Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the United States is experiencing a maternal health crisis.

This country has the highest maternal mortality rate among all developed nations, disproportionately impacting women of color, women in rural areas, and low-income women.

Yet, according to the CDC, 60 percent of these deaths are preventable. Let me say that again: 60 percent of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable.

That is unacceptable. Healthy mothers and healthy babies must be a priority for this country. That is why I reintroduced my Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act so that all people with Medicaid coverage can get the access and the care they need during and after pregnancy.

I encourage all my colleagues to support this critical legislation to help reduce the stark racial, ethnic, and income-based disparities in healthcare outcomes and save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I was not recorded on rollcall No. 340. Had I been recorded, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 340.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 57, expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel.

Israel, the historic homeland of the Jewish people, is a robust, thriving, multiracial, multiethnic, and multireligious democracy that shares our democratic values. Like the United States, Israel is not perfect. It has challenges and policies that are openly criticized, often by the Israeli people themselves.

Let me be clear. Israel is not now and never has been a racist state. That characterization is contrary to the facts. It is an untrue and unfair characterization that slanders our strongest ally in the region.

Significantly, Israel is the world's only Jewish state. Prior to its founding, Jews suffered centuries of persecution with no country, not one that would guarantee their safe haven. Since its founding, Israel has valued equal rights for all its citizens. It has provided a home to Jewish refugees from all across the globe, from Ethiopia to the Soviet Union to Argentina to Ukraine, all while living under threat from neighbors and terrorist groups dedicated to Israel's destruction.

Too often, divisive voices are quick to demonize Israel. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship. Tomorrow, I will be proud to welcome President Herzog to a historic joint meeting of Congress where the bipartisan majority of this body will stand together to commemorate and cherish the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting to support this straightforward resolution and stand with our democratic ally Israel.

Mr. Speaker, last year in his concurring opinion in the Dobbs case, Justice Clarence Thomas called for the right to contraception to be reconsidered, encouraging extreme Republican State lawmakers who have been attempting to restrict birth control for years.

Ninety percent of Americans believe there should be access to all FDA-approved birth control, yet we continue to see States, including my home State of North Carolina, attempt to restrict birth control. I will not stand idly by and watch extreme politicians interfere with Americans' private healthcare choices.

Birth control is essential healthcare. Access to birth control is key to women's equality, bolstering education and economic opportunity, and ensuring that people are in control of their futures.

That is why I am reintroducing my bill, the Right to Contraception Act, to create a Federal right to access FDA-approved birth control. My bill passed the House last Congress with bipartisan support. There is no reason why that can't happen again.

I call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in protecting access to birth control.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York, Ranking Member Nadler, for yielding and for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 382, an important bipartisan resolution condemning the rise of anti-Semitism and highlighting the importance of Jewish-American heritage.

I start by recognizing my friend, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the author of this resolution, for her leadership in making Jewish American Heritage Month a reality and in leading so many efforts to stand up for the Jewish community and speak out against anti- Semitism. I am proud to join her and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and David Kustoff, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and many others, as an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this month is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate American Jews and their many important contributions to our society.

For centuries, since the first arrival of Jews in 1654, Jewish Americans have enriched communities in every part of our country, forming an indelible part of our national fabric. Jews have contributed to every facet of American life, from science and medicine to education, business, technology, music, theater, art, sports, philanthropy, the labor movement, the fight for civil rights, and the pursuit of justice.

The history of the Jews, time and time again, has been about resilience and achievement in the face of adversity.

It is deeply meaningful for us to have a month dedicated to telling the rich and remarkable story of the American Jewish experience.

Yet, as we celebrate the contribution of Jews to America, we cannot ignore the alarming rise of anti-Semitism here in the United States and around the world. According to the FBI, anti-Semitic hate crimes rose by nearly 20 percent in 2021. The data also shows that Jews are the single leading targets of religiously motivated hate crimes in this country.

It is clear that we need a better, stronger, and national-level commitment to counter this steep rise in anti-Semitism.

That is why, last year, more than 125 members of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces For Combating Anti-Semitism, which I am proud to co-chair, signed a letter to President Biden calling for a unified national strategy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism.

Last week, the White House did just that, releasing the first-ever ``United States National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism,'' a truly comprehensive, whole-of-society effort to combat hatred of Jews.

This important plan recognizes that we all have a role in this fight. It highlights the importance of raising awareness and understanding of anti-Semitism. It requires education both inside and outside the classroom and the workplace. It calls on Members of Congress individually and in a bipartisan group to speak continually about the evils of anti-Semitism and to share this message with our constituents.

I am committed to working with my colleagues to further combat anti- Semitism and other forms of hate which threaten our values and the foundation of our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of those who helped us be able to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month, and I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, Republicans are refusing to raise the debt ceiling, manufacturing a crisis to push their extreme agenda. They are ready to allow our government to default on its debt for the first time in our history, even though Republicans raised the debt ceiling three times during the Trump administration after passing almost $2 trillion in tax cuts for large corporations and the ultra-wealthy.

The default should matter to average Americans because if the government runs out of cash, it won't be able to make Social Security payments to seniors who rely on them; families on food assistance will go hungry; veterans won't get the care and the benefits they have earned.

Defaulting on our debt will destabilize the U.S. financial system resulting in a recession, job loss, and spiking interest rates. This means it will be more expensive for people to get loans to buy cars, buy homes, attend college, or invest in their small businesses.

It is time for Republicans to stop holding our economy hostage and to do their job.

Mr. Speaker, May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to acknowledge the inspiring history of American Jews and to celebrate their contributions to every facet of American life.

From science and medicine to education and technology to music, theater, philanthropy, civil rights, and the pursuit of justice, American Jews have worked hard to build our great country.

Yet, we are facing a frightening rise in anti-Semitism. The 2021 FBI hate crimes report showed a 20 percent increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes.

Jews are the most targeted minority group in America, despite being only 2 percent of the population. History has taught us that what starts with anti-Semitism never stops there. Hatred spreads to other minorities and threatens the foundations of democracy.

As the co-chair of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, I am working with Members on both sides of the aisle and the Biden administration to confront anti-Semitism.

I will continue this fight to honor the Jewish Americans who have contributed so much to American life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Now, more than ever, we must acknowledge the mental health crisis facing our Nation, particularly among school-aged children.

Repercussions from the pandemic and increased social pressure from social media have led to reports of rapidly rising mental health struggles.

In my home State of North Carolina, our K through 12 students are struggling. Last month, I hosted a roundtable with school counselors, administrators, and teachers to hear firsthand about the challenges impacting young people. Suicide attempts and youth depression are rising at alarming rates. Congress must act to address students' mental health needs.

I am preparing to reintroduce my bipartisan bill, Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act, legislation to integrate mental health education and services into existing wellness policies in schools.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and taking swift action to address the mental health needs of our students.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution before us today. It is

not just timely; it is urgently important.

Earlier this month, a court in the People's Republic of China denied an appeal by U.S. national Mark Swidan, who has been wrongly detained in China, and upheld his death penalty with a 2-year suspended death sentence.

The PRC has detained Mark since his arrest for drug-related crimes in 2012, even though he was not convicted until 2019. He has been arbitrarily detained for more than 10 years and has been denied regular communication with his family, regular access to United States' consular officials, and has not had access to competent medical care and treatment.

Swidan's detention conditions have included exposure to extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and physical and psychological abuse, leading tragically to Mark's attempting to take his own life.

This is, simply put, a travesty of justice. Mr. Speaker, no concrete evidence has been provided to justify the charges against Mr. Swidan. In 2020, a United Nations body confirmed what we already knew, that Mr. Swidan has been arbitrarily detained in violation of international law, and we call for his swift release.

Mr. Speaker, this body needs to come together today to stand up for Mr. Swidan and make clear to Beijing that his inhumane treatment is unacceptable.

H. Res. 90 is a bipartisan measure led by Representative Cloud that passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously. It condemns the PRC for its mistreatment of Mark and calls for his immediate release. It also asks the Biden administration to redouble its efforts to highlight the case of Mr. Swidan internationally and to help secure his release through diplomacy.

Though the court has provided Mr. Swidan with a 2-year reprieve on his death sentence, we cannot afford to wait that long to correct the injustice he has suffered. By passing this resolution today, the House makes clear to the People's Republic of China that it should release Mark Swidan immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this timely resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.

Mr. Speaker, the American people send us to Washington to represent them, to advance the national interest, and most importantly, to keep them safe. When the life and dignity of any American is challenged or undermined, it is our duty as lawmakers to speak out and take action.

That is why it is vital that this body condemn the People's Republic of China for its unjust and arbitrary detention and inhumane treatment of American citizen Mark Swidan. That is why it is vital that this body demand that Mr. Swidan be swiftly released and returned to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me and support this important resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, 75 years ago, the State of Israel joined the community of nations when it declared its independence from the British Empire.

In the wake of World War II and the Holocaust, for the first time in modern history, the Jews would have a land and a military of their own that would allow them to overcome centuries of anti-Semitism, persecution, and attempts at elimination.

The State of Israel rests on land that has been uniquely bound to the Jewish people for thousands of years.

From the Exodus from Egypt to the First and Second Temples all the way to today's modern age, there has always been a Jewish presence between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River.

Over the last 75 years, Israelis have made the desert bloom, transforming the country into a modern, industrialized democracy.

Israel is a leader in technology, business, and agriculture. The country's innovative technologies have greatly benefited the United States military and other government agencies.

Israel shares the democratic and human rights values we treasure here in the United States. The recent Abraham Accords represent yet another milestone in Israel's development.

Normalization of Israel's relationships with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco are already enhancing regional diplomacy, security, and communication and will serve as an incubator for increased regional stability, prosperity, and peace.

These agreements come on top of already realized peace agreements with Israel's neighbors, Egypt and Jordan, and demonstrate the power of diplomacy and compromise.

As a proud, lifelong supporter of a strong bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship, I also support a two-state solution which preserves Israel's fundamental character as a Jewish and a democratic state.

This has been the longstanding policy of the United States through both Republican and Democratic administrations.

A two-state solution is the only way Israel can remain both Jewish and democratic into the future, and it is the only way to meet the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

I would like to see the bipartisan consensus on two states be maintained in the future for the benefit of the United States, Israel, the Palestinians, and the wider region and world.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to be on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Israel's 75th anniversary as well as the Abraham Accords.

Modern Israel is truly a miracle, and its existence is an asset to our great country. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution that I was proud to help introduce with my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee: Representatives Ann Wagner, Brad Schneider, and Chairman Mike McCaul.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend from Illinois (Mr. Schneider).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing.

Mr. Speaker, I express my congratulations to Israel on the 75th anniversary of its independence and express my hope for Israel to find peace with all of its neighbors in the near future. I remind my colleagues and the world that President Truman on behalf of our great Nation was the very first country to recognize the establishment of the State of Israel only 11 minutes after David Ben-Gurion made his historic declaration of the establishment of the Jewish democratic State of Israel.

At this time, with the frightening rise of anti-Semitism we are seeing in our own country and around the world, it is more important than ever that we support the one Jewish country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this important resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Moore for leading this Special Order hour. I want to thank our Democratic Women's Caucus chair, Representative Frankel, and my co-chair of the policy committee, Representative Pressley, for being with us tonight to celebrate this important moment.

I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month and to recognize three courageous women from North Carolina who broke the glass ceiling and paved the way for future women in politics.

First, I want to honor a true trailblazer from North Carolina, Gertrude Weil, a Jewish woman from Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was the daughter of immigrants who dedicated her life for fighting for women's equality, labor reforms, and civil rights. Gertrude led the tireless fight for women's right to vote through an organization she led, the North Carolina Equal Suffragette Association.

In 1920, following years of suffragette advocacy, the 19th Amendment was finally ratified giving women the right to vote. Following the ratification, Gertrude called a meeting at the Guilford County Courthouse to announce that her organization would no longer be the suffragettes but would not become the North Carolina League of Women Voters.

It was at that courthouse in downtown Greensboro where Gertrude famously said: ``It is so obvious that to treat people equally is the right thing to do.''

I recently had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of a monument in her honor and a mile marker at the Guilford County Courthouse 102 years after Gertrude formed the North Carolina League of Women Voters.

I also want to honor Eliza Jane Pratt. In 1946 she became the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress from North Carolina, breaking down the centuries' old barrier women had to overcome in politics. Prior to her election to Congress, Congresswoman Pratt served as a legislative aide to the four Congressmen who preceded her in representing the district. She was known for having an impressive understanding of her constituents' needs and the district.

Finally, I want to recognize Congresswoman Eva Clayton, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina. Congresswoman Clayton put the interests of her rural communities above all else as she fiercely advocated for the Black farmers that her district and the State relied upon.

These women were firsts in North Carolina politics, but they were certainly not lasts. Today, I stand before you, Mr. Speaker, as one of the five women representing North Carolina in the House of Representatives. The legacies of the women who came before us cleared a path for other women to legislate, represent, and advocate for their communities in Congress.

This Women's History Month, let's honor the legacies of those who came before us by committing to build a better and more equitable future for the next generation of girls and women.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I was unavoidably detained and missed Roll Call No. 111. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 111.

Mr. Speaker, on this day 63 years ago, four courageous North Carolina A&T students, Franklin McCain, Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond, staged a sit-in at the Whites-only lunch counter

of the Woolworth Department Store in Greensboro, North Carolina, after they were refused service.

They came to be known as the Greensboro Four. In the days to come, their peaceful protest grew as they were joined by students from Bennett College and Dudley High School.

Their courageous actions inspired over 700,000 people across the Nation to participate in sit-ins, sparking a revolution that moved our Nation forward in the fight for civil rights.

Today, as we celebrate the first day of Black History Month, we remember their legacy, which is honored at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum that is in that very Woolworth's building in Greensboro.

I am proud to co-lead a resolution with Congresswoman Adams to encourage States to include the Greensboro sit-ins in school curriculums.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Annie Brown Kennedy, a devoted mother, grandmother, pillar in the Forsyth County legal community, and fierce pioneer for civil rights.

Annie's story is one of many firsts. Annie was one of the first Black women to become a licensed lawyer in the State of North Carolina, the first-ever Black woman lawyer in Forsyth County, and the first Black woman to serve in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Annie's dedication to the fight for equality under the law made history. Her vision for a more equitable North Carolina drove her success in landmark legal cases, including Simpkins v. The City of Greensboro, which desegregated public recreational facilities across the South.

Annie's work moved our Nation forward, while creating a path for the next generation to continue her work. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and the entire community.

May her memory be a blessing to all.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, amendment No. 27.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer my amendment which would help protect our Nation's public waters and coastline.

My commonsense amendment would prevent additional leases for drilling on Federal lands on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Fossil fuel companies can currently access public lands and waters to help secure our Nation's energy independence and reduce energy costs for hardworking American families.

Yet, even as Americans faced high gas prices in 2022, oil companies failed to use thousands of existing permits for millions of acres that they had already leased.

Currently, oil companies are sitting on more than 2,000 active leases covering 12 million acres of Federal waters. Mr. Chair, 75 percent of these leases aren't being used.

We should use existing leases, rather than increasing threats to our coasts, including the beautiful coast in my State of North Carolina.

That is why my commonsense amendment seeks to protect our Nation's shores, public waters, and marine life. Thirty states have shorelines, and millions of Americans rely on clean beaches and clean oceans for countless jobs, nutritious food, and much-loved recreation.

In closing, I encourage all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this reasonable, commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.