Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the birthday of a very important fixture of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the country, and the world: the Goodyear Blimp. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural flight of the first Goodyear blimp, known as Pilgrim.

The Goodyear Blimp is a cultural icon, creating a memorable and recognizable connection between Akron, Ohio, the United States, and the entire world, bringing smiles to many people, including those here in this Chamber.

Over the last 100 years, the blimp has helped fight in World War II, assisted first responders with disaster relief, and, perhaps its most well-known role, covering important sporting events. This includes this year's Rose Bowl game, which marked the 70th year of aerial coverage from the Goodyear Blimp, and I might add, it was a win by The Ohio State University.

I congratulate Goodyear on this historic milestone and, most importantly, for lighting the skies with the hope and wonder of American ingenuity.

We look forward to the skies being graced by the Goodyear Blimp for years to come, bringing pride to Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Godspeed, Goodyear.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Christopher Brooks as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champion of the week.

Christopher is a senior AP art student at Canton McKinley High School. This year, he was awarded a Gold Key, two Silver Keys, and an honorable mention in the regional scholastic art competition.

Christopher's beginnings in art started in kindergarten, where he used his creative skills to make unique constructions out of LEGO blocks. Fast-forward to high school, and he has taken his passion for art to the next level by creating beautiful color pencil works and oil paintings.

Christopher's work that earned him a Gold Key will now be considered for a national award.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Christopher on this fantastic accomplishment, and wish him good luck as he moves on to represent our region on the national stage. He is a shining example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize William Arrowood from Akron as Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week.

I am thrilled to announce that William is the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winner for our district. His app, titled: ``How to Beat Bezos,'' is an innovative stock market simulator game that educates players on the nuances of buying and selling stocks for profit.

It is inspiring to see how William, a freshman at the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School, combined his interest in the stock market with his passion and skill in computer science to create a fun and engaging tool that can benefit people of all ages.

As the winner of our district's Congressional App Challenge, William's app will be proudly displayed in the Capitol, where visitors from across the country and the world can appreciate his innovation and creativity.

I congratulate William again on being the winner of the Congressional App Challenge and this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th District.

I thank all the students who submitted apps this year. I look forward to seeing what William and our other talented students across the district create next year and for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Grace Nuhfer as Ohio's 13th Congressiona] District Champion of the Week.

This summer, Grace won a silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. She also set personal bests in multiple events, including the 200 meter individual medley, 50 meter freestyle, and 100 meter backstroke.

Despite being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and brittle cornea syndrome, conditions that impact her joints and vision, Grace has not allowed these physical challenges to hinder her success in athletics and academics. Her drive to succeed is commendable. Grace has much to be proud of and deserves the utmost respect for her accomplishment.

Grace earned her spot in the 2024 Paralympic Games by taking flrst place in the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. Paralyrnpic Swimming Trials. Additionally, her exceptional performances at the Parapan American Games and the U.S. Paralympic National Championships leading up to the 2024 Paralympics established her as one of the top swimmers in her classification.

Grace is not only a renowned Paralympic swimmer, but also a college senior at the University of Akron, studying data analytics with a focus on marketing. She is on the university's swim team and is the school's first Paralympian.

Again, I would like to congratulate Grace on this amazing accomplishment and commend her for her hard work and dedication, it is those like Grace who make Ohio's 13th District the birthplace of champions.

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

Moniquec is a trailblazing civil rights activist. She was recently recognized with a Humanitarian Stone Award from the National Action Network, an organization dedicated to advancing civil rights issues.

This award reflects the years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that she has invested in our community and fighting for the advancement of civil rights. Her commitment has remained steadfast--the hallmark of concerned and responsible citizenship.

Moniquec is currently the chair of the Ohio Women in the NAACP, and in 1999, she revitalized the Stark County branch of the NAACP, serving as its president in 2000.

In addition to her work for the NAACP, she is also the interim president of the National Action Network chapter that serves Stark and Summit counties.

As she has throughout her remarkable career, Moniquec continues to focus on issues such as police accountability, voting rights, corporate responsibility, pension diversity, youth leadership, crisis intake, victim assistance, and bridging the digital divide.

I would like to thank Moniquec for her dedication to fighting for change, and the amazing

work she does on behalf of the community. As a woman in a position of influence, she has certainly inspired the next generation of leaders to stand strong in their convictions and fight for justice.

Moniquec's unwavering championing of civil rights exemplifies the very spirit that makes Ohio's 13th Congressional District the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' With this national recognition, she has certainly made our community proud.