Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize all that made the 6th Annual Fish N' Kids Festival a fun and educational success for the young people across my district. On Saturday, June 6th, well over two hundred children and their families gathered at William Blair, Jr. Pond in South Dallas to spend the day learning how to fish, building community, and creating lasting memories.

I would like to thank Sr. Corporal Robert Serrano and the Southeast Patrol Division at the Dallas Police Department for providing safety and security during the event, and the Dallas Police Community Affairs team, especially Officer Brian Joseph, for their assistance. I would also like to recognize Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Biologist Cynthia Fox Holt and her team for their assistance, as well as the volunteers who taught the children how to cast and fish. TPWD also kindly provided the necessary equipment for children who did not already have proper fishing gear.

Another special thanks to Dallas Parks and Recreation (DPR) Board Member Daniel Wood and the DPR team for ensuring the park had the necessary amenities to accommodate visitors throughout the day.

Finally, I want to thank my District office for their hard work and dedication to the Fish N' Kids event over the last six years. As this is our last Fish N' Kids as Team Crockett, I am so appreciative of their service to the thousands of children and families in the 30th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary institution in Texas' 30th Congressional District, Friendship-West Baptist Church, as it celebrates 50 years of faithful service, transformative ministry, and community leadership. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because Friendship-West is not only a pillar of our community--it is also my home church.

Founded on June 13, 1976, by the late Reverend Robert L. Castle, Ill with just nine worshippers gathering at the Mary Lois Sweatt School of Dance on Liberty Lane, Friendship-West has grown into one of the most influential faith institutions in North Texas. For five decades, the church has served as a beacon of faith, justice, and empowerment, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to both spiritual growth and community transformation.

Under the leadership of Reverend Castle and now Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Friendship-West earned national recognition for its commitment to prophetic ministry, social justice, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. For more than forty years, Dr. Haynes led the congregation with vision, courage, and compassion, establishing Friendship-West as a leading voice on issues of faith, justice, and community empowerment: His ministry challenged people to connect faith with action and inspired generations to pursue lives rooted in service, dignity, and hope.

Friendship-West has touched countless lives through worship, discipleship, youth development programs, community partnerships,

scholarship initiatives, and advocacy efforts that address the needs of underserved communities. The church has also been a leader in confronting critical challenges facing the Dallas community. Through initiatives such as the Annual MLK Teach-In and the Food Justice Initiative, Friendship-West has promoted education, civic engagement, food access, and sustainability while empowering residents to become agents of change in their own communities.

In 2014, the Church expanded its impact by acquiring a credit union and creating pathways to financial opportunity for individuals and families often overlooked by traditional lending institutions. By providing access to responsible financial services and small-dollar loans, Friendship-West helped create opportunities for economic mobility and stability for members of the surrounding community.

The Church's ministry extends beyond Dallas. In 2003, Friendship-West formally adopted Emmanuel Baptist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, helping support the construction of a worship auditorium, daycare center, and educational facilities. This partnership reflects the church's longstanding commitment to service both locally and globally.

For fifty years, Friendship-West has strengthened families, developed leaders, uplifted communities, and inspired generations to live lives of faith and service. Its legacy is reflected not only in the lives of its members but throughout Dallas, Texas' 30th Congressional District, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Friendship-West Baptist Church as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. I congratulate its clergy, leadership, and congregation on this remarkable milestone and thank them for their enduring contributions to our community. I wish them continued success and abundant blessings in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 187; NAY on Roll Call No. 188; YEA on Roll Call No. 189; NAY on Roll Call No. 190; and NAY on Roll Call No. 191.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the volunteers and organizations who have served the constituents of the 30th congressional district of Texas as VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) center volunteers over the last four years. The team of volunteers dedicated countless hours of studying to earn certification from the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) office. Once certified, our volunteers provided free tax assistance to many underserved and low-income residents in Dallas. The over 1,600 families who were assisted saved thousands of dollars in tax preparation fees and received over $1,033,363 in issued refunds. For their work and commitment to community, I extend immense appreciation to Matthew Asiaban, Beth Byrum, Brend Casneiro, Karina Chavez, Kerry Goodwin, Michelle Jones, Yair Martinez, Elise Phillips, Robert Phillips, Mayra Pratz, Barbara Rogers, Paola Sanchez, Esther G. Smith, Maria Valenzuela, Michelle Valenzuela, Jim Wilson, Robert Williams, IRS/SPEC, Sharing Life, the Ferguson Road Initiative, LightChurch, and Lochwood Branch Library.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and bright light of Mr. Alger B. Bizor--a man whose faith was steady, whose heart was generous, and whose presence left a lasting mark on his family, his community, and all who were blessed to know him.

Mr. Bizor was born on June 27, 1944, in Crockett, Texas, to the late Terry Bizor, Sr., and Annie B. Bizor. He was raised in Tyler, the Rose Capital of Texas, in the Jones Valley community, where his foundation of faith and family first took root. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior after his family joined Sandflat Baptist Church, later baptized at Liberty Baptist Church in Tyler. His faith remained a steady guide throughout his life, and he was a devoted member of Denley Drive Baptist Church in Dallas.

Mr. Bizor attended T.J. Austin Elementary School and Emmett Scott Junior High before graduating from Emmett Scott High School with the Class of 1964. He built a life defined by honest work and quiet determination, working for companies including Sterling Faucet, General Electric, and Piggly Wiggly, later known as Minyard's Grocery Stores. Even after retirement, service remained part of who he was. As a school crossing guard, he watched over the children of his community with pride and care, greeting them day after day with a steady presence that parents trusted and children adored.

More than anything, Mr. Bizor was a family man. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he poured his love into

the people who meant the most to him. His grandchildren and great- grandchildren were truly the joy of his heart. And if you knew him, you knew that his door--and his table--were always open. He believed in lending a hand, sharing what he had, and making sure nobody around him felt alone. That was simply the kind of man he was.

Scripture reminds us in Psalm 30:5, ``Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.'' While we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for a life well lived and for the many memories that will continue to bring comfort and strength to those who loved him. Mr. Bizor leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Renee Bizor; his daughters, Sonya Renee Bizor, Wanda LaGail Wilson, and Kimberly Bizor Tolbert; his stepsons, Marvin Castle and Patrick McDonald; and his stepdaughter, Tawana Castle. He is also survived by his brothers, Charlie Bizor (Valencia) and Terry Bizor, Jr. (Emma), and his sisters, Marilyn Rainey and Evelyn Embry. He was preceded in death by his son, Martin Cokes, as well as his brother, Freddie Bizor, and sister, Sallie Mae Gossett. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, extended family members, and friends whose lives are better because he was part of them.

Mr. Bizor's legacy lives on not only in the family he raised but also in the community he helped shape through kindness, humility, and faith. His life reminds us that greatness is not always measured in titles or accolades, but in the love he gave to the people he lifted up, and the faith he carried along the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding students, faculty, and staff of DeSoto High School for their historic athletic excellence and the pride they continue to bring to our community and the State of Texas.

This past December, DeSoto High School once again demonstrated why it stands among the most elite athletic programs in Texas. The DeSoto Eagles captured the UIL Class 6A Division II State Championship, delivering a decisive victory on one of the largest stages in high school sports. This championship was not simply a win, but a continuation of a standard of excellence that DeSoto High School has built over generations.

With this title, DeSoto secured its third state football championship in four seasons, a historic accomplishment that reflects sustained dominance, discipline, and teamwork. At a time when consistency is rare, DeSoto has proven that excellence is not accidental, it is intentional.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Claude Mathis and a dedicated coaching staff, DeSoto student-athletes have shown what is possible when high expectations are matched with strong mentorship and community support. These young men excel not only on the field, but also in the classroom and throughout their community, embodying the values of hard work, accountability, and perseverance.

DeSoto High School's athletic program has long been a source of pride, producing not only elite competitors, but young leaders prepared to succeed beyond athletics. This achievement reflects the commitment of student-athletes who balance rigorous academics with demanding training schedules, as well as the coaches, educators, and families who support them every step of the way.

I congratulate the students, coaches, faculty, staff, and families of DeSoto High School on this historic achievement, and I wish the Eagles continued success in every season ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize South Oak Cliff (SOC) High School, a pillar of the South Dallas community and a place where pride, perseverance, and belief in young people run deep.

I am proud to celebrate a historic achievement by the students, educators, coaches, families, and supporters of South Oak Cliff High School. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Willie Johnson, the school has experienced a powerful transformation marked by higher academic expectations, a strong culture, and renewed community pride. That pride has been on full display through the Golden Bears football program, which has made five consecutive appearances in the Texas University Interscholastic League State Championship and captured UIL 5A Division II state titles in 2021, 2022, and 2025.

Winning three state championships is extraordinary. Doing so with consistency, resilience, and integrity is historic. After facing adversity on the biggest stage, these student-athletes stayed focused, trusted the process, and returned stronger, showing the entire state, what South Dallas football is about.

At the center of this success are the young men of South Oak Cliff High School--students who balanced academics and athletics, supported one another, and represented their community with pride. Their accomplishments reflect what is possible when students are supported, believed in, and held to high standards.

I also proudly recognize Head Football Coach Jason Todd, who led South Oak Cliff to three state championships, becoming the first African-American head football coach in Texas history to win three UIL state titles. His leadership emphasizes discipline, accountability, character, and academic responsibility, ensuring that success extends far beyond the football field.

I congratulate the students, coaches, educators, families, and all of SOC nation on this historic accomplishment. South Oak Cliff High School did not just win championships--it made history and inspired a community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Christopher ``Chris'' K. Wesley, my constituent and the Senior Pastor of Antioch Fellowship Church of Dallas. This month marks six years of dedicated leadership as pastor of this historic and impactful church--a church I am proud to represent and one that is truly on the move. These six years have been marked by servant leadership, the faithful teaching of God's Word, and a steadfast commitment to being a beacon of hope-- not only for the Antioch congregation, but for communities throughout Dallas and beyond.

Under Pastor Wesley's leadership, Antioch Fellowship Church has experienced significant growth and expanded its reach in meaningful ways. The church continues to engage new generations for Christ while remaining rooted and grounded in the strong foundation and values upon which Antioch was built.

Pastor Chris is not only a preacher, but also a gifted worship leader, singer, and songwriter. He leads Chris Wesley and Undignified Praise, a collective of young adults who have served as featured artists at events nationwide. Their debut album, Redeemed, was released in 2012, followed by Encounter in November 2019. The group has received numerous nominations and honors, including KHVN's Home Grown Gospel Honors and the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards as Group of the Year. In 2022, they received Ensemble of the Year at the Avidity Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. Their third project, 8:28: Live in Dallas, was released in January 2023 and features the single ``'Til It's Good,'' written by Pastor Wesley. Their most recent live recording, 14:14, inspired by Exodus 14:14, was released in 2025.

In addition to his leadership at Antioch and Undignified Praise, Pastor Chris serves as Director of EMERGE, the Next Generation Department of the National Baptist Convention of America, Incorporated, under the leadership of Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert. He also serves in various community leadership and service roles, including work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and other organizations committed to faith, advocacy, and civic engagement.

At the age of 15, Pastor Chris accepted his call to the preaching ministry and delivered his first sermon. Since that time, he has ministered through preaching and song across the country. Known for his passionate delivery and his ability to interpret Scripture in ways that are both accessible and applicable, he has a deep love for teaching the Word of God to people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, Pastor Chris has committed his life not only to serving within the walls of Antioch Fellowship Church, but also to standing up for those without a voice and advocating for justice, faith, and community uplift.

Again, I extend my sincere congratulations to Pastor Christopher K. Wesley on six years of faithful leadership. I thank him for continued service to our community and his unwavering commitment to teaching God's Word. I know

that the best is yet to come, and I look forward to witnessing his continued impact and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with immense pride to celebrate two exceptional football teams from Texas' very own 30th Congressional District for their championship wins this season. They are South Oak Cliff High School and DeSoto High School.

This win comes as no surprise to those of us who call the district home. These young men showed up, put in the work, and, once again, proved that if we are looking for champions, all eyes should be on Texas-30.

I am proud of each of these students' commitment, as well as every faculty member and parent who supported them along the way. Their dedication, commitment, and passion made these wins possible.

I anticipate celebrating the many successes yet to come. Celebrate big, keep striving for greatness, and continue standing out.

Go Bears and go Eagles.

Mr. Speaker, I will not yield back. I will say something real quick about this ICE situation.

The reason we have a mess as it relates to ICE has nothing to do with President Biden. We need to accept responsibility for what is going on, and it is the mess of this administration.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 333 and NAY on Roll Call No. 334.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 310; NAY on Roll Call No. 311; and NAY on Roll Call No. 312.

Mr. Speaker, this is a distraction to take away from the fact that the guardians of pedophiles is literally trying to protect pedophiles. The President is a convicted felon and an accused sex offender.

Stacey Plaskett hasn't been accused of either.

What are we actually here talking about? Trump and Epstein were besties. We have all seen the pictures of them. We saw the birthday book. So why are y'all more interested in talking about Stacey Plaskett than Trump's relationship with the man?

When did y'all become so moral? I can remember when y'all wouldn't sign the discharge petition. All of a sudden, everybody wanted to vote for this, but you wouldn't sign the discharge petition.

Until we decide that we are going to go after the actual rapists and pedophiles, miss me with your moral high ground.

Folks who also took money from somebody named Jeffrey Epstein, as I had my team dig in very quickly: Mitt Romney, the NRCC, Lee Zeldin, George Bush, WinRed, McCain-Palin, Rick Lazio.

I just want to be clear: If this is the standard that we are going to make, just know we are going to expose it all, and just know that the FEC filings are available for everybody to review.

This is absolutely ridiculous. You decide that you want to punish a sitting Member of Congress because you are concerned about her text messages. Well, maybe you should be more concerned about those sex tapes that we still haven't gotten access to. Maybe you should be more concerned with the fact that the President's name is mentioned in the files way more than Stacey Plaskett's name.

Listen, I am not saying that anything is right or wrong. But if you are trying to figure out what is going on with somebody that is a criminal, then maybe you need to talk to their associates. That is exactly why maybe she was getting text messages. I am not saying she was or wasn't, but considering the fact that they were talking to another associate of the President's, and maybe she needed intel, you would have to go talk to somebody who maybe knows what he is up to.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Randall Bryant, my constituent and the incoming Chairman for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors. His selection as Chairman is not only a testament to the agency's forward momentum, but it also marks a milestone: Mr. Bryant is now the twenty-second board chair in DART's forty-two-year history, and he becomes the youngest individual ever to lead the Board.

Mr. Bryant joined the DART Board following his appointment by the Dallas City Council in 2024 to fill a vacancy, and he was reappointed to a full two-year term in May 2025. Over the past fifteen years, he has served our city through multiple appointments to boards, commissions, and committees, including his prior role as Immediate Past Chair of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, and his membership on the Dallas Citizens Council and North Texas Commission.

Since joining DART, Mr. Bryant has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and he will now represent DART on the Regional Transportation Council. His broad experience in civic, business, and community affairs positions him well to lead at this pivotal moment for transit in our region.

Under his upcoming chairmanship, DART is poised to advance its role as the mobility backbone of North Texas. Established in 1983, DART now serves a 700-square-mile service area across thirteen member cities, including Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Highland Park, Irving, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, and University Park. Its network spans light rail lines, bus routes, commuter-rail service (the Trinity Railway Express and as of this weekend the new Silver Line), GoLink on-demand services, and paratransit. Recently, DART has adopted an updated Strategic Plan setting bold new vision and mission statements, guiding the agency into the decade ahead as a ``first-in-mind mobility partner'' and a premier regional economic and mobility asset. With Mr. Bryant's leadership as chair, I am confident the Board will continue building on DART's legacy of innovation--expanding service, improving accessibility, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring that transit remains affordable and reliable for all our neighbors.

Again, I extend my congratulations to Mr. Randall Bryant. I thank him for his ongoing service throughout our community and for his commitment to ensuring the presence of safe, accessible, and affordable transportation for all our neighbors across the region. I look forward to our continued partnership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions of the physicians at Dallas Endoscopy Center (DEC) to the health and well-being of the residents of Texas' 30th Congressional District. For almost two decades, these dedicated healthcare professionals have profoundly impacted our community through their commitment to providing exceptional, cost-effective outpatient surgical services, including colonoscopies and endoscopies.

The founders' vision of delivering safe and effective surgical care through innovation and technology culminated in the opening of this critical facility in September 2005. Moreover, patients and employees have remained at the forefront of DEC's mission. As Susan Cheek, DEC's Administrator, put it: ``Our longevity is a testament to our commitment to patients and employees. Multiple individuals, such as myself, have spent the majority of their careers here, directly impacting the lives of tens of thousands of patients. By prioritizing quality and efficiency, we've cultivated a strong, dedicated team that has been instrumental in our continued growth.''

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), such as DEC, are critical in delivering timely preventative care, including vital screenings like colonoscopies and endoscopies. These facilities offer efficient and accessible procedures, often with short wait times and low costs. By providing quick access to these screenings, ASCs can help identify potential health issues early, when treatment is most effective.

It is important to highlight the role of ASCs in serving underserved populations. These centers can offer increased accessibility for individuals facing barriers to care, such as lack of insurance or transportation difficulties. By providing convenient and affordable options, ASCs can help to reduce health disparities and improve overall community health.

I want to acknowledge the following physicians for their exemplary work specifically, Christopher J. Vesy, M.D. (Founder), W. Gregory Hodges, M.D. (Founder), Rajeev Jain, M.D. (Founder), Michael J. Nunez, M.D. (Founder), Kimberly M. Persley, M.D. (Founder), Esmail Elwazir, M.D. (Founder), Bhavani Moparty, M.D., Abrar Ahmed, M.D., Ben Kahn, M.D., Jason Martin, M.D., Jason Martin, M.D., William E. Stevens, M.D. (Founder), Robert Jacobson, M.D. (Founder), Paitoon Tulanon, M.D. (Founder), Peter Loeb, M.D. (Founder) in Gastroenterology as well as F. Clark Odom, M.D. (Founder) and Roberto Rodriguez Ruesga, M.D. (Founder) in Colorectal Surgery.

These physicians are invaluable assets to our community, and their dedication to patient care is commendable. By providing accessible and high-quality outpatient services, they have improved the lives of countless individuals in our district. I, again, proudly recognize the exceptional work of all the healthcare providers at Dallas Endoscopy Center.

Mr. Speaker, as I sat and listened to the beginning of this debate, my heart simply broke, and many people know me for being able to do alliterations, and all I could think about was: Amnesia allows adolescents accountability avoidance agility from across the aisle.

Work with me for a second. Imagine being a young man born to Jamaican and Panamanian parents who messed up not once but twice. Imagine standing in front of a judge with your whole future hanging in the balance. Instead of prison, you are given a promise of mercy. Your record gets wiped clean, and you get a second chance at life.

Now imagine taking that promise and turning it into promotion. You go to college. You get a job and even become a Member of Congress. That is what redemption looks like. That is what America is supposed to be about, and that is exactly the story of the next wannabe Governor from Florida.

As a young man, he went through pretrial diversion for misdemeanor marijuana possession. As an adult, yet younger than 24, he was charged with and ultimately placed on probation for felony bribery charges, which ultimately were, too, expunged.

He was given a third chance, and now he is the face of a bill that would not afford young people in Washington, D.C., the same opportunities afforded to him.

Let me be real. If he had grown up under Donald Trump's America or under the very D.C. crime bill he is pushing today, he wouldn't be standing here as a Member of Congress. He would still be living with the weight of those charges.

Let's call this what it is: Opportunities for me, but not for thee. He climbed the ladder of redemption, and now he is yanking it right up from under D.C. youth. Most of us were taught to lift as you climb, but clearly some have forgotten to lift as they climb. Now they are committed to telling the next generations to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

I will not sit quiet while a man who was saved by grace turns around and tries to snatch grace away from others.

If we are going to be real about crime, about communities, about second chances and even third chances, then it needs to start with us looking in the mirror and remembering that even the author of this bill has a story, too, before he tries to lecture D.C. on safety.

It would be complete hypocrisy to have, hypothetically, someone convicted of 34 felonies to lecture D.C. on what to do with youthful offenders who have been scientifically shown not to have fully developed brains under the age of 25, especially if said multi-count convicted felon was in his seventies when he was convicted. What would be his excuse since his brain would be fully developed?