Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Ellen Marie Ike--more commonly known on Capitol Hill as Ms. Ellen--a Lead Teacher at the House of Representatives Child Care Center, who tragically passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 61.

For nearly a decade, Ms. Ellen cared for children from across the Capitol Hill community. Members and staff left their sons and daughters with her in the morning and went to work on the people's business, secure in the knowledge that their children were safe and loved. She returned that trust every day and was recognized repeatedly for the excellence of her service.

A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Ms. Ellen earned a scholarship to Livingstone College in North Carolina, where she sang in the Concert Choir and joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her career began in retail, but her years teaching Sunday school made clear that early childhood education was her calling. After operating her own home-based daycare and teaching at other schools across the Washington metropolitan area, she joined the House Child Care Center in 2018, where she remained until her death.

An early childhood teacher shapes a person at the age when shaping matters most. Ms. Ellen spent the last nine years of her life doing that work in the shadow of the Capitol, for the families of the people who serve here--much of it through a serious illness she rarely let her classroom see. Hundreds of children learned their letters, self-worth, and what it means to be a friend from a teacher who gave them her best while fighting for her own health.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ellen Marie Ike, and in extending our condolences to her family and to her colleagues at the House Child Care Center, who carry on her work.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, this bipartisan bill, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act, will close a loophole, as my colleague and friend, Mr. Steil, the chairman of the Committee on House Administration, has indicated, that currently allows foreign nationals to contribute to State and local ballot initiatives, as well as recall referenda.

This change is needed because the Federal Elections Commission previously determined that the Federal Election Campaign Act's foreign national prohibition does not actually reach ballot initiatives that do not appear to be linked to an office-seeking candidate at the Federal, State, or local level.

The FEC often sends legislative recommendations to Congress, adopted on a bipartisan basis, to update and strengthen our campaign finance regime. This very bill has been included in their recent recommendations. In fact, this bill is among the highest priority legislative recommendations from the FEC.

I thank the bill's sponsor, Congressman Fitzpatrick, as well as the bill's co-lead, Congressman Golden, for their important work on this issue.

I am glad to see the House taking seriously the risk of foreign interference in domestic elections. In that spirit, I encourage my colleagues to consider other comprehensive democracy reforms to close loopholes.

House Democrats' Freedom to Vote Act, which includes the DISCLOSE Act, would crack down on foreign campaign spending, and I think it is well past time for Congress to do something to stem the tide of dark money, including foreign money, in American elections.

This bill is a start, and I think I would continue to urge us to do more.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I concur with my colleague about the importance of making sure that we don't have involvement of foreign entities into our politics.

If I can just opine for a minute, I do think in many ways one of the real challenges facing this country right now is a lack of faith in their government and Americans losing trust and losing faith. Part of that is because of the broad influence of money just generally in our politics. You see billionaires contributing hundreds of millions of dollars. We see the influence of dark money, of super-PACs.

I am looking forward to over the next several months working with my colleagues, and over the next several years, if need be, to repair some of the damage to those relationships and let the people of this country know that the democracy which we celebrated 250 years of this month that it is in their hands, that they are ultimately the sovereigns, and that there weren't outside influences. But I think that is becoming harder and harder to be able to make that point and to convince people of that without dramatic changes in the way we finance our campaigns and the way that the public dialogue engages.

Frankly, I am disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision just this month related to coordination between super-PACs and party committees and individual candidates. I think there is much to do. If we are going to have the ability to persuade American citizens that their government is theirs, we are going to have to take out the influence of all manner of people. Certainly, this bill is a step in the right direction.

I see my colleague, the sponsor of the bill, has arrived, so I will certainly let him address the House.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, again, I reiterate my support for the bill, and I want to thank the bill's sponsors, Mr. Fitzpatrick as well as Mr. Golden, for their work on this bill and continue to believe that there is much we can do and much that we need to do. This is an important step along the way.

I thank my colleague and my friend Chairman Steil for bringing this bill before us.

Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I agree again with my colleague and friend Chairman Steil, this is a meaningful, bipartisan bill to ensure that the public receives important information about election-relevant communications.

I was happy to cointroduce this bill with several members of the Committee on House Administration, both Republican and Democratic. I thank Chairman Steil for his leadership and Congresswoman Lee and Congresswoman Sewell for their work on this.

As people may know, Congresswoman Lee and Congresswoman Sewell, in particular, work hard on election administration issues as the leaders of the committee's Elections Subcommittee. As it becomes harder to find common ground in Congress, I commend my cosponsors for their work on this and other issues important to the work at hand.

The bill we are considering today, the FEC Administrative Improvements Act, would amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require campaign committees to file their electioneering communications with the Federal Elections Commission in electronic format as opposed to on paper.

As the FEC has informed Congress: ``Compared to data from paper reports, data from electronically filed reports is received, processed, and disseminated more easily and efficiently, resulting in the better use of resources.'' I couldn't agree more.

In contrast, paper filings take days to be available to provide critical information for the public, so modernizing our campaign disclosure functions is a commonsense reform for those of us who live in the 21st century, and we are grateful we have an opportunity to do that.

However, there are substantive reasons to make this change as well. The Supreme Court has long recognized that disclosure requirements are vitally important: Disclosure provides the electorate with information as to where political campaign money comes from and how it is spent.

American voters are best equipped to choose leaders when they have the most fulsome, up-to-date information at hand. The FEC Administrative Improvements Act would also tackle another bipartisan legislative recommendation from the FEC, allowing committees to make disbursement in ways other than by check.

The Committee on House Administration--and I think I speak for colleagues on both sides--cares deeply about modernization. Modernizing Congress has, in recent years, driven thoughtful and bipartisan work by committee members to improve the function of this institution.

Our interest in modernization extends to the FEC, so H.R. 8738 will bring the FEC into the modern era and aid every American voter as they exercise their fundamental rights.

Given the bipartisan agreement on the bill, I hope we can move it rapidly from the floor to the Senate and then to the President's desk for signature.

Again, I thank my colleague Chairman Steil for his courtesies and leadership on this.

Madam Speaker, very simply, I thank the chairman and my colleagues. I look forward to what I hope is a unanimous or near-unanimous vote in the House on this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary leader, a cherished friend, and someone whose impact on Rochester will be felt for generations to come: Hillary Olson.

Since arriving at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in 2018, Hillary has helped strengthen one of the cornerstones of our community. Through enormous challenges, including the pandemic, she guided the RMSC with vision, determination, and grace, helping ensure it emerged stronger than ever.

Hillary cares deeply about this community, about its history, about its future, and the people who call it home. She brings warmth, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that institutions like the Rochester Museum & Science Center can inspire young people, connect communities, and open minds.

Because of her leadership, countless families, students, and visitors have experienced the wonder of science, culture, and discovery.

While we are sad to see her leave Rochester, we are proud to see her take on this next chapter, knowing she will bring with it that same remarkable leadership wherever she goes.

Mr. Speaker, I wish her nothing but success, happiness, and continued impact in her new role and in the years ahead.

Recognizing Dr. Beth Paul

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Beth Paul as she concludes her tenure of as president of Nazareth University after 6 years of remarkable leadership.

Beth arrived at Nazareth during one of the most difficult moments in modern higher education, taking the helm in the midst of a global pandemic.

Through steady leadership, vision, and determination, she helped guide the institution through extraordinary challenges while positioning it for a stronger future.

Under her leadership, Nazareth embraced a historic new chapter, transitioning from Nazareth College to Nazareth University and celebrating its centennial year--milestones that will shape the institution for generations to come.

Beth has been a passionate advocate for students, a champion of higher education, and a leader who understands that universities are not just places of learning. They are engines of opportunity, discovery, and service.

On behalf of my entire community, I thank my dear friend Dr. Beth Paul for her leadership, her service, and her unwavering commitment to helping students realize their potential.

Visiting Omar Ramos-Jimenez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today after visiting the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York, where I met with my constituent Omar Ramos-Jimenez.

Omar has lived in Rochester for three decades. He has worked, paid taxes, raised a family, and built a life in our community. He is not a danger to anyone. He is not a flight risk. He is a husband, a father, a neighbor.

As we spoke, he kept repeating the same words: ``I just want to go home.'' He does not want to go to Mexico. He wants to go to Rochester because Rochester is his home. Donald Trump told the American people he would target violent criminals, the worst of the worst. Instead, we are seeing longtime, productive members of our community swept up in a system built on fear. It is not about public safety. It is simply about cruelty.

In this moment, we must uphold American values. Dignity must be nonnegotiable. Due process must be nonnegotiable. Basic humanity must be nonnegotiable.

I will continue fighting for Omar, for thousands like him, and for an immigration system rooted in fairness, decency, and respect for every person.

Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed Roll Call Votes No. 223 and No. 224 on June 23, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223, and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize a dedicated leader from Rochester, New York: Clay Osborne.

Born in Panama, Clay Osborne has built a distinguished career characterized by leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others succeed. As Founder and President of True Insights Consulting, he has earned widespread respect for his expertise in executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Drawing upon decades of experience across the corporate and governmental sectors, Clay has devoted his professional life to empowering individuals and strengthening organizations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Clay has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the Rochester community. His extensive civic involvement includes service as Chair of the Board of ESL Federal Credit Union and the Center for Governmental Research. He is also a founding member of the Sigma Pi Phi Foundation and a charter member of the Rochester Area Community Foundation's African American Giving Circle, reflecting his longstanding commitment to expanding opportunity and fostering community engagement.

Clay's leadership extends to numerous organizations dedicated to developing future leaders and promoting inclusive excellence. Through his service on the advisory board of the Parent Leadership Training Institute and as Chair of the Workforce Diversity Network, he has worked tirelessly to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while creating pathways for individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Clay Osborne's contributions to the Rochester community exemplify the values of leadership, service, and perseverance that have enriched our Nation. His dedication to uplifting others and strengthening the institutions that serve our communities has left a lasting and meaningful impact. It is with great pride that I recognize Clay Osborne during Caribbean American Heritage Month and extend my sincere gratitude for his many contributions to Rochester and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to pay tribute to an outstanding athlete and leader from Rochester, New York: Craig Demmin.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Craig Demmin distinguished himself through an exceptional soccer career that spanned both the national and international stages. As a member of the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team, he earned more than twenty-five international caps, representing his country with pride and distinction. His professional career took him across the globe, from Scotland to Tampa, before ultimately bringing him to Rochester, where he would leave a lasting impact both on and off the field.

During his tenure with the Rochester Rhinos, Craig established himself as one of the most respected players in franchise history. A former team captain and four-time Team Most Valuable Player, he exemplified leadership and excellence in competition. His achievements earned the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike, while his character and sportsmanship made him a role model throughout the Rochester community.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Craig has remained deeply committed to serving others. He has devoted countless hours to mentoring young athletes and supporting local soccer programs, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation. His generosity extends far beyond the soccer field. For more than a decade, Craig has sponsored numerous families during the holiday season and throughout the year, providing support and encouragement to those in need.

Craig Demmin's dedication to athletics, mentorship, and community service exemplifies the values of generosity and perseverance that have long enriched the Rochester community. It is with great pride that I recognize Craig Demmin during Caribbean American Heritage Month and thank him for the lasting impact he continues to make on the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize a gifted creative from Rochester, New York: Garth Fagan.

Born in Jamaica, Garth Fagan developed an early passion for dance and a deep appreciation for the rich rhythms, movement traditions, and cultural heritage of the Caribbean. After immigrating to the United States, he settled in Rochester in 1970 and founded what would become Garth Fagan Dance, a company that has earned international acclaim and helped establish Rochester as a center for artistic excellence. Through his work, he brought Caribbean influences to audiences around the world while strengthening the cultural fabric of our community.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Fagan has pioneered a unique dance technique that blends modern dance and ballet with Afro-Caribbean movement, rhythm, and energy. His innovative choreography has expanded the boundaries of contemporary dance and elevated Caribbean artistic traditions within American performing arts. His creative vision reached a global audience through his celebrated choreography for Broadway's The Lion King, earning him a Tony Award and cementing his place among the most influential choreographers of his generation.

Beyond his accomplishments on stage, Garth Fagan has dedicated himself to mentoring young artists and cultivating the next generation of performers. As a teacher and community leader, he has inspired countless dancers to pursue excellence while embracing creativity, discipline, and cultural pride. His work has served as a bridge between Caribbean and American artistic traditions, fostering greater understanding and appreciation through the universal language of dance.

It is my distinct honor to recognize Garth Fagan during Caribbean American Heritage Month. His extraordinary artistry, leadership, and commitment to cultural expression have enriched Rochester, strengthened the performing arts, and showcased the enduring contributions of Caribbean Americans to our Nation. I thank him for his remarkable achievements and for the inspiration he continues to provide to communities in Rochester and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to pay tribute to a dedicated civil servant from Rochester, New York: Malachi Williams.

Throughout his life, Malachi has exemplified the values of hard work, perseverance, and service to others. He began his career as a custodian at the Jewish Nursing Home before dedicating eighteen years of service to the City of Rochester. Through his work, he earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike, carrying out his responsibilities with diligence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.

Even after retiring in 1998, Malachi's strong work ethic remained unchanged. Never one to remain idle, he embarked on a second career as a full-time taxi driver, continuing to serve members of the Rochester community for many years. Today, he finds joy in tending his backyard garden, cultivating fresh fruits and vegetables that he generously shares with family and friends, a reflection of the kindness and generosity that have defined his life.

This June, Malachi celebrates a remarkable milestone: his 100th birthday. Reaching a century of life is an extraordinary achievement, and one made all the more meaningful by the positive impact he has had on countless individuals throughout those years. His dedication to family, commitment to service, and generosity of spirit have made him an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

It is with great pride that I recognize Malachi Williams during Caribbean American Heritage Month and on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His life stands as a testament to the enduring values of service, perseverance, and community. On behalf of the Rochester community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as he celebrates this extraordinary milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month to recognize two outstanding community leaders and entrepreneurs from Rochester, New York: Livingston ``Livie'' and Thalia Walker.

For more than two decades, Livie and Thalia have enriched the Rochester community by sharing the vibrant culture, traditions, and hospitality of their native Jamaica through Livie's Jamaican Restaurant. What began as a small neighborhood business has grown into a beloved local institution, serving not only authentic Caribbean cuisine but also as a gathering place where residents can experience and celebrate the richness of Caribbean heritage.

In 2005, the Walkers opened Livie's Imports Market on Chili Avenue in Rochester's 19th Ward, bringing a unique cultural offering to the community. Through years of hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, the business expanded and ultimately found its current home in Gates. Throughout that growth, Livie and Thalia remained committed to preserving and sharing their heritage while fostering meaningful connections among people from all backgrounds.

Their contributions extend far beyond their restaurant. Through their leadership and community engagement, they have created opportunities for cultural exchange and community celebration. As organizers of the annual Family Fun Day in Genesee Valley Park, they bring together families from across the region through live reggae music, sporting events, authentic Caribbean cuisine, and fellowship, strengthening the bonds that unite our diverse community.

Livingston and Thalia Walker exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and commitment to community that have long enriched both Rochester and our Nation. Their dedication to sharing Caribbean culture, supporting local families, and fostering a sense of belonging has left a lasting impact on countless lives. It is with great pride that I recognize Livingston ``Livie'' Walker and Thalia Walker during Caribbean American Heritage Month and extend my sincere gratitude for their many contributions to the Rochester community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young woman from Rochester, New York, whose dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service has earned her admission to the United States Air Force Academy: Ariana Toner.

Throughout her academic career, Ariana has distinguished herself as a driven, intellectually curious, and highly accomplished student. Known by her teachers and peers as a role model, she approaches every challenge with determination, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Whether tackling complex academic pursuits or working collaboratively toward a shared goal, Ariana consistently demonstrates the qualities of a thoughtful leader and dedicated teammate.

Ariana's mentors describe her as goal-oriented, resilient, and tireless in her pursuit of success. She possesses a natural ability to problem-solve, adapt to new challenges, and remain focused in the face of uncertainty. These qualities, coupled with her strong work ethic and desire for continuous growth, have allowed her to excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Ariana Toner will continue to thrive as she embarks on this next chapter at the United States Air Force Academy. On behalf of the Rochester community, I congratulate her on this remarkable achievement and extend my very best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young man from Rochester, New York, whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to service have earned him admission to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Michael Kusch.

Throughout his time at Pittsford Mendon High School, Michael distinguished himself through academic excellence, athletic achievement, and a steadfast commitment to leadership. Balancing a rigorous course load with the responsibilities of serving as captain of the varsity swim team, he developed the discipline, perseverance, and teamwork necessary to excel in every endeavor. Whether in the classroom, in competition, or within his community, Michael consistently demonstrated resilience and a willingness to place the needs of others before his own.

Michael's desire to serve our Nation has been shaped by meaningful experiences both inside and outside of school. Through his participation in Monroe County's Teen Police Academy and his volunteer work with Teens for Veterans, he gained a deeper appreciation for public service, civic responsibility, and the sacrifices made by those who protect our freedoms. These experiences strengthened his commitment to leadership and inspired him to pursue a future dedicated to safeguarding the security and prosperity of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Michael Kusch will continue to make the Rochester community proud as he embarks on this next chapter of his life. I congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and extend my very best wishes for continued success at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young man from Rochester, New York, whose commitment to leadership, service, and personal excellence has earned him admission to the United States Coast Guard Academy: Benjamin Hinds.

Inspired by a proud family tradition of military service, Benjamin has long been guided by the values of duty, honor, and commitment to country. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, he developed a deep appreciation for disciplined leadership and a desire to dedicate himself to a cause greater than himself. His acceptance to the United States Coast Guard Academy represents not only a remarkable personal achievement, but also the continuation of a family legacy rooted in service to our Nation.

Throughout his time at McQuaid Jesuit High School, Benjamin distinguished himself as a diligent student, supportive teammate, and respected leader among his peers. Known for his generosity and unwavering dedication, he consistently sought opportunities to help others and lead by example. Whether encouraging his teammates from the pool deck, assisting fellow students in the classroom, or dedicating his time to the betterment of his community, Benjamin demonstrated the character, integrity, and sense of responsibility that define future leaders in military service.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Benjamin Hinds will continue to make the Rochester community proud as he embarks on his journey at the United States Coast Guard Academy. I congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and extend my very best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young man from Rochester, New York, whose dedication, work ethic, and passion for maritime service have earned him admission to the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Ryan Galle.

From an early age, Ryan developed a deep appreciation for maritime operations through his work with a local charter business along the historic Erie Canal. What began as an interest soon grew into a genuine passion, inspiring him to pursue a career in the maritime industry and seek opportunities that would challenge him both personally and professionally.

Ryan is highly regarded by his teachers, mentors, and peers as a motivated student, dependable leader, and positive influence within his community. Whether in the classroom, in athletics, or in his work experience, he has consistently demonstrated maturity, initiative, and a strong sense of responsibility. Drawn to the Academy's rigorous academic and leadership development programs, Ryan looks forward to strengthening his character, refining his leadership abilities, and expanding his knowledge of the maritime profession.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Ryan Galle will continue to make the Rochester community proud as he pursues his education and future career at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and extend my very best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young man from Rochester, New York, whose courage, resilience, and commitment to service have earned him admission to the United States Naval Academy: Augustine Galambos.

At a pivotal moment in his life, Augustine demonstrated remarkable bravery when his brother was involved in a life-threatening climbing accident. Faced with an extraordinary and frightening situation, he remained calm under pressure, acted decisively, and helped ensure his brother's safety. His composure, courage, and ability to respond effectively in a moment of crisis revealed a maturity and strength of character far beyond his years.

Rather than allowing that experience to define him, Augustine used it as inspiration to pursue a path dedicated to service and leadership. Drawn to the challenges and responsibilities that accompany military service, he sought an institution that would further develop his character while preparing him to lead in times of uncertainty. The United States Naval Academy provides that opportunity, offering a rigorous environment where his determination, discipline, and sense of duty will continue to grow.

Mr. Speaker, I am confident that Augustine Galambos will continue to distinguish himself as a Midshipman and future leader in service to our Nation. On behalf of the Rochester community, I congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and extend my very best wishes for continued success at the United States Naval Academy and beyond.