings, Coach Goodpasture announced his retirement last week.

Starting as the team's pitching coach over two decades ago, Coach Goodpasture helped Hoover win its first two State titles in 1998 and 1999 before taking over as head coach in 2005. He then led Hoover to not one, not two, not three, four, or five, but six Division 1 State championships, including four State championships from 2011 to 2014.

Coach Goodpasture's coaching prowess cemented the Vikings as a softball powerhouse, and as a result of his success, he is a three-time Hall of Famer. He has been inducted into the Hoover High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Ohio Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Coach Goodpasture will be remembered not only for his impact on the young athletes he coached on the softball field but also for the students he taught in the classroom for 30 years.

As one of Stark County's most successful high school coaches of all time, Coach Goodpasture's legacy will forever live on in the Goodpasture Stadium, the Hoover High School softball field named in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Jerry Goodpasture on his incredible coaching and teaching career. I know the entire Hoover community is grateful for his years of dedication, and he will be greatly missed this upcoming softball season. I wish him the best of luck in his new chapter, and I thank him for making Ohio's 13th District the Birthplace of Champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Detective Matthew King of the North Canton Police Department as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Detective King was recognized by his peers as the Police Officer of the year for the North Canton Police Department. King has been a police officer since 2018, and has been with the North Canton Police Department since 2019.

In 2021, Officer King was promoted to Detective King when he graduated as the Valedictorian of his Drug Recognition Expert Class, earning a 99.14 percent grade point average.

He is also a member of the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit and the OVI Task Force.

This honor is not Detective King's first award. In 2021, he was awarded the Stark County Traffic Office of the Year. Detective King has been a model police officer for many years.

Once again, I'd like to congratulate Detective Matthew King on this distinction, and thank him for his tireless public service to North Canton. He is a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to recognize The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

On August 7th, on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Bluecoats nearly achieved a perfect routine, scoring a 98.75 out of 100 to win the second world championship in their corps' history. This current win comes on the heels of them holding second place in the championships in 2022 and 2023.

The Drum Corps International World Championships was the grand finale for the Bluecoats' busy summer. The championship was the last show after a string of 17 competitive shows and 21 performances on its 8,000-mile national tour.

The Bluecoats are a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Once again, I'd like to congratulate the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps for bringing this World Championship home. We are so proud of your hard work and incredible talent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region.

This Saturday, the Great Lakes Region will celebrate its centennial anniversary. For 100 years, our region has risen to the call to serve all mankind in our communities across five States; Michigan, Ohio, western New York, western Pennsylvania, and western Virginia with 97 graduate and undergraduate chapters, all united in a common cause to serve our communities and to serve all mankind.

The Great Lakes Region is home to over 7,000 accomplished, intelligent, dedicated, and service-oriented members, including the members of my own chapter, Zeta Theta Omega.

I am honored to recognize the work this region has done and continues to do for the people of the Great Lakes Region each and every day, united in our sisterhood's mission.

We represent a variety of occupations and disciplines, but we come together because we are truly greater together.

We always dedicate our work to the things that are worthwhile, and we always do it with a smile. Together, we are making a real difference in our communities, and I am so proud to be a part of this powerful sisterhood.

Finally, I specifically recognize Gwendolyn Kirtley, the Great Lakes regional director, for her leadership, and the many regional directors of the past who have made the great Great Lakes Region soar and thrive.

We are thankful for their commitment to our sisterhood and to their service as we celebrate our last 100 years and prepare for 100 more.

Once again, congratulations to all of the members of the great Great Lakes Region as we celebrate our centennial.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and mourn the loss of Reverend Dr. Bob Denton, a true advocate and champion for the most vulnerable in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Throughout his life, Reverend Denton held many titles. He was an ordained minister, police academy graduate, police chaplain, Ph.D. sociologist, adjunct professor at the University of Akron, and, what he is best known for, the founder of the Victim Assistance Program in Akron.

For over 40 years, Reverend Denton served the program he founded as the executive director, a program that was the first victim assistance agency in Ohio and a pioneer in the national victim assistance advocacy movement, which led to the changes in State and Federal laws to help victims across this country. His leadership in this space was deeply respected across our Nation, as Reverend Denton served as the first president of the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

Without a doubt, Reverend Denton left a mark on Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the State of Ohio, and this country.

Though his presence will be missed, his memory will live on through those he advocated for and the family and friends he so deeply loved. Thus, with deepest sympathy, I pay tribute to a truly phenomenal individual, Reverend Dr. Bob Denton.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Danee Pinckney, an English teacher at Twinsburg High School, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Danee was recognized by the State Board of Education as Ohio Teacher of the Year for various accomplishments in the classroom, such as the creation of an advanced course on African-American literature and addressing a need for representation sought by both students and community members. Using literature as the anchor, Danee also works to encourage students' engagement in community service and activism projects.

However, it comes as no surprise that this honor is not Danee's first award. In 2023, she was named the Twinsburg City Schools Teacher of the Year and was a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation finalist for master teacher.

Danee represents the very best of what every educator should aspire to be, as she has a true passion for bettering our entire community through her work and the lessons she teaches her students.

I am grateful for Danee's tireless dedication to Twinsburg's students. She is a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th District is known as the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Sierjie Lash as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Lash is a trailblazing Akron firefighter, who has recently been promoted to district chief. Lash will be the first woman in the near 200-year history of the Akron Fire Department to hold this position.

In her 21-year career with the department, she is not a stranger to firsts. In 2022, she was promoted to captain, becoming the first woman to hold that rank in the department.

Lash's ascent to district chief position is a testament to over two decades of unwavering dedication to excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.

At fist, Lash was hesitant to join the Akron Fire Department. However, her peers continued to encourage her to apply. Lash joined the department with the expectation that she would focus on being the best paramedic she could be.

To her surprise, she learned that Akron Fire Department employees are expected to be trained as both a paramedic and a firefighter. Lash went through the fire academy as the only woman in her class. Throughout the next few years, she fell in love with the job.

As Lash has risen through the ranks, she has seen the number of female firefighters grow from just 6 women to 32. Her career and new title as district chief unequivocally demonstrates that firefighting is a profession for women as much as it is for men.

Lash acts as a mentor and advocate for women in the department. She encourages other women to seek out leadership training and run for leadership positions.

Lash's historic career and unwavering commitment to excellence exemplify the very spirit that makes OH 13 the Birthplace of Champions.

I thank District Chief Sierjie Lash, for her dedication to her field and the amazing work she does. We are so proud of her.

Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Lorna Kearney of Akron as Ohio 13's Champion of the Week.

Lorna recently made history at 66 years old when she became the oldest player to play in the American Women's Football League for her team, the Detroit Prowl.

Lorna has always had a love for sports, and her passion for football led to her interest in joining the American Women's Football League.

Unfortunately, the year she was supposed to start playing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

However, Lorna fought hard and won her battle with cancer, and this year, she played her first game.

Lorna's dedication is an inspiration, not just to her family and teammates, but to everyone in our community.

Lorna's dedication to tackle adversity on and off the field is a shining example of the spirit that makes Ohio's 13th Congressional District the Birthplace of Champions.

I congratulate Lorna Kearney, for making history and demonstrating it's never too late to do the things you love.