Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend yesterday's vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 514, and YEA on Roll Call No. 515.

Mr. Speaker, while extremists threaten to shut down the government if they don't receive reckless cuts to vital programs that families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District rely on, like Social Security, K-12 education, and nutrition assistance, I am committed to funding the government and keeping these critical services running.

My constituents are worried about how they will pay their bills or put food on the table if the government shuts down. That is why I introduced two bills last week, the Pay Our Military Act and the Feed Our Families Act. Both put people over politics to protect Americans' livelihoods in the case of a government shutdown.

The bipartisan Pay Our Military Act would ensure our servicemembers, people who sacrifice every day to keep our country safe, aren't forced to serve without pay.

The Feed Our Families Act would ensure no family who relies on SNAP benefits goes hungry throughout the shutdown.

House Republicans can easily prevent a government shutdown by simply upholding their end of the bipartisan budget agreement, but if they won't, I remain committed to Ohio's 13th Congressional District and our country.

It is time to stop the political games. Put the American people first and fund our government. In the event that extremists won't--which it seems like they won't, based on the shenanigans and utter foolishness of today--I encourage my colleagues to support and bring to the floor the Pay Our Military Act and the Feed Our Families Act.

Mr. Speaker, we have just 16 days to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown; just 16 days to prevent a completely unnecessary shutdown and manufactured crisis that will be devastating for the people, families, and communities of Ohio's 13th Congressional District and Americans.

These disruptions would interrupt critical government services, hurting small businesses, and even forcing our troops to go without pay and benefits.

Thousands of Federal workers and contractors who do vital work throughout the country would not be able to do their jobs, creating a lose-lose scenario where the public misses out on essential government services and a lower quality of life.

Instead of governing, what has the majority decided to do? Focus on partisan games meant to distract and divide our country. It is reckless, irresponsible, and a complete failure of leadership.

People in Ohio's 13th District are tired of partisan politics. They sent me to Congress to put people over politics, to lower costs, grow the middle class, keep our community safe, and protect our fundamental freedoms. I am committed to passing a budget that invests in the people and communities of Ohio's 13th District, not extreme politics.

It is time to stop the political games, honor the bipartisan budget agreement Congress already passed, and avoid a government shutdown. The American people are counting on us to get this done. We cannot let them down.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Larry Terkel from Hudson as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Larry recently competed at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, bringing home an impressive seven gold medals. Held every 2 years, the National Senior Games brings athletes over the age of 50 from around the country to compete in all sports.

At the age of 76, Mr. Terkel won individual gold medals in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, and the 50- yard butterfly. He also won two gold medals in the 4-by-50 mixed medley relay and the 4-by-50 mixed freestyle relay.

While expanding our community's longstanding legacy as the birthplace of champions this year, he also continues to hold the nationwide records for the 50- and 100-yard freestyle at the Senior Games and is a U.S. Masters Swimming national champion.

When he is not in the pool, Mr. Terkel is a professor at Kent State University and a YouTube yoga sensation. Mr. Terkel is proof that no matter your age, your physical condition can be optimal, and you should never count anyone out.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Larry Terkel on earning seven gold medals and representing Ohio's 13th Congressional District. He has made us all proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic labor deal reached between the Teamsters and UPS. This is a monumental achievement for organized labor, underscoring the power of unions that make up the backbone of our economy and our democracy.

I would especially like to recognize Teamsters Local 348, which represents UPS workers in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

These hardworking, dedicated union members were on the front lines throughout the entire pandemic, keeping our country running by consistently delivering essential supplies, food, and medicine to communities

across our district, as well as throughout the country.

This historic contract acknowledges their hard work and sacrifices and raises the bar for all workers in all industries.

I was proud to join my Labor Caucus colleagues last week in sending a bipartisan letter reaffirming my constituents' right to collectively bargain, and I will always stand with workers to support higher wages, safer working conditions, and better benefits.

Congratulations, again, to the 340,000 Teamsters at UPS, and I thank them for their dedication to setting a new standard for workers across the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jayla Atkinson, a junior from Stow-Munroe Falls City High School as the champion of the week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Jayla recently won the Division I State title in the 800-meter race with a winning time of 2 minutes 10.74 seconds.

Jayla's win highlights the importance of perseverance and the will to win because last year, Jayla finished second in the 800-meter State meet, but she did not quit.

After a year of training, hard work, and dedication, Jayla came back stronger than ever, bringing the Division I State title back to Ohio's 13th District.

Jayla is truly an exceptional athlete, and her achievements made her family, teammates, coaches, and community proud.

Madam Speaker, once again, I congratulate Jayla Atkinson on her Division I State title and wish her the best of luck in her future competitions. I thank her for making the birthplace of champions proud.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, more commonly known as the FAA authorization.

My home State of Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation, and H.R. 3935 will ensure Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be a pioneer in the aviation and aerospace industry.

H.R. 3935 invests billions into airports large and small, including Akron-Canton Airport in my district and the Kent State University Airport in my district, to keep our skies safe and to make our aviation infrastructure cleaner and greener.

Notably, this bill includes important provisions that I supported for advancement of a remote tower program in Ohio. The remote tower program will improve traffic control for aircraft that utilize smaller airports, generating economic development and safer air spaces.

Not only that, but the Ohio remote tower program will also support the research and development of Advanced Air Mobility applications, cutting-edge technology which has the potential to change how people travel from small communities, how healthcare services can be delivered to critical areas of need, and to offer a more sustainable mode of transportation.

Finally, this legislation supports the hiring of 15 additional rail investigators. That is important to northeast Ohio. As we all know, the train derailment in East Palestine has devastated our community, but train derailments have devastated communities across the country. This amendment allows for more timely and more thoughtful accident reports being reported to Congress so that we can act accordingly.

H.R. 3935 improves the health, safety, and well-being standards of aviation, both on the ground and in the air. The bill also protects consumer rights and improves accessibility so all people in Ohio's 13th District can travel with safety and dignity.

Once again, Mr. Chair, I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Ella LeJoyce Sojourner Fowler, a devoted mother, loving wife, community leader, and an inspiring mentor. Mrs. Fowler sadly passed away on July 5 at the age of 83.

Born in Mississippi, Mrs. Fowler moved to Akron as a child. She attended Akron Public Schools and eventually graduated from John R. Buchtel High School.

Mrs. Fowler shared a passion for improving the health of our communities that was expressed through an illustrious nursing career, caring for northeast Ohioans at Barberton Citizens Hospital and City Hospital.

In 1961, Mrs. Fowler married Pastor Dr. Ronald J. Fowler, and together, they built up the Arlington Church of God. Mrs. Fowler was actively engaged in the life and work of the church, serving over the years as a member of the choir, a Sunday school teacher, a member of the medical board and diaconate board, as well as first lady for 39 years.

Mrs. Fowler's faithfulness, grace, and kindness were an inspiration to many, including myself.

I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to Dr. Ronald J. Fowler, Mrs. Fowler's loving husband, as well as her children, Cynthia, Christine, Ron, and Florence.

Mrs. Fowler has certainly left a mark on the Akron community, and her memory will continue to be lifted up in prayer.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent for votes so that I could attend the funeral of the late Congressman Tom Sawyer of Ohio. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 292, NAY on Roll Call No. 293, and NAY on Roll Call No. 294.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the hardworking volunteers of the North Canton Meals on Wheels as the Ohio 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

For the past 50 years, North Canton Meals on Wheels volunteers have served seniors and families in northeast Ohio, consistently providing hundreds of cold and hot cooked meals to those in need.

Currently led by the program director, Lucy Keenan, and the board director, Trudy Jones, this crucial organization goes beyond just providing seniors and families with healthy and nutritious meals. The approximately 60 volunteers serve our community by becoming friendly faces to older Ohioans who may feel isolated and lonely.

Combating the harmful effects of food insecurity is a priority near and dear to my heart, so I am grateful for the North Canton Meals on Wheels and what they do to ensure vulnerable seniors and families in Ohio's 13th District never have to worry about going hungry.

As inflation and rising costs continue to make food more expensive for those on fixed incomes, the service of the North Canton Meals on Wheels is more important than ever.

Once again, congratulations to North Canton Meals on Wheels on their 50th anniversary, and I thank them for all that they do to ensure our seniors and families in Ohio's 13th District can live with dignity.

Mr. Chair, I didn't come to Congress to play politics. I came here to put the needs of Ohio's 13th Congressional District first, not to vote on bogus, oppressive, extreme, barbaric, erroneous, ridiculous, time-wasting amendments like this one.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my colleagues who are choosing to play partisan games with our national security by including amendments that would strip lifesaving reproductive healthcare away from our women in uniform.

This is nothing more than the latest attempt by House Republicans to advance their extreme agenda taking us backward by punishing women and banning abortion nationwide.

As the vice chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, we just recently honored and recognized our women in uniform, but today we are dishonoring those women.

Our military was founded to protect our freedoms. Politicians should not be making healthcare decisions for any woman, but especially not for our women in uniform who serve us each and every day.

I cannot support any legislation that impedes on a woman's freedom to make decisions about her healthcare, even if it is no longer constitutionally protected.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Morgan Hallett, a rising senior from Norton High School, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Morgan recently won her second straight Division II State title in the discus, blowing out her competition with a record-breaking throw of 170 feet, 8 inches.

After putting on a brilliant athletic display, which Morgan and her dad fondly call the ``Mo Show,'' Morgan now has the longest throw in a Division II State meet and is tied for the longest throw in Division II history.

Morgan has established herself as a truly exceptional student athlete, and her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are truly outstanding.

Morgan's achievements have made her family, teammates, coaches, school, and community proud. Once again, I congratulate Morgan Hallett on her second straight Division II State title in discus and the best of luck as she reaches her third next year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winner of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, Braewyn Hammontree, an 11th grader from Woodridge High School.

Art is a powerful medium that transcends boundaries, ignites emotions, and connects us all. Braewyn's piece brilliantly showcases the artistic talent of our community. Her work focuses on urban features and architecture through structure and lighting, and she was inspired to create her congressional art competition piece after traveling to Switzerland and Germany last year.

This piece of Ohio 13 is now proudly displayed on the walls of the Capitol where visitors from across the United States and the world can see the artistic and creative talent that our community has to offer.

Braewyn's talents extend beyond just the creative arts. She is also a gifted student-athlete, playing volleyball for her high school. Her many talents are a testament to her unwavering dedication, tireless commitment, and incredible passion.

I also recognize Braewyn's parents, Christa and Michael, as well as her art teacher, Chelby Shay. This achievement would not have been possible without their unwavering support.

Mr. Speaker, once again, congratulations to Ohio 13's 2023 congressional art competition winner, Braewyn Hammontree. She has certainly made our community proud, and I look forward to seeing what she creates next.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent Ohio's 13th Congressional District, and this Pride Month I rise to recognize Queer in Canton as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

Queer in Canton was founded in 2020 by Abby Henry and Curstynn Marks, two young, dedicated, and inspiring people who saw a gap in resources available to queer people in Canton and Stark County, and they resolved to make a change.

Queer in Canton works to cultivate the LGBTQ+ community in Stark County and create a more equal community in Canton and beyond.

During the second annual Stark Pride Festival last weekend, Abby announced that after 2 years of fundraising, Queer in Canton has successfully raised the $20,000 they needed to open Stark County's first community center to support those who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies.

This community center will offer LGBTQ+ residents a safe place to call home, a space where the queer community can socialize, access resources, and have the freedom to be their authentic selves.

Once again, congratulations to Queer in Canton for this monumental achievement and for their advocacy this Pride Month and beyond. They are truly making a difference in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and making it the best place to live, work, and raise a family, no matter who you love or how you identify.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent Ohio's 13th District, the birthplace of champions.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Eunice Brinson and extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to the friends and family who knew and loved her.

Eunice was a hardworking and caring individual, who dedicated her life to the Lord. Born to Samuel and Minnie (Warthen) Fort in 1919 in Davisboro, Georgia, Eunice was also the child of Joseph Johnson. She first attended the Little Pine Hill Methodist Church in Georgia, where she sang in the choir. Eunice then went on to be a member of the United Baptist Church for over 70 years, during which time, she served on many committees, including Senior Usher Board, Mission Society, and repast Committee. At her death, she was the oldest living member at United Baptist Church.

Eunice worked for 25 years at Mechanical Industries as a Welder and Trainer until her retirement. She then decided to go back to work as a housekeeper for several families. Eunice lived a full life and in her 103 years on this earth, she enjoyed activities such as fishing, cooking, gardening, and bowling.

Eunice is preceded in death by her loving husband, JK Sr.; brothers Walter, Will, Cleveland, Remus, and Pierce; sisters Gozilla, Daisy, Annie Mae, Carrie Mae, Elizabeth, Sally, Mattie, and Susie; and several other nieces, nephews, cousins, daughters-in-law and brothers-in-law. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, JK Jr., Gregory, Anthony (Clara), William Sr. (Mike), and Connie; 22 grandchildren, 25 great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as many friends.

Though her presence is truly missed, her memory will live on through the people she influenced and the family she deeply loved. Thus, with deepest sympathy, I mourn the loss and pay tribute to a truly phenomenal individual, Eunice Brinson. May her memory be a blessing.