Floor Statements

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?

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great joy to congratulate Pastor Stephen ``Chuck'' Nash, Jr. on celebrating five years of pastorship and ministry at the Mount Horeb-Belt Line Baptist Church in Lancaster, Texas. What began with an answered call by father and son has grown and flourished into a vast congregation between two locations. Pastor Nash, Jr.'s steadfast leadership has provided his congregation a place of peace and support in North Texas.

A Dallas native, Pastor Nash. Jr. began as an assistant youth pastor after graduating from Booker T. High School of the Engineering Professions in Houston. He earned his degree in Religion with a minor in Social Work from Texas College in Tyler. Together, he and his father, Dr. Nash, founded Mount Horeb Missionary Baptist Church-DeSoto, later expanding to Lancaster, offering spiritual guidance to the communities of DeSoto, Lancaster, and Cedar Hill. With honors like Young Minister of the Year and his role as Assistant General Secretary of the Baptist Missionary and Education Convention, Pastor Stephen Nash, Jr, has proven himself a dedicated leader to the North Texas community.

Being entrusted with caring for God's children is no easy feat. It is evident that the leadership of Pastor Nash, Jr. is God-fearing and operates with a community-focused mindset through weekly services and the Horeb Student Ministry. I thank him for his selflessness and for doing the work to care for the constituents of the 30th Congressional District. I congratulate him again on five years of ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional member of our community, Mr. Robert Phillips, the recipient of D Magazine's Volunteer of the Year Award.

For more than two decades, Mr. Phillips has dedicated thousands of hours to serving low-income families through the Ferguson Road Initiative's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. His unwavering commitment to accurate, free tax preparation has made him a cornerstone of this vital effort--and a source of immense pride for our district.

As both a tax preparer and site coordinator at two VITA locations, Mr. Phillips has helped thousands of individuals and families navigate the tax system--even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many other sites were forced to close. Thanks to his dedication, and that of fellow volunteers, the program has completed over 17,900 tax returns, returned more than $3.3 million to the community, and saved taxpayers an estimated $300,000 in fees.

Mr. Phillips' selfless service and steadfast leadership have helped ensure financial stability for countless Dallas residents. He has also mentored and supported fellow volunteers, strengthening the very fabric of our community.

I am deeply grateful for Robert's contributions and proud to represent him in Congress. I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and wish him continued success in all his endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, with one in eight men receiving diagnosis in their lifetime. This disease also affects African American men at higher rates. Yet through early detection and effective medical treatment, many men can lead fulfilling lives. This month emphasizes the importance of regular doctors' visits and testing as well as reminds us of the need to normalize open and honest conversations with our loved

ones about their health. We can eradicate this deadly disease through continued awareness, elevating stories, and supporting innovative research for the men we hold dear in our lives.

While the fight is far from over. it is incumbent upon us to do our part. As the daughter of a brave survivor of prostate cancer, recognizing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a small token of appreciation for all that have taken part in this fight against this disease. Today, I uplift my father, Joseph Crockett, and all prostate cancer survivors who are living testimonies of overcoming one of life's most challenging experiences. I also honor all we have lost, knowing their deaths are not in vain, but instead strengthen our resolve for finding a cure. Their tenacious spirit lives within all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great joy and honor to recognize the Igbo Community Association of Nigeria (ICAN) DFW and its annual Igbo Day Celebration.

For over 25 years, ICAN DFW has played a pivotal role in preserving the rich customs, language, values, and traditions of the Igbo people, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The annual Igbo Day Celebration is much more than a cultural gathering--it is a powerful celebration of identity.

ICAN DFW has been instrumental in building bridges across communities, empowering families, and supporting generations of Igbo descendants as they navigate life in the diaspora. From cultural education and youth mentorship to advocacy and charitable outreach, ICAN DFW has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose and pride.

The Igbo Day Celebration stands as a vibrant reminder of the strength and beauty of the Igbo spirit. It is a time to reflect on the Igbo heritage, honor ancestors, and inspire future generations to carry the legacy forward.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the Igbo Community Association of Nigeria DFW's continued dedication to cultural enrichment, community service, and social impact. Their efforts have not only strengthened the Igbo community but have enriched the broader Dallas- Fort Worth landscape. I congratulate them once again on this remarkable occasion and wish them continued success, growth, and many more milestones in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization in Texas' 30th Congressional District, It's About the Kids Mentor Program, a community organization committed to empowering families and youth in Dallas, Texas. With a mission ``to focus on the kids of today, which will strengthen our youth of tomorrow who will become the adults of the future,'' It's About the Kids provides impactful programs that center around youth mentorship, community service, literacy advancement, professional development, and contributing significantly to the well-being and growth of families in our community. By focusing on these initiatives, participants can develop the necessary skills needed to thrive today.

Founded in 2001 by Baldwin and Crystal Hamilton, It's About the Kids Mentor Program began outreach in Marietta, Georgia, then following the Hamiltons' move to Dallas in 2012, they expanded their reach to Dallas and most recently have expanded to Shreveport in 2024. The Hamiltons have intentionally poured

into the lives of young people by providing mentorship and developing participants' literacy skills and interest in public service. Through programs such as the Little Library Program, they have partnered with educators and libraries to provide resources for over 500 children to develop strong literacy skills, It's About the Kids continues to be an excellent asset to the constituents of TX-30. For the past two years, they have partnered with my office for our annual Fish `n' Kids and Kids `n' Kites events, which give kids the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, build relationships with local law enforcement, and interact with members of the community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work that Baldwin and Crystal Hamilton and It's About the Kids Mentor Program have done in our district and look forward to their continued impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a 28-year-old single mother of five in my district. She is doing everything right. She is working hard, raising her babies, and trying to keep them fed and healthy.

She was receiving $1,000 a month in SNAP benefits. Then one day it was suddenly cut to $500. She picked up more hours because that is what moms do.

In this bill they talk about people being lazy. I just want to say that the only thing that is lazy about this bill is their lies. That is because when we think about their lies and their lying, it relates to those who are going to be subjected to the work requirements.

There are lies about cutting almost 14 million people off their healthcare. Frankly, they lie about this being fiscally responsible. You don't have to believe me, Mr. Speaker. Just Google members of the Freedom Caucus and their objections. They hate the fact that after all of this, we are going to have death, malnutrition, and the shuttering of hospitals both in rural and urban America. Yet still, they are going to drive us into further debt.

When we talk about cutting SNAP, she was only going to get $15 a day or $2.50 per person.

Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure that we don't choose cruelty over competency, callousness over compassion, and cons over constituents.

Mr. Speaker, tell Republicans where they can cram this crap.

Mr. Speaker, I thank so much my amazing colleague from the great State of California for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a simple but clear message. First of all, I just have to clear up a few things. Instead of the President cosplaying as the next Pope, he may want to try to cosplay as an actual President of these United States. That means that he may have to do a little bit of research and decide that he wants to understand that he swore an oath, and this oath was to protect and defend the Constitution. That is the oath that he was supposedly taking on January 20.

We may want as well that the President look into what the Declaration of Independence was about. We may want him to understand that there was a foundational document as relates to self-determination of those who had recently gained their independence from Great Britain.

I hoped that he would maybe spend a few of these days in his first 100 days doing that. It is sad to say it is his second term, and he doesn't understand that the Declaration of Independence is about this idea that we are entitled to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that is for all of us that are here.

Let's go through some of the things that he did manage to do and some of the havoc that he has managed to wreak.

In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have had to, unfortunately, endure a lot of pain. This administration clearly is not ready to lead. They are only here to tear down.

In just 100 days, we have witnessed an administration hell-bent on dismantling the very systems designed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. For Black Americans, those of us who have always carried the weight of a broken system and bad policies, the danger is real, it is tangible, and it is urgent.

Let me be clear: The last 100 days have not been an accident or a fluke. He has done exactly what he said he was going to do. He gave us the blueprint in Project 2025. Some tried to warn us of the dangers and, well, here we are.

Let's talk about education. Within weeks of taking office, the Department of Education quietly rescinded guidance encouraging schools to teach honest, inclusive Black history. Instead, they are attempting to whitewash history and have begun promoting so-called patriotic education, a sanitized version of history that skips over slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, and systemic racism.

He signed an executive order reinstating ``commonsense discipline practices in school,'' rolling back previous administrations' attempts to address racial disparities in school discipline practices. Make no mistake: These decisions have a direct impact on Black children, children who deserve a fair shot to learn in safe and supportive environments.

Let's talk about housing. HUD announced plans to gut fair housing rules meant to fight discrimination. Those are the same ones that he violated back when he was a landlord so many years ago. Yeah, those same rules that were supposed to fight discrimination in lending and zoning. This means there will be even more roadblocks for Black families trying to buy a home and yet another generation locked out of building wealth.

Let's talk about public safety. While they are cutting afterschool programs and community violence prevention, they are pouring millions of dollars into militarizing police departments. They are criminalizing our communities while stripping away the very resources that keep us safe.

Finally, money talks, so let's talk money. This administration slashed funding of seven government agencies that provide Black communities with educational materials and economic opportunities, including the Minority Business Development Agency, the only Federal agency dedicated to uplifting minority businesses. This agency helped entrepreneurs all across the country, including in my own district, keep their doors open and their workers employed. Now, it is under attack.

While all of this is happening, they are dismantling environmental protections in environmental justice, slashing funding for HBCUs, and rolling back civil rights enforcement across Federal agencies. Let me repeat what that means. To roll back civil rights enforcement across Federal agencies, this is the so-called DEI attacks that we continue to endure in this country. This is their way of trying to roll back the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that so many died and bled for.

Mr. Speaker, this is not just about policy disagreement. This is about direct attacks on Black futures, Black prosperity, and Black freedom. This is about right versus wrong, point blank. But here is what they don't understand. We have seen this playbook, and every time they have attempted to silence us, erase us, and hold us down, we have resisted and we have pushed this country closer to the ideals it claims to hold.

They are trying to bury us, but what they don't realize is that we are seeds and still we rise. I stand here a proud Black woman and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I refuse to stand by while this administration tries to turn back the hands of time. We will resist. We will continue speaking truth to power, and we will keep organizing until everybody is free because, in the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, nobody is free until everybody is free.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Edna Belle Pemberton, a beloved mother, grandmother, community leader, and a tireless advocate for positive change in the Oak Cliff community and beyond. Born on March 27, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Edna was the youngest of nine children. After losing her mother at a young age and growing up in the foster care system, she became a fierce advocate for her community and a force for good, committed to improving the lives of those around her. Edna's earthly journey ended on April 13, 2025, at the age of 81.

Edna met the love of her life, the late DarNell Pemberton, while attending church as a teenager. The couple's bond grew into a strong partnership, and they married on September 19, 1964. Together, Edna and DarNell raised four daughters and, in a remarkable act of love and dedication, adopted and helped raise eight of Edna's nieces, nephews, and young relatives. Their family of fourteen lived in California before relocating to Dallas, where they settled in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, where Edna's advocacy continued to grow.

A dedicated voice for the people of southern Dallas, Edna began her career at Kmart, where she worked her way up from stockroom employee to management, leading various community initiatives and supply drives along the way. Her efforts to enact a youth curfew to improve safety, extend bus lines to provide better access to services, and save the Southwest Center Mall, formerly known as Red Bird Mall, stand as testament to her determination to make a positive impact on her city.

Edna was an active member of many local organizations, including the Dallas chapter of the NAACP, the Martin Luther King Center, and Camp Wisdom Now. She was a founder of Positively Oak Cliff, a nonprofit coalition of entrepreneurs and community leaders, and served as a voter registrar and the precinct chair of her local precinct. Edna received several Governors' awards for her contributions to her community, and she was honored to serve as a torchbearer in Dallas ahead of the 1996 Olympic Games.

Known affectionately as ``Mrs. P,'' Edna was not only a community leader but a mother-figure and mentor to many. She personified her faith in her daily life as an active and longtime member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where she made an immeasurable impact. Her compassion for others, especially during times of disaster and financial hardship, made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.

Above all, Edna Pemberton cherished spending time with her family. Her unwavering love and support for her children, who have gone on to become educators, community leaders, and volunteers, serve as a shining example of the dedicated spirit and servant heart she poured into those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, and her legacy of compassion, resilience, and community service will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to Edna's family, her friends, and the Oak Cliff and wider Dallas community. May her extraordinary legacy of service, love, and dedication continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy and honor that we celebrate Odessa Bowie's 111th birthday. I would like to celebrate her life and the impact she has had on others. A milestone that many people can only hope to reach one day. May we acknowledge this day and hope that this celebration be filled with love, joy, and gratitude as she celebrates alongside those most important.

The life of Mrs. Odessa Bowie has had an immeasurable impact on those around her. As a mother and grandmother, she has extended love and kindness to her children and grandchildren. Instilling in them the value and importance of hard work, compassion, and grace for others. She has never hesitated to provide a system of support for those in her life or help them in a time of need. When one has experienced the many seasons of life and all that it brings to us, it can be easy to harden our hearts and lose faith, but Mrs. Bowie never has. She has remained a steadfast believer and a faithful attendant of St. Paul United Methodist Church. The faith she has carried throughout her life is one reflected in the character she possesses.

Mrs. Bowie has been a pillar in her community, and we hope that her legacy is an inspiration to others to always be of service to others with a gracious heart and humility.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, it's only right that I rise today to honor the rich history of 125 years of Black Aviation. I specifically would like to recognize the lives and contributions of two individuals who had the determination to fly in the face of discrimination and adversity.

Mr. John Frederick Pickering of Gonaives, Haiti, applied for an aviation patent in 1899. The patent, granted in 1900, included an electric motor and directional controls, which later became known as the ``blimp.''

Mr. Charles Frederick Page of Pineville, Louisiana, was born into slavery, yet, taught himself to read and write. In 1903, Mr. Page applied for an aviation patent, which was awarded in April of 1906, just one month before the Wright Brothers' patent was approved. Mr. Page's patent advanced airship technology through his innovative design which improved stability, propulsion, and control of the airship.

Both pioneering Black men made their valuable contributions to the exciting world of aviation during a time of intense prejudice. It is incumbent upon us to know, recognize, and celebrate their works, talents, and great efforts. Today's aviation industry would not be what it is today without Mr. Page and Pickering's bravery and intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Vernil Mitchell, a beloved nurse, philanthropist, wife, mother and constituent of the Texas' 30th District who poured love and joy into her family and her community. Born January 19, 1940, in Ashdown, Arkansas, Vernil was the oldest of thirteen children born to Prince Richard and Leatice Allen Richard. Her earthly journey ended January 20, 2025, in Dallas, the day after her 85th birthday. She spent much of her younger life with her Uncle Elbert and Aunt Ruth Bradley, and their six children.

From modest beginnings in southeast Arkansas, Vernil developed a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to family. She broke new ground as the first in her family to go to college, enrolling at North Texas State College, known today as the University of North Texas, to pursue a degree in nursing. While attending Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, she met Charles Mitchell in Sunday school--a chance encounter that blossomed into a lifelong love. The couple welcomed their first child, Charles Jr., before moving to Washington D.C., where their second son, Keith, soon joined the family.

Vernil's career in nursing spanned over 40 years, serving as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Washington, D.C., a visiting nurse with the Visiting Nurses Association in the Bronx, New York City, and helping her husband Charles open his own medical practice. Charles was one of Dallas' first black orthopedic surgeons, and Vernil served as the primary nurse in his orthopedic practice. They had a shared passion for travel, the arts, tennis, skiing, gardening, cooking and most importantly being with family.

Mrs. Mitchell's caring nature went beyond her patients. She worked tirelessly to support the next generation of African American leaders. In Dallas, Vernil supported numerous charitable activities and was incredibly active in the community. She was a charter member of the Dallas chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., and was an active member of the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was an active member of Friendship-West Baptist Church.

We ought to look to Vernil's commitment to uplifting others as a true example of devotion to service. Mr. Speaker, I send my sincerest condolences to her family, her friends, her former colleagues, and the entire Oak Cliff community. May her legacy live on through the people she loved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. C.W. Whitaker, a dedicated leader in Dallas and friend to Texas' 30th District. Mr. Whitaker has used his platform as the owner of DFWBAM, a social media company to spread, in his words, ``blessings, love, and support'' to his community.

Mr. Whitaker understands the value of investing in our youth and growing generational wealth for our communities. For thirty-one years, he mentored high school students on what it takes to start and run one's own business, taking them to visit Black-owned businesses in the DFW area. Yet. Mr. Whitaker's call to service is not limited to the classroom. Not only has he sat on multiple philanthropic boards and volunteered many hours through his company, Mr. Whitaker has also helped to elevate the businesses, churches, and other community events in the district. The exposure these businesses receive and the community that is built is an invaluable part of what makes this country and individuals, like Mr. Whitaker so amazing: neighbors helping neighbors for the good of all. That was clear during the pandemic when Mr. Whitaker graciously used his voice and resources to publicize four COVID vaccine events my office hosted, contributing to over two-hundred low-income constituents receiving their first and second vaccine shots.

It is individuals like C.W. Whitaker that make serving Texas' 30th Congressional District a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly. I am proud to recognize the humble servant that is Mr. Whitaker, for the deep passion and commitment he has. May we all follow in his footsteps of selfless action for the betterment of those around us. I thank Mr. Whitaker.