Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis Fire Department for the historic assembly of their first all-Native fire crew.

Manned by Captain Michael Graves, fire motor operator Jessie Strong, and firefighters Johnny Crow and Bobby Headbird, the new crew operates Engine 10 out of Fire House Number 6 in Minneapolis.

The four firefighters share one goal: to build trust between the department and the communities it serves.

Beyond responding to fire and emergency medical calls across south Minneapolis, the crew makes a diligent effort to attend community events and ensure young kids see their identities represented in public service.

I am incredibly grateful for the work they do to keep our city safe and inspire future generations to give back to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Carin Mrotz over the past two decades, for the betterment of our community. For several years, she played integral roles at Jewish Community Action, a nonprofit that organizes the Jewish community in Minnesota, who work in equal partnership with other marginalized communities for racial justice, economic justice, housing reform, and gender equity.

Since 2004, Carin has been a relentless advocate for social justice. During her time at JCA, she acted as a community organizer, operations and communications director, and eventually became the Executive Director in 2017, only accelerating the momentum of the work to which she has long been committed. In 2023, she joined Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's staff as a Senior Policy Advisor, where she remains dedicated to improving the lives of everyone throughout the state.

In addition, Ms. Mrotz has also served as a trainer, college instructor, a Minneapolis Complete Census Count Committee member, and too many other roles to list. She does all of this while also caring for her husband and two children, still finding time to perform Punk Rock Karaoke at the legendary watering hole Palmers, which sadly closed this year.

We are all fortunate to have Carin as part of our community and I am grateful to have known her as long as I have. If it hadn't been a dare that brought Carin to Minnesota in 1997, we would not have benefited from her years of community service. Let us take this moment to recognize and celebrate Carin's work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations and to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of Ann Hanna Walsh, beloved wife of the late, great Jerry Walsh, and beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and matriarch of the notorious Walsh clan of South Minneapolis, who has been a lifelong proponent of social justice, women's liberation, and equal rights for all.

Her children will lovingly recount the time in the early 1970's when Ann, a feminist from the start, planted a sign that read ``White Racism Must Go'' in the front yard of the family home. That righteous fire still burns in her today.

A 1948 graduate of Washburn High School, Arm married Jerry in 1953. The couple moved to Evanston, Illinois and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and back to Minneapolis where they raised six children, all of whom took the life lessons learned from their parents out into the world. In midlife, Ann joined her current community of The Church of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, and became a successful insurance agent, which allowed for annual family reunions at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.

An avid reader, Ann also melded her love of bridge and golf with her close friend group THE GABS, and, as a music lover, the Belfast Cowboys' summer concert at Lake Harriet was one of her favorite days of the year.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ann Hanna Walsh and her remarkable achievement of 95 years worth of family, community, values, and faith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the establishment of the first Native-American Firefighting crew in Minnesota. This is a monumental achievement for both the City of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota, pushing boundaries to highlight our historically underrepresented Native American communities, and inspiring members of those communities to become first responders.

The team consists of firefighters Johnny Crow of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Bobby Headbird of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, fire motor operator Jesse Strong of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and Captain Micheal Graves of the Red Lake Nation formed at Fire Station 6 in downtown Minneapolis, working on Engine 10 as emergency responders.

They stated that the formation of their team was an intentional effort to build trust between the department and the communities they were serving. Since the team formed earlier this year, they have received positive reception from many different community members ranging from schoolchildren, who tell them they are motivated to become first responders because of the team, to unhoused Natives who felt reassured seeing people of similar backgrounds responding to their issues.

This team signifies the importance of inclusivity in creating meaningful connections with the citizens we represent. I appreciate these individuals for choosing to represent their own communities in public service. Please join me in celebrating their work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner for over 30 years of selfless, heroic, and dedicated service to our city.

Serving as the second Black chief in the department's history, Fire Chief Tyner led Minneapolis Fire through some of the city's most significant public safety challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to advocate for the department's health and safety initiatives, improve operations, and promote inclusion within the ranks. At the end of this year, the chief will be transitioning into a new role, continuing his devoted service to our city as executive director of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center.

It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated public servant, and I am incredibly grateful for his work keeping our community safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis American Indian Center and to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Minneapolis American Indian Center has carried out its mission of celebrating and uplifting Native culture through a wide range of programs and services that preserve important traditions.

The center creates pathways for opportunity for over 35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the metro area.

I am proud that my office was able to secure $3 million in Federal funding to support their renovation and expansion. The center stands as a powerful example of resilience and the enduring strength of the Native community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American Indian Center's 50 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis American Indian Center on its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors on Franklin Avenue in 1975, the Center has been a cornerstone of support, empowerment, and cultural preservation for the more than 35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

Guided by strong Native values, the Minneapolis American Indian Center has carried out its mission through a wide range of programs and services that preserve cultural traditions and create pathways for opportunity. Its youth, elder, and intergenerational programs provide stability, encourage academic achievement, improve health and wellness, and help break the cycle of generational poverty. Importantly, all programs and services are provided at no cost to participants, ensuring equitable access to resources.

Over the past five decades, the Center has developed and expanded initiatives that address the holistic needs of community members. Programs such as Family Services, Youth Services, the Culture Language Arts Network, Native Fitness and Nutrition, and more all reflect the Center's broad impact. The Family Stability Program, for example, provides case management, financial aid, and critical connections to prevent families from entering the child protection system. Meanwhile, the Native Fitness and Nutrition Program successfully promotes physical activity and healthy nutrition among Native families by providing free gym and fitness center space and exercise and sport activities.

The Minneapolis American Indian Center has also made significant contributions to arts and culture. The renovated facility includes expanded gallery and studio spaces, language classes, dance, and film festivals. The Two Rivers Gallery nurtures emerging Native artists by offering exhibition opportunities, creativity support, and professional development. Through the Boys & Girls Club of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, Native youth are empowered with culturally relevant opportunities to grow, lead, dream, and realize their full potential.

I am proud that my office was able to secure $3 million in federal funding to support the renovation and expansion of the Minneapolis American Indian Center. These investments have created new health and wellness facilities, strengthened youth programming, and ensured that this vital institution will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American Indian Center's 50 years of service. Its tireless work has strengthened families and enriched cultural traditions across Minnesota. The Center stands as a powerful example of resilience, community, and the enduring strength of Native nations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dillon Maxwell Christopher, a dedicated member of my team for the last two years. Since August 2023, Dillon has loyally served the constituents of Minnesots's 5th Congressional District.

Dillon was born and raised in the great city of Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Ballard High School in 2010, he spent an impressive decade traveling across the country as a musician, singing and playing with numerous bands before going to college in 2017. Dillon graduated from the University of Maryland in 2022 with a degree in political science and during that time, interned for Delegate Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk at the Maryland House of Delegates. His passion for politics ushered him into pursuing a career on Capitol Hill, where he diligently worked under Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Haley Stevens (D-MI). Dillon later joined my office before returning to the Senate to serve as the Operations Assistant to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

As the only Special Assistant & Driver in my office, Dillon embraced his role with sincere dutifulness, patience, and humility. He joined our team during one of those many stretches where everything seemed to happen at once, from late night travel to late night votes, and somehow made it all look easy. To work in a congressional office, one must be adaptable, resourceful, and unflinching in their actions and responsibilities. Dillon demonstrated all of those qualities. In his role as Special Assistant & Driver and as the Office Emergency Coordinator, I entrusted Dillon with my office's and my safety and security requirements daily, and he never failed to ensure our protection. He delivered hundreds of correspondences to my colleagues in Congress and constituents, proudly embodying our 5th District progressive values in both Washington and Minnesota.

Outside the office, Dillon is deeply rooted in his community and in D.C.'s arts scene. He is the lead singer of a new band, named, appropriately, Dillon Maxwell, and can often be found playing at PorchFest or supporting local music venues. When he is not performing, he's working in neighborhood restaurants, continuing the same ethics of service and generosity that define his work and perspective on Capitol Hill. Dillon's commitment to public service and democratic values is clear--it can be felt in everything he does and how he carries himself everyday as a tireless public servant, a good neighbor, and a loving husband and son (and father to many furry friends).

During his two years of service in our office, Dillon has become an integral part of our team. He lights up every room with his good- natured humor and witty personality. He has brought levity to long days and authenticity and warmth that kept morale high even during the most chaotic times. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Dillon, and I am confident he will drive forth our shared goals of making out country a better place for all wherever he goes.

On behalf of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking Dillon for his service. His contributions to my office and the constituents of the 5th District will forever be remembered. It was an honor to work with Dillon in the office, and he will be dearly missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors as he takes his efforts and skills to the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, I rise today to speak about the sweeping set of proposals from Trump's Department of Labor that threatens worker safety, fair pay, and basic protections for millions of Americans.

The Department is moving to rewrite or repeal more than 60 workplace regulations. Let me say that again: 60 workplace regulations. It will affect conditions in farms, factories, construction sites, and mines.

These changes are being framed as modernization. In reality, they put workers at greater risk and undermine decades of hard-won labor protections.

Among the most far-reaching proposals is the narrowing of OSHA's general duty clause, one of the most important tools protecting workers when no specific safety standard exists. For more than 50 years, the general duty clause has allowed OSHA to step in when employers expose workers to recognized hazards that are serious, preventable, and likely to cause harm.

Under the Trump administration's labor proposal, OSHA will no longer be able to cite employers for hazardous conditions intrinsic to a job. That could leave construction workers, factory workers, farmworkers, and others in high-risk professions with fewer protections and less accountability when something goes wrong.

The administration's rollbacks go well beyond the general duty clause. Millions of home healthcare workers could be paid below minimum wage and denied overtime protections, leaving them vulnerable to long hours and financial insecurity.

Migrant farmworkers could lose critical safeguards, including seatbelt requirements on employer-provided transportation and protections against retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions.

Construction workers could see basic requirements for adequate lighting eliminated.

Miners could lose critical oversight on ventilation, roof safety, and training.

Even respiratory and chemical safety standards in hazardous workplaces are being rolled back.

These changes represent a fundamental shift in priorities, putting corporate convenience over worker safety. Eliminating all of these rules is a clear signal from the Trump administration that they view workers' lives as expendable.

When protections for the most vulnerable workers are stripped away, the consequences will be severe and immediate.

American workers are not disposable. They deserve workplaces that are safe, fair, and accountable. They deserve the dignity of protection that ensures that they can return home from work alive and uninjured.

Congress must reject efforts that roll back the clock on worker safety and labor rights.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative LaMonica McIver for hosting tonight and for her leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna Minter from Minneapolis for her extraordinary feat of completing the Grammy Climate Ride. Inspired by her love for her grandchildren and a vision for a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations, Donna spent 64 days traveling 3,000 miles by bicycle to raise awareness and support for climate justice.

From California to Florida, Donna struck up conversations with those whom she met along the way to raise the alarm on the climate crisis. Through this year's ride, Donna raised $25,000 for various Minnesota- based climate nonprofits.

Please join me in celebrating the extraordinary achievement and spirit of Donna Minter and her strength and preservation that made this possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the Trump administration's reckless and illegal escalation in the Caribbean.

More than a week after the attack, we have not gotten any clarity whatsoever on the legal authority they relied on to conduct the strike.

Let me be clear: There is no conceivable legal justification. It was not self-defense, and it was not authorized by Congress.

That is why I am introducing a resolution to terminate hostilities against Venezuela and against the transnational criminal organizations that the administration has designated as terrorists this year.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, regardless of their party or ideology, to join me in this effort. All of us should agree that the separation of powers is crucial to our democracy and that Congress has to fight for its own power.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wadaag Commons Project in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. ``Wadaag'' is the Somali word for ``sharing,'' and this principle is reflected in the design of this building. The project, constructed and owned in partnership with the BIPOC and woman-owned developer Nawal Noor, was planned and crafted in close collaboration with the community. Getting input from those whose lives are most impacted by this development was central to the vision that shaped its final form.

The Wadaag Commons Project is the sixth and final phase of the Seward Commons redevelopment effort, which has transformed the neighborhood from a desolate industrial park into a high-density, transit-oriented housing and commercial area serving diverse incomes. I was proud to secure $1.8 million in federal Community Project Funding to help facilitate the success of this crucial endeavor.

Beyond its value to the surrounding community, this project is invaluable to those who will call it home. Wadaag Commons provides affordable housing to large families and those experiencing homelessness. The 39 new units include homes with income-based pricing and

Section 8 voucher commitments to address the burden of rising rent. Several other units have more than two bedrooms to meet the needs of multigenerational households, which has been an option long missing from the local housing landscape.

One of the most notable features of this project is the inclusion of indoor and outdoor play areas for children, facilities that are too often overlooked in affordable housing developments. Alongside these play spaces are private entrances, accessible layouts, and culturally relevant design elements all chosen to support daily life, connection, and communal care.

Please join me in recognizing the residents, advocates, and partners who made Wadaag Commons possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) for their grand opening of the newly renovated Robin property. Formerly the Robin Hotel, MACV has transformed the century-old property into 14 units of safe, stable housing for Veterans working to rebuild their lives.

I am immensely proud to have secured $750,000 in Community Project Funding to support this endeavor. The Robin offers flexible housing options, ranging from transitional stays to long-term accommodation. The project is committed to providing equitable access to transportation and is thus located along the Metro Transit line to ensure easy and reliable access to community services.

For decades MACV has been unwavering in their commitment to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. This project is only one example of the way their work and collaboration can change lives. I want to extend my deep appreciation to Hennepin County, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the many community organizations that helped make this project possible.

At a time when VA benefits and the workers who serve our veterans are under attack, I am honored to work alongside MACV to support those who have served our country. Please join me in recognizing the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans for their outstanding efforts and in expressing our deepest gratitude to all of those who contributed to this incredible project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary leadership, dedication, and impact of Habon Abdulle. Her incredible and tireless work has empowered new Americans, including many women of color. I wish to specifically honor Ms. Habon Abdulle on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Ayada Leads.

In Somali, ``ayada'' means ``she.'' True to its name, Ayada Leads is committed to strengthening our democracy and civic participation by advancing women's leadership and highlighting women empowerment as integral to transformative change.

For years, Habon has been a driving force for gender equity, civic engagement, and leadership. Through her unwavering commitment, she has empowered women across various ages, states, and cultures to embrace their leadership potential. As the founder of Ayada Leads, originally known as Women Organizing Women, I know firsthand how committed Habon is to empowering women and guiding them to become strong leaders here in Minnesota and across the country.

Habon has been a trailblazer for civic engagement for more than 25 years. She is a renowned scholar in gender and politics, holding two master's degrees and a Ph.D. She has also conducted research on the cultural and structural barriers against minority women in political spheres. Habon is no stranger to the challenges women experience in our community. But nevertheless, she continues to guide and educate women to develop their full leadership potential and is a source of inspiration for so many.

I have personally witnessed Habon's devotion and commitment to this work. A friend for many years, she also served as my mentor. She helped me harness my drive and ambition and encouraged me to do everything I could to support my community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Habon Abdulle's incredible contributions to our community, political education and leadership. Her work is a constant reminder of the importance of strengthening our democracy by empowering women.

Today, we honor two beautiful souls. An 8 year old and 10 year old lost their lives to senseless gun violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last week.

My heart is shattered for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. The horror that children, educators, and parishioners went through while they were praying should not have happened.

I am incredibly grateful to our brave first responders who saved countless lives by their heroism and swift action.

As our Minneapolis community continues to grieve, we must stand united to prevent another tragedy from occurring ever again.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence.