Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Addelynn Ferguson as

Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Addelynn is a junior from Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown, Ohio, and out of nearly 50 participants, she took home the first-place prize for this year's Congressional Art Competition in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

I had the opportunity to see Addelynn's winning piece, as shown here, and present her with the first-place prize at a community art show in Akron last week. I can truly say that her piece titled ``Lollipop'' is a captivating and creative portrait of Addelynn's beloved grandmother, Annette.

I had the pleasure of meeting Addelynn and Annette. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, she uses bright, exciting colors that showcase her grandmother's beauty and bright smile.

As the winner of our district's Congressional Art Competition, Addelynn's artwork will be proudly displayed on the walls of the Capitol where visitors from across the United States and the world can see our community's artistic and creative talent.

I personally can't wait to see Annette's smiling face each time I walk to vote on the House floor.

In addition to recognizing her exceptional artistic talent, I also thank Amy Eibel, Addelynn's art teacher at Portage Lakes Career Center.

Art teachers like Amy inspire and support young students like Addelynn each and every day, and we are grateful for their dedication and hard work in the classroom.

I congratulate, again, Addelynn on being the winner of Ohio's 13th Congressional District Art Competition and this week's Champion of the Week. I look forward to seeing what Addelynn and the other talented students in our district create next.

Mr. Speaker, we started this year on a high note.

On January 5, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, expanding Social Security for thousands of Americans whose benefits, that they earned through years of hard work, were cut because of bad policies.

The Social Security Fairness Act is estimated to result in an average increase of $360 per month for more than 2.5 million Social Security recipients, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

These are our teachers, firefighters, and other public service employees who have dedicated their careers and their lives to serving and ultimately improving their communities. At a time when people have been struggling to make ends meet, these benefits could not have come at a better time.

This was a major victory for Ohio's 13th District and all of America, one that I was proud to support as a cosponsor, then by signing the discharge petition to bring it to the House floor before finally voting on it here on behalf of the constituents that I represent.

I have heard from countless people in my community, they are thrilled that they were finally able to get the Social Security benefit that they deserve and earned. There wasn't anywhere that I could go in the community: church, the grocery store, the gym, restaurants, someone always stopped me to thank me for voting for the Social Security Fairness Act and to tell me a story of how it is going to change lives.

You can imagine my disappointment as the Social Security Administration has taken recent actions to hurt, not help, the American people, including those in Ohio's 13th. From cutting phone helplines, to requiring certain services be conducted in person, to slowing down processing times, and closing offices, the American people are not getting the service they earned from the Social Security Administration.

Now, to add insult to injury, the Trump administration is vowing to withhold the benefits of Americans as a result of mistakes made by the Social Security Administration. Instead of making the Social Security Administration work better and remain solvent, the Trump administration is accusing seniors of fraud and calling their earned benefits waste.

The fraud is an unelected billionaire, the richest man in the world, who is cutting services to low- and middle-income families. The waste is the garbage coming out of people's mouths who don't care about seniors and say things like it is just a complicated Ponzi scheme. It is abuse by the Federal Government, abuse of people who worked hard their entire lives to support themselves and paid into a system that promised to one day support them.

Our seniors rely on Social Security to pay their bills, to put food on their tables, to keep a roof over their head, and if the Social Security Administration makes a mistake, it can be addressed in time. However, our seniors can't afford to foot the bill for when they make errors. With more than 97,000 residents of my district living under the poverty line and 175,000 residents relying on Social Security, these payments are, in fact, a lifeline.

In what world is this going to improve America? In what world is taking a lifeline away from seniors improving our economy, and in what world is constantly raising and lowering the hopes of some of our most vulnerable neighbors making America great again?

I have already heard from constituents who have been contacted by the Social Security Administration who are concerned about the changes and the cuts. They have been told that 100 percent of their benefits will be withheld until overpayments were paid back in full. These overpayments were as a result of a mistake by the Social

Security Administration and not the fault of my constituents.

This means that people in my community lose their lifeline to pay for food, housing, medications, and more. This means that people in my community are suffering because of bad policy and abysmal management. Let's fix Social Security. Let's make it solvent, but let's not punish our seniors.

Changes to the Social Security Administration that prevent beneficiaries from accessing their full benefits are nothing more than backdoor benefit cuts, and I will not stand for it. I will always stand in the way of these wolf-in-sheep's-clothing policies. We already know that this is just a setup for cuts, and these changes are setups to pay for tax giveaways for the richest, the billionaires, and greedy corporations.

Mr. Speaker, I hear my colleagues say that there is a mandate, but I don't think that there is a mandate to take housing, food, and healthcare away from our seniors. I ask you and all of my colleagues who I serve with to make sure that we protect Social Security, keep it solvent, and ensure that we are protecting the benefits that they have earned for hard work over several years and decades of service.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and announce as our champion of the week North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf on his retirement after a 40-year career serving the students of North Canton as a teacher, coach, and administrator.

Since he began serving as the superintendent in 2016, North Canton has consistently been ranked as one of the top school districts not just in Stark County but throughout the State of Ohio.

Just last year, the district received a 5-star rating, the highest, on its school report card from the Ohio Department of Education for the 2023-2024 school year.

Throughout his career, Superintendent Wendorf has led by example, demonstrating perseverance, compassion, and dedication for his community, all while supporting strong public schools.

For his outstanding devotion, he earned the respect and esteem of many students and educators alike. While his character and decisive leadership will be sorely missed, I am confident that his numerous contributions will serve as an inspiration for everyone in the wake of his departure.

Congratulations again to Superintendent Jeff Wendorf on his well- deserved retirement. He is a shining example of why this community is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions,'' and I wish him many more years of happiness and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise during the first Bipartisan Women's Caucus of the year to stand in solidarity with my colleagues in this historic caucus as we continue the work to break ground on a Women's History Museum on Washington's National Mall.

I would like to thank my colleague and cochair, Representative Monica De La Cruz for organizing this Special Order hour. I would also like to thank the vice chairs of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, Janelle Bynum and Representative Nicole Malliotakis; specifically Representative Malliotakis for her leadership in transforming the National Women's History Museum from a dream into a real possibility.

Women across the country have shaped and molded this society with their contributions being an integral part of the fabric of who we are, and their efforts, our efforts, and work should be recognized.

The fact that we are here today to celebrate the possibility of a Women's History Museum is incredible. First, it is incredible because why has it taken it so long, and, second, because it is time to recognize the contributions of women in this country.

Of course, the women from Ohio who are the heart of it all will certainly be very much previewed and modelled in this museum, women like Dorothy Dandridge, Nikki Giovanni, Annie Oakley, Florence Allen, Gloria Steinem, Toni Morrison, and, of course, Ohio's 13th Judy Resnick.

The process of including people from a range of backgrounds, including women, is why this history museum dedicated to women that celebrates our achievements and condemns marginalization is not only special but very much needed.

At the founding of this country, women didn't have the same rights as men, but women worked and labored for our place in this society. We couldn't vote. We couldn't buy land, and we couldn't even open bank accounts until about 50 years ago. Societal norms dictated that women were to be devalued and minimized, and it made it easy to overlook and dismiss us.

In spite of this, women have played many important roles in our country, even though they were overlooked, undermined, and in some cases rewritten, even if we were written at all.

When we as women expect to be overlooked and dismissed, it makes it easier for us just to not try at all, not to strive and dream for more, to stay in a lane that society has set for us.

Mr. Speaker, we have so many representations of women who have decided ``no.'' Like our Vice President says, we just eat ``no'' for breakfast.

Representation matters. The fact that young girls and boys will soon be able to see the contributions of women and value those contributions will let them know that they can and should dream big.

On this final day of Women's History Month, I would be remiss if I did not address the elephant in the room. No, it is not my Republican colleagues. It is the attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Including a National Women's History Museum on The National Mall in Washington would ensure that we are including everyone--women, those with disabilities, and women of color--into our national fabric and that we are not forgetting that their contributions are important to this country. They should not be forgotten because we are a part of this country and our history.

The Women's History Museum will archive the vast achievements of women and establish Americans' commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive telling of our Nation's history so that young girls and boys from across the country and around the world continue to strive for greatness, knowing that their dreams are always possible in the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the University of Akron men's basketball team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

The Zips recently won their third Mid-American Conference Championship in 4 years when they took down the Miami RedHawks with a final score of 76-74.

Entering halftime and down 34-46, the Zips played hard the second half of the championship game, tied it up with seconds to go, and ultimately came out on top for the second year in a row.

After losing five seniors at the end of the last season, there was some uncertainty at the start of this season about how successful the Akron Zips would be. The team quickly put all doubts to rest, going into the MAC tournament as the number one seed with a record of 27-6 which included a 14-game winning streak. They even made it to the NCAA tournament.

I again congratulate the Akron Zips men's basketball team for this outstanding victory. The team is a shining example of why this community is known as the birthplace of champions. I look forward to cheering them on next season.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mr. Paul Tazewell as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week for winning an Academy Award for his costume design work in the movie ``Wicked.''

Paul's first Academy Award will join a crowded trophy case that contains an American Cinematheque Award and a British Academy Film Award, both for his costume design in ``Wicked.'' He also won Critics Choice and Costume Designers Guild Awards for his work on the film.

While this is Paul's first win at the Oscars, he was also nominated for costume design in the 2022 film adaptation of the ``West Side Story.''

Paul, a 1982 Buchtel High School graduate, proudly acknowledged during his acceptance speech that he is the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design, to a resounding crowd and a standing ovation. I don't know if he could hear us while he was up on stage, but our entire community in Akron was standing up and cheering him on when we heard his name called.

He later shared, ``I have evolved into that inspiring figure that I had been longing to emulate as a developing designer. I receive this beautiful recognition with immense pride and I dedicate it to everyone who has the dream to fly.''

Mr. Speaker, I, again, congratulate Paul Tazewell on this amazing accomplishment. He has certainly made our community proud, and he is a shining example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition of H.J. Res. 61, which would nullify an Environmental Protection Agency rule to significantly reduce the unregulated toxic chemicals from tire manufacturing facilities, facilities that my community is all too familiar with.

In 1839, Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber, revolutionizing the way that the world travels. Decades later, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company was founded and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, my hometown, in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

For many years, the city of Akron, which I proudly represent, has been nicknamed the Rubber Capital of the World due to its long history of rubber and tire manufacturing. This industry has provided decades of local jobs, economic development, and financial stability to countless families in Akron and the surrounding area.

Without rubber manufacturing, Akron would not be what it is today. In fact, Mr. Speaker, my family fled the segregated South to find jobs in these rubber factories, in the Firestone plant, and I stand here before you a proud graduate of the Harvey S. Firestone High School, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.

Yes, we are proud in the city of Akron to honor the legacy of rubber workers in my district. As the centerpiece of downtown Akron's Main Street corridor, you can find a statue of a rubber factory worker standing tall in commemoration of their contributions to our community that is 200 years old this year. Unfortunately, a generation later, we know now that the stories of far too many rubber workers and families included cancer, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses. Decades without adequate regulation of toxic emissions from these plants have taken a serious toll on the Akron community. Studies from the 1980s found increased risk of leukemia among rubber plant workers in Akron and respiratory illnesses in children nearby rubber plants. Goodyear's St. Marys, Ohio, rubber plant vented carcinogenic vinyl chloride into the environment in close proximity to a Boy Scout camp, and an Akron plant vented dust contaminated with asbestos into surrounding neighborhoods.

It should be no surprise that asthma and cancer remain challenges for my community. In 2019, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America designated Akron as an asthma capital alongside it being the rubber capital, and ranked the city 14th in the list of the top 100 most challenging places in America to live with asthma.

Thankfully, in 2024, Akron moved further down the list to 52, but we would obviously prefer not to be on that list at all. Studies have also shown that neighborhoods in southern Akron, like Summit Lake and Kenmore, continue to pose lifetime cancer risk from industrial pollution that is nearly twice the EPA's acceptable levels.

Unfortunately, everyone in Akron has a friend or a family member with a cancer story. Too often, these stories involve working in rubber or being too close to a plant.

The EPA rule that is the subject of this joint resolution estimates that compliance with the rule will cost these multimillion dollar corporations no greater than 1 percent of their annual revenue. Yes, I know that can still be a lot of money, but to argue that these costs are too great when the alternative is communities plagued with years of increased cancer and asthma, as they are in my community, is just plain insulting.

To be clear, I know the importance of the rubber industry to my community. It is the reason why I stand here today. It is, quite literally, why I get the opportunity to stand here today. I appreciate rubber workers in Akron who helped make our city the rubber capital and revolutionized the way in which we travel.

Mr. Speaker, we also built the best middle class that this country has ever seen, but we cannot repeat history and continue to expose our communities and our rubber workers to these toxic chemicals. This resolution poses a danger to the public health of our communities across the country.

Mr. Speaker, with Americans looking at a reduction in critical healthcare services from the recently passed Republican budget, including cuts to the Medicaid program that children with asthma will need to access, this resolution could not come at a worse time.

This is not hyperbole, and I hear my colleagues when they say on the other side of the aisle that this may be problematic. I ask them to hear me, standing on behalf of 786,000 people from the city of Akron, representing northeast Ohio, a great-granddaughter of a rubber factory worker, who knows what it is like to lose a friend because of cancer due to some of these toxic chemicals: I don't want the same for my colleagues' communities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask them to learn from our mistakes, and I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in opposition to this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Reverend Dr. Curtis Theodore Walker, Sr. as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week for his 50-year career in ministry.

Reverend Walker has served as a minister and pastor at multiple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Churches in New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Alabama. In 1992 he became the senior pastor at the Wesley Temple Church in Akron, which is Akron's oldest Black congregation.

Reverend Dr. Walker has been a faithful servant of God, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Beth-El AME Zion Church where he currently serves as pastor.

Not only is he serving his ministry, he serves the countless individuals and families he has pastored throughout his 50 years of service.

The understanding and compassion that he demonstrates has served to benefit not only his congregation but also society as a whole as his congregation is made up of dedicated members of our community who work to spread the Lord's message of good deeds.

Throughout his 50 years of Christian ministry, Reverend Dr. Walker has displayed a solemn commitment to the Lord which encourages all who have known him to have faith and do all things for the glory of God.

Congratulations again to Reverend Dr. Curtis Theodore Walker, Sr., on this remarkable milestone. I thank him for all he does for our community. I wish him many more years of continued success and dedication to the ministry and to our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a dedicated and true public servant, Detective Jerry Gachett, who is retiring from the Akron Police Department.

I am honored to be standing here today talking about a man who has served the Akron community so humbly for over 31 years and who I am proud to call a friend.

Jerry was born in Alabama and raised in Akron, where he graduated from the John R. Buchtell High School in 1985. He then bravely served this country in the United States Army for 4 years.

For the last 31 years, Jerry has served our community as a member of the Akron Police Department. He has worked as a hostage negotiator. He worked in the financial crimes unit. Jerry also worked for 21 years as a juvenile detective, where he investigated crimes against children.

Throughout his distinguished career, Detective Gachett has played a pivotal role of securing justice with his investigations, leading to the imprisonment of hundreds of child predators, solidifying his reputation as a champion for the community's most vulnerable.

Jerry is one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. In fact, throughout his career, he has taken the care to truly get to know the victims and survivors who he has been sworn to protect and serve.

He has been to countless basketball games, baby showers and more, to celebrate the survivors who he cares so deeply for. He even walked one of the people he supported down the aisle at her wedding. In fact, my husband and I met Jerry when we hired him to secure our wedding when MAGA protesters threatened our very precious and sacred event.

Jerry 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

protecting our community's most vulnerable.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Detective Gachett is an ordained minister and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He is also a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

No one deserves retirement more than Jerry, but I know that he won't be retiring for real, as he has been sworn into the APD Reserves. I am sure we will continue to see him serving our community in his own special way.

On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate and thank Detective Jerry Gachett on a storied career at the Akron Police Department and for over 31 years of outstanding service and devotion to our community and our country.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Khirye Tyler as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Khirye is a music producer and recently worked on the production for Beyonce's country album, ``Cowboy Carter,'' which won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys.

Khirye's story is one of commitment and dedication, and he is a living testament to the saying: ``It's not how you start but how you finish.''

Khirye grew up in foster care where he was raised by pastors who often played piano for the church. It was during this time that he developed a passion for music. His work and passion helped ``Cowboy Carter'' debut at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart in April, and he is responsible for several credits, contributing to the writing, sound design, and production, as well as providing piano, percussion, and bass instrumentals.

As a card-carrying member of the BeyHive, I was thrilled to see somebody from Ohio's 13th Congressional District make an impact on an album that some have come to adore but, more importantly, put a stamp on music history. On Facebook on February 3, he posted:

A kid from Mansfield, Ohio, won two Grammys last night.

Kind of wild to even say that. I am filled with gratitude.

Album of the Year/Best Country Album. Thank you, God, for

being God.

Congratulations again to Khirye on this fantastic accomplishment. We thank him for all that he does to inspire the next generation of musicmakers. Creative visionaries like him are a shining example of what makes

Ohio's 13th Congressional District the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Katrina Halasa, Johnna O'Neal, and Krista Galloway of the Akron Public Schools' science and health department as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.

The department recently earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation.

As one of just five organizations in the country to earn this award, this is truly an astounding achievement and one that our entire community should be proud of.

This prestigious award recognizes their dedication to shaping the future of science and technology through mentorship, helping to ensure that our incoming STEM workforce reflects the diverse talent of America.

Akron Public Schools' mission is to prepare each child for success, and as an alum of Akron Public Schools, I can attest to their ability to create successful students.

Katrina, Johnna, and Krista support this mission through the science and health department by promoting inquiry and STEM opportunities in and beyond the classroom.

Together, Katrina, Johnna, and Krista provide 60 years of combined mentoring. During Dr. Halasa's 16-year tenure, the department lowered barriers by providing STEM opportunities to over 50,000 diverse scholars. Their focus on a three-tiered approach consisting of teachers, scholars, and partners allows all levels of our community to get involved in educating and mentoring our students to success.

Ohio's 13th Congressional District has long been known for its scientific innovation, and Katrina, Johnna, and Krista are also helping to ensure this legacy for generations to come.

Again, I congratulate Katrina Halasa, Johnna O'Neal, and Krista Galloway on this fantastic accomplishment, and I thank them for all they do for our students and scholars.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Victor Vigluicci for his service as the Portage County Prosecutor, 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 Portage County and Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Eugene Mitchell as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Eugene recently earned the 2024 Lifetime Achievement award, presented by the Ohio Public Transit Association. This award honors those who have exemplified leadership and advocacy for public transit in Ohio.

Eugene has served our community as a bus driver for METRO for more than 30 years. He takes this responsibility very seriously, because he knows that when people get on his bus, their lives are in his hands.

He cares for his regular riders and takes pride in his service to his community. That pride is demonstrated by his interest in continuing to drive his bus with no plans to retire soon, even at the age of 76.

I congratulate Eugene on this award and thank him for his dedication to our community. I wish him the best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

While most people don't equate national parks with metropolitan areas and sprawling suburbs, Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proud to be the home of the Nation's most beautiful landscape, which is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

In 1974, Congress created the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as some of the land was designated as parkland, but it was with the leadership of former Congressman Ralph Regula, who slipped a few words into an appropriations bill in the year 2000, that it was ultimately signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The few words that he slipped in said that they were going to redesignate the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

In the 50 years since the park was established, staff and volunteers in our community have worked hard to renew this natural and cultural resource for generations to come.

The park is a vibrant landscape that is enjoyed by many all across the country each year. The park permanently preserves 33,000 acres of beautiful forests, portions of the Ohio & Erie Canal, and parts of the Cuyahoga River.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio's natural treasures, drawing 3 million visitors each year, making it the ninth-most visited park in America.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is unique. As I said before, it sits between the urban areas of Akron and Cleveland, but stepping into the park makes you feel like you are a world away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmland. Some of the park's trails also connect to the Buckeye Trail, which connects all four corners of our great State.

As the only national park in the State of Ohio, it offers residents and tourists alike an opportunity to reconnect with nature, boost their physical and mental health, and explore our region's rich natural history.

This anniversary would not have been possible without the dedicated community members, park staff, rangers, volunteers, and tourists who have protected, preserved, and visited this invaluable resource for over 50 years. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for all they do on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Once again, congratulations to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park community on its 50th anniversary, and I look forward to more anniversaries to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Rick Cardinal and Wendi Damm as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.

Rick and Wendi are chemistry teachers at Barberton High School, and this year, they each earned the Gene Easter Award, which recognizes science teachers who demonstrate in their classrooms the importance of science and chemistry. They earned this award for their dedication to the Explorers Post, a program designed to inspire students to explore careers in STEM fields.

Ohio's 13th Congressional District has long been known for its scientific innovation, and Rick and Wendi are ensuring this legacy for generations to come.

Congratulations once again to Rick Cardinal and Wendi Damm on this fantastic accomplishment. I thank them for all they do to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.